‘Insulting Friends’! ^Reply

For Thursday Now May 23rd 2013

Between Us Only!

Insulting ‘Friends’!

The Hypocrisies and the Double Standards of Men!

…. I learned to my sorrow that the human race

Is teaming with scoundrels, each with a double face

Therefore, until they perish and meet their end

Only then one dares to call a person a friend.-

In Search of A Friend – Poem by Mustafa Mohamed Said (PDO)

A long time ago when I was working with ‘one state of the art prestigious project’ firm – I was going to conduct a preliminary first short list interview of candidates for one Administration position – when in my Office walked two guys – one was the Interviewee – and the other was ‘his friend’! The friend had told the Interviewee that he knew me personally and well – and if he would be allowed to talk to me first – because ‘he wanted to use the great ‘W’ thing with me! So if he could be allowed to talk to me in private first before the Interview?

I found this man’s behaviour very strange, crude, odd and weird – but I went on to entertain him anyhow – though we were already behind schedule in the Interviews Programmes! That is M for you – entertaining and bending backwards to accommodate! Anyway, what else is new? The weirdest part was his telling his friend that he knew me well – which was far from the truth! I never knew the guy – and had never ever met him in my life before!

The world is full of crazy weird people of all kinds and sorts! Because after the poor man had left the office – the ‘good friend’ asked me if he could close the door – which I have this bad habit of always ‘keeping it open’! So I obliged! The next was my shock to my every atom and foundation! He was crooked enough to ask if the position involved dealing with customers – and handling money! It was none of his business anyway – but this soft softie approach of mine in dealing with such insurgents had always put me in trouble before – but I never learn my lesson!

So I replied to the affirmative to both the questions. Then he shocked me to the core – do not recruit this guy! Yes – do not! He has been terminated due to some pending cases against him – so ‘I tell you to be careful! I was so shocked – because I did not know what to do next! Normally we have what in HR we call as a Reference Check – that is checking the person out – if we are really interested in him or her after being shortlisted.

Then he called his friend – he said in front of him! I told M all about you – which was true in semantics – and he will do something about your application – doubly semantic as also true! I had to go through the motions of the interview anyhow – but I was so confused and lost – because this was the first time such a thing had happened to me – and did not know what to do!

Meanwhile, his friend went about to others. As soon as I had finished the interview – in walks my boss who liked such things – telling me – give me his CV. To which he took it from me – and tore it up! He told me – this guy is out! He is not a reliable candidate! It later materialised the ‘good friend’ had been to him too – whilst I was conducting the interview!

Anyway, I had an opportunity far later in life when I met this Interviewee and asked him about his ‘friend’! He told me – Oh, he is a very good friend – actually my brother in reality! Then he told me how his ‘friend’ had helped him whilst ‘between jobs’ – and looking after his family! Eventually this man was cleared of the case – and was paid a handsome compensation for his false termination – and got a better job than the one we had planned for him! God’s mysterious ways of working out things – finally for the ‘trusting guy’!

Now those of you who know me well will tell me that something must have happened to you this week for you to write on the topic! You are not mistaken – again! Do you know about Facebook? Well, I sort of had this ‘friend’ lying with me idle in my lists for ages! As a Writer and Columnist I get many requests to be a ‘friend’ – and I do not have the heart to say ‘another time’ or to decline. I feel bad to hurt someone’s feelings – especially if he or she is a fan! Or just likes occasionally to read my articles!

My late father one day beat me up very badly – because unknown to me I was followed to the Masjid by a puppy I was playing with before – and yet I was joining the congregation prayers! With due respects to ‘dogs lovers’ – because the animal is considered sort of unclean’ – I did not make the rules – just following them! The point I want to make here is – if you play with a puppy it will follow you to the mosque. Rhetoric in meaning! For a dog – it is just a building!

Images Friends Below

So this one guy – the name sounds local though – writes something best put as idiotic – and foolishly I put in my comments. It is supposed to be a religious topic – so you must expect comments from others – if you have the nerve and guts in the first place to put it in!

This is what I always say about the increasing extremism, fundamentalism and radicalism in some quarters – especially by some of the Youth – and how they are not able to handle it – when opinions and views come in that are different from theirs! That is why we have so many issues, problems and troubles now!

My double shocks next when he abrasively replies – in a public forum like Facebook – using the N word to describe me ‘to shut up’! I feel like giving him a good piece of my mind – but then I take the high road – and just say – I feel sorry for you – Bye! I then remove him from my friends in Facebook – and in my lists. No longer a Friend! Better now before it is too late!

What I find strange and weird is using the ‘N’ word to describe me – though he misspelled it – with my first inclination for him to go back to school to learn English before replying to others!

Yes I was born in Zanzibar – and I tell you that am very proud of it – the fact – too! If it makes you happy to name call – go ahead – it is your funeral – not mine!

That is my story! Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

Friends Images – Below

Friends 4

My New Book Now in Amazon Kindle! ^Reply

My New Book Now in Amazon Kindle!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CVHP9S8

Hello from Amazon KDP!

The book “Between Us Only!: The Sequel – Three!” you recently submitted to KDP has been published to the Kindle Store and is already available* for readers to purchase here.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CVHP9S8

Now that your book is live, we would like to highlight a great program called KDP Select available to KDP authors and publishers, such as yourself.

KDP Select allows you to enjoy benefits, such as earning a share of a monthly fund when readers borrow your book from the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. You will also be able to promote your book as free to readers for up to 5 days every 90 days. When you choose KDP Select, you make your book available in digital format exclusively through KDP for at least 90 days.

The Book Front Cover

From Me!

After Compliments;

Another feather in the cap! It makes me feel great and elated! As an Omani – I feel great to see an Omani up there with such a books record!

” I was really amazed that you as an ex HR Person could write such a wonderful book like this on Road Safety (Being The Safe Driver!) – so touching and feeling. I must admit I even feel jealous as a HSE person (British)… I could never dare to attempt to try to write such a book! Congratulations. – From A Reader – UK!

www.createspace.com/4097374

What more can I say?

Best Wishes and Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany – Muscat – Oman

May 19th 2013.

Are You Afraid? ^Reply

For Sunday May 19th 2013.

Between Us Only!

Are You Afraid?

Or The (African) Island Touch!

Do you believe in these paranormal ghost things? These things were common occurrences in this place!

The Island - When I was a young boy in this island I grew up in East Africa (Mafia – not the Italian one) but the Arabic one for the place (island) without (She without) – also known locally as Chole – there were a lot of scare and weird stories there. These are not tales that I was told, but had actually experienced myself, family and or by my close friends! See Mafia Island Images Below!

So Afraid?

For example? Like cars cutting off engines whenever they reached one special baobab tree, especially after evening prayers (Maghrib) and for no reason. It never happened when our late father (pbuh) was there! In one incident when it happened, my late father shot in the air – and the truck mysteriously restarted!

See Fear Images Below

There was this beautiful damsel wandering in the night (very tall fair Arab lady). They said she was a ‘Jinn’ (ghost, fairy) trying to trap gullible (and usually drunk) men. It was said she actually walks through walls. If that will not scare you to run (and forget all others ideas you had in your head) what else will? I never met her – but our houseboy did! We heard his screams late at night!

We used to mock these things that they used to make people collect cashew nuts whilst they thought they were dreaming it in their sleep – only to find it the hard way when their hands reeked of cashew fruit next morning!

Travel Express by Night – One old Bedouin (Omani) telling my father one day early morning ‘that our grandmother had died in Hail Al-Ghaaf (Quriyaat)’. In those days mails took a month, when the letter was received, it was the exact date (the man had insisted to my disbelieving late father to write down the date!).

It was said this man traveled at night (how – do not ask me! I never asked him, nor did I want to find out!) to and back to Oman. To prove his point, he had fresh ripening dates in his house (guess nobody ate them except himself, who else in his right mind would want to try?) It was always in summer time – I came only to know when I returned to Oman in 1972 was the time of dates!

There were so many stories In this island, of so many stories of people changing into ‘cats and monkeys’ and coming to people’s houses (we used to think our poor dad (pbuh) had lost it, when he used to shout at them in Arabic – to go away, and they actually did!).

There is also this one! How my late elder brother (pbuh) beat a cat badly because it ate his food. Next day he was seriously sick, everybody said he was a goner. They had to go to apologise to an old African man who looked like he was just beaten up! Only then my brother recovered.

The Haunted Hotel Room – The hotel Reception offered me this room on the top floor. It was at a reduced rate. The Reception Staff lady said to me – You are Omani. So you will be okay in the room! I refused to take chances – and rightly too – as it emerged that the room was haunted – and there was an evil presence in the room. Next morning the people found themselves on the floor thrown from the bed – in the bath tub – and hearing angry hissing voices – like get out from my master’s bed!

I would have discounted this as just whim. But I met someone later one I knew well who had tried the room – and met exactly the same fate. It seemed the hotel was housed in a large family house belonging to an ex Omani famous family. Some of the family members were massacred in the Revolution – and the rest had all left the place soon afterwards!

The Singing Pretty Damsel – There was a great disbelief – but one person was ready to swear on his mother’s grave – that he had a glimpse of her at the haunted house as dusk was setting! Only two brothers lived in the house. They were aloofers – and were marked as hermit misers! The man swore he had never seen such a beautiful woman before in his life – she had long hair – and was singing a Faiza Ahmed (Arabic) song! She was tall and very fair in complexion. When he looked into the window – she instantly disappeared – but he felt his whole body going into a chill! Then the fierce dog of the house barked loudly – and he just ran non-stop back to the village!

The People of the Night! – As kids we used to go out early in the morning before dawn to collect fresh fallen from the trees mangoes! In one place we heard as if someone was moving in the shrubs near us – moaning loudly! Next day we met this old local woman who kept staring at us! She was known as a Mchawi – Mwanga – or as you and I understand as a witch!

She lamented to us – You be careful in your fruit mango picking things – because you are disturbing some other people out doing their thing (job: business)! Lucky they know you – or they could have harmed you! Actually we did not really need to collect the mangoes – as they were always being sold to us the family very cheap! But boys will always be boys! We stopped the mangoes collecting exercises soon after this!

The Big Question – The big question I keep asking myself since a kid! How come the people practicing these are always still poor, destitute and in need? Or why don’t they help us fight our adversaries?

Hope I did not scare you in the process! Being scared and afraid is normal human trait and behaviour – nothing illogical, alien or strange either! Or illogical and inconclusive either!

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

Mafia Island Images Below

Mafia Island Images Above

ADDENDUM

The Very Tall (UFO) Person – Our farm boy was returning to the farm at Wayani late at night. Then he saw this very tall looking person, pulling chains tied to him! When asked if he was local or not – he said I did not stop to look! But the tall person was wearing the long white dress put for funeral purposes! The man was admitted in the hospital for acute shock! He was exclaiming loudly what he saw at the hospital ward. Two days later he had died! People just put it to him turning mad and senile – and seeing things! But was it really? True the man liked the local drink Uraka – made from fermented cashew fruits! But is it that all to make the person so scared … to death?

The Car Lift Gone All Wrong! It was coconut picking season time. So he was driving very late at night. He nearly hit the local woman who was standing on the road – after his car beams picked her out from the shadows! So he asked her – Mother – what are you doing late at night? Get in the car – I will take you to the village. She reluctantly got in! After awhile talking incessantly to her – but she was not answering – so he turned around! She was not in the car!

