“Be My Valentine”  I think that most of us have either said or heard that expression during the month of February, the month long known for romance.. Valentine’s Day is celebrated in countless places around the world. Flowers, candy, ornaments, trinkets, charms and many other types of gifts are exchanged between loved ones all in the name of St. Valentine.

Shrouded in mystery, the exact origins of the celebration of St. Valentine are somewhat unclear.  While the holiday’s history is well documented through the years, the saint (or saints) it’s named after is still a mystery.  (It is unclear exactly who the celebrated saint of love really was for there are 3 separate saints named Valentinus or Valentine, all who were martyrs).

According to one legend, Valentine was a priest who served in Rome during the third century. It is believed that Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself.

While being in prison, it is supposed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl who may have been his jailor’s daughter who visited him during his confinement. As the story’s goes it is reported that Valentine performed a miracle by healing the girl of her blindness.  Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote this girl a letter, which he signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

The oldest know Valentine’s poem in existence today was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans during his imprisonment in the Tower of London, following the Battle of Agincourt. The poem was written to his wife

A heart with an arrow piercing through it is the most common of all Valentine symbols and contains a double meaning, love and liability.  Should you send a valentine card to someone you run the risk of rejection and of your feeling being hurt. On the other hand, the heart and arrow also symbolizes the merging of two, that now become as one.

Providing quality customer service is similar to Valentines.  We put our heart and best foot forward into operating the business, and we attempt to build a lasting relationship between two parties through meeting and exceeding expectations, being compassionate to the needs of others, and letting others know that they are of value to us.

The following set of questions will help you discover specific areas in your business where you should be focusing your attention and give you a starting point in your journey toward providing great customer service.

Be sure to answer the questions from your individual point of view as honestly and objectively as possible.  The questions refer to the way thing stand now, not how you wish they were or how you think they may be in the future.

»    Does our business, on a regular timetable, survey customers to find out how satisfied they are with our service and products?

»    Does our business survey ask for our customer’s suggestions, ideas and personal opinions for improving the way that we operate our business?

»     Does our business survey the staff to find out how satisfied they are with the working conditions and work environment and ask for their suggestions for improvement?

»     Does our business have a written mission statement or specific long-range goals that focus on a commitment to providing our customers with quality products and services?

»     Does our business assemble and analyze customer information on what poor quality and service costs the business in terms of lost business, drop in productivity, staff turnover, and low morale?

»     Does our business educate all employees in telephone etiquette, internet correspondence and face-to-face customer relations communication skills?

»     Does our business prepare the managers in the skills and competencies they need to support staff in providing excellent service (team building, delegation, coaching, counseling, communications, active listening etc.)?

»     Does our business place “newly” hired staff through a well designed onboarding orientation process that stresses the importance of customer service? Do we re-orient seasoned staff on the same content?

»     Does our business possess a state-of-the-art technology that supports the staff in providing fast and efficient service to customers? Is it updated on a timely fashion?

»     Does our business have a process in place that allows it to make specific changes in service policies and procedures based on customer feedback?

»     Does our business go out of its way to identify, reward and recognize employees for their efforts on behalf of the customer? m

The day is here, the day has come,

And I must cross its line,

And so I ask you through this poem,

To be my Valentine…

Dr. Clark can be reached at mdclark@kih.net for networking.  For daily inspiration go to his blog at www.smartbizzonline.com

“Be My Valentine”  I think that most of us have either said or heard that expression during the month of February, the month long known for romance.. Valentine’s Day is celebrated in countless places around the world. Flowers, candy, ornaments, trinkets, charms and many other types of gifts are exchanged between loved ones all in the name of St. Valentine.

Shrouded in mystery, the exact origins of the celebration of St. Valentine are somewhat unclear.  While the holiday’s history is well documented through the years, the saint (or saints) it’s named after is still a mystery.  (It is unclear exactly who the celebrated saint of love really was for there are 3 separate saints named Valentinus or Valentine, all who were martyrs).

