Sonakshi at LFW Page 13

Italian desserts Page 10

Glorious sunsets and beach BBQs at Bandar Khairan Pages 8&9

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Weekend

Abnormal breathing triggers hyperactivity Pages 14

Muscat International Book Fair making words go further Page 16

Weekend

HERITAGE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

Bait Al Zubair showcases Omani village life

in presenting the countrys heritage and culture to the visitors. Bait Al Zubair is a private museum in Muscat; it opened its doors to the public in 1998. This museum is intended to display Al Zubair familys collection of the Omani artefacts that have been preserved for centuries. The building is one of the countrys architectural icons and in 1999 it was awarded His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Award for Architectural Excellence. The museum complex consists of ve separate buildings that are Bait Al Bagh, Bait Al Oud, Bait Al Dalaleel, Bait Al Nahdhah and the museum gift shop. Bait Al Zubair Museum is one of Muscats most popular destinations. It is committed to showcase a wide range of important spectacular works of art reecting the outstanding Omani heritage and culture that dene the Omani society both past and present. Various traditional craft exhibits are displayed in different buildings at the museum. Among the historical monuments and cultural attractions at Bait Al Zubair Museum is the symbol of the Omani traditional Village which is built in the yard to attract visitors. The new miniature displays of the traditional Omani village were ofcially unveiled as part of the museums celebrations to mark the 40th National Day in December 2010. The miniature displays reects the simplicity and roughness of the daily lifestyle of Omanis at that time. It also demonstrates the scope of its adaptation to the surrounding environment, demonstrating how to use natural resources to full the peoples basic needs. The displays comprise various aspects reecting the Omani architecture and everyday life including small forts, castles and houses as well as a spectacular landscape of mountains, wadis, aaj, grassland, and even people doing their daily routine and minding their business. Those breathtaking attractions are aimed to offer a unique and charming experience to all visitors. Through observing the displays of the Omani village at the museum, you will surely get a rsthand experience about the rural life of Omanis in the past. This would also help you portrait a clear picture of the pristine Omani culture and daily lifestyle. The architecture of traditional buildings is characterised by its simple lines and maintains an understated elegance of its own. The castles, forts and walls, for example, are evidence to an architectural style that serves the purpose of defence. Like the countrys diverse topography, architectural styles vary in Oman with the change of landscape and surroundings. The types of houses and building materials reect the variety of the unique Omani architecture. There are houses built on mountains in different parts of Oman while others are built near the sea or in countryside areas. The evolution of architecture is a measure of a nations civilisation and Oman thrives with a number of cultural buildings that stand as a testament to this art. Pictures by Saeed al Harrassi

By Abdulaziz al Jahdhami

NE of the best parts of Omani culture is the traditional Omani lifestyle still being practiced with its various features almost all over the country. The traditional villages in different governorates of the country represent the rural life of the people in the past. Part of the pristine

Omani culture is the unique architecture of houses which reect the authentic Omani civilisation. Museums play a vital role in presenting and keeping alive the Omani history and culture for the new generations, visitors and residents of Oman. One of the most renowned museums that strive to preserve the Omani culture and heritage is Bait Al Zubair Museum. It has a unique way

Bait Al Zubair Museum is one of Muscats most popular destinations. It is committed to showcase a wide range of important spectacular works of art reecting the outstanding Omani heritage and culture that dene the Omani society both past and present. Various traditional craft exhibits are displayed in different buildings at the museum

Weekend

TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

WINDOW

By Ahmed al Falahi
Dreemlife11@yahoo.com

Let us agree to disagree

Haramel, an unspoilt stretch of coastline D

By Raal al Jardaniya
HE Wilayat of Muscat sprints along the Sea of Oman across a long mountain range which extends from Bandar Najih adjacent to the Wilayat of Muttrah on the north western side. Here the villages and mountains of Muscat extend as far as the village of Al Sifa at the borders of the Wilayat of Quriyat in the south east. Muscat has nine villages joined to it Sidab, Haramel, Al Bustan, Al Jussa, Qantab,

Yankat, Yiti, Al Khairan al Sifa and Sifat al Sheikh. One of these ten villages is Haramel. Many people driving from Al Bustan to Muscat city do not recognise and notice that there is a small turn on their right side which leads to a small village on the seaside called Haramel. Haramel, located a few kilometres from the Al Alam Palace and Sidab, is a beautiful coastal village. Fishing is the lifeline of this village and this tradition has been passed down through generations. As tra-

dition has it, shing is one of the foremost livelihoods in the Wilayat of Muscat and most of its citizens have a passionate interest in shing. Many of Haramel residents are sailors, expert in shing and in the craft of sewing nets. The government has taken all necessary steps to preserve this livelihood, and provided the shermen of Sidab and Haramel with a model shing village. The distinctive feature of this little village is worth to be discovered. The tangible mixing of modern and

traditional lifestyle at the same time gives this little town its unique character. Residents of Haramel are very social, and helpful. Its the perfect place to discover the real traditional life of Muscat because of their attachment to their customs and traditions as well as adopting the modernity of these days. Tourists visit this village generally for boat cruising, and enjoying the sea and the mountains from different spots of the same area. Also, they enjoy the harmony of nature on an excursion to Bander al Jissah.

ISAGREEMENT is inherent in human nature. All societies are based on various aspects of agreement and disagreement at the same time. Perhaps it is natural that disagreement and agreement came together ever since mankind men began its rst step towards life. The early conict between Adams sons Cain and Abel is one of the disputes that retain its position in the list of continuum differences between humans since the early history of mankind, even today and all the way to the end of life on earth. We must not forget also the signicant dispute shown by the devil with the Lord Almighty where Adam was sent out of paradise so his nation continue the battle of difference and agreement until the Day of Judgement. Some see that disagreement and agreement is a correct human situation, without them, mankind wouldnt have reached the progress, growth and prosperity it achieved today. As the rule says: Let us disagree so that we reach a state of agreement. Without the questing nature and doubts that came into mans mind at the early ages, he would not have shown all this creativity to change what was not accepted; and he would not have made this universe an acceptable place for his works helping him to use his abilities to live a normal, acceptable life leading him to what he aspires to become. Here a free area for dialogue appears leading to a life shared by humans. When people use the language of dialogue, the difference will shrink, and the mind reaches a state of comfort. This is a very high case and can be rarely achieved in reality with its absolute image. Relativity remains the continuing hope for getting comfort as reality has the ability to overcome many of the cases of clash between the difference and the agreement. Probably many people agree with Dr Abd al Hameed al Ansari in his vision on dialogue issue when he says, Dialogue means to accept people as they are, not as we want them to be. It doesnt mean to accept their views or opinions but to accept him like a brother having the same rights that I have so I dont conscate his opinion or hurt him in anyway. Between the two agreement and disagreement there is the dialogue coming to free some space to accept others and to go away a little from the undesired competitive atmosphere. So let us agree and disagree and let dialogue be the light of these divisions.

Weekend

CITY TALK

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

Have Omani womens outlook widened with active participation programmes?

