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Page 1: Al Mara - English - October 2010
Page 2: Al Mara - English - October 2010
Page 3: Al Mara - English - October 2010
Page 4: Al Mara - English - October 2010

M E M O I R O F T H E B L AC K S WA N O N W W W. A M O UAG E . C O M

T H E G I F T O F K I N G S

Page 5: Al Mara - English - October 2010

FROM THE

DESK

Published byUnited Press & Publishing LLC

A Renaissance Services Company

P.O. Box 3305, Ruwi,Postal Code 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.Tel: 00 968 24700896 Fax: 00 968 24707939

e-mail: [email protected]: www.umsoman.com

All rights reserved.No part of this publication may be reproduced without

the express permission of the publishers.

Copyright © 2010United Press & Publishing LLC

Printed in the Sultanate of Oman atOman Printers & Stationers

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFSalman Ibrahim Al Balushi

GROUP EDITORMayank Singh

DEPUTY EDITORSRekha Baala

Rana Alawneh

ASSISTANT EDITORDeepa Rajan

CORRESPONDENTMyssaa Said Al Hinai

DESIGN

SENIOR ART DIRECTORSandesh S. Rangnekar

ART DIRECTORMinaal G. Pednekar

SENIOR DESIGNERS Aliya Al Waheibi

Rashida

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERRajesh Burman

PHOTOGRAPHERSathyadas C. Narayanan

PRODUCTION MANAGERGovindraj Ramesh

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

BUSINESS HEADMimi Deb

ADVERTISING MANAGERChandni Maniar

ASSISTANT ADVERTISING MANAGERFareeda Sulaiman Al Balushi

MEDIA EXECUTIVEBenaifer

CORPORATE

CHIEF EXECUTIVESandeep Sehgal

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTAlpana Roy

VICE PRESIDENTRavi Raman

SENIOR BUSINESS SUPPORT EXECUTIVERadha Kumar

BUSINESS SUPPORT EXECUTIVEZuwaina Al Rashdi

DISTRIBUTIONUnited Media Services LLC

OCTOBER 2010 Vol 8 No 90

COVER DESIGN: MINAAL G. PEDNEKARIMAGE : ELIE SAAB HAUTE COUTURE FALL WINTER 2010-11

e-magazine – logon to www.oeronline.com or email us at

[email protected] to get your personal e-magazine.

BE IN THE PINK!September is an emotional month for all of us at team Al Mar’a. As we prepare for our special on Breast Cancer Awareness, each one of us has our own story to tell. During one of our team meetings, a colleague revealed that four of her friends had lost their mothers to breast cancer. Another had lost her own mother, when she was barely 11.

Yes, as journalists, there are times when the personal spills over into the professional. And we are thankful for it. This is when the commitment to the cause becomes stronger, and the approach becomes more all-out and radical. Here, sometimes, the heart ruling over the mind can lead to wonderful results.

The stories spread across these special pages are indeed emotional. After all, it is not easy to talk of having breast cancer at 24, the after-effects of chemotherapy or even losing a breast. The fact that these women agreed to speak with us is in itself laudable. That they did not, at any point break down during the interviews brought to the fore, the strength within... and this is what makes them truly special.

What’s also heartening is the common spirit that binds these survivors together. One of faith, hope and belief! As author James Allen says, “Where faith is – there is courage, there is fortitude, there is steadfastness and strength. Light up, then, the lamp of faith in your heart... It will lead you safely through the mists of doubt and the black darkness of despair; along the narrow, thorny ways of sickness and sorrow, and over the treacherous places of temptation and uncertainty.”

And above all, be aware. It is a sad but alarming fact that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. It kills around 465,000 women globally every year. Remember that early detection means breast cancer can be curable. So do not hesitate, start on those monthly self-breast examinations, right now. Be aware of what your body is telling you and listen to it.

Until next month, keep being aware, and stay cool, people!

COOKBOOK – an Al Mar’a presentationAl Mar’a Special on Omani Women’s Day

Page 6: Al Mara - English - October 2010

FEATURESSPLURGEChopard’s new collection is inspired by beautiful, mysterious and dream-lilke animals.

CONTESTSimple answers to simple questions get you a gift hamper from The Body Shop.

CONTENTSOCTOBER 2010 Vol 8 No 90

33 TRAVELTop honeymoon destinations of

the world...

40

BREAST CANCERAWARENESS MONTH18 The story of a woman struck by breast-cancer in her 20s.20 A breast cancer survivor describes how faith in oneself and God goes a long way...22 Dr Rajyashree N. Kutty says that it is possible for a woman to have breast cancer, lead a normal life and have children.23 Dr. A. Wayne Smith, consultant plastic surgeon, Muscat Private Hospital explains how breast reconstruction can change the lives of breast cancer patients...24 The National Association for Cancer Awareness leads the way in breast cancer awareness in Oman.

REAST CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNBBBBBBBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEARENESSAAAAAAWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

17

TOP DRIVEAl Mar’a test-drives the Kia Cerato Juliet... made with women in mind.

TOP DRIVEAl Mar’a test-drives the KJuliet... made with wome

64

Page 7: Al Mara - English - October 2010

Great food ideas.

SOLUTIONS KIDS SPECIAL

FAS

HIO

N &

BE

AU

TY

IN EVERY ISSUEYour SayLife, etc

EventStargazingNews, etc

WORKWISEWhen is it time to say, ‘I quit!’?

66 HEALTHFeel good, look good and be healthy. Tips

for a healthier you!

68 HEALTH PLUSA Q&A session with Dr Smita Lulla,

Obstetrician & Gynaecologist.

70 WELL-BEINGFaith opens the doors, which are

invaluable to healing, says Dr Prema Seshadri.

71 AT HOMEPractical ideas for your home and you...

RKWISE

62

76

36

The Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall-Winter Collection 2010-11 celebrates the rising of the Phoenix.

44 10 all-time favourite books for all ages.

46 How to keep an ‘online’ check on your children.

50 Smart accessories for the new school year.

PEOPLE26

EXCLUSIVEH.E. Dr.Sharifa bint

Khalfan Al Yahya’eyah speaks on women’s

empowerment and more...

30INSPIRATION

H.H. Sayyidah Shariffa Khalid Al Said’s story is all about sheer grit,

determination, power and courage.

72 BEAUTY ZONEThe beauty check-list.

What’s hot on the kids’ fashion scene!

54

52

FASHION PLUSWhy basic black is a must in every fashionista’s wardrobe...

Page 8: Al Mara - English - October 2010

SEPTEMBER 20106

your say

FROM A BOOKWORMAs an avid reader I was thrilled to see that Al Mar’a’s cover story was on books. It was fun reading about what other women had to say (and was happy to find out some of my favourites mentioned in the article). Once upon a time in my friends’ circle almost everyone used to read voraciously. But gone are the days when we would all spend time discussing books cover to cover every Sunday with a hot cup of tea (or coffee). The article really inspired me to call up my friends and get the habit started all over again! Thanks a ton guys!Nashat Al BalushiAl Khuwair

LEARNING TO SAY ‘NO’As I read ‘Saying Yes to No’, I realised that I was exactly the kind who says yes to everything. Hence I’m always drowning in piles of work and have to pull in long hours at work and sometimes even have to work on the weekends. But your article really helped me take a step back and convince myself that saying ‘No’ isn’t bad at all. This week I actually turned down two projects at work and although I felt a little guilty in the beginning, I’ve actually been able to focus on the projects at hand and have been able to give it my best.Georgina RichardsSeeb

JESS’ THE GIRLOMG! Can Jessica Biel get any hotter? Well, obviously she can because she looked flawless in your last issue. I’ve liked her since I saw her act in ‘The Illusionist’. I think she is beyond amazing and super talented! And reading the article made me realise that there’s loads more to her than just great acting skills. Her charity work and involvement with under-privileged is truly heartening. So thanks for featuring her and I hope to see lots more in the future issues.Sanam KhanMuttrah

A THANK-YOU NOTEHey guys, I just wanted to write in and let you know that you guys are doing an awesome job. My mom, my aunts, cousins, friends - everyone reads Al Mar’a and we love the fact that you feature so many inspiring Omani women. I think it’s really important for everyone to know their stories. There are so many great things that’s happening out there, but it’s not always possible to find about it. So we all really appreciate you guys bringing the stories to us. So here’s a big, collective ‘THANK YOU’ from all of us. Cheers!Neelima SharanDarsait

ART & INSPIRATIONEmpowering women through art sounds like a great idea and the Al Fenyatahadeth initiative certainly sounded promising. I (and I’m sure all the readers out there as well) would love to read about the progress this initiative makes. So do keep us posted. On a lighter note, I loved the fashion pages in your previous issue…the shoes, bags, make up - everything was totally perfect! Can’t wait to go ‘Splurge’ once I get my paycheck!Abla Al HarthyQurum

Address your letters to:The Editor, Al Mar’a,

United Media Services,P.O. Box: 3305, PC 112, Ruwi,

Sultanate of Oman or fax us at 24707939 or e-mail us at [email protected]

ng

ds

Qurum

Page 9: Al Mara - English - October 2010

THE NEW FRAGRANCE FOR HER

FOR HER FOR HIM

justintimberlake.com

Page 10: Al Mara - English - October 2010

OCTOBER 20108

interview

WHEELS ALL THATS

HAPPENINGIN THE

NEW

CITY...&

GREAT MILESTONEDid you know that the cumulative global production volume of the Mazda6 has reached two million units in August this year? That’s great news indeed especially since the model reached this milestone in eight years and six months since the production of the first generation Mazda6 commenced in February 2002 at Mazda’s Hofu Plant No. 2 in Yamaguchi prefecture. This achievement marks the second fastest time – after the Mazda3 – to produce two million units of one model since Mazda launched its new generation Zoom-Zoom product line up in 2002. Here’s wishing them more Zoom-Zoom success!

JOY RIDEHere’s a SUV that strikes a perfect balance between comfortable ride and confident handling! The Chevrolet Traverse provides a safe, assured ride with excellent levels of power. The Traverse is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive formats, and is powered by a 3.6-litre, V6 engine with direct injection that delivers segment-leading output and excellent fuel efficiency. With its long wheelbase of 3,019 mm and wide tracks, the Traverse has a low centre of gravity that is evident through its stability, smooth ride and handling and easy cornering. There are other fab features too! Check them out all on a test-drive, today!

IMPRESSIVE DEBUTThe all-new BMW X3 will make its global debut at this month’s Mondial de l’Automobile Paris (Paris Motor Show), seven years after the world’s most successful premium automotive manufacturer launched its original X3 Sports Activity Vehicle. The second generation X3 model has a totally redesigned exterior and interior making it instantly recognisable as a member of the BMW X family that includes the popular BMW X6, X5 and recently launched X1 models. With a bigger and sportier exterior, increased interior space, optimised functionality and enhanced driving comfort, the new BMW X3 establishes benchmarks in agility and fuel efficiency, without comprising on aesthetic appeal. The new second generation model will be available with three new six-cylinder engine variants boasting twin-turbo technology and an eight-speed automatic transmission: the xDrive35i, xDrive 28i and xDrive 20i. We can’t wait for it to come to Oman!

SUPER SUVOne of the most eagerly awaited powerful American SUVs – the new Dodge Ram 1500 Series – has now arrived in Oman. Together the Zubair Automotive Group and Shanfari Automotive Company have introduced the Dodge Ram Specialist SUV to the Sultanate for the first time. The new 4-door specialist SUV is the perfect vehicle for larger families and is designed to accommodate up to six full size adults in the spacious and comfortable cab which comes with the latest entertainment and communication technology including a Premium Sound System featuring 10 speakers, a subwoofer and a 506 watt amplifier – enabling every member of the family to enjoy the most adventurous of rides.

Page 11: Al Mara - English - October 2010
Page 12: Al Mara - English - October 2010

OCTOBER 201010

interview

LIFESTYLEALL THATS

HAPPENINGIN THE

NEW

CITY...&

OUTDOOR FUNWe’re all waiting for the nip for the air... That’s when all the coolest outdoor dining places are back in action! The Grand Hyatt Muscat has already taken the cue! Executive Chef Marin Leuthard and his brigade offer new season fare to experience at Marjan Indonesian restaurant, Safari Rooftop Grill House and Tuscany Italian restaurant. This season also features ‘Liquid’ the new band playing nightly at the Safari Pub. Mokha is a favourite choice for superb Arabic and International cuisine, as well for the Friday brunch. Make the most of the pleasant weather, soon coming up!

TRIPLE MAGICThere is not one, but three new fragrances for you! And it’s in honour of the biggest black diamond in the world which according to legend, brings happiness, luck and prosperity to those who hold it... Korloff Blue is an invitation to dream - dark blue, diamond-like, enveloping you in velvety tones; Korloff Green is pure escapism – fresh as a light wind, and bright as a green diamond. Korloff red is a journey to Siam and is sensual and languorous. Pick the one, right for you!

ORIENTAL WHIFFRasasi Perfumes has launched Abeer – a captivating new fragrance for the woman who is accustomed to the finest things in life. The top notes fill up the senses with a fresh composition of bergamot, ylang, saffron and lavender. Middle notes of cedar wood, jasmine, rose and germanium surround the wearer in a pleasant ambience. The woody, musky base notes of sandalwood, cedar wood and patchouli linger on for hours, in a soothing and luxurious fashion.

EXCITING PLANSYour BlackBerry prepaid mobile experience from Nawras just got more exciting and rewarding. With new weekly and monthly plans, customers now have the added convenience of being able to accurately plan their mobile telecom budget while still benefitting from excellent quality, great value and Nawras’ pleasingly different customer service. Get this. Weekly plans are just Rials 2 for 10MB of national data usage and monthly plans are just Rials 9 for up to 50MB of national data usage. There are loads of other exciting advantages too. Contact your nearest Nawras centre and get upwardly mobile!

