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| Sunday, 29 September 2002 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Wines and our waiters Great preparations are under way for the forthcoming E & J Gallo Wine Appreciation Program - designed to train our young boys and girls working in 5-star hotels, restaurants, clubs and pubs islandwide on all aspects of the wine industry. How important this training program is for our waiters, was illustrated with a few anecdotes at a recent get-to-gether of those assisting in this program. Correct pronunciation of the names of wines - especially the French was an absolute must, they said, referring to an incident between a tourist and a waiter a few years ago. The story goes that a woman tourist well past 80 years had dropped in at a hotel bar. Even before she could take a seat, an over enthusiastic waiter had approached her and mispronouncing the name of a French wine, asked: Shall I fix you a grave, Madam? She slapped him. Another instance was when a guest asked a waiter for a 'Screw driver' (a cocktail that had a mix of Vodka and orange juice). The waiter said: "Most certainly Sir!"; ran down to the engineering department and handed him a screw driver. In this instance the guest had a hearty laugh. Problems, problems, problems Whether it be the cinema foyer, market place or along the streets when friends meet they talk of their problems, successes or frustrations. A trio of such people were heard grumbling about "inadequate pay, no promotions" and the problems they were having with some colleagues. A big company boss overhearing their conversations remarked. "Everyone has problems. It's what you do about them that counts." According to him problems are opportunities for people to showcase their talents. Smart employees create their own promotions by working beyond the defined limits of their job descriptions. Where some people err is in believing that having done the job adequately and adhering to the 8 or 9 hour a day work rule that it entitles them to a pay rise or promotion. Bosses expect their employees to work hard. That's what they get paid for. What is most important is for employees to 'perform beyond expectations'. Bosses never "promote people because they were effective yesterday. They promote people because they expect them to be effective tomorrow". Does that sound sensible advice? Those lonely hearts I never realised our senior citizens would seize any opportunity to be in places where they could meet, greet and enjoy the company of those in their age group. That being so, a few kind hearted and generous individuals are seen organising events from time to time to keep them happy. The most recent bit of news is that an All Island Senior Citizens' Scrabble Tournament is to be held at the Hilton Colombo on October 27 for those who enjoy this game. Anyone over 50 years could participate in this tournament, says Indrani Athukorale, a great supporter of the Senior Citizens Club which meets every Friday morning at St. Paul's Milagiriya. According to her there are several loneliness deviation programs organised for those belonging to the Sri Lanka Association of Senior Citizens - giving them an opportunity to meet on a regular basis - both for companionship and for keeping their minds active. During those get-togethers some play scrabble, some play cards, some gossip which is a form of unburdening their hearts; some take part in a skit, some sing, some bring jams, chutney and pickles for sale and generally have an enjoyable time. They are taken on picnics three times a year. Challenge cups and spot prizes are being offered to the winners of the scrabble competition. So get in touch with Ms Athukorale at St. Paul's, Milagiriya on a Friday morning if you need to have more information about this club, its activities or the scrabble competition. Heard it before? May be you've heard it before. But it is worth repeating. Scientists have discovered that the consumption of high sodium foods result in increased amounts of calcium being lost via the urine. This leaves the bones with a decreased supply of calcium which is most essential for the bones - more so during later life. And do you know that two-thirds of your bone is composed of calcium? So don't deprive your body of the calcium it needs, says a GP. The recommended daily dosage of calcium is 800 mg for those between 18-50 years; 1,600 mg for pregnant or lactating women 19 or younger; 1,200 mg for pregnant or lactating women over 19 years; 1000 - 1,600 for women over 50 and 1000-1,500 for men and women over 60. Calcium is found in green leaves, low fat yoghurt, eggs and dairy products. And the Vitamin D supplied by the sun's rays helps to metabolize calcium. Avoid the direct rays of the sun between 10 am to 3 pm if you want to prevent skin problems. |
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