ES of course, the role of women has broadened in the past few years. His Majesty Sultan has set October 17 as Omani Womens Day. The day is celebrated every year with diverse activities and programmes focusing on further broadening the role of Omani women. The participants make it a point to present ideas on how to develop personality traits in women and change stereotypical concepts HE role of women in various about womens abilities. In short, human development is a positive elds is undeniable. They during my latest visit I could see step in this direction. The policy have entered almost all aspects that the Omani women are doing approach of one size ts for all is of work and proved that they also not appropriate in the context deserve the trust that has been of divergent socioeconomic accorded to them by His Majesty. conditions prevalent in different Omani Women are witnessing parts of the world. broadening horizons in their life Thresi Varghese as is manifested in the recently held Womens Symposium IS Majesty Sultan Qaboos which showcased the womens announced October 17 as signicant role in nation-building the Omani Womens Day during and their important contribution his Meet the People in Seih al to sustainable development. Makarim in the Wilayat of Sohar Oman always focuses on four in 2009. We are now heading main points: Omani womens towards the third Omani Womens leading social role; women in the Day which comes as a recognition Majlis Ashshura; role of women a wonderful job thanks to the of the womens role and a further in the economy and business; and constant training and development incentive and encouragement the place of women in the laws programmes of the government. to them to participate as active and legislations. Dalia partners along with their male Mona al Maamari counterparts in the development OMENS empowerment is of the nation. The Seih al Makarim STRONGLY feel that had it a process whereby women symposium had made several not been for the wisdom of His are able to organise themselves recommendations in the elds of Majesty, Omani women wouldnt to increase their self-reliance, the laws and regulations pertaining have reached such high positions, to assert their independent right to the family, and the enhancement and there wouldnt have been to make choices and to control of the womens role in economic a Womens Day to be observed resources which will assist in development, the encouragement every year in recognition for challenging and eliminating of social initiatives to actualise their role towards the nation and their subordination. Empowering the principles of partnership and the community. There is still women is one of the most crucial corporate responsibility. The a long way to go and it needs concerns of the Millennium majority of Omani women wear patience and perseverance so Development Goals of the United colourful clothes arranged in loose that in the end all Omani citizens Nations. One of the national and owing layers. The reds, can achieve self-realisation and priorities and goals of the Human oranges and ochre's of their gowns Resource Development Strategic make a brilliant splash of colour in Plan outlined by the Social Sector the old streets of the inland towns of the Ministry of Economic and in the elds and palm groves. Development in Sultanate of Last but not the least, Risalati, the Oman, includes the vision of the campaign to thank His Majesty, development of women, upgrading has received good response from their status and facilitating their Omani women. Aaron integration into the total social development. Economic selfsufciency is necessary, though it is not a sufcient condition for empowerment of women. Public policies are extremely important to strengthen the legal institutions prove that they are capable of that guarantee equal rights and shouldering the onus His Majesty opportunities to women. The has entrusted on them and that the recent policy framework of Omani nationals really deserve to international agencies such as be honoured by the state. the World Bank that emphasise Nazeih Taleb Mahrouf institutional reforms along with

At My Workplace!
Majid Said al Suleimany
www.majidall.com

UNDERSTAND that Oman is one of the fewest countries that have more freedom and equality for women in the region. Omani women for instance, are on equal footing with their male counterparts in terms of salaries in both the public and the private sectors, while the women in many other parts of the world are still battling to be paid in parity with the men. For all this the Omani

women will forever be grateful to their governance system and the ruler. Filip Remenec OMEN play a more active and visible role in society in Oman than in most of the Arabian Peninsula, where the role of women is still restricted. Women here have received encouragement and support from the government, which provides schooling and university education for girls on par with

that of boys, and has decreed that women should be given career opportunities and equal pay. In the capital many women now have jobs, especially with the government. In the countryside too, women have always played an active role in the agricultural communities. They are generally not self-effacing and may be willing to talk to strangers, once the ice has been broken. But they are deeply religious and should always be treated with respect. Mohammed al Humaid

Next topic: Why should we not let go the occasions of a hearty laugh?
If you wish to offer your brief comments on this subject, please e-mail us at: citytalk.observer@yahoo.com including your name and passport-size photograph. Compiled by Kabeer Yousuf

HE last few months of his life before my father passed away, he had difculty in hearing and we had to shout to hear us. The reason was he refused to wear the hearing aid that we gave him because it made him 'feel uncomfortable' too! Unfortunately all the screaming and shouting were in vain because he looked at us perplexed not hearing a word we were saying! In the end people simply gave up and the poor man could be seen as miserable as no one was talking to him now! I bring in the same metaphor for what is going on now in the ofces particularly the older ones with the same Management Team and The Board that has been in existence for the last few decades even. If those of you will remember many of my articles on the same subject with the likes of The Ofce Dictators in The Between Us Only! series books (three) please visit www.majidbooks.com for more details! I was talking to a good friend of mine whom I have nicknamed as 'The Survivor' because all of us especially in Human Resources for some of you still Personnel and the more worse kind as simply as Administration! through phases and stages of time have voluntarily and not voluntarily quitted for other places and dominions per se! This even for those most close and condantes of the Big Boss (though he too had now left!). The good self lasted only 9 months and that was really after really trying hard! So last time I came from Dubai by road I decided to drop in at the guy's ofce unannounced and uninvited. I asked my good friend Please give me the tricks of how you had been able to survive with him for that long and not even like me supposed to be a Human Resources Professional for that matter! His answer shocks and awes me he replies to me I look at the person in contempt and in disdain and in my heart and mind there is no respect because as I am talking to myself that I am dealing with a stupid and erratic person. Like dealing with a child in ts crying for something not able to be given to him and exterior wise I force myself to sound pleasant, receptive and cheerful lest he sees through me. In other words I just detest and disrespect him fully from the inside whilst exterior is something else! Especially when he screams and shouts like a mental sick case! He continues in other words if he knew what was going on inside me I would get the sack immediately. But he will never know and nd out at least from me directly! What is the point of banging my head against brick walls though I may admire you but I can never be like you showing openly what is inside you! I think he was smiling knowingly and tauntingly with the last words! Sometimes one wishes there was a foreseeing Board and Tribunal that just announced early morning by bulletins the dismissals of these kind of erratic irrational irresponsible despotic bosses and even Board members for the rest to behave and conform and to bring in new blood that are more educated, qualied and wiser and more pragmatic. Until that time like I always say Ofces will remain as a place that causes a lot of frictions, tensions and wear and tear at the national fabric with more domestic problems and more road accidents and fatalities too! Take Care!

Weekend

ART

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

Learning to express oneself through painting

graphic designing and her ability to link her drawing talent with modern technologies using computer software. Thus, she opted to specialise in graphic design to take advantage of both. Usually, artists like to paint on different materials such as canvas leather, but what makes Sahar special on this eld is her ability to draw and paint amazingly on scarves. Sahar has participated in many exhibitions locally and internationally. For instance, she participated in various exhibitions organised at Sultan Qaboos University, Al Harthy Complex, Al Sahwa Schools, Muscat Private School, Oman International Exhibitions Centre, Nizwa University, Muscat Festival 2008, University of Sharja, University of Ajman as well as many other local and international competitions for which she received many prizes. Every line a talented person draws represents a personal signicance which not everyone can understand, but the artist himself. To Sahar, every piece of her art is a big achievement and has a special meaning. Sahar was nominated as the Perfect Student twice at school. She has also won the rst prize in International Friendship Competition, Muscat Municipality competitions as well as the forth place winner at the World Health Contest. Talented person should always have hope and

al Balushiya, a student of graphic design at the Scientic College of Design, HILE most of started to draw and paint us like to draw when she was a 5-yearrandomly with a old child. At that time she pen or a pencil, some draw used to love paint on colfor the passion of drawing. ouring books, doing small Their pieces of art may drawings as children do. seem meaningless, but for However, once she joined them its a way of expressschool things improved ing their desires, feelings a bit as teachers started and needs. Painting is a talshowing interest in her ent to draw with colours; drawings. Sahar started a way to merge the reality to draw using pencils and with idealism and produce most of her works reect a balanced piece with spethe romantic and classical cic meanings which not style. She likes to use blue, everyone can understand. purple and cool colours Maybe she is not a fasince it reects her personmous painter or one of ality. those who are that expeIn the beginning Sahar rienced, however, she is participated in competihopeful of being a famous tions and painting activipainter someday. Now she ties at school before showis at the starting point. She ing her work at exhibitions presents all her works of and joining competitions art to those who appreciate at both local and internaand understand them hop- reach that height from nised. Sahar bint Mohammed tional levels. Her talent for ing that one day she could where she will be recogpainting and drawing has improved, especially after her participation in some of the international exhibitions and competitions. Without my participation in various art exhibitions, I could have not got the chance to improve my drawing skills. I learned a lot from competitions and exhibitions with other painters, Sahar says. After joining the college, Sahars talent became obvious under the coaching of specialists and experienced teachers. I studied several subjects from which I started to learn and enhance my skills. Sahar specialised in Fine Arts. However, she discovered the importance of

By Raal al Jardaniya

dreams which they should strive to achieve. Sahar as a beginner artist wishes to be a renowned and skillful artist in future and she

ner feelings and express them with mixed colours. Through my paintings, I can express sadness as well as happiness because every

has the condence and patience to step up slowly but amazingly. Painting is my best way of reecting my in-

talented person expresses himself through his talent and transfer it the way he wants to the public Sahar commented.

