RS. 20 | ISSUE 3 | February 11-17, 2010 ¿ @) | c+s # | df3 @*–kmfNu'g %, @)^^ SUBScRIBER cOPy

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3 4 9 10 17 18 PAGE3 PEOPLE TIME OFF HALFWAY GIZMO CORPORATELIFE Just Asking... Paras Khadka Valentine’s Here Love Interrupted Love Thy Ride Visionary we asked people about The captain of the Na- Looking for places to go Being single and living in a A car aficionado speaks of his Exemplified their plans for the v-Day tional cricket Squad, criti- and parties to attend this world that rejoices every love for modified engines and Anil Shah justifies his deci- and got some pretty cized for his debut venture, valentine’s Day? Friday February 14 is difficult. But the pros of cons of driving sion to leave Nabil Bank and interesting answers. shares his side of the story. gives you ideas. not impossible. one in the streets of kTM. his visions for Mega Bank. TILLThe eND… With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, SAMRIDDHI RAI attempts to flip through the chapters of some of the present-day love stories.

ej Bahadur Ambule served was only after a day when we were in the British Army dur- declared husband and wife that I ing the 1950s. Today, he is actually got to see her. And thank a 73-year-old retired army God she turned out to be a beautiful man living with his wife woman,” said Tej Bahadur, hearing Chandra Maya in their ex- which his wife, preparing tea for us Ttended family in Nakkhu, Lalitpur. in the kitchen, giggled a bit. His typical day starts with readying “Well, back in those days, we his grandchildren for school early were married too young. So falling in the morning followed by a mid- in love was out of the question. But morning surfing of news channels, with time, I learnt to love my wife. a long nap in the afternoon and ends She bore me four beautiful children; with an animated narration of his she was by my side through thick war days to his inquisitive grand- and thin. We shared the highs and children every night. lows of life together, and although “I couldn’t even get a glimpse we don’t openly declare our love of my wife’s face when I sat down for each other out loud or perform MEDIA before the holy fire to marry her. It little-big acts of romance, I know I PUBLICATION turn to page 2 for more of it! 2 cover Issue 3 February 11 -17, 2010

required in romantic relation- ships,” he says. “It seems like LAWS OF ATTRACTION Interesting Facts On Love a variety of different neuro- “Explorers are more likely to n It’s like looking in a mir- between 90 seconds to 4 the psychological hurt of a chemical processes and external go for explorers, directors for ror! Scientists at the Uni- minutes to decide if you break-up is just as real as a stimuli have to click in the right directors, but builders go for versity of Liverpool recently fancy someone. physical injury. Two areas of complex and right sequence for negotiators and vice versa,” concluded that our brains the brain that respond to someone to fall in love.” reports a study by Helen Fisher. favor people with familiar n I couldn’t help it baby, physical pain also become But of all the pebbles by the - Tends to be risk- faces. it’s in my genes: There activated when a person Explorer may be a genetic compo- is dealing with social pain, riverside, why do we select that taking, novelty-seeking and n Manner, schmanners: nent to infidelity, says a pro- such as being dumped. one pebble to take home with impulsive. High energy and sex Go ahead and stare… A fessor at the Twin Research us? drive. Optimistic, enthusiastic and new study says that when Unit at St. Thomas’ Hospital, n Blushing is best: Scien- Like Sumeet Sigdel, 27, the curious. a woman walks into a London. tists at Stirling University host of a popular NTV show, Builder - Tends to be so- in Great Britain have found room, she is considered Play It On, who chose that one ciable but conventional, cau- more attractive if she turns n It’s official, love makes that a rosy glow might girl amongst a sea of other girls tious and meticulous. Often us crazy: For one thing, it also act as a similar cue her eyes directly toward has high social status a certain man. Men would causes serotonin levels in in humans, say the British in a party. “I fell in love with a rate the same woman as the brain to drop, which researchers, sending a mes- girl almost instantly the mo- Director - Tends to be sys- less desirable if she doesn’t may lead people to become sage of good health. ment I laid my eyes on her at a tematic, dominant and tough make strong eye contact. obsessive about their lover. party. Five months later she be- minded. Intellectual and able Next, it ramps up produc- n Kiss this way: Did you came my wife” he informed. to focus attention. Often has n You’ll know it when you tion of the stress hormone, know there is a “right” way “Nobody really knows why poor social skills. see it: A recent study at cortisol, leading to slightly to kiss? People are more we fall in love with one person the University of Pennsylva- higher blood pressure and likely to tilt their heads Negotiator - Tends to be nia has revealed that people possibly loss of sleep. to the right when kissing and not another,” says anthro- imaginative, empathic and know it when they see a instead of left, says a report pologist Helen Fisher of Rut- egalitarian with good social potential partner. Psycholo- n Why broken hearts published recently in the gers University in New Jersey, a skills. Articulate and able to gists have shown it takes hurt... A new study suggests journal Nature. research associate at the Ameri- see the big picture. can Museum of Natural His- tory and the author of Anatomy love her deeply and that she was And today, as people the or else when the sweet emo- of Love. tion. Love and romance all come chosen by the heavens to be my world over prepare to celebrate tions of love lead us into mar- “Factors like intelligence and secondary.” life partner,” he acknowledged. the day of love, popularly called riage and then turn down their shared values are only half of And he may be right as stud- Tej Bahadur and his wife’s Valentine’s Day, we venture out flames” he stated. the puzzle. People seem to be ies suggest that that feeling of story may not be as adventurous with what must be the most fre- When it comes to love and attracted to those with a dis- “madly in love” disappears in a as Romeo and Juliet’s, may not quently asked question in his- giving it a definition, it’s always similar immune system,” Fisher few years into a relationship. be as passionate as Cleopatra and tory. What is love, really? To different strokes with different reckons. Michelle Obamatoo, upon ap- Anthony’s, but it sure has that which many have attempted to folks! But what one could con- Shambhu Prasad Bhattarai, pearing as a guest in Oprah Win- one special thing that connects give their own version of an- sider as a valid explanation to 84, a resident of Baneshwor and frey, shared similar views, “ It’s all these lives together in a sin- swers. love would be something that a former government official easy to fall in love. The challenge gle string; the connection being “Love is a spirit of all com- science and scientific studies who has been married to Saras- is to keep it sustained.” Talking “love”. Besides, Tej Bahadur seems pact of fire,” said William have to suggest. woti Bhattarai for more than 70 about marriages and relation- to have outlasted the legendary Shakespeare. Thomas Moore, Psychologist Mark Kristal years now, states, “Sometimes ships she went on to say, “ Lov- lovers, with both of the leading however, had a different take on from the University of Buf- people expect too much from ing your life partner is not an is- males (Romeo and Anthony) dy- love. “Romantic love is an illu- falo explains the chemistry in their respective partners, espe- sue, the issue is if you ‘like’ your ing young when he is still playing sion. Most of us discover this romantic relationships. “There cially today. Patience is what it life partner as much throughout hero in his ‘love story’. truth at the end of a love affair are several types of chemistry takes to establish a lasting rela- your journey together.” n just asking page3 This valentine’s: What’s on your Mind? valentine’s Day… I have not made any plans yet because I just got back from Israel… when is valentine’s Day? Ha…ha…ha…. Dolly yakthumba, Manoj but I definitely have th huh? well, something in mind that on the 14 kc & Sameera Uddin I want to gift her… I think I am going out with some friends… Kishor Maharjan, and her of course. CEO, Sunrise Bank we’ll have a get- Adrian Pradhan & together. Sanjay Shrestha Radhesh Pant, CEO, Rajiv Rajbhandari Kumari Bank

I will be spending my time with my wife… I intend on planning something romantic. I am also giving her a gift, which, for now, would be better if it remained a secret because I want to surprise her on ‘the day’. Niraj Shrestha, General Manager, NIC Bank hall of frame komal Oli Dev Rana

I think valentine’s Day? I think you are asking I am too old this to the wrong person because, for me, pARTY pIX! to respond to this everyday is a valentine’s Day. I think that when the going gets tough, tough question… I have we have come to a certain age now and so no plans at all. have risen above the materialistic satisfac- goes to party! Friday presents you Subas K.C., tion plane. For us, it’s the way we express a hodge-podge of pictures from Dean, ourselves, our body language and our emo- School of Manage- tions that really matter than the tangible parties around town. ment, Kathmandu University objects. So like every other day, valentines Day will be the same for me- romantic. Agatha Thapa & Yogendra Shakya, Chairman, Jagat Bdr. khadka Club Himalaya

Obviously spend it with Bidya Limbu my valentine for sure… I have been invited butfor a couple of events, hmmm… I don’t know. It My family and I, we are will depend on the mood heading off for a holiday in Thailand and Burma. – maybe go out for din- ner or maybe stay in… Pratima Pande, Vice President, Raveena Joshi, Alliance Française Manager, Nabil Bank

Mmmm… go out for a dinner with my wife and spend a romantic evening with her…

—Sudhir Parajuli, CEO, Subisu Bhola Thapa Ritu vaidhya 4 people Issue 3 February 11 -17, 2010

the twenty20 tournament held spot light in the uaE, which, unfortunately, happened to coincide with your taking over the captainship. What went wrong? First and foremost, I would like to take the blame on myself for Nepal’s poor performance in the tournament. I fell short and so & did my team despite having put All play in our best efforts. So we’re now focused on learning from our mistakes and implementing the lessons learned in our future game plan.