According to one legend, Valentine was a priest who served in Rome during the third century. It is believed that Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself.

While being in prison, it is supposed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl who may have been his jailor’s daughter who visited him during his confinement. As the story’s goes it is reported that Valentine performed a miracle by healing the girl of her blindness.  Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote this girl a letter, which he signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

The oldest know Valentine’s poem in existence today was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans during his imprisonment in the Tower of London, following the Battle of Agincourt. The poem was written to his wife

A heart with an arrow piercing through it is the most common of all Valentine symbols and contains a double meaning, love and liability.  Should you send a valentine card to someone you run the risk of rejection and of your feeling being hurt. On the other hand, the heart and arrow also symbolizes the merging of two, that now become as one.

Providing quality customer service is similar to Valentines.  We put our heart and best foot forward into operating the business, and we attempt to build a lasting relationship between two parties through meeting and exceeding expectations, being compassionate to the needs of others, and letting others know that they are of value to us.

The following set of questions will help you discover specific areas in your business where you should be focusing your attention and give you a starting point in your journey toward providing great customer service.

Be sure to answer the questions from your individual point of view as honestly and objectively as possible.  The questions refer to the way thing stand now, not how you wish they were or how you think they may be in the future.

»    Does our business, on a regular timetable, survey customers to find out how satisfied they are with our service and products?

»    Does our business survey ask for our customer’s suggestions, ideas and personal opinions for improving the way that we operate our business?

»     Does our business survey the staff to find out how satisfied they are with the working conditions and work environment and ask for their suggestions for improvement?

»     Does our business have a written mission statement or specific long-range goals that focus on a commitment to providing our customers with quality products and services?

»     Does our business assemble and analyze customer information on what poor quality and service costs the business in terms of lost business, drop in productivity, staff turnover, and low morale?

»     Does our business educate all employees in telephone etiquette, internet correspondence and face-to-face customer relations communication skills?

»     Does our business prepare the managers in the skills and competencies they need to support staff in providing excellent service (team building, delegation, coaching, counseling, communications, active listening etc.)?

»     Does our business place “newly” hired staff through a well designed onboarding orientation process that stresses the importance of customer service? Do we re-orient seasoned staff on the same content?

»     Does our business possess a state-of-the-art technology that supports the staff in providing fast and efficient service to customers? Is it updated on a timely fashion?

»     Does our business have a process in place that allows it to make specific changes in service policies and procedures based on customer feedback?

»     Does our business go out of its way to identify, reward and recognize employees for their efforts on behalf of the customer? m

The day is here, the day has come,

And I must cross its line,

And so I ask you through this poem,

To be my Valentine…

Dr. Clark can be reached at mdclark@kih.net for networking.  For daily inspiration go to his blog at www.smartbizzonline.com

Papaya! This common-or-garden fruit or say ‘vegetable’ is hugely versatile than one can ever think about.

It’s a nifty fruit, oh yeah vegetable, as well as a great health and beauty care doodah. Papaya is a real prized surprise for all beauty caring wenches. Papaya suffices many of their health and beauty care needs. These days, girls go head-over-heel; yeah they hanker after this cheap and easily available health and beauty care ecstasy – the “tickle pink”.

Why Papaya euphoria?

So far only the people with naturalist instinct, who had the knowledge about the usefulness of papaya, were the only ones, who had the privilege of enjoying the joy of this fruit that’s also a vegetable. But lately, papaya the “fruit + vegetable” enchant has been drawing the attention of all people, world over. Round the world, people’s liking for papaya is increasingly increasing because of the numerous advantages they get from it.  Thanks to the global media fraternity for creating in such a massive awareness about the thing that the papaya is.

Seemingly, to the surprise of everyone everywhere “papaya”, you call it vegetable or fruit, it is unbelievably loaded with Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, fibre content, and potassium. It is also a very rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, FLAVONOIDS, the B vitamins, FOLATE, PANTOTHENIC acid, enzymes and minerals – Such as potassium and magnesium.