Weekend

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

Al Arabi team organises cleaning campaign

40 Years

By Maurice Gent
maurice.gent@omanobserver.om

The Brazilian Link The Brazilian Link

HE links between Brazil, Oman and trading routes to the East are becoming ever more important. Oman is now the Middle East headquarters of Vale, the Brazilian mining giant and the great signicance of this role was underlined this week when Vale Omans $1.36 billion industrial complex was ofcially inaugurated before a bevy of important dignitaries from both Brazil and Oman. The implications of the Vale deal are local, regional and worldwide. Local in that a considerable number of jobs are being provided to Omanis. Regional in that Sohar is becoming increasingly important as a major industrial port in the Middle East and Indian Ocean Region, and international in that there are links to industrial development projects both in the Philippines and Malaysia. Oman Shipping Company is also a very important part of this new and complex web, building four vast ships for transporting materials across the world. Two are expected to be operational by the middle of this year and two by the end of the year. Social responsibility and sustainability are also on the agenda as this great project goes forward. An in-depth socioeconomic study of the whole Al Batinah Governorate has already taken place. Now special empowerment programmes are being worked out with two other major organisations operating in the area, Sohar Aluminium and Oman Oil Reneries. The Latin American link is also providing a further advantage. Vale has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vicosa University, the leading agricultural educational institute in South America, to conduct agronomic studies in Oman. Scientic research is currently under way to investigate and identify preventative measures to combat diseases and pests that attack mango trees, date trees and lime plantations in the Sultanate. Already in April of last year the rst Vale production line in Sohar opened and steel pellets are being successfully supplied to steel producers in the Middle East region. The planned nal production gures are so large that it is difcult to comprehend them. Sufce it to say the Brazil-Oman link is of increasing signicance and in the future it promises to become a vital factor in Omans future prosperity. Those at this weeks ceremony spoke about achieving a virtual iron ore mine in Oman. Certainly Vale sees its achievements here as creating a base for operations in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia.

By Ali al Habsi

HE cleaning and beautication campaigns held by the local youth reect their spirit of loyalty and awareness of the importance of volunteer works. These

campaigns, started by the people living in the locality, shows their aim to maintain the cleanliness of their locality at any cost. The Al Arabi Team in Lizq in Al Mudhaibi recently held a cleaning campaign in the

village. The team co-operated with the municipality to plant about 150 seedlings along the village road and the bylanes. They surrounded the bushes with fences to protect them from the stray animals. Yaqoub al Shabibi, the

leader of the team, said: The team participated in colouring the speed bumps and planting some saplings along the road. About 150 youths joined the campaign. The team has also assigned the job of irrigation to the Al

Salmi Company at cost of RO 1200. The work is expected to begin this weak. The Al Arabi Team participated in many activities during the two past months like trafc safety and the Prophets Birthday.

Exploiting the unique art of wall painting

By Khalifa al Mayahi

HE creative Omani youth are always searching for opportunities to excel and be unique. Al Awabi village is full of such youth who are known for their unique talents. The creative abilities of these individuals can be seen in various art forms, from

painting on rocks, sculpturing on stones, drawing on paper, glass and on walls. Some of the talents have become the source of income for many who live here. Mahmoud al Shraiqi from Sinaiba in Wadi Bani Kharoos nished his high school in 2008. After looking for a job in many places he decided that the best thing to

do would be a business of his own. He worked at his fathers construction company where did what he always wanted to do painting on walls. He is known for his art in his village and most people design their houses with his paintings. This form of art, which has become my identity, started from the walls of my house.

Now I get offers to paint not only from my village but also other villages. I hope that I can advance this art form and make it my source of income. I like to please people with the lovely drawings I make in their houses. I like it when people praise on my work. I thank His Majesty for his patronage of art and artists, Mahmoud said.

Mahmoud al Shraiqi

Capturing eeting moments

Juhaina Said al Harthis images are reections of her thoughts. She captures eeting moments that never come back. She is a student at the Sohar University.

Cartoon by Fahad al Zadjali

Weekend

LIFESTYLE
bia, Oxford to more modest educations, including high school diplomas and community college degrees. So, it would seem that they are poised to have it all. However, we determined that ambition has a much weaker effect on life satisfaction and actually a slightly negative impact on longevity. So, yes, ambitious people do achieve more successful careers, but that doesnt seem to translate into leading happier or healthier lives. Perhaps the investments they make in their careers come at the expense of the things we know affect longevity: healthy behaviours, stable relationships and deep social networks. Most parents want their kids to be ambitious, attend the best schools and eventually have successful careers, and while it certainly isnt wrong to have those parental hopes and dreams, Judge cautions that we shouldnt delude ourselves into thinking they will make our kids happier.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

Why happiness, health eludes ambitious people?

lead more successful or healthier lives than average guys? Despite their many accomplishments, ambitious people are only slightly happier than their less-ambitious counterparts, and they actually live somewhat shorter lives, said Timothy Judge, professor of management at the University of Notre Dames Mendoza College of Business. If ambition has its positive effects, and in terms of career success it certainly seems that it does, our study also suggests that it carries with it some cost, Judge says, the Journal of Applied Psychology reports. Tracking 717 high-ability individuals over seven decades, Judge uses multiple criteria to measure ambition during periods of participants lives ranging from childhood to young adults just beginning their careers, according to a Notre Dame statement. O go-getters, attending the best colTheir education ranged from attending leges and universities, having pres- some of the worlds best universities tigious careers and high salaries, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Colum-

Chanel conjures up crystal cave in Paris

HANELS superstar designer Karl Lagerfeld turned Paris ornate Grand Palais into a crystal vault yesterday, sending out a look packed with trompe loeil tricks and glinting shades of violet and blue. Giant spears of mock-crystal lled the vast domed space, as the models led past with crystal outlining their eyebrows, and clustered on the clear heels of shoes which crunched on a oor of glittering mineral dust. A design by Karl Lagerfeld in a crystal setting. AFP US singers Alicia Keys and Katy Perry whose bright the stars who came to cheer the sparkling faux tweed opened the blue hair has lit up the front row houses latest autumn-winter show, with ared skirt and jackthroughout this weeks ready- collection. et all of one piece, paired with to-wear shows were among Trompe loeil coats in dark, pencil-thin cropped trousers.

Its the new three-piece suit little skirt, little jacket and pants, quipped the white-haired designer, who had swapped his trademark black and white look for a violet shirt and velvet coat for the occasion. Picking up on the sky-blue theme of Chanels couture show in January, blues were a keynote of the collection. But this time its the blue of amethyst, of crystal its more autumnal, Lagerfeld explained backstage. Crunchy crystal-like embroidery adorned the sleeves, hem or neck of dresses made from a mix of natural and synthetic materials whose recipe Chanel guards preciously secret. AFP

An employee sells bouquets of owers in a shop belonging to the Sovkhoz Oktyabrskiy greenhouse in Russias Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk. Millions of Russian men will acknowledge the women they love by presenting owers and souvenirs to them on International Womens Day on March 8. Reuters

Ice cream as addictive as cocaine

RAVING for ice cream can be so strong it is similar to that experienced by drug addicts, a study has found. The research has sparked concerns that the dessert could be genuinely addictive after it found the brain was left wanting more ice cream in the same way as someone who regularly uses cocaine, the Daily Mail reported on Monday. The results of the study now seem to support previous claims that some people can become addicted to junk food. The study, published online by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that those who regularly ate ice cream needed more and more to replicate the high they rst experienced. This mirrors the effect cocaine and other class A drugs has on users, it was reported. According to Kyle Burger, from the Oregon Research Institute, overeating food with high fat and sugar seems to change the way the brain responds to it, resulting in it downgrading the mental reward. Burger, who is a co-author of the study, told The Telegraph: This down-regulation pattern is seen with frequent drug use, where the more an individual uses the drug, the less reward they receive for using it.

Watch your diet, you multi-tasking women!

By Nivedita Sharma
HE multi-tasks, balancing the pressures of work, children and home. But the modern superwoman who manages to do it all ends up neglecting her health, too busy to focus on her diet or an exercise regimen. A busy lifestyle often leads to an erratic diet and international research indicates that women who are too busy to focus on their food intake are more likely to succumb to impulsive eating and spontaneous food purchasing. The result? Extra ab, laziness, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. According to health experts todays multi-tasking woman needs not just a balanced diet and exercise but also health supplements. Todays modern woman

March 8 is International Womens Day

seriously. But the effects tend to show later in life when the body refuses to work tirelessly. It is especially important for women over 35 to take extra care of their health. Women need a great deal of vitamins and minerals for their body, especially after the age of 35. Calcium D3, iron and multi-vitamin capsules are the best health supplements. They not only provide the necessary vitamins to your body but also help to keep the skin and hair healthy, said Simal Soin, an expert. Mineral and vitamin levels need to be kept in check and instead of milk and sugar tea, it would be a great idea to sip on some healthy green tea, suggests Navin Taneja, director, National Skin Centre.

tries to maintain a ne balance between her personal and professional life; so a balanced diet and exercise are not enough as they require best health supplements to keep t and healthy. Generally women dont take their health concerns very

Women above 40 must check their mineral and vitamin levels and then start the respective supplementation. Antioxidant requirement increases with age. So consider having green tea as a source of antioxidants, said Taneja. Healthy food withstanding, water is a great solution too, according to Pallavi Shrivastav, a nutritionist. You can opt for salad with chicken, nuts, beans and veggies; youll get some great nutrients, including bre and protein. Also, women should cut off hunger with liquids. You may feel you are hungry, but youll feel ne if you just drink a bottle of water. Add lemon juice to your water if youre bloating; its a diuretic and works wonders, he said. So eat healthy and stay t!

