Food for thought :.(il@.
Yo Vi zag • May '09
From single shot to regular habit
and from a habit to severe
addiction, it's the cycle of a well
nurtured practice. And when tried
with deadly stuff it curtails
everything a healthy body and
soul can enjoy. Such is the
lethalness of tobacco.
At present approximately 4.9 million people are killed worldwide
annually by tobacco use and according to a World Health
Organization study it is estimated to take 10 million lives every
year by 2020. India grabs a lion's share in these deadly figures,
as the same study reveals that by 2010, nearly 1 million people
are going to die of tobacco related diseases caused primarily
due to smoking every year. That is equivalent to 2,740 people
per day or 114 people per hour or about 1.9 Indians will die
every minute from smoking.
Tobacco is used as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars etc but
taken in any form the results are the same; from painful side
effects to fatal infections. With tobacco comes a long list of
vulnerable diseases like oral and lung cancer, bronchitis, asthma,
coronary artery disease, decreased physical fitness, unfavourable
lipid profile and inevitable death .
The use of tobacco generally starts as an adventure in a young peer group
but soon turns into a habit, and the vicious circle of addiction doesn't take
much time to enslave its users. When consumed daily in adolescence, it
leads to slow deterioration of lungs followed by Pneumonia, Bronchitis,
and Asthma which on prolonged ignorance leads to lungs cancer,
emphysema and such other smoking related diseases ultimately resulting
in painful and untimely death.
Women tobacco users tend to cause irreparable damage on its consumption
during pregnancy. It can be all the more dangerous as it might result in
premature delivery along with severe post birth irregularities . A feeding
mother on smoking transfers nicotine and other toxic chemicals to the
infant.
Nicotine present in tobacco causes psychological effects and stimulation
in the nervous system post addiction. A tobacco addict thus finds it
impossible to quit as a prolonged usage makes the body depend on it, the
more you consume the more it demands and at times renders one
completely helpless when denied the required dose.
It's not that tobacco has ill effects only on the direct users. The effect of
passive smoking includes headache, nausea, asthma, cough and other
respiratory and breathing anomalies. A nation's future greatly depends on
her youth and middle age population as they form the backbone of
productivity and progress, tobacco usage takes a major toll on proficiency
and economy of the country.
It is true that tobacco addiction is tough to quit, but with self determination
backed by motivation and love there is always room for reconciliation.
Many projects are in place in collaboration with vario us NGOs to ensure
that those in the grip of this deadly stuff do stand a fair chan ce.
This 31st of May on anti tobacco day let's promise ourselves to SAY NO TO
TOBACCO forever and build a healthy tobacco free fami ly and nation .
 Yo Vi zag • May '09 .@j): Celebration
- Ranita Ray

Mother's Day originated in ancient Greece honouring

Rhea, the Mother of the Gods; it became significant
with the official celebration by Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia
as a remembrance of her mother, who died in 1905. In
1914, President Woodrow Wilson's officially declared
Mother's Day as a national holiday on the second
Sunday of May. This year, it falls on May 9th.

In India off late the celebrations have gained remarkable significance which
are in tune with popular regional festivities. With appreciable improvement
in standard of thought and gradual fusion of broad outlook with fast
vanishing conservative mentality people at home have come to understand
the specialty of this day. Make her feel special on this day; show her you
care with simple gestures ...
Flower speaks of Love all by themselves, so fill your mom's heart with the
nice aroma from a bouquet of her favourite flowers accompanied with a
poem or a lovely message.
A relaxed Sunday morning with extended sleep and her favourite snack of
table ... a dream come true for any hassled Mom. Make her day with bed-tea with
an exotic aroma or herbal tea to suit her taste. Be on her side while she has it to
make her feel that it's only for her.
Relieve her of ·mundane routine and culinary duties by having a relaxed bite at her favourite
eatery. Best would be to try out your own culinary skills but only if sure of a reasonably
palatable result.
If staying away, drop in for a surprise visit. Nothing's there to match a post shock hug from the
beloved child with a souvenir as good as an album of a framed picture of good old days of
motherhood the memories of which are being cherished in this special way.
A day at the spa with manicures and pedicures to facials and massages, a gift of indulgence is
one that truly never disappoints. With her beauty always ignored owing to commitments to
responsibilities, a complete makeover can be brilliant idea.
Tickets to a movie, play, concert or bash, it's always the best break she can think of. With you
by side the event can play magic with her emotions. The day long company of progeny only for
herself is the best gift in true sense. To compliment this even a long drive along the beautiful
countrysiife does suffice.

