Avenue T Volume 1, Issue 22 by DhakaTribune

Dhaka Tribune

Thursday, September 26, 2013 Volume 1, Issue 22

5 Explore the Ford Ranger XLT 19 Try out foolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diner

Contents

inside... Volume 1, Issue 22, Sept 26 2013 Editor Zafar Sobhan Magazine Editor Ishtiaque Mahmud Avenue T Team Mahmood Hossain Sabah Rahman N Anita Amreen Bassema A Karaki Najmal A Nadvi Sabiha Akond Rupa Tausif Sanzum Photography Syed Latif Hossain Sadia Marium Shekhar Mondal Kazi Syras Al Mahmood Contributors Navin Ahmed

Maya Almuqtadir Sabikun Nahar Agony Aunt Auronee Malsi Design Istela Imam Md Mahbub Alam Production Masum Billah Advertising Shahidan Khurshed Circulation Wahid Murad Email: info@dhakatribune.com Website: www.dhakatribune. com

12 TRIAL ROOM

22 TAGS

Roddur

Rocknation

16 TANTALISE

Summer Mocktails

Reds in!

7 IN TOWN Hilsha Festival

Model: Ruma Wardrobe: Roddur

4 Tuned - What's on 5 Tech & Turns - Explore the Ford Ranger XLT 6 In Town - An Indian affair 8 Talk - Radio Foorti celebrates 9 Tailored - The perfect shave 11 Tempt- Pros and cons of facials 14 Tell - Playing favorites 15 Take Care - Dengue details 17 Tucked In - An aromatic work experience 18 Trails - Soak up the sun in Kuakata 19 Trails - Sushi on a budget 20 Travel - Indulge yourself in Singapore

Words from rock stars

Send in your queries, views, suggestions at avenuet@dhakatribune.com

Autumn/winter trends

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Tuned

September

in Dhaka this week

27th - Oct 9

Fri 27th

Today

AURUM Old Bond Street, London

Circus Police LIVE at The Westin Time: 7:30pm Venue: The Westin, 45, Gulshan Avenue

Classical Guitar Recital of Arnaldo Freire

Time: 10pm Venue: Radisson Blu, Airport Road

Invitation to the Dance Time: 6pm Venue: Bengal Art Lounge, 60 Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 1

Time: 6:30pm Venue: La Galerie, Alliance Francaise de Dhaka, 26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi

Entertainment

Read

See

Watch

The Witch of Portobello: Like most of Paulo Coelho’s books, this is an intriguing story of a spirited person, and philosophy plays a very important part in the narration. The book is divided into various chapters, and each chapter is an interview of people who knew the lead character, Athena. It is the story of a woman who tries to find an answer to the question we all ask ourselves sometimes: “Who am I?” and in this quest, she discovers an intoxicating power within herself.

Crossing Lines: The basic plot of this crime series revolves around a former NYPD officer, Carl Hickman, who starts working as a garbage collector at a carnival after being injured at work. Times change, and he is recruited in a special unit of the International Criminal Court. Here, he teams up with a group of international specialists to solve criminal cases that cross national boundaries. Catch this interesting series on AXN.

The Butler: African Americans have only recently gained equal rights in America. “The Butler” is a historical drama based on the real life of Eugene Allen. Allen serves as the inspiration behind the lead character of Cecil Gaines, played by Forest Whitaker. The story traces the life of Cecil, whose parents were wronged in the plantation they worked in. Circumstances lead him to take up a minor position in the White House. The theme of the movie is to trace the lives of black people who served several presidents of the most powerful country in the world, and to portray the struggle they faced while performing their duties with dignity and in hopes of a better future for their children.

Special Offer

Samsung LED TV with Galaxy Grand and Galaxy Core Samsung customers buying a Samsung Galaxy Grand or a Galaxy Core from any Samsung Smartphone Café are eligible to win a brand new Samsung LED TV!

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However, everyone is a guaranteed winner with instant cash discount ranging from Tk1,000 to Tk2,000, with each Grand and Core purchase. Samsung Galaxy Grand is priced at Tk29,900 while Galaxy Core is priced at Tk21,900, and they are both available in equal monthly installments of Tk2,490 and Tk2,433 respectively.

For more information contact +8801680-878831, +8801670-238-024.

Tech & Turns 5 App Watch

New Tech

Penultimate

Option to project

The originator, none greater. Penultimate is the original handwriting app for the iPad. It’s incredibly easy to use, as it blends the natural experience of a pen and paper that synchs with Evernote Mahmood Hossain There’s nothing complicated about it. It’s a simple, digital canvas for writing, scribbling and sketching. With the most recent update of the app, the lifelike ink used in the beautiful display makes it a pleasant experience. Reading and writing in your own handwriting makes the process even more comfortable and personal.

Here’s something you don’t see being featured too often Mahmood Hossain Many of us have always wanted the full theatre experience without actually having to visit the theatre. We buy our expensive surround sound speakers and our large LED or OLED television sets. We go all out, but there are those of us who want to take it a step further by watching HD movies through projectors. The new Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 730HD projector wishes to sneak into your home. Most projectors are quite the expensive purchase, but the 730HD is priced at a very good value.

also boasts a very bright lamp of 3,000 lumens. That’s a long life of about 4,000 hours of movie nights with your family and friends – nearly five years of movie nights. The lens features a 1.2x optical zoom that projects fine 720p images. It’s based on the 3LCD technology, which cuts away the distracting rainbow effect you might see in cheaper projectors. The settings are quite simple as well. It comes with an HDMI, S-Video, and VGA inputs. Along with them, it has an analogue stereo audio input with two USB ports nearby. Even though you’ll most likely be setting up your stereo systems to this, the 730HD also carries a 2W speaker. This new projector from Epson really is a comfortable buy,

especially if you don’t want to break the bank for home entertainment. The specs: Projector type: 3D: Resolution:

1280 x 800

Image brightness: Contrast ratio:

