Avenue T Vol 1 Issue 11

Dhaka Tribune

Thursday, July 4, 2013 Volume 1, Issue 11

Shades of

Purple

Contents

inside...

Volume 1, Issue11, July 4, 2013 Editor Zafar Sobhan Magazine Editor Ishtiaque Mahmud Avenue T Team Mahmood Hossain Sabah Rahman Shadma Malik N Anita Amreen Bassema A Karaki Najmal A Nadvi Photography Syed Latif Hossain Sadia Marium Shekhar Mondal Kazi Syras Al Mahmood

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Tantalise

The delicious Mexican delight

Tailored

Stylish bags for men. Really.

Contributors Tahsin Momin Su Jorgensen Maya Tausif Sanzum MK Aaref Tilat Khayer Agony Auntt Naorose Bin Ali M K Aaref Fara K Iqbal Design Istela Imam Md Mahbub Alam Production Masum Billah Advertising Shahidan Khurshed Circulation Wahid Murad Email: info@dhakatribune.com Website: www.dhakatribune.com Cover photo: Zia Uddin Wardrobe: Purple Model: Nusrat Srabony

Hawkers tell us we are the fastest-selling English daily Bangladesh has ever had! See for yourself what the noise is about, ask your hawker for a copy now!

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

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Tempt

A lifetime of healthy skin

4 Tuned – Dive into captivating pages 5 Tech & Turns – Fujifilm launches Instax 6 Tenacity – Embrace being past the prime 8 Tact – The talk behind your back 9 Tailored – Stylish bags for men. Really.

10 Tempt – What’s the new black?

11 Tempt – Even things out with your skin 12 Trial Room – A small purple dream come to life 14 Tell – All the guilt on the shoulders 15 Take Care – Keep your heart in check 16 Tantalise – Enchiladas on this week’s menu 17 Tucked In – Light up your room with class 18 Trails – Take a gander into Bagerhat 20 Travel – Onto the capital of Malaysia 22 News – Thailand ticket winners

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Trial Room

The purple dream comes to life

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4

Tuned Entertainment

SEE

Book Review

The captivating concepts Critics are often of the idea that Jhumpa Lahiri mainly writes about Indian immigrants living in America. Upon reading her collection of short stories, one can draw the conclusion that she does write about a certain group of people

“Masterchef Australia: The Professionals (Season 1)” is a reality cooking show featuring professional chefs as contestants.

Spawning from the competitive cooking game show “Masterchef Australia,” you can catch this show that airs on Star World.

By Zaki Adnan

Watch

“G.I Joe: Retaliation,” is a show about the return of the team that is not only fighting against its enemy Cobra, but is also struggling with the threats of extermination from the government. The movie is now showing at the Star Cineplex in Bashundhara City.

However, through these limited groups she explores human relationships, anxieties, love and emotions that all of us feel at one point or the other.

Critics went gaga over “Interpreter of Maladies,” but Lahiri outdoes

her own work with the 2008 published collection of short stories: “Unaccustomed Earth.”

Each story in the book explores a new dimension of life and the thread that holds this collection together is a deeply emotional under current.

The book has universal appeal. It will take you back to the time when communication between you and your parents and suddenly came to a halt, and somehow you no longer knew what to talk to them about. It connects with those who lost touch with their mother tongue and became unable to identify themselves as locals or foreigners because of being pestered by their parents to speak English. It reminisces moments when mutual loss brought people together, and reminds us of how emotions sometimes take over our sense of right and wrong.

Reminiscing the past, reconnecting it with the present and pondering its

in Dhaka this week

JULY

Today!

5th

6th

influence over the future is a common feature In all the stories. It is hard to place the book in any realms such as feminism, post-colonialism or postmodernism.

“Hell – Heaven” seems to be the most challenging story which Lahiri narrates in the book. It requires the readers to treat a mother as a woman. Lahiri allows her to have emotions towards a man who might not necessarily be her husband. The minute sexual tension between the characters reminds us how a fullfledged, sexually explicit scene is not necessary to bring sensuality into narration. The uncertainty of being is explored in this story, which makes the readers question things around them.