A few miles on – he saw her again by the side of the road! This time she was stopping him for a lift! Again she was standing in the middle of the road! He said to me – I drove through her. I thought I hit something – because I found the car shaking! He did not stop – or look back. He put loud the Quraan cassette – and reciting along! When he told the villagers – they did not disbelieve him! They mentioned one old woman who had died many years ago! The woman was famous for asking for lifts!

Need More?

END

A Question of Loyalty! ^Reply

For Now Thursday – May 16^th 2013.

Between Us Only!

A Question of Loyalty!

O ye who believe! Obey Allah and Obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result – Quraan 4.59
· Loyalty is the pledge of truth to oneself and others.- Ada Valez – Boardley
A Question of Loyalty is the fourteenth episode of the BBC comedy series Yes Minister and was first broadcast 6 April 1981

If you are faced in life of a dilemma situation where you may need to tell one the painful bitter truth – and not doing so or in remaining quiet – in order for peace and just to continue to maintain friendships and relationships – which one would you go for? It is a loaded question – or as it is being said – a one million question! You could retort by saying that it all depends on the style, tact and diplomacy that you may need to use – or as it is said in some quarters – of sugar coating the bitter pill – before you give it! But what if there are no takers? And all your best efforts and determination have failed miserably?

Images Loyalty – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

And have you considered of the repercussions and consequences of showing indifference – when the person asks you pointblank – why? Why did you not tell me? Because you would not listen! Yes – but still you should have told me – you at least owe this to me! And in brief and in summary – that is my life’s story – by saying it – however bitter and painful the truth can be! For me that is the preferred option – rather than go with the tide – and remain quiet! Admittedly going with the tide can drown you! But did you notice too that it is only the ‘dead fish’ that go with the tide!

In my current life status – I have some ladies that write to me ‘complaining bitterly ‘ about their spouses and how they get treated. The discomfiting and the unfortunate part is that I know well their spouses – and that is what is being said of ‘hiding skeletons in the closets’ – or as the East Africans say – ‘each house hides its secrets inside the house – you cannot see it from outside’!

Apart from semantics of loyalty – what can I say to them? That perhaps it takes two to tango? As soon as you say that – or try to intimate that perhaps she had contributed to the situation – then all hell is let loose – and you are now involved in the triangular relationships – even if you were determined not to! The problem with some people is this ‘I’ thing – they are always right – and can never be wrong! I know of a very good friend of mine married for over 35 years – if he has made a mistake to his wife or children – he will come forward to admit it – even if belatedly!

Images Loyalty – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

He tells me that in all this long period ‘not even one day did the wife come forward to admit anything she had done wrong – even inadvertently! How is it possible that you as a human being can remain like an angel that has done no wrong? But she will easily apologise to the office staff – or her friends – but never her husband! Yet the lady is supposed to be religious and observing but only in the other aspects – but not in equation is the husband there! The triple hypocrisy out of it all!

As Loyal as Mother and Child! Images For Demonstration Purposes Only!

This week my two sequel books in the Between Us Only! series were released! In one of the book was an article about how I left one place! There is a new man there – under ‘New Management’ theme and focus! So I sent my book to him – pointing out the chapter for his attention! I did not expect much in return with exception of either being just ignored – as the usual cases – or even the book given to someone else – ‘if you are interested’ in his works! The surprise and excitement was all mine – when the good pragmatic man was so kind and receptive – and it even made me feel guilty of adding that chapter in the book!

In my career life I had one lady staff who was always calling in sick – and she in many times did not even bring medical proofs of being sick – but I used ‘to cover and protect her’ because I knew about her case well personally! The day I had resigned from the place – what else is new? – another boss came in! She was so excited- because their families knew each other well from old days! The guy even teased me that ‘he was invited for lunch in her house – were you invited? I said emphatically – No! Lucky you! In God’s mysterious ways – the relationships soon soured – and she started losing salary money whenever she did not turn up – because the man followed the book rules! She was soon heard to lament – I am being punished by what I did to M1

In one of my Executive Search Selection campaigns – I got one Omani Engineer so desperate that he even had considered to apply for a job in a war torn Arab country! He feared that one day he will end as a casualty of indiscriminate road bombings! He was a good candidate – only his problem was his mouth – he spoke! I understood well the dilemma – being myself a victim! He ended in a very high profile job somewhere else – with full power and authority! Some years later they were looking for a temporary HR Consultant – guess who got the job? Not me for sure! That is how the cookie crumbles – as our good Brits say!

I could write chapters and chapter on this theme – but I am taking into mind what my Features Editor said to me about my columns – so I will end here!

ADDENDUM – His Majesty visit to PDO on 12^th May 2013 and receiving this SMS message from the MD brought tears to my eyes! You will excuse me for now getting old and being a diabetic case! The SMS just said – This afternoon we were privileged and honoured to be visited at our MAF offices by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. I and members of the MDC presented PDO business priorities and key achievements. His Majesty sent his best wishes to all employees and was appreciative of PDO efforts in oil and gas production and our wider programme to support Oman. PDO MD

See Full Post here at www.majidsn.com

http://majidsn.com/2013/05/13/hm-sultan-qaboos-visit-to-pdo/

Images HM Visit to PDO

Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

Saying It As It Is! ^Reply

For Sunday – May 12^th 2013.

Between Us Only!

All About The New Books!

Saying It As It Is!

From The Between Us Only! Columns

Be yourself, everyone else is taken! – Oscar Wilde
If you do not tell the truth about yourself; you cannot tell it about other people! – Virginia Woolf
Say what is true, although it may be bitter and displeasing to people – Baihaqi

For those Readers that may still remember and know it – my first article in this very same column had started in April 23^rd 2003 – over ten years ago! It was titled More Dangerous and Troubled Waters Ahead! – and was after the Iraqi invasion. It seemed that it was an omen, forecast and premonition of things yet to come – so many years later – when the world now has become a very dangerous and difficult place to live! I remember one Iraqi citizen telling Al Jazeera Television – We suffered during Saddam Time – but there was a sort of general safety and security! After the invasion – we suffered far more – but this time there was neither safety nor security either!

Between Us Only! The Sequel – 3!

We can also see how unsafe and dangerous the world is now – when children fear death and destruction coming out from the skies – whilst they sleep in their hut dwellings! That some people can become so ungrateful that they can reign down harm and destructions to the same country that had welcomed them in as refugees! And nothing is safe – even sports! Good decent people all over the world who had everything and to look for in life – now facing bleak futures – losing all they had possessed and living homeless and without!

And like in my last article – how so many tents for refugees and displaced peoples have sprung up all over the world! Yet the very same people that had caused or contributed to all these still write books – where they do not show any compunction or reflections of being sorry or apologetic! And have even now mausoleums and libraries built in their honours! Human beings are very strange species and creatures!

Between Us Only! Short Takes – 2!

Anyway, this week my two new columns books have been released – titled Between Us Only! Short Takes – Two! and Between Us Only! The Sequel – Three! – that is books five and six respectively of the books series. – covering column articles of the past four years! This is what they all had said – and sharing with you today. More information here and at www.myown-ebooks.com

A From The Books Publishers

Back again for the next installment in his critically acclaimed series, Majid Al Suleimany offers a new collection of articles that deal with the delicate matters that many are scared to touch. Adapted from his successful newspaper column in The Oman Daily Observer, the enlightening and educational articles of Between Us Only! Short Takes – Two! cover everything from human suffering and social trends to divorce and prejudice. Touching on some of the social evils prevalent in today’s society, this fantastic collection uses a mixture of witty observations and heavy blows to get its point across.

A labour of love filled with keen observations on twenty-first-century society, this insightful book carries priceless warnings, resentments, fears, and advice for readers everywhere.

The varied and honest new collection of articles cover a multitude of topics, from light-hearted and entertaining stories to serious topics based off of universal societal issues. Full of interesting and educational articles and stories, this wonderful book is a captivating experience, especially for readers familiar with Arab customs, traditions, heritages, and legacies.

A fantastic read for everyone from CEOs to students, Between Us Only! offers insightful and illuminating articles based off of a variety of topics that even apply to children, teenagers, and grandparents. Filled with varied topics that will entertain and inform readers of all backgrounds and walks of life, this eclectic collection will engross as it inspires and provides a wide range of knowledge on a multitude of important topics.

Developed from weekly columns Al Suleimany writes, Between Us Only! follows up on the success of the previous books in the series and furthers the idea of private talks between friends on matters that many are too scared to touch. Often times delving into topics that aren’t always sweet, this enlightening book uses a clear and elegant prose to explore social evils in society as well as their light hearted counterparts. Covering a variety of priceless topics, this wonderful collection of articles gives readers everywhere a glimpse into the issues that are prevalent in today’s society

B Kirkus Books Reviews

Al Suleimany (Being the Safe Driver!, 2013, etc.) collects his wide-ranging columns from the Oman Daily Observer (an English daily) into one volume.

Subject matter here ranges from Omani politics to social ills, workplace life and religious reflections. Of the book’s purpose, Al Suleimany writes: “It is hoped that people will buy this book for the greater cause of people talking and communicating to each other—and in building tolerance, patience, understanding, love, togetherness and oneness in humanity—as the main theme and focus of this book—and in spreading these universal messages to mankind.”

He treats each disparate topic with the same sensibility, keeping his stated purpose at the forefront. With a tone by turns admonishing and casual, he manages to make moral pronouncements without coming across as condescending or pedantic. Many of his moral concerns center on matters of etiquette, both in the workplace and at home. He writes, “As a human resources professional and consultant, even I have found dealing with family members as the most hard, complex and difficult in comparisons! (sic) Jobs are definitely much easier!”

His opinions are informed by his religion; for instance, in a discussion of debt, he reminds his readers that the Surah II Al Baqarah reads, “If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time till it is easy for him to repay.” The profusion of articles is arranged alphabetically by topic, with a table of contents. Despite the status as a collection, the work is more or less disjointed; often, it’s not immediately clear what topic a particular piece seeks to discuss. What redeems the disorder, however, is the force of Al Suleimany’s personality, which comes through in every article, no matter the topic.

A well-rounded perspective of Omani life. Indeed, this is a great write from a great author in the Middle East.

More information here and at www.myown-ebooks.com

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

Between Us Only! Short Takes – Two! Kirkus Reviews ^Reply

Kirkus Reviews – Between Us Only! Short Takes – Two!

KIRKUS REVIEWS

TITLE INFORMATION

BETWEEN US ONLY!

Short Takes – Two!

Al Suleimany, Majid

CreateSpace (626 pp.)

$28.00 paperback, $12.00 e-book

ISBN: 978-1482323603; February 28, 2013

BOOK REVIEW

Al Suleimany (Being the Safe Driver!, 2013, etc.) collects his wide-ranging columns from the Oman Daily Observer (an English daily) into one volume.

A well-rounded perspective of Omani life. Indeed, this is a great write from a great author in the Middle East.

The Humanity Absurdity! ^Reply

The Humanity Absurdity!

The Parody and Distortion of Life!

I was watching the Television coverage news of refugees and the IDPs – Internal Displaced People in more than three Refuge Centres tents in two continents – and the victims again being the same Arabs and Muslims! Human crimes against fellow human beings – the wanton destructions, the calamities, the decadence and the malaise!

The images show beautiful women crying and in desperation of how they were going to feed their families – whilst children being children – played as if nothing has at all changed in their lives – and as if still at home! Children being children also – and certainly making troubles and headaches to their parents and caretakers in the process!