"MA~~;Rt~;~~n~a~AV A" ,~1 ~~~~~:~~~~~~o~u~~ance Shows

Mother's Day 2009 Celebrations -- ..

On May 9'h at Kalabharati (A/C Auditorium), Mothers and Children will have a chance to \foIlO
Maddilapalem, Visakhapatnam. 5pm onwards an IPOD SHUFFLE and many more surprising gifts.
Local Flavour May '09

- Ranita Ray

GEA ING UP
FOR
WEE END

The city of destiny boasts of a long list of tourist and picnic spots in and around the
city. Before planning for a weekend visit make a survey of these places, considering
the distance, special attractions and other details. Ask around; gather information
from friends, the travel agency or tourism department. There are also a few online trip
advisors who are a great resource for reviews and information to get an idea how to
reach there or where to stay, etc. Use these reviews to find great places without
spending a fortune .

Plan your travel idea at least four to five days prior. Avoid the 11th hour hustle and
bustle ... it might be financially more expensive, result in arguments, unnecessary tensions
and eventually sour the whole trip. A well planned action always yields fruitful results.
This will allow getting the most out of your holidays leaving most of the worries at
home.
 [The 'Thing's~
---- --
Prepare a list of pending tasks before and after the holidays.
Yo Vizag • May '09 Local Flavour
..
."'~

This will h!=lp, pre planning in a systematic way and al so to

get back on track quicker, post-vacation . Like the laundry,
food shopping, sticking supplies .. generally to mentally
prepare yourself to return to work, hassle free . Arrange them
in order of urgency and divide any work that has piled up into
Make a rough estimate of the trip expenses. Keep different accounts
three piles . One is for immediate attention, one can wait a
for different needs like food, stay, fuel, refreshments etc. Though
day or two and the last pile is for those items that can be put
now we have the privilege of carrying cards instead of cash, but it
off until the following week.
is always advisable to carry some liquid cash as well. As there are
still some places where ATMs are not installed and even if installed
may remain out of order.

If you are planning to drive down to the spot, check out the running
condition of your car; especially if it's a long drive. A thorough
check-up can assure you a worry free ride. Tank up the car, so that
there will be fewer intervals in the journey.

Jazz up the drive with some lively, energising music or relax the
senses with soothing music. This is to keep you and your companions
in good cheer.

Even if you are hitting places close to the city, it is wiser to arrange
for an overnight stay as a backup plan. This will ease out the journey
stress and fatigue, add a bit of a 'zing' and can make your trip a
sweet memorable weekend .
'.
Last but not least, whatever the situation , however the trip and stay...
take everything in a positive spirit; a spoilsport attitude can dampen
everyone's spirits.
A short crispy trip can double the fun and be a perfect cure to daily
stresses, as compared to a long stretched tour. As long as you are with
your loved ones or likeminded partners anywhere anytime can be a fun
fiesta .

