What They Are All Saying About My Books!

What They Are All Saying About My Books!

If this will not convince you – Nothing Else Will! Many Thanks! Front Cover

Passion Writing

http://www.createspace.com/5085322

From Top CEOs MDs GMs Professors Directors Managers Head Departments Senior Public Officials.

If this will not convince you about My Books – Nothing else will!

Please keep Remembering The Road Safety Books – Our Nation Needs Them! For Safer and Careful Driving! Please Remember That Always!

 

Open This Link! http://myownmajid.com/2014/11/21/what-they-are-all-saying-about-my-books/

Being Positive in Life!

Being Positive In Life and At Work!

Or Learning To Let Go!

No more Excess Baggage in Life!

Dear All & After Compliments;

 

 

A         What Has Been Happening So Far!

It has been a long while since I wrote anything in the format of an article for my websites – and as you know my two columns in The Oman Daily Observer took a natural death metaphorically by the wrong prescriptions of drugs and medicines to a slowly dying cancer victim! Sometimes the end comes quicker than expected after remission even – or when the patient was thought to be recovering by a new doctor – who turned out to be even worse than the previous doctors looking after the sick ailing patient – and ‘kicking the bucket’ for all to see!

Of course, with great cheers and happiness from some quarters determined and for some intentional wanting and willing for the columns to end! And yet still with some still craving for some more articles to come out – and a sort of relief that though the columns have ended in the said paper since November 2013 – see here –   – but ‘sort of relieved’ that I was still posting in my websites my articles – mainly in www.majidall.com – www.majidwrite.com – and opinions and views on www.majidsn.com . This apart of my books in www.myownmajid.com – www.myown-ebooks.com and www.majidbooks.com Plus the new websites for Short Takes (Stories) with mainly Omani theme at my new website at www.myshorttakes.com – and the Road Safety website at www.bethesafedriver.com

One can safely say that with all these websites belonging to me – and recently being that active in the Social Media – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Whats’ Up etc. – the losers are more the newspaper than me – because if there are still followers and fans out there they can still follow me! There are of course those that bought the newspaper only on the days that my articles would appear because they read more Arabic newspapers – and now will not be doing so! And those fans that may be inclined not to buy the newspaper anymore – because my articles no longer appear!

On 12^th of May 2014 – there was a PDO Talents Day – and due to the New Management style now in Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) – I was invited to display my books by the External Affairs Department – EAD – under Engineer Abdul Ameir Al Ajmi and through the leadership and guidance of Raoul Restucci – the good man! With a new openness, foresight and pragmatism – of bringing in more fairness, ethics, principles, professionalism all around in the company – its modus operandi and its environment!

Trust me in saying this but I had carried a lot of Excess Baggage and past bad memories and recriminations with me – and with exceptions of going to the PDO Clinic as ‘wife’ to my working wife still there – just avoided the place – until I got the call that they were translating my book (and for publishing few copies) of my Road Safety Books – Being The Safe Driver! – www.createspace.com/4097374 and Behind The Wheel! – www.createspace.com/4655681 – and more after being invited formally to present my books to the VIPS (Dr.Rumhy and Dr. Sunaidy etc) and as belonging to The PDO Family!

This bit made me feel so ashamed and so bad – and I cried in my heart and with a few tears out! Just shows that if you treat people right and ethical – they may surprise you with what they can deliver! And that is Raoul for you as the new man at the helm in PDO!

In all my mind, I had never thought or imagined that I would be welcomed in into this new great Office building – and display my books! I only visualized how I even was always finding excuses not to drop Madam Wife at the office – because of the heartache and pain inside me – mainly attributed by my mentality of not wanting to forget! And unnecessarily carrying so much Excess Baggage with me! See this – http://majidall.com/as-to-why-i-had-left-my-last-oil-company-loc/ and this one – http://majidwrite.com/2013/09/18/a-letter-to-my-heart-by-majid-al-suleimany/

More such articles here in www.majidall.com and www.majidwrite.com

   

The turning point for me was when HE Dr. Rumhy told Dr. Sunaidy (HE Ministry of Commerce and Industries) that ‘this is his book that he got an award in USA’ – Psychology of Arab Management Thinking! – USA Gold Seal Literary Excellence Award 2013 – and he himself being USA educated – and during those times when I looked after Overseas Training in PDO – as the only sole man in charge! Of USA Dollars 18 million per year – and thank God and my upbringing – never took even a Baiza that did not belong to me! God Is Great! God Is Merciful!