Sad that these same images of such beautiful women in these dire and difficult stages now in their lives – and some for certain for the first time and unexpected too – could have received standing ovations in fashion cat shows – if they had the opportunity to be there! People living in tents out in the cold – or even open places and like in cemeteries. With no food, water and protection the elements of sun, rain, wind and storms!

Images – Wasted Lives in Camps!

In one of the incidents that stuck with me for ages – was this scene of a school teacher confronting a camera man and asking him to leave them alone – and just go away. He said profoundly to the camera man and interviewer – Leave us alone! We were just like you living normally in our own houses – running our own lives as best as we could – and never ever thought that the day would come when we would end as victims of man-made war and end as refugees! So stop filming – it can happen to you too one day! But the camera man had a story to tell – and would just not stop filming! That is humanity for you!

Images – Refugees Camp and ChFamilies

And here we are in air conditioned houses, cars and offices – with full food bellies complaining of minor things and issues. Go and ask these peoples – and they are ready to swop places with you anytime – at least for the normality, peace and quiet! Including for their children too!

Many of them were just like us – until a few months back – when tragedy and misery struck! Human beings will never learn – because even if they have written the history books – they never sit down to read and understand them – which make us more worse than animals – or just like them! Because the gazelle will only start to run when the cheetah starts to chase them! You would have expected the gazelle to have started running or hiding as soon as the cheetah or lion had appeared on the scene!

Images – Lost Innocent Faces!

This also applies to us! Because we say and do things to one another – and know well in advance what the end results and the consequences are going to be – but yet still do it! It is like an attachment and extension of harm and d

Images – Refugees Camp and Children

isaster that is is in-built into us – and instead of us being in control – we let these things control us instead!

My frank and honest assessment is that the so-called supposed to be religious people wanting to be politicians instead – and politicians wanting to be religious people too – the wear and tear – the contrasts and the contradictions of the two in the due process of doing all things! And giving opportunities to our adversaries to mock us – and do more harm to us!

Images – Living Out in the Open!

Let us keep hoping and praying that sanity, pragmatism, common sense and a sense of fairness, expediency, ethics and principles will prevail – and Allah God Guide us to the right path and way – Amin.

ADDENDUM– For the fans and the readers’ information – the Sequel Books to the Between Us Only! series have now been released! Book – Short Takes – Two! and The Sequel – Three! Carry all my articles past 4 years!

From The Books Publishers – The books focus on the study of humanity, human needs, human interaction, society, and economics, as well as the other areas. In fact, the Author covers all socio-economic-political aspects of society, with an emphasis also on working environments such as office politics and dramas.

The Author also addresses society as a whole, and the dire repercussions and consequences of bad ideas and thoughts that can be harmful to society in the broadest sense. Though many topics apply to Oman and GCC countries, the collection of columns organized by Majid Al Suleimany offer a universal appeal because, in his view, society and family are quite similar.

According to the Author, “We have the same needs, wants, worries, concerns and fears – as well as what we like and do not like. This is because the human being is essentially the very same – regardless of race, creed, religion, color, ancestry, and ethnicity!”

The book will encourage deep soul-searching, deep self analysis, and a quest to make the world a better place for all. It has been penned directly from the heart of the Author to the reader. It carries many emotional personal family stories and encounters – including work experiences as a highly-qualified Human Resources Management Consultant.

The book moves quickly, advancing without boundaries, and is careful never to get bogged down in politics. While critical, the writings are also very realistic and practical, and stress the need in society for change in a way that will foster more patience, tolerance, and understanding. More information here and at www.myown-ebooks.com

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

Why You Should Buy My Sequel Books! ^Reply

Why You Should Buy My Sequel Books! Between Us Only! Series

www.myown-ebooks.com

Between Us Only! Short Takes – 2!

About The Book

www.createspace.com/4153269

Back again for the next instalment in his critically acclaimed series, Majid Al Suleimany offers a new collection of articles that deal with the delicate matters that many are scared to touch. Adapted from his successful newspaper column in The Oman Daily Observer, the enlightening and educational articles of Between Us Only! Short Takes – Two! cover everything from human suffering and social trends to divorce and prejudice. Touching on some of the social evils prevalent in today’s society, this fantastic collection uses a mixture of witty observations and heavy blows to get its point across.

A labour of love filled with keen observations on twenty-first-century society, this insightful book carries priceless warnings, resentments, fears, and advice for readers everywhere.

Majid Al Suleimany has over twenty-five years of experience as a human resources specialist and over ten years of experience as a management and human resources consultant, expert, and advisor. For the past eight years, he has written weekly columns in The Oman Daily Observer, an English daily, which has led to three published books based off of his columns. He has recently expanded to a new column, At the Workplace. Al Suleimany has also published two other books on Arab management – http://www.myown-ebooks.com.

Between Us Only! The Sequel – 3!

About The Book

www.createspace.com/4153263

Between Us Only! The Sequel – Two! – has been adapted from Majid Al Suleimany’s successful newspaper columns in The Oman Daily Observer. Utilizing the very best touching emotional based stories and articles from the columns that he has penned over the past four years, Al Suleimany touches on a wide variety of vital and riveting topics. The subject matter will be of interest to everyone from teenagers to grandparents – and from the clerks to the CEOs.

Between Us Only! The Sequel – Two! – focuses on the study of humanity, human needs, human interaction, society, and economics, as well as other areas. In fact, the author covers all socio-economic-political aspects of society, with an emphasis on working environments such as office issues and aspects.

The author also addresses society as a whole, and the dire repercussions and consequences of bad ideas and thoughts that can be harmful to society in the broadest sense. Though many topics apply to Oman and GCC countries, the collection of columns organized by Al Suleimany offer a universal appeal because, in his view, society and family are quite similar.

According to the author, “We have the same needs, worries, concerns and fears—as well as what we like and do not like. This is because the human being is essentially the same—regardless of race, creed, religion, color, ancestry, and ethnicity!”

The book will encourage soul-searching, deep analysis, and a quest to make the world a better place. It has been penned directly from the heart of the author to the reader. It carries many emotional personal family stories and encounters – including work experiences as a highly-qualified human resources management consultant.

The book moves quickly, advancing without boundaries, and is careful never to get bogged down in politics. While critical, the writings are also realistic and practical, and stress the need in society for change in a way that will foster more patience, tolerance, and understanding.

Yet Between Us Only! The Sequel – Three! – is not without controversy. For readers who wish to study Arabic (and Islamic) approaches to the Middle East, the West, and other religions, the book makes excellent references relating to the post-September 11 world. The increases in religious fundamentalism and radicalization in society, and the fact that many youngsters are on board with these aspects, are also taken to task.

The author, through his writings, offers up a tome that is part prayer and part preaching, desperately hoping for a change in the world that will produce a new and more positive direction. “Live and let live in peace, harmony, and co-existence,” is Al Suleimany’s mantra.

Books available in Oman at Family Bookshops and WHSmith . Price OMR 12.

Best Wishes and Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

Writing is a struggle against silence. Carlos Fuentes

There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are. W. Somerset Maugham

New Road Safety Website. ^Reply

New Road Safety Website.

About The Website! – www.bethesafedriver.com

Specially created by Majid Al Suleimany with completion of his new book on Road Safety – Novel Type!

Being The Safe Driver! Behind The Wheel!

USA Published

Book – India Published Version

See Pages and Posts here.

Best Wishes and Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

My New Books Are Now Available! ^Reply

My New Books Are Now Available In Oman

May 4, 2013

For More Details Here At

www.myown-ebooks.com

www.bethesafedriver.com

Price OMR 12 (Twelve)

Family Bookshops and WHSmith for now

Also place orders here emails –

mymajidbooks@majidalsuleimany.com

majidalsuleimanybooks@gmail.com

Direct (Card) Orders –

(US Dollars 34 -36)

A Being The Safe Driver!

www.createspace.com/4097374

B Short Takes – 2! Between Us Only!

www.createspace.com/4153269

C The Sequel – 3! Between Us Only!

www.createspace.com/4153263

D My Previous Books - Direct Orders

A Cry For Help! Context and Perspectives!
http://bookstore.trafford.com/Products/SKU-000142695/A-Cry-For-Help.aspx

Psychology of Arab Management Thinking!
www.trafford.com/08-0889

The Sequel – Between Us Only!
www.trafford.com/08-0890

Short Takes – Between Us Only!
Only From The Publisher (few copies left)

Book 1 – Between Us Only!
Only From The Publisher (few copies left)

Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

Marriages Between Cousins! ^Reply

Between Us Only!

Marriages Between Cousins!

‘Consanguinity Marriages’

Marriages between cousins – or the Medical Term – is ‘Consanguinity Marriages’.
In some Western countries – like in USA – they even ban such marriages – and perhaps because medically proved to be harmful and resultant genetic disorders and deformities – especially to the offspring!
Encouraged, however, in many Muslims (Arab) societies – mainly for ‘the family, tribe and other ties and preservations’.

I do not know if you agree with me or not – but I am a firm believer that before one can be allowed to marry – he or she should undergo a sort of test to determine suitability of being parents – and bringing children into this world – looking after them as they are growing and being nurtured! Why is it that we have licenses for driving cars – or businesses – or even getting education and training certificates, diplomas and degrees? The idea must sound absurd – but is it really? Think on it for a minute!

Image – Arab Henna

In one of the famous light-hearted moments that my late father would not ever forget to his dying day was when he called me in front of the Council of Family Elders in that distant land – and told them that M – still only in Primary school at 16 years – had something to say – a request – to the Elders – and if they would ‘please pay attention’ to listen to him! I was a very naïve trusting boy – and did not notice that the ‘sniggers’ were already forming – and trying hard to be subdued!

You are going to marry her!

So my late father says promptly and encouragingly to me – Okay – your Uncles are listening! The word in English remains as Uncle – but in Arabic there are differences between father’s brother and mother’s brother – but they were all there waiting interestingly for me to begin. I started in my broken Arabic – but they encouragingly said to me to speak in the local lingo – we will understand you! Subdued sniggers again!

When I finished talking – everybody had already fallen frolicked on the ground – laughing uncontrollably and incessantly! I was really puzzled and confused as to what was going on – so they again asked me ‘to repeat myself’ – followed by more laughter and mirth. One of the uncles hugged me tightly – ‘you made my day’ – he whispered to me. Warped sense of humour these elders!

Henna Embroidery

Then they offered another solution to my request – and that was why the council had met! To hear me on the ‘second option’ they had on me – as the first one ‘was completely out of the question’. Then dried dates and coffee were served – whilst I felt like sinking into the ground! Simply and smugly put – it was just a question of ‘the birds and bees’ at my age then – but nobody had explained to me about these things. In today’s lives – I would hardly dare to do that to my son – because I would end as the more ‘Embarrassed One’ than anybody else!

I got him!

The meeting had been held because I saw that very beautiful girl – and I had followed her to her house. I wanted to get married to her – and that was the ‘Big Joke’ going around! Forget about the ‘birds and the bees’ for a moment – but this girl’s family never allowed anybody outside their tribe to get married into the tribe – even if they were the same Omani stock like us!

It was always marriages inside the tribe – but more between cousins – first ones more! So the meeting of the elders was set – to determine my second option to choose from my other 16 cousins – and if I forget who was who – they would bring them ‘to show me’! Thus the big gathering in the house – M was going to choose a bride today! Happy occasion! My late Mother was so upset that I had not discussed this first with her – she was closer to her own Mother – and thought that we would follow suit – but we were ‘macho kids’!