Weekend

TOURISM
Jassa Beach specialises in an array of inshore and offshore activities that offer adventure, excitement and discovery. On the menu are two-hour and half-day cruises that offer tourists the opportunity to go dolphin and whale watching, snorkelling, or simply to enjoy the striking beauty of Omans dramatic coastline

8&9

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

Glorious sunsets and beach BBQs at Bandar Khairan

Beach barbecues one of Omans most enduring weekend and holiday g y pastimes may be nothing to write home about. But aqua tourism pioneers y g Jassa Beach Sea Tourism have taken beach BBQs to a new level. On a secluded white-sand beach at Bandar Khairan, guests are treated to a sumptuous g Arabian-style spread, with an expansive sea view and glorious sunset to boot y g
By Conrad Prabhu
n the beginning there was a small nondescript shing boat that doubled as something of a tourist craft ferrying sightseers from Qantab to sandy hideaways in the outcrops along Muscats ragged coastline. Business was good, but the potential was even better. So the young Omani sherman manning the tiller of the outboard motor, set out to do something about it. He decided to give up shing and concentrate full-time on building his own distinctive Omani brand of aqua tourism. That was around 15 years ago. Today, Ahmed al Lamki has seen his dream not only come substantially true, but also evolve on the strength of his continuing success as one of Muscats best-known, home-grown sea tour operators. Jassa Beach Sea Tourism, a company that he founded some years ago, now boasts a growing eet of customdesigned tourist boats as well as an array of water sports equipment, including jet skis, banana boats, kneeboards, wakeboards, water skis, craft for kayaking and so on. Weve come a long way over the last

Ahmed al Lamki, founder and CEO of Jassa Beach Sea Tourism

13-15 years family members, relatives and friends sharing a common dream and a will to make it happen. In fact, we were pioneers then, having opened up sea tourism in a way that has since attracted other players to this industry, says Ahmed. Much of this growth came over the last ve years or so. Having put together the elements of a successful aqua tourism business, Ahmed decided to raise his prole as a professional operator in the industry by acquiring a eet of classy tourist boats. The rst acquisition was made about ve years ago with the delivery of a sleek new 20-seater craft. This was followed by the arrival of a pair of 36-foot boats designed for 19 passengers apiece. The eet has since burgeoned to a total of ve boats, each fully equipped with modern communications and safety gear. Jassa Beach specialises in an array of inshore and offshore activities that offer adventure, excitement and discovery. On the menu are two-hour and half-day cruises that offer tourists the opportunity to go dolphin and whale watching, snorkelling, or simply to enjoy the striking beauty of Omans dramatic coastline. Another major attraction is deep sea shing a pastime that appeals to growing numbers of Omani and expatriate sport shing enthusiasts. We go 12 kilometres offshore or further deep for tuna, says Hamood al Mawali, Head of Administration. Typically, sport shing involves the use of rod and line, but sometimes we trawl for tuna, but never in commercial quantities. Our guests are largely Omanis, but many residents turn up as well. Most of them are repeat customers, simply because they love the

experience and the warm and friendly atmosphere surrounding these trips. Jassa Beachs biggest draw, however, is its distinctive brand of beach barbecues, which are the stuff of legend in the aqua tourism industry. While the spread is diverse and delicious, its the location and setting that makes these BBQs unique. Guests are ferried by tourist boat to an exclusive sandy beachfront tucked away in the limestone outcrops of Bandar Khairan. Here, overlooking the turquoise inshore waters and blue expanse of the Arabian Sea beyond, Jassa Beach staff lay on a BBQ spread that, combined with the glorious setting sun, gentle draughts and idyllic settings, makes for a magical evening. Guests sit at tables laid under gazebo-

style shelters and tuck into freshly grilled seafood, Omani style shuwa, and a variety of other meats, salads, and savouries. While the grilling is done by the beach itself, the rest of the food is catered for and ferried to Bandar Khairan by boat. Also available on site are amenities like mobile water closets and washrooms. Our sunset BBQs are a huge draw with companies, some of which plan their corporate outings and get-togethers at our Bandar Khairan site. Sometimes, we have up to 100 people enjoying a meal together, says Hamood. This exclusive beach, enclosed by limestone hills on three sides, is the hub of Jassa Beachs activities. For guests looking to enjoy the otherwise tranquil setting, the company arranges for tents, sleeping bags, lighting, portable toilets and other camping equipment. A bonre sets the tone for a memorable evening. Camping trips are our specialty. We can offer a full-day programme that includes a bit of dolphin watching, snorkelling, water sports, and so on, culminating in a delightful beach barbecue spread, and the possibility of an overnight campout as well. As always, many of our customers are repeat guests, because they simply love our way of hosting them. Signicantly, Jassa Beach Sea Tourism is primarily staffed by Omanis who have been with owner Ahmed al Lamki from the outset of his aqua tourism business. Captains Saif al Maskari, Ibrahim al Mujaili and Salem al Hasani are experienced hands who operate the companys eet of tourist boats. An overarching emphasis on safety is Jassa Beachs hallmark, adds Hamood.

Sonakshi at LFW Page 13

Italian desserts Page 10

Glorious sunsets and beach BBQs at Bandar Khairan Pages 8&9

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Weekend

Abnormal breathing triggers hyperactivity Pages 14

Muscat International Book Fair making words go further Page 16

Weekend

FOOD
Once it is in the tin, place into th f id and l t it rest f 10 t for the fridge d let minutes Bake in the oven for 35 minutes Remove and leave to cool Method For The Caramel Put sugar and water into a heavy bottomed pan Turn on the heat to a low heat until the sugar has dissolved Once the sugar has dissolved turn the heat up and let it boil until it turns a light brown/ amber colour Once the sugar has reached a caramel stage, add the cream to the caramel in 4 stages, whisking so the caramel becomes a light smooth and silky, be very careful when adding hot liquid to caramel as it will bubble and can burn you. When the cream has been added, stir in the butter and a pinch of salt and leave to cool When cool pour over the caramel. Recipe For The Topping Chop the chocolate up and place in a saucepan. Add to the chocolate the butter and cream. Slowly bring this to the boil Once it has melted mix with a wooden spoon so it becomes smooth and silky Pour over the top of caramel using a palette knife to smooth it out Leave to harden/set this should take around 40 minutes Cut into squares and serve.

10

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

Chocolate Caramel Nut & Shortbread Slice

Duchess of Cornwall samples cake during a visit to the Fortnum and Mason food store in London. Reuters

Recipe For The Topping 200 gm dark chocolate 85 gm butter 125 gm butter (unsalted) 200 gm fresh cream 125 gm caster sugar Method For Making 125 gm plain our Shortbread Biscuit 62 gm whole blanched almonds 62 gm Whole blanched pistachio Preheat oven to 160O C 93 gm raisins (sultanas can be Lightly butter a 20 x 28 cm baking pan substituted if you dont have Sieve the our and mix in the raisins) almonds, pistachio, raisin & 1 whole egg salt Pinch of salt Mix in the butter and then mix Recipe For Caramel in the egg 312 gm light brown sugar Once it has formed a dough 62 gm butter remove from the bowl and 142 ml single cream using a back of a spoon press 100 ml water lightly into the tin tsp lemon juice (fresh)

Recipe For Shortbread Cookies

By Ferdie Santos, InterContinental Muscat

North Korean children eating lunch at a nursery in Yomju county, North Pyongan province. AFP