Nutrients in papaya are good for cardiovascular system and it also prevents colon cancer. In addition, the digestive enzyme PAPAIN in papaya is a real rad. Papaya is also used to treat allergies and sports injuries.

Prevents Heart Disease

Papayas prevent atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease.

Nutrients in papaya help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol that minimizes the chances of heart attack or strokes.

Papayas are also an excellent source of fibre that lowers the high cholesterol levels. The folic acids that are found in papayas turn HOMOCYSTEINE into amino acids like CYSTEINE or METHIONINE that diminishes the chances of heart attack or stroke.

Prevents Colon Cancer

The nutrients in papaya prevent colon cancer. Its fibre guards and keeps the healthy colon cells away from the cancer causing toxins. FOLATE, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E in papaya minimize the possibility of colon cancer.

Provides relief from inflammation

The enzymes PAPAIN and CHYMOPAPAIN found in papaya lower inflammation and speed up healing.

Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene the antioxidant nutrients that are found in papaya, reduce inflammation. It brings relief to the people who are suffering from asthma, osteoarthritis, POLYARTHRITIS and rheumatoid arthritis.

Backs up Immunity

Vitamin C and vitamin A, which are produced in the body by the help of beta-carotene – that is in papaya, are both essential for the proper working of a healthy immune system.

Also:

1.   Papaya seeds and leaves are used to treat various intestinal worms found in human body.

2.   The enzyme PAPAIN in Papaya prevents constipation and also enhances digestion power.

3.   Papaya keeps stomach clean and works like a tonic that keeps the stomach and intestines healthy.

4.   Regular intake of papaya juice prevents and removes colon infections.

5.   Papaya is used to treat gashes.

6.   Papaya is low in calories and highly nutritious. It works as a good natural dieting food.

7.   Regular intake of papaya helps to relieve morning sickness and nausea.

8. Papaya is very good for the eyesight.

9. Potassium in papaya makes it work as a very good relief for hyper tension. It keeps blood pressure under control and sharpens mental alertness.

10. Raw papaya also eases menstrual difficulties.

11. Papaya is good for diabetic patients.

12. Papaya is good for skin.

13. It shields our skin from ultraviolet radiation

14. Papaya makes a great beauty mask too. Surprised?

Check-this-out

Homemade papaya face brightening and face toning beauty Mask

Unripe papaya is a very good source of natural enzyme called “PAPAIN”. PAPAIN deliquesce dead skin cells, tones skin, removes wrinkles, and clears pimples and dark pimple spots. This face brightening mask whips up circulation in the face – that gives a bright, rosy glow.

If you have sensitive skin, when applied, the mask would give slight tingling sensation. If you prefer a gentle exfoliation, then go for ripe papaya, which has less PAPAIN

Ingredients

100 gms       Unripe Papaya, diced

11/4 tsp        Plain Yogurt

11/4 tsp        Honey

Methods

1.   Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor to make a smooth paste

2.   Thoroughly wash your face and wipe with a face towel to dry-off your face

2.   Apply the mask with your fingers. Be careful not to let the paste enter your eyes at all. Keep your eyes absolutely closed while applying the mask. Apply the mask to the neck, cleavage and to the areas behind the ears.

3.   Wait for 10 to 15 minutes

4.   Now rinse with cool water and pat your face to dry off.

Regular applying of this mask on your face will lighten your skin tone, make it wrinkle free, pimple free, dark spots free and make your face look youthful, shinning brighter and fairer too.

You can increase the quantity proportionately if you want to apply all over the body. It works as a beautiful anti-aging body skin toner as well.

How to make homemade papaya & cucumber soap

This easy to make homemade beauty soap is really beautiful.