You’re probably one of the — Annabelle Ray most celebrated sports persons Some More in the country. What took you to get where you are today? “ porters that gets our spirits s I surf through the Am I? (Smiles). Erm… well channels and see the revved up. And as we’re putting in extra effort while training for frankly speaking, when I first countries that we beat started out, I had neither the so easily playing profes- this tournament, our hopes are A definitely high. talent nor the skills to qualify as sional cricket, or see sportsmen a good cricketer. With patience who played the same tourna- How is life as a professional and perseverance, and eight ments as us being covered by in- cricketer treating you? years of hard work, here I am ternational media, it breaks my It is only because of us – the as an established player. So, yes, heart,” quips Paras Khadka, the cricketers – that Nepali cricket one should have that hunger to captain of the current Nepali has been sustaining. The cricket learn and the spirit of never cricket squad. He further adds, association has done close to giving up to savor the sweet “Cricketers like Yuvraj Singh nothing in uplifting this sport. taste of success. At least that is and Mohammad Kaif, who once And being a cricketer myself, what holds true for me. competed against Nepal in the it saddens me to see this frayed Under-19 World Cup, have state of cricket in Nepal. And last words? gained a prominent stature with though this passion hasn’t given I can proudly speak on behalf of the help of their country. On the me anything that would aid me all the cricketers in the country contrary, look at the state of the go about in the practical worldly that this is the only sport that senior cricketers here in Nepal. affairs, it has given me that satis- Nepal has attained international Of course we can’t compare as faction, that pride to play for my success and we’ve been fairly cricket here started much later, country, that honor, that love for successful so far in proving our but if the government doesn’t the sport, which none of the oth- mettle. We have talent, but this do anything now, the downfall er spheres of my life would have sport cannot always sustain on will start, in fact, I know it has ever brought. As the incumbent talent alone. It’s high time that already started.” captain of the national team, I something be done and fast, or

Here are the excerpts from an inter- view with Paras: “I wOULD LIkE TO TAkE THE BLAME ON MySELF FOR NEPAL’S POOR nepal is soon set to battle it out After a disappointing captainship in yet another tournament under debut in the UAE, Paras Khadka, 23, PERFORMANcE IN THE (TwENTy20) your captainship – the division TOURNAMENT 5 selection to be held in the talks about what went wrong, his grounds of Kirtipur that will see sport, his life and his aspirations. want to give so much back to this I can guarantee you that the the participation of six countries. sport. But I am failing because downfall will start. If only the Will you guys be able to save “biggies” started working on nepal from a loss this time? of the lack of support from the cricket. It will be the beginning try. It’s probably the familiarity providing this sport with added I seriously think we will win this cricket association. of the end. By record, we, as a with the ground and the climate incentives, the status of Nepali time. In fact, we should. Because team, have done exceedingly conditions. But more than that, nepal’s performance was highly cricket will definitely improve, I if we don’t, this is it for Nepali well in matches held in our coun- it’s the support from our sup- publicized as extremely bad in have no doubt about that. n in focus people RomancingRabi Karmacharya the Laptop —NK ne glance and you Rabi founded Open Learning Ex- “By 2015, we want every could forgive your- change Nepal, a non-profit orga- child in Nepal’s public schools to self if you were nization that develops curriculum- have one,” he says. “We’re work- drawn towards him based content in Nepali language ing hard with the education de- Ofor his good looks and how smart- to run on XO laptops made by the partment and government min- ly he dressed. Other than that, One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) istries to ensure that they take you could pass him off as just consortium. Using these small ownership of the project. In another young bloke from around green laptops as a medium, Rabi three to four years, we want to the corner. No matter how unas- and his team are very optimistic hand this over to them. If we suming he may seem, a simple in luring the kids to school in the cannot do it by then, it would formal greeting will put to rest far flung districts of Nepal. mean that we have failed in our all your inhibitions with his warm Friday caught up with the man objectives,” states Karmacharya mannerism. Yes, he is the man we to know more about his relent- who, at the same time, knows know as Rabi Karmacharya and less efforts in the daunting task very well about the bureau- he is on a mission… a mission to of educating a whole generation cratic hurdles but is amazed at “OUR OBJEcTIvE IS TO DELIvER HIGH QUALITy EDUcATION AND wE ARE HAPPy wITH wHAT wE HAvE AcHIEvED SO FAR” change how education was and is of Nepali kids. how well his concepts have been being imparted in Nepal. “Our objective is to deliver received. Having spent over 11 For somebody to give up all high quality education and we are productive years in the US, he the comforts of a great paying happy with what we have achieved decided to head back to Nepal job as an IT engineer in the Sili- so far although there still is a long and contribute in educating the con Valley and to literally venture way to go. In fact, the way we have children, who he believes are the out into the remotest of villages integrated the educational ma- ones who determine the future back home looking for run-down terials and curriculum into these of the nation. “Had I stayed back schools to help the less privileged laptops, it has set a benchmark for in America, I would have been a kids does some taking. When its effectiveness. We have already little richer but believe me, there asked why he opted to return to been getting enquiries from other are no words to describe the sat- Nepal when everybody else his countries to replicate what we isfaction that I get when I see a age was looking for the slightest have done here in Nepal during kid smile at me in appreciation. opportunity to sneak into the US, such a short time and they want I would give up everything in he simply remarks, “this is my to solicit our services in that re- this world for that small little home”. A little over a year ago, gard,” beams Karmacharya. magic,” he concludes. n 6 feature Issue 3 February 11 -17, 2010 The Little Superhero Aaryan’s obsession for Spiderman sees his mother getting entan- gled in the wall-crawling arachnid’s web. It’s just not the mother but the entire family as well as relatives that get involved... Aaryan weaves his own obsessive ‘web’ around the family. —Sunita Gurung

y son Aaryan has been a tually ‘see’ all the scenes huge fan of Spiderman as if I was watching the ever since he was three movie myself. He even asked Myears old and, along with me once whether he would him, I seem to enjoy this super hero become Spiderman if he who doesn’t exactly have the phy- gets bitten by a spider. sique like Superman to beat up the Hmmm! A difficult bad guys but compensates it with his question that made agility and his speed, which is simply me rack my brain to amazing. The fact that he looks just come up with a convincing an- I tried preparing him by telling like any ordinary person makes him swer – an answer that would him that only when the lights of all the more loveable than any other stand in the thin line between the hall were dimmed could we superhero... at least for me. reality and fiction. Thank God see Spiderman clearly. Excited My little son is so obsessed with he didn’t go around looking for and eager to watch the film, we his aunt this wall-crawling arachnid that a spider and encouraging it to started from home early so that brought a when he was small he used to watch bite him! we could get to the theatre well bodysuit of his Part I and II of the film every chance When he was four years on time. And as fate would have favorite hero from cloth hanging. So he got, which, at times, used to be a old, my husband and I took it, we got stuck in the infamous the States when she came his doting father, my bit nerve racking. There even came him to watch Spiderman Kathmandu traffic jam for an to visit. Unfortunately, since dear husband, came up a time when I could visualize every III, his first ever visit to the hour and a half and reached the he was way too big for his age, with a novel idea. He wanted scene, every dialogue while I was in theatre. We were pretty ap- hall at 4 pm to see the 3 o’clock he had to squeeze into the suit, me to stitch it; I wouldn’t call it the kitchen cooking when the film prehensive on how he would show. Of course, it made no dif- which, later on, ended up get- darning since it was way beyond was on in the next room. I could vir- react once the hall got dark. ference to him since he was still ting ripped on all sides. It was that. I agreed as tailors would too young to understand the full hilarious to see him in that suit have run a mile if they had seen length of the movie. But then with his stomach bulging out. the state of the gloves. both of us were furious. I was so He looked more like a Sumo Besides leaving a trail of furious that if anyone had tried wrestler in a Spiderman suit. tattered suits, a sprained ankle, to cross paths at that moment, I Strangely enough, this suit had clawed marks on the wall and would have murdered that per- a cap instead of a mask and, ob- a discolored sofa, I must say son. viously, since it was small, it was the influence has had a positive Gift Your Loved Ones... We later found out that the more like a Muslim cap that was impact too about which I am traffic jam was the result of a enough to invite the comment happy. When he had just started Show That You Care protest rally. Burning tyres have “Spider Ali”. So there he used to watching the films, I mentioned become the modus operandi for how good old Spidey used to ad- holding rallies in the capital, Hearing so vise the little kids to eat green which ultimately leads to traffic much about his vegetables and that was it. He jams. Anyways, there we were still goes crazy over all the groping in the darkness, try- obsession with greens which include all forms ing our best to locate our seats. Spiderman, his of spinach, beans and even okra And when we finally did and had aunt brought – I guess a lot of adults squirm barely sunk in our seats when at the very mention of this the lights came on. It was in- a bodysuit of vegetable. Of course now he termission time. Wow! Weren’t his favorite has been habituated into eating we happy? In the end, we got hero from the greens and no longer asks why to watch just the latter part of – I guess he got tired of asking. the film. But I am proud to say States when she So mothers take the cue. Take that my son did amazingly well came to visit. up a superhero and encourage in the hall, it was just the loud your child to get all the good- sounds that bothered him. be with the tattered suit, strange ness from the greens. It was so funny because the cap and a good pair of gloves Aaryan is now six years old moment he took his seat he ex- trying to enact the scenes from and has graduated to Playstation claimed in a loud voice, “Where is the movie and once ended up and no prizes for guessing which my juice and chips?” much to the getting his ankle sprained. After his favorite game is. He still loves amusement of the other people. I the first suit, which my son held watching all three parts of the think that more than him it was on to with his life, ended in rags, film. Of course the frequency has us who felt unhappy about miss- came a second Spiderman suit decreased. However, he still asks ing the beginning of the film. But that was bigger in size. As he when Part Four of his favorite I was so determined to show my tried it on, we could hear the fa- film is going to be released. I son the entire movie that I entered miliar ripping sounds again. So hope that the producers of the this “SMS” contest organized by there he was with two ‘Spidey’ film will get to read this. He still a health drink company. And be- suits that were in tatters almost wears the suit, but not so often. lieve it or not I won two free tick- beyond recognition. Then along The two tattered suits have been ets!! So, we got another opportu- came a third suit from Bangkok, ‘officially’ handed over to his lit- FRIDAY SUBSCRIPTION nity to go for the ‘web-slinging’ which, thankfully, was a two- tle sister who wears it whenever Duration No. of Issues Cover Price You Pay You Save treat, which, I must admit both piece which fitted him perfectly. he does. She says she wants a 6 months 25 Rs. 20 x 25 = 500 Rs. 440 Rs. 60 (Price of 3 issues) my son and I enjoyed thoroughly. He now wears the third suit, the pink Spiderman suit. When that 1 Year 50 Rs. 20 x 50 = 1,000 Rs. 800 Rs. 200 (Price of 10 issues) Because this time, we got to watch mask from the second suit and will happen we are still waiting. 2 Years 100 Rs. 20 x 100 = 2,000 Rs. 1,500 Rs. 500 (Price of 25 issues) the ‘ENTIRE SHOW’! the gloves from the first one. Maybe the daughter of the pres- Hearing so much about his The gloves have no fingers left ent Spiderman will wear it one to subscribe type friday and sms to 9841227897 obsession with Spiderman, mind you; it is just pieces of day! n feature ‘Legal’High Why is it that so many things we do for ‘fun’ are ‘prohib- lewd (!) and spare that dance bar the police come storming in ited’? Is there a certain criterion for prohibition? Let’s find since nothing ‘indecent’ is really on you, striking you with their happening in there! batons. And when you get ag- out more about a couple of these things… Confusion strikes and you gressive (because your drunk- —Eliz Manandhar don’t know what to do. “Am enness brings out the worst in I breaking the law by doing you), you ultimately end up in any pubs and this?”, or, “Am I in a safe zone prison. Ditto with brothels and bars in Thamel, because everyone else seems to drugs. Was the risk worth it? the tourist hub be doing it?” Of course, mari- Of course not! Kathmandu is no of Kathmandu, juana and drugs are deemed il- Amsterdam where you can get Mallow their customers (especial- legal and so are ‘massage par- away with your ‘naughty’ and ly tourists) to smoke marijuana lors’ and ‘extreme’ dance bars. indecent activities. (mainly due to stiff competition from other pubs and bars.) Now, with foreigners being allowed to Confusion strikes and you dope, what about our own Nepali don’t know what to do. “Am I people? Will they be allowed to breaking the law by doing this?” do so too? If not, why? And so they do so – and even under- But what ‘extreme’ means, God So what to do then? My advice, aged kids roam these pubs and alone knows. And so you take if you must smoke is to do it very bars, rolling up joints and smok- the risk and visit the dance bars slyly (“do bad things if you must, ing them freely. And then the where you get to watch fully- but don’t get caught” – so sayeth law has it that restaurants, bars clothed dancing women (and the corrupt wise men). If you need and pubs should close at 11 pm more of pole-dancing men!) You to visit a dance bar, don’t get too sharp. The police act whimsical- cough up thousands of rupees drunk (so you don’t end up ‘tipping’ ly. Shut this one but not that one. paying at least 500 rupees per too much). Also, avoid your latest Beat these people at this bar for bottle of beer and tipping the girlfriend for she is super-risky to not following the ‘law’ and spare dancers in hundred-rupee bills, be around with. Fear those cops! those because after all it’s only and your ‘accompanying girl- And an absolute NO to brothels 15 minutes after 11 and they’re friends’ in thousands because – you don’t want STDs and God- not really creating any fuss. Shut you are drunk by then. And as forbid, AIDS! So how do you live down this dance bar because you walk out hand-in-hand with when everything is illegal? Your things in there are getting too your new-found ‘girlfriend’, guess is as good as mine. n 8 metropolis Issue 3 February 11 -17, 2010