B         So What Else Is New?

Frankly I had imagined that I would die with my Toyota Camry banger – 8 years old – and gone to 190,000 kms – but the surprise was mine when I still got 2300 OMR for it in exchange of a new GMC Yukon! Those who remember my case will remember how bad I felt in losing my Dodge Durango and my daughter Majda took it over from me! The surprise was all mine when I was now able to get this Yukon instead – incidentally also silver coloured! My favourite colours have been blue, silver, gold and white for my cars in my life!

I have also been chatting with my 5 months old granddaughter Sibel bint Fahad on Modi and The Indian Elections – and other issues – and I do not know what babies’ minds think – but I guess baby had to smile and glee to please granddad as if she knew what I was taking to her about! You would imagine she was apt to understand with her mother Oman born but Pakistani too!

As the good wife was heard to ruefully acclaim – I think you are losing your faculties and mind – by talking to baby on such grand big issues – but the irony was that when granny wanted to take baby out of the ‘hearing scene equation’ – baby cried to be back with grandfather! I guess one day she too will be a great author and writer too – if not going into politics instead! Sic!

C         Okay – So What About The Topic You Started? Remember? Being Positive At Work?

Yes we know M – you have the knack of taking your time to come to the point! Perhaps that infuriated some of them – especially the new man? Or as they say – you take your Reader up to the bridge – and let himself decide whether to cross the bridge – or return? That we know of you M! 

D         Being Positive At Work!

You know this thing had made me so raving made that I decided to post in the newspaper as below – in the hope that this place especially would be interested – and I can give them ‘a piece of my mind’ in the hope of changing ‘fixed mind sets’ – like Ghandi had said – I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps and Einstein – A problem cannot be solved by the same level of mind that created it!

The advertisement ran – MBA Omani HR Management Consultant Expert Advisor UK educated and trained Early Retired PDO 25 years experiences in all aspects of HR Training Development Omanisation etc. looking for temporary part time job 8 to 1 pm or Project work majid@majidsuleimany.com – Muscat Daily this week!.

What Happened?

I needed some personal services at a certain prestigious famous place! The first case was just for a copy of an original document that had been given to me! I had the copy – the place I had approached before in the services needed the original resubmitted. So I went to the place. The good man at the other end insisted on me to reapply from scratch again! I knew this process would take a long time and was tiresome! So I asked him whom I can go to get a replacement Original Copy – The Usual To Whom It May Concern Letter!

Frankly I do not know why this public place needed again the same letter I had given to them before – with the usual excuse ‘we could not find the original in your file’ – or just lazy and incompetent not to be bothered to go and look!

So the good man gave me a contact in the Head Offices – and when I called her she told me – come and collect it anytime you are ready to collect – or can send to your branch (or any other branch for that matter!). In actual fact your Branch can give you this letter!

So I went back to the man – and passed on what I was just told! Again at a professional place – the man said – this is not our job – but the Head Offices only! You have to go there to collect it!

I was contemplating to do this – when a brain wave struck me – to go to another Branch to get the letter – and the Incharge gave me the same required letter within 10 minutes with reference to the copy at hand!

I had another issue of the same place. This time I went to The Manager! The good lady said to me – Yes it can be done! But unfortunately she sent me to the same person like before! I knew it! He said – It cannot be done this way! This time I got angry – and told him off!

Anyway, he still won in the end – by doing some changes to what I had originally wanted! Though in a way you can say almost fully done!

Now you see why I was raving mad!

Do you see the difference?

One is a negative mind that sees everything as a problem and difficult – whilst the other was POSITIVE and pragmatic – that sees a solution in almost everything requested of them!