Take a cucumber for cucumber soap and a medium sized papaya for papaya soap. Peel the papaya and cut it into half remove the seeds and then cut the halves of the papayas into small cubes. Now take the cucumber with skin on and cut it into small cubes. Put both the papaya and cucumber cubes separately into a juicer and extract separate papaya and cucumber juices. Strain the juices separately through separate butter muslin cloths. Take a big glycerine bar cut it into small pieces and put the pieces in a micro-oven-able container. Put the container in the micro wave oven till the glycerine melts completely, add the strained cucumber and papaya juices separately to the melted glycerine and mix them well individually to get two different kinds of soap mixture – one cucumber & other papaya. Add perfumed oil of your liking, mix well. Then pour both the Papaya + glycerine mixture and cucumber + glycerine mixture separately into desired moulds. And let the mixture cool down and get hardened. Now pop out the soap cakes and they are ready. You have two homemade beauty soaps – One cucumber and the other papaya.

You can use them as gifts for your friends as well.

Yeah, Papaya is really one of the most versatile natural beauty care doodah that is cheap and cheerful and keeps you youthful and beautiful. Papaya isn’t just what it looks like. It actually gives you a look that you and everyone else will always like.

Now with the help of the versatile anti-ageing papaya, be youthful and stay beautiful, always!!! 

Aries

Thinking outside the box this month can save you money, especially if you have lunch within a box. What better can you get than rice, daal, veggies, chicken, pickle and salad for less than 300 bucks?

Taurus

For a seafood lover like you, hitting your favorite seafood restaurant is the most interesting place to visit. Throw in a half dozen Littleneck clams on the half shell, some sourdough bread, and this is one day you won’t soon forget.

Gemini

Your partner may crack that whip this month, presenting you with a To-Do list that’s as long as your arm. Still, the joy of eating your partner’s homemade Shepherd’s Pie is tempered when you get stuck doing the dishes.

Cancer

For a water lover in you, it would be good to get a seafood dinner, thick and creamy and chock full of clams. Enjoy the feel of being a water animal.

Leo

Clam Chowder is a perfect option for you this month. While you love the rich, creamy goodness of New England, there’s a lot to be said for the Manhattan, Rhode Island, Delaware, Hatteras and Minorcan varieties. Having one of each is the obvious solution to this conundrum, and tracking them all down is part of the fun.

Virgo

You could be in a position to judge someone else’s work this month. Your natural inclination is to be brutally honest, but temper your analysis with some creative suggestions on how to make things better. Introduce yourself to cumin, cilantro and paprika.

Libra

Make sure you have a plan of attack before tackling that To Do list this month. Map out all of the places you need to be so you can knock off your chores in an efficient and timely manner. Don’t forget to fuel up before setting out with the amazing sweet potato knish.

Scorpio

You’ve got a busy month ahead of you, but fortunately, you’ve got game. Armed with energy, a positive spirit and a tummy full of caffeine, you tear through this month like a chainsaw through wood. Homemade lasagna is your reward for being so diligent.

Sagittarius

Cucumber mint sandwiches cut into perfect equilateral triangles are perfectly paired with tea, served, of course, in delicate ceramic cups. Cut flowers and bunch of friends complete the scene.

Capricorn

The recognition you’ve been striving for is finally yours this month. The rousing ovation your family gives you for your apple-stuffed pork chops and butternut squash soup dinner could mean that they’ve finally forgiven you for last month’s chicken cordon bleu.

Aquarius

Just treat the kids this month. Treat them to Sloppy Joes and homemade sweet potato fries for dinner and they might just stop muttering under their breath every time they see you.

Pisces

Tired of rice and potatoes, you may need a new direction when it comes to the starches in your life. Look to the mighty quinoa as an exciting new alternative. It’s amazingly high in protein and a great source of fiber, magnesium and iron.

“Chayote Squash”, I guess this term sounds a little weird, rather if I mention the word “Iskus”, everyone will feel comfortable. Yes! Iskus is what we call to Chayote Squash here in Nepal.

Chayote is member of the squash family that originated in Mexico but can now be found throughout the world if you know where to look. After Mexico, it was seen in South America until after the Spanish conquest. The starchy squash was a staple of the Aztecs. The name chayote is derived from the Nahuatl world chayotli. Even the Mayans added chayote shoots (as a green) to beans and also ate the fruit and the starchy roots.