Confessions of a

Shopaholicrevealed soon...

It’s time to be you.It’s time to be you.

THANKS GIVINGYou’ll love this! Landmark Group has announced the launch of Shukran, a customer rewards initiative programme. Previously known as the Centrepoint Privilege Club, Shukran will roll out in a phased manner across the GCC. The programme is being launched with exciting new brands across retail and hospitality such as Emax, Max, Shoexpress and Fun City besides the pre-existing Centrepoint, Babyshop, Shoe Mart, Splash, Lifestyle, Home Centre, Ecco, Pablosky and Dumond. With Shukran, members can earn up to 10 points for every one Omani rial they spend. The most exciting part of the programme for members is that they can earn points even during sales and promotions. These points can be redeemed through reward certificates sent to members every quarter. What a great way of saying thanks!

Page 13: Al Mara - English - October 2010
Page 14: Al Mara - English - October 2010

OCTOBER 201012

interviewALL THATS

HAPPENINGIN THE

NEW

CITY...& LIFESTYLE

PACKS A PUNCHAmerican Tourister has launched a new line of backpacks that offers a unique mix of style, comfort and robustness to respond to the demands of travellers, college students and businessmen. While the Professional range offers a unique mix of premium fabric, laptop compartment, side pockets, back padding, secret packet and multi-utility pouch, the Achievers range caters to the varied needs of the younger clientele, with stylish earphone access and key holders. The third range – Strivers – has been designed keeping

in mind the demands of the adventurous community. There’s something for everyone! Choose the one that’s right for you!

SEASON’S BESTIt’s time for celebrations! The Radisson Blu Hotel in Muscat has announced the celebration of the world renowned Oktoberfest which will see the hotel’s Lazy Lizard garden turned into a mini “Wiesn”, the original Oktoberfest venue in Munich. From October 13-15, guests have the opportunity to experience authentic Bavarian food and be entertained by “The Dirndljaeger” an original German Band flown in by the German carrier Lufthansa. Be there and take part in the fun!

NEW DELIGHTSFans of Nando’s can now rejoice! The world-renowned flame-grilling Peri-Peri chicken restaurant has reopened its sole and flagship outlet in Al Qurum Complex following a three month hiatus. To coincide with the opening, Nando’s has introduced an exclusive range of new Gourmet Burgers especially designed by the Restaurant’s master chefs from its home of origin Johannesburg, South Africa. Happy eating, folks!

FLORAL CHARMThe house of Amouage has unveiled its latest offering called Memoir. Amouage Creative Director Christopher Chong was reportedly inspired by Charles Baudelaire and set about channeling Baudelaire’s decadent genius to create a potion with the potent ingredient of Absinth with other floral accords. The Memoir Woman manifests with a spicy fusion of Absinth to resonate the magical aura of the Black Swan. This transformation is enhanced by deconstructing the redolent Tuberose to its core and reassembling the note in a white floral accord with Lisylang and Orange Blossom.

Page 15: Al Mara - English - October 2010
Page 16: Al Mara - English - October 2010

OCTOBER 201014

interviewALL THATS

HAPPENINGIN THE

NEW

CITY...&

ACCOLADES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND

UPDATES

PERFECT PICTUREIn medical news, a new stand-alone imaging centre was recently opened in Muscat. The advent of Aafiyaa opens a new chapter in diagnostic and imaging services. It is committed to provide technologically advanced/up to date medical equipment and ensures provision of one of the best professionals in the field of Radiology. It will be the first of its kind, independent and specialised centre dedicated to the provision of the most comprehensive imaging facility. It is located at the Al Wadi Commercial Centre.

FOR A CAUSEOman’s leading eye care centre has joined hands with the Ministry of Education to offer special discounts and complimentary check-ups to teachers. In addition, Muscat Eye Laser Center has re-enforced its support to the Ministry for any new initiative that it undertakes. The Center is also reaching out to the youth through one of Oman’s leading and popular online Arabic forums, Sablah. Special discounts are exclusively being offered to the 134,000 plus members who are constantly updated on the ongoing activities at the Center through emails and advertising online. Way to go!

SILVER POINTAl Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat completes 25 years of indubitable service to the Sultanate. And, to mark this momentous occasion, the hotel has planned a one month-long series of gourmet delights featuring the Al Bustan Palace Culinary team, a chocolatier from Valrhona and world renowned grape farmers/growers coupled with a fashion and jewellery show by well-known Jordanian designer Nadia Dajani. Also joining the already talented hotel team, for the month of October, is a group of true experts. From Chile, France, Italy and Germany, an array of dedicated industry professionals will share their knowledge and expertise with guests and visitors. Indeed it’s time to celebrate and you are invited!

SKIING FORWARDThe Oman National Jet Ski team proudly sponsored by the Zubair Automotive Group leaves for Arizona this week to compete against 56 countries in the US World Championships scheduled to take place from the 3rd to 10th October 2010. The National Jet Ski Team, that was officially formed by the Ministry of Sports earlier this year, is a first for Oman and shows the country’s commitment to promoting water sports across the Sultanate, particularly among the Omani youth as well as attracting sporting events to the region such as the upcoming Asian Beach Games. All the very best!

Inside scoop from

the green roomrevealed soon...It’s time to be you.It’s time to be you.

Page 17: Al Mara - English - October 2010

Offering a premium customer loyalty experience with unrivalled value, premium recognition, and exceptional rewards for Nawras Ajel and Nawras Mousbak customers. Join the club for free with no annual fees and be entitled to finer things in life such as concierge travel agency service, access to business lounges at Muscat International Airport plus a pick & drop service from and to the airport.

For more information, please visit www.nawras.om or your closest Nawras Store or call 9501 1500

Enjoy the Nawras Elite Club new added exclusive rewards

Feel the exclusivity with the Nawras Elite Club

Page 18: Al Mara - English - October 2010
Page 19: Al Mara - English - October 2010

Be all that you are.

The sun will find you…

Give you her warmth…

And bless you with her golden touch as you awaken.

The wind will call you as you gently bend and become open to the world that surrounds you.

The soil will ground you.

The water will nourish you.

You have been planted here.

The world is yours to enjoy…

To expand…

To go wherever you want.

Life is the gift you have been given.

Love is the blessing you can feel.

It is all around…

In the flowers…

In the trees…

In the meadows

On the mountain tops.

Give yourself a chance.

Give yourself some time to know who you are

To become all that you already are.

Accept the gifts of the new day.

Be a part of every person who says hello.

We are all just hearts…

Alone and together beating… to the music inside,

Fulfilling our ambitions,

Finding our places

In the wonder of the Universe.

More than to hope in yourself,

May you believe in yourself.

Take your own hand on your own journey

In the quiet you will hear the voice of wisdom.

In the stillness you will realize your deepest dreams

(By Susan Squellati Florence via http://www.abcn.ca)

Be All That You Are

BREASTCANCER

AWARENESSMONTH

Page 20: Al Mara - English - October 2010

OCTOBER 201018

Destiny’sCHILD

Al Mar’a brings you the story of Zahra*, a young woman struck by breast cancer in her 20s and

how she survived the battle with courage, hope and determination...

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Page 21: Al Mara - English - October 2010

19

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iden

tity

.

“It was 2007. I was 24, just another normal happy-go-lucky-girl. I married at 21, was enjoying my

life and also doing very well at my job. Life, I could say, was nothing short of bliss at that time.

I had put on some weight after my marriage and decided to exercise to lose the extra pounds. It was during this time, I noticed a lump above my breast. I dismissed it off as an after-effect of my rigorous exercise (how naive I was!). It remained there for six months till one day, I thought of informing my mother about it. True to a mother’s instinct, she chided me for not telling her earlier and insisted I make an appointment with a doctor immediately. The very same evening, I went to Muscat Private Hospital where the doctor, after one look at my lump, did an ultrasound and ordered a biopsy to be done the next day.

My husband was away in India during that time... he was with my father-in-law who was undergoing treatment for cancer. We got the results in two days, in fact, my mother picked up the report and came home crying. I had the dreaded ‘C’- breast cancer. She was crying endlessly but nothing registered in my mind just then. Who had ever heard of a woman in her 20s having breast cancer? Certainly not me! I only realised it was true when my father called my husband and told him that I had breast cancer. Cancer was something I thought would never happen to me. Tell me, who imagines the worst for oneself? Especially when I was so young, healthy and took pride in being fit and eating right?

In the beginning, my mother simply couldn’t come to terms with it. She kept saying and wished that she had it instead of me. But I convinced her that she needed to be strong for my sake. She has been an absolute pillar of strength throughout my ordeal.

The time I realised the seriousness of it all was when I began treatment. In Oman, they had diagnosed it as third stage cancer. For a second opinion, we went to a famous hospital in Chennai, India where they concluded it was at the second stage. After consulting with doctors there, I decided to go ahead with chemotherapy in Oman, where I would be closer to home and family.

My husband decided to stop his studies to be with me and be able to support me financially as we had to travel often for check-ups. He also started reading a lot which in turn helped us to face the difficult times.

The chemotherapy went on for three months, every week. I went to India twice in between to check the size of the tumour and thankfully, it was shrinking. Soon after, a surgery to remove the lump was scheduled. Thankfully, I did not need a mastectomy.

After the operation, I had to again undergo chemotherapy and radiation for another six months. I had to use a new medicine that had many side-effects. I thought of giving up after my second session but my husband and family encouraged me to continue my fight and I did.

Chemotherapy was like going to hell and back. My complete immunity system went for a toss. My hair fell off in huge lumps and disgusted by it, I asked my husband to shave me bald. But I was the least concerned about the falling hair. I knew they would all come back. But it was the emotional side of it that had me crying most of the time. However strong and supportive your husband and family is, you still want to feel young, don’t you?It was a traumatic period; chemotherapy takes everything away from your mind. I cannot really recall anything that happened during this period. There were times when I asked aloud, ‘Why me?’ But when I saw my husband put on a brave face (at least in front of me!) and was supportive, I felt I was lucky to have him as my strength and succour.

I went in for radiation therapy as well and was finally given an all-clear by the doctor in early 2008. I went for a check-up every six months and now do only go only once a year.

Am I scared that the cancer will come back? There is of course, the five-year waiting period to go through. I am human and therefore, I am scared! Every time I feel a change in my body, the fear comes rushing back. Once, there was a growth that doctors first felt was cancerous, but later turned out to be benign. When things like these happen, the whole world stops and you cannot function anymore.

But the faith is there... especially faith in God which should be a given, no matter what religion you believe in. In between the treatment, I also managed to offer Umrah prayers that helped me a great deal.All I require from people now is understanding, not sympathy or pity. The same I look forward to from medical professionals as well. I went for a ultrasound as part of my check-up and the doctor on hearing how young I was said: “You are plain unlucky!” The thoughtless remark shattered me and it took me some time to get over that statement.

I must credit the people at work for being very supportive. It was emotional getting back after a long hiatus but I tried hard to be as normal as I was before, and I am happy to say that I have succeeded.I’d like to tell all women out there to be aware that breast cancer can strike even women in their 20s. So it pays to be aware and start self breast examination from the age of 20. And never, ever hesitate to consult a doctor if you don’t feel good about any changes in your body.

Today, I am as ‘normal’ as normal can be. I am not on medicines though I do experience some body aches from time to time. But I am happy also to a large degree.Now, I want to become a mother and have a family of my own. Inshallah, I look forward to having a large family that will make me feel complete in every sense.”

– As told to Rekha Baala

OCTOBER 2010

WOMEN 20 YEARS AND OLDER MUST DO A SELF-BREAST EXAMINATION EVERY MONTH.

Page 22: Al Mara - English - October 2010

cover story – breast cancer awareness

OCTOBER 201020

“My name is Laila bint Mohammed Al Lamki. I am

a mother to three boys and a girl. I was born in 1951, worked at the Directorate of Museums, Ministry of Heritage and Culture and retired in 1996.

I noticed a lump in my armpit in 2007. I was already aware of breast cancer. My sister was struck by it in 2000 and I was with her when she underwent treatment in the US.

I went to Wattayah Medical Centre without telling anybody except my husband. There I had a mammogram done. I was told that more tests were needed and they referred me to the Royal Hospital for a biopsy.

The doctor was a little hesitant to tell me about the results. I told him that I would accept whatever it was, as I had utmost faith and belief in God. I knew what breast cancer was, the experience with my sister had taught me what to expect. ‘Is it breast cancer?’ I asked bravely. And he said it was.

I don’t deny that I cried and broke down when I first heard of my sister having breast cancer. Maybe because she was the first to have it and she had little kids who needed her. She lived only till the age of 51 but she did everything she could do to make herself and her family happy.

I went to do my chemotherapy abroad. It was a very difficult period for me. My

daughter was pregnant with her first child and I desperately wanted to be with her. I accepted whatever came with chemotherapy including the hair fall. I even asked my kids to take pictures of me when I was bald. There are plenty of other side effects too and it depends on the ability of the person to face them all. Throughout the treatment, I tried to keep myself in good spirits. I tried to look at the bright side of things.

During chemotherapy, I stayed for some time in the same place. I went sight-seeing, had dinner at fine dining places and I allowed life to go on as usual. Would you believe it, in three months, another sister of mine was detected with colon cancer and I joined her at the same place?

Three sisters of mine have been detected with breast cancer and one with colon cancer. One may think that I would have broken down completely. But I can say that it is my courage and strength that has kept me going, not to mention my faith in God. I believe that God tests our faith in many ways and for me, this was one way.

It’s been three years since I was first diagnosed with stage two of breast cancer. I went through different types of treatments; chemotherapy, radiotherapy and also underwent a mastectomy. The greatest thing a woman can do for herself is to be aware. Go for regular breast examinations for early diagnosis aids early intervention and cure. Do not hesitate to go to the nearest medical centre if you notice anything wrong in your breast area. Do not be afraid. Breast cancer is curable.

