Avenue T Vol 1 Issue 2

Dhaka Tribune

Thursday, April 25, 2013 Volume 1, Issue 2

Cloud 9

Just a little spark and you’ll be good as new

APRIL

Contents

Volume 1, Issue 2, April 25, 2013

7

To-Do's in Dhaka This Week

Live English Standup Comedy Show by Naveed Mahbub, Max Thurs Mystel and Shammi 25th Huda

20

Travel

Maldives: a lover’s paradise

Time: 8:00 pm Date: April 25 Venue: Nando'sLevel 2, Plot no.

SE (F), Gulshan#1 South Avenue

Fri

12

26th

Bring back the spark!

Sat

Armeen Musa Sabikun Nahar

27th

Navin Ahmed Anika Rabbani

Let’s Fly-Bird Charity Concert:2013

Time: 2:30pm to 8pm Date: Friday, April 26 Venue: Russian Cultural Center House 510, Road 7, Dhanmondi

Intentional SmileInsight into Health and Happiness

Time: 6pm to 7pm Date: Saturday, April 27 Venue: Red Shift Coffee Lounge Radius Center, Bays Galleria 5th floor, 57 Gulshan

An Evening of Rock Music by LRB

Time: 6:30pm Date: Saturday, April 27 Vanue: Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, House No 24, Road. 2, Dhanmondi, Dhaka

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A glimpse inside Ogaan

Cover photo: Abu Naser Models: Syed Ruma & Sayem

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Hot Steps: summer sandals to beat the heat

The Vagina Monologues 2013

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Date: Saturday, April 27 Venue: The American International School Dhaka (AISD), Road 3, Baridhara, diplomatic residential area

Hummus with pita bread Whip up a delicious appetiser

4 Tuned Motivation and Music till 5 Tech and Turns Back on the grid 29th 6 Trial Room Ogaan grace 8 Tailored Too short too fresh 9 Try Out Making T-shirts your new canvas 10 Tempt Hair Now, Gone Tomorrow!

14 Tell Advice column 15 Take Care The realm of all possibilities 16 Tucked In Hummus with pita bread till 18 Trails Dhamrai day trip 28th 20 Travel Male, Maldives 22 Tags Launching of Dhaka Tribune

Life in Varendra by artist Suman Kumar Sarkar

Time & Date: Mondays to Thursdays, from 3pm to 9pm, Fridays & Saturdays 9am to 12pm; 5pm to 8pm till April 29 Venue: Alliance Francaise de Dhaka, 26 Mirpur Road Dhanmondi

Banglar Shekore Swapno by Artist Raghunath Chakroborty

Date: till April 28 Venue: Gallery Cosmos -2 Villa de Anjuman, 5th Floor, Road No 6, House No 115, New DOHS

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4

Tuned Entertainment

Read

Music

Motivation and music Worth having a pavilion dedicated to successful Bangladeshi artists who for years have been living , working and exhibiting abroad

“The Glass Palace” – a novel by the Indian writer Amitabh Ghosh – is the story of Rajkumar, an Indian shop assistant orphaned in Mandalay, who falls in love with Dolly – a beautiful handmaiden to the Queen of Burma – on the eve of the 1885 British invasion.

The plot is set in spans of century in Burma, Bengal, India, and Malaya.

See

“Finding Nemo” in 3D is now showing at the Star Cineplex in Bashundhara City. The story is about a fish named Marlin searching for his son Nemo in the Great Barrier Reef.

Show times: Thursday - 11:30am, 2pm, 4:15pm and 7pm Friday - 11:30am, 2pm and 7:15pm Saturday - 10:50am, 3:05pm, 5:10pm and 7:15pm

Watch

A documentary TV show, “Food Factory”, is based on food products whose process involves grand machinery, a symphony of assembly lines and a suite of wonderful steps through producing food. The show is aired at 9pm on Thursday and Friday on Discovery Channel.

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History tells you what happened. Art tells you how it felt By Armeen Musa Throughout history, musicians have played a large role in revolutions and uprisings through their music or, for some, through their famed presence.

During the Liberation War of 1971, a national band – known as Bangladesh Mukti Shangrami Shilpi Shangstha – would travel to areas in Mukta Anchal to perform patriotic songs, puppet shows and dramas to inspire the freedom fighters and keep their spirits high. The band’s performances were later depicted in the film “Muktir Gaan” by Tareq Masud. That same year, George Harrison of the Beatles composed the song “Bangladesh” to spread the message of Bangladesh’s famine in the Western World. Rock music, reggae, hip-hop and even country music are a few of the many genres that musicians have used to express political statements, be the voice of those unheard and create social awareness. Their songs have worked as bridges between the written word and the emotions behind political movements.

Over the years, music in all its forms has mostly generated positive changes in people’s minds and in societies. Being a student of music, I know that in addition to its healing powers, music has the power to motivate. Musicians have been given the highest regards in society, yet there is a sad reluctance in people here to fully or even partially engage in music as a career. Although we are yet to fully reap the benefits of the rich musical and cultural talents we inherit by exposing them globally, small movements have evolved out of the latest uprisings in the country. Many Bangladeshi musicians have found their true voices and audiences, and have used them to speak, sing and fight for what they believe in. All creative ar-

tistes with an audience hold a powerful tool in their hands. The sooner we become aware of that, the sooner we can use that tool to help others.

armeen musa is a singer, composer and director at ME Label Records, currently studying at Berklee College of Music.

Photo Source: Internet

Tech & Turns 5 App Watch

Next in LINE A direct replacement of WhatsApp

What’s Hot

The Dell XPS 18 has the best of both worlds

By Mahmood Hossain

Dell XPS 18 has the best of both worlds

The cross-platform social application, LINE, is the next best thing. It does what WhatsApp can’t and reaches a larger user base. The Japanese based company, Naver, has released what seems to be the new number one messaging service in the world.

