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Party time at the Rydges!
Dutch atmosphere, Dutch herrings, Dutch International Music and Fun!
Marion Vogt
Arie de Keijzer, general manager of Rydges Amora Tapae
Chiangmai Hotel has promised a real ‘Dutch Night Out’ on Saturday, June
26, at the hotel poolside. The reason is the start of the Dutch herring
season.
Arie explained that herrings have a lifecycle. During May
and June, herrings will have fattened enough but not yet formed any hard or
soft roe. If the weather is good, they can acquire plenty of fat in May and
fishermen will watch the weather and temperature closely during this period.
Lots of sun means lots of food for the herring and as soon as the herring
has a minimum of 16 percent fat, it may hit the market as ‘Hollandse
Nieuwe’.
 It’s
the start of the Dutch herring season, and Arie de Keijzer, general manager
of Rydges Amora Tapae Chiangmai Hotel has promised a real ‘Dutch Night
Out’ on Saturday, June 26, at the hotel poolside.
Talking to this Dutch GM about herrings returns the same
enthusiasm as talking with a Swiss about his cheese. And we were also told
the herring must be gutted, ripened, salted and filleted in the traditional
Dutch way.
Next Saturday you can be part of this Dutch tradition and
be welcomed by ladies in traditional Dutch costumes. The party area will be
Dutch as well with typical Dutch touches. But even for those who do not
really like the herring, there is a Thai and international buffet. The net
charge is 350 baht per person, including welcome drink.
The herrings will be sold separately at only 50 baht per
piece thanks to the sponsorship from HORECA food supply. I was also told
that there will be many more surprises on the agenda.
My final question to Arie was how to eat the herring? He
said, “The traditional manner to eat the herring is to tilt the head back
and open your mouth wide, whereupon the fish is lowered in headfirst and
swallowed whole. Herring can also be eaten on a bread roll, with or without
chopped onions. So now you know!
For reservation call the Sales Department of the Rydges
Amora at 0 5325 1531.
Russian ballet school opens in Chiang Mai
Nopniwat Krailerg
The Russian Ballet Society, founded in Bangkok in 1923,
has now opened the Russian Ballet Institute in Chiang Mai to teach ballet
according to the Russian syllabus.
The Institute, which is the first branch of the Society
to be launched outside Bangkok, opened its doors on June 5.
It has ballet trainers who have been formally
recognised by the Russian Ballet Society. They will teach under the
supervision of Charuayporn Chainawan, who has been appointed the
Institute’s director.
The syllabus encompasses easy to understand principles.
Students can effectively practise and apply the steps by themselves, and
they are allowed to design their own steps.
The Institute places emphasis on the students’
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and Emotional Quotient (EQ) in keeping with the
Russian syllabus and Thailand’s National Education Act of 1999 that
focuses on child-centred learning.
The Society has received wide recognition since it was
founded in the capital more than 80 years ago. It has produced many
competent ballet dancers and trainers who have achieved success and fame
in many countries, including the United States, England, Japan, Germany,
Italy, Scotland, Australia, Wales and Cyprus.
Chiang Mai’s Russian Ballet Institute provides
courses at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. After students pass
the advanced level, they will receive certificates qualifying them as
ballet trainers in both domestic and international institutions.
The Institute is willing to work with any governmental
and non-governmental organizations by providing ballet shows for
activities or charity events.
To apply for the courses, contact the Institute, on Koh
Klang Road (adjoining the Ban Lub Lae building), Tambon Nong Hoi, from 10
a.m. to 6 p.m., tel. 053-801375, 09-7558815, 09-5600996.
Prince Takamado Award for distinguished Chiang Mai resident
Greek
Embassy Tokyo
The Prince Takamado Award has been conferred on the
former ambassador of Greece to Japan, George A Sioris, by H.I.H. Princess
Takamado.
This special award, is given to honor people with a
record of “distinguished services to the Asiatic Society of Japan” and
with a parallel record of distinguished scholarship.
 The
Prince Takamado Award of the Asiatic Society was given to former ambassador,
George A. Sioris (2nd from left).
George Sioris is a Chiang Mai resident, who served in
Japan twice, and was the Asiatic Society’s president from 1995-1999. He is
widely known as a writer and scholar.
He is now associated with many universities and other
academic institutions in Japan and elsewhere in the Far East. He holds a
doctorate summae honoris from Soka University Tokyo, and a Ph.D. in
Humanities from Adamson University in Manila, and currently contributes
articles to the “Japan Times” and several other publications.
A reception was given in his honor by Greek Ambassador Kyriakos
Rodoussakis, at the Ambassador’s Residence in Minato-ku. It was attended
by distinguished members of the Japanese society, diplomats and academics.