Food writer reveals unusual side of Italian desserts

By Richard Leong

TALIAN delicacies like tiramisu and cannolis are familiar to people around the globe and the list may grow as veteran food writer Francine Segan shares unusual Italian desserts in her newest book. Dolci: Italys Sweets, is the result of her extensive research looking for recipes. Segan met Italian home cooks and professional chefs who make usual pairings like sugar, honey and chocolate with pasta, chickpeas, eggplant and even meat. What is the biggest shock you discover during your research for the book? The biggest surprise is that they eat pasta for dessert. That was a shock. I thought it was a joke. I thought it was just one place. And then I was doing an article on chocolate in Piedmont. Thats where I learned about it two years ago... More and more people started looking at me like You dont know we have pasta for dessert? There are dessert ra-

violis. Then I was shocked by how many recipes there were in the different regions. Some of these recipes you could nd them in books going back to the 1700s. They are not new at all. Recipe Hazelnut Chocolate Pasta (Pasta al Gianduiotti), Serves 4 pound angel hair or other thin long pasta, 12 gianduiotti, hazelnut chocolate candies, or 12 tablespoons quality hazelnut chocolate spread, Whipped cream or mascarpone cheese, Chopped hazelnuts, Hazelnut liqueur such as Frangelico (optional), Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain. Put 1 gianduiotti in each of 4 dessert bowls. Divide the hot pasta among them and top each with 2 more gianduiotti. Serve immediately, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese, a splash of hazelnut liqueur and sprinkle of hazelnuts, if you like. Reuters

A maitre chocolatier of Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Spruengli poses behind a pot of chocolate in Kilchberg near Zurich. The maker of Lindor chocolate balls and gold foil-wrapped Easter bunnies said net prot rose 1.9 per cent in 2011 to 246.5 million Swiss francs. Reuters

A cook prepares Pakistans hamburgers for customers in Rawalpindi. AFP

Weekend
PHARMACIES
24-HOUR SERVICE Al Hashar ph, Ruwi 24783334 Muscat ph, Ruwi, 24702542 Al Sarooj, 24695536 Scientific ph, Qurum, 24566601 Ruwi, 24702850
DAY DUTY Muscat Al Badiya 24425024 Al Khuwair 24482044 National 24712714 Al Massa Sur Al Safa 25542240 Buraimi Al Zaiyana 25694458 Ibri Al Hayah 25654188 Nizwa Al Qala 25410076 Salalah Al Riyadh 23295296 NIGHT DUTY Muscat Al Seeb 24420294 Atlas 24503585 Muscat 24833323 Muscat 24537080 Sur Al Jawi 25541188 Buraimi Al Aryaf al Omania 256591389 Ibri City 25653373 Rustaq Badr al Jashmi 26875798 Barka Barka 26882140 Samayil Al Hurriyah 25359435 Nizwa Al Qala 25431666 Salalah Al Mawasa 23294400
CRYPTIC PUZZLE ACROSS 4 Raise a hand to an ofcer (6) 7 Pretend not to notice a hopeless lover getting nothing right (8) 8 Expedition far away in the heart of Niger (6) 10 This swindle, on the quiet, is rascally (5) 13 Talk excitedly of a redheaded six-footer (4) 14 Hurried to repair all but two shoes (4) 15 A low place in the country (4) 16 United we stand - but theres no sign of Stan! (3) 17 Run gently or backwards in a race (4) 19 A loving couple having a riotous time (4) 21 Just whats needed by a space visitant hiding in a copse (3,6) 23 Briey, the state Elvis Presley was in at rst (4) 24 It may seem shy that soft ones are more masculine than the hard (4) 26 A drink from Cupid? (3) 27 Familiar name for the duck (4) 29 Resorts you may need a pass for? (4) 32 Not copper, though it may well contain some (4) 33 A mocking letter to a relative (5) 34 Famously musical arts given backing by many a head of state (6) 35 Figure an unruly truant is out to be uncommunicative (8) 36 As written of by Defoe once a week (6) DOWN 1 Raise production of boots (5) 2 Chap in a car in the wood (5)

LEISURE
CROSSWORD
12 13 15 16 18 20 21 22 23 25 28 30 31 32 33 Helicopter blade (5) From the side (7) Dog breed (3) Lubricate (3) Axilla (6) Breaks (5) Cigarette (3) Unit of weight (3) Dad (6) Deity (3) Beam of light (5) Stiff (5) Very small (5) Rush (4) Competent (4)

11

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

ACROSS Sudden (6) Scrutinise (4) Feel (5) Tear (3) Feline (4) Unusual (4) Tender (5) Frightened (6) Expensive (4) Revise (4) Damp (3) Obscure (3) Plunge (3) Blaze (4) Thought (4) God-like (6) Thieve (5) Place (4) Pour (4) Writing-uid (3) Wept (5) Entrance (4) Mean (6) DOWN 1 Overseas (6) 2 Journalist (8) 29 Stop (4) 30 Denomination (4) 31 Guided (3) YESTERDAYS QUICK SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Spied 9, Pillar 10, Defect 11, Given 12, Ibis 15, Wise 17, Compact 20, Lid 21, Error 23, Sore 25, Bang 26, Treat 28, Bet 30, Deleted 33, Area 35, Date 36, Gouda 38, Casual 39, Outlet 40, Plank DOWN: 1, Optic 2, Claim 3, Sag 4, Prince 5, Eden 6, Den 7, Devil 8, Steed 13, Boaster 14, Sport 16, Singlet 18, Tread 19, Job 22, Rated 24, Era 27, Tendon 28, Batch 29, Tense 31, Tally 32, Deity 34, Doll 36, Gap 37, Auk.

YESTERDAYS CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Shorts 7, Tired out 8, Polo 10, Look up 11, Wither 14, Rig 16, Grate 17, Rite 19, Canny 21, Danes 22, Cops-E 23, Fret 26, Anton(-y) 28, D-AI 29, Is-Abel 30, Willow 31, Ante (room) 32, Call Over 33, Stre-ss. DOWN: 1, Sa-il-or 2, Rook-i.e. 3, Stop 4, Designs 5, Mocha 6, Store 8, Port 9, Lug 12, T-Ry. 13, Etude 15, Pa-NS-y 18, Icons 19, Cap 20, Nee 21, Done for 22, Cob 23, F-alter 24, Ri-L-e 25, Towers 26, Aitch 27, T-all-y 28, DI-n 30, Wars. YESTERDAYS EASY SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 Bolero 7 Gin rummy 8 Gear 10 Trie 11 Excite 14 Rue 16 Hates 17 Mill 19 Debar 21 Besom 22 Pansy 23 Stew 26 Satan 28 Few 29 Amends 30 Docile 31 Iron 32 Elongate 33 Toddle. DOWN: 1 Bottom 2 Eyeful 3 Ogre 4 Wrexham 5 Ambit 6 Tyres 8 Girl 9 Ale 12 Car 13 Tepee 15 Messy 18 Islam 19 Den 20 Boy 21 Bandage 22 Pan 23 Second 24 Twin 25 Wheeze 26 Sates 27 Tenor 28 For 30 Diet.

3 Right, as a blow (4) 4 To the drinker, it means good health (5) 5 Foreigner from Valletta (4) 6 Daisy, youd look sweet sitting on one (6) 9 In Luke, perhaps, its uncharacteristic (6) 11 Subdue a female (3) 12 Spirit of the alteration in a manuscript (5) 13 Went back to bed (7) 15 She has a point (3) 16 We nish last when its muddy (3) 18 Remained to start stalking the wild deer around (6) 20 That tax-exempt girl, remember (5) 21 Its turned soft at the end (3) 22 A cry that has a rm ring to it (3) 23 The subdued voice in which many speak (6) 25 Universal deity (3) 28 Is obliged to wind up the party in a hurry (5) 30 Is building work such a job? (3-2) 31 Having a seat in it, you dont fall (5) 32 Dry area at the riverside in Poland (4)

33 At last its ended by specialist bowlers (4) EASY PUZZLE ACROSS 4 7 8 10 13 14 15 16 17 19 21 23 24 26 27 29 32 33 34 35 36 1 2 3 4 5 6 9 11 Branched horn (6) Private (8) Teases (6) Outline map (5) Striplings (4) Ring of light (4) Young salmon (4) Paddle (3) Tightly stretched (4) Wading bird (4) Absent-minded (9) Cultivate land (4) Decomposes (4) Droop (3) Scheme (4) Horses gait (4) Watch face (4) Stage whisper (5) Swindles (6) Paint type (8) Boys name (6) DOWN Era (5) Court case (5) Twelve inches (4) Communion table (5) Therefore (4) Crowd actors (6) Off course (6) Dried grass (3)