Some people will never change – they take sadistic pleasure to make things difficult for customers – even if in a Public or Professional place for that matter!

Like I cynically and skeptically always say – What else is new? Things have not changed much – at least since I had stopped writing my columns!

The mind just boggles – could that be a reason my articles died? That I open my mouth too much to speak my mind? You be The Judge!

And a Personal Message to the Newspaper – this too applies here! Learning to let go!

God Is Great! Just put a Google Search on “Majid Al Suleimany” and see what you can get! That is it – it speaks volumes on this Editor, Author and (ex) Columnist!

Take Care! 

By Majid Al Suleimany

Ex – Between Us Only!

The Oman Daily Observer

Flying From The Cuckoo’s Nest!

Flying From The Cuckoo’s Nest!

From Baby Princess To Bride!

Or Flying From The Cuckoo’s Nest!

How time flies! That baby girl is now getting married – can you imagine?

Her bridal function is set on 12th April 2014! Insha Allah! God Willing Ameen Amen!

Goodbye Little Girl!

See Yah!

Welcome Bridal Daughter!

You have grown … flown the cuckoo’s nest .. but in our eyes you are still that small girl princess!

Wishing you all the best with your now husband Suhaib ….

But that your room will stay as it is…and come and visit stay whenever you feel the need.

Ever Loving

Pappa & Mamma.

 

 

Love You Always,

Images – Baby Marwa

Ever Loving

Pappa & Mamma.

Never Ever Give Up!

Famous Failures!

Discouraged? See This!

The Beatles were told – your music is too loud! It will NEVER take off!

Images Do Not Give Up! For Demonstration Purposes Only!

MAJID AL SULEIMANY BOOKS – http://www.myownmajid.com  

It has not died .. Simply No one can kill it – except The Good Lord Only!

CERTAINLY NOT THE MAFIAS – NOR THE OLD GUARDS! WORKING TOGETHER TO BLOCK THE TRUTH – AND PREFER IT TO BE PUSHED UNDER THE CARPET!

A BLLODY SHAME _ WHERE WE ARE GOING NOW!!

ALLAH KAREEM _ GOD IS GREAT!

Take Care!

Majid Al Suleimany

Muscat – Oman – March 29th 2014.

Explaining Death To The Children!

Explaining Death To Children!

Images Death and Prayers – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

 This week a relative lady had died due to breast cancer case. Before the funeral – all the male were gathered in one house – and the ladies in another house where the dead person lay before the funeral wash and abolution. Both the houses were in the same street and belonging to the different brothers in the family.

As I was going to the toilet nearing departure to the Masjid time – I saw these two boys watching cartoons in television – with a loud voice on! So I asked the one holding the remote ‘why did you put the television on when you know that your grandmother had just died?’

His answer shook me to pieces – he hardly 5 years old told me – no we were told our grandmother was very sick and is in hospital – and the people are now leaving to go to the hospital! The children were in the men’s house! So I asked if ‘they were allowed to watch television because the men were leaving the house now? He looked at me as if I had asked him a silly stupid question!

I can only presume that their parents were so busy with the funeral arrangements to have time to sit and discuss about the death of their grandmother to them!

Frankly speaking, this week too I had a live Oman FM Radio interview with the subject of ‘Embedding The Habit of Reading To Children’ as the subject matter! In it I had talked about families disintegrating and the children being looked by housemaids – whilst the father and the mother were all trying to make more and more money – and not taking caring and paying attention to the children as they were required to – by mentoring, coaching and ‘leading by example’. My actual words were – What is the point of having so much more money – when the family is disintegrating in front  of your very eyes? See the article here! Also here and also at   http://majidall.com/2014/02/05/my-oman-fm-radio-interview/

I remember when our grandfather died no one had spoken to us about all the havoc and crying and what was going on. So we were taken to a neighbour’s house and there we did not think it as outward or weird to play football – whilst they were making the body of our grandfather ready for burial. Even as a teenager we did not know what to do when our baby sister died as at three months old – she was born of poor health and hardly cried till the last one day of her death!