A good bet

•18.4” screen (1920x1080) designed for simple modeswitching and portability.

•2.2kg (much lighter than the 5.4kg Tap 20) •5 hours battery life under moderate use (around 3.5 hours of movie watching) •Core i3, i5, and i7; $899 (Tk70,700) base unit comes with Pentium 2117U chip •4GB and 8GB memory •500GB 3.5-inch mechanical drive or solid state drives ranging from 32GB to 512GB •Supports 10-point touch input •Two USB 3.0 jacks, a USB 2.0 port for wireless mouse and keyboard receiver •720p built-in webcam

The desktop/tablet hybrids have a new kid on the block, and it happens to be the best looking of the lot. Dell has now joined the likes of Sony, Lenovo and Asus in the category of all-in-one desktop/ giant tablet hybrid devices. To get a better idea of this model, comparisons to models offered by companies like Sony and Asus are necessary. It IS lighter in weight and has a smaller screen, which makes the device easier to carry around.

Clearly, this has to be the most tabletlike in its class. The overall performance is yet to be recorded, but it’s something worth waiting for. Not all consumers

Photo Source: Internet

can afford a top-of-the-line iMac. For others, they simply would like an alternative to Apple. Dell has already started selling the XPS 18 so keep an eye out for it in the market.

LINE IS PACKED WITH DIFFERENT FEATURES: w Multiplatform – iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Windows desktop, Mac desktop, smart-tablet Browser version w Optional address book syncing w Real-time confirmation when messages are sent/delivered w Share photos, videos, music, etc w Send current or any specific location w Send emoji, stickers, and emoticons to friends w Create and join groups where you can chat and share media w Bulletin boards (up to 100 people at once) for groups w Add friends through the use of QR code w Add friends through NFC by shaking their phones

Tech Tip Wheels

Back on the grid Grid 2 is one of the most anticipated games of the year Photo Source: Internet

This application features a direct pop-out message box for easier reading and replying. With the recent update, iOS and Android now share a new “Timeline” and “Home” page. LINE “Camera” provides users the ability to decorate their photos.

Line “Card” gives the users an opportunity to send and share cards for celebrations, such as birthdays and anniversaries. There is also LINE “Brush”, which is a painter app that allows users to control the finest details and tweak their images with 27 style brushes and 15 photo brushes.

What’s the best thing about it? It’s absolutely free to download!

The sequel to the successful Race Driver, Grid 2 will be released worldwide from May 28. As with the original Grid, Grid 2 will raise the gameplay and technological bar of motorsport gaming. Its predecessor was known for its standard settings for damage, AI and visuals, as well as for introducing the “flashback” time rewind feature, which has been adopted by many racing games. This sequel will also introduce the new TrueFeel handling system, which uses real physics to hit all the right spots between accessibility and simulation.

The system makes the handling approachable yet challenging to master.

Not too much has been revealed, but the single player story mode gives you an idea of how exciting the game may be. Within the story mode, you will find yourself as an up-andcoming racer in the World Series of Racing established by a man named Patrick Callaghan – what Bernie Ecclestone is to Formula 1. The player will be pitted against other racers from around the world to reach the finish line in various events.

Photo Source: Internet

*Available for: PS3, Xbox 360, PC

What to expect from Grid 2: •Play across three continents – USA, Europe, and Asia. From Paris to Dubai, Miami to the California coast, you will be in awe of the beautifully rendered city streets •Play elimination-street races in Barcelona or proper circuit races round tracks, like Brands Hatch and the Red Bull Ring

Always consider your data service plan before downloading social apps. download what is necessary and control the traffic going in and out.

•Dive into deep customisation options and integration with RaceNet. ESPN follows your progress while you receive better sponsorships and new titles •Experience a new standard in racing multiplayer with an entirely distinct and extensive gameplay •Get behind the steering wheel of cars such as Pagani Huaryas, BAC Monos, McLaren MP4-12Cs, Toyota GT86s/BRZs, Nissan Skylines, classic Mustangs, Camaros and M3s

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6

Trial Room

Ogaan grace Walking into Ogaan seems as if you’ve entered a majestic hall of elegance delicately contrasted by vibrant colours. From plush and vivid lehengas to an array of accessories, it’s difficult to focus your attention on just one piece of wearable art

By Mahmood Hossain & Sabah Rahman Photos By Latif Hossain

Gold plated cuff with studded “costume” emeralds and rubies

Tk2,800

Brand: Kavita and Vinita pink and gold lehenga with zardozi work on skirt and tissue jacket with stone closure

Tk37,000

Ritu Kumar hot pink silk sari with orange thread work and sequins

Tk73,000 AVEN U E T TH U RS DAY, AP R I L 25, 201 3

Trial Room

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All of the shop’s brighter hues are instantly neutralised by darker counterparts. A woman would feel like nothing less than royalty, even when wearing something as casual as a simple and sophisticated designed kurta. The sarees in display provide a graceful fusion of rich South Asian tradition and the of modern aesthetics.These featured items are only a taste of what you can find there.