1 5 8 9 10 11 12 13 16 18 20 22 23 24 25 28 30 32 33 34 35 36 37

QUICK CROSSWORD

3 4 5 6 7 8 14

Pale (6) Obeyed (9) Twisted (7) Scorch (4) Require (4) Also (3) Devoted (9)

15 17 19 20 21 26 27

Mouthful (3) Help (3) Alienating (8) Intelligence (3) Consistency (7) Aviators (6) Smelled (6)

Q U O TAT I O N S

FOR

T O D AY

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. Aristotle The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty. Zig Ziglar

CARTOONS
ADAM @ HOME
by Brian Basset

KHOULA HOSPITAL VISITING HOURS

Private & Other Wards Working Days: 16:00-18:00. Weekends & Public Holidays: 10:-12:00, 16:00-18:00 ICU Working Days: 16:00-17:00. Weekends & Public Holidays: 16:0017:00 Special Care Baby Unit Working Days: Parents may visit at any time. Weekends & Public Holidays: Parents may visit at any time

R OYAL O MAN P OLICE

EMERGENCY 9 9 9 9 DG of Passports & Residency, 24569603 DG of Customs, 24714626 Traffic offences, 24510227/228 ROP Public Relations, 24569270 Consumer Complaints Cell, 24817013 Muscat Governorate Headquarters, 24560021 Muscat, 24736611 Wattayah, 24677990 Ruwi, 24701099 Muttrah, 24712211 Bausher, 24600099 Al Amerat, 24875999 Qurayat, 24845555 ASeeb, 24420099 Al-Athaiba, 24521099 AI-Khodh, 24425012 Directorate of the University Security, 24513999 Directorate of Traffic Muscat, 24567898 Al Batinah Headquarters, 26840096 Al Rustaq Division, 26875099 Al Dakhiliyah, 25425099 Nizwa Division, 25425099 Samayil Division, 25350099 Al Sharqiyah Headquarters, 25545070 Ibra Division, 25570100 Al Dhahirah Headquarters, 25650099 Al Buraimi Division, 25650199 Ibri Division, 25689099 Al Wusta Headquarters, 23436099 Haima Division, 23436211 Special Task Force, 24560088 Coastguard Headquarters, 24714888 Dhofar Governorate Headquarters, 23234599 Salalah Police Station, 23290099 Thamrait Division, 23279099 Musandam Governorate Headquarters, 26730299 Khasab Division, 26731502

MUSEUMS

IN

OMAN

OTHER HOSPITALS
Hospital. . . . . .Board . . . . . Emergency Royal. . . . . . . .24599000 . . 24590491 Health Services Dpt Muttrah . . . . . .24797602 Quriyat . . . . . .24845001 . . 24845003 SQH, Salalah .23211555 . . 23211151 Police . . . . . . .24603988 . . 24603980 Al Nahda. . . . .24831255 . . 24837800 Ibn Sina . . . . .24876322 . . 24877361 Nizwa . . . . . . .25439361 . . 25425033 Al Rustaq . . . .26875055 . . 26877186 Sumayil. . . . . .25350055 . . 25350022 Izki . . . . . . . . .25340033 . . 25340033 Haima . . . . . . .23436013 . . 23436055 Sohar . . . . . . .26840022 . . 26840099 Al Buraimi . . . .25650855 . . 25652319 Sur . . . . . . . . .25440244 . . 25461373 Tanam. . . . . . .25499011 . . 25499033 Masirah. . . . . .25404018 . . 25404018 Ibra . . . . . . . . .25470533 . . 25470535 Adam . . . . . . .25434167 . . 25434055 Bidiya . . . . . . .25483535 . . 25483535 Ibri. . . . . . . . . .25491011 . . 25491990 Saham . . . . . .26854427 . . 26855148 Khasab . . . . . .26830187 . . 26830187 Dibba . . . . . . .26836443 . . 26836443 Burkha . . . . . .26828397 . . 26828397 Sinaw . . . . . . .25474338

CINEMA
FILM INFORMATION
AL BAHJA CINEMA: 24540856, 24540855. AL NASR CINEMA: 24831358, 24831809 (after 3pm) AL SHATTI PLAZA: 24607360, 24692656 (after 2pm) STARS CINEMA: 24791641, 24792360

ROP websites: www.rop.gov.om, www. ropoman.net and e-mail: ropnet@omantel.net.om

FAISAL BIN ALI AL SAID MUSEUM, Tel: 24641650 MUSEUM OF OMANI HERITAGE, Tel: 24600946 CHILDRENS SCIENCE MUSEUM. Tel: 24605368 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Tel: 24641374 NATIONAL MUSEUM, Tel: 24701289 SULTANS ARMED FORCES MUSEUM, Tel: 24312646 CURRENCY MUSEUM, Tel: 24796102 MUSCAT GATE MUSEUM, Tel: 24739005. OMANI-FRENCH MUSEUM (Bait Fransa), Tel: 24736613 BAIT AL ZUBAIR, Tel: 24736688 BAIT ANAMAN, Tel: 24641300 SOHAR FORT MUSEUM. Tel: 26844758 NAHKAL FORT, Tel: 26781384 BAIT AL MAKHAM. Tel: 24641300 BAIT ADAM MUSEUM, QURUM, Tel: 24605033, 24605013 OIL AND GAS EXHIBITION CENTRE AND PLANE-TARIUM, Tel: 24677834. PLANETARIUM, Tel: 24675542. AQUARIUM at the Marine Science and Fisheries Centre (located next to Marina Bandar Rowdha, Sidab). SALALAH MUSEUM, Tel: 23294549 CULTURAL CENTRE, Tel: 23294549. SUR MARITIME MUSEUM, Tel: 24541466. BAIT AL BARANDA, Tel: 24714262.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

by Bill Watterson

GARFIELD

by Jim Davis

STONE SOUP

by Jan Eliot

Weekend

MOTORING
Global car sales to increase by 4 per cent
HE global car market should grow four per cent this year although Europe will lag behind because of the debt crisis, the German automaker federation has said . Despite headwinds in the world economy the global automotive market remains on course for growth, VDA president Matthias Wissmann said at a news conference on the eve of the Geneva International Motor Show opening. Overall, we expect 2012 to bring four per cent expansion on the worldwide passenger car market, he added. We cannot simply maintain the high rates of growth from 2011 in the same form, he was quoted as saying in a VDA statement. We have reduced our speed somewhat, but we are keeping it relatively high. VDA expects the US market to remain dynamic after two years of double-digit growth, racking up an eight per cent gain to 13.7 million light vehicles in 2012. It said China will also post strong growth of eight per cent to 13.1 million vehicles. In Japan, where car sales last year were hit by the earthquake and nuclear disaster, the market should rebound by 17 per cent to 4.1 million units.

12
T

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

The Giugiaro Brivido Concept car is seen during a preview in Geneva. (Below) The side view of Giugiaro Brivido

Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann introduces the new Lamborghini Aventador model car at the 82nd Geneva Car Show. (Below) The side view of new Lamborghini. AFP

President and CEO of Porsche Matthias Mueller introduces the new Porsche Boxster S at Geneva Car Show

Nissan to build new hatchback car

ISSAN is to build a new hatchback compact car in Britain, in a 125 million investment that will create 2,000 jobs, the Japanese auto giant said yesterday. The new vehicle, called Invitation, will be built at Nissans Sunderland plant in northeastern England from mid-2013 thanks to investment equivalent to $198 million or 150 million euros. The project, worth 150 million euros or $198 million, will meanwhile receive a British government grant of 9.3 million, the rm said in a statement. As well as playing a key role in Nissans market expansion within Europe, the new model will also have a signicant benet in terms of jobs with around 2,000 new posts created at Nissan and amongst its UK supplier base, it added.

The new Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse is seen during a preview of Volkwagen Group ahead of the 82nd Geneva Car Show in Geneva. AFP

Benz unveils car with bubblegum grip

ERCEDES-BENZ unveiled at the motor show in Geneva a ve-door hatchback for European sale in September, intended to ramp up its A-series from a family hatch-back to a car with sporty air. Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Diamler AG, said that he expected the car to go on sale in September and that it would be made rst in Germany, then Hungary and later in China. Speaking at an unveiling of the car on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, he said it was powered in part by engineering by British sports car rm MG and was 18 centimetres (seven inches) closer to the road than its predecessor. This car will stick to the street like bubblegum, said Zetsche introducing the car to journalists on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show which runs to March 18. Zetsche said that 25,000 cars had been delivered and 100,000 had been ordered in advance and were being built, and that eventual global production was expected to amount to 4 million vehicles. The car, he said, offered safety at a premium and with attractive looks, and within reach of lower budgets.