Parents underestimate children and what knowledge they have on death – which can shock you quite a lot! Give them due credit – especially the children now of late! They have seen birds, cats, dogs etc die – some unfortunate even in fatalistic accidents – www.bethesafedriver.com

The tendency is to cover and protect the children from a ‘morbid and scary subject’ – but the outcome and repercussions are too scary and horrendous even to imagine! What kind of future will they have with their offsprings if they are not to be made to feel and have feelings – and to be made aware of death – and that death will come to all of us one day! Only we do not know our time – and how we will die!

This is a widely covered subject in the Internet – and there are many websites in the Internet to guide us – see below – but the best book is our Holy Quran (Gospel, Torah etc) and the Islamic Hadith too – and like I said in my interview to spend ‘more quality time with the children – and in leading by example!

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

 

 Various Websites – including The Holy Quran, The Hadith, Bukhari, Moslem etc –

http://www.hospicenet.org/html/talking.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_2060034_explain-death-young-child.html

http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/death.html

http://www.pedsforparents.com/articles/3066.shtml

http://www.babble.com/kid/explaining-death-to-kids-coping-with-loss-grief-counseling/

Many books in www.amazon.com etc

2013 In Review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2013 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 1,800 times in 2013. If it were a cable car, it would take about 30 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Not Recognising and Valuing Our Own Writers!

http://main.omanobserver.om/?p=33351  – Arab writers’ forum begins – Omani Society of Writers and Literati

System Failure! Not Recognising and Valuing Our Own Writers!

• Life cannot defeat a Writer who is in love with writing , for life itself is a Writer’s love until death – Edna Ferber
•  Simply calling yourself as wise men does not make you as such. People will judge you by your character and behavior only! – Famous

It is a shame to see that this conference was not used to incorporate All The Omani Writers, Columnists and Authors.

A good Indian friend called me to what to know more (maybe he knew already?) – but I replied to him that I did not!

If these sites will not make an impact – nothing else will!

My Books Websites –

www.myownmajid.com

www.myown-ebooks.com

www.bethesafedriver.com

www.majidbooks.com

Or is it crimes because we write in English?

These things of rivalry, jealousy, envy, polarization – and not recognizing and valuing our own – need to end!

I wrote to The Oman Daily Observer – who print my columns – and whom I have given complimentary gift copies to All in The Features Columns – including the Top Guys too! NO ONE RESPONDED – as usual!

It is a shame that these kind of things are happening in our country now – after all the things we have seen live happening in others – starting with just a school graffiti!

Bloody Shame on us!

Now we hear of Angola banning Islam and breaking down of mosques!

What is next?

As an Omani – Arab blood and Muslim – I hold my head down low with shame! Real Shame!

Maybe we do not meet the mark because we write in English? Maybe!

Allah God Protect and Preserve us All – Amin

Disappointed Sad Citizen

Majid bin Said bin Nasser bin Zahor bin Salim bin Ali bin Masoud Al Sulaimany

I guess this poor man – my late father – is turning in his grave!

My Late Father – PBUH!

 

Winner of The USA Gold Seal of Literary Excellence 2013 – For An Omani???

Wipe My Tears! Sample Article!

 

http://www.createspace.com/4304972  – Direct Order

Images – Wipe My Tears!

B.01           Wipe My Tears!

 Sample Article – March 21, 2013

It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart – Mahatma Ghandi

I do not know if you have noticed this? The truth is – every time that you watch the television news – or even documentaries – you will find always someone crying – so desperately and heartedly – and the tears just flow! No one is wiping the tears – and even the Interviewer does not stop for the person to compose himself – or wipe his or her tears! It is very sad, tragic and pathetic – to unbelievable levels!

We are supposed to be human beings from the word humane – but though we may kid ourselves that we do care and feel – the truth is far from the distance. It is all a sham – a façade – all crocodile tears! Nothing less – nothing more! Our hearts and souls have turned to solid stone!