Looking forward to
happy weekends!!
 - Ranita Ray

He keeps the audience spell bound, infuses the soul and spirit of music
taking on the morose evening all alone to turn it vibrantly live. A
teacher by profession and singer by passion, meet Mr. Jeffory Kirk,
the father of Vizag's senior most rock band Tempest, the music teacher
in Timpany School and solo singer of hotel Grand bay's regular evening
live band.
A very young Jeffory, inspired by the lyrics of 'Break Free' by Queen, defying all
bonds chose to break free. Being an Anglo Indian he always attended the
cultural programs of the church and thus came in contact with the ecstasy of
melodies. At the age of 14 he got the first musical training from his father. A
quick learner he soon was on the path of success with several well appreciated
public performances.
At 15 he underwent professional training under Mrs. Blanche in vocal and
western music. Starting his career at 16 as a professional musician he went
ahead to join the live musical band as a rhythm guitarist and singer at the
premium Dolphin Hotel. Within 3 years his fame and popularity as the lead
guitarist and lead singer grew. Subsequently the band leader enthused him to
form the band Tempest.
After nine years at Dolphin he shifted to Grand Bay and Park for one year each.
Repeated shuffling of band members appended by frequent shifts in venues of
performance, led to the demise of the band, but Jeffory continued as solo
performer with guitar and keyboard at Grand Bay. Though, enduring all odds
the band still gets together and continues to perform in gala events like grand
naval celebrations, Anglo shows in and out of Vizag and corporate parties.
Absolutely contended with the day's job as music teacher, Jeffery to his credit
has produced talented rock stars like drummer Alex of Frontline, Samuel of
Metal-morphosis and Sriju the famed guitarist. A musician in true sense, Jeffery
is utterly disappointed with prevailing trend where DJ'ing has superseded live
band performances in importance and choice. Though he accolades DJ'ing as
being unbeatable in areas like Bollywood but does want the well deserved
share of respect for live performers from today's music lovers.
Expressing pleasure on the substantial growth of music both in quality ,
and popularity Jeffery intends to pass down his talent to a suitable
heir. "I appeal today's youth to keep music clean and sober" says,
Jefiery. With the young upcoming musicians yet to receive
corporate blessings he views lack of sponsorship a major
impediment for inland music to flourish. Quite hopeful of
Tempest's first own demo tape due to be released in next few
months he has put in day and night together to ensure that
it's a grand success. Given a chance he would like to work as
a music director, for which efforts are on . Yo! Vizag wishes him
a II the very best!
32 Local Flavour Yo Vizag May'09
- Ranita Ray

ov r e
After a hard week of slogging,
nothing can sound more tempting
than a weekend of having luxuriating
in classy opulent anlbience and with
all requirements attended to by
diligent personnel, wholly focussed
on pampering the self. ... And tapping
this psyche, major brands in
hospitality industry have repeatedly
come up with various lucrative offers
and schemes for the weekend.

At the 'Gateway', the weekends are extra special. Check in on a Saturday

morning and indulge ... This luxurious hotel welcomes one with its different
categories of unmatched accommodations.
For breakfast, sample the special Gateway Dosa. The fitness savvy can
attack the in-house gym and swimming pool. Don't want to sweat it out?
Then pamper yourself with wide range of spa treatments for men and
women. Probably the best in the city, 'The Spa' at 'Gateway' offers high
quality services by renowned masseuse Mami and masseur Tenzing which
include deep tissue massage, relaxing massage, foot massage complimented
with Jacuzzi and steam bath. The price ranges from Rs.900 to Rs.2300.

Come lunch time, it's time for a change of taste. The

exotic varieties on menu at Ming's corner offer a mouth
watering option over the traditional Indian cuisine.
For those with desi predilections, equally favourable
are the delicacies of the Indian restaurant. If tagged
by collaborated corporate house, a discount too
figures in this bill.
Tryout Saturday dinner at 'Khaogali', a commendable
innovation by Taj group. In this open air terrace
restaurant one can enjoy the street treats starting
from Jalebis of Asok Jalebiwala to Appa Rao's south
Indian snacks, Chinese foods, Panda's tikkis and
pavbhajis, and special attraction like bhajji, Wada and
wide varieties of Chat and panipuris. At last hydrate
yourself with lemon juice and chanch. To give a more
 Yo Vizag May '09 Local Flavour 33
@