Sky-blue georgette shirt-inspired kurta with orange and fuchsia colour block on back Tk8000

Jaipuri Kundan earrings Tk4,500

Pink georgette kurta with black and white polka dot hem and sleeves

Embroidered Katan batua bag with beaded strap Tk2,000

Tk6,500

Toshor raw silk saree Tk17,000

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Tailored His Style

Short but sharp

Q& A

South Asian men aren’t exactly known for their height, but they can hang with the best of men

By Mahmood Hossain Photos: Big Stock Shorter men, in general, feel they can’t compete with the “tall, dark and handsome” types. It’s natural to have doubts, but that doesn’t make them right. Pulling off a good-look all comes down to being confident and comfortable enough to be yourself. Chin up, gentlemen. If you are among the vertically challenged, the following simple reminders will make a world of difference. u A proper fit is key. Oh, that constant reminder. It’s simple: looser garments will make you look stumpy so stay away from baggy clothing. Jackets and blazers should fall slightly below your buttocks u Wear one colour (or similar shades of the same colour). For example, wearing the same coloured shirt and trousers will create the illusion of height by preventing the obvious break in your natural frame u Aim for darker shades and light fabrics. Another illusion with colour,

like black, is that it will have a slimming effect and make your frame seem elongated. The same goes with lighter fabrics, whereas heavier fabrics tend to make you look bulkier and shorter u Wear vertical stripes. This should be an obvious. Pinstripe, chalkstripe, and herringbone offer the “vertical” effect u Wear heels on your shoes. Buy the correct shoes with a substantial heel, not the bulky boot type u Avoid really large prints. On smaller bodies, big prints will overwhelm the look. The size of the prints should be proportionate to your body. Choose smaller prints, like micro-checks u Wear a small rise. The rise in your trousers or jeans is the distance between the crotch of your trousers and the waistband u Keep things slim. Accessories, like neckties, should be slimmer, ie the wider end should be no more than 2.5 inches

BD combo Denim with brogues upgrades the casual look By Mahmood Hossain A classic comes forth to add new style to the game. For years, the classic brogue shoes have been synonymous with double-breasted or three-piece suits.

Modern day fashion now uses them to take your jeans outfit to the next level.

Since the brogues bring plenty of class, they look better with high-quality denim. In other words, over-used jeans won’t look too flattering with a fresh pair of brogues. But don’t fret; there are plenty of great brogues out there which have that worn-out feel and design. There’s really nothing to lose by taking on this trend. Well, there’s your money, but it’s definitely worth it.

Here are a few tips for your jeans and brogues combo: 1 Darker washed denim compliments brogues of a lighter shade 2 Even though you can use other

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colours, brown brogues are the best choice for jeans 3 An entire “dressedup” look can easily be toned down with versatile brogues. A shoe that looks great in a casual and semiformal outfit is always a must-have 4 The best way to show off your brogues (and your colourful socks) is to keep your jeans rolled up. You can roll them up a little or high enough so that your socks are almost visible while standing straight

Q: I’d like to wear a waistcoat, but how do I avoid looking like a waiter?

A: First thing’s first, make sure the waistcoat ( just like everything else) fits. The fitting is always important; it has to be the correct length from shoulder to waist, and should hug the body.

A waistcoat, unlike a sweater, will never look good on its own.

To keep things safe, always remember to have a piece that complements it.

To keep from looking like a waiter: q Wear the waistcoat with a tie and without a suit jacket, blazer or sports coat. Make sure the tie stands out, nothing too loud but just enough to catch the eye. q Wear the waistcoat without a tie and with a suit jacket, blazer or sports coat. This is a bit trickier. It’s better to wear an entire three-piece suit without the tie to make the look much more appealing and suave. q Wear the waistcoat with jeans and a tie. Wearing it without the tie will risk criticism. In other words, it’s not so easily perfected.

You are safer with a tie on.

As long as your colour coordination is in line, you have nothing to worry about. Also, avoid going all black and white unless it’s a three-piece suit.

Photo: Big Stock

Try Out

9

Do-It-Yourself

Making T-shirts your new canvas Summer is in and there is nothing more comfortable to slip on than a T-shirt. When it comes to T-shirts, we always look for the coolest and trendiest designs.

Nowadays, printing pictures and stickers on T-shirts is very common. Have you ever thought of making a T-shirt your canvas? Now is the time to try! With a little patience, you can easily paint your favourite cartoons or texts on T-shirts right from home

By Itminan Tasneea Twinkle supplies •Plain cotton T-shirt of any colour (available near Dhaka College for Tk100-150) •Fabric paints (Fevicryl by Pidilite costs only Tk25-30) •Paint brushes (usually numbers 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 are used) •Colour palette •Carbon sheets •Water

steps 1 Draw, trace, or print a design and place it over a carbon paper, preferably a white one to avoid mess on the T-shirt.

Place the carbon paper on top of the Tshirt and use an inkless pen or pencil to draw over your design and trace it on the T-shirt.

2 Now it’s time to put in colours. Select brushes according to the design you chose. For large areas use number six or eight brushes, for smaller areas use numbers two or four, and for outlines use numbers one or two. Shake the colourpot well before opening and dip the brush into it, or pour the amount you need on a palette and apply it on the T-shirt.

3 Outline the design with black colour to make it more attractive. Use thin brushes for precision.

4 Allow the T-shirt to dry on your balcony for 24 hours.

5 To smoothen the design, iron the fabric on the reverse side of the T-shirt.

SOME TIPS •Don’t make the colours too thick •Make sure brushes are devoid of water to prevent spreading of colours on the T-shirt •Wash the brush with water every time you dip it in a different colour pot •Keep the pot covered, to prevent colours from drying

•Wash the T-shirt either for long-lasting colours Now that you know how to make your own T-shirts, you can even gift them to your family and friends or start a business of selling them. Flaunt your creativity and stand out in a crowd with your very own trendy Tshirts!

Coffee surfing

I Tried It

Illy coffee, an interesting concoction of arabica beans, has been introduced in Bangladesh at the Westin hotel in Dhaka By Shadma Malik

Photo Source: Internet

It is the latest addition to the Westin’s menu and promises to give the essence of Italian espresso and cappuccino to all the coffee lovers in town. Coffee-brewing expert Master Barista Nicola has travelled from Italy to Bangladesh to share his expertise with coffee lovers here.