We bow, kneel and pray to the Almighty – but it is all just routine mundane stuff – if just following customs blindly – but there is nothing of real value and esteem in it! Perhaps we are naïve to think that God does not see what is in our hearts – forget our fellow human beings!

The other day I had gone to visit my sick and ailing younger brother in

hospital. We always complain of the smaller things in life – but we do not see the bigger picture – the real true picture. We may have many issues still to sort out – but where there is a meeting of the minds and a will determined to succeed – there will always be a way out of most things in life! That you can be sure of – in one way or the other!

It is a twist and turn of life – its foibles and out comings! Because here you decide to leave the country because you have decided to marry a foreign woman as your wife! Out of all the countries of the world – you choose a woman from a country that does not allow foreigners to own land or property. A place that you will pay heavily for your medical – even with medical insurance taken – simply because you are a foreigner! And that is one way of making quick money out of you! Especially when you are sick – and have to be hospitalised!

My younger brother – but he looks far more older than the rest of us all! Sicker also! He was complaining that he did not have water for the last 27 days – not even allowed to sip water! Thanks to those in our leadership – he was finally brought back home – after the family spending heavily on his medical treatment!

Yet we still moan and complain on the small trifle things in life – never happy – nor satisfied! We want more – give us! On seeing me – my brother was crying – and there were no tissues left in the box – seems he was crying all the time! So I gave him my clean tissues which I always carry with me! So I said to him – Let me wipe your tears! Welcome back home – my brother! A second time? Or was it a third time? I forget – important is that you are back home now!

Wipe My Tears! Image

I watch the television news. The refugee woman from Eritrea – and others from Darfur – she is crying – uncontrollably – nonstop! The tears drain down her face. The interviewer does not stop – at least to allow her to wipe her tears! Or compose herself first – before continuing! I wish I was there – because I would wipe her tears – or give her my clean tissues (and handkerchief!) with me! I would also want to ask her – What did you expect Madam?

These people have mistreated the ‘original owners’ of the land – what did you expect as a refugee – and an ‘illegal’ one too that entered the country through the back door! Did you not have freedom at home – even if hungry? Here you have no freedom and still hungry – and disgraced too on top! She was crying – My husband has been imprisoned – and my children are without! Perhaps she did not see in television so many tears and sad faces of the once who owned the land and property! They are in the land – yet crying too!

That is before other human beings from faraway places decided to move them out – to make space for their guilt of allowing the holocaust to take place – and over 6 million fellow human beings butchered and slaughtered in cold blood! Yet from the same people that are now making others cry – and wanting to preserve our ethnicity and originality imposed on others! How sad, tragic and pathetic human beings have become! Yet God still is graceful and patient – hearing his name being called in vain!

Then there is man in Mali. His hand had been chopped off – because he was suspected of stealing bread! Bread for my limb? By people determined to be more religious and observing to him – and he needed to be given a lesson! Then ‘non-believers of his sort’ come in – and the man is celebrating – to see the more observing ones being chased out to the mountains and valleys!

The woman is crying! Her husband has been killed in jail – because he threw stones at the occupiers! What if he was armed with a gun? What would his punishment have been? Even if you are in my house – my land? The East Africans say – Let him pass – the one with mightier strength! It is not a question of rights and ethics – it is just how strong you are – and where you derive your support from! The stronger the support – the more aggressive and bully you can be! Forget the rest!

Have you ever imagined this? The child is asking the mother – Why are those planes bombing us, Mummy? Are they enemy planes over our land? What does the Mother do in reply? Poor woman – she just cries! And it is the young child that now calms the mother – more braver and courageous now – Do not cry Mother! God will make those planes go away!

Because of the economy – no job – no takers! The one who lost her home? Her husband committed suicide in shame! She too is crying! Then the suicide bomber who believes he is on his way to heaven! He murders fellow believers – because he is more right and more perfect compared to others that have deviated – and need to be given a lesson of life for the deviation!