Depending on where you live, Chayote may be called a vegetable pear, chcocho, or christophene. Its flavor is described as a cross between a turnip, cucumber and zucchini. It is an edible fruit of a tropical perennial vine plant which is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, along with other squashes, gourds, cucumbers and melons. Although the most commercially known varieties are lime green and pear shaped, chayote squashes have many different guises. There are varieties with different colors, shapes and textures, though their shared common denominator is their flesh’s color and the fruit’s flavor.

The common Chayote squash is defined by its ubiquitous pear-like shape, its pale lime green coloring and the deep linear indentations along the fruit’s thin skin that meet at its flower end. The Chayote’s flesh is creamy white, semi-crisp and succulent to cottony as it matures. Its central core contains small seeds, which can be eaten, though most often are simply discarded. Chayote squash’s flavor is lacking in depth and offers a mere insipid taste, thus allowing it to be a carrier sponge of other accompanying ingredient’s flavors. The Chayote fruit is just one of the edible elements of the plant; its tendrils, flowers; even its roots are also edible, thus expanding its culinary utilities.

Culinary Use

It can be eaten both raw and cooked. As it lacks any definitive flavors, its textural qualities play center stage in its culinary uses. It is often shredded and added to salads, along with fresh and bright flavors such as cilantro, greens, other fruits and citrus. The fruit can be slow roasted, grilled, skin peeled and added to soups, stews and served as an accompaniment to main courses featuring meats such as roasted pork and poultry. Other complimentary flavors and ingredients include legumes, chilies, both soft and hard cheeses, garlic, cumin, summer melons and nuts such as pistachios, pepitas and almonds. Beyond the fruit, the tendrils and shoots can be added to salads, used as a wilting green, their flowers stuffed and/or fried similar to zucchini flowers. The seeds are dried and toasted. Roots are stored for two years prior to boiling and frying.

Buying

Choose: a firm chayote without any marks.

Avoid: chayote whose skin is too thick.

Preparing

Peel the chayote before or after cooking. A sticky substance appears when the chayote is peeled, so it is preferable to wear gloves or peel under running water.

Serving Ideas

Chayote is eaten raw in salads or served as is, with a vinaigrette dressing. When cooked, it can be covered in a sauce and gratinated. It is an ingredient in soups and stews, it can be stir-fried, stuffed, used in marinades and chutneys, etc. Chayote can be used in place of summer squash in most recipes.

Sugar, lime juice, cinnamon and nutmeg can be added to chayote compote as a dessert.

Storing

In the fridge: a few weeks, wrapped in plastic wrap.

Health Benefits & Nutritional Value

Chayote Squash is very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It’s also a good source of Niacin, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid, Magnesium and Potassium, and an excellent source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Zinc, Copper and Manganese.

An herbal tea made with chayote squash leaves is used for lowering high blood pressure, hypertension, dissolving kidney stones and treating atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. A tea containing the flesh of chayote squash has mild diuretic properties and is used for treating bloating in some parts of the world. 

I am “The Chimney”; to be specific made of copper and I have been venting hot flue gases from the open brick fireplace to the outside atmosphere in the Kathmandu valley since 1950’s. Unlike any other regular chimneys, I have a colossal past associated with my origin and my beloved legendary father, Boris Lissanevitch. Although, he is no more but I have always tried my best to transform him into an eternal figure as I don’t share the same inevitable fate as the humans. During my early years, my father used to kindle the fireplace and people around the valley used to be aware about the beginning of the winter season. There were very few buildings back then and population density was also quite low. So, everyone was able to see the gush of smoke released from my copper pipe to the open air. Till this date, people follow the tradition and light the fire around mid November and pay tribute to my father.