Lahiri treats the audience not as mere readers, but as part of the narration, which is how she has her audience randomly exclaiming: “Hey, that is what I felt on ‘so and so’ occasion!”

This blurring of `writer, readers and characters sings about the triumph of the diasporic yet universal writer.

Grab a copy if you haven’t read it already.

9th

A Musical Evening by Partha Barua & Fahmida Nabi Fashion N Party

Time: 10am Day: Today Venue: Platinum Suites, House 58, Road 11, Block F, Banani

Eid Anondo Mela

Time: 10am Day: Today Venue: Drik Gallery, House 58, Road 15A (New), Dhanmondi Residential Area

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Time: 6:30pm Day: Today Venue: Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), House 35, Road 24, Gulshan 1

Fair: Renaissance Way to Fame Season 2

Time: 10am to 10pm Day: July 5 Venue: Renaissance, House 33 Road 4 Dhanmondi

Concert: Rock for the Cure Chapter 1

Time: 2:15pm to 10pm Date: July 6 Venue: All Community Club, Road 35, Gulshan 2

Ultraviolet- A contemporary dance exposé of life Time: 6:30pm Date: July 9 Venue: Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dance & Music Department Auditorium, 14/3 Segunbagicha, Ramna

Tech & Turns 5 App Watch

New Tech

The personal food diary

The instant Instax

Fujifilm launches the new Instax in Bangladesh. It may not be the compact digital Here’s your chance to be cameras we are used to, but it does offer something more. With Instax you can your own culinary critic instantly print out card-sized photos after taking a shot By Mahmood Hossain

By Mahmood Hossain

The developers of the popular and highly rated Evernote have created an app for the food lovers out there. Evernote Food acts as your personal food diary by allowing you to capture whatever you eat, as well as save and share the venue or location where you eat.

The food you love is saved in your own archive, with your desired description and rating. It’s a fun way of documenting your food adventures.

Instant film cameras are nothing new, yet the quality and function of their photos have improved immensely.

The shutter speed in each camera adjusts to produce good results even in low light. The new Instax series can

be found at authorized dealers such as Hallmark outlets, Stardust – Baily Road, Rainbow – Pink City and Lavender – Gulshan 2.

The application provides four distinct options for the user to play with • Explore recipes: You can view different kinds of recipes at random, or look for a specific one in the search field. The recipes featured are gathered from all over the internet, and with one touch you can visit each site with the necessary information.

• My Cookbook: This is where all of your prized recipes are logged and saved. With the Evernote’s syncing feature, you will never have to worry about losing a certain recipe that you had written down somewhere. You can access all that is saved on your account, which can be viewed on your desktops and tablets.

• Restaurants: Similar to location tagging, you are able to check in by “Explore,” “Saved,” and “My Meals.” This can be done once you have visited a certain restaurant and have logged in your food adventure.

• My Meals: This option is all about the food. Each image of what you have eaten and loved is kept in memory. From home-made meals to your favourite dish at a popular restaurant, you will always be reminded of that unforgettable, delicious moment.

Evernote Food is available on Android, iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

There is a five model range for the Instax: • Instax 210 is of high quality with wide prints, which are ideal for family and friend photos or even business pictures. It has an LCD control panel, programmed electronic shutter: 1/64-1/200 sec, and two-range selectable shooting options: 0.9-3m and 3m-infinity • Mini7S comes in blue or pink and has a simple design with easy usability. This model has more of a sporty feel to it • Mini8 is 10% smaller than the 7S, with similar features. This comes in five colours: white, black, pastel pink, pastel blue

and pastel yellow. It has a picture size of 62 x 46mm • Mini25 is the more stylish of the lot, being light weight and compact (even easier to use) • Mini50S is another stylish and compact model in piano black. It can be considered a companion to sophisticated parties

Wheels

Scoop the coop Five decades since it was introduced, the modern Mini Cooper still has the same feel to it. Mini was initially produced under the banner of British Leyland. After the company dissolved, BMW took charge of the Mini. One might argue that the modern Mini is German after all, but the fact is, it holds its dignity by sticking to the motto it started with.

