Hot topic
Rickshaw Diaries
Dhaka Tribune
Friday, April 19, 2013 Volume 1, Issue 1
Tales of our favourite three wheelers
FYI double trouble Beauty talk looking spec-tacular Written in the stars Trimita chakma
tmag
CHECK IT OUT
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Editor’s Note Dear Readers,
A weekly production of
DhakaTribune Acting Editor Zafar Sobhan Magazine Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad TMAG Team Sumi Mahmud Tashhid Abdullah Rubab Nayeem Khan Munira Ahmed Afshan Sattar Azfar Rahman Saudia Afrin Contributors Apurba Karmaker Fardeen Ameen Saniat Chowdhury Tahsin Momin Tabeen Siddiki Cartoonist Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy
It gives me immense pleasure to introduce TMAG. Many editors will talk about a publication as being a labour of love, and a few will complain about the blood, sweat and tears that are poured into it. I’ll simply call it tons of fun. The team had plenty of it, riding rickshaws (check out our Rickshaw Diaries on Page 4-5), laughing at mutant chickens (discover Murgi Keno Mutant on Page 10) and getting high on cupcake-fuelled planning meetings. We hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together. And since we’re just starting out, we’d really appreciate hearing back from you, so we can make it into something YOU want to read, so please, please, write in and tell us how we’re doing, what you’d like to see more of, what you’d like to see less off. Send us your thoughts, your observations, artwork, fashion snaps and stories to us at tribune.tmag@gmail.com
6 Beauty check
8 Written in the stars
Fitting frames for the face
Introducing Trimita Chakma Raise a V sign for girl power
Sabrina Fatma Ahmad
Design Akila Seshasayee Divya Kukreti Graphics Mohammed Mahbub Alam Asmaul Haque Mamun Production Masum Billah
4 Hot topic Up close and personal with your favourite three-wheeler
Advertising Shahidan Khurshed Circulation Wahid Murad Email:info@dhakatribune.com, Website: www.dhakatribune.com
7 Look of the week Makeup goes psychedelic
About the Cover We’re featuring rickshaws on Hot Topic this week; and our Teen Guide puts the spotlight on jealousy. Enjoy! Photo: Nafeesa Binte Aziz
Status of the week "Just because I give you advice doesn't mean I know more than you. It just means I've done more stupid things."
Quote of the week "When your teacher says 'Get out,' it usually means you’ve won the argument."
Lingo of the week Selfie: A self taken photograph, usually either involving a cell-phone extended upwards, or a bathroom mirror. Person 1: Nadia’s profile pictures are all the same. Person 2: That’s because they’re all selfies. Both: Foreveralone! Har har har
More inside Gossip 3 Event tweets 12 Confessions picks Of the week 2 Room of the week Musarrat Rahman 3 Doodle of the week Rubab Khan 6 Chic of the week Naina Bhan 10 Guitar tabs of the week Green Day's 21 guns 11 App of the week Garageband for your phone Your world 9 Fiction Balcony 9 Comic Book Guardians of The Galaxy #1 9 Book Nashid Kamal's The Glass Bangles 10 Music Arbovirus 10 Movie Murgi Keno Mutant 10 TV Arrow 11 Car Toyota Axio
11 Gadget hunt Smart Watches 11 Web critic The Daring Kitchen Horoscope 12 Your forecast Fashion 6 Wardrobe check Black on the back burner TMAG’s says 2 Funk up your room Hot lights 2 FYI Double Trouble 3 School Survival The Copy Paste Scenario 10 Playlist Top 10 Trippy Tunes 12 Choose/Lose your other half Fun 13 Personality quiz Real Life 8 Youth icon Introducing Trimita Chakma 14 Non-fiction Rickshaw Talks
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Your Life
FYI
Funk up your room
Double Trouble! Homayra Adiba
Yes, we speak of the age old war between best friends and love interests. If you’re a guy with a girl best friend, it’s a sure catfight between the two and vice versa. This issue has led to a number of broken friendships, lost loves and bucketfuls of tears. Here are some common issues and tips to work out the kinks:
light IT UP Does the title remind you of a huge sun smiling over your head in the summer? We’re talking the perfect light for your bedroom. Your room has to be the coziest, most comfortable place for you. You don’t just sleep there; you read, watch movies, play games, exercise … in short, this is where you spend most of your time. When personalising your room, proper lighting plays a very prominent role. The right light doesn’t just enhance a room; it also affects your mood. So here are some romantic, elegant guidelines just for you.
1. The love interest is a new entry and hence feels insecure
Solution: The bestie is sure to know a lot more about you initially. Your love will in time get closer to you than your friend but till then, make your love feel special. Do new things with them and make some memories. Hold hands with them in public, especially in front of your best friend, so that they feel secure!
Main source of light
2. The best friend feels like your
3. Your love thinks your best friend
4. Your best friend playfully flirts
Solution: A new love can be addictive. But this may cause rifts in a solid friendship. Call your best friend and hang out regularly as a group. Share private jokes with them and explain some of them to your love as well. If there are secrets your friend does not feel comfortable sharing, avoid implying them in front of your love.
Solution: Throw them together. Schedule a meet up for the three of you and tactfully back out of it at the last minute. This may get a little uncomfortable for them at first, but it’s possible that the two of them hit it off or voice out their insecurities and talk it out. It can save you a lot of jealous bickering and baseless explanations in future.