As mentioned by Jim Harrison, some people hear their own inner voices with great clearness and they live by what they hear, such people become crazy…or they become legend. As such was my father, and he’d probably heard his inner conscience clearly being a ballet dancer, master chef, hotelier, tiger hunter, fighter pilot and trapeze artist – a man with variations. Also known as the father of tourism in Nepal, he came to Kathmandu from Russia via the Russian army, Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes, the opera of Monte Carlo, a cabaret stint in Shanghai and a club owner in Calcutta. One of the frequent guests to be served in his Club 300, the then King Tribhuvan, was so impressed that he invited Boris to his son Mahendra’s wedding. Thus, he arrived in Nepal in 1951 and on special recommendations made by king Tribhuvan opened Kathmandu’s first international hotel, the Royal. This was my very first birthplace, I was installed inside the Yak & Yeti restaurant and soon I became famous around the world along with Boris’s legendary hospitality and culinary skills. Kathmandu had then just opened its gates to outsiders and this was the first Western-type fine dining restaurant which served the very first batch of foreign tourists visiting the “Forbidden Kingdom”. Since then, Queen Elizabeth II and who’s who around the world have had dined around me, enjoying the warm fire and continental cuisine with Russian flair in a cozy atmosphere.

Since I was a big success, the idea of building a Hotel was conceived in the early seventies and later on with ample funds assisted from the then president of World Bank, a 120-room hotel with 5 star amenities was completed in the year 1977. This joint venture between Mr. Radheshyam Saraf and my father was an opportunity for me to be relocated in a new place. The restaurant name transferred to the hotel name as the Yak & Yeti was already popular all around the west and still it is the city’s leading luxury business and leisure hotel. The ancient architecture, now more than 200 years old are still gleaming and intact like me, capturing the old charm and style of Kathmandu valley.

These days, I am the longest standing fine dining restaurant from the medieval times serving Boris’ exquisite signature dishes Borstch, Smoked Bekti, Chicken a la Kiev, and the flaming baked Alaska Sagarmatha  along with other international menus such as Savor Rack of Lamb with an Eggplant and Sesame Ragout and relish the piquant Tartare of Smoked Salmon with Wasabi.

I have witnessed innumerable dusk with countless faces enthralled by my handcrafted, open, copper-shafted fireplace and my vaulted ceilings inscribed with the reflections of the long history and tradition that is still alive in me. Hereby, I call upon you to come around every evening to experience the grandeur all by yourself and be a part of the everlasting tale. I would be happy to offer you sensational delights every night in this historical wonder and make your stay incredibly unforgettable. Although, it’s been ages since I was born but still I haven’t lost that vigor and charm, so remember, I would be keenly waiting for you smoking my aged pipe.

A bland diet is the one in which choice is restricted to smooth and soothing foods to prevent irritation of any kind-mechanical, chemical or thermal- to the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. The bland diet is prescribed in disturbances of the gastro-intestinal tract, such as peptic and duodenal ulcers, ulcerative, colitis, dysentery or diarrhea.

Bland diets are planned to establish and maintain nutritional balance, prevent mechanical irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract, and to reduce gastric acidity either by inhibiting secretion of the gastric juices or by neutralizing or diluting the gastric contents. Bland diets are consequently restricted in fiber content since coarse fibers irritate the sensitive mucous membranes.

The skin, seeds and cellular portions of foods are the chief source of fiber. The amount of fiber present in foods depends not only on the kind of plant, but also on the degree of maturity. For example, potatoes and carrots with their skin removed have very little fiber, while lady’s finger is fibrous: young green beans contain only a small amount of soft fiber, whereas mature green peas are tough and have a considerable portion of rough fiber.

The fiber content of normal diet can be reduced by using foods low in fiber. This can be done by eating tender vegetables, only cooked vegetables, fruits, and using only redefined cereals foods. Meat has fiber in the form of indigestible connective tissues. The amount of connective tissues present depends upon the age of the animal, the part of the body from which the muscle has been cut and the method of cooking employed.

Strongly flavored gas forming vegetables such as onions, cabbages or turnips are also avoided in bland diets. Over-cooking such vegetables release sulphur-rich compounds which induce gas forming tendencies. If the vegetables are cooked quickly such decomposition can be kept to the minimum. Condiments, relish and highly seasoned foods should be omitted in bland diets, since they stimulate gastric secretion. Instead salt, nutmeg and cinnamon can be used for flavorings.