event highlights

bazaar buzz A Valiant First Attempt the week that was Kia’s Cerato in —Lim Yan Liang As far as Shakespeare’s plays go, the tragedy A Song for Tourism the Market Othello has everything you could want: jealousy, Sharat Singh Bhandari, Min- continental Associates Pvt. Ltd. love, betrayal, and – of course – untimely demise. ister for Tourism and civil has brought kia’s cerato in the Aviation, unveiled a song on But is it a challenge too great for a greenhorn? Nepali market. This is a family 7th February. The special thing Eelum Dixit’s directorial debut, while a commend- car as it is comfortable, conve- about the song titled, ‘To- able effort given the source material, falls just nient and secure. According to gether for Tourism”, is that it short of expectations. sources, this new kia model is focuses on the various tour- priced at Rs. 3,499,000. His Othello, set in 18th-century Nepal during the Malla ist attractions of the country. era, features well-crafted set pieces and lush costumes, The main objective of the etihad connects but the actors themselves lack the presence and ex- song is to support the Nepal Tourism year 2011 campaign. Nepal with Japan perience to thoroughly flesh-out the Bard’s vision. Etihad Airways commenced Granted, the young cast is full of enthusiasm and put Japan-Nepal flight service up a spirited show, but the main players have a long to wine – is applaudable but uneven. Juxtaposed Special Campaign nd The kanchanpur district for- from 2 February along with road ahead to greatness. The lead character, Othello, against the Elizabethan English, the effect is rather est office recently started a the launch of its Nagoya-Abu ably shows his insecure and tender side, but chooses to jarring. The actors also struggle with some of the special campaign to prevent Dhabi service. leave to the audience’s imagination his lion-hearted stat- more difficult Shakespearean verses unfortunately the extraction of stones, ure and military stripes that have brought him to where diluting the illusion of spontaneous dialogue. pebbles and sand from the he is today. Iago, undoubtedly the star of the production, Burglar Alarm All in all, it must have taken much courage to adapt community forests. Honeywell’s globally recog- is more of a scheming backroom dealer than a malevo- a play of this magnitude, and Eelum Dixit’s ambition nized home security systems lent villain and enigma, while Desdemona, unfortunately, should be commended. when the cast eventu- offer wireless security alarm becomes the stereotypical damsel-in-distress, a little too ally found its footing in the scenes following the NIC’s Training system movement sensors, cookie-cutter to do the character justice. intermission and the tempo of the play picked up, I program wired burglar alarms, window actually found myself near the edge of my seat. The NIc Bank, in partnership and door alarms, vibration Fortunately, Dixit’s cassio manages to rise to the young theatre group, Nepal Shakes and its budding with International Finance and much more. And now, it’s occasion. Played by Shahwat Satyal, this Michael cas- actors, are undoubtedly diamonds in the rough and corporation, organized a here in Nepal! sio relishes his playboy status and his playful turn as the suave-but-unlucky Lieutenant and simultaneously it should be interesting to watch them blossom. day-long training program steals the limelight and prevents the play from being on 3rd February. The train- BeKO Refrigerators yet another run-of-the-mill adaptation. One is almost Othello: the Sen of Nepal is performed by Nepal Shakes ing program was on Global Orbit International introduced glad that he makes it to the dénouement. at the Kamal Mani Theatre, Patan Dhoka. Tickets start Trade Finance. . a new range of BEkO fridges at Rs. 500 and are available at the Dhokaima Cafe, in the market recently. The The decision to embed Nepali culture into the Chez Caroline, and The Bakery Café (Pulchowk and Durbar Marg). Shows continue till 14th February. Walk-a-Thon two new models are reported screenplay – such as referencing raksi as opposed Tewa organized a walk-a- to have a capacity of 610 liters thon on 6th February. More and 500 liters. The refrig- than 150 members, trustees, erators come with unique Dekheko Muluk and volunteers took part features like frost free technol- The Nepal Bharat Library, in collaboration with read from a chapter from his book called ‘Lilibhir’ in this initiative to highlight ogy, active ionizer, active color Quixote’s Cove, presented the Kathmandu edi- in which he described his experience of a near-fatal the importance of peace for filters and ice dispenser. the betterment of the status tion of Tavern Tales at the Nepal Bharat Library fall and how he survived without any food, stranded of Nepali women. The walk New Bird Mobile in New Road on 5th February. The first edition of by a riverside, struggling for life during his trek in started from Patan Dokha Tavern Tales in Kathmandu featured a reading by the Annapurna region. He recalled how a friend and ended at Tewa’s office in phones Launched Dhapakhel. Gadgets Nepal, the authorized Kanak Mani Dixit, a renowned editor, writer and and a porter saved his life. Later, during the event, representative for Ningbo Bird intellectual, from his new book Dekheko Muluk. The Padma Ghale and Lok Bahadur Lama, his saviors, company, has introduced new book is an auto-biographical memoir that captures were honored. The Tavern Tales, with the objective Creativity for Bird Mobiles in the market. various parts of Dixit’s life. The author spoke of of promoting literature in Nepal, will be a monthly philanthropy The new mobiles are packed The MBBS students of kist personally significant experiences in his life and also feature at the Nepal Bharat Library. with unique features like shake Medical college and Hos- and change and voice change pital exhibited paintings, options, among others, and photos and other handmade come with both single and materials recently. The event double sim slot options. Candles, Cube – The Club Relaunched Restro and Cube – The Club. The interiors of the was called ‘In the land of place have been completely revamped and coordinat- helping hand, passion of a energy Drink from ed in such a manner so as to match with the theme music tone’ and had around with candles adorning one entire wall. Decorated 100 artworks on display. Thailand The humanitarian nature of Osotspa company has with mostly beige and soothing off-whites shades, the place is a good hang out. One can also enjoy the the event helped collect Rs. brought click z, an energy 35,000 with which they set drink, all the way from Thai- savory delights here although the chef’s specialty lies in preparing Indian and continental cuisine. candles up a fund in memory of Rat- land to the Nepali market. naman Maharjan who died The company assures that the even has live music by the Dextrous Band every Sunday and wednesday after 6:30 pm. Besides the due to lack of funds for the drink, besides having a good treatment of his ailment. taste, is also of high quality. restro-lounge, the place also has what Maharjan calls a “dancing floor” as opposed to a disco: Cube – The club. cube will be open every Friday and Saturday, Training for Real New Models of and will also cater to personal parties. “we believe estate Agents Chevrolet to Roll that keeping up to the customers’ expectations is a continuous process. So we are constantly trying to Realizing the need for highly From 5th to 9th February, candles Restro-Lounge specialized labor in the real into Town and Cube – The Club had a grand opening, which was be as innovative as possible. For the future, we have vijay Motors Pvt. Ltd., the au- estate sector, Brihat Invest- inaugurated by Minister for Tourism & civil Avia- a lot of plans: we are planning on collaborating with thorized distributor of chev- ment has taken the initiative tion. candles is located at what once used to be the the Salsa Dance Academy very soon to promote Salsa rolet vehicles for Nepal, has to train Real Estate Marketing Sports Bar. “when people come here, I want them to as a dance form. Also, we have intentions to make disclosed that it is launching Agents. It has already short- have a good time with their family and friends; I want wednesday nights a ‘ladies night’ wherein ladies can two new chevrolet models in listed 15 candidates from an them to unwind,” says Binay Bahadur Maharjan, gen- come, enjoy and have a good time,” Maharjan shares the market soon. application pool of 50. eral manager and one of the promoters of candles about the new outlet’s long-term goals. mark your calendar metropolis TALKS AND SEMINARS US Ahoy! Back-to-Back Musical DAY: Thursday. DATE: February 18 Extravaganza VENUE: Hotel yak & yeti, Durbar Marg 19TH AND 20TH FEBRUARY FAIR HOURS: 2:30-5:00 pm PRESENTATIONS: 1:00-2:30 pm (check- laborations with local artists in 12:30 PM, limited seats). Local contact: and organizers. USEF-Nepal, Gyaneshwor. 4414598 Studying in America has become the For the kathmandu gigs, audiences rage today. And why not? If America will be treated to voices singing in offers quality education that meets Doteli, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Maithili and Limbu. The ‘by-invitation-only’ with the expectations of Ne- th palis, then what is stopping you? The 70’s era At Moksh event, set on 19 February, will see 14TH FEBRUARY The Garden of Dreams and the President and Prime Minister United States Educational Founda- Basantapur Durbar Square will tion (USEF) is helping to organize the of Nepal along with a whole list of Mention the 70’s and one thing that is sure to immediately be gently rocked by the sweet ministers and celebrities. Linden Tours U.S. University Fair this strike your mind is its sensuality, and if you’ve missed the music strains of kathmandu-based folk Thursday at Hotel yak & yeti from of the 70’s long enough, then your wait could be over. Reviving band kutumba, theatre-troupe Manish Jha, Director of Mar- 1:00-5:00 pm. USEF is Nepal’s only the swinging era of the 70’s, Party Nepal is organizing an event Minap and a smattering of musi- keting and Relations at LEAD ‘EducationUSA’ Advising center that on the occasion of valentine’s Day. Dubbed as the “valentine cians from around the country International says that the is supported by the US government. 70’s Theme Nite” with live performance by Soul Train, the th th on February 19 and 20 . organization hopes to attract “In 2009, students made 32,000 visits event will take place at Moksh in Jhamsikhel. to our center for advice, guidance, around 10,000 people to the while the bands are no strang- and information on studying in the Basantapur Durbar Square per- “Soul Train is an accomplished six-piece band and will be ers to taking the stage at these th United States. what is different about formance on 20 February. playing funky, disco and retro numbers from the 70’s,” stated historic sites, this time the USEF is that besides being supported Robin Sitaula, the organizer. Imagine stating your love to your performances will be the cul- by the United States government, “we are going through lots of beloved in an atmosphere that radiates romantic vibes, and full mination of a month-long tour we provide students with accurate, political changes in our country, of energy and liveliness. So book your tickets now. It is priced across the span of Nepal, from reliable and unbiased information on which is positive. But this event at Rs. 500 per person, which includes a glass of complimentary Dadeldhura in the far west to studying in the USA,” Selena Malla will help us to maintain social Invenio wine. Have a blast! Phidim in the east. Siddhi, Educational Adviser at USEF, harmony in spite of our differ- said. The foundation has its office at ent identities,” he said. The tour saw kutumba and Gyaneshwor and has been provid- V-DAY CONTEST! EVEnt dEtails “After which saint is valentine’s Day celebrated?” Send in Minap visit five towns under the ing various services, free of cost, 19th February, Garden of Dreams (By your answers with your name and phone number by 13th direction of LEAD International. to those aspiring to study in the Invitation Only), 5 pm onwards US such as group advising sessions, February, 2010 before 1 pm at [email protected]. The series of free concerts 20th February, Basantapur Durbar individual advising sessions, library 20 early birds will be awarded with free tickets to the event. celebrated the unique cultures services and many other facilities. in each location through col- Square (Free for all), 5 pm onwards