Indian Marriage

But I had badly disappointed them – because it was the other girl ‘I could not have’ that I was still interested in! Years later I met this girl – and we had a long laugh together! Yes – she was married to her first cousin – but the marriage did not last! Even after the children! These families were not ‘really rich and famous’ – but they had their ways of doing things – even now to a lesser extent with the changing times and modernity!

Not My Cousin!

Indeed, there was a very beautiful article by one famed (Salalah) Omani lady about these problems in The South – followed by another Omani lady from Muscat in another daily. There is nothing more that I could add except to say that especially with us stock from The Interior – these things still do exist – even if they emigrate to other countries – as vividly displayed by the Council of Elders – and the always dried dates and coffee that followed!

My Cousin!

Years and years later – my heart had gone to one first cousin – but she had her own priorities than me! On the day of the wedding my late poor feeling father saw me depressed and again he asked me – Just say it – and I will stop this wedding just now! Whether she likes it or not – she will get married to you. I said to him – Sorry Dad – let it be – but I certainly do not want an ‘unwilling tied by rope wife’ to come to me!

The sad part was that our late grandparents had already marked me for her to get married to – but none in the lists left behind ever were accomplished – everybody got married to everybody else – with no exceptions – non in cousins – and or first cousins – included! When my son wanted to get married to ‘a sort of a foreigner’ – I tried my father’s ways – but failed badly! Yuk – my son declared – Are you out of your mind? She is my sister – we grew up together! Be serious dad! How can you dare to suggest such a cousin to me?

And that is The Society for you – now! But yes – in some quarters still continue – but slowly changing too! Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money. Jules Renard

The desire to write grows with writing. Desiderius Erasmus

Crimes Against Children – The Indian Rape Cases! ^Reply

If the writing is honest it cannot be separated from the man who wrote it. Tennessee Williams

Between Us Only!

Crimes Against Children!

A long time ago – when I used to subscribe to the Public Forums – before I had my own websites – now over 10 – from Columns (3 live and 2 previous); Books (2); Road Safety (1); Personal cum Family (3); Opinion (1) and several others – I had a long acrimonious argument with some members contributors – including one famous Omani Columnist – that with due apologies in advance as a taboo stigma subject – that we needed to have a ‘Red District’ to avoid crimes against women and children. There was even a sick joke being circulated around – that prostitution was one of the ‘oldest professions in mankind’ – so what else was new?

Images – India Rape Cases – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

Though something against decency, the ways of life and our values – and norms – it was something people felt should be still be had in order to lessen dangers to women – children especially! I was one of the few with the opinion against the idea – and once again – though belatedly – I have been proved correct once more! The point being that those that ‘are sick in the head’ – the weirdos and crackpots – do not need an excuse to do their ignominious dastardly crimes!

Out of all the countries in the world – and as a good friend – I am ashamed to the core that child rape cases can happen in such a country that had never ever crossed my mind can happen! Though frankly I knew there was capabilities of other types of crimes and violence – but had never imagined that it could happen there to such a shameful level involving innocent children of such young tender age – and something very weird and wrong is happening now there. There are simply no grounds for defence or apologists to come in now. It lays bare and open that despite all the freedoms and permissiveness these things can still happen there.

Admittedly these things happen everywhere in the world – and even in our midst – but the frequencies and repetitions now are very alarming and a very great case of concern. It is shocking beyond belief! There is simply no excuse for such barbarity and crimes of these kinds against children. Children and women now have become greatest casualty victims of wars, aggression, terrorism and fundamentalism – ‘collateral damages’! – and makes all the Believers’ Prophets turn in their graves – including the ‘beliefs, saints and gods’ of the others!. What is happening to us now?

Images – India Rape Cases – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

There is simply no excuse and the whole world needs to speak out. Sometimes one asks himself if ‘swift and quick’ justice is the answer to scare the rest and put them in line those that are contemplating and or may contemplate such ideas in the future! Frankly, I do not know the answer – because even in those countries where such things do happen – like hangings from the highest points and leaving the body(ies) for the whole public to see – or public beheadings – these things still do happen – even if not frequently and more like in the past! I must admit I do not have the solution nor answer – and your guess and opinion is as good as mine here!

A long time ago, a peer was joking with me about ‘the evils of drinking’. He told me about this story of a young woman who wanted to seduce a handsome young Mullah (Priest). So she tried all the excuses to get the man inside the house – but the frolicked man just refused. Finally, one day she asked him if she could ask ‘a religious lady question’ to him – and being private and embarrassing – she got him finally to come inside to hear the question. Keep remembering this is only a joke – before someone starts to jump on someone else!

So the ‘lady’ tells the Sheikh what is really in her mind – and the priest rejects this vehemently! Finally, she tempts the priest to try ‘a new brand imported’ wine – so just to get away – the priest agrees to take a swipe! All the time the priest says this is a lesser crime – than adultery – so just to get out of the house! Then he takes a bit more – and some more! Sorry for the vulgarity, coarseness and the lucidness – but soon the priest is tempted to do what the young lass had all the time wanted him to do in the first instance!

The woman’s young daughter sees them – and starts to scream out aloud ‘on what she is seeing is going on’! The misfit priest tries to silence the young girl – and in the due course and process – suffocates her – and not only drinks alcohol – but commits also adultery and murder – thus the evils of drinking! All from that first sip!

It has been established that in many cases of domestic violence – and especially involving children – are contributed to excessive use of alcoholism by the male partner. I was watching this BBC Television Programme of domestic violence there – and where once was few or unheard – is now becoming more prevalent and frequent in even UK amongst Asian families – and Muslim ones too – and the culture and conflicts – which is going to be my next column article titled A Question of Loyalty!

Till then – Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

How To Order My Books! ^Reply

1 Psychology of Arab Management Thinking!

www.trafford.com/08-0889

http://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Arab-Management-Thinking-Arabian/dp/1425182739

2 A Cry For Help!

http://bookstore.trafford.com/Products/SKU-000142695/A-Cry-For-Help.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/Cry-Help-Management-Services-Context-Perspectives/dp/1426920636

3 The Sequel – Between Us Only!

www.trafford.com/08-0890

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Between-Us-Only-Sequel-Title/dp/1426998074

4 Being The Safe Driver!

www.createspace.com/4097374

India Version – Published in India

5 Short Takes – 2! – Between Us Only!

www.createspace.com/4153269

6 The Sequel – 3! – Between Us Only!

www.createspace.com/4153263

7 Short Takes – Between Us Only! –

www.createspace.com

Order only through The Author – Few copies left!

8 Between Us Only! First Book – Original.

Order only through The Author – Few copies left!

Published in Oman.

My Three New Books Now Published! ^Reply

Dear All & After Compliments;

Pleased to inform you about my books – please find below for your information

* Being The Safe Driver! www.createspace.com/4097374
** Short Takes – Two! www.createspace.com/4153263
** The Sequel – Three! www.createspace.com/4153269
To Order Direct by Credit Card
* Availbale in Oman at Family Bookshops and at WHSmith
** Between Us Only! Series Books.

PLEASE DO SUPPORT Local Oman Authors writing in English – and local talents, skills and entrepreneurship PLEASE!

More Books Information Here and at www.myown-ebooks.com.

Best Wishes and Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

The Burning World! ^Reply

Between Us Only!

The Burning World!

If you are (un)lucky like me, you will note that your Doctor knows more about you far more than you can ever imagine – sometimes to most discomfiting and embarrassing levels – even before you have fully explained to him your full symptoms! Normally I try to see him – but this time I was given instead a very charming (pretty) lady doctor instead! She then told me that she would have to do some tests on me – and if I was feeling being embarrassed by being seen by her – maybe I was emitting body signs unknowingly! Anyway, as I was being seen by her – in walks my usual regular doctor excusing himself why he could not see me – but in parting remarked – Not depressed again? Have you started watching the news again? I just dismally and nonchalantly smiled – and say nothing in return!

Burning Syria 1 – Images For Demonstration Purposes Only

I was teasing Great Madam Wife – GMW – that maybe I should write my 9^th book – this time a Novel? I was telling her I wanted to write about the family seeing so many new films now made out of family based stories – but then she cautioned me that if there are some still not speaking to you – this time if you do – then majority – if not all the family – will not ever talk to you – especially if it is going to come out in a film! I have a very good story to tell the world – so I view at the ‘opportunity costs’ – as she is absolutely right here! So I end watching the news to pass my retirement time!

The other day a good Indian friend of mine called me that his company in Sohar was looking for a temporary HR Consultant – and if I would be interested? I had been to the place before – and seen ‘the pushing for getting jobs’ – so I politely and tactfully declined! At this stage of my life – and not being that healthy-wise – I do not need the hassles and the headaches – even if the pay is good. I assure you it is not a ‘question of sour grapes’ – but I remember what our late father used to tell us – The one who denies you beans – has just reduced your gas intake!

Burning Syria 2 – Images For Demonstration Purposes Only!

The truth be said that Al Jazeera Television has done us Arabs great and proud by its popularity and intake – and its coverages and programmes. I was amazed to hear that even in USA and Europe – if there is an issue – like the Boston rally incident – people have turned to Al Jazeera to get ‘reliable truthful news’ – and that is a feather in the cap for Al Jazeera Television!

Some of the Arab World programmes shown recently in Al Jazeera Television have shown the link of past history and incidents to current events and happenings – and that is quite expedient and revealing – at least to me! Their deep self soul search analysis and break down of events and happenings in history – and their linkages to what is happening now!

Burning Syria 3 – Images For Demonstration Purposes Only!

In truth and actual fact, one is even shocked and baffled to the core as to why it took that long to unfold in what is really happening now on the ground! The reduced effect in enormity and delay in the repercussions and outcomes is shocking beyond belief! The outcomes are to be expected and natural of wronged peoples – and the injustices and blatant disregard of human values and justices.

That even the coming of the Great Prophet PBUH – we still can do these things to one another! When a sceptic remarks that’ more Arab blood was spilt by fellow Arab guns – than from our adversaries’ – and you have no alternative except to agree with him – makes a triumphant victory for those bent to belittle and to discredit us!

Burning Syria 4 – Images For Demonstration Purposes Only!

Then I watch the news in the other places – the earthquakes – the floods – collapsed buildings – the rampage killings and destructions of innocent lives – including children and women – the destructions from falling missiles – and the slaughter of even babies and children – from the weapons coming out from the sky! The ironical and sad part is the person who has directed the onslaughts goes home in peace and comfort to his family – his wife and children – whilst killing of the other families and children – is just ‘carrying out orders – and doing one’s job’! Human beings are sickening – and worse than even the animals at their worst case scenarios!

Burning Syria 5 – Images For Demonstration Purposes Only!

Then there are the demonstrations for jobs – looking for jobs – afraid of losing jobs and benefits – looking for ‘more money’ – lost incomes, investments, savings and pensions. So many stories of once nice decent good peoples – now on bad times – and of such same people committing or tempting to commit suicides – because they have lost everything – and life is not worth living anymore!

Reminds me decades ago of a relative girl with a son – who called me in desperation – saying she was contemplating suicide – because she was ‘not happy in marriage and her husband – and husband family’ – but I did not take it seriously then – till I learnt the hard way too late that she actually did it! And all the time listening to ‘the inner voice’ of do not get involved – or the involvement could turn more serious and sour too!

Demonstrations in Spain

Whatever belief and religion you have – the fundamental and basic teachings and preaching are the very same – because subduing, turbulent violence, brutality and aggressive methods and styles solve nothing – as the programmes show! Past incidents of over 20 years come out in the open again – and again from time to time – ever again! Like I always say – the very same things – and sometimes the repetition just becomes stifling, mundane and boring!

