(All photos clicked at 10am today)
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Monthly Archives: March 2009
Heavy rain and thunderstorms for next few days
According to weather forecasts in Yahoo and CNN, Muscat will experience heavy rain and thunderstorms for the next few days. Reports say the bad weather is because of a low-level trough (a large area of low atmospheric pressure) extending from Yemen right up to the UAE and the strong north and south-easterly winds.
Yahoo forecast
CNN forecast
I did my bit to save Mother Earth
We turned off lights at home yesterday night to play our part in “Earth Hour,” a global call for action to combat climate change. At 8.30 pm sharp, the mains were turned off and the next one hour we spent in the company of a candle. Thanks to Earth Hour, after a really long time we managed a candle light dinner. Our little one, who was excited with the concept initially, grew restless after a while. It took some effort to keep her entertained in the form of stories. The cooler weather was another saving grace. Today morning, the little one got up asking: “How do you spell ‘Earth Hour’?”
Restaurant review: Ananthapuri
It’s been ages –– almost four-years –– since I dropped in at a restaurant specialising in Kerala food. In a mood to feast on some fluffy parottas (a South Indian bread), we decided to try out the new Kerala restaurant in town – Ananthapuri. It is located a couple of buildings before Khimji’s Mart in Darsait, but the main entrance is from the backside, the road behind Khimji’s.
In keeping with its Trivandrum aka Thiruvananthapuram roots, the restaurant is nicely done with multi-hued artifacts giving a feel of traditional Kerala. We ordered chicken 65, king fish curry (I forgot the name), parottas and chicken biriyani. The chicken 65 was good except for dripping oil, while the soft and fluffy parottas went very well with the fish curry. I was so impressed that I ordered an extra parotta for myself. The chicken biriyani was not so great, and usual stuff. Again, the biriyani was soaking in oil (BTW, I hate oily/greasy food).
I love the biriyani cooked in the northern part of Kerala in Kannur (though Kozhikode biryani is more famous). It is full of aroma and tastes yum. For deserts, we didn’t have any space left, but decided to go for a sulaimani (black tea). The damages for the meal was very less – RO 6 only. The staff are friendly and service efficient. They don’t give finger bowl after meals, and you have to walk all the way to the wash basin (I was not too happy with it). I checked the menu and the prices are very, very reasonable. I assume a good meal for two should not exceed RO 10 by any standards. I guess, unless they promise me that they will go easy on oil, I will not visit them anytime soon.
(Above photo is for indicative purpose only. Checkout more food pics of Ananthapuri here)
Traffic signals with brain
With major roundabouts making way for signal junctions, the need of the hour is to make traffic signals more efficient and user-friendly.
As it is happening now, when the traffic is lean, motorists wait impatiently for the red light to turn green. This problem can be solved by installing ‘vehicle actuated signals’ at major junctions. Based on the density of vehicles, which is picked up through sensors, the signals change automatically. If vehicles move on without long stops, an enormous amount of time and fuel will be saved.
Another requirement is for ‘timers’ at signals. Advantages are:
1. Timers allow motorists to relax, as they know the duration of their wait at signals.
2. Saves fuel and reduces pollution levels when the engine is switched off.
3. Timers help pedestrians who have a clear idea about the time left to cross the road.
Civic sense@Qurum beach
Under construction
The demand for real estate was such that old buildings started making way for new, multi-storey structures. This is one such under construction building in Ruwi. I have been watching the evolution from ground zero, and it amazes me how neighbours tolerate the mess in the form of dust, noise, stinking makeshift toilets, monstrous trucks roaming around, etc.
Under construction structures can get very creative. The wooden electric pole has been forced to support an extending plank. United we stand, divided we fall, eh? Safety anyone?
Asphalted roads are used to support the wooden barricades. Huge iron rods are nailed mercilessly. How can the construction extend into roads? Is it legal? Will the building owners re-do the roads once the construction is over?
Construction has extended into the earlier wide footpath. Not sure if the owners have taken permission or simply encroached the space without blinking an eyelid.
National Bank of Oman gets new logo
(Update@5pm: better looking logo inserted)
New logo
Previous logo
A statement issued by NBO says:
At the heart of the new identity is National Bank of Oman’s new logo. Inspired by the National flag of Oman, the new logo incorporates the trilogy of the country’s national colours presented in the shape of the flag as it gently unfurls in the breeze.Rendered in an internationally contemporary design, the ‘new logo’ reflects the youth, vitality and forward-looking optimism of the Omani people.
Further inspiration is derived from the billowing sails of the trading ships that contributed so much to Oman’s rich culture and heritage as well as the free-flowing Islamic decorative and calligraphic styles that adorn Oman’s architecture, jewellery and other cultural expressions.
Ripley’s believe it or not
It’s official. Omantel is Oman’s best brand.
Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) has been selected as the best brand in the Sultanate of Oman, and ranked 26th among the best 50 Gulf companies in 2008, according to a press release. The award is another evidence of the role played by the company in stabilising itself as a significant brand in terms of profit growth and expansion of local and foreign investments. (more)
PS: I am wondering why ‘H’ and ‘K’ are caps in the ad.