Vintage cars used in wedding ceremonies with its licence plate personalised with the name of the couple, is displayed in the Brides street, in downtown Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Brides street has 117 stores and offer many varieties of clothing, shoes, accessories, cars, photography and video services, negotiating about $3 million a month with the sale and rental wedding dresses. AFP

Weekend

FASHION
Stella weds country girl to urban chic
TELLA McCartney sent models down the runway in sporty but sophisticated schoolgirl outts on Monday, as cutesy collars and ouncy skirts found an anchor in classic English tailoring and rich country tweeds. The British designer presented a winter ready-to-wear collection that was young, fun, feminine and light in the spectacular grand ballroom of the Hotel de Ville, Paris city hall, with its soaring painted ceiling, imposing arches and ornate chandeliers. McCartney described the collection as English countryside meets urban energy, colour and shine. It was very much the country girl discovering the urban edge, McCartney said, adding that she tried to mix the two worlds together but in an unexpected way.

13

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

At the end of the show, McCartneys ex-Beatle father, Paul, raised his st in triumph, while singer Alicia Keys, her rst time at Paris Fashion Week said Its like magic!. Its so beautiful, the colours are so vibrant but still so sophisticated and chic and strong, Keys said. I just love her whole style so Im really glad to be here. Hem-lines were short, torsos were tight, and electric blues and white whites gave a pop to silhouettes that still felt sensible. Panels of stretchy blue fabric and glossy blacks were sewn together with warm tweeds in a streamlined patchwork to create body contouring, irty dresses with ouncy hems. The look was sensual, smart and sporty, complete with a peek-a-boo of skin behind the shoulder. Reuters

Siddhartha Tytlers design at LFW

Kellan Lutz to launch clothing line?

Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha showcases a design by Indian fashion label Karmik on the fourth day of Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai

Works by fashion designers Maxime Simoens and Valentin Yudashkin during the Fall/Winter 2012-2013 fashion show in Paris. AFP

MERICAN actor Kellan Lutz, who started his career as a model, is currently spending time on his clothing range. Im really focused on my clothing line. I was in New York for Fashion Week just hanging out with my peers in the fashion world and looking at them for inspiration,showbizspy.com quoted the 26-year-old as saying. I love fashion, I started out modelling. My education is in the fashion world. Im very thankful for my modelling years because I had to do a topless basketball shot where I was just wearing basketball shorts aged 14 and it really prepares you, he added. IANS

Victoria refuses to wear tracksuits

INGER-TURNEDDESIGNER Victoria Beckham says she is too fashion conscious to wear tracksuits or ugg boots in public. Youll never see me on the street in a tracksuit. I just love fashion too much to wear a tracksuit! The same goes for ugg boots. I wear them only at home, contactmusic.com quoted the 37-year-old as saying. The former Spice girl, mother of seven-month-old daughter Harper and sons Brooklyn, 13, Romeo, 9, and Cruz, 7, insists motherhood has done nothing to dilute her sense of style. Im addicted to Prada, to cardigans and bags Hermes. Id love to see the world through the eyes of Miuccia Prada. I am a big fan of Net-APorter.com. When the kids are asleep, I can travel on this site for several hours, she added. IANS

Kajol blows kisses to sister Tanisha at LFW

A design by Clare Waight Keller

A design by Valentin Yudashkin

CTRESS Kajol clapped, cheered and blew kisses to her younger sister Tanisha Mukherjee, who walked the Lakme Fashion Week ramp in Payal Singhals bridal wear. Though she is yet to become a bride in real life, Tanisha looked stunning in a stylish navy blue lehenga, as she became Singhals showstopper. She felt encouraged by her sister Kajols presence in the front row. I think one thing that comes across is that my sister and I are very family people. We believe in each other and we love each other. I think her love shows through it (her presence), Tanisha said. The actress, who was seen in lms like Neal N Nikki and Sarkar Raj, wore a full-sleeved blouse with a lot of detailed stone work. Her lehenga was in net and with cut-work embroidery. Singhal wanted to show Tanisha in bridal wear. She said: Tanisha is a good friend. I wanted to show her in an Indian avatar as that hasnt happened before.

Walking the ramp at the Paris show

Weekend

HEALTH

14
P

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

Robotic surgeries costlier but safer, says study

ATIENTS who have robot-assisted surgeries on their kidneys or prostate have shorter hospital stays and a lower risk of having a blood transfusion or dying but the bill is signicantly higher, a study found. The analysis, which appeared in the Journal of Urology, compared increasingly common robotic surgery with two other techniques for the same surgery and found that direct costs can be up to several thousand dollars higher for the robotic type. Touted as less invasive and more efcient, robotic surgeries typically use a laparoscopic or "keyhold surgery" approach, in which tools and a tiny video camera are inserted into the body through one or two small incisions. Robotic surgery replaces a surgeon's hands with ultraprecise tools at the ends of mechanical arms, all operated by the surgeon from a console. "I think the take home message is that robotic surgery, looking at our study, had certain benecial outcomes compared to open and laparoscopic procedures," said study leader Jim Hu at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Hu and his team analysed surgery data from a national government database to see if the costlier robotic surgeries were cost effective with extra benets over older techniques. During the last three months of 2008 the most recent data available that allowed a comparison among robotic, open and laparoscopic surgeries more than half of all prostate removals involved robot-assisted surgery. About three per cent of prostate patients had standard laparoscopic surgery and 44 per cent had open surgery. Open and laparoscopic surgeries were still more common than robotic surgeries for kidney repairs and removals. Among patients who had their prostate removed, none died from laparoscopic or robotic surgery, whereas two out of every 1,000 died after the open procedure. Reuters

Vitamin D tied to fewer stress fractures in girls

Sun-dried tomato linked to hepatitis

Abnormal breathing triggers hyperactivity

IRLS and young women who took lots of vitamin D were half as likely to suffer a stress fracture as those who didnt get much of the vitamin, according to a US study that followed thousands of girls. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bones that typically affect people who do lots of high-impact exercise, such as running or gymnastics. Theyre especially a concern for teen girls because bone strength at that age is tied to the risk of osteoporosis and more serious injuries later on. This study can add to the existing thought that adolescent girls and young women should be particularly cognisant of getting their vitamin D, said Kendrin Sonneville, from Childrens Hospital Boston, who worked on the study. Vitamin D is naturally present in fatty sh, but is also added to dairy products like milk and yogurt. Since its not always easy

to get enough through food, doctors recommend taking supplements. Researchers have wondered whether eating a high-calcium diet with lots of dairy products might protect against stress fractures, but in the study it was high levels of vitamin D that were tied to fewer fractures, not calcium. For the study, published in the Archives of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, the researchers followed close to 7,000 girls who were the daughters of women participating in the long-term Nurses Health Study. Starting when the girls were between nine and 15-years-old, the researchers surveyed them every year or so between 1996 and 2001 about their typical eating habits and use of vitamin supplements. From that information they calculated how much vitamin D each girl got in a typical day. Reuters

RITISH health experts are investigating an outbreak of potentially deadly hepatitis linked to sun-dried tomatoes. A probe by the The Health Protection Agency of cases of hepatitis A from July to December last year revealed seven cases in which sun-dried tomatoes were implicated. Hepatitis A is infectious and can lead to fatal liver complications. Health ofcials fear contaminated samples or other foods containing them could still be on sale or lurking in kitchen cupboards, the Daily Mail reported. This is because they are unable to test food for the virus and do not know which brand of sun-dried tomato is responsible. Sun-dried tomatoes have become an increasingly popular ingredient in middle class kitchens and favourite of TV celebrity chefs. The hepatitis A virus is carried by human faeces and can be passed on through contaminated food or water. It is a common food-borne disease preventable by vaccine. IANS