Solution: When you’re single, you can allow such liberties if such flirting is platonic. However, when your love enters the picture, they are bound to feel hurt. Tactfully change the topic when such a situation arises or simply ignore it. Your friend’s sure to notice and change their habits. Munira Ahmed
love is hogging all your attention
has feelings for you
with you and your love reads too much into it
Nafeesa Binte Aziz
You can go with the colour of your room theme while you are choosing lights. Instead of wall lights, you can pick a chandelier or pendant light to hang from the middle of the room. This adds class and elegance to any room.
Reading lights
Study desks demand bright lights, but the lamp itself need not be a boring black or white. You can easily find vibrant colours that match the theme of your room. You can also place reading lamps on either side of the bed, for more relaxed reading.
Nook
TMAG’s Room of the week!
Create a corner near your window by placing cushions and throw pillows next to your curtains, and installing a gorgeous floor lamp. This can be a nice place to just chill and hang out.
Mood lighting
Using mini lights on the wall behind your bed, or in the ceiling, you can create a drama in your surroundings. The best part of using mini lights is that you can give them form according to your desire
Name
Musarrat Rahman Area
Gulshan
So pretty! So girly! So pink! Tmag loves, loves, loves this room because it is fierce and fearlessly feminine. The pretty railings on the shelves, the ornate mirror, the shelves full to bursting with clothes – there’s no secret that this room belongs to a fashionista. Selfexpression rocks.
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Dress-up time
Install task lights over your dressing table if you want to put on makeup properly.
Sweet dreams
If you can’t sleep in total darkness, you can opt for dim night lights to aid you gently into the land of dreams.
Where to buy:
Send in a picture of your room TO tribune.tmag@gmail.com and you may be crowned TMAG’s Room of the Week!
Gulshan 2 Circle, Sobhanbagh, Aarong, and Jatra are just some places you can browse for a variety of lighting options to liven up your room. Saudia Afrin
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Schoologistics
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School Survival
The Copy Paste Scenario
TMAG’s Doodle of the week!
This doodle was drawn by a 20-year-old Rubab Khan in her Sociology class.
Munira Ahmed
Cheating- the concern may be one that is taken too lightly now but is indeed big enough to threaten the entire economy in the future. Examination boards are spending thousands of taka on trained invigilators to curb it but many of the students still manage to outsmart them. This is largely therefore, more of a moral problem than a managerial one. It is up to each individual student to claim responsibility for their own academic ability and not resort to dishonest means. However, since trying is a must, here are some simple ways we can at least strive within ourselves to steer clear of such demeaning actions. Bigstock
1. Study There is no substitute for it. It is always better to go prepared for a test rather than depending on your friends for covert help. If your friend is also depending on you to study, you are both nowhere.
examination using unfair means, you are banned from receiving that particular degree for 3 to 5 years. A night or two of studying is better than so much humiliation, any day.
2. Think of the consequences
If you are a victim of other people’s cheating, simply speak up. It is better to be known as a tattle tale than have your work copied and claimed as others’. This is better for you also because if the teacher suspects two very similar pieces of work, you along with your cheat friend will get penalised. All teachers need, is a whiff of foul play to penalise you. If you do not wish to tell them in class, wait till after hours to do so.
Forget morals for a second, think practically. If your friend suddenly stops showing you work, you are left clueless. If you are caught copying from chits of paper hidden in your pencil case, you will probably end up outside the examination hall. If you are caught in a higher level board Bigstock
IF YOU ARE A CLASSROOM DOODLER, EMAIL YOUR DOODLE TO TRIBUNE.TMAG@GMAIL.COM AND SEE IT iN OUR WEEKLY!
3. Spill the beans
4. Counsel friends
You are the biggest influence to your friends at this age. Peer pressure can work in a positive way too. If you see or suspect that a friend may be making it a habit to resort to unfair means, talk to them. Tell them about the consequences, help them study before big tests, make study groups to make studying fun for them and follow up on their positive progress.
EVENT TweetS Bellissimo Cyber Gaming Festival April 26-28 Games: Fifa 13, Counter Strike Source, Call of Duty 4, DOTA 2 on Xbox 360 Russian Cultural Centre, Dhanmondi, Dhaka Registration dates: Until April 17 Contact Number: 01687841219
Underground Youth Football Tournament U-17 Friday, April 26 Swat Football Field, Banani, Dhaka Feel free to contact Sakib: 01673597383, 01674749496
T-Shirt Design Contest Saturday, April 20 IUBAT Campus, Sector - 10, Uttara Model Town, Dhaka Post your design on wearBUG fan page wall at www.facebook.com/wearBUG
The Dream, The Human Aid Foundation (Bangladesh), charity workshop Saturday, April 20 The Aga Khan School, Dhaka To register, please feel free to contact Farheen: 01927115676 Shoron: 01673656939 Tushar: 01675950189
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HOT TOPIC
Rickshaw Diaries Rickshaws have once again found their way into the spotlight with the controversy surrounding the ban on lungis worn by rickshaw-pullers, allegedly imposed by the Baridhara Society. Love them or hate them, rickshaws are an integral part of everyday life here. Rubab Nayeem Khan & sabrina F Ahmad talked to riders and pullers about their experiences.