LCD Yes

3000 ANSI lumens 12000:1

(WxDxH):

Dimensions

11.69in x 9.21in x 3.11in

Weight:

5.29lbs

With a $649 (Tk50,500) price tag, you can’t complain. Think of it this way: it’s around the same price as a 50-inch LCD TV, but is capable of showing an image twice the size of the TV. The 730HD

Wheels Apart from the visuals, the app has the ability to recognise your handwriting. Evernote boasts a very powerful handwriting recognition system, which allows you to search for handwritten text in any of your Penultimate notebooks. As a given, Evernote saves all your notes for future use anywhere, at any time you may need them. The redesigned user interface also makes things easier with less clutter and simple settings. Almost every detail has been refined to meet the modern trend of simplicity. Sharing has also improved. Users can send single page images and full notebooks as PDFs from within the app. Now, your friends and colleagues can always be in the loop in the easiest way possible, and sharing can happen through emails, public URLs and more. If you have an iPad, this is a must have in your library of apps. It releases you from the hassle of carrying around actual notebooks and provides easy access to anything you have saved. Penultimate is free to download from the AppStore.

An unstoppable force

The Ford Ranger XLT is a big-hearted beast that feels equally at home in the suburbs as it does in the bush. From ground up, the Ford Ranger XLT has been completely redesigned. A design that is bound to sweep you off your feet Tahsin Momin The Ford Ranger is power by an all new 2.2 litre, twin cam, 16-valve inline-4 turbo-diesel Duratorq engine, the same you find in a Range Rover Evoque. The Ranger develops 150 horsepower and a whooping 375 Newton metres of torque. All that power is handled by a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 4WD system is backed by a rear diff lock and the clever trailer sway control function. Surprisingly though it still manages to do almost 10Km/litre. Not bad at all. If you are thinking of the rather spartan

Special Offer

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Pre-booking Offer

interiors of pick-ups, then you’ll be wrong. The interior of the Ranger is a highly unfamiliar experience; in a very good way. It still comes with the same old plasticky feel but the way the dash panels are moulded, it portrays the image of a modern crossover rather than a truck. The seats are of a particular note, not leather but the fabric upholstery is of top quality and sure feels like leather. Front or the rear, it has more than ample legroom. Speaking of controls, the Ranger comes with what could easily be the best

Samsung and Grameenphone have come together with an amazing offer to pre-book this latest Samsung flagship smartphone in the Bangladesh market for GP’s star subscribers. Customers pre-booking the Note 3 will get an unbelievable value pack worth Tk50,000 whose main attraction is the Grameenphone

integrated entertainment system in the market. Out of the box, the XLT comes with Bluetooth compatibility, USB input, Auxiliary input, iPod compatibility, steering wheel controls for the audio system as well as cruise control. It even has a centre info display, which shows usual info like fuel consumption, trip metre and average speeds. In nearly every aspect, the Ford Ranger could very well be unstoppable. It may not be a crossover, but it can surely take on almost any SUV in the market without having to break a sweat.

3G premier package, completely free of cost! The pre-booking offer is valid only for first 300 Grameenphone Star subscribers on first-come-first-served basis till September 28 and this Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is currently priced at Tk69,900. For more information contact +8801670-238-024, +8801680-878-831

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In Town

North and South Indian food festival A press conference was held on September 18 at the The Westin Dhaka Silver Room to kick start the food lover marathon – “North and South Indian Food Festival”. It is an initiative of The Westin to enhance the local and international culinary experience of the guests. The event continued until September 25 of the month where Guest Chefs Dharmender Sharma and Suresh Thangavelu from India took over the kitchen of The Westin’s signature restaurant Seasonal Tastes. The event was graced by high officials from the Indian High Commission Dhaka and the Country Manager of Jet Airways (India). The event promised an array of traditional North and South Indian cuisines such as Aloo Moti Tikkim, Mutton Shami Kabab, Angare Murgh Tikka, Koshambari Salad, Subzi Dum Biriyani, Dal Korma to name a few Tausif Sanzum

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In Town

A special date with the queen of fish On September 21 Oh! Calcutta, one of the leading fine dining restaurants of the capital, set out to give avid food enthusiasts a special tasting of the season's favourite hilsa by inagurating ‘The River Water Hilsa Festival,' a three-month fete that promises to tickle your tastebuds and tempt your palette N Anita Amreen Photos: Kazi Istela Imam "Bangalis are immensely passionate about hilsa and it is evident with the sheer variety of recipes available on both sides of the border. But in a time where traditional recipes are fast disappearing, bringing back the authentic flavours is our main goal, while creating innovative dishes for the changing palate," Subir Kumar Deb, Chef de Cuisine of Oh! Calcutta, said at the press conference. Ashish Kejriwal, managing director of Karishma Services Limited, the franchisee of Oh! Calcutta in Bangladesh stated the festival will give the gourmands an opportunity to savour the diverse flavours of hilsa.

With the view of preserving the beauty and authenticity of true Hilsa recipes, Oh! Calcutta has set out on a wondrous journey to give every fish lover a special date with the hilsa, the queen of fish. With each addition to the menu carefully considered, the master chefs in Oh! Calcutta's kitchen have whipped up delicacy after delicacy - be it the Kumro Pata Aam Acharer Ilish, the Bhapa Ilish or the Aam Tel Ilish. Two must try dishes include the Lonka Bhapa Ilish, a special delicacy and the Aam Tel Ilish where the hilsa is delicately blended with tangy mango pickles, wrapped in gourd leaves and then steamed for an intensely aromatic dish. All credit and debit cardholders of Standard Chartered Bank will enjoy an exclusive discount of 25% on any a-la-carte item available in Oh! Calcutta’s regular and specially catered menus for the hilsa festival. They will also be entitled for one complimentary dessert. Their offer is valid till December 31.