Basically, we human beings have the same needs, worries, concerns and fears – as well as what we like and do not like! This is because the human being is essentially the same – regardless of race, creed, religion, color, ancestry, and ethnicity! And always stressing the need for change in a way and will that will foster more patience, tolerance, and understanding – between people, society and nations!

Like my good Indian friend says – something in Hindi – I forget – Karma and the other word – but something like ‘just desserts (sweet)’ coming to those that deserve it – and or as our good friends the Brits say – what goes around; comes around! Or the East African one – If you destroy someone’s house – your house will also be destroyed in due process! Sometimes after you have conveniently forgotten too! There is also this tell-tale sign of the end of the world – when somebody dies – and you feel jealous that it was not ‘you that had died instead’!

Now do you see why I was seeing the doctor now? May Allah God redirect us all to the right path and ways – Amin. Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

Holier Than Thou! ^Reply

For Wednesday – April 24^th 2013.

Between Us Only!

Holier Than Thou!

Whosoever has in his heart, even a atom of pride he will not enter paradise – The Islamic Hadith

Holier Than Thou – being self-righteousness – is a feeling or display of – usually smug – moral superiority derived from a sense in one that one’s beliefs, actions, or affiliations are of greater virtue and importance than those of the other person. It is the acting like one is superior to others, condescending, patronising, belittling and ridiculing others! Always exhibiting an attitude of being superior – of being virtuous; self-righteous and in being pious compared to the others. Like riding that high horse – looking down on people – and with their heads in the clouds attitudes, approaches and focuses.

Images For Demonstration Purposes Only!

People will simply not change in this. This is a very big disease in society now – has always been – and will continue to be! With a few Baizas more in their pockets – people always change for the worse – not for the better. If there is one subject and topic that I have covered intensely – than this is one of them! 10 years later after my first column – and still writing on the very same topic now!

That tells and says a lot of things! Will people change? I do not think so – even if bad things will happen to them! Once they are back and have recovered – they are back again! Just the same way we drive! After seeing a nasty accident – we drive carefully – only to revert to our old selves – after some time – and distance! The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story – though Mr. Hyde always wins!

I will agree with you fully that it is easy to preach – to practise is something else! Frankly, during to my heyday – when I started my consultancy business – and business was booming – I was accused by a family member that with my powerful SUV I was threatening a small saloon car full of youngsters – who had cut in front of me – and were joking and laughing aloud – that they had beaten me to the only left car park slot – though I had already indicated I was turning into it! Last two weeks I was laughing to myself – because this same person who was able to get a similar powerful SUV was doing the very same thing this time – only this time it was on a high way. I looked at him – and smiled – but said nothing! Why do so – when I needed the ride?

Sometimes people think that because they have been working for so long at a certain place – then they have become indispensable and irreplaceable! They think no one or anything can touch them. Especially if it is in a field that their services are really needed. It applies to both locals and expatriates – in rare cases even to those on visit visas – but do temporary and consultancy works in between. Or doing jobs that should by laws and regulations be done by locals – but instead they are occupying the positions!

Even if there are no such laws or regulations – but common sense and logic just dictates that these jobs must be done by the locals themselves! For their own protection, preservance – loyalty, well-being – and future, destiny and legacy. I really admire those countries that were (or still are) under boycotts – despite all odds they are still able to survive – and continue to produce – simply because they put their own people – first and foremost – and paramountly too!

Though I was a citizen in that distant land – but they had removed me from my first assignment to the more sensitive position in the Defense Department – because at that particular time – they were not sure of my loyalties – and compounded after the bloody Zanzibar Revolution sagas – and its aftermaths! They transferred me to the lesser Ministry of Finance – where I was seen as a ‘lesser risk’. Yet I handed the job over with no grudges – because though did not agree with them – could not blame them even! We do not do these things in Oman – though some may tend to argue privately and in confidence. Whatever the case – we need – there is need now – to prioratise – because of changing loyalties, affiliations, associations and allegiances!

Images For Demonstration Purposes Only!

I am talking here more on expatriates in such sensitive strategic positions more – unless there are real identified practical and needed reasons for continuing in keeping them in those positions. Last two weeks, I read a letter from an irate Omani youngster – who is Media qualified – but still looking for a job – whilst we have so many expatriates in these positions. I got an email from a highly qualified Omani young girl – and still looking for a job two years on. She either gets ridiculous offers from not only expatriates – but from our own – afraid that this girl may prove to be a high flier – and their future boss even! How long will this antipathy and indifferences continue? I ask you?

A lot of good things have been done – and are still being done! A few years back I was stuck in a traffic jam with my then American CEO. As we watched – we saw two delegations from two opposing different countries pass in front of us. The good man remarked – You should be proud you are Omani! This is the only country around that can talk to both sides! I held back a tear – because who cares? It will just be wasted – again!

Unless and until, we do identify the ‘Old Guards’ in our midst – and start releasing them off for early retirements for example – things will just not move forward. There has to be meeting of the minds for things to move. In my earlier articles – I cautioned about ‘The Insiders’ that are people that are careful to oversee that nothing has changed – or moved forward. These are like the ‘cancerous cells’ in our body – and must be treated and or be removed – either tactfully and diplomatically – or in other ways and methods – if there is simply no changes!

And things have first to start with these characteristics of being holier than thou’ – or we can do whatever we want – because we are needed – and nobody or nothing can touch us!

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

Please visit these for My New Released Books – www.bethesafedriver.com and www.myown-ebooks.com

Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own. Carol Burnett

The Blood In All Of Us! ^Reply

For Sunday – April 21st 2013.

Between Us Only!

The Blood In All Of Us!

Frankly and honestly, I do not know about you – but I have yet to see green, blue or yellow blood! It is all red blood! If I show you a jar of blood and I ask you to guess whom it belonged to – your guess is as good as mine!

Blood

The other week there was a good article by one famed Omani Columnist in the other newspaper about problems and repercussions in Mixed Marriages – between locals and foreigners – and how they are not able to survive the onslaughts and pressures that they usually get from within the family and from outside the family! It depends from one situation to the other – but in many cases than one – it is the family ones that finally cracks open the marriage – even if there are children involved in the marriages!

This same week my sister-in-law – my younger brother ex wife – a British girl from Yorkshire – passed away in UK. The sad part is that the children with their children too splitting in loyalties and affiliations – with half taking on the S family surname – whilst the other taking the mother family side! Sadly my brother was not such an observing religious type – so those who followed his steps were equally not religious and observing – though the Muslim names had remained!

From The Archives

It reminded me of a film of ex Yugoslavia – based on real facts – where some ‘Muslim’ women were rounded up by the Serbs in Srebrenica during the bloody civil wars there decades back. The ‘comfort women’ were ‘shocked’ for such round ups – because they even ‘did not know they were Muslims’ – apart from the similar names – because they ate pork, did not fast – and alcohol was just a glass of tinted water! They enjoyed life to the core – like their ‘other fellow citizens’ then! Even in physique and resemblances too! And what if the differences are not even national – but more in ethnicity – like in the preceeding case?

There was a documentary in Al Jazeera Television I had seen a few days back about the bloody massacres in Rwanda – titled (A) Letter From My Child! It is about Shyaka – a 13-year-old boy with a disarming smile – is only now a few years younger than his mother was when she was raped in 1994. He is one of the estimated 25,000 children of the 500,000 women who were raped during the Rwandan genocide.

Although it is illegal, many raped women in Rwanda had abortions. Some killed their newborn child. Others abandoned their child. Most of the mothers who bore these babies never told their children the truth. Goretti – Shakya’s mother – is one of them. Shyaka is a smart, inquisitive teenager who has been asking questions about his father for some time now. And there are quite a few people in Goretti’s village who know what happened to her. People who know that Shyaka is the result of rape.

Image Shyaka – A Letter From My Child!

Beatrice Mukangenzi, a family friend explains: “When the children ask what has happened, a lot of mothers feel they have to lie. One says this, the other says that. But all of it is a lie. “The children feel that their mother lies because she’s not at ease. That is why children continue asking until they hear the truth. Talking about sexuality is a taboo here in Rwanda. Rape is not a subject that is talked about …. It’s sad. You are the victim … but when you’re raped, it’s as if it is all your fault. So a lot of women hide what has happened to them because they are afraid to become totally ostracised.”

The boy remembers that his mother used to beat him frequently – sometimes for no apparent reason – except for the love-hate relationships of the mother to the son – the internal conflict of being and remaining maternal – and the son as a result of ethnicity rape case – and it reminding her about it all the time when she sees her son – and especially when the son misbehaves!

The boy writes – Dear Mum – When I became 9 years old … I started to think about my father for the first time. Because all my friends talk about their fathers – except me. I have nothing to talk about who is my father really is! . I asked you then for the first time about my father. I ask you: where is my father? I want to see my father. I hope you will be able to answer me! “- Shyaka, 13 years old writes to the Mother. The mother cannot read English – so the letter is translated by the aunt for him! Is Goretti going to answer the letter from Shyaka and tell her son the truth about his descent? Do not want to surprise you with an answer. Just watch the programme – or Google it!

It is very sad pathetic story of human injustices, paranoia, animosity and hatred of humans to one another – that even makes animals to be far better species than what we really are at our best! We see the same scenarios unfolding now in Syria – and that is the saddest and most tragic part out of it all now!

We used to joke sometimes – in bad taste – to our late father – his real namesake like him and the names – is half foreign! The poor old man smiled – but you could see he did not like the joke! But what else could he do – but just grin and bear it! It is surprising how death can easily bring families in together – from all the corners of the world – even if briefly – until the next time.

Frankly the children can understand – but it is more confusing to the grandchildren! One of them was crying to me – Granny – the children in school tease and joke at me. They tell me – go away you Arab! But I am not Arab – am I Granny? No – I ruefully say to him – you are not! Even if it is a half-truth! What else can I say to him?

Sister in law – H – you will always be my family! Rest in eternal peace – Amin Amen Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

New Book – Between Us Only! The Sequel – 3! ^Reply

New Book – Between Us Only! The Sequel – 3!

The Book Extended Description

Between Us Only! The Sequel – Three! has been adapted from Majid Al Suleimany’s successful newspaper columns in The Oman Daily Observer. Utilizing the very best work from the columns he penned over the past four years, Al Suleimany touches on a wide variety of vital and riveting topics. The subject matter will be of interest to everyone from teenagers to grandparents, and from humble clerks to CEOs.

Between Us Only! The Sequel – Three! focuses on the study of humanity, human needs, human interaction, society, and economics, as well as other areas. In fact, the author covers all socio-economic-political aspects of society, with an emphasis on working environments such as office space.

According to the author, “We have the same needs, worries, concerns and fears—as well as what we like and do not like. This is because the human being is essentially the same—regardless of race, creed, religion, color, ancestry, and ethnicity!”

The book will encourage soul-searching, deep analysis, and a quest to make the world a better place. It has been penned directly from the heart of the author to the reader. It carries many emotional personal family stories and encounters—including work experiences as a highly-qualified human resources management consultant.

Yet Between Us Only! The Sequel – Three! is not without controversy. For readers who wish to study Arabic (and Islamic) approaches to the Middle East, the West, and other religions, the book makes excellent references relating to the post-September 11 world. The increases in religious fundamentalism and radicalization in society, and the fact that many youngsters are on board with these aspects, are also taken to task.

Bad Hearts At Work! ^Reply

For Sunday – April 14^th 2013

Between Us Only!