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t’s relatively cheap to produce and affordable to maintain. It’s fuel-free and eco-friendly. With so much going for it, you would think the rickshaw would be the most popular ride in the country. You’d only be half right. Rickshaws have always been more than merely a mode of transport for us. This isn’t just because of the decades of traditions surrounding their design and art. The rickshaw, like the people of Bangladesh, has managed to survive, even thrive, against all odds.
Future forward?
As we ride into the future, we’ve seen this country evolve in a thousand ways, particularly in the cities. Like everything else, the rickshaw has also evolved, but its basic environmentally-friendly design has endured despite all attempts to modernise it.
“I was on my way to university on a speeding rickshaw, and suddenly this driver flung open his car door and the impact made me slip out of my seat and onto the rickshawallah’s seat!” - Nazif
This isn’t the only threat
There have been numerous attempts to phase the three-wheeler out and replace it with mass transit. Yet it persists through popular support, in neighbourhoods and alleyways, and a lifesaver during strikes. Rickshaws have been around since before our country came into existence. The rickshaw is often the stage for many social dramas. We went around asking people for some of their experiences on these three-wheeled wonders. From the stories we gathered, it became evident that rickshaws contribute a great deal to all aspects of our lives. We also play an important role in the lives of the hard working men who drive them. Whether it is a gossip with a friend, a fight with a boyfriend or just going back home, people always seem to have a story to tell about rickshaw rides.
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“My friend and I had just bought our groceries from Agora and were heading back home. Before our rickshaw could even get out of Gulshan 2 it began to dismantle on its own. Even though we ended up bruised and injured, the fall was peculiar and quite hilarious!” - Rommel
“Rickshaw rides are always fun, especially when a gust of wind blows the hair off my scalp. Sometimes I ask the Mama to race against the rickshaws my friends are traveling. And of course the classic Bangla film artworks on the back of rickshaws are really cool!” -Mannaq
“My friend Benu and I had just bought art supplies and were on our way to Charukola by a rickshaw. The rickshawallah was incessantly humming to a Bangla song and speeding through Farmgate. When the traffic was signaled to stop, our rickshaw lost control of its brakes and toppled over. I quickly clutched on to the rickshawallah’s back, almost piercing his skin with my nails while we were about to take a nasty tumble. Our art supplies were scattered in the streets and I bruised my knees!” - Shamima
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HOT TOPIC
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On the other side of the coin… Mohammad Abdul Hakim
Mohammad Abdul Hakim, a 40-yearold rickshaw-puller complains that the current political conditions are affecting his livelihood. Then again, he takes joy in discussing the details of his profession. “Most of my passengers are school or college/university students. The only problem I face with them is when negotiating the fare. Whatever I ask is too much for them, and whatever they offer is too little for me.”
Jonab Ali
• The word “rickshaw” is derived from
Did you know?
the Japanese word “jinrikisha.” In Japanese “jin” means human, “riki” means power and “sha” means vehicle. Therefore jinrikisha means human powered vehicle. • The first rickshaw in Bangladesh was seen in Chittagong in 1919, and in Dhaka in 1938. • The rickshaw decorating trend began
in the 1950s in Bangladesh.
• Today’s bicycle rickshaw was actually an innovation made by Miss Betty Gordon of Louiseville, Kentucky. She saw the hand-pulled rickshaws in Peking, China, and attached her bicycle to one. The Chinese loved the idea, and by 1890, the three-wheeler we know and love had achieved its final shape.
60-year-old Jonab Ali could not vouch for the same thing. He says: “I came to Dhaka from Kurigram, Rangpur, in search of a job. I live in the slums of Korail and have been in this profession for ten years. I had taken a break in between, but returned, because I could not find a better source of income. I earn around Tk 4-5,000 per month; my income is not enough to make ends meet because I am obliged to provide for myself and for my family. My family is scattered here and there; I have three sons and two daughters. My wife lives in Kurigram, and my children are living in Narayanganj. My sons work in garments factories, my eldest daughter is married and the youngest one is still studying. I have to pay my living costs, pay the garage that provides the rickshaw and also provides for my family. My age doesn’t even permit me to drive this vehicle, but I have no choice. If things get better for me, I would like to drive a CNG or maybe a taxi cab.”
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FASHION FACE-OFF
Beauty Check
Homayra Adiba
Wardrobe Check
Black on the back burner
Looking
Spec-tacular! By Munira Ahmed
The heat is on, and the sun is already shooting killer death rays at us. As exam season draws to a close, it’s time for summer concerts to raise the ceiling. This presents a dilemma for the metalheads in the city. On the one hand, all black attire is pretty much considered a uniform for heavy metal. On the other hand, stepping out in that in this weather is just asking for heatstroke. What’s a guy to do?
Eyeglasses are the one trend that keeps changing. First it was the craze for rimless frames, next for weightless, then came the thick framed and finally, now the full blown geeky look with huge square frames right out of the hippie 70s! However, some frames suit particular face shapes more than others. Read on to find out what’s cool for your face shape:
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Rock and metal have their roots in parts of America and European countries where it snows or the temperature is much lower than here, which gives them obvious reasons to wear black. Their culture and trends don’t make sense at all for us. In a recent tour to Australia the lead singer of Opeth, Mikael Akerfeldt, got on stage wearing a simple white t-shirt with black jeans. Opeth is considered to be a one of the heaviest of metal bands and even they thought Australia was too hot for black.