Bananas can cure many sicknesses
Part 2
If you want a quick fix for flagging
energy levels there’s no better snack than a banana. Amongst other
helpful things, bananas can also help overcome or prevent a substantial
number of illnesses and conditions making it a must to add to your daily
diet. The first lot of these illnesses and conditions was given last week.
Here are some more:
Morning Sickness: Snacking on
bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid
morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite
cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin.
Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and
irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help
calm the nervous system.
Overweight and pressure at work? Studies at the
Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging
on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital
patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in
high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food
cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high
carbohydrate foods such as bananas every two hours to keep levels steady.
PMS: Forget the pills eat a banana. The vitamin
B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food
against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness.
It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in
over-chronic ulcer cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces
irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
To be continued...
Aromatherapy - Essential
oils and their use and strength
Chitra Klanprayoon, Ban
Sabai Spa, President Thai Lanna Spa Association
Aromatherapy combines the soothing, therapeutic touch of
massage with the beneficial properties of essential oils. The smell touches
our senses, it has the power to transform our emotions and cure our bodies.
It can take us to another place and time. Let us guide you to your aroma
destination by explaining some essential oils and their use and strength.
Eucalyptus
Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globulus
Common Origins: Australia, but now widely cultivated
Aromatherapy Use: invigorating, stimulating, refreshing,
cooling, emotionally balancing, clears the mind and aids concentration
Suggested Use: steam inhalation, chest rub, room spray,
bath, sauna, massage, diffuser
Fragrance: penetrating, strong, medicinal, camphor-like;
in very small amounts, may lend a “fresh” element to a scent
Blends With: Chamomile, Lavender, Bergamot
Medicinal Information: general gastrointestinal
stimulant, antibiotic, disinfectant, expectorant, cough suppressant - a
common component in many cough and cold remedies; antibacterial,
antimicrobial, anti-tubercular and antiviral properties are
well-substantiated. Has been used against some intestinal parasites and as
an anti-malarial. Can be used as a room sanitizer (10 drops per 60ml of
water, used as a spray). Can be applied as a rub to ease headaches; has been
used to soothe and disinfect cuts and minor burns.
Fennel
Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare
Common Origins: Common - Western and Eastern Europe, Japan
Aromatherapy Use: restorative, warming, invigorating, ease tension, relaxant
Suggested Uses: skin care, massage, diffuser/inhaler
Medicinal Information: increases blood flow to applied
area; eases cramping of the stomach and intestines, also stimulates emptying
of the gallbladder and bile flow, so is used to settle the stomach and aid
digestion (hence its traditional use in heavy foods such as sausage);
diuretic; wide-spectrum antibacterial. Has estrogenic activity. Used to ease
coughs and alleviate respiratory illness. Soothes insect stings.
Usage Warnings: skin irritant - dilute well. Avoid during
pregnancy. Avoid use in sun.
Ad Carabao and the Carabao band wows audience
Outspoken and critical of the
mandated early closing
Saksit Meesubkwang
The Carabao band entertained an appreciative audience of
around one thousand fans at the Ban Larnthong conventional hall in the Lotus
Pang Suan Kaew Hotel.
 Ad
Carabao criticized the government for ordering entertainment venues to close
at midnight.
The managing director of Kad Suan Kaew shopping complex,
Pol Lt Suchai Kengkarnkha, threw the concert on June 5. Some 200 Harley
Davidson bikers joined the entertainment led by Carabao’s Ad Carabao.
In keeping with the outspoken nature of this band over
many years, Ad Carabao used the opportunity to express his opinion on the
entertainment venue closing times. He criticized the government that has
ordered entertainment venues to close at midnight, saying this does not
really promote the entertainment business and the industry will suffer.
Thai Arts and Crafts
for World Peace
Great opportunity for Thai artists
Pia Wunna
The internet is a wonderful channel to showcase Thai
abilities in the form of arts and crafts to the world. The wisdom that has
existed for thousand of years is now capturing the attention of millions
of arts and crafts lovers worldwide. Among the many people in Thailand
that try to promote Thai arts and crafts to the world, Armenia Nercessian
de Oliveira is one of the most successful. She features Thai arts and
crafts at www.novica. com which she founded in 1999. The website recently
became the most popular arts and crafts website, with more than 2 million
visitors per month.
Armenia
Nercessian de Oliveira (second from right) with the Novica team in Chiang
Mai.
Armenia has always been fascinated by arts and crafts.