The innovative menu is on offer both for lunch and dinner at Oh! Calcutta - 6th Floor, Kazi Heritage, House No 49, Road No 11, Block - H, Banani, Dhaka 1213. Tel No: 8812763 / 64

Open discussion presented by LOOK

LOOK presented an open discussion, appropriately named, The Changes of Food Habit, Taste and Cooking at the Bengal Art Gallery Café this past Thursday, September 19. Famous food enthusiasts, cooks and chefs came together for an afternoon chitchat about evolving Bengali food culture. AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, SE PTE MB E R 26, 20 1 3

Talk

Foorti and beyond

September 21 marked the 7th anniversary of a radio station which has emerged as a cultural phenomenon among the youth of the nation – Radio Foorti. To commemorate the occasion, the radio station played a variety of programmes to celebrate this milestone. Andrew Kishore, Ananta Jalil and Barsha inaugurated the event by cutting a cake at 12am. Throughout the day, Radio Foorti gave listeners the best of Bangla, English and Hindi songs from the last seven years while the humour quotient was added by “Talking Tom”, “Foorti Band” and “Foorti Bomb” Tausif Sanzum Avenue T had a conversation with the officials and RJs of Radio Foorti to decode the mantra behind their success and gain insight to their passion for bringing the best entertainment to their listeners. The lighthearted chitchat gave

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us an idea of their successful journey so far, as well as their plans for the future.

When asked to divulge a little about the history of Radio Foorti, COO M Rezaul Huq said, “We see the start up of Radio Foorti not as a business but as a product of passion. When we started off, we felt that there was a void in the field of entertainment for all age groups - especially the younger generation “It was as if there was an unfulfilled need. Fulfilling this need became our commitment. One thing which has been our goal from the beginning, something we still hold dear even today and plan to hold on to even in the future is to provide complete “Foorti”. Even though we did succeed in bringing about a lot of new elements we still feel that we are still growing and we have a long road ahead of us. From the beginning we have encouraged young talent, especially musicians and we continue to do so. As you can see, we play a lot of unreleased songs, providing a platform to young talents to show the world what they are capable of. We want to provide a structured guideline to promote these young artistes. As you can see, we have recently launched a talent hunt show, Young Star Of The Month – Season 2 where musician Fuad himself will train and launch the winners. Music is a thing that cannot be contained within a box and we want to take the sound of music to as many people as possible.”

Radio is more challenging than the idiot box as it requires a lot more effort to attract and hold the listeners’ attention and the RJs play a very important role in this. According to RJ Sadia, “This is a special part of radio. Television media is a very active appointment based media. You know you are going to view a programme at a certain time. Radio is often referred to as passive media. No matter what you are doing, there is a possibility that the radio can play in the background. In a way, the radio is pretty close to its target audience compared to television. Moreover, everything is live, which makes it all the more exciting. Even those of us who work would tell you that everyday is a new exciting challenge at Radio Foorti. Since Radio Foorti has an increasing influence over the lives of listeners, especially the young generation, it is normal to think that they can be attracted towards negative things.” RJ Abrar adds, “We face these challenges everyday. One thing which we concentrate upon is the linguistic usage. Whatever I do, I never add an English touch to my Bengali words or vice versa. For me it is important to get my message across rather than how and what language I convey it in. There can be a 16 year old listener and also a 45 plus one, the latter can easily get if I want to pass a message in Bengali but the 16 year old kid might not. So I have to chalk out a balance so that I can reach and allow people from both of these demographics to understand me.” Programming Head, Biswajyoti Bandyopadhyay gives us an idea about the working process, chanllenges and

future plans of Radio Foorti, “Every market is different, although we often try to stereotype the market in this part of the world. Here, what I have seen is that people are extremely talented like my team. They have the ability to think out of the box. Every message that we send has to be through music and that is how it is different from the Indian or Middle Eastern Market.

Be it a humour or a social message or sports, you have to communicate that through music and you can easily connect with people. In radio, you have to treat every single day as an opportunity. We constantly innovate. I have tried to implement creativity as an integral part of our process. It is not a single person but an entire group of people who work together as a process. Foorti is all about music, fun and humour, but fun with responsibility We are a pure entertainment station. We have completed seven years with the support of our listeners, patrons, clients, singers and musicians. I take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them and request them to be with us as they have been in the past and we want to grow further with them.”

Tailored His Style by

Handle with care

• When

you take the responsibility of ironing your own clothes, never leave the iron unattended. It could tip over and burn something or even worse, someone

• This should be common sense, but before you fill the iron with water, remember to unplug it

• There

are fabrics (like linen or nylon) that can be delicate enough for the iron to burn, so it’s wise to place a cloth or towel in between the iron and the garment

When you take a trip out of town, it’s important to pack the right way so there’s no damage to deal with later. • Spacing is vital when packing things in your luggage. Fold your shirts flat, and roll your trousers and ties so they don’t wrinkle

• Think

ahead. Remember to leave a little extra space in the luggage, because you might just come back with a few souvenirs

• Whichever

luggage you choose, make sure it’s water-resistant inside and out. This is no joke, as many times men have found a pool of liquid at the bottom of their suitcases eating away at their expensive clothes

• Items like suits and silk shirts are

pretty difficult to iron and require more of your attention. In this case, it’s better to take your clothes to the dry-cleaner’s

• You

can line the bottom of your suitcase with a few plastic bags that you’ll be able to use as laundry bags later.

Photo: Big Stock

In Fashion

Update the portfolio

Style

Session

Photos: Big Stock

Gentlemen, you can splurge on a new wardrobe all you want, but the value of each item will drop the moment you stop caring. As mentioned countless times before, each purchase should be treated as an investment. Regardless the price tag , you should be taking the extra effort to keep your clothes and accessories safe and clean. It’s not just about discipline, it’s about appreciation. Here is a handful of tips for keeping your things neat and secure

Q: It seems as if Europeans have the best sense of style. Are they the only ones who set the trends? Do we have to follow them in order to stay “cool?” At the end of the day, style comes down to you. Yes, the Europeans are much more focused on how they look than others. But that’s their lifestyle and their choice. Cultures differ from country to country, so just because you aren’t sporting what they wear doesn’t mean you aren’t considered cool. What you see on TV or in movies is a glamorous take on fashion that makes you desire things you can’t have. The entire purpose of these shows is to evoke certain aspirational emotions towards your own style, so take these examples as a source of inspiration in building your own signature style. Take bits and pieces from the US, UK, Europe and here at home, and make them your own, a fusion of sorts.