Bigstock
Round Face
Oval Face
A round visage has rounded outlines, with the width and length proportions almost the same generally. Pointed and narrow glasses lengthen the face and make the round look angular. Spectacles that are rectangular usually look nicer on round faces.
A face that is longer than it is wide is an oval face. Frames having vertical height can make the face look balanced. People with oval shaped faces should look for frames that are deep from top to bottom in order to conceal extended cheeks. You can go for top heavy, accessorized frames.
Square Face A square face has similar width and length, with a high forehead and firm jaw line. People with such faces should look for frames that are more wide than long, and can reduce the natural angularity of the face. This gives the impression of a longer face. Oval lenses look good on such faces.
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A face, that’s wider on the top and narrows towards the chin is a heart shaped face. People with such faces can opt for frames that are wider at the bottom than at the top. Rimless designs and light frames look beautiful on heart shaped faces.
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Ripped and shredded
Your jeans are another way you can express your concert self. A number of outlets like Souldance and Ecstacy have distressed jeans on offer, but you can easily take a razor to an old pair you already own. Rip, shred, splatter with paint, express your rage, and get concert-ready!
4 Chic of the Week NAINA BHAN Age: 19 yrs Email your street style photo in to TRIBUNE.TMAG@GMAIL.COM and be crowned TMAG’s chic of the week!
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Colours
Do the concert, deshi style. Pick out nice, lightweight band tees in bright colours. Or plain white if you want to make a point. There are a number of t-shirt stores in Aziz Supermarket that have a wide array of t-shirts that you can choose from, and there are even a few that will customize them for you for a few extra bucks.
Heart Face
Bigstock
Chill
Accessorise
Ask your girlfriend, and she’ll tell you that it’s the accessories that make the outfit. Vans, canvas loafers, wristbands, necklaces, your options are endless. Bashundhara City has stores to suit all appetites. From rubber bracelets to wristbands to man-bling, there’s something for everyone. Mix, match, and create your outfit, and you’ll be head-banging in style in no time! Tashhid Abdullah & Sabrina F Ahmad
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FASHION FACE-OFF Look of the Week
neon brights
Take TMAG’s PERSONALITY QUIZ Now!
If the runways are any indication, bold neon colours are what you want in your make up this season. Candy coloured lips, electric eyes and psychedelic nails are all cool. Just not all at once.
High school graduation is almost at the door guys! Take this quiz to find out if you’ve got the leaving high school blues or if you’re ready to take on the world on your own. Question 1
Question 5
There has to be a farewell party for the entire batch. You:
And finally, it’s prom night! You are:
A Take it all on yourself: the guest list, food, venue and party favours. You know everyone and you’ll miss everyone the most so you know best how to send off everyone with a blast. B Get pushed into it because no one else wants to do it. C You and your friends skip and hang out by yourselves. D What farewell party? Everyone should be studying.
A Meeting up at your house with your closest friends and then going to prom together, cheering the whole way. B Heading there with your boyfriend/girlfriend. C Turning up in jeans and a sweatshirt. D Prom is a month before the exams, I’m not going anywhere.
If your answers are : Mostly A's
Question 2 The end of school prank has to be epic. In your opinion it should be: A Hiding small but powerful speakers on school grounds and blaring music on them the whole day. B Food fight in the cafeteria. C Leave it alone, the thing’s getting old. D Isn’t it better just to take dignified graduation pictures for once?
Question 3 What’s your end of school jam? A Don’t You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds B School’s Out by Alice Cooper C My play list has better things to do. D Classical music to keep my calm while studying.
Question 4 Nails: Loreal nail paint Face:Mac foundation & bronzer Eyes: Mac eye make-up Lips: Clinique lip stick Where to buy: You can purchase all these items at your nearest Almas or Priyo stores. Photographer: Homayra Adiba Make up Artist: Wasifa Ahmad (Sifa’s Corner) Model: Shabrin Islam
Are you going to come back to visit your high school again? A Oh yeah, every chance I get. B I’ll attend the important stuff like sports events and reunions. C I have no idea. D I’ll be in college but I’ll show up to show respect to my exteachers.
The school pep. You loved school, you were popular and you don’t know what’s ahead of you so school’s pretty much a lifejacket in an open ocean now. It’s normal to feel this way, just involve more people in your plans and be open to the possibility that college is going to be an amazing experience as well, if you let it.
Mostly B's The neutral Nelly. School was okay, but you don’t get what THIS much fuss is all about. You’re chilled out, which is cool. But keep in mind that this experience is never going to repeat itself so try to enjoy the last few minutes while it lasts.
Mostly C's The ultimate hipster. School’s been a bummer and you wanted to leave in 8th grade but your parents slammed that car door in your face. You don’t care if the school goes to the unicorns but it might actually be the unusual thing for you to give school one last chance and join in on the goof and poof of the last few days. What could it hurt?
Mostly D's Dude, come on.