Also, remember that if you are diagnosed with breast cancer, it is not the end of life. We in Oman are extremely blessed and lucky to have everything at our disposal – tests for diagnosis and treatment and here the Government takes care of everything.

Above all, one must keep the faith. For if you have faith, half the battle is won. ■

– As told to Rana Alawneh

Of Life &A breast cancer survivor tells Al Mar’a how faith in oneself and in God goes a long way in battling the disease...

BELIEF

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OCTOBER 201022

“Noora*, now 35 years old, found some lumpiness on her breast in 2007. She was breast-feeding her second child who was then one-and-a-half years.

She had a history of breast cancer in her family. Her mother, uncle and grandmother had all succumbed to the disease. In early 2008, she went for a check-up at a local hospital after she experienced some pain in her breasts and an X-ray showed a lump less than one centimetre.

Later, an ultrasound showed that there was no definite lump but just a thickening. But since she had a significant history of breast cancer in the family, the doctor decided to go in for an excision of the area and the report came in as malignancy but low-grade breast cancer.

Noora was told that she would have to go in for a wide local excision and that was found to be completely tumour free. The gap between the first and second surgery was two months. The patient did not have to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Since then, she has been following up with an ultrasound every year.

In August this year, she also delivered a healthy baby and has also been breastfeeding.

The important lesson that one learns from Noora’s experience is that early detection can pick up lumps that are very tiny and even smaller than 1 cm.

Early diagnosis ensures a 100 per cent cure and an excellent survival rate. And this in turn means that they can continue to lead a normal life and even have children.

A woman should do a self-breast examination every month from the age of 20 and go for a clinical breast examination once in every year from the age of 35. This is should also be followed by an ultrasound and a mammogram after the age of 40.

A lot of women are scared to come in for breast examinations. There is fear of diagnosis. But remember that the goal of screening is to find cancers before they start to cause the symptoms. So get yourselves screened regularly and without fail.

Remember, being aware would make a huge difference in facing and battling breast cancer and living a normal life.”

– As told to Rekha Baala

Be Aware!Is it possible to lead a normal life and have children after being diagnosed with breast cancer? Dr. Rajyashree N. Kutty says yes and illustrates an example to drive home the point...

*Name changed on request

(Dr Rajyashree N. Kutty is specialist surgeon – Barakath Al Noor and is also affiliated with Muscat Private Hospital, Al Raffah Hospital and Atlas Medical Centre.)

As part of their Breast Cancer Awareness Month Programme, Barakath Al Noor is offering a free breast check for teachers on Thursdays. For appointments contact: 98262584, 95063185

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER MAY INCLUDE: • A breast lump or thickening that feels

different from the surrounding tissue. • Bloody discharge from the nipple. • Change in the size or shape of a breast. • Changes to the skin over the breast,

such as dimpling. • Inverted nipple. • Peeling or flaking of the nipple skin. • Redness or pitting of the skin over your

breast.

RISK FACTORSBeing female- Women are much more likely than men are to develop breast cancer. Increasing age- Your risk of breast cancer increases as you age. Women older than 60 have a greater risk than do younger women. A personal history of breast cancer- If you’ve had breast cancer in one breast, you have an increased risk of developing cancer in the other breast. A family history of breast cancer- If you have a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer, you have a greater chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Still, the majority of people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Inherited genes that increase cancer risk- Certain gene mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer can be passed from parents to children. The most common gene mutations are referred to as BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes can greatly increase your risk of breast cancer and other cancers, but they don’t make cancer inevitable. Radiation exposure- If you received radiation treatments to your chest as a child or young adult, you’re more likely to develop breast cancer later in life. Obesity - Being overweight or obese increases your risk of breast cancer. Beginning your period at a younger age- Beginning your period before age 12 increases your risk of breast cancer. Beginning menopause at an older age - If you began menopause after age 55, you’re more likely to develop breast cancer. Having your first child at an older age- Women who give birth to their first child after age 35 may have an increased risk of breast cancer. Postmenopausal hormone therapy- Women who take hormone therapy medications that combine estrogen and progesterone to treat the signs and symptoms of menopause have an increased risk of breast cancer.

(International guidelines)

(Get 25% off on a Mammogram at Welcare Diagnostic & Treatment Centre by showing this copy of Al Mar’a)

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23OCTOBER 2010

Breast reconstruction can help patients who have undergone a mastectomy and it’s not a very complicated or dangerous process, says Dr A. Wayne Smith, consultant plastic surgeon at Muscat Private Hospital.

Undergoing treatment for breast cancer is a traumatic process for any patient. And if you have

to undergo a mastectomy (removal of breast), the effects and scars are not just physical but psychological as well.

Breast reconstruction is a type of surgery for women who have had a breast removed. It is used to restore a positive body image and allow you to look and feel as comfortable as possible. New medical techniques have made it possible for surgeons to create a breast that comes close in shape and appearance to a natural breast. There are different methods used for breast reconstruction surgery. Reconstruction can be done at the same time as the mastectomy or later.

Dr. A. Wayne Smith, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Muscat Private Hospital gives us an insight into how breast reconstruction can change the lives of those who have had a mastectomy.Dr. Smith has done many breast reconstruction surgeries but very few in Oman. This he believes is because there is a very low awareness of the surgery here in Oman.

“One must understand that the with diagnosis of breast cancer, a woman’s instant reaction is fear and loss of hope. Breast reconstruction gives hope. A person can go to sleep with breast

cancer, have a mastectomy and wake up with a new breast in the same operation. This I feel is the best approach to breast cancer,” he says.

The problem, Dr Smith feels lies in the fact that patients are not informed of their options. “But every human being has rights and the lowest right is the right to know. We should not withhold information from a person. Even if a person is uneducated, we should communicate to that level. So, every person’s right to know and right to reconstruction should be respected before undergoing mastectomy. And sadly, this does not happen often enough.”

Many options exist for breast reconstruction. You can do a tummy tuck, use the fat to make a new breast and get fantastic results or implants may be used.

“When a woman undergoes a mastectomy without immediate reconstruction, she has to wear a bra with a prosthesis that could keep falling

off. The breasts would never look equal. This impacts their lives. Psychologists call it the ‘post-mastectomy’ or the ‘mastectomy syndrome’. These women are emotionally fragile and physically scarred as well. It’s a huge problem and often not necessary at all,” he informs.

Dr Smith advises that the patient should see a plastic surgeon before the mastectomy. “The surgeon can advise when the best time is and what is the best technique of breast reconstruction suitable for the patient. When I meet a patient, I take into account many factors that may determine the right type of surgery needed.”

The risk in breast reconstruction surgeries is less than three or four per cent. “The women definitely feel good after the operation and she feels more normal and less ‘scarred’. What is important that even when partial mastectomy is done, breast reconstruction is possible. The lump can be taken out and when the breast is smaller, the size of the other breast can be reduced too!”

Choosing breast reconstruction is about feeling normal and healthy, and goes a long way in restoring self-esteem and giving a sense of hope and purpose. After all, it’s every woman’s right to lead a fulfilling and happy life and feel good about it! ■

Ray of Hope

“THE RISK IN BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERIES IS LESS

THAN THREE OR FOUR PER CENT.”

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OCTOBER 201024

It is a known fact that Yuthar Al Rawahi has been the guiding force behind the various initiatives

of the National Association for Cancer Awareness (NACA).

A cancer survivor herself, Yuthar promised herself while she was under active treatment, that if she were to survive her third cancer, she would dedicate the time to develop a patient advocacy group in Oman. The concept was to create awareness on cancer so that people could accept the disease and work for its early intervention, and successful treatment, through self-examination and early diagnosis.

For the past 10 years, she has left no stone unturned to make early awareness and diagnosis of cancer, the principal aims of her life.

Recently, after having stepped down as Chairperson of NACA, Yuthar solely dedicates her time and efforts to her two babies as she calls them, the

Mobile Mammography Unit launched in November last year and Home Away From Home, the association’s latest project to be launched soon.

AWARENESS ON THE GOOman’s first Mobile Mammography Unit built at a cost or Rials 388,000 was a major step in minimising the devastating effects of breast cancer through early and timely detection.

“The response to the Mobile Unit has been tremendous. It has travelled all the way to Salalah and back and after a small gap, we are going around the country again,” says Yuthar.

She describes in awe the mammoth reception the unit received in Salalah. “Travelling in a vehicle behind the Unit, I could see a sea of black from a distance. They looked like birds. On arriving at the health centre, I could see a large number of women waiting their turn. These women were in turn, calling their friends and asking them to come over. I was amazed at

Instrument of CHANGE

The National Association for Cancer Awareness (NACA) is a leading NGO dedicated to the cause of cancer awareness in Oman. Rekha Baala speaks to NACA founder Yuthar Mohammed Al Rawahi on the

association’s latest projects.

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25OCTOBER 2010

what awareness could do,” she adds.The Mobile Mammography Unit is now hoping to have its own dedicated radiographer to conduct the digital mammograms. Meanwhile they are thankful for the support they have received from the radiographers from the Ministry of Health. More than 1,600 women have been screened by the unit so far and two cases of breast cancer have been confirmed after the initial screenings.

Yuthar hopes that more and more people will come forward to do the mammograms that are offered free of cost for Omanis and expatriates. “In fact, we also offer free clinical

breast examination every month at the Association premises. I wish more women could come forward for that too,” says Yuthar.

HOME AWAY FROM HOMEYuthar is currently involved with the ‘Home Away From Home’ project that aims at providing a home for children undergoing treatment for cancer. It will be a centre where these children can stay with their parents during the period where they come for treatment, check-up or follow-ups. It will mostly cater to children and parents who come from outside the capital area.

“The centre which will be located near the Royal Hospital can house up to 15 families and will provide free board, food and shuttle service to and from the hospital. A band of dedicated staff and volunteers will ensure its smooth functioning,” says Yuthar.

“What we require is help to keep the centre running smoothly. For this we require more corporate and individuals to come forward. People can help out with different kinds of services as well. It’s a first-of-its-kind in Oman and we need all the support we can get.”

CHANGING PERCEPTIONSYuthar is happy that perceptions towards cancer and those afflicted have certainly changed in the last few years. “I remember in the earlier years, people used to throw the pamphlets back at me. Now everyone comes to the Association and is willing to discuss and work on awareness as well. This is a welcome change,” she says.

But cancer awareness has to be reiterated and reinforced all the time. “People are willing to spend 100 rials on jewellery or a fancy dress. But they tend to hesitate when it comes to spending on health tests. This has to change because one must understand that cancer can strike anyone,” says Yuthar.

“There is still a stigma attached to the word cancer and we are trying hard to break it. In the meanwhile, people should be aware of the causes and the effects and why it is important to lead healthy lives.”Here’s to more power to women like Yuthar and their pioneering efforts... They are surely trying to make the change they wish to see... And helping make the world a better and healthier place to live in. ■

“PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO SPEND 100 RIALS ON JEWELLERY OR A FANCY DRESS. BUT THEY TEND

TO HESITATE WHEN IT COMES TO SPENDING ON

HEALTH TESTS.”

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OCTOBER 201026

exclusive

It is a well-known fact that women in Oman enjoy a high status and priority in the country’s social and economic development. They have

always been encouraged to play a major role in nation-building alongside their male counterparts.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has repeatedly called upon female citizens to lend their full support to the continuing development of the country. It is no wonder, then, that Omani women are forging ahead in every walk of life.

The Personal Status Laws guarantee Omani women equal rights in education and employment, a reality reflected in the presence of women as government ministers, entrepreneurs and academics.

Omani women now occupy senior posts across both public and private sectors and even in government. One such shining example is H.E. Dr. Sharifa bint Khalfan al Yahya’eyah, Minister of Social Development who plays a leading role in the continuing empowerment of women in the Sultanate.

The Symposium on Omani women held last year was organised by the Ministry of Social Development and was fully devoted to women in society. It was also announced at the Symposium that His Majesty the Sultan has designated October 17 as Omani Women’s Day – to celebrate the achievements of Omani women.

A year later, Al Mar’a speaks to H.E. Dr. Sharifa on the progress made following the Symposium and what we can look forward to in the future.

Can you tell us what steps and recommendations have been made after the conclusion of the Omani Women’s Symposium last year?“The year has seen the formation of a number of main and sub-committees to activate the recommendations of the Symposium. The main committee is headed by the Ministry of Social Development which is in charge of women-related issues. The sub-committees comprise other public and private institutions in charge of women’s affairs including some NGOs.

“A number of ad-hoc committees were also constituted to turn the recommendations into reality. There are also specialised teams working on implementing those related to the legislative framework, laws, and political systems related to women, family, social aspects, associations, volunteerism, training, rehabilitation and supporting the Omani woman’s participation at the parliamentary elections.”

How do these teams function? “The main committee acts as a communication link for all the sub- committees and work teams. The respective authorities will co-ordinate to ensure that proper funding is availed of to implement the recommendations. While there are recommendations such as the Omani Women’s Day and Volunteerism Day that need annual budgets; other recommendations that may be put into force in the coming five-year plan include training and drafting of new laws.”

Are you satisfied with the progress made till date?

Strengthof a

WomanH.E. Dr. Sharifa bint Khalfan Al Yahya’eyah, Minister of Social Development speaks to Rana Alawneh on the progress made after the Symposium on Omani women, the challenges and

achievements and women’s empowerment in the Sultanate.

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27OCTOBER 2010

“The year has gone by quickly and now we are approaching the Omani Women’s Day. While I am satisfied with the progress made till date, I still feel that more effort needs to be put in. I also believe that we need to carefully study our projects or programmes and they should be handled in a better way than before.”