Along with Nicola, the hotel’s staff believes that the Westin will be able to maintain the legacy of illy coffee in Bangladesh. The refined coffee has a touch of smooth, balanced flavours that The Westin added a special zing to the coffee by serving their version of the

drink with a dash of chocolate or caramel flavouring. If you are up for coffee surfing, give the new coffee-flavoured energy a shot.

The illy espresso is priced at Tk370, the double espresso at Tk530, and the iced and hot mochas at Tk370

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Tempt Hair Care

HAIR NOW, GONE TOMORROW! Moving back to Dhaka after six years, I was puzzled when my clients questioned me on the best way to deal with hair fall. My initial response was, “What hair fall?” Six months in, I was forced to join the club By Sabikun Nahar

Do’s e Drink green tea and coconut water which are full of antioxidants e Eat chickpeas, oranges, soy, almonds

Photos: Big Stock While it is absolutely normal to lose 40-120 hairs a day, excessive hair loss can be caused by several factors. The following is a list of these factors and how to treat each: • Extreme stress – Try yoga and meditation

Make-up

• Split ends, wrong choice of shampoos and conditioners Try using a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner every other day, and get a trim every six to eight weeks. Wash your hair with cold or lukewarm water – if the water feels warm on the skin of your wrist, that’s as warm as you need to go •Excess heat styling and colouring – Turn the setting to “cool” or “low heat” on your hair dryer.

Try not to colour your hair lighter than two shades of its natural colour • Prolonged illness – Drink green tea and coconut water which are full of antioxidants • Pregnancy, drastic weight – Say “no” to junk food. Maintain a

regular diet consisting of greens, dairy, fruits and nuts • Ageing and hormonal changes – Eat chickpeas, oranges, soy, almonds and avocados • Heredity – Massage your scalp regularly and apply hot oil treatments using anything from olive, almond, coconut, sesame, jojoba, mustard, lavender or even canola oil

Foundation flummox The most difficult part about applying make-up, unless you are a professional, is choosing a liquid foundation that complements your skin’s shade and type

By Navin Ahmed

Foundation needs to be sampled in natural light, or it will tend to be either darker or lighter than your natural skin tone, either of which looks horrid

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Here are a few tricks that will come in handy the next time you are at the store making a purchase. A failproof way to pick the perfect TYPE of foundation: If you have oily skin, please, please and I repeat please buy a foundation with “oil-free” written on the bottle. If it is not written, the foundation is probably not oil-free! Using a foundation with oil will only make you look greasy and your make-up will appear discoloured very quickly. If you have dry skin, you should use something that has a moisturizer added to it so that your skin looks dewy instead of rough and dry. Using an oilfree product will highlight fine lines.

My favourites For hair fall, apply egg whites, yogurt and a lime juice pack to your scalp and leave on for 40 minutes to two hours. Biotin, Rogaine and Minoxidil solutions are great medical remedies

Super tip of the week If you have a dry, irritated or flaky scalp, aloe vera is your best bet.

Apply to the root and scalp and rinse thoroughly after 30 minutes to two hours

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 is currently the senior stylist at Prive salon.

Navin Ahmed has studied Cosmetic Techniques and Management at Sheridan College in Canada. She worked as a freelance make-up artist in Toronto and is the founder of GALA Wedding Planners and Makeover Studio in Dhaka.

If you have acne-prone skin, avoid liquid foundation altogether. Use oilfree concealer on the spots and use a powder foundation all over. You can also opt for a mineralized foundation, which is gentler and does not irritate the skin.

A fail-proof way to pick the perfect SHADE of foundation: Selecting the exact makeup shade to match your skin tone can be nerveracking. Foundation needs to be sampled in natural light, or it will tend to be either darker or lighter than your natural skin tone, either of which looks horrid. Since most stores have fluorescent white or yellow bulbs, which distort the colour of foundation, the trick is to dab on a touch of what seems to be your make-up match on your jawline, and then head outside to check your reflection in broad daylight.

This way you save yourself from purchasing something that might end up looking ghastly. It’s alright to go just one shade lighter or darker than your skin tone, but no more than that.

Tempt Local Trends

International Trends

Hot steps Are you thinking of breezing through summer without a stylish pair of sandals? Don’t commit fashion suicide!

Most of the time we indulge so much in our clothes that we forget the motto of the best-known fashionistas: it’s ALL about the shoes

By Hiroe Kunimoto Photos: Apex

Go graphic Hiroe kunimoto is a brand executive for Apex Adelchi Footwear Ltd. These cute two-toned strapped sandals with shaded bows are a must have for your summer shoe wardrobe Tk590

Considering the local weather, you may not spend a lot on closed shoes, but that doesn’t mean you can't go wild with a wide range of colourful slippers to adorn your feet.

Bright footwear is so much more exciting to look at than basic coloured shoes.

Sandra Rosa (a youth brand of Gallerie Apex) offers these exciting varieties in various colours starting from Tk590. The designs are stylish and not so edgy that they make you stray from your comfort zone Tk690

The multiple straps in various colours allow you to go wild without compromising your comfort Tk790

It’s time to get out there and get your hands on some graphic prints! Fashionable ladies all over the world are embracing this trend for its playful attitude and flair. Ethnic designs, eclectic florals and optical illusion prints are a few prints to keep an eye out for. Some of the hot new prints are so gorgeous, you may actually feel like a walking piece of art!

Fashion Week 2013 gave us a glimpse of how all the big guns in fashion borrowed this trend from the 60s. Marc Jacobs dressed his models in loud, technicolourchecked minidresses at Louis Vuitton, while Derek Lam experimented with bold graphic T-shirts.

Here are a few affordable, fashionable sandal trends that you can indulge yourself in:

To give you the most bang for your buck, all these shoes have been kept within Tk1,000 budget. So girls, don’t hold back! Get out there and grab yourselves some sandals to see you through the summer

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Budget-conscious shoppers will be thrilled to find an enormous variety of pretty printed fabric at Gawsia Market and even Pink City. Grab an armload while there and pay your favourite tailor a visit. Sopura Silk Mill’s also has a vivid collection of bold printed sarees, if that is more your style.