realistic touch the whole set up is complimented by the

concept of open air food stalls. For mere RS.215 one can
enjoy the entire spectrum of these culinary innovations
unlimited. Its free entry for kidos but post approval by
manager uncle.
A late Sunday morning is the privilege of every guest as is
seen by the arrangement of late breakfast at the hotel. A
spa treatment besides the swimming pool eases out every
muscle. Relaxing for about two hours besides the pool causes
effective assimilation after which a full-body relaxation
treatment and de-stressing exercise provides an excellent
blend of peace and solace. Trunch', a great feast at lunch
combined with high tea inclusive of gym and pool . A
complete afternoon rave along with ultra delicious snacks
treats in live counters by poolside with versatile menu
including a wide range of buffet of main course along with
more than si xteen types of dessert. The open bar is enough
to charge up the forthcoming week. A dip in the pool followed
by a short nap on armchair with few sips of favourite wine
or tea for non-drinkers is what one can imagine on a vibrant
weekend. The euphoria continues till 4.30PM after which
one can pack up for the day.
Local Flavour ~<il@. Yo Vizag • May'09

nteriors
- Ranita Ray

Impressive
Aesthetics is said to exist within every thought process which endeavours to
make good everything around that can be modified to suit whimsical
fantasies ...a fact that aptly defines the quaintly done up dream house of
Renuka and her husband Jagan Mohan. A well nurtured abode, embellished
with an innovative ensemble of brass and terracotta depicting high class and
rich artistic taste.

The Foyer ...

As one approaches the entrance of the flat, the stone-clad walls, huge clay bells,
lovely paintings on the side walls, the cane stand for plants, along with bamboo
fitted doors, creates a unique classy countrified setting. Just within, the cane sofa
set with orangey mats and contrast coloured cushions provides a comfortable
seating/waiting area. Two huge brass figurines of cranes adorn a corner, an adorable
cat-family atop a heavy wooden log grace the other corner and the entire space is
lit up with curved brass hanging lamp shades. A high shelf that runs even into the
dining space holds huge brass models of deer and elephants. The centre of attraction
is the massive brass bell hanging from the roof.
 Yo Vizag • May '09 .@fi): Local Flavour

The Dinning Spaces ...

While the ~ining table and chairs are quite generic, the highlight of
the space is the crystal corner where glittering tiny crystal showpieces
are placed on a wooden rack. On the other side a wide cane stand
with Rajasthani puppets and sculptures speak volumes of the owner's
impeccable taste. The adjoining kitchen area is done up in bright
cheerful splashes of red and yellow. Whi:le the walls are painted
yellow, the accessories like saucer stands, spoon stands and
containers are in red. The finishing touch to the kitchen are the
quaint net curtains on the window.

The Drawing Room ...

Truly, the most charming area of the entire house, the drawing room
is discerningly done with an extensive use of brass and terracotta
art. A stately massive brass statue of a lion, offset by the placid
brass figurine of a cow placed in between two nicely crafted
Rajasthani wooden chairs and the four brass musicians placed in a
corner compliment the natural stone-clad arch that divides the dining
and seating areas. Many indoor plants are planted here in terracotta
pots. The corner on the adjoining wall of portico has a tall vase with
bright artificial sunflowers uniquely teamed with thin dry bamboo. A
glass top table has an impressive display of idols of lord Ganesh in
different size and shape. And akin to the kitten-display in the foyer,
this area has a wooden stand with display of canine brass statues.

The Recreational Zone ...

Renuka's aesthetic sense is well complimented by Jagan Mohan's
immense love for knowledge and music. His passion for books is
obvious by the extensive collection of books on varied subjects from
comics & jokes to brain teasers, Readers Digests, cricket to classics
in EngNsh, Hindi as well as in Tel'ugu. In addition,there is a wide
music collection on western and classical in different languages.

The Balcony ...

Here the intense love for gardening speaks for itself, as one can see
wide varieties of plants ranging from flowering plants, ornamental
plants and bonsai. Interspaced in between are massive terracotta
f,jgures of animals. For seating there is a delightful cane swing
providing a perfect view of the sea. The walls with their carved thin
bamboos and painted green leaves resembling natural bamboo trees
form the perfect backdrop.