Do you face any difficulties or challenges while trying to turn the recommendations into reality? “At present, I cannot say that we faced challenges. It’s only a year and most of the time has gone in drafting the plans and executive programmes for putting the recommendations into force.”

What are the agencies that should provide support to women’s empowerment as outlined in the recommendations? “We are very optimistic of the cooperation level because the seminar came in response to the royal order and the recommendations were also approved and blessed by His Majesty the Sultan. All the respective organisations are very keen on ensuring smooth implementation of the recommendations. It should be noted that the recommendations will not have only positive effects on the Omani women but also on the Omani society in general. We hope that the Omani Women’s Day will not be just a promotional or ceremonial day but rather an opportunity to initiate realistic projects that serve the Omani woman on one hand and the Omani family and society on the other.”

What are the negative perceptions, especially those related to women, that the Ministry finds challenging? “Unfortunately there are some misconceptions regarding the Omani woman. I don’t consider this a challenge but rather an opportunity to work harder to change these misconceptions. The Ministry believes that more work needs to be done to build a woman’s trust in

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OCTOBER 201028

her capabilities. Men may not necessarily face these challenges, maybe because of the mentality, his physical structure or even the social perceptions. Man is always proud that he is a man. Why shouldn’t a woman feel the same? Does she suffer from any innate weakness or congenital defects that deter her from playing her roles? No, not at all!”

Many might believe that this is because women are physically weaker than men? What do you feel?“The woman is not weak at all. She passes through some of the most trying physical experiences in life like pregnancy, delivery, hormonal changes and others. These make her stronger than men. Tell me; is there anything more difficult than giving birth?”

Is this also one of your major concerns, the empowerment of women?“Yes. Many times, I hear statements from

women like, ‘It is unbecoming of me as a woman to do this or that!’ I always tell them that I am proud of being a woman. I should fulfill my duty towards my home as well as play an active role in society. When a woman goes out to study or work, she should never feel inferior to men but equal to them.

“Many blindly repeat the Quranic verse, ‘A male is not like a female!’ Yes, they are indeed different and that makes being a woman a privilege.”

Do women need seminars, workshops or special programmes to help them realise their potential?“The Omani woman needs a package of stimulants that include science, knowledge, and awareness of her role and confidence in her abilities. Also, we need to care more about the way we bring up our daughters. They should not be told that they are weak. I don’t like those who excessively pamper their daughters

because this gives the impression that they are pampered because they are weak.”

How do you evaluate the performance of the Omani Women’s Associations? “Each association represents the wilayat itself. We should take into consideration the cultural difference along with the economic, social and intellectual ones. There are many factors that affect the performance of any given association. What we wish from the Omani Women’s Association is that they should keep pace with the developments witnessed by the Sultanate.”

Many complain of lack of funds and poor performance of the administrators in charge of these associations. What is your take on this?“I do not believe that one of the main challenges before this association is the lack of funds. It should be noted that these organisations are not governmental. They

exclusive

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29OCTOBER 2010

receive some funds from the government to pay for operational expenses. The budget allocation for this purpose has been doubled, as we have noted in the Symposium for Omani Women in 2009. The other sources for funding these associations are through various activities and subscription fees. What we need now is to implement programmes that are in line with the progress and development made by the society.

“The boards are also not professional enough to keep pace with the social changes in the society. They do not lack the academic qualifications but rather awareness of the programmes that meet the needs of their communities. I call upon educated and knowledgeable women, even those retired, to play an active role in their communities and share their experiences with the Omani Women’s Association at their wilayats to bring about positive results.”

What has changed in your

personality since you became a minister? “On a personal level, nothing has changed from the days when I was a student. On the career front, there have a number of changes. I have moved from teaching a small group of students to a very large field where I handle social, intellectual, knowledge and thought issues for different sections of society. As the minister of social development, I cover many sectors that include women, early childhood, orphans, geriatrics, minors, handicapped and others.”

Are you pleased with the achievements of the Omani woman? “I come from the 70’s generation. I learnt a number of values from my mother like self confidence, trust, self-esteem and love for knowledge. I am also one of those who believed high in their capabilities and the belief that when it comes to ambition, the sky is the limit.

Though we lacked education and training

opportunities in the beginning, we were confident that we would surely achieve something one day. And all this is thanks to our social upbringing that gave us the power to fulfill our responsibilities efficiently.

“Women in those days were working in the fields and farms with their husbands. They were also in charge of caring for the whole family. Women therefore are required to work hard to prove themselves in all walks of life.

“I can’t say that I am completely satisfied with the development and progress made by women. Challenge gives life a meaning. So long you are breathing, there will also be challenges to overcome. In that sense, it should be clear that you are not challenging others, but rather challenging yourself and your ability to perform better. When I complete my mission, there will be a new generation that will continue with these challenges.” ■

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OCTOBER 201030

inspiration

Of all the senses, the one that most of us take for granted is the sense of sight. Just close your eyes or blindfold them

for even half-an-hour and it won’t take you long to realise that vision is perhaps the greatest gift God has given you. Would you be able to repeat this exercise for half a day or even a whole day? How would you get by? Wouldn’t it feel like your whole world has come crashing down and perhaps there is really nothing to live for?

The lives of the visually-challenged are therefore lessons in hope, optimism, courage and determination. We have for you one such inspiration, a woman who has moved beyond her ‘disability’ and challenges to achieve what she wanted to do. And now, she remains there, right at the top, an epitome for all of us to believe that ‘there are no

A Visionary H.H. Sayyidah Shariffa Khalid Al Said may be visually challenged,

but that does not deter her from seeing dreams and making them a reality.Her story is an eye opener for all of us, says Rekha Baala

limits, except the ones that we place on ourselves’ and that challenges are how ‘we perceive them’.

H.H. Sayyidah Shariffa Khalid Al Said’s story is one of struggle, but it also one of hope! She is living proof that if you have the courage, you can move mountains. All you need is faith in yourself and the tenacity to keep going, even if the odds are against you!

Sayyidah Shariffa recently received a doctorate from Columbia University in the subject ‘Expanding the definition pertaining to blind and vision-impaired individuals who are auditory learners’. This was a subject after her own heart.

“I was trying to prove that even though you couldn’t write or write, you could still be considered a literate person,” she says.

She explains it further by illustrating her own example. “I went through my whole education with the help of auditory learning aids. I did not go through it the traditional way by doing Braille.”

To trace Sayyidah Shariffa’s significant achievement, it is necessary to understand how it all began. She was born in Zanzibar and travelled to a few places, lived in Oman for a while and later accompanied her diplomat father to the United States where he worked with the United Nations.

Her condition is called retinitis pigmentosa (where the nerves of the eyes are dead) and she had some vision during

her childhood that slowly diminished over time.

“I was fortunate to be in the US and graduated with a bachelor’s in special education following it up with a Masters’. I came back to Oman and worked for seven years as a social worker at a school for the mentally challenged,” she says.

But her ultimate dream was to go back to the US and do a Ph.D. She applied for scholarships at the Ministry of Education but it was declined, though the ministry had funded her for the first two degrees.

“But I had a dream to achieve and no one was going to stand in the way. So I took a

bank loan for the first year. Living in New York is very expensive and money was never enough. I had to put my house up for sale and utilised a part of the money to buy a co-op while the rest of it went entirely towards my education.”

And if the money problems weren’t enough, she had to face challenges on the personal front too. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and she had to come back to Oman to be with her. After she went back, her father fell sick and passed away. She also spent eight months with her sister in London who was undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

“I felt that I was doomed and I was never going to complete my doctorate. But whatever the odds were, I was willing to take them on,” she says of those trying times.

It is evident that sheer grit and determination has carried her through. “A lot of strength comes from within. I had a lot of faith. I had to work extra hard than anyone else. I needed to show people that that having a disability means that one can do things well, if not better than a normal person.”

How did she cope with life alone in the US? “I cope better in the US than here in Oman. I commuted by public transport and lived alone. But it was not all ‘peaches and cream’. There were days when it was really rough, especially when it snowed. But there was always an angel out there when I needed help. If I got disoriented, somebody ask what

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31OCTOBER 2010

I wanted. I had a lot of good friends who would also give me a ride home when required,” she says.

It was a 12-year-long struggle but at the end of it all, it is a happy feeling for Sayyidah Shariffa. She is glad that her achievement coincides with the 40th year of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s Renaissance. “This is my special gift to him,” she says.

Now back in Oman, she is involved with the Omar bin Khattab Institute for the Blind. “I work at the centre as a consult-ant and right now am spending time with the teachers, and working at what changes need to be made. I would also like to get involved with the Al Noor As-sociation for the Blind.”

Have perceptions towards the visually-challenged changed in Oman? What does she feel? Sayyidah Shariffa is happy that things have changed ‘but we still have a long way to go’. “We need facilities, ac-cessibilities in buildings and people to be able to travel independently without oth-ers laughing at them. At least, I am happy about the fact they are no longer hidden in their houses.”

She is also quite appalled that there are still people who look down upon these challenged people and feel pity for them.

“I always say that I don’t need the pity. I have already accepted my loss of vision, what I am and what I have and I pity people who cannot accept that. I can say that I have achieved far more than these people ever will.”

She continues to lead a normal life like you and me, enjoys travelling or going out to the movies. She also wants to polish her Arabic skills. In short, live life to the fullest.

Sayyidah Sharifa is indeed an empowered woman, believing in herself and working to help others do the same.

As she rightly puts it, “The world’s the oyster. And the sky’s the limit!” ■

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OCTOBER 201032

event

It is supposedly the newest smartphone that is all set to define the concept of smartphones currently available in the market.

There are mobiles, and then there are some! The N8, Nokia’s latest offering promises to bring a true social computing experience that combines great usability with a personalisable and fast user interface.

The new smartphone is not just about connecting! It’s also about Creating and Connecting! The possibilities are exciting and endless. Take a load of this. The Nokia N8 introduces a 12-megapixel camera with Car Zeiss optics, Xenon flash and a large sensor. And that’s not all! It also arms you with the ability to make HD-quality videos and edit them with an intuitive built-in editing suite. It also doubles up as a portable entertainment centre where people can enjoy HD-quality video with Dolby Digital Plus Surround Sound by plugging into their home theatre system. The Nokia N8 enables access to Web TV services that deliver programs, news and entertainment from channels like CNN, E! Entertainment, Paramount and National Geographic. Additional local Web TV content is also available from the Ovi Store.

With the entire world riding on the social networking bandwagon, it’s imperative that your mobile recognises your need to constantly ‘connect’ and ‘keep in touch’! On the Nokia N8, people can update their status, share location and photos and view live feeds from Facebook and Twitter in a single app directly on the home screen.

The Nokia N8 also comes free with global Ovi Maps walk and drive navigation, guiding people to places and points of interest in more than 70 countries worldwide.

Powering the Nokia N8 is Symbian ̂ 3, the latest edition of the world’s most used smartphone software, which introduces several major ad-vances, including support for gestures such as multi touch, flick scroll-ing and pinch-zoom. The Nokia N8 also offers multiple, personaliseable homescreens which can be loaded with apps and widgets.

Go, get the new Nokia N8! In this multi-tasking world, you couldn’t ask for a ‘smarter’ companion! ■Sm

art O

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The new Nokia N8 is fast, intuitive and comes packed with a load of ‘smart’ features. Rekha Baala was part of the exciting pre-launch event in Dubai recently...

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33OCTOBER 2010

A honeymoon is one of the few times in your life when you get to go away with your better half - guilt free! There are no kids to worry about (yet), everybody remembers that you’re on holiday

and holds off on those crazy late night phone calls, everybody respects your privacy and your need to well... gloat... in wedded bliss- for a short while at least. It’s perhaps the only time in your life, when you can laze around on sun kissed beaches (remember the sunscreen please!), go through a wide selection of cocktails and mocktails, while oohing and aahing over your new husband/wife.

It sounds wonderful doesn’t it? It is. The trouble is it’s hard to pick from so many beautiful places in the world where exactly you would want to go. A lot of people like quiet places; secluded spots where they can play the role of love birds to a tee. Other couples prefer more adventurous trips. What’s our verdict? Disneylaaand! Ok, well maybe not only Disneyland; to each their own is basically the message we’re trying to convey here. But, we did want to offer up some choice alternatives to all couples out there contemplating planning a honeymoon. Our list includes all sorts of top vacation spots and includes something for every sort of couple out there. So get on the phone with your travel agent. Let us tell you....hotels and places book up fast! H

APP

ILY

ever

afte

r!

Say hello to sun

kissed beaches, luxurious spas and

enough romance to last you a lifetime! Here are

some of the world's top honeymoon

destinations!

travel

33OCTOBER 2010

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OCTOBER 201034

interviewtravel

ROME, ITALYWe know, we know, it’s a bit of a cliché, but can you blame us? We’re talking scrumptious pizzas, glorious fountains, the ability to use the word ‘bella’ with exaggerated hand gestures (and miracle of miracles no one laughs at you). What better place to celebrate your love, than in the city that’s in itself, a monument to love? Places to see are the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, the Trevi fountain and of course, St. Peter’s Basilica. If you want to spend your time licking gelato’s, sipping coffee or eating pizza, while throwing coins into fountains for luck and staring at each other adoringly instead... well then, what better place than the Eternal City?