Bad Hearts At Work!

Accepted that it is quite unfair and unethical to generalise some life issues and aspects – but there is nothing that shakes me to my very foundation and breaks me into smithereens – than to find this thing as the on-going in thing nowadays especially! That is supposed to be so-called ‘some observing and religious people’ having the most mean, envious, jealous and bad hearts that you can ever find on the face of the earth!

Thus making just a mockery and façade of their practices and as being completely irrelevant and different to the real truth and reality! Give me an unobserving drunk but yet who has a good clean heart any day to these said individuals! You may well say that I am getting old and over sensitised – perhaps with bad experiences I have even become bitter, cynical and sceptical even – but if we real soul search and analyse ourselves – I think many people would agree with my sentiments and feelings here.

Of course there would be some that would say – you have said it all before – so what else is new? Move on – let things be! You can simply never change some – unless they really need and call out for help! A good friend of mine even cautioned me that you are now becoming like those old type of records (18 and 43 rpm) that have been played for long repeatedly – and the music that comes out – unalike the new CD gadgets – of ‘losing the original touch’! Forget it – you have done your bit! Give us new topics – or move along!

Do people remember your personal sacrifices in order to see there are ethics, professionalism and transparencies – justice and fairness – at the work front? Not at all! The same people that you made sacrifices to are now teasing and talking about you behind your back! Just wasted efforts – wasted dedications and loyalties only! No one bothers to acknowledge – or to remember! If you are looking for reward or acknowledgement – then get it from The Good Lord only – and from no one else – family, relatives and friends included!

Frankly, I can recall real live examples that I had encountered in my career life. Both deal with expatriates and as I came into the Companies. In both cases, the complaints were against in one a Very Senior Manager (my direct local boss!) and where they had complained to even the CEO- but nothing had happened. They thought my coming in ‘would solve their problem’. In their words – you look like a person that one can talk to’ – unalike the rest! The complaint was the Top Guy making ‘continuous very nasty racialist jokes’ on one ethnic expatriate group. The joke had lost its ‘original touch and taste’ and was now just annoying and upsetting them intensely!

The other was how Junior Expatriates were treated by The Senior Management vis-à-vis their contracts, renewals and terminations.- unalike the more senior ones! Please keep remembering the point that I was new and on a temporary contract in both cases. Not on full time contract basis. Despite all odds against me – I was able to solve both the problems despite these. That is what distinguishes a real competent professional ethical HR from the rest of the crowd. So whilst it is so easy to judge others and go by heresay – it is important to do your job in HR as being ‘the Company’s Conscience Keeper’! Both incidents are in my Arab Management books including many others too! My website www.myown-ebooks.com

All Images For Demonstration Purposes Only!

It seems to be the in-fashion thing nowadays that the more bad things you do to others the more up career-wise and rewards you get nowadays. That is why people like us would always suffer. But I am afraid and scared of my Allah SWT God always – even if I remain unremembered and forgotten – and to rub salt into the wound – ridiculed and poked fun at!

This article is dedicated to one great high profile lady – whom I really respect and admire – and whose husband had died recently from complications of being diabetic. May Allah God give you patience and forbearance in this tragedy and May Allah God rest his soul in eternal peace in this world and the next – take him away from the punishment of the grave – and open the doors of the highest heavens for him – Amin

You will forgive me lady F – I really had tried to get him the job – so he could come back to Oman and be with you in his last few years before dying – but it was not left for me alone to make the job offer – though he had a better job offer in the same profession in the other GCC country! What more can I say now?

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money. Jules Renard

All My Combined Works! ^Reply

For Sunday – April 14^th 2013

Between Us Only!

All My Combined Works!

Even if emotionally precarious and not yet crippled!

Never play with the feelings of others because you may win the game – but you will surely loose the person for good! – Anon
Treat others as you want them to treat you because what goes around; comes around! – Arthur Wing Pinero
Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money. - Jules Renard

It has been said so many times before that there is nothing for surety and permanent in life except God and Death only!

But then we human beings become ungrateful and disconcerting when good things have happened to us. We become proud, contemptuous, conceited, patronising and condescending – and our heads are held high in the clouds – and look down on all the others – and as if nothing untoward will ever or can happen to us! We become so sure and confident on this – that we just do not care or bother about others – and even those that look up at us – and those in need and support – and those less fortunate than ourselves!

Like so many times before – people have said the very same things about writing – that writing is the only profession that people do not consider you ridiculous if you do not make any money! I would know with boxes and boxes of unsold books at home returned from the bookshops because they need to make more space for other books where at least they get no complaints if the books are returned – and where more credit facilities and times are given than yours truly!

Time and time again I have said the very same things – I stumbled into writing – it is more a hobby and passion for me than considering it as a career or business opportunity. Let alone the returns being long and tedious – it is also unreliable and undependable. In my job as a Human Resources Consultant,

I was shocked beyond belief to find that even professionally qualified writers in jobs make lesser money than even well placed PROs for that matter! People look down on writers as something just average and mediocre at best – even if odd hours are put in – and the job is at the higher risk of job scales in personal dangers, harm – and even your own life too. If you read about what they write in places like Journalists Without Borders and find the number of people that have their freedom – and even lives – lost because of their writings – and what they believe in! There is no tool that can easily enrage and infuriate people than what is being written – and what people can read.

Sometimes the scheming and curtailing can be like in dramas and plays – and has to be done to show it being ‘decent, clean and neat’ – so other angles are looked at to pin you in. Even artificial and trumped up charges are being made – or even closed cases are being revived – just to pin you down and silence you!

That is why there are many emotions and traumas with Writers – and especially if the family are not supportive and backing the writer. Things said why do you waste your time in writing more new books – when the old ones are all over the house and not sold! I guess that is one way of looking at things in short focuses of money and profits being the trump priority cards! And focuses and outlooks!

Or when a foreign person calls you a local writer to ‘come and collect your (un writeable) books – because they are just occupying space – and we need to stock other books instead. That is why I wrote my article last week of ‘Biting The Hand That Feeds You!

It soon leads to troubles in relationships and in dealings – and even more worse when those that are in the same pot holes like you in writing feel they are better off by getting regular salaries in twisting and distorting what you have originally written and intended! I think we have seen those plays and dramas that even before it starts we know what the end will be – because we have seen it all before and just happening as expected to happen.

Between Us Only! Short Takes – Two! www.myown-ebooks.com

Having said all that I am yet still pleased to announce my two other new books – after The Road Safety one – Being The Safe Driver! – www.bethesafedriver.com The books are a combination of all my articles in all my columns after the last Sequel Book 5 years ago – titled The Short Takes Two and The Sequel Three in the Between Us Only! Series.

Between Us Only! – The Sequel – Three! www.myown-ebooks.com

I am very confident, sure and certain that a time will indeed come – even if far away that future generations may ask where are the full works of MAS – and I want my great great grandchildren to be able to show – here they are – perhaps a Charles Dickens or George Orwell of the future! That time will come for sure – and I will be smiling in my grave – not turning! And those that are now famous and rich flying private jets and big houses and cars will have nothing to show – or be remembered by – but just their left bones in their graves!

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

Ingram Trafford – Great Books To Read! ^Reply

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Remarkable books to enjoy again and again. Order yours today.

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Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

A Cry For Help!

Arabian Management Services—Context and Perspectives

Majid Al Suleimany

SOFTCOVER l 9781426920622 l $54.00

PAGES: 556

A Cry For Help!

Written by Majid Al Suleimany,

A management expert provides a frank and honest discussion addressing the increasing extremism, fundamentalism, and radicalization in management styles and aspects of companies that belong to the Arabian Gulf Cooperation countries

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Biting The Hand – That Feeds You! ^Reply

For Wednesday – April 10^th 2013

Between Us Only!

Biting The Hand – That Feeds You!

And ending with licking the boot that kicks you!

In writing especially my book titled – A Cry For Help! – www.myown-ebooks.com – I was astounded and shocked beyond belief to find that some few expatriates in good positions and in our country having rather very poor, dim and narrow minded extremely prejudicial biased and racialist outlooks on the country! The more shocking part is that they are courageous and brave enough to say all these things without any fear or inhibition – the audacity of it all! They do not even attempt to cover it with a sugar coating – but give you the pill bitter as it is! I wrote the book – but it was just like talking to brick walls – and just wasted futile exercise for simply nothing! Even one Western CEO admitted to me that ‘he could not believe such things happened in Oman – you do not desrve such things to be done to you!

A - A Cry For Help!

The Book – A Cry For Help! – www.myown-ebooks.com

Recently I read two articles that still continued to shock me to the core! One article was one where a columnist (foreign) was indicating why he chose an airline that was not national to go home on holidays. Mr. Columnist has full rights to choose whatever airline you wish – but do we need the citizens need to know why the preference – and if there is anything you wanted others to know is between you and the National Airline (Oman Air) – we are passengers like you – and talking to us will not change anything – unless that is you want us too to follow you to abandon our national airline – for whimsical reasons!

The other was coincidentally a good Indian Columnist with his heart in the right place – and in remembrances – chiding a Westerner Blogger who is at the same time a Teacher in English at the University level in Oman – and residing in Oman – ‘is apparently full of malice and hatred for Palestinians and Arabs. His generalisations are morbid and so are his attempts to distort truth. Or what else can the reason be for such malice towards the Palestinians..? A good question indeed – and thank you very much for the bold daring action! I hope nothing would happen to you – we can only pray for the risk taking!

I thought these things had now stopped post The Arab Spring Uprisings – but you will forgive my ignorance – because I have been out of offices for quite some time now – and do not know what is really going on now! Incidentally, I am also being protected from hearing and getting bad news from my ‘caring advisors’ – because the last bad news nearly ended me in being hospitalised – being acute diabetic and with eyes problems on top!

I was actually talked out of ‘doing some rather unexpected actions’ on my part out of desperation and reciprocity seeking! What turned the tables for me is hearing my 5 year old granddaughter asking her Mum – Why does Granny look so sad and unhappy? Why don’t you ask him, retorted her Mother> The girl replied – I do not want to hurt his feelings more – and that did it! Our late Mother always used to tell us that sometimes messages that need to be given to us comes in the format of the innocent angels saying unexpected and unbelievable things to us! Just to caution and guide us accordingly!

A long time ago I was invited –n with other Staff – to a family home of one expatriate. I needed to go the gents – so I told my host my dilemma. I found it strange that he had to consult his Madam Wife first before showing me which toilet to use – which I found later belonged to the housemaid! The stranger thing happened next! As I was returning to the sitting room – I saw this big African parrot in the kitchen. Feeling like a cup of water I took a glass – and was drinking it when this upset and annoyed hostesses was drilling me what I wanted in the kitchen? This is not a place for guests! She verbally reprimanded me! Then she said ‘really awesome nasty things’ to her husband about my intrusions! Dinner was not served – but I pulled Madam out – and in the car explained to her why!

Next morning my good Western CEO wanted to know what happened at his deputy house? So I asked him point blank – do you really want to know to take remedial action – or just as a matter of courtesy – and nothing else more? So I told him – when I realised he really wanted to know! Soon we were on the loud speaking phone format with the chairman – who was kind enough to say to me – I want the CEO to know too – so we will speak in English! The poor Invitee did not know what hit him next – how it came into being – but there was a letter signed by him the CEO – and co-signed by me – The Head of Human Resources – for ‘regret that your position will no longer be required due to the emergence of two departments – and the other guy heading the department!