She traveled to more than 50 countries as a United Nations officer (UNHCR)
for 16 years. She saw many local artisans who deserved higher payment for
their work, which might take a week or few months to complete. This
experience inspired Armenia to found Novica. At Novica, the artists and
artisans have a new channel to sell their products worldwide. And it’s
all free of charge. Novica cuts out the middle person. “The artist makes
more and the collector pays less” is Novica’s philosophy. “I’m so
impressed with the thousands of years in Thai history and the beautiful
work, Thailand has to offer. I believe people around the world are
fascinated by Thai Arts and Craft when they have the chance to learn about
it, like myself. That’s why millions of people are in love with it.”
And this is why Armenia set up a Novica office in Chiang Mai.
Besides focusing on working with local artists and
artisans in Asia, Africa and South America, Armenia and Catherine Ryan,
Novica’s vice president of communication, have also in March this year
launched the World Peace Project for the year 2004 at its 7 international
offices in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Novica hopes that by offering
inspiring, peace themed art, customers worldwide will enjoy viewing and
purchasing “visions” of peace from many different countries, cultures,
and religions, broadening understanding between cultures and encouraging
peace as a world view.
Peace Around The World is a non-political project. The
belief is that all people ultimately share the dream of world peace, and
that world peace, as a vision offered through the arts, will prove to be
of great fascination to people all over the world. Likewise, Novica hopes
that this “wave” or trend of peace themed art and home decor will
inspire many other companies to create their own visions of peace-themed
projects.”
In addition, Novica will also select the 100 best peace-themed art
works to feature in an exhibition in America. This is such a great
opportunity for Thai artists and artisans, to have the chance to show
their work to the world and they don’t have to pay a single baht. What
Armenia and Novica are doing is proving that Thai arts and crafts have a
great new channel to help them grow.
Young singing sensation meets pop stars from Bangkok
Jiraphat Warasin
A 13-year-old Chiang Mai schoolgirl has walked off with
the winner’s trophy in the “Modern One Acoustic Artist No 4” singing
contest.
Chonticha Phetnasagkul is the youngest entrant so far to
win in the monthly competition organized by Number One Media group. There
were 40 entrants, and 14 made it to the final round, which took place on
June 9.
 The
winner of this month’s contest, Chonticha Phetnasagkul.
GMM Grammy Co. sent their popular singers Earn-Jittaphat
Promhirun and Bua-Chompoo Ford from Bangkok to join in this month’s gig.
They performed several songs and wowed the audience.
Chonticha, who studies at the Matthayom 2 at Waree Chiang
Mai School, was awarded the winner’s cup from the Office of Narcotics
Control Board, Northern Region, and received gifts from the two pop stars
from Bangkok.
Chonticha and fans selected by lucky ticket draws had the added
excitement of being introduced to Earn-Jittaphat and Bua-Chompoo in the
“Meet and Greet” project run by Number One Media.
New HP Experience Center at Panthip
Wants to simplify technology
Marion Vogt
Hewlett-Packard Thailand (HP) launched their first
one-stop retail store ‘HP Experience Center’ designed to meet growing
customer needs in digital entertainment and digital photography. The center
is on the 2nd floor of Panthip Plaza, Chiangmai Branch.
(From
right to left) Prasert Charoonpaisal, General Manager of Imaging and
Printing Group, Hewlett-Packard (Thailand); Jumpol Chutima, President of the
Chiangmai Chamber of Commerce; Kelly Tan, Vice President of Hewlett-Packard,
South East Asia with another executive from HP South East Asia. (Photo:
Michael Vogt)
Kelly Tan, Vice President of Hewlett-Packard, South East
Asia, was the guest of honor at the launch and said that the vision of HP is
based on simplifying technology for consumers to create simple and rewarding
experiences. But she also said that their vision extends beyond products and
technology to provide a total customer experience for consumers.
The opening of the first ‘HP Experience Center’ in
Chiang Mai is in line with the Thai government’s policy to decrease
digital divide and boost the level of IT literacy across the country. She
thanked Chi Chang executives for being such a good partner in sharing the
same vision and commitment with HP.
Prasert Charoonpaisal, General Manager of Imaging and
Printing Group, HP, said “In conjunction with our active partner Chi Chang
Computer in Chiang Mai, we are aiming to satisfy customers’ growing demand
for digital lifestyle through our new concept store which will make it
easier for customers to make informed decisions when purchasing HP Digital
Entertainment and photography products.
Jumpol Chutima, President of the Chiangmai Chamber of Commerce was the
last speaker at the launch. He said with a twinkle in his eye that he has to
admit that computers have even become a part of his life today and he was
full of praise for Chi Chang as a local Chiang Mai company to provide this
service and high standard products for customers.
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