PARIS, FRANCEAh, l’Amour, l’Amour. Ok, pseudo French accents aside... Paris is THE place to honeymoon. Sunset cruises, picnics set up by the Eiffel tower as you watch it light up at night and no worrying about PDA. Stroll hand in hand through the Luxembourg Gardens, sample the world’s best wines, or maybe, if you’re up for

LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA

Think of Malaysia and what comes to mind? The very famous tune ‘Malaysia truly Asia’ of course! Thing is, Malaysia truly is Asia. Tropical weather, lush green scenery and glorious beaches; the country is the hub of cultural diversity. But we’re not going to recommend Kuala Lumpur as the honeymoon destination. Sure, the city is beautiful, and the Petronas is one of the few sites in the world that are just as awe inspiring up close as they are on TV, but for your honeymoon, we recommend Langkawi. It’s one of the 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast and let us tell you, it’s all turquoise beaches, white sand and water sports (for the more adventurous amongst us). Oddly enough, the island also has a ‘black sand’ beach (the sand is black.... duh!). Spend your evenings watching the sun go down at the beach with your loved one. The island also boasts a very active night life- go dancing! Try the cable cars, or banana boating during the day. The Go-Karting is also fun! Most of all though make sure to dine out. Food’s relatively inexpensive, and if you and your partner are a fan of sea food then this is the place to be! Scrumptious buttered prawns, oysters and shrimps- you name it, they have it. This is one island that’s sure to set a wonderful precedent for wedded bliss!

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35OCTOBER 2010

some plain ol’ fun visit Disneyland Paris! There’s a lot of lovin’ that can take place in the City of Lurve, so head on out!

CARIBBEAN CRUISESPicture this, a luxury hotel, spas, chocolates on your pillow at night, couples massages, elegant dinners and lunches, miles and miles of ocean, panoramic views of sunsets and sunrises, and just you and your better half. Yep, that’s right, try out a 5 star luxury Caribbean Cruise. There’s all sorts out there, and some cruises recommend add on packages so you can ‘customise’ your trip. Sailing past some of the most glorious islands on the planet, is this heaven?

THE TAJ MAHAL, INDIAThis isn’t a trip for those of you looking to laze around on beaches. But, there’s no denying that India is chockfull of delicious cuisine, beautiful clothes, colourful shopping and of course, mind boggling cultural traditions. Most

importantly, India is home to one of the most celebrated monuments to love- the Taj Mahal. Built by a Mughal Emperor as a testament to his everlasting love for his late wife, the Taj is definitely impressive as an architectural achievement and a tribute to lovers everywhere. Why not turn your honeymoon into a cultural experience, the Taj Mahal the crown jewel to cap off your trip? We promise you, it will be a honeymoon worth remembering!

So there you have it folks. We’ve gone from the luxurious Caribbean to India, from islands off the coast of Malaysia to the Spanish Steps in Rome.... but there is one very important tip that we’re going to leave you with- It doesn’t matter where you are or how long you’re there for. Your honeymoon is going to be great- as long as you’re with the one you love.

Here’s to wedded bliss and happily ever afters! ■

CANCUN, MEXICO

This one’s for the more adventurous amongst us. Who says you can’t have an action packed vacation, while indulging yourselves in heady, unabashed luxury? Cancun makes it possible. Try scuba diving, kayaking, swimming and fishing. Many of the excellent resorts on this Caribbean island have trainers who can guide you in the mysterious ways of water sports. Alternatively you can sunbathe on the beaches; the pristine blue Caribbean waters provide the perfect background to romance. Downtown Cancun is also famous for its nightlife and boasts some of the best nightclubs in the world. If you’ve said your I Do’s, get your flights booked and get ready for a wild and exciting honeymoon. This one’s definitely going to be something to tell the grandkids about! Well... not the intimate details... but you know what we mean...

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OCTOBER 201036

fashion plus

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Gorgeous silhouettes, slimming cuts and oodles of class; what more can a woman ask of her

clothes? Every woman has at least one black piece of clothing in their wardrobe - it could be a hat, a shirt, a pair of casual pants, even shoes.

BLACK AND DIAMONDS? GOLD. Often people will say, “Pink is the new black” or “Orange is the new black”, foolishly forgetting that these colours, though very pretty, cannot match up to the shade black. Truth be told it’s a dull shade- so colourless, it cannot even be classified as a colour and yet, here we are, our wardrobes swimming in it. Why do women cling to black clothes? This month we give you a host of reasons why black should be (if it isn’t already) your new favourite colour!

THOU SHALT HIDE THE MISDEMEANOURSA night out is always great fun. Chances are the people around you indulging in ‘fun nights out’ are equally exuberant about the idea. Friday night almost always equals drinks spilled on dresses, sweaty pits (come on, you know it’s true!) and best friends crying on your shoulder Now, there’s only so much hooliganism a white shirt can take. Your basic black though? It’s almost always a winner. Wring it through the worst of weekend parties and your black top or pants will come out

looking like nothing ever happened. Black hides all manner of stains and sins and that’s why we love it!

THOU SHALT MATCH... WITH EVERYTHINGIf you’re out shopping, and can’t decide whether to splurge on the new blue handbag or the black one, always pick black. Sure colour’s nice, and if you can afford to categorise your handbags by outfit go for it, but for most of us, this turns out to be a little expensive. With black though, you can almost never go wrong. Black accessories can be paired with all sorts of outfits to give you a classy look. Try pairing your new black clutch with your new business suit – instant glam. Basic black shoes or heels are a must have for every girl. Not only do they make the feet look slimmer and fairer, but they also go with all sorts of outfits!

THOU SHALT MAKE ME THINFeeling fat? Fear not, black is here. Don a black top and look ten pounds thinner. The shade hides unsightly flab and ‘melts’ fat away, giving us the very flattering illusion that *gasp* we’re kind of gorgeous. The opposite shade, white, often makes people look wider. And we all know that if you give a woman the choice between thin and wide, well... she’ll definitely pick thin. Every time. Black also makes your natural skin tone pop, enhancing your natural beauty,

BLACKBlack, they say, is a girl’s best friend... after diamonds of course! Here’s why for the true fashionista, black will never go out of fashion...

IS BEAUTIFUL

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OCTOBER 201038

THOU SHALT BE CLASSYOne of the best things about black clothes is that the same outfit can be either dressed up or dressed down. The shade is so subtle that glammin’ it up takes little effort. Pair your new simple black dress with some big glittery earrings and some bronzer, and voila! You’re good for a night out on the town. On the other hand, take the same black dress, remove the bronzer, tie up your hair in a messy bun, and chances are you can pull of a trip to the mall. Sure, you’ll get a few admiring looks, but well... it is slimming, that new black dress...

THOU SHALT BE AVAILABLEHats, shoes, belts, pants, trousers, capris, shirts, dresses, sweaters, jumpers, hoodies- you name it and they’ve made it in black. That’s the great thing about the shade, it’s readily available with everything, and because it’s such a dramatic-yet-subtle shade, it tends to sell a lot as well. Every tried buying neon yellow capris? It’s murder out there. Black is safe, black is

comfort, black, dear girls, is always there for you!

THOU SHALT LOOK GOOD ON HIM TOOThose Bermuda shorts he’s been wearing are so passé. Not to mention a little embarrassing. When will men understand that basic black is the only way to go? Barney from How I Met Your Mother implores men everywhere to ‘suit up’ if they want to get the girl of their dreams. Wise words. A guy in black suit is stunning. Now switch the black suit for a powder blue one?

We rest our case.

So there you have it ladies, some simple reasons why going black is a choice you will not regret. Now critics (and hippies) will point out that black is boring, not to mention not a very summery colour. To the advocates of the ‘black is boring’ is boring argument, we say, there’s a difference between boring and classy. Plus,

fashion plus

you can always ‘wake up’ the outfit by donning some colourful accessories. Try pairing a simple black tee with an over sized bright orange beaded necklace, and the colour will probably pop more than it usually would with the help of the basic black back ground.

About black not being suitable for summer, well scientifically it is true that the shade black absorbs light and heat. So yes, if you’re going out trekking in the mountains on a fine summer afternoon in the blazing heat, it would probably be unwise to put on a full black outfit. However, we must remember that most people spend their summers inside where there is some form of cooling system. If you’re in an air conditioned room you shouldn’t have to worry about your black outfit absorbing too much heat.

Also, remember we’re not saying forego all colour in your life forever, we’re just reminding all woman out there that the shade is flattering and suitable for almost all sorts of occasions. Women and black have the perfect relationship and you cannot mess with a good thing like that.

We thought we’d resist the urge to put in clichéd puns in the conclusion but the opportunity is almost too good to pass up.

Remember ladies, once you go black... oh never mind. ■

fashion plus

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OCTOBER 201040

splurge

To celebrate the occasion of its 150th anniversary, Chopard has launched a unique Haute Joaillerie collection of 150 unique animal-themed pieces. At Chopard, the deeply moving splendour of Nature and the creative genius of Man have united to give birth to something exceptional and mark a new marvel of Haute Joaillerie. The result? An extraordinary collection of beautiful, mysterious and dream-like animals.

AnimalInstincts

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For more details, contact Khimji’s Watches on 24699173.

41OCTOBER 2010

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1

OER’s Company Special on Oman Oil Marketing Co.

Scaling New Heights

OER’s Company Special on BankDhofar

NUMBER BANK IN OMAN1

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43OCTOBER 2010

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OCTOBER 201044

THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREEby Enid BlytonJoin Jo, Beth and Fannie in their adventures at the top of the Faraway Tree. Magic lingers on every page, from the endless feasts and picnics to thrilling escapades in places like the Land of Dreams, the Land of Do-As-You-Please, Birthday Land, Toy Land and much, much more. A charming read, guaranteed to fill children’s heads with a generous dollop of good old-fashioned magic.Ages: 9-12

THE CAT IN THE HATby Dr Seuss An amusing tale about how a cat brings about fun and chaos into the lives of two thoroughly bored siblings when their mother leaves them at home unattended. In classic Seuss style, with all the humour anyone could want, you will see the tricks that the cat has up his sleeve, and the results that follow. Cat, hat, and things, all make this story one to treasure.Ages: 4-8

TWILIGHT (THE TWILIGHT SAGA) by Stephenie Meyer When Bella Swan moves from sunny Phoenix to Forks, Washington, a damp and dreary town known for the most rainfall

in the United States, to live with her dad, she is not expecting to like it. After a series of events, Bella falls for Edward, her silent and mysterious lab partner. As Bella discovers more about Edward’s nature and his family, she is thrown headlong

reviews

The UltimateBook-a-thon

The top 10 must-reads for children of all ages

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE by C. S. Lewis The first book of the series and probably the best-known one is a fantasy novel like no other. Siblings Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan discover a world of magic behind the wardrobe door - a world frozen in perpetual winder under the White Witch’s reign. It’s up to the children to stand alongside Aslan, the Great Lion, and fight the Witch to free the land of Narnia. This powerful and moving tale is worth multiple reads and is sure to turn your child into an ardent C. S. Lewis fan.Ages: 9+

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45OCTOBER 2010

into a dangerous adventure that has her making a desperate sacrifice to save her one true love. An excellent read for both teens and adults.Ages: 14 and above

THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT by Beatrix PotterThe adventures of Peter Rabbit are sure to bring you and your children a whole lot of entertainment and laughs. Potter brings to life a family of rabbits with struggles similar to real-life family ones. Read about their determination to love each other even when it is not really easy to do so. At the end of it, you will learn a lesson that will last a lifetime.Ages: 4-7

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice SendakWhen Max, an extremely rambunctious child is sent to bed without any supper, he falls asleep only to dream of a magical world where he is the king of all things wild and terrible. Widely recognised as a classic, Where the Wild Things Are is a necessity for any small child’s library.Ages: 4-8

THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL by Anne FrankAnne Frank’s memoirs are perhaps the most touching and eloquent documents of the Holocaust. Anne describes her life in the secret annexe in a warehouse in Amsterdam, where she lived for two years with her family. Undoubtedly the best Holocaust children’s book in existence today, this book is sure to pull at your heartstrings.Ages: 14-16

THE LORD OF THE RINGS by J.R.R. Tolkien Tolkien’s epic story of the battle for Middle-Earth has captivated readers since the 1950s and has also spawned an Oscar-nominated trilogy of films.The three-volume series follows Frodo the hobbit and his loyal protectors as they journey to

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY by Roald DahlAlong with four other children, Charlie wins a golden ticket to be shown around Willy Wonka’s amazing Chocolate Factory. While Charlie blossoms on the trip, his four companions reach suitably sticky and disgusting ends as punishment for their revolting behaviour. Dahl has a beautifully mesmerising style of writing which is guaranteed to keep children’s noses glued to the book right till the end.Ages: 5-7

Mount Doom to destroy a dangerous and powerful ring, forged by the Dark Lord Sauron to rule all of Middle-Earth. Ages: 13 +

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE by J K RowlingHarry Potter certainly needs no introduction. The first book of the highly successful series starts off with Potter receiving a visit from Hagrid who informs him that his parents were wizards and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself. Delve into adventure as Potter and his friends Ron and Hermione battle evil and unravel the mystery behind Potter’s scar - and his past. A must for every bookshelf!Ages: 9 and above

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C sting The Net

In today’s digital age parents need to take a stand on what children should and shouldn’t be able to access online, says

Sushmita Sarkhel

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parenting

47OCTOBER 2010

If you are a parent who has got a child above the age of six, then chances are your child has been on the internet and/or uses it regularly. Youth today are “digital natives” – they

have grown up with the internet and have been using it since childhood and probably can’t imagine life without it. Being online is both a normal and integral part of life today – especially for the youth population. However, the internet presents certain dangers when it’s used by children. The question of whether the internet contains material unsuitable for children isn’t worth asking. It contains literally millions of unsuitable pages, and many of them are not protected by any kind of adult verification system.

Parents in Oman, however, can breathe a sigh of relief because virtually all websites with inappropriate content have been blocked. Even then there might be websites which have fallen under the radar and as parents it is our responsibility to ensure our children stay safe online.

Many search engines now have a family filter or safe search mechanism. Usually it’s switched on by default. If you’re looking for something more specific to your needs, then installing website filtering software programmes might be the way to go.