Q: I have always wondered when it’s the perfect time for a shave. Which time of the day is the right time?

Style tip: When abroad at a hotel, don’t forget to take advantage of their hospitality. They will press or iron your clothes for free. Don’t forget to tip, though

There are a few select accessories that are absolutely necessary for men, such as watches, wallets, briefcases and so on. Since we live in a fast paced environment, these accessories must be easy to carry on the go. That is where a portfolio bag comes into play The portfolio bag is an essential accessory for the office goer who tends to take walks more often than not. Building to building, street to street, you need to carry important documents in a safe manner. In fact, this works pretty well with students as well. The leather portfolio bag is an elegantly crafted folder of sorts. Some are designed to be zipped open and closed, some have handles and others have attaching clasps. Regardless the design, the bag is meant to be held with one hand and by your side. Fortunately, there are portfolio bags large enough to fit your tablet,

Articles by Mahmood Hossain

ultrabook, and what have you alongside those important papers. Truth be told, this bag is like a chic and slimmer version of a briefcase. It will never lack sophistication, and like many other quality bags, it will last for quite a while. It’s also very versatile. One moment, you are at the office in your work clothes, and the next you’re in your street casuals, heading off to the bank with the same portfolio bag. With plenty of designs and colours, you can select your choice of arm candy, and carry all your personal items in an easy to carry bag.

There is no actual rule as to when you should shave, but it’s wise to do so after you take a shower. The water softens your skin, and when using the right face wash, your pores will open up. Why do you think barbers use hot towels on the face? Believe it or not, shaving after you drink coffee helps as well. It keeps you awake while you place that sharp blade on your face. If you have an important meeting or any other event the next day, it’s better to shave at night before you go to bed, so your skin can have plenty of time to breathe.

Send in your queries, at avenuet@dhakatribune.com AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, SE PTE MB E R 26, 20 1 3

Tempt Hair

Rocking redheads Is red the right colour for you? If you enjoy a fair bit of attention, this shade is perfect for turning some heads! Before you decide on going red, there are a few things to consider Sabikun Nahar

u There is a particular shade of red that suits each individual. Women with a pink undertone or cool skin are best suited for the pure red colour. For women with warmer, yellowish tones or a darker complexion, magenta or violet red are fabulous choices u Bleach: that dreaded word we are all scared of. When applied by a professional, hair colour can produce a gentle lifting effect without damaging the hair. If you have dark hair and want a lighter shade of red, you may have to pre-lighten your hair to get the desired hue. Ask your stylist about colour removal and bleach baths for a gentler approach to bleaching hair u I do not recommend this process for people with very

damaged hair, as the strands are too porous to retain moisture or colour. In other words, the hair will be unable to hold in the small red molecules of bleach, and will soon fade to a bright, brassy orange, which we all love – not!

can strip your hair of its colour before you can say: "She told me so," so beware!

u If you have healthy hair, and deep condition it once a week, get regular trims, and do not heat style your hair on a daily basis, you’re good to go

u No dark, smokey eyes! Instead, rock pink lips and blush, as they really bring out the red

u If you want to be a redhead, do not wash your hair more than two to three times a week. To survive in between washes, just rinse with tepid water and embrace the trusty dry shampoo

Sabikun Nahar is a professional hair stylist and make-up artist who has worked in Sydney, Australia, following her graduation at Toni&Guy Sydney International School of Hairdressing. She now owns and operates HairBar in Dhaka. facebook.com/ hairbarbangladesh

u Accessorise! Bring out the hats, scarves and all the UV protection you can find in styling products

Now that you know everything you need to know about getting flawless red hair, what are you waiting for? Go for it!

u I can never say this enough, but use a gentle, sulphate free shampoo. Antidandruff shampoos

Trends

Deshi don’ts

Maya Almuqtadir is the designer and owner of Mayali, as well as a practitioner of fusing international and local trends.

When it comes to deshi attire, not everything goes. Here is a compilation of some fashion don’ts when you’re dressed deshi style Maya Almuqtadir j White is always a tricky colour when it comes to saris. It can make even the slimmest person look wide and unflattering. One way to curb this problem is by NOT wearing a white blouse with a white sari. A different coloured blouse will act as a colourblock and avoid having you look heavy on top j Unless you have toned arms, avoid wearing capped sleeves. They cut your arms off at the widest point, drawing attention to the largest parts of your arms. Go for elbow length blouses instead, or, if you’re confident enough, go sleeveless j If you’re getting half-sleeved blouses tailored, instruct your tailor to make them slightly loose so that your arms don't bulge out. This will make your arms look thin

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j If you’re on the heavier side, avoid metallic, two-toned and shiny fabric for saris and kameezes, as such fabrics will only draw attention to all the wrong places j In local attire, less is more. The simplest outfit can look elegant depending on your hair, make-up and jewellery j If you’re wearing a heavily embroidered outfit, avoid wearing too much jewellery, which can be distracting. Save the heavy jewellery for simple outfits, and make heavy saris the focal point of your outfit

* Red lips + red outfit = Don't do it!

j Don't match your outfit colours with the colours of your make-up

j This last one is for the men: if you’re trying to go traditional, opt for a nice, streamlined panjabi instead of a fotua