In peptide ulcers, the proper choice of food as well as the avoidance of anxiety or frustration results in a diminished flow of gastric juice and its neutralization is essential for providing relief to the patient. Since, fats inhibit the flow of gastric juice, emulsified fats such as those in whole milk, cream, butter and egg yolk should be used. As the protein foods are effective in neutralizing acid in the stomach, milk is particularly valuable as a buffer. Bland diet must be planned with milk as the main item of food, such diet can be served in three meals a day but frequent feedings can dilute. The stomach contents better will result in a greater intake of nutrients and more satisfaction.

During prolonged dependence upon milk and milk products as in the case of some acute ulcer condition, deficiencies of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, vitamin C, and thiamine are likely to occur. Moreover, alkali therapy interferes also with the absorption of iron. Therefore protein, iron and vitamin C must be given as supplements to such bland diets.

The belief that citrus juice may irritate mucous membranes is widely held, but discomfort can be avoided if the juices are taken at the end of a meal. They should be included regularly in the diet to supply the much needed

vitamin C.m

Genre

Romantic Comedy

Directed by

Mark Rosman

Music

Hilary Duff, Good Charlotte

Star Casts

Hilary Duff, Heather Locklear, Chris Noth, Mike O’Malley, Ben Feldman, Vanessa Lengies, Caroline Rhea, Kym Whitley, Aria Wallace and Carson Kressley

 Released Date

 17th June, 2005

One of a popular singer/lyricist/musician of Nepal, who likes to describe himself as inspired by Michael Jackson and senior Nepali Musicians and has already given us super duper hit numbers like Miss Catwalk, Lolita, Block hill shoes, Preeti basyo, whose third album, “Huri Batas” won Hit’s FM Music Award 2000, “the album of the year” and the song ‘Aau Aauna’ from his fourth album “Lolita”, won Hit’s FM Music Award 2002 “The Best Vocal Performance”. Obviously, you got it right; he is none other than the famous pop star Nima Rumba. He hadn’t really thought of becoming a singer and was supposed to be an artist/painter but his deep passion in music and dance since childhood drove him to this place where he is successfully standing right now. Let us have a sneak peek into the other side of him…

How do you feel to be a popular singer?

Happy, Proud

Your source of inspiration

Our Senior Singers/Musicians whom I grew up listening to…like late Sir Gopal Yonzan, Arun Thapa, Narayan Gopal,

Aruna Lama, Tara devi, and Sir Deep Shrestha, Fatteman Rajbhandari, and King of Pop late Michael Jackson, JJ Cale,

Bob Marley, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, and many more.

Have you already achieved what you wished for?

No I don’t think…I think I still have long way to go, still learning…though…I guess for country like ours, there’s no way up from here..So guess achievement above what I have now!!! ??? No idea!!!

If not a pop singer what would you have been?

I would’ve been a Thanka Artist like my father…or just working somewhere.

How much time do you spend with your family?

A lot…cause I don’t do anything else besides music…Only time I’m away for long is when I’m touring abroad.

Any favorite restaurants you usually like to go with your family?

Yes…Hotel Marshyangdi, Café Galleria, Bhumi, Tamarind, Club Himalaya

Hotel Country Villa, and more…

How often do you cook? Do you have any favorite recipes?

It’s funny see I love watching the TLC and the cooking shows…as if I’m gonna cook like that right way…so at home kids make fun of me seeing watching the cooking shows…no I don’t really cook, but…I love to make my noodle myself…with little bit of this and that…I make it delicious…

What do you usually eat for breakfast?

I’m a typical Nepali, I think…I’m not a breakfast person…I just need a nice black coffee after I wake up & then it’s Lunch time at around 11 to 12 am…but of course if I’m staying at the hotel when I tour !!! Can’t ignore the offer.