However, unsuitable content is the only one part of the problem. Social networking sites, chats, IMs, all pose a variety of threats and some unscrupulous operators have cottoned on to the fact that it’s easier to get personal information from children than from adults. Keeping your child safe from such kinds of predators takes more than installing a software programme.

Depending on how old your child is, internet usage might vary from two to three days a week and six to seven days a week.

Dreamscome true…

It’s time to be you.It’s time to be you.

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parenting

Controlling how your child uses the internet might be a lot easier when he/she is younger. However, when it comes to the teens, things might get tricky. And most parents tend to turn a blind eye and allow teens unlimited access to the internet. Allowing unrestricted access to the internet - no matter how old your child is - is irresponsible and potentially dangerous. But where does a parent draw the line between wanting to protect, help and educate their child and respecting the child’s desire for privacy?

The level of control you impose is up to you but you do need to warn them about giving information and it’s worth asking your child to let you know straight away if they find anything on the internet strange or disturbing. Communicate regularly (not just once) with your child about what they do online and whom they talk to online.

If you have actually met the friends they are talking to in person, you will know it is OK for them to chat with them online. And even if you do not want to completely restrict your child from talking to people they haven’t met online, it is worth making sure that they talk to you openly about who they interact with online.

While so much new technology is geared towards making your life easier, it might seem like it has never been harder to keep up with all the gadgets and gizmos. Chances are, last time you tried to figure out a new function on your phone it was your child who showed you how. But seeking out your child every time you need to open a text message is not only inconvenient, it’s also dangerous. The gap between their understanding of technology and yours can be exploited and as a parent, educating yourself first is key.

Another thing that your might want to do is to take the computers out of kids’ rooms and put them into public areas such as the family/living room. Many parents think they are helping with homework by giving the kids a computer, but it also opens certain

dangers that you may be unaware of. If your child is in his/her teens and has been using the internet responsibly, then this rule might seem rather tyrannical. But even if you do give them the freedom to surf endlessly online, make sure you check in once in a while to make sure they are staying safe and sticking to the internet ‘safety rules’.

Social networking sites and chat rooms are extremely popular nowadays. And as much as we’d like to completely ban our kids from using them, in this day and age, it might not be possible or even practical. The best you can do is to be aware of what chat rooms your child visits. Visit them yourself to make sure it is safe. If it is a social networking site that you are worried about, read up the websites privacy policies and make sure that you child is using them appropriately.

Ultimately, the level of control depends on you. But we hope that these guidelines will help you in making better decisions keep children stay safe. And remember: Always be aware and informed, there’s simply no substitute for that. ■

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PARENTS IN OMAN, HOWEVER, CAN BREATHE A SIGH OF RELIEF BECAUSE VIRTUALLY ALL WEBSITES WITH INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT HAVE BEEN BLOCKED.

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OCTOBER 201050

accessories

Get prepared to have the best school year ever! AlMar’a presents some smart must-have accessories.

(Available at Alwan)

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(Available at Alwan)

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(Available at Centrepoint) (Available at Centrepoint)

(Available at Centrepoint)

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OCTOBER 201052

fashion

NO kidDING

THIS!Dress up your little darling in the most

fashionable clothes this season. Take a pick from the season’s hottest brands.

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53OCTOBER 2010

Next

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BHS

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OCTOBER 201054

Yummy treatsWant to whip up something special for your kids? Here are some great ideas to try out for the lunch box or even for those snacking-

in-between times. Want to make the experience more drool-worthy? Get them to help out too! Here’s to happy cooking and happy eating!

cuisine

Vegetable Spring Rolls1/3 green cabbage, chopped into thin slices 1 cup french beans thin sliced 3/4 cup shiitake or portabello mushrooms, sliced thin 2 capsicums, thin sliced 2 carrots, grated 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil A bunch of fresh coriander1 tspn mustard2 cloves garlic (chopped finely)1 bunch spring onions Spring roll wrappersOil for frying

Take oil in a pan, stir fry garlic and add mustard seeds when they crackle add french beans and capsicum, then add cabbage, mushroom and carrots, when all vegetables are done add spring onions and corainder and for flavouring add soy sauce and let the mixture cool. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mix in wrappers. Deep fry the spring rools. Serve with a dipping sauce or some tomato ketchup.

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Grilled chicken and vegetables in whole wheat tortillasServes: 4

5 whole wheat tortilla wraps (available readymade)3/4 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp garlic salt 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp ground turmeric 1/4 tsp ground cumin 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves(6 ounces each) 1 medium green pepper, cut into strips 2 lettuce leaves1 medium tomato, cubed 2 medium onions, halved and sliced 1tbsp mayonnaise

Combine the seasonings; sprinkle over chicken and set aside. Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. Place chicken on grill. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5-8 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 170°.Take a tortilla, spread mayonnaise over it. Place the grilled chicken, the lettuce and the other vegetables and gently wrap. Serve with tomato ketchup.

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Toffee Date CakeFor the cake60 gm butter170 gm sugar2 eggs170 gm self-raising flour170 gm dates1 tsp baking soda300 ml boiling water1 tsp vanilla pod

For the toffee sauce160 gm brown sugar1/2 cup cream100 gm butter1 vanilla pod

To prepare the toffee sauce: Combine all ingredients in a pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for five minutes. To prepare the cake: Combine butter and sugar and mix well. Add the eggs one by one and fold in the flour gently. Mix the dates and baking soda to a paste in a bowl. Pour the hot water over the dates and leave to stand for 10 minutes. Combine the date mixture with the butter-sugar mixture. Grease and dust a baking dish. Pour the mixture into the dish. Bake at 180 degrees C for about 40 to 45 minutes. Serve warm or cold with the toffee sauce.

Recipe by pastry chef Thomas Gaa, Grand Hyatt Muscat

cuisine

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Very Berry MuffinsMakes 12 muffins

295 gm all-purpose flour150 gm granulated white sugar2 tsp baking powder¼ tsp baking soda¼ tsp salt1 egg, lightly beaten180 ml full-fat laban160 ml canola oil1 tsp vanilla essence2 cups fresh black cherries (de-seeded and quartered)

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, laban, oil and vanilla essence. In another large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With a rubber spatula, fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir only until the ingredients are combined. Do not over mix the batter or the muffins will turn out tough. Gently fold in the berries – again do not over-mix as the berries may stain the batter purple. Bake in a muffin tray at 190 degrees C for 10-15 minutes. Best served warm.

Recipe by Mary Oommen

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OCTOBER 201058

Chocolate SmoothieServes: 2

2 scoops of chocolate ice-cream1 scoop of vanilla ice-cream500 ml milk3 tbsp chocolate sauce

Put all ingredients into a blender and pulse until combined. Pour and enjoy.

cuisine

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OCTOBER 201062

In the figurative ‘rut’ of most offices, life is but a drain. It’s a silent zone with trespassers jeering at your cold, knocked-

out mien. There is no comfort, no momentary respite in this claustrophobia inducing trench. You are boxed-in for life, if you do not take steps to push out or cry for help.

Well, that may seem a touch too dramatic to explain that stuck-in-a-rut feeling, but that’s exactly how those who have been in that zone have put it. It’s like a quagmire; one that keeps pushing you further down. Unless, you see that the problem is within and learn to get a grip on things.

It might start as little niggling doubts about your work, your office and about the kind of work you are capable of doing. It could be a casual remark from a colleague or a stray thought about your productivity. It might have been simmering over a period of time or may have come without warning. And there, you have dug your rut.

What triggered that bout of lethargy may not be hard to figure if you can honestly appraise your job and work performance, but very so often the setting is just not right to sift through the monotony-induced stagnation. For stagnation alone, say experts, can push stress to dangerous levels. While only a few experience those hard to combat feelings of depression, most disguise the in-the-rut feeling with irritation or aloofness. The danger is when such feelings linger on and become a part of your life.

HERE’S A HELPING HAND…Quit while you are aheadParadoxical as it may sound, that’s

probably the sanest thought that you need to nurse and turn into a decision. It does reek of cowardice, but there’s solace in knowing you have marched to your own tune. For one, your chances of finding a niche in the job market is higher and, most importantly, you are sure of yourself and your confidence hasn’t taken a beating - which is the obvious casualty in the ‘rut’ zone. For the deeper you get into your rut, the harder it is to get out.

The burnt-out feeling evoked by the rut can cause fear and shred your self esteem. Even the everyday task of getting out of the bed in the morning can seem like a chore. Soon there will be a pall of negativity hanging over you and irritation will become the keyword to dismiss anybody and everything. And when left unchecked, it can lead to depression and even be a precursor to heart ailments.So yes, quit while you are ahead!

Tackling burnoutBeing stuck in a rut simply means doing the same thing every single day; donning the boredom cloak and letting life pass by. In the dog-eat-dog world, it is easy to lose perspective and forget to balance one’s life. That means hardly any ‘me’ time. And when such a pace of life continues for long periods of time, without any breather, burnout may seem inevitable.

Some of the symptoms of burnout are: constant tiredness, moodiness, impatience with colleagues and friends, frustration, non-communicative, depression, negative outlook, etc.

To tackle burnout, first identify the symptoms. Here are a few key indicators. • You can’t seem to connect with life that’s

workwise

Quit it!Drained emotionally at work? Feeling listless all the time? Swamped by those vague feelings of nothingness? …Time to say ‘I quit!’

Page 65: Al Mara - English - October 2010

63OCTOBER 2010

going on around you.• Something is seemingly missing, but you don’t know what.• Something needs to be changed, but you don’t know where to start.• Saturday morning blues spread through the entire week.• You are constantly tired and weak.• Life is a big chore.• There is no clarity of mind.

If you checked all the symptoms above, you definitely need to do the following:Scrap that routine: Monotony and boredom are synonymous and so is lack of motivation. This is why a change is in order. Induce little changes in your schedule – it could be something as simple as reading a book or taking a walk. Walks in the park would be invigorating too as nature can be a good healer. Even learning something new will be a good change to keep that mood on an upswing.Pep yourself with positive talk: It is easy to spread negativity with one little negative talk. Make positivity a way of life and consciously move around with people who infuse positive atmosphere.Begin goal-setting: A biggest boost to your self-esteem can come with just the idea of setting goals for yourself; goals that you will look forward to achieving. Goals will increase your sense of purpose and add to that excitement value of life.Ensure healthy eating habits: One of the biggest concerns of any kind of ailment, physical or emotional, is food. Healthy food habits can bring about marked change in the way you look and feel.Be responsible for yourself: This basically means YOU are responsible for the way you feel about yourself. You have the power to keep yourself happy and the atmosphere positive. Learn to control your feelings and your reactions to situations.

Next time somebody throws the question ‘what’s new?’ at you, have a positive reply ready. ■

Page 66: Al Mara - English - October 2010

top drive

Eve’s SpecialThe Kia Cerato Juliet is truly a woman’s car! It makes us feel loved, pampered and indulged...

Page 67: Al Mara - English - October 2010

65OCTOBER 2010

It’s been a while since we went riding about town in the newest and classiest cars! So, ladies, we finally end our test

drive hiatus with a car specially designed with you in mind! Yes, an out-and-out ladies’ car... the Kia Cerato Juliet!

Warning! This one is not for the plain Janes! It’s for the ‘Juliets’ out there who like to live life in the exciting lane! It’s for women who want a sturdy, reliable, dependable and value-for-money car along with some fancy trappings, conveniences and touches that will make driving more enjoyable and hassle-free in a large sense. And no, we are not speaking of traffic here!

It’s a good looking car alright! You notice that on first glance. The design is sophisticated, with fluid lines and proportions and is the ideal sized sedan for women. The stylish looks are enhanced by 17’ alloy wheels, leather pack (leather steering, transmission gear shift knob, metal paint parking brake, door garnish, console upper cover) and alloy pedals.

But what is it that sets it apart and makes it a woman’s car in every sense? That’s what was running primarily in our minds as we stepped inside the car! After all, in the battle of sexes on the road, we were not just talking of equality, but something much more to make us feel truly special!

The latest beauty from Kia has been conceptualised in line with Kia’s ‘exciting and enabling’ manufacturing philosophy. The Cerato Juliet is loaded with special features and accessories that combine style, safety and convenience needs.

Plenty of feminine touches abound in the Kia Cerato Juliet! Need a place to keep your bag? You don’t just need to dump it on the seat! A purse hook ensures ease of storing and locating it! There’s the personalised flowery steering cover, a convenience dangler that allows quick placement of objects and even driving gloves are thoughtfully provided to shield your hands from the heat.

It’s easy to concentrate on driving when everything else has been taken care of! The mobile cell organiser helped us to easily view incoming calls... those from the office were easily ignored... we were on work after all!!

Within a few minutes, the interior of the car had made us extremely comfortable. And there were more surprises waiting in store. We spied an audio CD visor that safely stores music CDs/VCDs/DVDs and hold your breath, an exclusive perfume coffret with Arabic and French fragrances to keep your interior fragrant and fresh!

You’ll also like the smart key start push button, power sunroof and the audio system with remote featuring a radio and 2 DIN CD/MP3 with 4 speakers (including Tweeters). There’s an USB/iPod connector as well!

Get the heebie-jeebies while parking? No worries! The Cerato Juliet features front parking sensors to facilitate parking in tight spaces! There’s also a rear viewing camera for reversing, particularly at night and rear parking sensors to aid parking in confined spaces.

Quite thrilled by the loads of extras... driving was the last thing that comes to mind. But fret not! The Kia Cerato Juliet offers a dream drive on the road! It is available in two variants; the 1.6 cylinder with dual CVVT engine producing 123 hp@ and 15.9 kg-m torque and the 2.0 L 4 speed A/T variant, also with a dual CVVT engine churning out 154 hp and 19.8 kg-m of torque.