Tempt

Beauty

Facials: Necessary or a waste of time? Who doesn't want to have glowing , flawless skin? Your gorgeous bone structure can only get you so far if your face is riddled with acne, spots and wrinkles, right? But is a monthly facial actually worth the time? Many celebrities swear by it. Being surrounded by magazines featuring the milky, pore perfection of Katrina Kaif and Eva Longoria is enough to drive any lady straight to the aesthetician. However, many dermatologists argue that a facial is a waste of money, and that deep cleansing is not only hullaballoo, but it may do more damage than good. Studies indicate there are some benefits to a facial, but you have to know your skin and what products and techniques are actually beneficial for it, as opposed to what is just a bogus waste of money and a time drainer Navin Ahmed

a Steam is an important part of any facial, and it does actually work. It opens up the pores so that products can penetrate the skin more easily. It also improves circulation and makes extraction easier, which means less trauma to the skin.

pick anyway, it’s better to have someone with a tool and gloves do it to prevent the transfer of more bacteria on your face. However, if you have sensitive skin or are prone to broken capillaries, extractions are going to do even more damage.

a Chemical peels are excellent! Alphahydroxy acids exfoliate the skin better than any scrub does on its best day. When you exfoliate, you remove all the dead skin covering that dewy glow you have somewhere in there. Make sure to have it done by a dermatologist instead of at the parlour.

a Facial massages are great for relaxation, but they won’t stimulate much of anything other than Zen. However, the massage feels great, and any sort of stress reliever is a good thing.

a Extractions are a hit or miss. If you’re prone to blackheads and are a "self-extractor", professional extractions are a necessary evil. They will clear the pores of bacteria without doing any damage to your skin. If you’re going to

a Anti-wrinkle facials are bogus! Nothing you put on your face, no matter how deeply it penetrates, is going to make wrinkles go away. You may have a more toned look for several hours after the facial, but the wrinkles will be just as visible the next day.

a The most important thing about the facial is the aesthetician. She needs to have an understanding of what kind of products your particular skin needs. If she uses a standard routine on all skin types, there's a good chance your face will be stripped of everything it needs to self regulate wrinkle formation, discolouration and acne. So, do your research, and know your skin before booking your next appointment. Ask questions about the products being used. Also, do not allow the aestheticians to rub your skin vigorously or put it through more stress than necessary. Facial skin is thin and should be handled gently. Do not get facials every month unless your skin actually requires it. Getting a good facial every five months is usually enough if you don’t have any skin problems. People with severe acne should avoid facials altogether, as they irritate the skin further.

Navin Ahmed has studied cosmetic techniques and management at Sheridan College in Canada. She has worked as a freelance makeup artist in Toronto, and is the founder of GALA Wedding Planners and Makeover Studio in Dhaka.

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Trial Room

Roddur

This autumn Roddur has brought forward a vast collection of outfits in cotton, silk, linen and georgette. Whether it’s adding to your feel-good factor or it’s just their simple yet innovative designing skills – Roddur believes in keeping it fun and fresh. Their saris, salwar kameezes and fotuas are not only comfortable, but also an example of how simplicity can also be the height of style Sabiha Akond Rupa

Model : Jennifer

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Trial Room

Model : Ruma

Address: Shop-219, 220, 1st floor, Orchard Point Shopping Complex

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Tell Letters to Mars

In love with the rebel Dear AA, I am so frustrated with my life, I cannot deal with this anymore. I’m head over heels in love with this amazing, psychotic, crazy woman who drives me up the wall and leaves me feeling utterly in love, despite her ways. She’s an adventurous woman who likes doing just as she pleases. Leaving the house in the late hours, slamming the door in my face in front of guests, dancing promiscuously with my friends – she does it all, but she does it with a certain detachment, as if it’s nothing wrong. She believes her attitude is something that people should learn to accept because her intentions are always pure, and her love is only reserved for

me. She’s so rebellious, she never sees the point in my argument. I can’t deal with this anymore, neither can I leave her. Help! JM

Of course, you can leave her, but you do not want to even consider the possibility of making her “see sense.” You say she is psychotic and crazy; if that is so, why would you consider staying with someone who is so unreliable in your eyes and does not care about how you feel? What is missing in you that you are prepared to suffer such behaviour? Rather than trying to understand her, I advise you search in your soul for what makes you want to

have such a difficult relationship. In every relationship, there are problems of communication and understanding. Everyone faces difficulties, which help them learn to adjust to their partners, listen from their hearts, rather than a judgmental place, and accept differences as something positive. After all, differences are what we like in someone other than ourselves, and differences are what add spice to any relationship. In your relationship, it’s not just a matter of differences, however, it is a matter of “it’s my way or the highway” on her part. Your lady is entitled to do whatever she wants, but not at your expense, unless you are a masochist.

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach, a relationship coach, as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to give seminars and see her clients, as well as counsel them on Skype. AA is also a ghostwriter for a renowned American magazine.

Letters to Venus

Unfair attention I am a 30-year-old woman married to a 40-year-old man. We have a five-year-old son, but my husband was married to another woman before and had a son with her too. I know this may seem odd, but I feel that he loves his older son more than his younger son. My son doesn't seem to notice, but I think this may become a problem in the future, and that he may grow up to resent his father. What should I do?

Photos: Big Stock

When a parent separates from his/ her child, it is quite normal for the parent to feel a sense of regret and unfairness about the child. After all, the child, no matter the circumstances, feels abandoned and not good enough. Every adult

from a broken home I see in my practice has the same refrain: my father/mother left because I was not worth his/her love, or I was not good enough to be able to keep my father/mother around. It could be that your husband feels guilty and gives more attention to his older son, but it could also be that some of this discomfort belongs to you: a fear that he might prefer the older son, and as a result the older one may benefit more out of his father. Why don’t you try to get close to the older one without fear, remind yourself that if your husband is good to his older son, he is a good father, and so will be good to your son, too. Our fears can really play havoc in our lives and make us miserable. Refrain

from telling your husband your doubts about him, otherwise, he will start to show affection to his older boy behind your back in order not to upset you. Reassure yourself of your love for your husband and his love for you. Give him the attention and affection you would like from him; show him the way, such as by giving him a big smile when he comes home, and spending a little time together over a cup of tea. Couples tend to get used to the same routine, and spouses become “part of the furniture.” Once in a while, change your routine, go for walks without your mobile phone, and talk about everything and anything! Take him out for an ice cream, just the two of you.