Association (GAA) presents the Himalayan International B-Boying The Glory of the Himalayas Jatra for the first time in Nepal NEPALESE DANCE SHOW WITH CHARYA DANCES BY MANJUSHREE PRADHAN from 12th to 14th February. DAY: Friday. DATE: 12 February. VENUE: Russian cultural center, kamalpokhari. TIME: 5:30 pm B- Boying is a free-style sports dance that is extremely popular Alliance Française, Kathmandu presents a part of meditation rituals and celebrations in among the youth (both boys and musical show with the story of the Himalayas courtyards, monasteries, temples, houses and girls) worldwide. In Nepal it had and the sacred mountains. This is a story told rest houses. This continuation of tales, told been ‘underground’ until recent- through the Charya dance, a Newari Tantric and danced, begins with dance and the invo- ly when Nepal Sports Dancing Buddhist classical dance performance. A cation of Natyeshwar, the God of Dance. The Training Institute (NSDTI) gave spiritual discipline of both Buddhists and show has been choreographed, interpreted it a platform in January 2009. It Hindus, this cultural tradition is performed as and directed by Manjushree Pradhan. is a constructive and creative outlet created by young people to express themselves spontane- Screening of SALSA CLASSES FOR INVICTUS ously and easily. BEGINNERS Movie screening at Lazimpat VENUE: Salsa Dance Academy, Gallery Café Along with the B-Boying, an- the Film: ‘Dil Sanepa International club and DATE: 15th February. other campaign, which has already Bhatbhateni Time: 5:30 pm. kicked off to set the ball rolling Bhusan pathak’ th VENUE: Lazimpat Gallery café DAY: Thursday DATE: 25th February. STARTING from 7 February for the B-Boying Jatra, is the ‘Seto NOTE: The movie timing might : CLASSES: Sunday/Tuesday, 5.30 kamij Abhiyan’ (white Shirt VENUE Durbar Hall, Bal Mandir, change due to changes in the pm-6.30 pm or 6.30 pm -7.30 Movement) initiated by parents Naxal. 4410844 TIME: 5 pm load shedding schedule. 4428549. himalayan pm at Sanepa International demanding the right of students to [email protected] International uninterrupted education. Parents club, have got together to advocate 7.30-8.30 am, 5:00-6:00 pm HIMALAYAN BUDDHIST MEDITA- B-Boying Jatra children’s right to education. “An or 6:00-7:00 pm at the Bhatb- TION CENTRE uninterrupted education by keep- hateni branch. venue: kesharmahal Marg, th Friday, 12 February ing educational institutions free Thamel. VENUE: Hyatt Regency, kathmandu from ongoing frequent politically ELECTRO-CARDIOGRAM: IN- Tai chi 10:00-11.30 am Saturday, Live performance by Anni chhoyang and influenced disruptions,” is how TERNAL STORIES yoga 8.30-9.30 am and medita- traditional Dhimee Baja solo performance Dipesh Ghaley, the coordinator Exhibition of paintings by tion 5:00-6:00 pm on weekdays, th Sunday, 14 February. puts it. “It’s our concerted effort, Birendra Pratap Singh 4410402 VENUE: St. Xavier’s, Jawalakhel and we wish to take this oppor- Quest of a 79-year-old man VENUE: kathmandu contem- Dj session by DJ BOwL tunity to get the message across,” for education… After about 50 porary Arts centre, Jhamsikhel. PEOPLE AFTER WAR - PERMA- emphasizes Ghaley. This move- th (Thailand) spinning own set of years of driving experience in Until 16 February NENT PHOTO EXHIBITION ment demands the government VENUE: Madan Puraskar, Patan turn-table, live performance by the British India government, 5521120 Nepsydaz, stand-up comedy, to take appropriate and effective Dhoka. Everyday 1:00 am-4:00 food stalls, game stalls, edu- measures to keep educational Suk Bahadur Adhikari is back EXPRESSION OF TREES pm. 5521393 cational stalls (Study Aboard institutions free from partisan home in his village, Kotbari, EXHIBITION OF PAINTING politics and to ensure a healthy Services) and many more. Kaski. When most dream of BY SAMJHANA RAJBHANDARI POET’S CORNER learning environment for students. (AMATYA) 21-28 February Nepal B-Boy/B-Girl (NB3G) retirement, Suk Bahadur is after For further details, contact: Dipesh VENUE: Imago De, Naxal VENUE: Lazimpat Gallery café. together with Godavari Alumni Ghaley, coordinator, 9841386652 fulfilling his dream of pursuing 10 -15 February. Time: 4:45 pm. 4428549 school education at the age of 4350836 come along to write, read and 79. Adhikari’s granddaughter, vote for your favorite poem. En- tries accepted till 20th February. Utsav – A pre-Holi who attends the same class, HIMALAYAN PLANT ALCHEMY WORKSHOP Festival by Kutumba helps him with his assignments. DATE: 13th February THE ROAD HOME VENUE: Bal Mandir, Icc, Naxal Though hearing is his main wild Earth would like to invite MOVIE SCREENING AT LAZIM- Thursday, 18th February. Time: 4:30 pm you to the Himalayan Plant PAT GALLERY CAFÉ problem, his efforts and results nd Alchemy workshop and open Monday, 22 February Time: 5:30 The musical group, kutumba, is well known for their fusion folk are commendable. So are his in- music. with traditional instruments, including flute, sarangi, dhimi and house. pm. 4428549. lazimpatgallery- percussion, the group of six musicians has created unique composi- sights into life, religion, culture [email protected] [email protected] tions and also plays folk songs in Maithili, Bhojpuri and Awadhi. and development. Love Interrupted With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to take a measured look at this annual celebration of love and consider why we keep up this tradition. —Yusuf Abdol Hamid halfwayIssue 3 February 11 -17, 2010

he question on everyone’s lips But prices are not the only commod- leading up to 14th February ity subject to inflation on 14th February. will undoubtedly be the oft- Anyone who has been on a Valentine’s heard refrain: “Will you be Day date would have experienced extra my Valentine?” pressure from increased expectations. Up-market restaurants all The undue stress from Valentine’s Day is over the valley will be chock- something that should be avoided, accord- a-block with reservations for ing to Bidhata K.C. a table for two, florists will be busily snip- She said: “If you have that kind of bur- pingT off thorns from tons of roses and den then it won’t be a nice day. But you singles will be racking their brains writ- don’t have to celebrate with a dinner. Just ing lyrical poems to woo a potential mate. giving or sharing your love is the best. It’s Take a step back from this chaos, apply not good to be pressured into going out to a small dose of cynicism, and perhaps the an expensive restaurant.” The 31-year-old more apt question to ask would be: “Why visual artist has made plans to go out with do I need a Valentine?” friends and feels that it’s not only about There are the obvious joys of single- romance, but also “about the love that we hood: freedom of movement and choice share”. without having to report your every ac- While there is no denying the power tion, saving on expensive romantic out- of love and the validity of the institution ings (perhaps for men only), and the real- of marriage, singles-for-life have no rea- ity that singles have more fun. son to fret over their inability to attract The history of Valentine’s Day goes Cupid’s arrow. Anyone who has set foot in back almost two millennia to 3rd-century Thamel on a Saturday would immediately Rome, where a certain priest called Valen- notice the sheer volume of people, the tine defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on incessant honking and dust plumes from marriage for young men by solemnizing vehicle emissions. Already heaving under nuptials for lovers in secret. Eventually a population of 28 million people, Nepal The history of Valentine’s Day goes back almost two millennia to 3rd-century Rome, where a certain priest called Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for young men by solemnizing nuptials for lovers in secret. put to death for his defiance of the law, can ill afford to support the larger num- Valentine thus entered history, or legend bers that worldwide population trends are given the unconfirmed nature of this tale, pointing to. as the poster boy for romantic love. Global production of necessities such Almost two thousand years later, Valen- as rice, oil and electricity will be under tine’s Day is now celebrated all over the world, severe strain trying to cope with the de- even in non-Western societies like Nepal and mands of an extra three billion mouths India where young men and women take the by 2050. Statisticians are predicting South opportunity to exchange gifts of flowers and Asia’s population alone to swell by at al- chocolates over a candlelit dinner. most another billion souls to an unsus- This day of romance has also taken on a tainable 2.5 billion in another 40 years. decidedly capitalist spin with the US alone Cities with creaky infrastructures like reporting 188 million Valentine’s Day card K-town will suffer the economic costs exchanges, and a huge floral industry em- from increased healthcare demands, food ploying more than 100,000 florists. consumption and chronic unemployment, Bucking the trend of overpricing on which are just a few ills in a long list of this unofficial holiday is Vesper Café in potential problems. Pulchowk. Owner Gagan Kunwar says While this is not a clarion call to that unlike other places that will be having abandon romance, and by natural exten- big dance parties, his restaurant will just sion, reproduction entirely, it is a timely be focusing on dinner and light music. reminder that singles need not tear their He said: “Everyone wants to earn more hair out over their responsibilities to the on Valentine’s Day, but we’re just keeping it human race. the same here, to take care of our clients.” Take Parash Thapa, for example, who Friday spoke to some singles about town is planning an evening out with a friend at and found that despite the typical price in- the Bourbon Room. The co-founder/Di- creases, the extra expenditure was well rector of Radiant Technologies has been worth it. celebrating Valentine’s Day regularly and “I think it’s worth it, because spending said: “To me it is a special day to renew the extra money is a form of expression present-day commitments and look ahead regardless of its price. The price doesn’t for fresh challenges ahead.” matter,” said Upasana Singh, an entrepre- Just remember, love should be celebrat- neur and a lyricist. ed every day, and not just on 14th Febru- ary. Besides, it’s cheaper that way! n 12 timeoff Issue 3 February 11 -17, 2010