The 2011 Mini Cooper S is a very driveroriented car. One look at it will easily give away what it’s all about. With the perfect combination of power and beauty, the car looks amazing from

By Tahsin Momin

the outside, and also has the grunt.

With the 1.6L, 184BHP engine, it can outrun almost all of its rivals. The power comes without any lag, and the steering is as smooth as butter. The design hasn’t evolved much since the original Mini came out, but there are plenty of electronic add-ons that make the car a brilliant little hatchback.

On the inside things get better, as the basic mini trim is all butted up with leather and chrome. You can be assured of its quality, as it is made by the same team that does the interior for BMW. Even with the sports car setup and a

low driving position, the car’s visibility is very good. Features such as manual transmission, an MP3 player, satellite radio, side curtains, airbags, stability control, traction control, navigation system and Bluetooth are all included in the standard car.

There is no other car in its class that can match the brilliance of the Mini Cooper S. The Mini is a modern interpretation of the classic design that was, and still is, the best designed hatchback.

Price: Tk6.2m Available at: Motor World Imports House 65B, Road 27, Block-A, Banani, Dhaka 1213

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Tenacity

Dealing with the Age clock We often hear stories about couples splitting up for no real reason, people going on spending sprees they can't afford, and colleagues resigning out of nowhere. Such outrageous behaviour is generally labelled as part of a midlife crisis. However, not all extreme changes made during midlife should be associated with crises, whether they are for the better or the worse.

Instead, this behaviour should be seen as part of development and a period of tremendous maturity.

The transitional phase of maturity can take place from the age of 35 though the early 50s, and contrary to popular belief, it affects both men and women.

While there is no clear evidence for what causes it, the development is usually triggered by seeing your children grow into adults, seeing your parents die, or simply feeling your time is running out. All these cases share one common factor: the feeling of getting old. This realisation makes you question the importance of your existence and how much you have achieved in life, and that is what brings about change.

While both men and women go through this phase, the things which affect their psychologies differ. In most cases, men tend to become afraid that life is passing them by, and try to prove their worth at the workplace or exaggerate their wealth for a sense of pseudo-achievement.

Most women, on the other hand, reach a certain age

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when they realise they have the opportunity to do all the things in life they put off doing while caring for their families. Many of them tend to calculate their achievements as wives or mothers, and others become self-conscious about their looks

How will you know if you are experiencing this transition?

Unexplainable bouts of emotional outbursts, a sudden desire to look young, an urge to prove that you've "still got it," or an abrupt decision to quit your job and start over are all signs to look out for. Changes in priorities, such as desire to go back to school, learn a new language, or develop a new hobby are common during this phase. Whether you find this phase as enlightening as the renaissance or as depressing as the Dark Ages depends on how you perceive it. The bitter truth is, none of us want to get old, but there is no escape from ageing. So, what is the solution? If you can't beat it, join it!

A woman, on the promise of anonymity, narrated the story of her midlife transition. In her mid 40s, her son moved abroad to obtain a higher education. With her husband working as a fulltime banker, her son was the prime reason she became a fulltime housewife despite having a flourishing career. The sudden change in her life, with no more responsibility of taking care of her son, left a vacuum in her existence and had her asking: "What now?"

No one can remain in their prime forever; age catches up on everyone. Instead of fighting this natural process, try to embrace it, because you might just find a lot of opportunities in the luggage it bears By Tausif Sanzum

Tenacity

Now the big question is, how will you be able to differentiate the positive urges from the negative ones? What if you take a decision and regret it after a considerable amount of time? Take help from your family when making major decisions, or if you feel uncomfortable sharing with them, get help from a counselour or psychiatrist. Guidance will clear any confusion you have and shed new light on things, thus giving your choices more weight.

Accept change and look for ways to age graciously.

