Monthly Archives: July 2007

Multivitamin users beware

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Natrol, the global leader in the dietary supplement industry, has re-confirmed that its gelatin capsules indeed contain pork and beef gelatin. Based on a story, which appeared in Gulf News a few days back, I had sent a mail to Peter Gil, Natrol’s International Sales Director, and this is what he had to say:

Thank you for your inquiry. To avoid the combination of pharmaceutical grade 2 piece gelatin capsules offered in some nutritional supplements which may be of bovine/porcine origin, we recommend that you use nutritional supplements that are available in tablet form or products whose labels specifically specify vegetarian capsules.

Dubai dreams in doldrums

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According to a recruitment firm, Dubai is now the third most expensive place in the world to buy a Big Mac burger from McDonald’s –– US$2.72 compared to US$1.66 in the cheapest place, Hong Kong.

This is just one instance of Dubai getting notoriously expensive for middle class families these days. What is the future like? It’s very disheartening. Read this report.

PS: Thanks to real estate boom, things are getting a bit murkier in Oman as well.

How I wish I had answers for all their queries

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Dear Sir/Madam

I would like to know the resigning procedures from a private company in Oman if we are in a contract period for two years. Expecting an early response.
Regards,
Xyz

Dear sir,

Thank you in advance for your help.Kindly I’m looking for a jobTitle; general surgeon. Jordanian board in general surgery,Completion of the residency program in King Hussin Hospital, Jordan,MRCS part 1 & 2Arab baord part 1, and candidate for the second part in next Nov.Basic surgical skills, Royal collage of surgeon,
Best regards,
Dr. abc

Dear Sir / Dear Madame,
Referring to your article of xyz Holiday, the below email was distributed this morning in the company. We have been told that we will not get any compensation for working on xyz.
Is it correct by the company to act like this? We are of course very disappointed, but maybe we have misunderstod. We will appreciate an answer and/or an explaining article.
Sincerely
YoursBo

Sir,

Can you pl kindly inform me Has Oman lifted the entry ban on expatriate workers who cancel their employment visas while leaving the country,
Thanks
Rao

Vignettes from India

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A hoarding in memory of Kannada matinee idol Dr. Rajkumar (extreme right) on his death anniversary. But, look at the number of people in the banner. Top half comprises of ‘so called’ political leaders and the bottom half constitutes people who have financed this hoarding.


A temple pond in Kerala.


Southadka Mahaganapathi Temple near Dharmasthala offers a unique experience. The deity is out in the open and there is no formal structure for the temple. According to mythology, Lord Ganesh wanted to be nestled in a place without any bonds so that ordinary people could access him all thought the day and night. A lot of cows can be seen freely wandering around the place of worship.


The towering Bahubali’s statue is silhouetted against the backdrop of setting sun in Dharmasthala.


Love-struck people have devised novel ways to display affection for their beloved. Some enthusiastic ones have crafted their love messages on this bamboo tree at Cauvery Nisargadhama, a popular tourist hangout in Kodagu.


Thanks to potholes and cows on roads, driving in semi-urban areas is relatively safe these days!


Times of India Group is a master when it comes to taking digs at rivals. Their latest effort, Bangalore Mirror, a tabloid, has this ‘faff’ hoarding all over the city.

Education and road safety

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An expert on road safety issues from UK, who is presently based in Oman, writes to me stating that foundation of road safety lies in the three ‘E’s –– education, engineering and enforcement.

He goes on to add that engineering is of a high standard in Oman, and enforcement is on par with most of the civilized nations. The only problem lies with education, which he says is nil. There is no formal training, trainers or training syllabus in Oman, he adds.

277 dead in 5 months: Quite alarming

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“The number of people killed on Oman’s roads rose by nearly five per cent to 277 during the first five months of the current year.”

This means almost two people lose their lives every day. For a population of 2.5 million, the figures are quite alarming. To make matters worse –– thanks to the economic boom –– more and more vehicles are on roads everyday, vying and jostling for space.
How to set things in order? Well, ROP needs to get really tough with the offenders. A negligible fine will do more harm than good. Like I said before, hit hard where it matters. Impose heavy fine or cancel licenses of violators, and see instant results.
I remember an Omani tourist guide’s words while we were on a visit to Nizwa a couple of years back. “Oman is a safe country to live when compared to many of its neighbours. The only biggest threat to the country comes in the form of ‘car’. It kills and maims scores.”
How true!