The simple nautical motif in the sole gives your feet a funky look and goes perfect with your jeans or kurtas to beat the summer heat Tk690 The graphic trend is not recommended for the faint hearted. If you are afraid of overdoing it with the clothes, start small with accessories.

Experiment with scarves, belts, bags and even shoes until you have the look locked down.

Photo Source: Internet

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Cover

9

Cloud

Commitment: Loyalty: Stability: Love isn’t in the air, it’s between you and me. If your relationship meets all three of these benchmarks, then you’re in luck. Your relationship has stood the test of time: tall, proud and invincible

By Natasha Rahman Photos: Abu Naser

Remember, less is more. If you think this is a guide on ways to lavish extravagances upon him or her, then you’re in the wrong place

From the moment they get together, couples go through a series of stages, and they come to a point where their feelings become saturated. From splitting hairs to making up, from tug-of-wars to tender loving, from angry sleepless nights to nights tinged with passion – if you’ve been in love, then you’ve been there, done that.

Couples need a breather from their stressful responsibilities and mundane desk jobs to find joie de vivre (joy of living) with each other. They need to ignite that spark that, once upon a time, used to overrule their reasoning and defy sense and logic.

In a city as bustling and impossible as ours, it isn’t easy to plan a day of romance for your partner. Our suggestion is to keep it light. The element of surprise is the best way couples can enhance intimacy.

Give your car a rest It’s the small pleasures of life that matter.

While your ladylove readies herself to meet you, wait for her on a rickshaw. Seat yourself on this humble throne, ready to surprise her with a bouquet of her favourite flowers. Whether she’s a flower person or not is unimportant. What matters is the beetroot blush of her cheek when she’s caught off-guard by your sweet sentimentality. Let the romantic winds be the master of your tender journey, as you start off on your breezy rickshaw ride with your beloved. It’s time to let the love take over.

Play waiter Picture this: a cosy coffee shop and your man in an apron. A bit of harmless roleplaying doesn’t hurt. Watching your man bring you your favourite cafe au lait is a sight as rare as stars on a clouded night.

Heartwarming? Definitely. What’s more, the sheer silliness of it will make both of you laugh like two young lovers in your starry world of puppy love. This endeavour could open up your hearts with a fresh new zeal. Next time, he may even prepare the coffee himself, but let’s not hang our hopes on that just yet.

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Cover

A stroll in the park Once the mood is set, step outside for a change. Don’t get too attached to the idea of a mainstream dinner date that calls for a sophisticated restaurant and over-thetop outfits. Bask in the beauty and bounty of nature as you take a romantic stroll in a park. Strike up a casual conversation, but leave out contentious topics, future plans and chores that you have to complete.

Forget tomorrow. Let yourselves be swept away by what you see. As you step out, release your inner child, and let your carefree nature take over.

Be her prince charming Hire a horse-driven carriage for an hour or so and see the sparkle in her eyes as you ride away in this Cinderella-inspired ride.

She might say: “Aww, you shouldn’t have.”

But deep down, she is gloating. Every girl secretly dreams of being treated like a princess.

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Go swimming together Beat the summer heat by going swimming with your partner. Race each other to the finish line with a promise of a present for the winning person.

Take a boat ride Go on a boat ride and sing each other lalon geeti, or any song for that matter. It’s not the most viable option in Dhaka, what with the sordid state of its lakes. But give it a try. It could just be something you never knew that you always wanted to do.

Cook for each other Men, don’t cringe at this. You can make her something as simple as a sandwich.

Women, don’t spend the whole day in the kitchen trying to pull off a complex dish; make something fast and easy. Spread it out on an ornamental platter and revel at each other’s cooking skills. Be kind if the meal isn’t edible; after all, it’s the effort that counts.

Remember, the chemistry in your relationship doesn’t fade away. It’s hidden, waiting for either of you to bring it to life

Keeping excitement alive in your relationship doesn’t have to be something that takes a toll on your everyday life.

It can be a quick phone call when she’s working to say you miss her, or serving him his favourite meal when he returns home after a long day at work.

Remember, the chemistry in your relationship doesn’t fade away. It’s hidden, waiting for either of you to bring it to life. We don’t have a plethora of entertainment options in Bangladesh, but bringing a romantic spark in a relationship just takes a few spontaneous, creative steps. Don’t waste a moment more. Go to your partner and rock their world.

Models: Syed Ruma & Sayem

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Tell Letters to Mars Letters to Venus

Insecure!

I’m a 26-year-old man in a relationship with a 21-year-old woman. We live in separate cities and have a hard time communicating. I’m a very insecure person and I always feel that she’s cheating on me. Not that she has ever done anything for me to doubt her, but I can’t help but treat her differently because I know she’s doing things that I won’t approve of. I have this instinctive feeling that she’s hiding things from me. How do I catch her red handed?

K K my dear, First and foremost you need to learn to communicate with yourself. What is troubling you? Why those insecurities?

Do you feel she is too good for you? In

some ways you may feel less good and hence, you worry about your girlfriend finding someone else or playing with you.

We are so often sure about our “intuition”, especially when we fear someone does not love us enough that every little sign is a confirmation of our doubts.

So what are you to do? Are there signs she is less keen on you? Does she change dates and time when you are supposed to meet? When she is with you does she get lost in her thoughts and become distant? Have you basically caught her lying? If not, think about your own doubts about her, all this suffering may be caused by insecurities, in which case put at rest the inner voice that makes you feel so miserable and say, “K, you are okay, let go of the doubts, she loves you. Trust yourself and trust her.”