OUNG children who have difculty in breathing while asleep tend to develop hyperactivity and aggressiveness, as well as emotional symptoms and difculty with peer relationships. The study, conducted by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, is based on 11,000 children followed up over six years and is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. This is the strongest evidence to date that snoring, mouth breathing and apnea (abnormally long pauses in breathing during sleep) can have serious behavioural and social-emotional consequences for children, said study leader Karen Bonuck, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology and womens health at Einstein. Parents and paediatricians

alike should be paying closer attention to sleep-disordered breathing in young children, perhaps as early as the rst year of life, added Bonouck, the journal Paediatrics reports. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a general term for breathing difculties that occur

during sleep. Its hallmarks are snoring (which is usually accompanied by mouth breathing) and sleep apnea, according to an Einstein statement. SDB reportedly peaks from two to six years of age, but also occurs in younger children. IANS

Chronic liver disease cure on the horizon

illnesses can only be cured by organ transplants. Researchers have worked out how to stimulate the production of vital liver cells known as hepatocytes that are lost when the liver is attacked by potentially fatal conditions such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, The Independent has reported. Liver disease is the fth biggest killer in Britain and is the only major cause of death that has seen a continual yearon-year increase over the past 40 years. About 16,000 people in Britain died last year of liver disease, and the number of people on the waiting list for organ transplants has increased from about 300 ve years ago to nearly 500 now, according to the newspaper. The latest research, published in the journal Nature Medicine, has unravelled the network of complex biochemical signals that trigger the regeneration of cells within the liver, the bodys main organ for ltering harmful toxins from the bloodstream. IANS

CIENTISTS have made an important breakthrough that could eventually lead to the development of new treatments for chronic liver illnesses. At present such

Weekend

ENTERTAINMENT
ORMER Miss Universe Amelia Vega says she is blessed by God for having made her dream to record her rst album and start her own home a reality, after her December wedding to NBA star and fellow Dominican Al Horford. To the happiness arising from those two circumstances can be added her next appearance in Miami, where she will open for her uncle, well-known singersongwriter Juan Luis Guerra, at a March 17 concert. Im happy. I think the word is blessed, I have to give thanks to God for giving me the opportunity for many of my dreams, despite the fact that some took a while to arrive, to be coming together, Vega said in an inter-

15

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

Ex-Miss Universe says shes blessed

view with EFE. She said that on the work front she is once again devoting herself fully to promoting her album Agua dulce, from which

the number Tocame la tambora which she performs with the help of iconic Dominican singer Johnny Ventura can currently be heard on the radio. She is also promoting a second version of the tune on which only Vega who before becoming a beauty queen performed in musicals sings. Im reintegrating myself after her Christmas eve wedding into promoting the album and the tour in the cities where concerts are opening, the singer said. Vega said that she has a heavy work agenda that she is combining with her responsibilities as a housewife, but she added that she has the support of Horford, who plays for the NBAs Atlanta Hawks. IANS

Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre showcases a design by Siddhartha Tytler at LFW

Bipasha clears equation with Madhavan

CTRESS Bipasha Basu is miffed with reports that she is apprehensive about working with her Jodi Breakers co-star R Madhavan again as the lm has failed to mint moolah at the box ofce. I detest vicious Gossip!@ ActorMadhavan is one of my most favourite co-stars and I would love to work with him on a lm which we both like and suit, Bipasha wrote on Twitter. Power of writing should not be misused to that extent to create gossip which makes peo-

Actress Emily Blunt arrives at the Premiere of CBS Films Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, in Los Angeles

ple sound shallow and nasty! Even if its a tabloid news, she added. A tabloid reported that Bipasha is willing to be part of a sequel (to Jodi Breakers) but has apparently said that if Maddy is part of the cast, she will not be in it. Madhavan gave a comforting response to Bipasha through a tweet, saying: <@bipsluvurself heyy.. Of course we will. Dont worry abt what these losers say. When has it ever mattered.. Yenjooy..have a wonderful day.

Actress Hannah Simone arrives at The Paley Centre For Medias PaleyFest

Marriage makes me feel secure: Claire Danes

A
CTRESS Claire Danes, who won the Golden Globe award for best actress in a TV series drama for her role in Homeland, says she feels more secure after marrying Hugh Dancy. The 32-year-old, who previously dated musician Ben Lee and actor Billy Crudup, tied the knot with Dancy in 2009, and credits him with keeping her happy. My mum Carla taught me that a long marriage can work. My parents have been together since they were 18 so I am privileged to have them as role models, femalerst.co.uk quoted Danes as saying. I like marriage. I feel very secure. It helps when you are in love with the person you are married to. I do sometimes look at him and think, You are really handsome. He keeps me sane and happy, she said. IANS

Rihanna eyeing fashion career?

INGER Rihanna, who has worked with designer Giorgio Armani, is now eying a career in the world of fashion. The 24-year-old recently designed a collection for Armani, and she said she has been playing around with style designs and even tries to give him some advice. We have a pretty good relationship now since we have been working together on the campaigns and Ive been designing a capsule line for his collection so he trusts my designs a little bit now so I get to play with him. Its great, showbizspy. com quoted Rihanna as saying. I designed it with Giorgio. It was a collaboration and I helped him design it. I wanted something a little bit Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface... simple but sexy and a little gangster at the same time. I think it just showed that we work really well together, she added. IANS

Actress Lucy Hale seen at the Cosmopolitan Fun Awards

Actress Megan Fox attends the Cinema Society & People StyleWatch with Grey Goose screening of Friends With Kids in New York City

Weekend

BOOK FAIR
this exhibition since its inception, b its important place i because i i l in gathering and joining huge number of visitors, readers and publishers from various countries. Most of the publishers are displaying books that attract students and help them in their studies and develop their abilities in various elds of sciences. There are also many titles on ancient and modern history, geography and various other subjects in Arabic and English. School students are thrilled to visit the exhibition as they see it as a chance to buy simplied scientic books which help them to understand better what they have studied in school; books on ancient civilisations to know the way of lifestyle of that time. Besides the fair gives them a chane to buy entertainment books, ctions and novels that full of excitement, adventure and suspense. Fatima, a student, said, Since Im a student of higher studies, I wait for this book fair every year to nish my projects and researches. The reason for this waiting is that some publishers and publications are not available in the Sultanate and instead of going abroad and nding them, the book fair brings them all to us under one roof which save us time and effort and helps us to nish our works efciently. Mohammed from Dar al Safa publication said, The publication started to participate in

16

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

Muscat Book Fair making words go further

this exhibition since its third version. Every time we have new books and publications to present. Most visitors are look-

ics, titles and authors to look for as; Qanon Al Jathb by Dr Saleh al Rashid; Play with your child smart games by Salma Tariq;

as encyclopaedias, dictionaries and literature. and books that they consider as Al Farahidi and Ahmad bin OW in its 17th year, the worth to be read and viewed. Majid halls for Arabic books Muscat International Book Fair continues to be the global market place for sales and distribution of books of all kinds. The Book Fair is one of the biggest in the Middle East with 500 exhibitors from 21 countries featuring over 110,000 titles. Most of the visitors to the fair consider this international event as an opportunity to buy a variety of Arab and international titles. Publishers are looking at this as a chance to promote The book Fair also has a number and publications attract the their new publications of local of literary evenings, seminars most number of visitors. Many and international writers as well and events dealing with culture publishers are participating in

By Raal al Jardaniya

ing for scientic books and this year we brought many new and scientic books that help various levels of minds. Majority of people who visit the book fair have common top-

How to strengthen my sons personality by Mohammed Fahad aL Thwaini; Change your life in 30 days by Ibrahim al Faqi; Sultanate of Oman Tribes by Mohammed Suliman al Taib.

Most of the visitors to the fair consider this international event as an opportunity to buy a variety of Arab and international titles. Publishers are looking at this as a chance to promote their new publications of local and international writers

Chief Executive Officer:

Dr Ibrahim bin Ahmed al Kindi

Editor-in-Chief

Fahmy bin Khalid al Harthy

Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising; P Box 974, Postal Code 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman; Tel: .O. 24649444, 24649450, 24649451, 24604563, 24699437 Fax: 24699643 Website: omanobserver.om e-mail: editor@omanobserver. om Salalah Office: Tel: 23292633, Fax: 23293909 Nizwa Office: Tel: 25411099, P Box 955, P 611 ADVERTISING: AL OMANEYA .O. .C. ADVERTISING & PUBLIC RELATIONS, P Box 3303, Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman, Tel: SWITCHBOARD: 24649444, DIR .O. ECT: 24649430/24649437/24649401, Fax: 24649434 DISTRIBUTION AGENT: AL OMANEYA FOR DISTRIBUTION & MARKETING, P Box 974, P 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Tel: 24649350/24649360, Fax: 24649379, subscribe@omandaily.om .O. .C.