Send in your queries with the subject “Tell” to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

Drama Mama

Not interested My 19-year-old son just gave his A-levels for the second time. In this interim period, he doesn’t want to do anything constructive, such as look for universities to apply to. He’s always moody and prefers to lock himself up in his room and talk on the phone with his girlfriend. At dinnertime, he eats and goes right back to his room and has no interest in being with his family. What should I do?

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At 19, your son is no longer a child and should neither be treated nor allowed to behave like one. You should start to be very firm in terms of his behaviour and your expectations of him. Explain that he must be more proactive about his future, especially

after failing his A-levels. He should draw up a schedule for waking up and spend several hours a day looking into universities and, if not, then looking for jobs. He must eat with you at every meal and discuss what he accomplished during the day. He

needs discipline imposed on him, and once he starts responding, you can try to establish a proper parent-child dynamic that will encourage him to share with you on his own and feel inspired to do more.

Dina Sobhan is a free-lance writer, a part-time counsellor and a full-time mom.

Take Care 15 Health

Dengue fever Dengue is a viral disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality throughout the developing world. It is caused by microorganisms that can be spread to humans by mosquitos that thrive in tropical zones and breed in stagnant water sources. With more than one-third of the world’s population living in areas at risk for transmission, dengue infection is a leading cause of illness and death in the tropics and subtropics, affecting 100m people annually Bassema Karaki for the disease. Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or at birth is also a possibility. To protect against infection, the CDC recommends applying an insect repellant containing DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide,) a yellow oil whose smell repels mosquitos. Of course, as this chemical is a toxin and can affect your health, it is important not to overuse it. Instead of spraying it on your skin, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors, and spray the repellant on your clothing, as mosquitos can bite through cloth. Picardin is another repellent recommended by the CDC and WHO, and this chemical is odourless and more pleasant to use, but presents the same toxicity risks as DEET. As for indoors, place mosquito netting over your and your children’s beds, and make sure your window screens are intact.

Photo: Big Stock

There are four dengue viruses that result in different levels of severity of the disease, the mildest of which is known as dengue fever. Dengue fever is sometimes mistaken for the flu or measles, as it causes high fever, migraine-like headaches, rashes, achiness, queasiness and tiredness. It can also affect the blood, causing mild bleeding of the gums and easy bruising. The severe form of the disease, known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, is more common in babies and young children who are relatively well nourished, as well as females and people with a high body mass index. Dengue cannot be spread through human contact, but can be transmitted via infected blood products, such as during blood transfusions. There is no way to test donated blood for dengue fever, and no vaccinations are available

Yoga

Yoga for indigestion

Auronee Malsi is a student, teacher, and practitioner of healthy lifestyle through good food, fitness and spirituality. Her philosophy in life is to strive for balance and bliss in the mind, body and soul.

Digestion is the centre of one’s energy regulation and can make or break one’s holistic wellness. It’s hard to operate well when feeling bloated, constipated or queasy. Optimal digestion means regular elimination, which is the body’s natural way of flushing out toxins and waste. Without it, we’re left feeling heavy and sluggish Auronee Malsi Try these three simple yoga poses to help improve your digestion: Apanasana Also known as the “wind-relieving pose,” this requires lying on your back. Place your feet on the floor, directly beneath your knees. When you inhale, take your hands to your knees. On an exhale, hug the knees comfortably over you belly. Stay like this for 5-10 full breaths.

Hugging the right knee over your belly massages the ascending colon, while hugging the left knee in massages the descending colon.

Lying twists Move from apanasana into a simple spinal twist. Hug the knees gently and inhale. On the exhale, drop the knees to the left while turning your

Optional Follow with hugging one knee at a time, first the right and then the left.

head to the right with both shoulders pressed down to your mat. Stay in this position for 5-10 full breaths. On an inhale, return the knees to the centre and repeat on the other side. Compressing the colon in detoxifying twists from right to left can stimulate the movement of accumulated toxins out of the body. Balasana Also known as “child’s pose,” this position compresses the abdomen and massages the internal organs. From lying on your back, hug the knees in once more. Roll to your right side, using the right arm as a pillow for your head. Inhale, then use the top arm to push and sit up on the exhale. Come to kneel on your knees and sit back onto your heels. Spread your knees comfortably wide, fold over the legs, and rest your forehead on the floor. Either place your hands back by your feet or rest them straight out. Deeply inflate the lower

belly against your upper thighs with each breath, and remain in this position for 5-10 full breaths. On the last inhale, bring your hands to the floor beneath your shoulders, and press up on the exhale.

Your digestion can surely benefit and improve from these comforting yoga postures. Feel lighter!

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Tantalise Recipe

Summer mocktails

Fareeha Chowdhury is an avid food enthusiast and professional cupcake baker. She studied courses in pastry techniques at the French Culinary institute in Manhattan.

It’s hot outside and I’m always up for refreshing and fun new drinks to beat the heat! This week, we’re looking into my own version of a virgin mojito and a strawberry ice tea that is to die for. These drinks are sweet and simple. While the mojito combines mint with citrus flavours, the ice tea is complemented perfectly by the sweetness and tanginess of the strawberries. When both of these are served on ice, they become the perfect summer drinks! Fareeha Chowdhury

Virgin mojito

Strawberry ice tea

(serves 2 glasses) •15-20 mint leaves •½ sliced lime (cut into circles) •2tsp sugar •Sprite or 7up •Ice

(serves 2 glasses) •2 cups whole fresh/frozen strawberries (whichever is available) •4 cups raw tea (brewed and cooled) •1/4-1/2 cup white sugar (to taste) •1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

Directions Using a muddler, mash the mint and lime wedges together with the sugar to get the flavours to mix and the liquids to ooze out. Equally pour the mixture into two tall glasses, add ice, and top it off with Sprite or 7up. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf on top of each drink and a slice of lime on each glass’ rim, and enjoy the minty freshness on a hot afternoon in Dhaka!