Instead of focusing on past opportunities, look forward to new ones. If you are cringing from a vacuum created by lack of responsibilities, then it’s time to wake up and smell the freedom. Just remember, your life is not over until you give up on it. You are capable of making it productive, even in the tiniest ways, until the very end

Photo: Big Stock

She underwent counseling under a psychiatrist, who helped her cope with the change by making her realise the space she thought to be a vacuum could be transformed into something productive. The newly found time and space she had after years of dedication raising her son could be used to reinvent her life. She could now go back to doing things she left behind 20 years ago, start new ventures, dedicate more time to her relationship with her husband, or simply do things she always wanted to but never had time for. She took time off to travel with her husband, joined yoga classes, and is now planning to open up a boutique in the near future.

This woman gave a new direction to her life and transformed her midlife phase into the most productive part of her life, and so can you. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of midlife transition, turning your back on them will only make things worse.

No drastic measures are necessary during this phase, and the best way to deal with it is to follow the formula “P cube equals PAUSE, PONDER and PRAISE.” Pause your life and take time off; sometimes the best solution is to do nothing. Ponder over what changes are taking place: jot down the negative and positive changes, and praise and absorb the positive ones into your life.

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8

Tact

Dealing with backbiting co-workers

Survivwl

by N Anita Amreen

Regardless of how jovial and amiable your co-workers may be, there are always those secret groups of coworkers forming underground cliques, sweetly smiling at you upfront, but slashing away with their razor tongues once you have your back turned. No matter how perfect you may be, or how agreeable you are, tongues will always wag, and silent whispers will always exchange ears. Follow this quick guide to ensure that you aren’t swept up in the heat of it all.

it. Nothing gives gossipmongers more pleasure than knowing they are hammering away at the back of your mind. If you do hear gossip, or others begin to fill your ears with talk of who said what, do not respond.

Brush it aside. Keep whatever is said in mind, but do not react adversely unless the situation really calls for it.

Confrontation usually leads to heated arguments that eventually end in an awkward fashion, leaving you in a tense environment.

1) Keep your distance from the ringleader: Sometimes you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find the ringleader is actually the quietest of the lot, lurking in the shadows and believing themselves to be indecipherable. Rest assured that there’s always one leading lady or leading man who heads the gossip chair. Whether secretly feeding the grapevine or openly spreading rumours, the ringleader is the perfect example of a loose-tongued shrew.

3) Share only that which you wouldn’t mind others knowing: At workplaces, friends are quickly made, and secrets are energetically shared. While some are worthy of both your trust and your friendship, others aren’t quite as lucky. When making new friends at the workplace, do not hesitate to have your share of fun, but keep in mind the golden saying : “Familiarity breeds contempt.”

To test the waters of work friendship, tell each friend one false “truth” about yourself, saying it’s a secret. If that very “secret” makes its way back to you, you know where it came from. If not, you’ve found a friend, a definite keeper.

2) Avoid confrontation: Confrontation will only lead to further arguments, which will incite and give more reasons for others to talk.

If confrontation is avoidable, avoid Photo: Big Stock

Rant

Mommy Diaries I have to mention, it doesn’t come that easy to some of us, getting pregnant I mean. So far, when I lend my ears to friends and family, I often hear about the troubles that a couple is going through in order to get one child and get started with their family. I was no different.

After months of trying, expecting, waiting and checking through strips, it finally happened.

My news was extra special, as I was luckily able to confirm my pregnancy right on my birthday. It was the biggest gift God could have possibly given us. As soon as I got my blood test results in the evening, and I looked at the numbers that obviously stated I was pregnant, I was speechless. Hubby and I looked at each other with a mischievous smile. It’s a great achievement. Yes we did it, we were grinning from ear to ear.

Along with the news came doctor’s appointments and more tests. I got started on folic acid (some of us actually start on folic acid when consciously trying to get pregnant) along with other precautionary drugs to prevent

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by Samira Mostofa

miscarriage. As much as I wanted to enjoy my pregnancy days and hoped for all the good feelings, glowing looks and cravings for bizarre food items, it happened otherwise in my case.