little away from the con- fusion of the lethargic, THE cHEESEcAkE leisure listless and sometimes wAS TO ‘DIE FOR’ Aecstatic crowd of people AND THE SERvIcE waiting outside the British visa office, we found a little nook of STAFF EFFIcIENT. a restaurant called Imago Dei. less generous in the dried herb gourmet And despite certain culinary department. setbacks, we surprisingly en- The drinks list was simple joyed it. and old school, just what you Set amidst galleries and a want to see when you are not in duty free warehouse, the res- the mood for too much experi- taurant, at first sight, seems mentation, and for which there comforting and even though the is enough room on the food undercover menu itself is quite confused menu. At the risk of sounding We’re sending out our most refined pallets - to see, sniff, like most restaurants in Kath- clichéd – the cheesecake was to eat, drink and report on the good, the bad and the ugly mandu – some of the choices ‘die for’ and the service staff of restaurants in Kathmandu. are refreshingly hearty. We is well trained and efficient… ordered a soup and salad com- finally somewhere to look for- CAUTION: Read well before you dine. bo, which made a lot of sense ward to for good service. for lunch. The pumpkin soup, Imago Dei though artificially thickened, VErdiCt: Imago Dei has a lot to was pleasant while the salad was offer – it’s the perfect place for a a complete letdown. Where the business lunch, to hang out with menu stated that the salad had friends or just sit about and read parmesa, the kitchen didn’t even in the large room filled with bother to use a body double of natural light coming in from its sprinkles, Grana Padano, and ground to ceiling windows. n had instead just grated some MEAL FOR 2 PERSONS: Rs. 800-1,000 very processed-tasting cheese cREDIT cARD/DEBIT cARD accepted very, very far from the king of cheeses touted on the menu. The next order was a feta and olive Food spaghetti from the daily specials Beverage that tasted fine though I could Hygiene have enjoyed it more if the spa- Ambience ghetti was a little less cooked, a Service little less broken up and a little value for money

Reading Gardening GOOD READS GO GREEN them all. “we draw a lot of different considered the most relaxing hobby luted air that is sadly lacking in a place people whether they are scholars, stu- besides reading, gardening has a very like kathmandu. It is also a place to play, dents, foreigners or locals. Anyone who soothing effect on your mind similar to to work hard, and to rest, contemplat- wants a good book comes here to find what a massage does to your physical ing what human beings and nature can one,” says Rhicha with a smile. wellbeing. It really doesn’t matter how create by working together. Growing big or small the size of your garden or consciousness about the aesthetics of So relax, soak in the sun and make a your time and budget. you can design good living has made gardens tremen- date with a book this weekend. Friday, a flower garden that not only allows dously popular among the denizens of along with Pilgrims, suggests that you you to express your creativity but also kathmandu. take your pick from some of the follow- gives you an opportunity to get closer ing interesting books that are available kishore Pradhan, owner of chameli “I feel that books are my best friend to nature. A home flower garden is a at the bookstore: nursery, has this to say, “Gardens lend because when you are unbearably lonely, place to dream and create, and an area an important aspect to the beauty of a a book serves to be your best com- 1. Breaking Dawn by where you can breathe fresh unpol- house.” He further adds that ornamen- pany,” says Rhicha, the office manager of Stephenie Meyer - Rs. 880 tal plants like palm, pine and bamboo Pilgrims Book House, kathmandu. with 2. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer - Rs. 560 are gaining much popularity due to wa- the bookstore having two branches 3. New Moon by Stephenie ter problems in Nepal. Unlike seasonal – one in Thamel and the other one in Meyer - Rs. 560 flowers, these plants need much less Kupondole – its main purpose is to 4. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer - Rs. 560 water to flourish (once in two days is encourage people to develop a reading 5. Size 12 is not Fat by Meg enough for them). He has an important habit. cabot - Rs. 520 suggestion to share with all gardening 6. Every Boy’s Got One by Meg “A part of our bookshop in Thamel is enthusiasts. He insists that plant lov- cabot - Rs. 520 a restaurant. we provided this space so ers spend at least half an hour in the 7. The Gift by cecelia Ahern - Rs. 400 that readers can come to this area and morning tending to all the plants. For 8. P.S. I Love You by cecelia relax with a book. And it’s really nice to those people who are busy, they should Ahern - Rs. 360 see people doing this.” Rhicha further instruct their gardeners to do so. 9. The Girl who Played with Fire by adds. Stieg Larsson - Rs. 479 Gardening is a healthy way of utilizing From philosophy to science to religion 10. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by your leisure time. So go get your “green to fiction to non-fiction, Pilgrims has Stieg Larsson - Rs. 479 n AB hands” working. n SG window shopping Gift Ideas timeoff While it is true when they say that true love is greater than any gift, hell! This is a mate- rialistic world, and us it’s materialistic deni- for your Watches are one of men’s zens. In this edition of Window Shopping, we give you our pick of some fantastic gift biggest indulgences. Gift your valentine! ideas for your Valentine. man a watch like this and NECKLACE SET. see him melt in your arms. Shree Balaji Diamonds. Rs. 7,49,000. Diamonds are a girl’s best

friend; and if god were a GRAND CARRERA. woman, she’d make this Time World. Shrepa Mall. statement a universal truth. Rs. 420,000

WAIST BELT. Ginger Bluebird. Rs. 1,298 MEN’S PERFUME. AIGNER EVOLUTION. Ina Centre. Rs. 3,900 FOR HER FOR HIM

HEART SHAPED EARS STUDS. BODY HUGGING DRESS. Shree Balaji Diamonds. Ginger. Rs. 2,995 Rs. 34,510 VICTORINIX SWISS DIAMOND RING. ARMY. Time World. DUNHILL OFFICE Shree Balaji Shrepa Mall. BAG. Bentley. ONE Diamonds. Rs. 134,500 Rs. 8,500 SHOULDER. Rs. 749,000 Ginger. Rs. 2,995 DIRECTORY SHREE BALAJI DIAMONDS, New Road, 4228353. GINGER, Bluebird, 4228833. LADIES PERFUME. RED CLUTCH. HALOWEEN KISS LADY. Bentley. Rs. 16,500 INA CENTRE, New Road, 4230150. RED TIE. Ina Centre. Rs. 3,600 CUFF LINK. ZODIAC, Durbar Marg, 4228833 zodiac. Rs. 1,990 TIME WORLD, Sherpa Mall, 4232176 zodiac. Rs. 1,390 BENTLEY, Durbar Marg, 4228338

Offer valid till 14th Feb TRIDAKARSANI to 50% off Buy 1 get 1 FREE on selective VALENTINES 4221103  Ladies wear up to  Ladies/Gents ware up cool bargains items SPECIAL OFFERS 40% off to 50% off Offer valid for 15 days only STYLE FASHION On selected items CITY CENTER contact: Ravi Adhikari, WEAR LABELS ENVY 9841678340 TOGETHER  4011809 Putalisadak 10% Discount on all items CRIMSOUNE CLUB  Up to 50% off on Durbar Marg Offer valid till 15th Feb  Ladies/Gents wear up selected items. GREENLINE 35% off on ABHINANDAN winter Sale Offer PETER ENGLAND to 30% off CENTRE winter wear 5% off on all items valid until Putalisadak STYLE SHOES On selected items JOHN PLAYERS Kantipath valid till 19th Sales on 13th, 14th and15th 20th February Up to 35% discount on 10% Discount  BUy 1 Get 1 Free Stock clearance February Feb Discounts up to winter wear From 6th – 15th Feb  Buy 2 Get 1 Free 50% on all items offer Offer valid until  4260343 NIKE Buy 2 and COTTON COUNTY  4224241 mid-March THE WALK CLOSET • Shoes – up to 25% Off ITALINA FASHION get ONE Buy one Get one FREE  4225646 10% Discount on all items • Ladies wear – 20% off JEWELLERY (vin de Only on 14th February INA CENTER Sales on 13th, 14th &15th • Men’s wear – 15% off  10% discount pays wine) NFC Dharmapath Feb  Free FASHION BUD • Accessories – 10% off valentine’s Special Putalisadak BOSSINI  4257277 JAGADISHWAR EM- 15% discount Offer 30% off on Jacket & Sweaters  PORIUM th Up to 50% off 10% Discount on 9841300996 Starting from 13 till United World Trade 15th Feb perfumes along with CITY CENTRE MALL PELTZ Kamalpokhari Center a free Gift Pack TAMRAKAR HOUSE  Ladies shoes up to 60% off in Giordano New Road & Putalisadak Tripureshwor GALLERIA BLUEBIRD MALL for every purchase Buy one get one FREE on  4228833 40% off above Rs. 2000 50% off in Puma 50% off on Jackets 15% Discount on all items shirts and pants Sale on 13th, 14th &15th Feb  4230150 40% off in Italiana, cocktail  4245348, 4240121 GINGER TIME CENTRE 30% off in Lilliput, ware- Offer valid for 15 days only 4011566 ARROW  Ladies wear up to  Romanson/casio/Fuji  4117071  Buy 1 Get 1 Free on INDIAN TER- house SHILPA TRADERS 70% off time/westar and Trofish 9841993095 GLAMOROUS FASH- shirt & pants RAIN 20% off in The Gift Shop, Ground Floor On selected items watch up to 25% off  50% discount on Kamaladi G-Time corner United World Trade ION 10% Discount sweater change of Season 15% off in Prolink Center RETAIL THERAPIE PERI WINKLE 10% off in Style Offer valid until 15th Feb Offer Tripureshwor  kids/Ladies/Gents wear  Kids/children wear – BALENO Buy 2 get ONE Free  4011809 30% off on winter wear up to 70% off 30% off I SEE IT FIRST  Ladies/Gents wear 9841678340  4117160 On selected items SAMSUNG MOBILE – 25% 10-15% discount on all FUSION PRESENTS products GIORDANO WINTER BAJRA & BLAY  Ladies wear up to GINI & JONY Month of valentine & Only on 14th February KOUTONS Ground Floor SALE OFFERS United World Trade 40% off  children wear up to Holi with virgin Mobile 4215220  Gents wear up to Sherpa Mall Center 30% off INDIAN TERRAIN Try your luck to get a 50% off Durbar Marg Tripureshwor DAVINCHI Kamaladi huge discount upto 58% LEE COOPER Stock clearance sale Up to 70% discount on shoes  Ladies/Gents/children LILLIPUT Buy 3 get 1 FREE on with instant discount 10% discount in autho- HANGTEN Up to 60% off on Offer valid for 15 days only wear up to 50% off  kids/children wear up mixed items coupon rized clothes  Ladies/Gents wear all items  4117001 to 30% off Buy 2 get 1 FREE on selec-  4260173 And 15% discount in 30% off  4011588 9851077726 TOP CLASS  Buy 2 Get 1 Free tive items branded clothing On selected items  Ladies/Gents shoes up 4011809 14 timeoff Issue 3 February 11 -17, 2010