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written in the Stars
Trimita Chakma Fighting the Good Fight As a woman, she has been, since childhood, keenly aware of the chronicles of the domestic, physical or mental violence against women. She grew up wishing she could do something to change these dreadful stories. From 2010 till now, Trimita Chakma has put action behind those wishes, in her campaign to bring a revolution against the status quo. Saudia Afrin brings you more. Nafeesa Binte Aziz
A
powerful and spirited soul, Trimita Chakma began her journey with the belief of challenging the patriarchal system in society, through advocating for women and all the inequalities they face. Two important experiences influenced Trimita to choose her path. She began life at a boarding school from age 13, and for four years, lived in close quarters with many other girls. She came to learn how, talents notwithstanding, a girl can face so much discrimination on the basis of gender alone. Trimita was 19 when she attended a performance of Eve Ensler’s ‘The Vagina Monologues” at her university in Germany. The play changed her views on women’s bodies and raised questions
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about the ways in which society exploits and abuses women regardless of their background. She found the play relevant to the stories of Bangladeshi women, and decided to join the movement. In 2010, she decided to perform Eve Ensler’s controversial play V-DAY in Bangladesh for the first time under the Vagina Monologues project. The project aimed to address women's sexuality and the social stigmas and create a new dialogue about gender roles. One can only imagine the challenge of implementing this in conservative Bangladesh. Fortunately the response amongst the urban audiences was generally favourable. The team continued their performances and fundraising efforts for women’s rights-based organisations over the next two years.
The recent rape and murder of an 11-year-old Chakma girl increased her determination and urgency to increase the access of justice for indigenous women. With a view to create a new dimension in combating violence against women in Bangladesh, Trimita upped her ante by taking on the position of a coordinator of V-DAY’s One Billion Rising campaign. Trimita is currently mentoring a research project on access to justice for indigenous women of Chittagong Hill Tracts with the support of Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development. She has also initiated an online archive for Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) related issues to keep the world informed about them.
From her huge list of achievements, receiving the Australia Awards Scholarship in 2008 to pursue a Masters degree at the Carnegie Mellon University has been the proudest moment of her life. She added another feather in her crown in 2012, when she received an Australian Alumni Excellence Award for young alumni in Bangladesh. She was also nominated as a Delegate for the 7th Asia Societys Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit in the same year. Interesting things you may not know about this superwoman. Trimita Chakma is afraid of aliens. She also hates going backwards on a train or bus. This might be the reason behind her commanding the new generation forward in the fight against violence against women.
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NON-Fiction
The acid test for comic book adaptations The financial success of movies such as “The Avengers” has completely changed the perception of superhero movies, elevating them from the niche market to a successful formula for a hit movie. While the likes of Batman and SpiderMan are household names all over the world, Marvel’s upcoming movie “Guardians of the Galaxy” will truly reveal that comic book characters that don’t possess the same level of branding can make the leap from the pages to the big screen. Seeing the need to introduce the franchise to a wider market before release, Marvel has rebooted the franchise and started from the groundup. The story focuses on a group of misfits who band together to protect the galaxy, the team is comprised of Peter
homayra adiba
Rickshaw talks It’s incredible how many scenes rickshaw drivers witness (and enjoy!) on a normal day at work. After a few interviews about the funny customers they’ve had, here is what some rickshaw pullers around Dhanmondi had to say!
What is the craziest thing you’ve overheard while working?
More than one rickshaw driver said that he has had passengers who sing! One driver laughed as he recalled the time when he had three school kids aboard, two girls and a boy, all singing an “ajob” English song at the top of their voices as he took them to their teacher’s house.
What is the funniest experience you’ve ever had while driving a
Fiction
Quill, Gamora, Rocket Racoon, Groot, Drax and Iron Man himself. The team’s constant interaction and variety makes this outfit one of the most refreshingly compelling teams put together. Issue One is written by Brian Bendis who does a great job in drawing in readers with intense action and illustrations reminiscent of Star Wars. The characters are introduced simply and effectively, and the witty dialogue and fast paced story has you constantly turning the pages looking for more. The issue is a great place to start for fans new and old. It’s well drawn while still packing witty dialogue and great action. There’s a lot more to come in terms of storyline. It’s too soon to tell whether it’ll make for a hit movie, but it’s certainly a hit comic! Fardeen Ameen
rickshaw?
One of the drivers remembered the day when he and two other rickshaw pullers set out on a race with nine teenagers (three on each rickshaw). Remembering the speedy peddling and the sharp turns still brings a smile across his face.
Lastly, they were asked if they recognize their previous passengers, and if so, do they remember said passenger’s homes?
Turns out, they do! They all had words to share about those customers that are shocked to see they’ve reached home without giving any directions. Afshan Sattar
The Balcony The boy was on his way to the balcony. He had no idea why. What mattered was that he had to get this over with. Otherwise, the annoying Gollum-like voice would return, hissing, "We must take the precious, the precious, I say!’ The precious in question was, of course, a girl. Not just any girl, but one he had admired since he was six. They had been friendly for around three years until she had to move to America. At that point, he had learnt the word divorce and had consequently disliked it. But after a decade, she returned. Her parents had somehow reunited and decided to live in Bangladesh. He had had enjoyed a few romances in the past decade but the sight of her teen incarnation had brought back all those emotions, along with the epiphany that he truly wanted to be with her. Thus, he was on his way to the balcony.