I guess as he was in the plane with his family he wished he was not so hospitable to invite the others to his house – company rented anyway! Sadly he had a very high well paid job – that he threw away – just because of his ‘biases and prejudices’ – and sadly and tragically against the people and the country that offered you the job in the first instance. I think he thought he was still in the other GCC country where such things still exist – but thank God – the doors are closing now in Oman!

A long time ago an Arab President had said – The friend of today can be the enemy of tomorrow – and the enemy of today can be the friend of tomorrow! With shifting allegiances and alliances – we need to prioratise – and watch things out now – who are our real friends – and who are not! We owe it to our destiny, legacy and our future too!

In one of the companies that I had worked – there was a circular for expatriates being posted to a certain country – that went through the Arab Spring storm! It just said – be careful of the office driver, the gardener, the cook, the office mate (locals) – because ‘they all work for the state’ – and will try to entrap you! Thank God I feel great and elated that we have a wise and benevolent leader – and the people are generally receptive in welcome and in hospitality – and importantly respectful of ‘the invited guests ‘ in our country. We have even changed our weekends to remain accommodating! What more do you want?

Take Care!

The Family: In Crisis! ^Reply

For Sunday April 7th 2013

Between Us Only!

The Family: In Crisis!

The Family is a real-life documentary in 2-parts by The Television Al Jazeera English. In a tale of politics, power and greed, this two-part series examines the Mubarak family – close and in detail – like that of any family – when facing crisis – whether from within or outside – if real or created and as artificial.

As Hosni Mubarak, the former Egyptian president, lies on his deathbed, The Family offers a fresh perspective on the history and inner workings of the man, his wife and his family. It is the story of Hosni Mubarak – along with his wife Suzanne and their two sons – is a tale of politics, power, ambition and greed. It is a story of a humble birth and a rise through the ranks of the Egyptian Air Force, culminating in a 30-year reign over the fulcrum of the Arab world – all set against the backdrop of a tumultuous region.

The first of these two-hour documentaries shows Mubarak as the unassuming and loyal lieutenant of the famous Egyptian President – Gamal Abdel Nasser and Anwar al-Sadat – who found himself thrust into the top job – brought to power by a twist of fate.

Family Images – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

The second shows Mubarak as president, developing into a dictator and surrounded by a family with an insatiable appetite for self-interest. Distanced from his people by those in the inner circle – advisors and the family – and not knowing what was really happening on the grounds!

This is a tale of how power corrupts, of how a once-modest man turned into an all-powerful pharaoh who rode roughshod over the wishes of his subjects – and of a dramatic downfall. The Family includes testimony from those who served with Mubarak as well as members of his family and inner circle and photographs from the family album.

Two parts that really touched and moved me and where I could touch base and associate – is seeing poor Hosni Mubarak really traumatised – broken down and shocked beyond belief – when his favourite grandson Mohamed at age of about 12 died by a mysterious disease. At this particular time – he really wanted to quit politics – because he simply could not take it – handle it anymore! He had literally given up in life – and just wanted to disappear from the lime lights! But he was persuaded to continue by his family and the ‘inner circles’ – because the ‘country needed him to continue in that position’! Sometimes that first ‘gut feelings’ are always proved right!

Family Images – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

The second part was when the sons fought furiously blaming each other for the downfall of their father the president – and his destiny and legacy. The army warning that the family had to abdicate and move on to Sharm-el-Shaikh – and Madam Wife refusing – and had to be literally dragged by her sons to the waiting military helicopter!

It is an intriguing documentary – that made me watch both the two parts continuously! And like most families – whether you are a President of a country – or just a retired HR Professional like me – at the time of crisis – especially from within – and even from the outside more – the true identity and ingredients – the mantle and the makeup of the family comes out! Whether you will rise to the occasion – and take the high road – or disintegrate and break up into pieces – and families split in the middle – or as many cases – more than two sides – with some deciding to remain ‘neutral’ – or move between sides – as the time ensues and proceeds!

Hosni Mubarak Family Portrait – The Good Old Times!

This documentary – according to my assessment – is a study of human nature, approaches, attitudes and focuses in life – that and the students in social studies should undertake – including Historians – and those who write bibliographies too! Not just to study this family in history – but if I was an Egyptian and with access – as a record for future history and records – and as a learning process for future Arab Leaders – specifically and in particular!

I know personally people that we used to work in the same places – and who are now millionaires – whilst poor me continues to depend on my pension money – and the few money in writing – columns and my books! People who were so economical that they were looking for the cheapest airfares and holidays that they could find – to now having all the money in the world – and their own private jets and yachts too! Have they remained the same – or have they changed dramatically now? For the better or worse? A one million dollar question!

Family Images – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

I always like to quote Alexander The Great 3 wishes when he was on his death bed – I came with empty hands in this world – and I go now with empty hands to my grave. All the power, fame and riches I leave behind me! And the other expression – I wanted to change the world – but the world changed me – instead! (Anon)

It is easy to talk about others and preach – but if you ask me honestly and frankly – that is what most of us are doing nowadays and as the-in fashion and style thing to do! But a long time ago – when we were kids and were rich – we had our heads in the clouds – and treated rather raw and badly the other children that were poor and in need. Was it God’s punishment that by misfortune of fate – and wrong choices in life – we went broke and bust – and got to learn what it was to be in need and in want – to find the real truth and bitterness in life? I guess so! Pride always goes before a fall!

Sad Ending – In Court!

The other day I met this young man driving this oldish type of 4WD. So I was interested in talking to him – and found an excuse to do so! There is no good picker of conversation than to admire and comment on a car – and I had recognised the numbers as something uniquely linked to my date of birth! Yes – he was the son of my good friend and work peer who had died a few years ago. The car is still going strong years later – whilst the poor man’s bones in the ground are all that is left now!

Whatever belief you have in life – the basic and fundamental teachings and outlooks in living with others in life – and those that are poorer and more in need are basically the same! Even from those pagans that worship the baobab tree – the river or others! But will we human beings ever learn? I doubt so!

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

Money and Materialism! ^Reply

For Wednesday – April 3^rd 2013

Between Us Only!

Money and Materialism!

Continuing from my last article With A Heart of Stone! I came to this world empty handed – and I now go to my grave empty handed – King Alexander The Great Last three wishes!

I forgot to add this stipulation. In this complex and difficult times facing all of us, it is best to avoid creating new enemies and adversaries – even if they are artificial and farfetched – since one needs all the friends and support one can get – instead of doing the opposite in your evil desire to ‘fix him’ revenges and bravados! Forget even about doing good things – and people doing bad things to you instead in reciprocity and gratitude! Truthfully, some people and things will just not change – whatever else that may go around them – even if the ground below them will collapse – and throw them far down to the cliffs and rocks far below them!

One would also be excused to think that after decades of marriage and getting children and grandchildren together – this early stage in youth and in marriages – of always being individualistic, subjective and inward looking – with a craze for consumerism, materialism and money would eventually disappear. But disappear it does not! I do not remember now who said it but the saying goes that once you cross 30 years old – it is like a cast that has hardened to such an extent – that what is left is to just accept it only!

I have written before in this same column about Ubuntu Philosophy – which you can Google Search or find the article here in my website. In the East African lingo – they say Uutu – which is similar to Ubuntu of South Africa. It just means that ‘humanity is better than things (materials; items)’

In one of the places I had worked – there was this incident of ‘supposed to be happily married young couple – both highly educated and professionals – and with children too – that took each other to Court – because of issues of a grand villa they were building together. One wanted the villa to be rented out so they could pay back the mortgage – whilst the other wanted to stay in this large villa – when the family was just too small for the big villa (of small heart!) – just to impress friends! One would have imagined that this fundamental decision was made before building jointly – unless one crossed the other later on!

I know personally many of the ladies that had never in their lives bought any mobile phone or car – but wait for the husband to buy a new one – before the confiscation, monopolization and take over proceeds! And to add insult over injury – they are proud of their actions – and boast it all around to their friends. Yet still in many cases than one – if the husband has run in short – and needs help and or assistance to pay the car monthly installments – she is most reluctant to do so! I have seen so many cases of supposed to be well off and rich people that are miserly and dastardly to the core – and just unashamed and uncaring – that it jolts the mind and the imagination to the core – and its very foundations!

One time – long time ago – I was collecting some funds for building a Masjid in the island we grew up in that distant land. So this supposed to be rich and well off prosperous famous person called me. I have very good news for you – he beamed to me on the phone – come to my office – and see the surprise! So I excitedly and hurriedly went – and as soon as I was out from his office – I opened the envelope expecting to see thousands of Rials in cheque form. There was only one small denomination note inside – and I just could not believe it! When I told people about it – they laughed and sneered at me – lucky for you – normally he does not pay that much for anybody else!

All Images For Demonstration Purposes Only!

In one of the places that I worked – keep guessing! – I normally used to bring my sandwich and some fruits for lunch – and did not go out for lunch with the boys. So this person comes to me with good and sound advice – why don’t you stretch your legs and go out – instead of staying in the office all day? Come – I invite you out for lunch. If he said it to me only in English – I would have said maybe he does not know the meaning of the word ‘invite’ – but he repeated it to me in Arabic!

There were others in the group lunch. When the bill came – the ‘Inviter’ said to me – your share is OMR 3.2. Aghast I looked into my wallet and was short. So I turned to the other more friendly guy – whom I even hardly knew even – and asked him if he could help me out – and that I forgot the balance in my Office. It was a Big Joke in the Office for quite some time!

People always say – Do not upset two kinds of people in the Offices – the HR and the Finance guys! This person had a HR issue sometime later – what goes around; comes around! Trust M to ‘throw the book back at him’ – for embarrassing me like this in front of the others! Usually I do not break any rules – but may tempt to bend the rules sometimes! There was simply no bending this time!

I think personally many of the issues are possibly family, hereditary and in upbringing – though a person true nature, character, personality – and approaches of life – are in grown too – because even in the same family – you can find people are different from one to the other! If you ask me if I want to be rich but be miserly – I would beg you to leave me as I am – and that is the greatest and favour that you will be doing to me. Keep your riches and gifts – but just do not forget what Alexander The Great had said!

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

With A Heart of Stone! ^Reply

For Sunday March 31^st 2013

Between Us Only!

With A Heart of Stone!

No Mercy In The Hearts!

Or Just Hearts Made out of Stones!

Allah (God) will not give mercy to anyone, except those who give mercy to others – The Islamic Hadith
Sweet mercy is nobility’s true badge – William Shakespeare
Teach me to feel another’s woe; to hide the fault I see; that mercy I to others show; that mercy show to me – Alexander Pope

Something that has always baffled and confused me till to this day is seeing some supposed to be ‘decent nice good people’ and that are also ‘following and observing’ having the meanest cruel envious jealous hearts that you ever saw – and making that the opposite drinking smoking etc. character as honorable and more astute and more considerate and charitable.

Images Bad – For Demontration Purposes Only!

It all looks like a drama and role acting play – and that as if that person has been given – or chosen for himself a role – even starring one – that he or she is least suited for! It looks at best a bravado too – if not a façade and staged act, play and drama. The hypocrisy and double standards are really devastating – and killing too!

In my career life and others, I have seen people that are really high positions feeling jealous and envious of fast rising high potential staff that they have even developed sinister evil plans to curtail and or dampen their growth – because of the fear element – or just plain envy and jealousy that it took them a lot of efforts and time to pass through the phases – unalike the competition that is moving fast upwards and vertically!