Foods you like most

Apart from Nepali food and the delicacy made at home by my Wife…its Japanese Sushi & Sashimi…and Korean Food…also time to time I miss the Double Cheese Burger of MC Donald: D

Foods you don’t like

I eat almost every eatable food…so I guess there’s nothing I dislike…but yeah the Kinema’ ?…the whole House smells like the dirty socks whenever it’s cooked ?

Do you eat fast food? What type of fast food do you prefer?

Yes…Like I mentioned above…and sometimes I go for other burgers or Kebabs…and of course the instant noodles ?

Any vegetables or fruits you don’t ever want to see?

Not any.

Do you prefer spicy foods?

I don’t say no…my mom makes the spicy hot curry and she takes fresh ‘Dalle Khursani’ while eating…so you can guess…I can be easy with Medium Hot & Spicy though.

Favorite hot beverages

Black Coffee…

How often do you usually indulge into alcohol?

Occasionally

Which is your favorite one?

Whiskies and Beer during summer

Any favorite cocktails/mocktails?

Bloody Mary sometime…

Any secret diet for staying healthy?

Balanced Diet…don’t eat too much:

Do you believe in healthy lifestyles?

Yes I do…health is wealth…so Exercise…Yoga…Gym anything you can.

Your upcoming albums/songs

Still promoting my last album ‘PROstyle Rangaun Ki Ma?’ might come up with a new Music Video soon…

A perfect Valentine Date would include

Fine bottle of Champagne…Candle Light Dinner and Luxurious Night Stay

Anything you would like to communicate to your huge fans?

Like always…thank you Dear fans for your Loyal Love n’ Support…can’t believe it’s been past 20 years…and some of you are still hearing me, seeing me and of course loving and supporting…our lives has changed…our country…our culture…Music and many more things…but our love for each other hasn’t changed…I mean for most of us…I humbly thank you all.

Let’s just simply support our Nepali Music…Arts and culture…because you never know when it’s too late…

Thank you, with warm regards,

Nima Rumba

A unique ambiance produced by smoked bamboo fence walls around the patio adjoining the main building with Buddha statues placed in the garden and a mini stupa located just past the main entrance door, made a tranquil mood while I entered the Rosewood. A residential home nicely converted into a wonderful place to eat and relax, meticulously landscaped garden with a stone tap in the corner to the right, antique lantern hanged all around with ample tables laid outside to feast in the sun. We seated ourselves opposite the fantastic bar fully laden with various drinks decorated with brick carpet. Meanwhile, a server attended us and we asked for the executive chef Som Thapa who was busy inside his kitchen probably with his signature dish. We were offered hot black coffee, a perfect starter in the cold weather. As we were sipping our coffee, taking notes and looking around the place, the executive chef came to greet us and after a brief introduction offered us for a guided tour inside.

An optimistic, hard working person who began his career as a waiter, inclining through supervisor, operation manager, assistant manager and has reached the position of Food & Beverage Manager. Also served in abroad as restaurant supervisor, Mr. Puskar Prasad Koirala nowadays is serving as Food & Beverage Manager at Hotel Tibet International. He has risen up the ranks through hard work with his ability to work independently under stress and pressure.

Q.  How would you like to introduce yourself?

I started my career from ground level and now I’m currently serving in Hotel Tibet International as Food & Beverage Manager. I believe in dedication, hard work and creativity.

Q.  What pleases you most and why?

Final Output and Optimistic results.

Q.  How long have you been in the Hospitality Industry?

Since, 1996 till this date.

Q.  How important is public relations in this industry?

It is the main backbone of the industry, I believe.

Q.  What is keeping you intact in this industry for so long?

Recognition, respect & passion I posses which I converted into professionalism.

Q.  What do you wish to achieve in near future?

A respectful position in hospitality industry.

Q.  What do you like & dislike about this industry?

I love creativity, good guidelines, growth & inter-relationship between the employees and I don’t like those people who don’t believe or allow creativity.

Q.  How should one live their life?

Live with dignity, a peaceful life.

Q.  Favorite Quote

“Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.”