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Mahashivaratri Special- D’LOUNGE LHASA RES- THE CAFÉ Firefly Mixtape PartyPre- BEIJING ROAST DUCK TAURANT & Hyatt Regency Nightout sented by Play My Sound RESTAURANT BAR Taste the culinary 12 February- 13 February: New Baneshwor Thamel delights from the BOURBON ROOM 8pm till 3 am Melodious Nepali Gazals and Live Band Mediterranean re- Durbar Marg 4248999, 4222636 songs Every wednesday, gion of Greece, Italy The Best of Sufi by Hemant Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday and the Middle East. Rana. Every Monday, 7 DÉLICES DE FRANCE 6:30 pm onwards. 7 pm onwards Fridays, 6:30 pm pm onwards. Open Mic Thamel 4468589 9851010431 4491234 with ciney Gurung. Every valentine’s Day offer wednesday Share your aphrodisiac din- HIMALATTE CAFÉ PORCH BAR THE CORNER 7 pm onwards ner with your partner Thamel Soaltee Crowne BAR 4441703, 4249747 Tantric kiss (cocktail) cloud walkers, playing live. Plaza Radisson Hotel, Shrimps frothy glass Every Tuesday, Soaltee Mode Lazimpat CLUB PLATINUM French carobean 7:30 pm onwards Relax and enjoy Offering an array of Hotel Yak & Yeti chicken with rice 4256738 some of the finest sumptuous snacks Salsa night with Jimmy and cupids chocolate cake U2 and the Police from the drinks exotic drinks and Masha. Every wednesday, Book before Saturday evening Eternity Every day, 6 pm to cocktails Free workshop Rs. 2,500 for a couple Every Friday 10 pm 3 pm to 11 pm 8 pm onwards. 14th Feb 7:30 pm onwards 4273999 4411818 4248999 , 4222636 4260326 4256738

France is cabbage finely PATHIBARA ART ROYAL SAINO choose your choice of sliced and lacto-fermented, GALLERY RESTAURANT AND wines and cheese cooked in white wine with Arcadia Apartment BAR Every Friday and Saturday smoked pork meat, bacon, Hotel Experience the GyAkOk from 5 pm to 8 pm sausage and potatoes. Chaksi Bari Marga, (The Hot Pot with T- 4491234 This delightful winter dish Thamel Momos) and enjoy other is exceptional in Nepal Exhibition on Authentic varieties of delicious WILD EARTH PVT. (top quality meat from Traditional Tibetan momos with daily BBQ LTD Germany). Thangkas by prominent 4230890 Dhapasi Marg, Basbari Served with 1 Everest artists: Nabin krishna wild earth open house beer. chitrakar, Gyalze Sherpa, and Himalayan plant THE CAFÉ AT alchemy workshop! Make MIScELLANEOUS Rs. 1,200 ++ Urgen Tensing, Amir HYATT REGENCY Thursday 11th Feb, 7 pm Lama to promote real your own perfume, enjoy a vegeteranian Buffet foot massage, and sample ALFRESCO Limited to 20 people only Tibetan Thangka and Every Monday our freshly made face Soaltee Crowne Plaza For reservation: 4260326 Newari Pauba Art 6:30 pm onwards creams & oils on 13th Feb Experience the taste of 9:30 am - 7:00 pm 4491234 EDEN LOUNGE BAR- Basbari 2010 homemade pasta 4256004, 9841418871 Kathmandu Mall 12- 6 pm 4273999 9851026064 THE CAFÉ, HYATT Enjoy Every Day Happy REGENCY 4374178, 4650240 BIG PAGODA HALL Hour. ROCK CLIMBING Arabian nights - taste the Hotel Bajra, 3 pm – 7 pm. NexGeN Adventure culinary delights from Chhauni 4150062 Program the Middle East Tantric Dance, ‘The God Daily departure Every Friday from 6:30 LA DOLCE VITA Dance of Nepal’ 6914541, 9841283385 pm onwards Thamel Tuesdays, 7 pm onwards 4491234, 4489362 Rediscover fine Italian ROX RESTAURANT BAMBOO CLUB RES- ity Quiz from Umbrella CELEBRATIONS 4271545 cuisine Hyatt Regency THE KAISER CAFÉ TAURANT Foundation RESTAURANTS COMFORT ZONE 4700612 Famous stews of the The Garden of Thamel. wednesday: Blues with AND BAR AND GRILL world Robin and the New Revolu- Nekhvam Thamel MADAN PURASKAR Dreams Thamel Every Tuesday, wednes- cocktail and Dreams tion playing live Thursday: Live music by Live music by Robin Patan Dhoka korean style BBQ. Enjoy day and Thursday, from 6 6 pm onwards Every Tuesday Astral with free peanuts and New Revolution ‘People after war’. Per- the great taste of BBQ pm onwards MUSIc 7 pm onwards Friday: Live music by Plan B Every Friday 7pm manent photo exhibition 4479488/4425341 every day with a variety of 4491234, 4489362 4701547 Saturday: Live music by onwards Every day, 11 am - 4 pm cocktails THE LOUNGE ABSOLUTE BAR Brahmastra 9841347613 5521393 BOTTLES & CHIMNEY 4700080 Hyatt Regency Hotel Narayani Com- Live music begins from 7 Strawberry high tea - plex, Pulcowk Thamel pm onwards. FUSION BAR DÉLICES DE FRANCE enjoy the festive season Live fusion & classical Sunday: Live music by Plan B Happy Hours 4:00 - 8:00 Dwarika’s Hotel Thamel high tea with strawberry music by Anil Shahi followed by football match Pm Live band featuring choucroute Alsacienne flavors Every wednesday on big projected screen chill out music, exotic Dinesh Rai This traditional dish from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm 8 pm onwards Monday: Blues with Nekhvam cocktails and different fla- Every Friday night 7 pm onwards. Alsace, North East of Wine & Cheese 5521408 Tuesday: Live Music by Broth- vors of Shisa. erhood followed by char- 9841425925 4479448 timeoff GRAND NORLING For Double Room: Rs 3,500/- vat inclusive of dinner and COSMOPOLITAN MANDARIN PALACE PATAN CHAPTER 9 Haddock special mixed RESORT plus taxes which includes bed breakfast CAFÉ Babarmahal Revisited Jawalakhel grill: Rs. 250/- Gokarna and breakfast 4442726 Basantpur chicken slice w/capsi- BAKERY CAFÉ Paneer chatpata: Rs.240/- 5554631, 4232673 Enjoy mouth watering 5560675 veg cheese Burger: cum: Rs. 350/- Pulchowk 5525979 HOTEL SPACE MOUN- PATAN MUSEUM Mughlai Delicacies, with Rs.105/- 4212675 chicken Sizzler: Rs.205/- TAIN CHOPSTIX CAFÉ Ghazals, Jazz and Pop Music HYATT REGENCY 4225246 5010110 Nagarkot OR2K Kumaripati, Patan Patan Durbar Square Every Friday and Saturday Boudha Exclusive Package Rates for COURTYARD RES- Thamel CAFÉ DE PATAN, Nasi Goreng: Rs. 245/- Patan Museum Burger: 4 pm onwards Relax Package for two in- Expatriates and Nepalese. TAURANT Stuffed vegetables combi- Mangalbazar 5551118 Rs. 180/- 4482993, 4460296 cluding breakfast at the café 1 night package, for maxi- For Single: Rs. 1,700/- plus Kamaladi nation: Rs. 290/- Newari Samay with 5524694 GHANGRI CAFÉ JATRA CAFÉ AND BAR mum 3 nights, only for local tax inclusive of dinner, break- Roasted chicken: Rs. 195/- 4422097 chicken: Rs.175/- Pulchowk THE AMBIENCE Thamel residents and Nepalese fast and room 4253056 5537599 O3 PUB cordeu Blue: Rs.150/- RESTAURANT & Ladies night with live Sufi and citizen. For couple: Rs. For Double: Rs. 2,500/- plus DECHENLING GAR- Panipokhari CAFÉ DU TEMPLE 5524694 BAR Indian contemporary music 6,200/- plus taxes tax inclusive of dinner, break- DEN Diced chicken: Rs.175/- Patan Durbar Square Mangalbazar Every wednesday Package is valid till Feb 20, fast and room Thamel 9841408985 Spaghetti Bolognese: HADDOCK DINING Newari set: Rs.250/- 4256622 2010 4430812, 6680071 Gyakok Tibetan Hot Pot: Rs.175/- AND BAR 5538980 4491234, 4489800 PANAS RESTAU- Pulchowk KAUSI RESTAURANT POKHARA Rs. 700/- 5527127, 9851081692 RANT AND CAFÉ Hotel Woodland ROX RESTAURANT 4412158 Khichapokhari Complex, Durbarmarg. Hyatt Regency Kath- FULBARI RESORT DELICATESSEN CEN- Buigal set: Rs.210/- Acoustic Session by Forth mandu Pokhara TRE CAFÉ 4212593 Face wednesdays valentine’s Day Package for 14 Sense and Serenity Package 2 nights, 3 days package Per Durbar Marg 9851038275 February. Per couple: Rs. 5000 PUMPERNICKEL person on twin sharing basis. Oven Baked Roast Live Band ++ for dinner. Accommodation Thamel poll-o Single supplement room: chicken: Rs. 180/- -meter Every Friday Package per couple: Rs. 6200 chitlang Goat cheese Rs. 4,999/- plus 10% service 5525903 4227288 (accommodation package is Sandwich: Rs.170/- charge and 13% vat. Package LAST WEEK’S POLL valid to Nepalese citizen and DE MASK 4259185 MOKSH, PULCHOWK includes buffet breakfast, local residents only) Khichapokhari DO YOU ACTUALLY BELIEVE THAT THE POWER CUTS Baja gaja playing live buffet dinner, boating, gorge 4491234 Jhinge machha: Rs.100/- RED ROOF CAFÉ WILL BE OVER IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME? Every Tuesday walks, 30 mins foot massage [email protected] 4215675 Sankhamul road 7:30 pm onwards 25% discount on Golf, Health choyela (duck) Rs. 130/- 5526212 Ye s No PARK VILLAGE Farm, Spa, and Tennis FOUR SEASONS RES- 4784786 5% 4461918 TAURANT AND BAR NANGLO CAFÉ AND Budhanilkantha weekend Package with half Thamel REVOLVING RESTAU- PUB board accommodation per Tom yam koong: Rs.275/- RANT HAVE YOUR SAY Durbarmarg th 4701715 Ratna plaza, 4 floor, Do you think that some established commercial banks crossfire playing live night For Double Room: Rs. New Road will go bust in 5 years time? Every Friday GARLIC CAFÉ AND whole mandarin fish: 4222636 4,900/- plus tax 9851070936, 9851057642 BAR Rs.395/- United World Trade 4241712 For Yes type poll space Y, for No type poll space N and send it to 3276. ROX BAR- HYATT Centre,Tripureshwor REGENCY DHULIKHEL chicken ala kiev: Rs. 180/- RICE & BOWL, Kathmandu DHULIKHEL MOUN- 4117010 TRIPURESWOR Live Jazz tunes by Inner TAIN RESORT Hakka prawn: Rs.550/- Groove Dhulikhel GAZEBO RESTRO 4251678 Every Friday evening and set Palanchowk Bhagwati Dar- EATERIES LOUNGE your mood with 4489362, ROAD HOUSE CAFÉ friday picks shan Package Durbarmarg 4491234 Thamel 2 days, 1 night package KATHMANDU kitchen Alakeb: Rs. 340/- 9841397603 Toasted Goat cheese valentine’s Day UPSTAIRS JAZZ BAR For Single Room: Rs. 4,500/- Salad: Rs. 205/- which includes, accommoda- BAWARCHI THE (Romantic comedy) Lazimpat GRASSHOPPER 4260187 tion, transportation and 3 RESTRO BAR JSc QUARTET and group Lazimpat Basantapur valentine’s Day follows the intertwining sto- playing live meals chicken kievana: Rs.230/- ROX RESTAURANT 4420774 kathi kawab Roll chicken: rylines of a group of Los Angelinos as they find Every Saturday Rs.70/- 4255513 Hyatt Regency, Boudha 8pm onwards char Grilled Prawns: Rs. their way through romance over the course of THE DWARIKA’S HI- 2150050 9851040276 HOT BREADS 1450/- one valentine’s Day - a perfect valentine’s Day MALAYAN SHANGRI- Food court at bluebird 4491234 LA VILLAGE RESORT BHOE CHHEN movie to watch with your love. NEWARI RESTAU- mall, Bluestar complex, Dhulikhel ROYAL THAI RES- RANT AND BAR Tripureshwor RELEASING ON: February 12, 2010 Overnight package. 2 days, Spaghetti Napolitano: Rs. TAURANT 1 night Basantapur DURATION: 1hr 57mins, DIRECTOR: Gary Marshall chatamari: Rs.85/-. 135/- New Baneshwor Single Room: Rs. 3,500/- plus Tom yang koong: Rs. 230/- STARRING: Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Alba 4221811 4228833 10% tax 4781104 Double: Rs. 5,000/- plus BHUMI RESTRO IMAGO DEL CAFÉ Rynibs Food Corner, The Wolfman 10% tax LOUNGE GALLERY Lazimpat.chicken sau- Great Escape Package. 3days, Lazimpat Nag Pokhari (Horror) tee: Rs. 75/-. 4419832 2 nights. couple: Rs. 12,666/- Buff choela: Rs. 100/-. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Inspired by the classic Universal film that plus 10% tax. 4412193 Rs. 175/- n launched a legacy of horror, The wolfman brings 4479488 Shisa Terrace Bar 4442464 & Restaurant, Thamel. CAFÉ OLLA RESTAU- the myth of a cursed man back to its iconic wEEkEND EScAPES Fried chicken cordon NAGARKOT RANT AND BAR K-TOO BAR & STEAK origins. Lawrence Talbot (Del Toro), a haunted Blue: Rs. 250/-. 2091137 KATHMANDU Kantipath, Jamal. HOUSE CLUB HIMALAYA nobleman is lured back to his family estate Golden Fried Prawn: Rs. Thamel n Silver Wok Chinese GODAVARI VILLAGE Nagarkot after his brother vanishes. Reunited with his 320/- Peppered Steak: Rs. 360/- Cuisine, Panipokhari, RESORT chiso chiso Hawa Ma Special estranged father (Hopkins), Talbot sets out to 4232673 4700043 Lazimpat. Pork chivi: Rs. Godavari Package. find his brother only to be bitten by a werewolf 2 days, 1 night package. For LOBSTERS 185/-. 4438728 Special Packages available for CHEZ CAROLINE and discover a horrifying destiny for himself. Nepalese and Expatriates Single: Rs. 3,500/- plus 10% RESTAURANT Sherpa Mall, Durbar- 1905 RESTAURANT 2 days, 1 night package. For service charge + 13% vat in- Babar Mahal Revisited marg Kantipath RELEASING ON: February 12, 2010 clusive of dinner and breakfast Tou ka Tiem kung: Rs. Single Room: Pepper Steak, French Fries, Leg of Lamb: Rs.650/- DURATION: 1hr 42mins, DIRECTOR: Joe Johnston Rs. 3,000/- plus taxes which For Double: Rs. 4,500/- plus salad: Rs. 700/- 550/- 4215068 includes bed and breakfast. 10% service charge + 13% 4263070, 4264187 4231323, 4231437 STARRING: Anthony Hopkins, Hugo Weaving, Benicio Del Toro