Directions Set aside five strawberries for garnishing. Pour the remaining strawberries into the blender, and pulse them into a smooth paste. Strain the fruit puree and throw away the seeds. Then, pour the puree into a jug with the brewed tea, lime juice, sugar, and ice, and let it chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve it over ice, and use the extra strawberries to garnish.

I hope these summer mocktails make your day brighter and hit the spot when you’re in need of an exciting, thirst quenching, refreshing drink!

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Tucked in

Air fresheners at the workplace If you’re working , you’re most likely spending around 40 hours a week in your office. Workplaces can get extremely stuffy, especially when many employees are confined within a limited space. In such cases, the use of air freshener becomes a necessity that can increase productivity at work Tausif Sanzum Many of us think air fresheners are only functional because of the perfume they release, but these perfumes are also a type of aromatherapy that lessen work related stress. Cinnamon scented air freshener can soothe the nerves; jasmine scented ones can decrease the feeling of depression, and lavender scented ones reduce headaches. Some air fresheners also have hygienic benefits, as they’re designed to destroy germs. These are of vital importance in toilet and kitchen areas. After lunch, office rooms generally become more stuffy due to the lingering smell of food.

Air fresheners come to the rescue in these situations and can eliminate the smell within seconds. Since some people are allergic to perfume and scented body products, which can cause severe headaches, scentless air fresheners are also available to combat the stagnant air Finally, the problem of unpleasant body odours becomes unavoidable in the workplace, where most people sit in cubicles quite close to one another. Fragranced air fresheners can easily take care of this problem. The market offers a wide range of air freshening items such as sprays, plug-ins, potpourri and scented candles.

Tips and tricks for a fragrant home w To remove the stench from an overused oven, take a bowl of water and add a few pieces of cut lemon and heat it in the oven until you can smell a fresh, lemony fragrance w If you want to get a little creative you can always make pomanders to add fragrance within a limited space. Take an orange, stick cloves all over the surface of it and suspend it using a piece of string. It will keep the place smelling fresh for weeks w If you want to opt for something natural then you can just simmer a handful of cloves or cinnamon over the stove for half an hour and your house will smell of exotic spices w To free your fridge from smelling like food you can take a few cotton balls and dip it in vanilla extract and leave it in the freezer overnight w You can also run over to Aarong or Aranya and buy a few scented candles and potpourri and unpleasant odour problems will be a thing of the past

Horoscope Aries (mar 21- apr 19) It’s time to get your work shoes off and the party shoes on – this week is all about having fun and letting your hair down. Taurus (apr 20- may 20) Whatever brought your spirits down last week will no longer bother you now. Your newly found courage and strength will give you stronger insights this week. Gemini (may 21- jun 20) A sudden stream of good luck will have you glowing with joy for the rest of the week. Regardless of the source, this luck will be a welcome addition to your life. Cancer (jun 21- jul 22) Like the mighty crab, you shall give your friends the perfect shoulder whether they need one to cry on, or one to lean on in testing times. Leo (jul 23-aug 22) That person you felt you knew profoundly will now turn into an essential part of your life. Romantic connections will grow out of your special bond. Virgo (aug 23- sep 22) Your work will improve greatly, also bringing great improvements to your finances. Don’t go overboard with spending as you will need this extra cash in the future. Libra (sep 23- oct 22) The stars have been in your favour for a while now, but if you don’t tread carefully, perhaps things may hit a sudden low. Despair not as you will overcome any and all hurdles this week. Scorpio (oct 23 – nov 21) Whether it’s loss or loneliness, belief in yourself will help you get through it all. Keep your head held high and you are good to go. Sagittarius (nov 22- dec21) You’ll be feeling young and energetic, ready to embark on any adventure your mind pleases to take up. Share this time with loved ones. Capricorn (dec 22- jan 19) Work that was halfway done will now be completed. This is good news for you as you can move on to bigger issues that need your attention. Aquarius (jan 20 – feb 19) You can finally take that much needed break you’ve been looking forward to. As you feel rejuvenated and confident, you’ll be attracting many members of the opposite sex. Pisces (feb 20 – march 20) Everything will go your way only if you let it. The moment you drown yourself in negative thoughts, things won’t be as pleasant as you would like.

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Trails Outside Dhaka

Kuakata Kuakata is situated in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, below the Potuakhali district and Barisal division. Kuakata’s beach is a spectacular place to take a dip in the sea’s calm and steady waters. Settle your toes in the sand, admire the big coconut trees, and experience the breathtaking view of the sun rising and setting over the horizon Iffat Zerin Haque

What to do If the scenic beauty of the long beach and coconut trees is unsatisfactory, you can rent a motorbike and ride along the beach or even through the village. There are several places to visit such as the Kuakata Eco Park, Lebu Chor, Fatrar Chor, Gongamay’r Island, the Buddhist temple, Rakhain Village and Fisherman Village.

Where to stay There are many hotels and motels near the beach of Kuakata, where Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation’s (the national tourism organisation) facilities are available. Hotel Neelanjana is a beautiful hotel only a short distance from the beach that provides clean sheets and hot water. The hotel is directly opposite the Rakhaine Women’s Market, where you can shop and buy some souvenirs.

What to eat The food of Neelanjana Hotel is delicious, especially the fish. If you want to experience the local food of Kuakata, make sure you try the street food.