He had a paper airplane with him that contained a few friendly queries. He was not sure how a direct approach would work. Ditto for a call. What other option did he have? He threw the airplane at the girl’s balcony. The moment he did that, he realized what an awful idiot he had been. Of course a paper plane was tacky and uncalled for. There would have been a better way. There must have been a better way. His brain screamed “IDIOT!” as his heart faltered. But a soothing voice said: “Don’t worry, those few years were special to both of you. She will certainly think of you fondly.” That voice instilled confidence in him. She would of course at least speak with him. She might not be attracted immediately. That was not necessary. There would be plenty of time to charm her. She had to agree to meet him first. They would probably reminisce and
reflect on how life had changed since they had parted. They would probably discuss entering a relationship. Very soon, he daydreamed ahead on to wedding shanais and nosy relatives. The paper plane landed on his balcony. While he had been daydreaming, he had missed catching a glimpse of her when she had thrown the plane. But that was unnecessary. What mattered was the answer the plane carried. He was only a few steps away from the plane. First few steps: “Oh god she must think I’m an idiot.” Next few steps: “But maybe she doesn’t, maybe she thinks I’m sweet in a dorky way.” Next few steps: “But what if she doesn’t?” Some more steps: “She will. She must.” The last steps ensue. He picked up the plane. Unfolded it. And stared at it heartbroken. It read, “Who are you?”
book
comic
YOU WRITE IT
Nashid Kamal’s The Glass Bangles “The Glass Bangles” revolves around a young Sylheti woman from a remote village as she journeys to London in search of a new life. Despite the misfortunes that Sheila faces in the early years of her life, the story beautifully follows her journey as she overcomes the hardships life threw her way. Nashid Kamal’s first English novel, “The Glass Bangles,” touches upon the common limitations that women in Bangladesh faced in the past, and still face today. The novel begins in the early 90s, a time when Bangladesh was going though political turmoil. The novel ends decades later as Sheila returns to Bangladesh to visit her family. By this time, we see a Bangladesh which, despite its numerous structural enhancements, still bears the same limitations and social expectation of women. Reading about the development of Sheila’s character in this bildungsroman novel is a pleasure as the readers can follow her gradual transformation into independent woman we see at the end, and the factors that shape her. The other characters come and go. Despite the short exposure to each of them, the characters all manage to build their unique and memorable personalities (both agreeable and disagreeable) within the pages of the book. Some of them are characters that a Bangladeshi reader might enjoy, as they’ll be able to identify similar characters in their own lives. Nashid Kamal's portrayal of Sheila within the contrasting backgrounds of the limitations in Bangladesh with the freedom in London made for an interesting and enjoyable read. “The Glass Bangles” is available at Words and Pages in Gulshan 1, for two hundred taka. Afshan Sattar
Tabeen siddiki
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10 tmag Guitar Tabs 21 Guns Green Day Intro
BUZZIN’
This week’s best TV
Dm A# F C Do you know what's worth fighting for, Dm A# F C When it's not worth dying for? Dm A# F C Does it take your breath away A# C And you feel yourself suffocating? Dm A# F C Does the pain weigh out the pride? Dm A# F C And you look for a place to hide? Dm A# F C Did someone break your heart inside? A# C5 You're in ruins
After the larger-than-life world of Gotham City, and the superhero medley of The Avengers, sometimes it’s nice to slow down and come back to a simple superhero who has to deal with relatively mundane urban criminals. If that’s your feeling, then Arrow is the show for you. The skinny: Billionaire bad boy Oliver has been stranded on an island for five years before he is rescued and returns to his home in Starling City. He dives back into his old life, but only as a front for his new role as an arrow-toting vigilante hell-bent on justice. The good: Serious body-slamming,
Chorus
F5 C5* D5 One, 21 guns C5 A#5 Lay down your arms F5 C5 Give up the fight F5 C5* D5 One, 21 guns C5 A#5 F5 C5 Throw up your arms into the sky, A#5 F5 C5 You and I
MOVIE
Fardeen Ameen
1 Ho Hey The Lumineers 2 Madness Muse
butt-kicking action. That’s the best part of it. Despite its standalone episode, the overall series has a continuing story thread, which keeps you watching to see what unfolds. The B-plot is the mystery of what happened to Ollie on the island, which is another nice touch. The bad: To many, this might just seem like Batman Lite. The characters are all cardboard cut-outs at first, and the dialogue is cheesy, so if you’re looking for something more highbrow, this is probably not your thing. TMAG rating: 3/5 sabrina f ahmad
attack of the killer mutant chickens Toon Bangla Limited presents the spectacular “Murgi Keno Mutant: The Attack of the Killer Mutant Chickens.” The story is set in post-apocalyptic Dhaka city, where killer mutant chicken are terrorising human beings. Strangely enough, this has done nothing to deter people from craving chicken meat, especially when they are now available in such large portions. Masud Khan, self-proclaimed Mutant Chicken Chef Number 1 has devoted his life towards serving his clientele with just that. With his loyal sidekicks Laily