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, to see her clients, as well as counsel them on Skype. AA is also a ghostwriter for a renowned American magazine.

For the past three years, I have been in a relationship with the perfect man. Despite having a perfect relationship, I made a terrible mistake – I cheated on him with one of his friends. However, I did not tell him anything about it or even mention it to my friends. It was just a momentary lapse, and I don’t even feel strongly about the other man. What’s wrong with me?

Cheater My dear ex-Cheater, What you did was out of character, yes you did it, but for a moment you forgot yourself. Why? There are many reasons why we try to sabotage a perfectly good

life: one of the many could be that you do not trust happiness or love. It is almost as if you want to prove to yourself that happiness does not exist. Sometimes when we get close to making a commitment like marriage, we get fearful and we want to prove to ourselves we are doing the right thing. Did you?

Only you really know why you did it, but since you love your boyfriend, forgive yourself, and there is no need to hurt him by telling him. You must be honest, but this is not a moment when you need to be honest. It is a learning experience: be aware that you can forget what you really want in life and take a side step that could lead to unhappiness.

Perfectionist?

I’m a 24-year-old working man who just landed a job at a new ad firm.

I have always been a very driven, goal-oriented person who believes in the “all or nothing” approach. If I do something, I’ll do it to the best of my abilities, or I won’t do it at all. With my new job, my workload has been increasing and sometimes I find myself not doing things altogether because I know I can’t do them to perfection. This is hampering my work life, so how do I stop it?

Dear J, I think it is good to try one’s best, but you seem to want perfection from yourself. Perfection is a state of mind, and what is perfect for one person is still imperfect for another. Of course, you want to do your best at your new job, but you may want to look into why you fight yourself so hard. Sometimes there are feelings of inadequacy within us. Tell yourself, “I am good at what I do.

I enjoy what I do and trust myself and how I work. I am open to learning

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more, and I take life as an experience to be enjoyed.” Can you imagine a rose fighting to be the best and most perfumed? Of course not, because a flower trusts itself and the process of life, and so allows itself to bloom and release whatever natural fragrance it has. Just let yourself blossom into the person you are.

PS I put in quotations what I would like you to keep repeating until you feel you believe it.

Take Care

Horoscope

Health

The realm of all possibilities Have you ever noticed that when you get stressed your breathing becomes fast and shallow? Have you paid attention to how your heart rate escalates? Have you observed that when having a good time or in a relaxed state, your breath flows in and out gently and unfettered by whatever surrounds you?

By Anika Rabbani Photos: Big Stock Anika Rabbani is a detox yoga teacher at the Nordic Club

From the moment we are born till the last few seconds of our life, our breath stays with us – a constant partner we most often neglect. We complain about our ill health, unsatisfactory bodies or lives. YOGA teaches that most of life’s difficult answers can be resolved by posing the question: “Are you breathing with attention?”

Yoga teaches living in a mindful manner, where you need to pay attention to each second of life in its present moment without looking to the past or future.

Are you mindful of your life right at this present moment? Are you taking in your surroundings as they unfold right this second? Are you reading this article while glancing up to look about you? Or is your mind not quite focused? Is it swinging about like a proverbial monkey from one thought to another?

Yoga trains your mind to observe all that happens around you without making judgments. You can be aware of all that goes on but the moment you form judg-

Yoga teaches living in a mindful manner, where you need to pay attention to each second of life in its present moment without looking to the past or future

ments – there goes your peace of mind.

In yoga, we say the breath is what binds the soul to the body. In the space between the multitudes of thoughts and emotions lies the gap – the gap where all is possible and peaceful. Yogic breathing is known as pranayama. “Prana” means life or breath, and in yoga they are regarded as one and the same. “Yama” means to draw out.

Take the time to completely connect with your breath, discarding all thoughts and simply focusing on the words “I am inhaling” when you inhale, and “I am exhaling” when you exhale. Do this for five minutes – you can time yourself with an alarm clock. Watch your breath as it rises and

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falls, observe the subtle movements of your ribcage lifting and falling with the breath, and pay attention to all the muscles which start to go slack as you relax more and more with each mindful passing breath. Feel the breath as it flows in through the nostrils and goes into your throat, lungs and belly – hold it for a few moments and slowly, gently let the “prana” (the breath or life force) out again.

Yoga sets our minds and spirits free using our breath. Let’s meet in the gap – the realm of all possibilities.

Try focusing on everything sans judgment for an hour today and see the difference it makes.

Aries Reconsider your priorities. Rely on your instincts while making decisions, since they will drastically change the course of your life.

Taurus Concentrate on finding closure for older projects. Do not take up new initiatives or ventures as they may not be successful.

Gemini Efforts will be made to forward your professional and personal goals; however, several factors may hinder your path. Let this week be one of reflection rather than action.

Cancer Your increased sense of intuition will help you communicate well with others. Try channeling this week’s energy into community service activities.

Leo Several fantastic opportunities will surface this week – grab them.

The only hindrance between you and success will be stressed finances.

Allocate more time while dealing with financial details.

Virgo The partnership realms of your life will be in action this week.

Romantic decisions can be made; however, they may significantly change things.

Libra Don’t take an aggressive approach when trying to achieve your goals. Be passive – attract rather than pursue your aspirations.

This week bubbles with possibility and promise.

Scorpio You may meet new friends this week and strengthen the bonds of forgotten friendships.

In order to enjoy your romantic relationship(s), keep your possessive streak in check.

Sagittarius You may become cocky about your recent success. Stick to your set goals. If you are unsatisfied with certain relationships, speak up.

Capricorn You will be more inclined towards dreamy past times such as beauty, art and music this week.

Reduce your outer walls and allow people to get to see and know the real you.

Aquarius Rid your life from baggage this week – focus attention on the friends and family who matter the most to you. This week your 2012 resolutions will be realized and met.