Getting there There are buses in Dhaka that travel directly to Kuakata. There are also steamers and launches that travel from Sadarghat to Potuakhali, after which you can take a bus to Kuakata. Travelling by launch, such as the Dipraj launch, is the best way to get to Kuakata, because the food offered in the launches is delectable and the ride provides a breathtaking view of the starry sky at night. For more information, visit: www.kuakata.info

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Trails

Inside Dhaka

Only fools rush in Sushi has always been branded as something of an elitist cuisine. Firstly, it’s an acquired taste, since the idea of raw fish is off putting to many a ‘macche bhaate Bangali’. Secondly, there aren’t very many places where they do serve the stuff, leaving the small coterie of enthusiasts with a limited choice of dining places. Finally, it’s pretty expensive, causing your wallet to weep every time you plan to indulge. Entrepreneurs Sabbir Amin and Arif Shafique decided to address these woes with Fool’s Diner, the most happening new sushi place in town

The venue: It’s a small, street level diner, tucked behind Shwarma House. By small, we mean they can only afford to deal with customers on a first-come-first serve basis and cannot at present accommodate reservations. What might be considered a setback for other places is perfect for Fool’s Diner. It is the kind of warm, cosy place you want to discover on a whim, and make repeat visits.

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad The menu: The big draw is the sushi, of course, although some might complain of the lack of seafood options. The sushi items comprise mostly red snapper, prawn, cuttlefish and crab. For those just wetting their feet in the sushi arena, there are beef and chicken maki options, and plenty of items for hardcore vegetarians. For those totally not into Japanese food, there’s a separate menu comprising Thai and Chinese items, and fancy mocktail-type drinks.

So there’s a little something for everyone, and Fool’s Diner is a great choice whether you’re meeting up for a chiller and some snacks or in the mood for a chowdown

If one is to describe the taste of the food in one word, it would be ‘uncomplicated’. Everything is fresh, the flavours so well-coordinated that the senses are soothed, rather than overwhelmed, and it’s possible to scarf down a lot before you become aware you have. We recommend giving the crab sushi a try, as well as the fried wing appetisers.

The ambience: The story goes that the owners took an old garage and converted it into a diner. It resulted in a kind of kitschy, yet urban atmosphere that is fairly unique in Dhaka, and more so in the flashy Banani shopping area. The naked lightbulbs hanging from a ship’s wheel stuck on the ceiling, the painted door, the warm, stippled yellow walls, give it a very casual, arty feel.The paper menus and the prompt, personal service makes dining here a comfortable, intimate experience. This is really a place where you come to unwind, relax, enjoy good food and conversation.

Fool’s Diner is located at 67/C, Block E Road 13/B Banani. Check out their Facebook page for maps and further details

The prices: This is definitely the best part of the Fool’s experience. The prices are incredibly reasonable. Try Tk315 for a plate of California maki, or a full serving of red snapper sashimi for Tk450. Yup, you read it right. This is sushi on a student budget. The other meal items are also as affordable. The verdict: While we’re still hoping that the seafood menu will expand in the future, what we’ve seen so far has been very impressive. This joint is definitely a must-try.

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Travel

Singapore Singapore is a little red dot on the map that tells us size hardly matters, but first impressions do. The state goes out of its way to grace each of its corner with stunning architecture that has exceptional aesthetic appeal and startling originality. Singapore is a joy year-round for everyone who loves travelling Compiled by Muneeba Fakhrul

Sentosa Sentosa is an idyllic island resort with long stretches of pristine beaches, golf courses, renowned five star hotels and the Fort Siloso. The island is also home to the Resorts World Sentosa, bursting with more than 30 thrilling worldclass attractions for all ages, and featuring the theme parks like Universal Studios Singapore. You can reach Sentosa by the MRT train or by cable car to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the island.

What to do Shopping Singapore flaunts Asia’s most glitzy shopping malls and offers its visitors a superlative shopping experience. If you don’t mind puncturing a gaping hole in your wallet and welcome cringe-worthy prices with open arms, then ION Orchard is the right place for you. If nothing else, this glittering, fritted glass house is worth a visit only to marvel at it. Trip to the Marina Bays Hitch Ride in the world’s largest Ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer, and drool over the panoramic views of the vividly lit Marina Bay as you experience a 360° swivel. Marina Bay Sands is perhaps the city’s most prominent landmark. The gardens by the bay house a cluster of man-made treelike structures near a futuristic forest.

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Travel

INDEX Marina Bay Sands 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956, 2 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018972 Ph: +65 6688 8868 Sentosa Island Sentosa, Singapore Hotel Marina Sands Bay Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956, 2 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018972 Ph: +65 6688 8868

What to eat

Hotel 81-Palace 25 Lorong 16 Geylang Singapore 398867 Ph: +65 6440 8181

Hainanese Chicken Rice As Singapore’s national dish, the Hainanese Chicken Rice is a must-have. Fragrant rice is slathered with chicken broth and topped with oily skinned, tender meat. A drizzle of dark soy sauce and a dip of chilli work as the finishing touches to the dish.

Singapore Chilli Crabs No traveller can leave Singapore without diving into a plate of chill crabs. Fresh, meaty crabs are bathed in a huge pool of tangy, spicy tomato sauce.

Where to stay Hotel 81-Palace (Tk4,000 per night for a standard room) An answer to those who drive a hard bargain, this chain of hotels is your haven. The hotel’s low rates include air-conditioned rooms along with IDD telephone and free Wi-Fi.

Flights

Fish Head Curry Some say they would travel the world for Singapore’s Fish Head Curry. Wetted with a spicy Indian curry, this blistering hot fish head is flanked by bread or white rice and a heap of vegetables.

Hotel Marina Sands Bay (Tk22,000 per night for a standard room) This hotel features a boat shaped rooftop, aka the “skypark,” nested above three lofty towers, and offers an overwhelmingly picturesque sight of the dazzling city at night.

Singapore Airlines flies from Dhaka to Singapore daily.

Globe Trotter TOKYO Saxony, Germany

Munich Bangkok, Thailand

Dubai Mount Abu, India

Tokyo September International Basho Dixieland Festival 15 –Dresden 29 Sept May 12-19

Oktoberfest Jae Danupon 21 Sept Kaewkarn - 6 Oct Classical Concert May 25

annual Summer wedding Festival fairMay 23-25 27 - 28 Sept

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