All these come with the highest safety standards expected of a Kia car! The Cerato Juliet features top-of-the-line safety with driver and passenger airbags, active headrests, auto light control and antilock brake system (ABS).

It was a foregone conclusion as soon as we entered the car... This one was going to be sure-fire hit with the ladies. It sure receives our stamp of approval, in many different ways! Happy driving! ■

Page 68: Al Mara - English - October 2010

OCTOBER 201066

health

OCTOBER 2010R66

TowardsGoodHealth!

A few simple rules to follow to feel good, look good and be healthy...

Page 69: Al Mara - English - October 2010

67OCTOBER 2010

‘Health is wealth’ may be a cliché but nevertheless is a maxim you need to

reiterate to yourself, time and again!

What should you do to keep healthy, at any age? Eat well, live well, think well and make some simple rules a part of daily life. Not too difficult if you put your mind to it.

Al Mar’a compiles a list of healthy tips – simple, realistic and practical everyday remedies for good health. All you need is the will and determination to follow them, if not altogether but at least one tip at a time. Good luck! For the ‘good health’ you rightly deserve!

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN A good skincare regimen goes a long way in how you look and feel. Do not forget to use sunscreen during summer and use moisturisers during winter. Go in for herbal facials once in a while. Above all, smile a lot. It will make your skin shine!

GET GOOD SLEEP Sleep is a determining factor of how your body tunes itself. A good night’s sleep lays the foundation for an energetic and refreshing day. Get at least six uninterrupted hours of sleep every day.

GUZZLE BY THE GALLONWater spells good health. Drinking 10-12 glasses of water flushes out the toxins. It is also good for the skin as well as the entire system and keeps you hydrated during any season.

WALK THE TALKIt’s not enough to talk about good health. You have to walk too to maintain good health. Try and walk a mile every day. Apart from the benefits of being in the open air, it reduces the risk of heart disease, strengthens bones and keeps them strong.

CUT OUT THE FATEating too many high-fat food can leave you listless and with less energy apart from increasing your blood cholesterol levels. Control your intake to the minimum, just as an occasional treat.

BE SPIRITUALKeep your mind free from clutter. Practise meditation. Spirituality helps get rid of negative emotions and look at life in a different perspective. And as they say, “A healthy mind means a healthy body.”

BE SOCIALIt is healthy to have a close circle of friends with whom you can share laughter as well as tears. A strong social network also means an efficient support system. After all, good health does not only mean being physically fit, it means social well-being as well.

MANAGE STRESSIn this dog-eat-dog-world, stress is a given and it is easy to be overwhelmed

by it. When faced with stressful situations, learn to breathe easy.

Take slow, deep, diaphragmatic breaths – they can trigger a relaxation response in your whole body.

LEARN TO RELAXTake up a hobby or a pastime. Listen to music or learn dancing. This helps you to fight stress and depression.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT WEIGHTThrow away your scales. Work on how you look and how you feel. Aim to lose weight in the form of unhealthy body fat.

BE POSITIVEAvoid negative thoughts and being among negative people. Work on making your mind and body strong. Challenge the negative th oughts and turn them into positive ones.

As women are multi-tasking all the time, we tend to neglect our health. It’s time we put health high on our list of priorities. And start working towards it!■

social w

MANAIn this dgiven a

by it. situa

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OCTOBER 201068

health plus

I am 29 years old and suffering from PCOS, irregular and painful periods. I have been trying to conceive for the last five months. My gynecologist

has prescribed Letrozole 2.5mg (from day two to day 6 of a period) and Duphaston 10mg (15-30 days) for three months. My hormone and tube reports are normal and I am also ovulating. My husband’s semen report is also normal. It’s been two months since I am taking the medicines. Please advise as to whether I should continue with this medication as I really want to conceive soon.

You need to do ultrasound monitoring when on Letrezole. Do this from day 12 of the period.

This would determine your most fertile period. You can also try IUI (intra- uterine insemination) for the next three cycles. I am sure that would work out. Let me know the result of your scan on day 12 of the cycle, so I can advise you further. All the best!

My wife had a miscarriage over a year ago. Is it possible that her body still hasn’t rejected the fetus? Is it possible for her to get

pregnant if the fetus is still inside her? A: No, the fetus is always expelled soon and would not remain for so long! Did she not have

bleeding? Has she not had a period after the miscarriage? Please give more details, so I can advise you further.

My wife is pregnant. She was having PCOS and undergoing treatment. The doctor has asked her to continue with Metaphage and Duphaston during her

pregnancy. Will there be any problem? Both the medicines are safe in pregnancy. These must be only for the first three months.

I had undergone a laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis (chocolate cyst) in 2007. For the last three years, I am taking the tablet Crisanta. Recently,

I’ve been experiencing frequent stomach pain. What could be the problem?

You must do an ultrasound to determine that the cyst has not recurred. The pain could be because

of that.

My menstrual cycle for the past five months has been taking 41 days. Will there be any problem in conceiving?

Have a scan done to determine whether you have an ovarian cyst or

PCO (polycystic ovary). Also, have your thyroid hormone - TSH checked. Let me know the results, so I can advise you further. Any delay in a period could be because of pregnancy.

Why is Clomid prescribed for men?In men Clomid helps the sperms to be

produced and increases their number. In men, however, it is given as 25 mgm every day.

Have all your gynaecological queries answered by Dr. Smita Lulla — MBBS, M.D, D.G.O. (Gold Medallist), Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Qurum Clinic, Muscat. The veteran doctor has had advanced training in the UK in Obstetric & Gynaecological Ultra-sonography & Infertility.

Find more questions and answers fielded by Dr. Smita Lulla at www.omanaccess.com

Page 71: Al Mara - English - October 2010

69OCTOBER 2010 69OCTOBER 2010

Suddenly I seem to be connecting with a lot more people who have been diagnosed with cancer. I

spent the last year with my young nephew who fought a brave battle with the disease for two years. Maybe there is now a greater awareness, more tangible empathy as I call it, and maybe unconsciously I am reaching out there somewhere to the sufferers. Whatever it is, there seems to be an increase in the incidence of this very enigmatic disease. For decades one heard of the possible causes behind cancer, right from lifestyle to genetics to planetary positions. What makes it an unsavoury puzzle is even without the presence of these strongly proclaimed reasons; the little blighters seem to be invading innocent bodies.

There is nothing more frustrating and annoying than that. No, that’s not true. There is something more frustrating and annoying than that. And that is when I hear the ones who, with all their intelligence and worldliness, continue to have a self-abusive lifestyle, and proudly, over the spiraling nicotine smoke or alcoholic fumes, will rubbish the correlation between lifestyle factors and cancer. If there is any one thing that I wonder about more than the

disease itself, is the sheer idiocy of these people. For a long while, I believed it only socially prudent to keep my thoughts to myself. But that changed when I lost my nephew. I believe it is my moral responsibility to shout as much as I can about the importance of valuing the life given to you. How long a life can be lived is not in our limited human purview. In fact, that is not even our business. But how well we take care of what’s given to us, to the best of our abilities, is very much within our control. It is without a shade of doubt our business.

I have been on a spiritual quest for a while and I feel so fortunate that I have a living spiritual master to show me the way. If we are open enough in our search, we will notice that every moment throws up a guide and a teacher to experience fundamental truths of life, and existence itself. My nephew is one such teacher and has helped me take his example to so many people diagnosed with cancer. His first reaction to the diagnosis was utter dismay. It was soon followed by horror, fear, and anger. This is common amongst all those inflicted by the disease. But these feelings were so short-lived that I was wonderstruck. Then I understood that for him, it was time to take control and see what needed to be done next. There was a certain urgency. To me, that translated into living life. I have often heard a smoker say that very soon he was going to stop smoking, and I am puzzled by the lack of urgency. I see such an urgency that drives one to stop at the supermarket in their rush to work to pick up a packet which reads the typical farce of a statutory warning about smoking being injurious to heart and health and happiness. But that same urgency does not seem to exist when it comes to protecting their heart and health. Because somewhere, the third “H” – the happiness factor comes from a skewed, illusory perception. The truth is invariably a short-term

pleasure guarantees a long-term pain.

Another lesson for me came from his stoicism. Everybody spoke about his bravery and how strong he was. I would sit by his side and just keep looking at his face, wondering what was going on inside his head. Somehow I felt there was something there, plenty there, that we didn’t have a privy to. One day, I mentioned how everybody called him brave and strong. For the first time, I saw the glistening tears and he said, “Do any of us have a choice?” That was a punch in my gut. And I realised two things; firstly, if we are honest to ourselves, choice is a huge fantasy. Freud would probably call it a useful defence mechanism. Secondly, we have this huge reservoir of strength within us and until we are pushed into the corner, we don’t even begin to see, much less utilise, the tip of the power-pillar. And those inflicted are the ones truly driven to exploring and finding every little atom of their inner strength.

Then there were two realisations. When you hit the bottom of the rut, you hit upon two resources that are tucked deep into every man’s psyche: hope and faith. Intellectually we know the mortality of this body. But the deep hope within us makes us believe that we can live forever. It was this very hope that made my nephew plan and execute a number of his projects, almost till the end. Faith is a nifty little creature. It doesn’t come easy. It invariably loses its little battles to distrust and scepticism. But when it comes to the ultimate war, it wins. When you have nowhere else to turn, you will turn to faith. And faith opens doors, which are invaluable to healing. Faith makes the good cells in the body blossom and take over. It opens the doors for healing energies to flood the cells of the body. It opens doors to options. It brings in happiness and health. ■

wellbeing

KEE

PIN

G T

HE

FAIT

H When you have nowhere else to turn, you will turn to faith. And faith opens doors, which are invaluable to healing, says Dr Prema Seshadri.

Page 72: Al Mara - English - October 2010

OCTOBER 201070

life, etc

One of the questions concerning people in today’s world is the question of the equality

of men and women. Going back to the 19th century, for example, not only was women not equal to men, but they were also considered intellectually inferior. They were believed to belong to a sphere lower than that of human, and as a result throughout history violence has been directed towards women in different dimensions. This as a result had long term effects on women’s ability and confidence to get involved in the community activities and development.

However we are living in an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilisation are much more evenly balanced, and the emancipation of women is becoming more of a concern in thought and practice. Thus, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, in line with the universal vision of the emancipation of women, paid extraordinary importance in providing all the opportunities to empower Omani women to become positive agents of change in building a better society. His Majesty’s appointment of women ministers, undersecretaries, ambassadors, a National Women’s Day and several national women’s conferences are but a few examples.

During her visit to the Sultanate in April 2010, Sigrid Kaag, UNICEF Regional Director, praised the efforts of the Sultanate in implementing women’s rights in all the different aspects of society,

including protection, health and education. This statement makes every Omani woman proud and should at the same time

make her responsible for elevating herself to higher levels of understanding and awareness, and far beyond merely being responsible for breeding children.

Today is the time when we cannot allow deep-rooted prejudices about women shape our behaviour. Women are not to be made jokes about or ridiculed and humiliated, and certainly not object to be sold or used! When we talk about women’s emancipation, we do not refer to creating women who are more masculine, but it is both a celebration and appreciation of the feminine attributes and values as important factors in creating better societies in the world. It is celebrating women’s heart and conscience which is more tender and susceptible in responding immediately to the needy and opposes any element of war and discrimination, thus helping the world and the society to build its pillars upon prosperity coming from peace and compassion.

Only a true woman who is responsible and aware of her role as a cornerstone of her society can bring balance to life. During the most difficult times in the life of Prophet Muhammad (May the Grace of Allah be upon him), and while being exiled from Mecca to Al- Madina, it was the moral and financial support

of his wife Khadijah that supported him to be able to continue his journey and eventually settle down. After the ascension of Jesus Christ, the apostles were scattered and distressed, and it was the action of a single woman, Mary Magdalene, that gathered them, gave them spiritual and moral support and kept the Christian faith united. It is such standards of women that all of us should elevate to and fulfill our role as the cornerstones of society.

When women preserve a high level of morality, they can become positive factors of social change. I was reading about a group of American women who formed a group of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). They have become a compelling force in society, and through their tireless efforts, enough women have become so alarmed about the issue of alcohol abuse that their involvement created a serious impact on the cultural norm in the society. Such actions need to be celebrated and they reflect how the compassionate heart of women impacts the bigger society. It is the true moral standard and high level of awareness and consciousness that every woman needs to preserve in her and that would prove that the issue of women’s emancipation is a well deserved right!

(Dr Nada Al Ajmi is Assistant Professor, Sultan Qaboos University, Certified Trainer – Springboard Women’s Development and Life Coach – Aspire Training and Consultancy. you can write to her at life-almara @umsoman.com)

Women’s emancipation is a celebration and appreciation of the feminine attributes and values as important factors in creating better societies in the world, says Dr Nada Al Ajmi.

W MAN POWER

he questions concerningin today’s world is

estion of the equalitymen. Going back to the example, not only was al to men, but they were intellectually inferior. ved to belong to a sphereof human, and as a result ory violence has been s women in different

lt h d l t

including protection,health and education.This statement makesevery Omani womanproud and should at the same time

make her responsible for elevating herself to higher levels of understanding and awareness, and far beyond merely being responsible for breeding children.

T d i th ti h t ll

Page 73: Al Mara - English - October 2010

71OCTOBER 2010 71OCTOBER 2010

at home

Want a clean

home? Here are

some general

tips that can

be a part of

your daily

routine...

• To clean

lampshades, sprinkle

with bi-carbonate of soda,

leave for five minutes and

then using a clean

paint brush, brush it

over and vacuum to

remove the soda from

the fabric.

• To remove water and chemical

stains from glass, spray a thin coat

of oven cleaner on the glass and

leave for about an hour. Wipe off

with a damp rag.

• To keep your home smelling fresh

and clean, add a few drops of

essential oils in a small mesh bag

inside air vents and air-conditioner

outlets. The air circulation will

spread the perfume throughout

your home.