- Ranita Ray
The northern coast of Andhra Pradesh
boasts of being the mango orchard of the
nation. It produces all-time mouth watering
favourites like Banginapalle, Suvarnarekha,
Totapuri, Sinduri and Rasalu. And as the
golden yellow fruits pile up at every corner,
check out the few pOinters that can help
one zero in on the most succulent delicious
fruits this season! For farm-fresh fruits, hit
the Rythu Bazaars early in the morning,
just as the vendor displays his wares and
before the middle-men and retailers
pounce in and get away with the best of
the lot.
Mango Flavour
Yo Vizag • May '09
~-----
The Colour...
---------­
Make sure that there are no dots or black
spots on the mangoes. The fruit should be a
lovely mix of red and yellow for
Suvarnarekha, complete yellow for
Banginapalli, and orange yellow for Rasalu .
Totapuri should be yellow on top with a green
base and Sind uri should have a red top with
green bottom .
The Shape...
--------'
The outstanding feature of Totapuri is its
prominent nose. The shape would be round
oval for Banginapalli and egg shape for
Suvarnarekha and Rasalu. However Sinduri
is of medium to small size weighing about
150-200gms. Banginapalli weighs about 200­
700gms and is low on fibre with a small
stone .
The Heavenly Aroma ...
The key to selection for these varieties is
their strong aroma. If the smell is light, then
try next one. Banginapalli if ripened naturally
has a very strong smell and can be identified
easily. An artificially ripened fruit would lack
the sweet mango aroma despite being
deceptive in looks. As a rule of thumb, the
deeper the colour and stronger the smell the
better the fruit. With artificial ripening
practices, the product would lose out on
either of these .
--.---
Check Offs...
------­
Discard the fruit if there is a black patch of
dry latex, it feels too soft when pressed or
there are black spots and creases on the skin.
In 1st week of May the predominant varieties
are of Banginapalle, Suvarnarekha and
Rasalu. These varieties rule the market till
mid June. Owing to low moisture and high
intensity heat the better quality mangoes are
in market till mid June. One has to be highly
cautious of the artificial sweeteners and
ripening agents used by some vendors which
degrade the natural taste of the fruit.
 · Yo Vizag • May'09

- Ranita Ray
As the May heat relentlessly beats down, nothing beats a chilling
treat of the traditional creamy delicious Kulfi or a refreshingly
ummEr ,

elit~~rJ,.

fresh chilled sip of the best hydrating natural drink ever, coconut
water.
Driving down the city streets, ever noticed the converted Tempo
sporting the name, "Punjab ki Mashoor Kulfi"? Well, that's where
one can indulge in perhaps the creamiest, most delectable Kulfis
in town. There are about six such moving Kulfi Havens roving the
streets since the last six months. Yet to gain ground, they have
however a dedicated fan following from those who have tasted
their wares. So pristine is the product that even at dead of night
one can find flock of Kulfi aficionados on all brands of bikes and
cars including sedans and SUVs around every such tempo . For a
meagre 25 bucks a piece, one can indulge in popular flavours like
kaju, pista badaam, kesar pista and badam & malai.
As the cool evening breeze sweeps over the city, these Tempos
can be spotted at HSBC, near Sampat Vinayak temple, opposite
Seetammadhara Rythu Bazaar, near Ushodaya, Dabagardens and
at Tenniti Park ... dishing out their wares from 5 pm till about
midnight (or till their stocks run out).

"Back to nature" is the mantra of this age. So after a session of

Yoga, Ayurvedic treatments or the spa, nothing refreshes more
than a pure natural but yet a chilled drink? Presenting the Coco
Fresco; a cool new initiative by the Coconut Development Board
to promote coconut water. The small counters offer chilled freshly
cut coconut water in easy-to-drink disposable glasses. Priced at
only Rs 10, this natural drink is perfect after a morning jog or
evening walk. Available from 9 am to 8 pm at various pOints in the
city, like outside CMR and opposite RK Beach, this is a fitting reply
to fattening pesticide ridden colas.