Pisces Friendships made this week can go on to turn into successful business partnerships. There will be several opportunities for both romantic and friendly bonding.

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Tucked In Tantilise

Hummus with pita bread As far as condiments are concerned, hummus’s deliciously smooth taste has made it a personal favourite. Whipped up in a matter of moments, this blended concoction of garlic, chickpeas and olive oil is simple yet extremely easy to make. As one of the most common condiments in Mediterranean cuisine, this dip has proved to be one staple that is hard to tire of. Whether used as an easy dip for sandwiches or as a condiment reserved for light snacks such as breadsticks or pita, hummus’s lusciously smooth texture and delicate flavours will leave even the most insatiable of men feeling sated By Naorose Ali

Naorose Ali is the chef of Cilantro. He gained his culinary expertise from Australia.

Ingredients f 200g / 7oz canned chickpeas

f 2 tbsp lemon juice or more f 2 garlic cloves, crushed f 1 tsp ground cumin f Salt f 100ml / 3fl oz tahini

(sesame seed paste) optional f 4 tbsp water f 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil f 1 tsp paprika f 4 rounds of pita bread

Steps Drain the chickpeas and rinse.

Reserve a few whole chick peas for serving. Combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, tahini, and water in a food processor, and blend to a creamy purée. Add more lemon juice, garlic, cumin or salt to taste. Turn out into a dinner plate, and make smooth with the back of a spoon. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and scatter with the reserved chickpeas. Sprinkle with paprika and serve with pita bread, warmed in a moderate oven for three minutes, and cut into quarters..

Gardening

Quick composting tips Composting is essentially the decomposition of living materials such as plant remains

For a quick way to add nutrients to your budding plants, invest a few minutes of your day creating compost. When trying to enrich garden soil or restore the vitality of depleted soil, compost acts as an excellent fuel. Not only does it help you recycle your wastes, but it is also an environmentally friendly way of making the best of your garbage.

Adding compost to your garden loosens the soil and allows it to hold on to its water levels. Typically containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, the use of compost alone will fulfill your plants’ needs for essential nutrients.

To create your very own compost pile, begin by stocking up your kitchen scraps. Allocate a container to store your compost. Bigger piles are always

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better; however, try to stay within the three-by-three feet limitation.

Everything ranging from vegetable peels to egg shells can be thrown into this pile, but keep in mind that they must be chopped into small pieces to ensure a smoother pile. Every time you add a new element, mix up the contents so they get enough oxygen. Once the pile begins growing, make sure it doesn’t get too dry or wet.

Try putting in equal amounts of different scrap materials to maintain a balance in the pile.

Make sure not to drop compost meat, bones or even fish into the pile. This will only attract pests and may make the compost lose its balance.

Tucked In

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Decor

Magic mirror When it comes to adding that extra bit of oomph to a living room whilst creating the illusion of space, it is the magic mirror that comes in handy By Anita N Amreen Photos: Big Stock When it comes to adding that extra bit of oomph to a living room whilst creating the illusion of space, it is the magic mirror that comes in handy. Regardless of where and how they are placed, mirrors always help brighten up a room by reflecting the surrounding and illuminating the area around the mirror itself.

To add glamour to a dull living room, add a large, artsy mirror above your main sofa or couch.

Whilst an ultramodern, simplistic mirror can add just the right amount of character, a vintage mirror can help add some drama to the room. Any regular wrought iron or wooden mirror can be given a regal touch if polished with antique gold paint. Stores such as Legacy may be at the pricier end, but their exclusive craftsmanship will promise you designs that are both beautifully made and longlasting.

As for the walls and hallways, two different looks can be achieved: a vintage look, or a contemporary one. For the latter, simple aluminum-framed mirrors can be neatly placed on a boldcoloured wall. A false ceiling with spotlights can be added to give the room a warm touch of light. For a funkier look, an array of multiple sized mirrors can be placed to adorn a plain wall. Mirrors with daring-coloured frames are great accompaniments to patterned walls or wallpaper. For a softer touch, table lamps and candle

stands can be placed on table tops near or around a statement mirror.

Large mirrors can do wonders for smaller, cramped spaces. In the case of particularly small bedrooms, a sliding door or the entire wall behind the bed can be covered with a panelled mirror offset by a few cleverly spaced spotlights.

Pets

Shell shock Turtles may seem easier to care for than other pets, but they require lots of time and money. Here is a list of ways to take care of them in the correct manner By Mahmood Hossain Photos: Big Stock eSet up a tank with at least a 40 gallon (151.42 litre) capacity with separate dry and wet areas, as well as a sun lamp for your turtle to warm itself under e Set up a UVB light bulb to mimic natural lighting. Turtles need UVB rays, which are filtered by glass eMonitor the tank and water temperature, because you’ll need to keep these controlled eLeave your turtle in its cage. The change in temperature between

inside and outside the cage is bad for its immune system eTurtles need to hibernate for a little over 10 weeks during the fall. You’ll need a “hide box” for your turtle to sleep, hibernate or rest in eClean your turtle’s bedding at least once a week and the tank once a month. eChange its water daily Young turtles need to be fed daily, and adult turtles need to be fed at least

three times a week. Young turtles need a diet with 50- 75% protein.

Adult turtles need a diet of 10-20% protein. Turtles also eat all kinds of fruits and vegetables. Chop or shave the food and mix it together so it will eat it.

Good sources of protein for a turtle are: •Earthworms •Crickets/grasshoppers/cicadas •Slugs/snails

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Trails

Dhamrai day trip Less than 30km from Dhaka lies the extraordinary Dhamrai filled with riches to offer. From the heritage of Govinda Bhobon, to the metal workers of Dhamrai, to the extraordinary village with a tradition of pottery making , one trip to Dhamrai might not be enough for travellers to get a full-fledged experience of the village

By Farah Iqbal

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Trails

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What to do

Did you ever think that brass objects could be sculpted from wax? At the brass factory in Dhamrai, you can witness this fascinating method of art, which has been used in the Ganges Basin since the early development of metal around 5,000 years ago.