• Place an old sock on your hand

and rub over the surfaces, frames,

sills and large ornaments with your

socked handed. Dusters just flick

the dust into the air only to resettle

on your surfaces and knick-knacks

as soon as you are done. For hard-

to-get places, use long-haired red

sable artist brushes.

• Spray your mattress with anti-

bacterial deodorising spray to

refresh your mattress and to help

kill any growing bacteria in them.

• Pillows can be vacuumed and place

in the sun for two to three hours

in the warmer months. Or you can

vacuum and place the pillows in

the dryer on a low setting for 30

minutes.

Shaima Al Balushi

Al Khuwair

Some shortcuts that will make you a

better and efficient cook...

• Use stale bread by drying them

in the sun and grinding them and

using them as breadcrumbs.

• If you are frying mushrooms, add a

little bit of lemon juice to the butter

in which you are cooking so that

they do not break.

• If you want to cut the boiled eggs

without breaking the yolk, then dip

your knife in ice cold water first.

• While frying onions, add a little bit

of milk so that it does not get burnt

and the rich colour is maintained.

Soumya Rajan

Ruwi

Hair care tips for shiny, bouncy

hair...

• Vinegar mixed in warm water

makes a nice conditioner for hair.

It adds bounce and gives a shiny

look.

• Apply yoghurt on hair before rinsing

off with shampoo. It acts as a

moisturiser for your hair. Make

sure to use a mild shampoo.

• Use of diluted lemon juice can help

in the reduction of dandruff.

• Go for scalp massages as it induces

blood circulation that helps in hair

growth.

Fatma Al Harthy

Ghubra

Do share your fine housekeeping and personal grooming skills with other Al Mar’a readers.Write in to Al Mar’a, At Home, United Media Services, P.O. Box: 3305, Ruwi 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman or email us at [email protected], Subject: At Home or fax us at 24707939. Do give us your name, address and GSM number.

HOMEremediesfor EVERYDAY troubles…

W I N N I N G T I P

THE BEST TIP WILL WIN A GIFT

FROM MOULINEX -

KHIMJI’S LUXURY & LIFESTYLE

If you are suffering from indigestion,

you can try one or more of the

following...

• Orange is

an effective

home remedy.

• Ground

cardamom

seeds mixed

with ginger,

cloves and

coriander

helps cure

indigestion.

• In a glass of water, add two to three

drops of mint essence and drink after

every four hours to remove indigestion.

• Drink a herbal tea made of mint,

raspberry and blackberry to remove

indigestion.

Shaza Khan

Muttrah

Page 74: Al Mara - English - October 2010

ALL THE BEAUTY STUFF YOU SIMPLY MUST HAVE…

ALL THE BEAUTY STUFFYOU SIMPLY MUST HAVE…

Your beauty checklist...

beauty zone

TERRIFIC TRIOInspired by a visit to the Royal Crescent in Bath, England,

Benefit has created three additional fragrances to its Crescent

Row collection. Get a whiff of Garden of good and Eva, a citrus

floral fragrance that is crisp and fresh! Get magical with Lookin’

to rock Rita, a fruity green fragrance that is both exhilarating

and stylish. And finally, it’s time to get hooked to Carmella, a

floral fragrance which is exquisitely feminine and elegant. Truly

feminine. Truly divine.

AM says: Absolute must-haves of the season.

IT’S ALL HONEY!Nuxe brings to you a complete range of pure honey face

and body beauty care products for the whole family

with its Reve de Miel line! It is a comprehensive range

of ‘pure honey’ beauty treatments offering advanced

performance, delicious textures and delectable scents

that respect and comfort dry or irritated skin, every day,

all year long! Try the Reve de Miel Lip Balm that makes

even the most damaged lips instantly soft, smooth and

supple.

AM says: It’s a sure winner, honey!

HAPPY STORYYou’ll love this one! The new edition

of Idylle, the fragrance from Guerlain

is inspired by the Bulgarian rose. It

is at the centre of the perfume and

surrounded by lily of the valley, white

lilac, peony and jasmine. Green and

musky notes can be felt throughout

the whole fragrance. A chypre accord

is accompanied by fragrant ylang-

ylang. It is the new spirit of happiness!

AM says: Refreshes both body and soul!

Page 75: Al Mara - English - October 2010

73OCTOBER 2010

LIFT FACTORSay goodbye to tired and sagging skin. The Sensai

Cellular Performance Lifting Series has included two

dynamic additions, the Lifting Radiance Concentrate

and Lifting Series 3D Mask. These two products were

developed with a focus on both sagging and dullness.

They were formulated to visibly lift up the skin

from within by activating the energy metabolism of

muscles cells and restore the skin’s innate, youthful

radiance by promoting micro-circulation. This unique

dual strategy is supported by two equally unique

ingredients: Natural Musculifter and Golden Camomile

Extract.

AM says: Here’s to lifting up your spirits too!

IT’S NATURALIt’s time to take your make-up cues from

the smouldering shades of nature. The Body

Shop brings the ‘Smoke and Fire’ look,

inspired by the rich, natural, earthy colours

of the changing season combined with the

dramatic flash of light association with

breath-taking autumn skies. The fiercely

hot colour collection for eyes, face and lips

harnesses nature’s autumnal palette and

balances it with modern smoky shades.

Dusky blues and greens are lifted and

refreshed with peach and pinks, flashes of

oxidised metal add a touch of metallic sheen!

AM says: Time to light up!LONG-LASTING

The M.A.C. ProLongwear Foundation

& Concealer offers creamy, buildable

coverage and matte blendability for perfect

comfort. They offer epic transfer resistance,

concealing flaws and correcting/diminishing

under-eye circles. With medical-grade

patch polymers, these formulas get you

right through to a flawless, natural finish.

For your perfect make-up needs, this

collection is the best bet.

AM says: You’ll love the flawless finish!

FRUITY & FLORALThere’s a new alluring fragrance for women.

GUESS Seductive embodies the unique magnetism

and playfully captivating style synonymous with

the GUESS brand. The scent begins with the bold

top notes of zesty, dazzling Bergamot, vibrant

Blackcurrant and crispy Pear. At the heart of the

fragrance are feminine facets of Orange Flower,

exotic touches of Jasmine and the noble allure of

precious Florentine Orris. At the base is a voluptuous

trail of warm Vanilla and spicy Olibanum, finished

with an intensely distinguished, musky essence of

Cashmere Wood.

AM says: Captivating, alluring and refreshing!

Page 76: Al Mara - English - October 2010

2010

It’s time to be you.

Fashion addicts to shopaholics,

socialites to party lovers

all confess to be in just one place

on 2nd November 2010

20102010201201

Fashion addicts to shopaholics,

socialites to party lovers

all confess to be in just one placee be e e ll cc

on 2nd November 2010ve NoNoNoNovNov

Hear the excitement live from the green room...

International fashion designers weave magic with their designs at ‘Dream Weaves’, a showcase of fashion with a cause.A grand finale to a day of celebration

Dream Weaves Charity Fashion show starting 7pm.

Get a seat in the front-row now!

Hear the excitement live from the green room...

International fashion designers weave magic with their designs at ‘Dream Weaves’, a showcase of fashion with a cause.A grand finale to a day of celebration

Dream Weaves Charity Fashion show starting 7pm.

Get a seat in the front-row now!

Revel in the shopping

surprises... definitely a

day for the die hard

shopaholics. You

will not be alone while

you catch the excitement

live at ‘The Souq’.

It’s time to be you.

Page 77: Al Mara - English - October 2010

Every day is a celebration when a woman thinks without fear, speaks her mind, and acts without restraint yet with responsibility. Every day meets endless possibilities, endless opportunities. Today is one such day to bring out the YOU, in you.

A day of Fashion, Style and Entertainment celebrating all that is you.

Soak up in all the fashion,

style and glamour around

you...get a complete

beauty make over,

go on an absolute

gastronomical

indulgence, enjoy foot

tapping entertainment all

in a day planned

exclusively for you.

For partnership enquiries and Souq participation call 92858530, 92801033

For ticket reservation for the evening entertainment call 99516811, 93098282

Official Media

Al Mara Design Dreams Contest... It’s where the dreams come true. Share the thrills as the Top 6 finalist of Al Mara Design Dreams contest take part in the finals to create inspiring Abaya and Jalabiya designs, all set to bring a rave.

It’s time to be you.It’s time to be you.

Al Mara Festival 2010Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental, Muscat10 AM - 9 PM

UM

S

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OCTOBER 201076

Phoenix RisingThe Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2010-11

Collection is a magical red carpet ride…Get ready to be dazzled…

fashion

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77OCTOBER 2010

THE GARNET RED CURTAIN RISES.

A PHOENIX IS REBORN

IN DEEPEST SCARLET,

ENVELOPED IN TULLE.

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HER RUBY RED SUIT SPARKLES WITH SEQUINS AND GLASS BEADING ON SHAVED MINK; HER FINAL APPEARANCE IS A VISION OF GUIPURE LACE.

OCTOBER 201078

fashion

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79OCTOBER 2010

THE SPIRIT OF THE PHOENIX IS REVEALED IN A

BLAZE OF CRIMSON PUNCTUATED BY

CELADON. A FIERY PRINT BURSTS

FORTH IN SHADES OF OCHRE, RED, ASH GRAY AND

SMOKEY BLACK.

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fashion

AT DAWN, THE PHOENIX RETURNS IN A HALO OF LIGHT, DRESSED IN CAMEL, SAND, CHESTNUT AND ANTIQUE GOLD. BURNISHED BY A PALE FIRE, SHE REAPPEARS IN TONE-ON-TONE VEINED EMBROIDERY.

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81OCTOBER 2010

THE SPIRIT OF THE PHOENIX IS REVEALED IN A

BLAZE OF CRIMSON PUNCTUATED BY

CELADON. A FIERY PRINT BURSTS

FORTH IN SHADES OF OCHRE, RED, ASH GRAY AND

SMOKEY BLACK.

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OCTOBER 201082

fashion

SHE RADIATES MYSTERY IN A METALLIC SHEATH DECORATED WITH FADED GOLD OR PEWTER EMBROIDERY.

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83OCTOBER 2010

IN HER WAKE THE BRIDE APPEARS,

A VISION IN PEARLY GREY

EMBROIDERED LEAVES DUSTED

WITH GOLD.

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OCTOBER 201084

stargazing

ARIES - With the weather hopefully getting cooler this month, it’s perfect for weekend getaways with family. Plan a quick break and feel rejuvenated for the rest of the month. This is however, not a good time to go overboard on spending; but you could indulge in a bit of bargaining when it comes to necessities. The business plans you are working on show signs of becoming a reality. So let your dreams grow wings, finally!

TAURUS - Those of you looking for a change in surroundings may move into a new home. But be ready to take in the problems that come along. Do keep your cool and things will fall into place, eventually! This is also the month where there may be some tension at the workplace. Keep your anger in rein; and this too shall pass!

GEMINI - Friendships come into focus in October, with slight skirmishes and misunderstandings. But if you are honest, you can tide over the problem easily. Do not let stress get the better of you, whether at home or at the workplace. Things do not look so good on the financial front, so keep a check on impulsive spending. Speculation is also a strict no-no! Wait until things turn out okay!

CANCER - Love blossoms and thrives this month. Existing relationships sizzle! This is also an excellent month for entertainment, hobbies and adventure. Time to let go of your inhibitions and fear and indulge in something you’ve always dreamt about; whether it’s going para-sailing or bungee jumping! Career matters, though, require a lot of attention this month!

LEO - Home is where the heart is… but your home life may take a tumultuous turn this month. Arguments with or on behalf of family members could be a part of the picture. But take heart, resolutions are bound to be quick

and relatively easy. Plan a short trip with family to refresh your mind and energies! An unexpected financial windfall is an important highlight this month.

VIRGO - Dealing with private matters and personal finances are big themes for you in October, dear Virgo. You could find that your phone is ringing off the hook, personal emails and invitations are abundant, and more than

the usual e r r a n d s need to be run. Communication problems ease and financial matters improve significantly at the same time. You’ll have to deal with overspending on personal pleasures though.

LIBRA - Friends are there for you and will have your best interests at heart. The support would mean a weight lifted off your shoulders and finally, the realisation that people understand you better. This is the month in which gifts and income boosts are more likely to come your way, so make the most of it!

SCORPIO - Life this October is a continuous ‘on the move’ exercise for you. You simply can’t sit still and are always on the go! Work finds

you, which means new job offers or increased demands from co-workers. Despite the scurry of activity, taking a break from routine is also in order. You are making a strong impression and this means many of those long-standing plans will finally bear fruit.

SAGITTARIUS - Your social calendar is busy this month! There are parties and gatherings to attend and an impression to make! It’s a time when job offers come to you and friends find you. Children will need your guidance so plan to work with them. Your personal

charisma is on a high but be prepared to make some personal sacrifices on the

home front.

CAPRICORN - You are feeling all adventurous and willing to take many matters in your own hands. But beware! This impulsiveness can rub people the wrong way! So be cautious in the way you deal with others, especially those very close to

you. Social interactions are especially spirited this month and this month is

excellent for career, business income and romance.

AQUARIUS - Communication plays a key role in your job, so communicate well to keep projects fresh and interesting. It’s time to reach for the stars, so start dreaming right now! For those feeling adventurous, a small break in routine is essential in the middle of the month. A minor misunderstanding with a loved one may cause some heartache. But you will tide over this too!

PISCES - Look forward to a positive experience at the workplace that might change your perception of certain people. But the month ahead could be upsetting if you let everything that goes on around you to get onto your nerves. Try to relax and let people be themselves for a change! Do not try to change them! Money may come from least expected sources. Enjoy!

What the stars foretell ...

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