TOP Trippy tunes
10
superhero for urban criminals
and Rassel, he risks his life to hunt down this dangerous delicacy. Aside from being a completely unique venture in Bangladesh, the short film has plenty of merits. The cheesy fight scenes, and dance numbers are nods to the local film industry tropes. The visuals are dark and compelling, and the scripting and voice-acting are really well done. Action, humour, romance, there’s a little something in it for everyone. Check the clip out on vimeo.com/62555069 Tashhid Abdullah
3 Little Black Submarines The Black Keys 4 80’s Comedown Machine The Strokes 5 Too Close Alex Clare 6 Finally Driving Pretty Lights & Incubus 7 Mouthful Of Diamonds Phantogram 8 Blindfold Morcheeba 9 Teardrop Massive Attack 10 Through The Glass Stone Sour
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music
Arbovirus in town! Arbovirus has to be one of the most versatile rock bands in the Dhaka music scene right now. Since their debut album “64m 53s” in 2006, the band had been featured in a number of compilations and had played with genres. The band, managed by Live2 is about to unveil their latest album sometime next month; their most flamboyant project yet. Their sophomore album, powered by Sprint footwear is an eclectic mix of sounds and genres that reflects on their musical maturity as a band quite well. “Shohor” has a beautifully shot music video which is an ode to our city, apt because it is essentially a love song for Dhaka and perhaps my favorite of theirs’ yet. The album also features songs that they had been performing
live for a while now, namely, Jaalo Agun Jaalo (a classic Arbovirus hard rock), Hariye Jao (an utopian slow rock number) and Durotto (ballad) all concert favourites. Together with the classic anthemic numbers that they are famous for however, Arbovirus had broadened their scope of experimentation some more Sharthopor is a new metal meets jazz improvisation, there’s also a nameless nu metal song with a political message with touches of eighties rap. There’s Au and then Surjo (an anthemic rock number about a day in the sun) and Tomader Sommane (a psychedelic slow electro-rock) and finally a yet to be titled new age rock number that has to be heard to be believed! Here’s to waiting! Nabeela M
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TECHSTER
WE RECOMMEND Game
GOD OF WAR: ASCENSION Finally after 2010’s remarkable journey of Kratos in God of War 3, the next GOW is here to take you back to the beginning. It’s almost impossible to imagine Kratos when he is not in a mad, vengeful state of mind. God of War: Ascension is a story about his tormented mind in search of truth, not revenge, or uncontrollable anger. It is a prequel to the initial God of War. 6 months have elapsed since Kratos is tricked by Ares into killing his loved ones. The story revolves around Kratos and the blood oath that he intends to break in search of truth and eventually going on to avenge his family by dethroning Ares in GOW.
Gadget hunt
Where to find SMC Enterprise The Grand Plaza Shopping Mall, 3rd Floor, 227 Outer Circular Road, Bara Moghbazar, Dhaka. Cell: +88-01770202949 +88-01964287611 I.P Phone: 1-512-981-7361
web critic
app of the week
Santa Monica Studios have emphasised the multiplayer mode, which consists of a number of game modes from facing of the Trial of the Gods to playing the match of the champions. For their first shot at the multiplayer mode, they got it right, with the locations providing a number of interactive situations and the weapons and magic and fighting. It had always been exciting for the gamers to play against each other in the GOW stage. This time the game plots the perfect arena to pit fighters all around the world in one of the multiplayer modes. So, if you are a GOW fan and you haven’t gotten a copy yet, it’s greatly advised you pick one up now. Shafquat Huq
Smart watches If you’re from the 90s you probably grew up watching shady agents like James Bond using their watches to blow up architecture even send unauthorised signals. Back in the day, it felt like these watches were super cool gizmos from the future that only rich and handsome agents like Bond could afford. Those days are over for them because now even you might end up using these gadgets for good or maybe a little bit of evil. Sony has recently come up with these very stylish looking Androidbased “smart” watches. If you’re hoping to use it as a phone or a web device for Facebook chat or tweets, then this is the perfect thing for you. This
device vibrates gently on your wrist notifying you with Facebook updates, calendar and sms notifications. You can use it to listen to music since it has Bluetooth technology embedded in it, with an operational range of 32ft. It has a multi touch colour OLED screen. Since it is a watch you can choose between digital or analog clock displays. Sony smart watch comes with several coloured wrist straps and adapters. You can also use any 20mm wrist strap designed to be used with a wristwatch. And the best part? It’s available in Dhaka. Check this place out and grab your own neat timepiece.