I was advised minimal movement and did not feel like increasing my food intake. I felt like I had a stomach flu or something that kept churning inside my tummy and chest. It felt awful, I gasped and felt trapped at home. Not to mention it got me wondering why anyone would want to get pregnant by choice. But hey, I read up lots of books and internet articles, and understood that every body type, pregnancy and motherhood is different.

I was thankful that at least I wasn’t throwing up, aka suffering morning sickness. So yes, I was different from others. Initially, all I thought and waited for were the days to pass so that I could see my tummy bulging up and signs of pregnancy would be obvious. That is the point worth feeling proud of, undoubtedly, a sense of being complete and having a reason to live all over again.

Photo: Big Stock

Tailored His Style

Bags are for men too!

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Style

Session

1. Briefcase: This bag is all about business, and is the oldest form of an acceptable bag for gentlemen.

The make and design might have changed over the years, but the classic shape remains the same. Best suited for business attire, the briefcase's buckle, exterior leather and interior will remain a timeless touch to a sophisticated look.

Don’t let the ladies bag all the fun We’ve been dealing with bags since we were kids in school.

As we’ve grown, the quality of our bags has scaled up too. Get to know the signature styles of bags suitable for any man

2. Messenger bag: This bag is a bit more versatile than the rest. It was all about function when it was first introduced, and was carried by messengers. Nowadays, you will see it with businessmen, creative heads and students alike. The top quality bags are made of heavy leather and, of course, the over-the-shoulder strap that comes along with it. It can be seen with casual wear or even an uptown, classy look. However, this goes best with chic, street wear, which is possibly the easiest way to pull it off.

3. holdall: This is a bag every man should own. More about function than anything else, the holdall is for both the frequent and occasional travellers.

The inspiration comes from the duffle bag, yet it’s more refined, sleek and stylish. You can carry this with casual weekend wear or casual business attire.

Q: It’s a new season, and I want to try out the new coloured trousers I’ve been seeing. I’m 35 year sold, so is it safe for me to switch from jeans?

A: It’s always safe to drive away from denim, regardless the age.

Yes, coloured chinos are the current trend, but make sure you are buying them for a genuine purpose. Some men look great in jeans, but not so much in chinos or coloured trousers, and vice versa. In fact, the new style of chinos look exceptionally stylish on gentlemen your age. One thing to keep in mind: men’s fashion in the past couple of years has given birth to much more variety than ever before.

Embrace the change, try thenew Go for it!

Style Tip Style Tip: Remember, canvas goes beyond shoes. Try buying a canvas holdall, or other kinds of bags to match with your shoes

4. Tote bag: A modern take on the classic briefcase, this holds more than just your files and folders. It’s a stylish way of carrying all your office related necessities, like a laptop, shoes or an extra shirt ( just in case you drenched the other one in sweat.)

Rain’s gone, canvas on Step into the comfort of canvas The blistering heat really doesn’t leave you with too many options. There aren’t many layers you can play with.

However, your shoes are a different case. When the rain is absent and you feel the heat, trying on a pair of canvas shoes is a sure bet to looking suave in the summer. The heavy-duty, plainwoven cotton or linen shoes simply scream out summer cool. The best part is that these canvas shoes come in many styles.

For those casual occasions, sneakers, slip-ons, espadrilles and boat shoes are the way to go. Nothing comes closer to

the ease and colourful nature of these shoes. How about lace-ups? Of course, the work place has a place for canvas as well. There are canvas derby shoes, canvas and leather Oxfords, along with suede and canvas boots. These lighten the look of your outfit, yet keep your sophisticated reputation intact. Most canvas shoes are of the lighter shades, which are appropriate for the hotter days of the year. The idea is to have a cooled down look. The easier it is on the eyes, the more comfortable you will appear.