I had bosses that even if need and desperation I would prefer to be without – because I know well in advance what their reactions and answers will be. Forget the staff under me – or those I am responsible and looking after. If I go to one particular Department boss for an issue of the staff under him – I know well the refusal and the negativity – simply because he does not like that person – and to ‘fix him’ in showing him his authority and power – even if you throw him the book – and point out that it is allowable – he will create an artificial not true situation in retort – saying to you – our Department now is at critical ‘this stage’ level – and we simply cannot allow anyone – for example compassionate emergency leave now! A few days later another staff whom he likes – and does ‘not need fixing’ can be allowed by the same boss to proceed – because I know him and his family – and he deserves the break – whilst the other one is left trying hard to cope with the denial – and continuing doing his job at the same time!

The same can be done to the contractor, customer and client! One gets ‘no never’ – whilst the other ‘possibly yes’ and even direct yes! For the same situation, condition and request! What is this that we do not fear God anymore? That as supposed to be believers we are simply not afraid of ‘what goes around; comes around’? The punishment on earth before they bury you? The punishment of the grave? The day of Judgement? Or reincarnation?

And the worst part I personally feel is when it extends to family and family versus relatives relationships and associations – you side with one – against the other! We defend those that are not defendable – and attack those that are defendable – and have reason and justification – but we simply deny them – because our evil hearts and minds dictate to us that we should do so – and damn the rest in injustices and unfairness – lack of ethics, principles, justice and professionalism!

Images Bad – For Demontration Purposes Only!

And if someone pokes his fingers into your eyes – don’t squirm and turn! Be quiet – let him do it – because he is the boss – or he is in a position and authority to do so! I had narrated this case when one friend had visited him in my office – and talking to him nicely – when this boss of mine – a fellow local – comes in ‘shouting and screaming’ loud in the corridors for the whole world to hear! Everyone – including visitors in the reception – were looking at me as if fish out of water – and I kept praying quietly under the breathe to avoid making more drama and spectatle!

Images Bad – For Demontration Purposes Only!

He was still puffing and cursing in his office when I went in – closed the door behind me – looked him straight in the face and told him that ‘this is your final and last time’ that you will do this to me ever again! You have issues with me – justified or not – on my works and or otherwise – please call me to your office – and let us discuss rationally – professionally and ethically – and we will then try best to sort out the issues and amicably. When my temporary contract came for renewal – he declined to do so! He was not used at people getting back to him – and making a stand to him!

Sometimes if you see how some high profile places are run – it will shock you to the core – and your very foundations!

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

Accolades Received! New RSA Book! ^Reply

A From BankMuscat Management Team

Dear Majid;

Being The Safe Driver!

We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and initiative in bringing out this publication which is the need of the hour; with the number of accidents in the Sultanate rising at an alarming rate.

As we understand, the major cause of accidents is significantly relating to reckless driving and the book provides true real accounts that shed light on the value of safety and defensive driving.

We commend your efforts to educate residents of Oman to take this important issue sincerely.

Wishing you all the very best for your future publications.

With best regards

Management – BankMuscat

March 25, 2013

B Kirkus Reviews – March 26th 2013

TITLE INFORMATION

BEING THE SAFE DRIVER!

Behind The Wheel! The New Road Safety Novel!

Al Suleimany, Majid

CreateSpace (448 pp.)

$32.00 paperback

ISBN: 978-1481843034; February 2, 2013

BOOK REVIEW

A heartfelt, enthusiastic series of instructions and warnings about road safety.

Al Suleimany, a columnist for the Oman Daily Observer, observes that the Sultanate of Oman has one of the highest motorist casualty rates in the world, and he sets out in this book (not actually a novel, but rather a collection of dramatic real-life incidents) to raise Omani awareness of the causes—and results—of carelessness on the country’s roadways.

The book shows endorsements by HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said (who, like many Omanis, has himself been involved in accidents prevention campaigns), including the Omani Grand Mufti and the Royal Omani Police.

Al Suleimany stresses that the dangers involved are communal: “There can be no Omani in the Sultanate who has not been touched closely by a road death and yet we see dangerous driving every time we travel the roads.” As a newspaperman, Al Suleimany highlights printed accident reports: “Every day we see also in the newspapers about road casualty figures in the newspapers—but as usual in the coming story we never imagine or visualize that it could be someone we know well or related to.”

The work shows examples of motorists making bad or careless choices (it’s also full of accident photos and emotional reminders of the loved ones left behind when a driver dies or kills someone). The author points out several underlying causes of all this tragedy: Oman as a culture is new to driving; it has been “thrust into the 21st century in a matter of a few decades”; and Oman has newly prosperous youth who prize fast cars over safety. The author attempts to prevent new-driver heedlessness by underscoring the personal tragedies that can result from reckless driving. Al Suleimany issues stern warnings about the

high cost of irresponsibility, and although a good deal of the book is Oman-specific, many of those warnings have global applications.

A detailed, compassionate call for greater motorist responsibility in Oman.

Kirkus Indie, Kirkus Media LLC, 6411 Burleson Rd., Austin, TX 78744

indie@kirkusreviews.com

Book available in Oman at Family Bookshops MQ – and WHSmith The Wave. Price OMR 12/= – same price as USA!

Or order on line www.createspace.com/4097374 and Other Retailers

Pride and Prejudice! ^Reply

For Sunday March 24^th 2013

Between Us Only!

Pride and Prejudice!

Or My Poor ‘African Cousin’!

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong - Mahatma Gandhi
Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them! – Bruce Lee
The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way – Dale Carnegie

A Introduction

According to Wikipedia, Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen, first published in 1813. The story follows the main character Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of early 19^th century England. Elizabeth is the second of five daughters of a country gentleman living near the fictional town of Meryton in Hertfordshire, near London. “Pride and Prejudice is also about that thing that all great novels consider – the search for self.

One day Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi stole a little money from his father’s pocket. He trembled to pick his father’s pocket. But he realized it was a great crime. This realization did not allow him to rest in peace. He became restless. His conscience pricked him. It was too much to bear. So, he decided that he should never steal anything from anybody under any circumstances. He did not stop at that.

Image Pride and Prejudice.

He wrote a letter of confession admitting his mistake and swore that he would never resort to stealing. But he was not bold enough to give the letter to his father. So, he put it in his pocket secretly. The father was so much moved by the confession that he instantly forgave self-correction, Gandhi became Mahatma Gandhi. So, let us learn to admit the mistakes done by us knowingly or unknowingly, and also to try not to commit the same mistake in our life time.

B The Story

I do not know about you but in my life’s time I have done some real big mistakes and errors in judgement in my life – but nothing is compared to when one is a young child and as a teenager. Some mistakes we may have regretted immediately afterwards – and others it took us a long time to admit – after fighting our own guilt and conscience – and we regret to the end of our lives even! I read this Snoopy character cartoon of ‘Make one mistake – and you will regret for the rest of your life!

Image – African Woman

People like us from parents and grandparents that went to Africa cannot discount or deny the links to that distant land – even in family and relatives connections. Our parents and (great) grandparents went to Africa in dhows – and many decided to settle there after the dark part of our history in autocracy and persecution – and supported by those that preached freedom and democracy in more as rhetoric and falsehood than in reality – so long as ‘their interests’ are served – they do not care or feel for anybody else. It is only when there is ‘threat and or infringement’ that they dare to step in to ‘preserve and protect’ their own interests and well being only!

African Woman 2

Image African Woman

I had one of my late Uncles who spoke fluent Swahili – but he was embarrassed and feeling shameful that he did – and had even been to Africa – and that even one of his own sons had married a local girl – and got children too – his grandchildren. Of course he was more attuned to his children that were more near his own choices of in arranged marriages than the rebel prodigical son! I found this irony very much disturbing and upsetting – because it looked to me like that ostrich with head in the ground approach of life’s aspects.

He is not alone – there are many others just like him – in that you look the other way – and expect the whole world in this internet global age to do the same! As Obama had said – Those days are long gone! We need to wake up to the realization and truth only. That is why I always say – in Oman we have a great thing going – and to do the right correct ethical and right thing – even if eventually and belatedly sometimes! Now having preached and in rhetoric practice – I need to admit this part of my life’s history. In talking about myself – hopefully others will learn too – and some hopefully may even copy and emulate in the process!

Image – African Women

As a young boy of about 8 years old – our late grandfather direct from Manah – had married a local girl there in that distant land. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder – and there is no colour, race, creed, nationality or ethnicity in love – truthfully and honestly speaking here! So whether we like it or not – we are related directly to the offsprings – even if they may look differently to us! Our father at the time was very rich and powerful – and he had the colonial District Commissioner as ‘his personal friend and protector’. I said about all these things before!

As you can guess – coming from a rich family – and you had just to say it – and your wish was given to you! I remembered when my late father had asked me – if I wanted anything gift in particular – and I told him that I wanted a horse! I meant a real live horse – but the poor man gave us a riding horse alright – but made of steel – and wheels! So being pampered and getting whatever we wanted as kids – our heads were in the clouds – spoilt and pompous – and looking down on other kids lesser fortunate than us. Including this poor girl from the family too! It was Eid day and the whole family had met in our late father’s rich house – and there were all of us there – including invited guests from outside!

So this poor girl wanted to ride my bicycle – and selfish me did not allow her to do so! But I allowed others – and that was the worst mean part of me – in prejudices! Pride and prejudice! She is one year older than me! We made amends few years ago – when I kneeled down and apologised to her what I did to her as a young boy.

Please pray for her too – because she needs your prayers too! Because she is very sick – and the message came in last Wednesday. She had insisted that I be informed – and I pray for her! And she …. has forgiven me – because she did instead ride the truck – that I bought for her husband’s business far later in life!

What more can I say? Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

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Pressures On Children To Excel! ^Reply

For Wednesday March 20^th 2013

Between Us Only!

Pressures On Children To Excel!

Recently in the local news was an incident of a young Indian boy who it is alleged that had ‘forged his own kidnapping’ because he was scared stiff of his father and ‘how he would fare’ in his coming examinations! Frankly, it comes all out of watching too much television! Before we start on the topic – let us have some quotes about the children in general!

v In one Islamic tradition – our Great Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – ran after his grandson Hussein in a game until he caught him.

v He used to let his granddaughter Umamah sit on his shoulders while he was praying.

v When Prophet Muhammad PBUH was chided for kissing his grandchild, he responded to them – What can I do if God has deprived your heart of all human feelings?

v Prophet Muhammad SAW has been described as being very fond of children in general.

v Once, Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – was sitting with a child in his lap, and the child urinated over him Embarrassed, the father scolded the child.

v The Great Prophet pbuh restrained the father, and advised him: This is not a big issue. My clothes can be washed. But be careful with how you treat the child. What can restore his self-esteem after you have dealt with him in public like this?

v If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.- Albert Einstein

v Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes they forgive them – Oscar Wilde

v If we wish to create a lasting peace, we must begin with the children – Mahatma Ghandi

v I have a dream that my children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character – Martin Luther King.

v Children must be taught how to think, not what to think – Margaret Mead

v Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they think of you! – H. Jackson Brown Jnr.

Take it from me with my 6 brothers’ and 8 sisters’ children – over a football team Masha Allah – and grandchildren with some of them – and the ‘extended family’ that has all ‘other nationalities on board ship’ – just like Noah’s Ark – including some in Indian, Pakistani, Thai, Canadians, USA, UK, Africans, Yemenis – etc! I have no whims to share with you – if I may! I have written so many columns about children in my columns (and books) stretching over 10 years now!