Next up in your itinerary is a secluded walk to the Vihara – the remains of Raja Harish Chandra’s Buddhist monastery locally christened as his actual palace – followed by the Govinda Bhobon, one of the earliest remaining zamindar bari (royal palace) of Bangladesh. Govinda Roy built this palace with six pillars, each representing his six sons. If you’re lucky, the family currently occupying the house may give you a personal tour and a detailed history of the house as they know it to be!

What to eat

may be surprised to hear, but the everfavourite roshogollah is a sweet-dish that was originally cheese-based; it has popularity throughout Bangladesh and is making an extra name in Dhamrai. For people with a notorious sweet tooth, it’s your lucky day, because the kaata goja is another one of Dhamrai’s areas of expertise. For people who are familiar with the kuchi nimki – I would describe the kaata goja as the second cousin of the kuchi nimki, except a much sweeter version!

where to stay Since Dhamrai is relatively close to the capital city, this could be a fabulous day trip for visitors on a weekend. For those who are interested in an overnight stay, BRAC-CDM would be the perfect place for visitors to stretch their legs, take a walk around the compound, and call it a day with a good night’s rest in one of their deluxe rooms.

As we all know, a tour around Bangladesh is no tour without trying out the different food and sweets. Each sweet has its own special flavour in its own locality, and Dhamrai is no exception! You

Getting There

INDEX Hotline numbers: 0184 145 5500, 0184 144 5500 or e-mail: info@tigertoursbd.com.

bus Service Buses are the most comfortable method of travel to go see the Dhamrai Palace and the Brass Factory. There are non-air-conditioned buses that leave Dhaka city every hour. The best buses to take would be Polli Sheba or the Jono Sheba, which will help you reach your destination in about two hours.

Tiger Tours Limited offers an extraordinary package to Dhamrai.

The writer is a team member of Tiger Tours.

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Travel

Malé, Maldives Malé, the capital of Maldives, is a lover’s paradise that boasts of beautiful narrow streets surrounded by endless seawalls. Bustling with activity, Malé has the best of both worlds: teeming highrise buildings as well as breathtaking beaches. From their famed Friday Mosque to their local souvenir centre spot Chaandanee Magu, Malé offers everything from beautiful architecture to underwater sports

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Travel

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INDEX Cerulean View Boutique Hotel G Kaanihiyaa, Ameenee Goalhi, Malé Ph: +960-334-1540

What To Eat

What to do

The Boutique Inn at Villa Shabnamee G Villa Shabnamee, Handhuvarudhey Goalhi, Malé Ph: +960-331-0355

Where to stay

Anantara Veli Overwater Bungalow Resort & Spa Bodu Huraa, Veli Ph: +960-6644100 veli-maldives. anantara.com

FIHUNU MAS

Sea Explorers Associates Pvt Ltd 1st floor, H Asfaam Building, Bodufungadu Magu, Malé, Ph: +960-331-6172 www.seamaldives. com.mv

GULHA

Diving and snorkeling With Malé’s crystal-clear water, diving and snorkeling are great activities that promise to be fun-filled events, especially when diving closer to the outer atoll.

Surfing Perfect waves make Maldives a favourite surfing destination. The largest waves occur in June, July and August.

Relaxing Relax in any one of Malé’s overwater bungalows built right atop lagoons.

Bungalows with their own private beaches can also act as the ultimate lovers’ retreat to help unwind.

Fihunu Mas Whole grilled fish is one of Malé’s more common dishes. Basted with chilli and other South Indian and Srilankan spices, this dish is a true winner. Spicy, with the slight flavouring of coconut, the fihunu mas is a must try.

Keemia, Gulha, Masroshi

Keemia is a special deep-fried fish roll infused with strong traditional spices. Gulha is an interesting pastry ball stuffed with smoked fish. Masroshi is literally fihunu mas wrapped in a roshi bread and baked.

The Boutique Inn at Villa Shabname Tk4,680 and up Located far from direct traffic, yet close to the main transit jetties, this hotel’s facilities are ideal for both business and leisure travellers.

Cerulean View Boutique Hotel Tk13,650 and up One of the finer, more exclusive hotels of Malé, Cerulean was a five-bedroom bungalow that was turned into a luxurious hotel. Needless to say, their bedrooms are in exquisite taste, and offer only the very best of facilities.

Flights

Emirates airlines flies to Dubai seven days a week, and after a layover flies directly to Malé.

Flights from Dhaka to Dubai leave at 7:10pm, 10:15am and 9:30pm.

Layovers can range from 3 hours 20 minutes to up to 14 hours 20 minutes.

Photo Source: Internet

Globe Trotter LA, USA

London, ENgland

Tibet, gyantse

Concert By Paramore May 1

Pick me up contemporary graphic art fair April 18 - 28

Art exhibition murals of tibet April 30

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Tags

Launching of Dhaka Tribune

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The grand opening ceremony of the national English daily, the Dhaka Tribune, was officially launched at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on April 19. The ceremony was accompanied and graced by renowned personalities in the capital Photos by Dhaka Tribune

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1 Aminul Hoque National football player 2 Actress Bonna Mirza 3 Kadir van Lohuizen – a documentary photographer and one the founders of the NOOR Agency – with photojournalist Dr Shahidul Alam 4 Musician Ayub Bachchu 5 Actress Afsana Mimi 6 Actor Azizul Hakim with his wife Zeenat Hakim 7 Fashion icon BiBi Russell with Ameenah Ahmed, director of Gemcon Group

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