It is always the poor needy and desperate peoples that are used to kill fellow human beings that are also poor and needy like him! Puppets over a string! Those behind the scene – the schemers and the plotters – no one sees them – except of course God – and the punishment on earth – the punishment of the grave – and eternal fire and damnation!

ADDENDUM

Then I watch the television 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!

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!

Whatever belief and religion you have – the fundamental and basic teachings and preaching are the very same – because subduing, 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’!

Please wipe my tears! 

Image – Wipe My Tears! 

  

Wipe My Tears!  – www.majidall.com

More information and details in my book sites at www.myown-ebooks.com and www.majidbooks.com 

Also new one at www.myownmajid.com

http://www.createspace.com/4304972  – Direct Order

 

Book Review – It Is All About Driving!

Books Reviews

Book Review – It Is All About Driving!   

 Wednesday 02nd, October 2013                 

Written by Oman Observer in Features

Behind the Wheel! Being the Safe Driver! The New Road Safety Novel! By Majid Al Suleimany.

Available at Family Bookshop MQ and at WHSmith in Oman –

Based on real and true stories about Road Traffic Accidents victims — the impact and repercussions on their lives — their families, loved ones and all those around them — and as precautions and learning experiences to others!

If even one accident can be prevented on reading this book, then the purpose and intent of the book will have been achieved! This eye-opening book emphasises the importance of road safety and careful driving through a collection of real-life stories from accident victims who share the hard experiences and lessons they learned in order to better educate drivers everywhere.

A vital read for anyone behind the wheel, this priceless book has the ability to save lives. Inspired by a horrific crash which took the lives of a co-worker’s family — Behind the Wheel! Being the Safe Driver! The New Road Safety Novel! — strives to encourage safer driving across the world. Filled with dramatic, true stories of accidents and loss, the book’s poignant moments are sure to resonate with all readers. Whether an accident results in injury, property loss, or simply a shaken emotional self, reckless driving always has consequences. From horrible injuries to destroyed families, this enlightening book does a fantastic job of giving all readers reasons to become safe drivers.

Already being lauded as one of the most important books to come out this year — Behind the Wheel! Being the Safe Driver! The New Road Safety Novel! — is poised to make a large impact on Omani streets. With favourable reviews and blessings from top figures in society, it’s clear to see that this is exactly the book that the nation has been waiting for. Using a noble goal and an effective method, this eye-opening book is certain to make a difference in every driver’s life.

The Sultanate of Oman has one of the highest number of automobile accidents and casualties in the world. With such rampant and reckless automobile behaviours on the rise, there has never been a better time to change the culture and safety of our roads.

With this groundbreaking new book, drivers across the nation will finally have proof in hand as to why they should drive safer. Filled with heartbreaking and emotional true stories, this illuminating book shows drivers everywhere the dangers of the road and the true cost of negligence.

With high-ranking officials across the country acknowledging the importance of road safety, it’s time for drivers everywhere to be more careful and drive safer. An invaluable road safety tool, this work can save lives all across the country.

This eye-opening book by Majid Al Suleimany emphasises the importance of road safety and careful driving through a collection of real-life stories from accident victims who share the hard experiences and lessons they learned in order to better educate drivers everywhere

Spotlight – Page 31 – The Oman Daily Observer – October 3rd 2013

Book Review – The Oman Daily Observer – Spotlight.

Supporting The Local Authors!

Between Us Only!

Supporting The Local Authors!

Please Support The Local Authors!

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

This similar article was written in January 2005 – over 8 years ago! The mere fact that I am writing on the same topic now again – shows nothing much has yet changed that much!

It is commonly said – and repeated over and over again – that the person who really cares and feels for you will tell you the truth – even if you do not like to hear it being told to you! The person who keeps quiet – or goes along with you – even if he knows deep down that what you are doing is wrong and unethical in all accounts – is not your real true friend!

They also say in our Religion that we should not stop saying things which are the truth – even if it will hurt us. There are so many references in the good book and in The Hadith pertaining to this very same topic – and so many cases, examples and references given of our Great Prophet (PBUH) and other examples – rich in history too!