STAR MOvIeS hBO worth a watch Moulin Rouge Burn After In 1899 France, a young poet named Reading NATIONAL GeOGRAphY FOX hISTORY AND eNTeR- DISCOveRY ChANNeL christian (Ewan McGregor) is taken in In this ‘dark Mystery Files: Robin Hood TAINMeNT TIME WARP (SEASON 2) – Hot by Toulouse-Lautrec (John Leguizamo) spy’ comedy, a Now evidence has been discovered to The History of Our Planet: Stuff And Cold Steel and his entourage, and is drafted to demoted cIA prove that Robin was a real person. Ice Jeff and Matt get a ‘warped’ view write a nightclub spectacular. Through official writes Unpicking the folklore to separate fact It clinks in our glasses, carves of some awesome firepower and his relationship with Toulouse, christian a top-secret memoir that is discovered by all from fiction, historians are exposing majestic landscapes and holds perform amazing feats with fire with meets Satine (Nicole kidman), the most the wrong people. what follows is a hilarious the man behind the myth. crucial clues about Earth’s past. some real ‘pyro-technicians’. beautiful courtesan in Paris and star of and sinister blend of mystery and stupidity, a 9:15 pm, Friday 12 February, 2010 Ice – the solid form of life’s pre- 2:15 pm, Wednesday17 Febru- the Moulin Rouge nightclub. Besotted by specialty of the masterful coen Brothers. cious elixir – is making its mark ary, 2010 her beauty, he and Satine enter into a pas- 9:00 pm, Tuesday 16 February 2010 as an unusual tool of technology. sionate, but ultimately doomed, love affair. eSpN 8:15 pm, Monday 15 Febru- Barclays Pre- ary, 2010 BBC NeWS TRAveL AND LIvING mier League HARDtalk 5 STAR INSIDER 2009/10 HARDtalk is the hard-hitting flagship Cc Africa, Tanzania Match: Arsenal news program aired on BBc world Angus enjoys a unique Tanzanian safari across vs. Liverpool News and the BBc News channel. the Serengeti, staying in luxurious Bedouin style 12 noon, Friday 12 9:15 pm, Monday 15 February, tents complete with personalized butler service. February, 2010 2010 8:55 pm, Saturday 13 February, 2010 9:15pm, Friday12 February, 2010 16 Issue 3 February 11 -17, 2010 Love gizmo Kabin Shrestha, 27, MD of First Travels and Tours, talks about his love for modified engines. —Thy Kiran Upadhyay Ride “ always wanted a wolf under “Please don’t a sheep’s skin” says Kabin, an extreme car enthusi- embellish your Iast and owner of a Honda car so much Civic 2006, on his penchant for that it ends up performance over flamboyance regarding his ride. He has, till looking like date, changed five cars, bought a cheap,, loud and modified each one, and is and pompous as much of a bike aficionado, owning four upgraded bikes clown.” one after another. He is in to- tal agreement with most of the The pros include having to drive consumers that if it weren’t for something that I so fondly love. the unfair government applied My car is my baby. I dotingly taxes of 240% per vehicle, peo- clean it, take care of it, adorn ple in Nepal could afford good it, nourish it and get hurt when quality automobiles at much it gets hurt. But having to pay a lesser prices. Planning to open a hefty sum in a parking lot and car enthusiast club with some of yet getting scratches all over, to his like-minded pals in the near drive the love of my life in the future, Kabin’s ultimate desire as bumpy and jammed streets of a car buff is to drive a McLaren then upgrade its engine, which, that feeling that I made my car What, according to you, Kathmandu, and the slim chanc- Formula 1 in the no-speed-limit in turn, increases the car’s the way it is, man, that gives me are the pros and the cons es of ever driving my car to its freeway at Auto Bahn, Germany. horsepower and its overall per- a high I can’t explain in words. of driving a modified full potential are its cons. Here he talks about his fetish: formance. But most importantly, It’s exhilarating. automobile in a place like “modification”. Kathmandu? Mushrooming business that caters to vehicle modification You keep buying a new car and Cars Color Modifications Duration status proves that there are many keep modifying each one of Nissan Patrol Black & Silver Installed new bull guards, fog lamps, 2002-2003 Sold modification aficionados like you out there. Would you like them. Why not buy a regular body stickers one and get done with it? to say something to them? I keep modifying my cars be- Kia Sportage white & Golden High roof, fog lamps, custom wheels, 2003-2009 Sold In the name of modification, cause I’m passionate about ev- tinted windows please don’t embellish your car erything fast and powerful. I Honda Civic 91 Navy Blue Advanced intake manifold, module chip, 2006-2008 Sold so much that it ends up looking have never been a fan of cos- projection headlights, 2nd generation like a cheap, loud and pompous metic modification. The flashy fuel injector, 17-inch alloy wheels clown. And driving it only leads to you looking like one. Furnish and the “bling-bling”, it’s not Honda Civic 06 Blue Pearl chrome plates in backlights and just for me. I believe in engine headlights, wooferamp, exhaust header, your sedan in a way that excels modification, which, sadly, isn’t muffler, stage-2 injectors, module chip 09-till date Owned in performance. Making it atten- quite available in the country. tion-grabbing in a presentable Toyota Saluna Golden Pearl None (family car) 08-till date Owned Nonetheless, this is how I go way doesn’t hurt either - just about it. I buy a low c.c. car and don’t overdo it though. n 18 corporatelife Issue 3 February 11 -17, 2010