Garageband for your phone Category: Music Size: 588 MB Price: $4.99 Compatible with: iPad, and iPhone Remember Rock Band? Remember the awesomeness of living out your rockstar dreams and feeding your gaming addiction while headbanging to some kickin’ tunes? If you remember the game, you also remember that it took a while to set up and needed copious amounts of space. GarageBand takes the concentrated coolness of Rock Band and puts it into one neato app you can carry around in your phone or tablet. Simply download the app and turn your iPhone or iPad into a collection of Touch instruments or a recording studio. With a few taps of your fingers you can play any virtual instrument like a pro. You can even hook a real electric guitar to your iPhone and use the amps and stompbox features. Get your friends to download it too, and you can even form your own band. How’s that for awesome? sabrina f ahmad
Car Talk
AXIO: THE TALK OF THE TOWN
Tashhid Abdullah
Bakers Beyond Borders A blog that is a combination of what used to be two separate sites: “The Daring Baker” and “Daring Cooks,” “The Daring Kitchen” is for those cooks and bakers who thrive on new and diverse challenges. There are hundreds of bloggers partaking in the challenge, and the basic premise is that The Daring Kitchen will post one recipe, or “challenge” every month (which is provided by one of the participants). All the members then create the same dish using the same recipe in their own homes and post about it on their personal blogs. A Google search for daring baker challenge of the month will be sure to leave anyone drooling. The Daring Kitchen is a unique concept with not just awesome pictures, but equally awesome variations of the recipes as enthuastic cooks take it to the next level. The only problem is that while most of the participating blogs
look great, The Daring Kitchen website is in itself not that pretty. It all started back in 2006, when Lisa of La Mia Cucina, and Ivonne of Cream Puffs in Venice challenged themselves to bake pretzels using the same recipe. Each went ahead and posted about it on their respective blogs. This became a monthly project, with a different recipe every month (the next one was biscotti). Not long after, a few more bloggers and bakers joined them. As the list of bakers grew, they decided to give their group a name, and hence, “The Daring Bakers” came into existence. Formed in 2009, they idea spread like wildfire as thousands of people joined in on the monthly challenges. After expanding into the Daring Cooks as well, the two together bring bakers/cooks from all nationalities together to try something new! Afshan Sattar
Toyota Corolla being one the most reliable and most sold vehicle all over the world, is a car that almost everyone seems to like. Bearing that in mind, you ask, how is Toyota Corolla Axio? The Corolla Axio has is lightweight has a quieter passenger compartment and a more aerodynamic feel. Inside the cabin, there is more flat-surfaced legroom. The driver gets a steering wheel with a telescoping function that allows its position to be adjusted front to rear and a comfortable seat. The Axio not only looks good but it drives well and to sum it up it has pretty adequate performance as well. No wonder people all over the world seem to like it. Tahsin Momin
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TEENARAMA
Aries: Avoid taking snap decisions; it might just save you from something ugly. Proceed at snail speed with whatever you are doing. Expect a boost of confidence in yourself this week. Also a potential love interest may be hovering in the vicinity. That doesn’t mean you should hunt him or her out, just wait for a magical moment to sweep you off your feet. Taurus: Curb your obstinacy and try to compromise when you are dealing with other people. Pay attention to your expenditures; you can start by collecting those money receipts you get in restaurants and shopping malls.
Libra: Finish your chores for this week. You want to get something done, but there’s someone or something that’s getting in your way. If you’re still caught up with questions, be patient and put on your observing goggles. You may not get your answers right away. Scorpio: Your creativity is a hit amongst strangers; while they gape at your antics, your mates know what’s going inside that noggin of yours. If you keep ditching your problems they’ll just come back to haunt you. Exorcise them now!
Gemini: It wouldn’t harm you to let someone do the honors in terms of decisionmaking; you can be an observer for a change. You may throw around an attitude that won’t be appreciated by your friends and loved ones.
Sagittarius: You might come across an awkward incident at the beginning of this week. If you have gained some perspective, use it, don’t abuse it. Lend a shoulder to a friend, but make sure your intentions aren’t misunderstood. Claim dibs on something you have discovered!
Cancer: People might tell you to “put a lid on it;” but once in awhile you feel entitled to go
Capricorn: An admirer may drop subtle hints or send you awkward love poems. Find
HOROSCOPE nuts! Stop those feelings from flying around; chances are that you’ll be misunderstood for the information you share. Leo: You’ll be receiving the red carpet treatment a little more than usual. If you don’t want anyone to go through your stuff, just say so and growl a little if they don’t get the message. You might click with someone from the geeky side. Virgo: Get clingy at your own risk. When you snuggle up to people or things, you end up getting hurt. If you can carry out tasks without magnifying the problems you faced, the outcomes will be fruitful. Engage in an intense conversation with someone who’s not from your regular crowd this week.
out if they are actually what they seem. Overall, things will be fine in the romantic front for you. Take someone out on a date, go for a stroll in the park with your lover or ask someone out in a non-creepy way. A q uarius : Feeling hopeless again? Don’t worry, you’ll get over it. Emotions are about to surface sooner than you think. Stall them for a while if you don’t know what to do with them. Pisces: “To love, or not to love?” That is your question, when you see cupid pointing his bow and arrow towards you. Future plans are hectic issues; let them hang for a while. For now, plan an un-planned get together with your mates.
Blush Much?
1
I am a girl; my best friend and I were bored so I let her trim my face. I’ve been growing a beard ever since.
2
There was a tissue box on my bed and I accidentally sat on its edge, lost balance and fell off my bed.
3
My shirt was tight near the armpits and I ripped it when I raised my hand to ask a question in class.
4
I fell into the gap between my bed and wall and lay stuck there for 15 minutes. I choked while having powdered milk and had an asthma attack.
5
My sisters tied me up and waxed my chest.
6
I was picking my nose in the car, and this guy from school who I have a crush on saw me.
7
I accidentally wore my sister’s tank top as an under shirt and went to school.
EMAIL YOUR CONFESSION TODAY TO TRIBUNE.TMAG@GMAIL.COM
TMAG tells you to
Choose or Lose I’ve been dating this guy for 4 months, he has this habit of sharing every little detail about our personal lives with his friends. One time, this friend of his came up to me and started telling me the things my boyfriend told him about us. He’s a good guy, but he just can’t seem to keep his mouth shut. Should I choose or lose this relationship?
Lose! I have been in a long distance relationship for four years with my girlfriend. Everything is good between us. Our parents approve of our relationship and we intend to get married at some point, but lately I feel that we’ve both been drifting apart from each other because of the time difference. We have a really good relationship, but I have also heard that long distance relationships don’t really workout. What should I do?
Choose!
LET US BE THE JUDGE OF YOUR SITUATION. EMAIL YOUR STORY TODAY TO TRIBUNE.TMAG@GMAIL.COM
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