It need to be also said that if Truth was spoken – and people are prepared to hear and listen – and act on them too! – then the world would have been a safer more peaceful place – with more tolerance, co-existence, ‘live and let live’, and patience than now! Whether we want to accept this or not – or go for the ostrich head in the ground approach – it is our own business only – and no one else for that matter! The truth be said – without the necessity of always sugar coating – because the later too does not work either!

I have noted lately that there has been a great support for Arts and Paintings – but with the few exceptions of VIPs books – or books supported by VIPs including opening and launching sessions – the rest of us are still out there in the cold! Especially some of us that write in English as the easier language for us to do! And if you write on topics that people prefer to push under the carpet – or not to hear – then your situation becomes even worse! And that especially when you have compiled your works in books formats – and people can read easily – over and over again!

A few years ago when the poor girl I knew well in my HR Consultancy jobs died – with 9 members of her family in a tragic horrible accident – I was talking with her Manager and was inquiring about her – and why there was a great silence – and nothing coming from her in emails in support and nice comforting words. My emails were going to her – but the IT people there were themselves still in shock to remove her name from the mailing list!

Being The Safe Driver! www.bethesafedriver.com

It is true that many of us read the newspapers – or watch the television – of road accidents stories – but we never imagine that the victim in the tragic accidents – many are avoidable – is someone we know well! We never get involved personally in the stories and get emotionally inclined in touch and feelings! Perhaps if we made the attempts – or tried to do so – things could act out to be different! Perhaps only then road accidents could come down tremendously! I strongly believe in this – with the ever increased accidents and fatalities in the country!

When I self published on my own the Road Safety book – Being The Safe Driver! – Behind The Wheel! – and created the supporting website – www.bethesafedriver.com – I thought things would now be different this time! With exception of some few great companies of the land buying copies for their Board and The Management Team – nothing else went different! It was just the same stories – all over again! Reduce the book price – if I get OMR 2 in each book after costs publishing, air freight from USA and Bookshops commissions at 35% each book!

You would have imagined the Bookshops were the only winners – but even there ;you have to beg, borrow and steal’ to get your books taken in – unless it is for the publicity for the VIPs books – or books launches by VIPs! Poor M – a retired HR – no one knows him – and he has no W! Besides, why support and assist him – when his other books links – especially The Arab Management books that ‘rocked the boat to its very foundations’! So if we support his Road Safety book it would be like directly or indirectly supporting his other books per se!

I remember the famous nursery story of The Red Hen who went around asking others to help in growing seeds until harvest of the corn – but none did! When it baked the cake – and asked – who will eat from my cake? Everyone wanted a piece. I am sorry to say this – after the advices I get of ‘why don’t you translate the book into Arabic? You will get more Readers that way!

When I sent my appeal to them before the book publishing – they just ignored me and looked the other way! Thus my writing the article – Deafening Silence! You can see it here in my website! I should have learnt my lesson – after sending these VIPs my first books – including The Arab Management books specifically – but with the exception of very few expatriates – none even acknowledged even receiving the books – let alone in thanks!

Truthfully, I have never considered the business of writing as a business enterprise – or to make money! There is no money in books – and the returns – if any – are extended, tedious and belated too! But one needs to look things at the greater picture – and look things outside the box! Not everything is money in life! Otherwise today there would have been no great works like War and Peace – or the Shakespearean works! What is the added advantage if one’s works come out in fame – when he is invalid – or as many cases long time dead? Whilst he was alive he was unknown and unacknowledged – and miserable and poor!

I appeal to The Leadership to visit this arena too – and to (re) consider our cases more sympathetically and pragmatically! Especially those of us few that write in English! Even in the few competitions the insistence is works in Arabic – point taken – but communicating in other languages should be welcomed in! That is what and why Oman became great in history! Besides, not many are like yours truly – determined not to be let down – but keep his head up – and to succeed against all odds!

May Allah God Guide and Direct us to the right path and way – Amin.

By Majid Al Suleimany

The Other New Books

 

More Information and Details at www.myownmajid.com

And www.myown-ebooks.com