rom earning a salary of Rs. are getting enough opportunities 3,500 when he joined the to work in banks in Nepal itself then Nepal Grindlay’s Bank and don’t have to go abroad. More in 1991 in the assistant level, businesses, too, are getting loans. F So far it has been good. Anil Shah, 42, the current CEO of Mega Bank, has come a long way Is it true that you were in his journey as a Nepali banker. rejected when you applied for A self confessed patriot, who has the post of Governor of NRB ? rejected many opportunities that When I thought of leaving Nabil promised him a glitterati life in Visionary Bank, I wanted to do something lands overseas, Anil Shah believes different. And in doing so, my Mega Bank will be responsible to well wishers, friends and politi- better the lives of its 1,228 share- cians said, “Why don’t you run holders spread over 63 districts Nepal Bank for a while and turn across the country. On January that bank around? If you can do th Exemplified 28 , with a busy construction site that, your contributions to the forming the backdrop to his office, banking sector will be huge.” I Anil Shah sat with us for a true had said “all right”, but then there Friday-style chat. Excerpts: were some technical problems. If you throw peanuts you’ll get Having been the CEO of Nabil monkeys and I am not a monkey. Bank for the past four years, what prompted you to leave it for a So, there were some problems, brand new banking venture? they said, in the process that they When I was the CEO for Nabil, followed with the technical bid we doubled the size of the bank and financial bid being together in terms of deposits, loans, prof- and so on and so forth. its and everything else. But if I had continued to stay in Nabil, I Is it because you were too young for the post or the fact would be doing the same thing that you weren’t a part of any over and over again and the value political party? I would be adding would deterio- At this point of time, it is an ad- rate. So I wanted a new challenge. vantage not to get involved with I am not an entrepreneur, I am a any political party. I really think professional. But to get an oppor- it was the technical problem, and tunity to work in a new bank like I am actually grateful to Nepal Mega Bank right from scratch is Rastriya Bank (NRB) for doing a unique opportunity for me. So that because it would have been I said “let’s take this bull by the terrible.They need to appoint horns” and joined Mega Bank at a CEO who can start working the end of December last year. from day one, not someone like His decision to leave Nabil Bank, me running to courts and regu- Would you say it’s a brave visions for his new venture, his at- lators trying to justify myself decision? for the next one and half years. I would say it’s a challenging deci- tempt at being the Governor and sion. But, again, I think I am who his views on corporate life in Kath- What is it that we hear about I am today because I have taken mandu… Anil Shah shares it all. the liquidity crunch that there challenging decisions in the past. is no money in the banks? — Samriddhi Rai This is short term. We need to Has Mega Bank already started sit down and analyze why this its operation work? offering, we want to be more pen. The international banks will current problem has cropped up. There are three things that we flexible, more tailor-made to our “If you throw definitely have an advantage with And I think NRB, the finance are doing right now. One is the customer needs. But we want peanuts you’ll their own global systems, proce- ministry and bankers asso- civil works, to get the premises our customer to have that ‘Mega get monkeys dures, policies and so on. But lo- ciation together are doing that. up and running. The second is Bank experience’ from the mo- cal banks also have an advantage. And once we identify the issue, the IT part. Banking runs on a ment they enter our premises. and I am not a We know the customers, the risks we’ll solve it and I actually think core banking system, so we’re monkey.” and the opportunities better than we will come out stronger once deciding on choosing a good IT How many branches of Mega I would’ve come to the wrong someone who comes from New this has been done. system, which is critical for us. Bank will there be in the organization. I must realize and York or Tokyo. And the third is the team. And on coming years? So what is your take on thank God that I did realize that Baisakh 1, which falls sometime We will open our head office and Would you say Nepal is a hub corporate life in Kathmandu? this is different. in mid-April, we plan to start the our main branch over here in for the mushrooming banks? I would say less of office politics Kantipath and our aim is to open I think in any sector in Nepal, and more productivity. I would actual operations of the bank. Is it true when people say that 50 branches all over the country the merging of the local banks there is a ‘follow-the-leader’ like to see more recognition and What are your visions for over the next five years. and the international banks mentality. If you open one shop, rewards based on performance Mega Bank? From working in Nabil and is the only way out for our the same kind of shops open all in the corporate level more than Mega Bank would be Nepal’s now coming to Mega Bank, banking sector to survive? around it. So banks are now the just awarding people you know first five-star bank. And being a what are the differences you’ve No, I don’t think so. If you look at ‘flavor of the month’, or so to or people you’re related to. And five-star organization means our found so far? the hotel industry, we have Hyatt, speak, since everybody wants to as a corporate, I would like to see focus is on the customer and cus- The difference would be the na- we have Radisson. But we also open a bank. But it also has had more transparency. We should be tomer service. Because the prod- ture of my work. If I had come have Yak & Yeti and Dwarika’s. positive impacts because the bank- proud to say we earn this much, ucts and gains are something here to do the same thing I was Similarly, in the Nepali banking ing network has spread to the ru- we pay taxes, and then we use it similar to what other banks are doing in Nabil Bank, then I say sector, the same thing will hap- ral areas, more qualified Nepalis when we want to use it. n corporatelife What lies within different strokes There are a lot of cases of harassment in the workplace, Bossy wives with women facing most of the brunt. Women have either whipped husbands! been compelled to leave their jobs or succumb to their — Siddharth Sharma boss’s terms and conditions, placing them in a ‘one-or-the- other’ situation with no other easy solution in sight. As women today grow to be a powerful threat to men in every sector, there is no denying that men are intimidated. — Ayushma Basnyat Women are thriving, so why wouldn’t wives be bossy and husbands whipped? any workplaces may Boys, it all starts when you put that vermilion over her appear professional BRAVING THE ODDS forehead and ends when you are holding her purse at her girl- Gita Mainali worked with Gorkhapatra for 15 years. But she and appealing. But, in friend’s party. But it might actually be a good thing for you to reality, it may not be was in for a huge shock when she was forced to resign. She did M not conform to it however. “within these 15 years, I have seen be a joitingre. Hey, if Guy Ritchie doesn’t mind being a part of so. After all, all that glitters may many instances of sexual harassment in the workplace though this club, (rated as number one on the list of The 25 most emascu- not be gold. Among many such no one really speaks up because the society and the system lated, disempowered and henpecked husbands on the planet), then why flaws, harassment in the work- are such. But not me, I have filed a case in the Supreme court. should you? Also joining the club are celebs like Ashton Kutch- place is one of them. If the court rules in my favor, not only will it be my individual er, Bill Gates and who would have thought, even Eminem! “Not a lot of people are victory but also a unanimous victory for all Nepali women. I personally think that only a male chauvinist would feel forthcoming when it comes to a the need to control women. A real man would always want sensitive issue like harassment A solution might be to es- that these sadistic harassers have to see his better half happy. And it is precisely this kind of in the workplace. But if you tablish a rigid criterion in the in common? “Personalities differ. man who ends up in a happy marriage. Take my grandfa- delve deep, you will find that workplace so that the employ- There are a lot of mentally dis- there are millions who have had ees know their limits. Roop turbed people who derive plea- to fall victim to this repugnant Narayan Shrestha, an advocate sure out of others’ sufferings,” experience,” Kamala Panthi, a at Forum for Women, Law and shares Dr. Devrath Joshi, a phy- journalist and an activist shares Development, says, “These days, siatrist at Patan Hospital. The with Friday. Women, in par- organizations have specifically trauma of being harassed might ticular, make up a majority of stated employment regulations be so great that, very often, the the victims in Nepal. “It is not among which the repercussions victim/sufferer needs to be coun- that males are not spared either. for sexual harassment in the seled. However, the problem re- But more often than not, it’s the workplace are also mentioned.” mains that most women, and oc- women. Also, the intensity of But in spite of these laws, there casionally men, are not willing the harm imposed on women is are a shocking number of cases to talk about such contemptible much greater,” Panthi adds. of harassment in the workplace. experiences fearing that it will “Women are lured by ha- Mr. Shrestha relates one such denigrate them. rassers who ‘show’ them a life case thus: “One of the ladies “If such a dilemma exists, ther for example. After being happily married for over 40 filled with wonders on condi- working in a financial institu- then the best alternative for the years, when we pester him to share with us his mantra for a tion that she complies with their tion was not granted promotion victims would be to confide in successful marriage, he smiles and says, “I let my wife make demands. And it is just a matter because she refused to do what someone they trust. The point all the small decisions like what to cook for dinner, what to of time before her life starts to the boss demanded.” is someone has to be told of watch on TV and I make all the big ones like how to con- fall apart right in front of her,” We might have gone mod- such instances should they oc- trol global warming, what all the ex- prime ministers should Panthi elaborates when asked ern, but have our morals and cur. Only then can the victim be have done for a better Nepal.” Talk about humor! how exactly this vicious chain conscience developed alongside counseled and the perpetrator Now don’t go about being bossed around by your wife if works. with it? Is there a certain trait punished.” explains Dr. Joshi. n she treats you like trash. Some wives tell their husbands how to dress, what kind of job to have, how to talk to people, what friends to have. They become so micromanaged that they feel smothered by their wives. If you identify yourself with this More on Sexual Harassment sort, then I sincerely pray for you. n The legal definition of anyone who complains sexual harassment is, ex- If praying does not help, then let me request all you bossy sexual harassment is “un- about sexual harassment plain that employees have a wives not to be so hard on your husbands. As for you poor welcome verbal, visual, or n State that you will disci- right to a workplace free of physical conduct of a sexual pline or fire any wrongdo- sexual harassment, review whipped husbands, you are the ones who decided to marry nature that is severe or ers your complaint procedure, the smart, independent, cosmopolitan girls. So suffer the pervasive and affects work- n Set out a clear procedure and encourage employees pain that comes attached with the prize! n ing conditions or creates a for filing sexual harassment to use it hostile work environment” complaints n Train supervisors and man- In your employee handbook, n State that you will inves- agers. At least once a year, you should have a policy tigate fully any complaint conduct training sessions EcS Media Pvt. Ltd, kupondole, Lalitpur, Nepal, 5011571 � � � � � � devoted to sexual harassment. that you receive for supervisors and manag- No. 4 n Feb 11-17 2010 ����������� � � � � � � � � � �������������� Publisher: ECS MEDIA PVT. LTD. Manager, Editorial & Marketing: NEERAZ KOIRALA That policy should: ers that are separate from Managing Editor: SUNIL SHRESTHA Consulting Editor: VIVIAN YONZON n Director, Editorial & Marketing: NRIPENDRA KARMACHARYA Editorial Assistant: SAMRIDDHI RAI Define sexual harassment Besides this, you can: the employee sessions. The Sr. Manager, Editorial & Marketing: SUDEEP SHAKYA Inhouse Writers: AYUSHA NIROLA, AYUSHMA BASNYAT

n State in no uncertain terms n Train employees. At least sessions should educate Color Separation: Design & Production Executive: SANJEEV SHRESTHA that you will not tolerate once a year, conduct train- the managers and supervi- CTP Nepal Pvt. Ltd, HATTIBAN, Photographer: DASH B. MAHARJAN 525.0466, 525.0468 Asst. Managers, Sales & Marketing: sexual harassment ing sessions for employees. sors about sexual harass- Printing: Jagadamba Press, Hattiban, BIJENDRA PRADHAN, ANGIRAS MANANDHAR 525.0017/18/19 n These sessions should ment and explain how to Asst. Manager, Business Development: State that you will not Distributor: SHWETA BUDHATHOKI tolerate retaliation against teach employees what deal with complaints. Kasthamandap Distribution Pvt. Ltd. Ad Enquiries: [email protected] 424.7241 Subscription & Distribution Executive: BIKRAM SHRESHTA