Canvas shoes can be found in online stores starting from Tk1,900 and on.They can also be found in stores like Artisti

A: Tie clips or tie bars are a classy addition to a suit, or a simple tie and shirt combo. Yes, there are certain rules to follow, no breaking them either. First thing is first, the placement of the clip should never change. It goes right between the third and fourth button of your dress shirt; keep it as close to your third button as possible, leaving a slight gap between the button and clip. Remember, the tie clip/bar doesn’t just clip the front of your tie, it also fastens to the placket of your shirt. Finally, never wear a tie clip wider than your tie.

That’s the worst thing you can do with a tie clip.

Send in your style inquiries to mahmood.hossain@dhakatribune.com

Q: I have recently bought a tie clip for my ties. Are there certain rules to follow with this accessory?

In Fashion

Articles by Mahmood Hossain Photo: Big Stock

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Tempt Hair

The truth about shampoo Su Jorgensen is a hairstylist and colour technician from New Zealand with over 20 years of international experience which includes: teaching for Wella, Goldwell and Redken, working on fashion editorials in different platforms such as television and running a successful boutique salon in London’s trendy East End. She has extensive knowledge of Trichology - the science of hair and scalps. a skin irritant that has been linked to a risk of developing numerous respiratory and immune disorders in children.

Parabens A group of chemicals found in many products used everyday, parabens act as a preservative to retain a longer shelf life and can cause skin irritation.

The shampoo you use is very important for the health of your hair and scalp.You may think sweet-smelling shampoo that lathers up the most when you wash your hair is the one that will give you clean, shiny, healthy hair, but this is not true!

Be aware! Your best bet is generally to go for products with fewer and better understood chemicals. Try to find a product that has a plant-oil base and petroleum-free organic shampoo.

By Su Jorgensen Shampoo companies, especially the big brands, are multi-corporate companies that can afford expensive commercials involving Hollywood stars and models alike. These advertisements make us think immediately, even subconsciously, that we MUST use their products. NO, NO, NO! The most commonly known brands of shampoo, like Garnier Fructis, Pantene, Tresemme and Head & Shoulders are very well known, and readily available at your local supermarket at affordable prices in larger than average sizes.

These companies can afford to sell their products for less because the ingredients they use are toxic, and their products are designed for mass production and a longer shelf life in any climate.

You must always check the ingredients in your shampoo to make sure it isn’t exposing you to unnecessary health risks. Here is a brief description of the

My recommendations are: Bodyshop: Rainforest range only Himalaya Biotique Organica, an amazing Moroccan Argan based brand

chemicals to look out for: Sodium laureth sulphate Plain and simple, this chemical is a nasty detergent, and is associated with probable carcinogens.

Methylchlorisothiazolnone (can you say that quickly?)

This is a preservative that keeps things fresh, and there is evidence that it

harms skin and may contribute to immune system problems.

Ammonium chloride Harmful if swallowed and similar to sodium laureth sulphate, ammonium chloride can cause serious eye irritations, and is not good for people with psoriasis and other skin and scalp conditions.

Propylene glycol Used to moisturise, this chemical is

If the brand is ECO certified, it is your best bet. For further information, send your inquiries to showponycardiganclub@hotmail.com.

Remember that just as “you are what you eat,” your hair is what you nourish it with, so choose wisely

Trends

GREEN: the new black?

This year, green has made it huge for the spring/ summer seasons all over the globe. From handbags to dresses to accessories, this earthy wallflower has come out into the limelight to shine

By Maya Almuqtadir AVEN U E T TH U RS DAY, J U LY 4 , 201 3

Emerald has been a favourite among top designers, but lime green and tea green are no short of sharing the stage with this show-stopping hue. Green is a colour that is universally flattering, so don’t be shy with it.

Try not to overmatch and overdo this trend. Accessorising with this colour is super fun, and you can stay on top of the trend list by sporting bold earrings and necklaces with a simple black top. You can also double line your eyes with a bit of green liquid liner on top of black to bring out the emerald goddess within Some fun colours to pair your green with can be:

i Baby pink with emerald green iPeach with army green iBlack and/or white with neon

green iNeon orange and lime green iRoyal blue and green colour blocking

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

Tempt

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Beauty

How “balanced” is your skin?

Maintaining the Ideal pH will ensure you enjoy a lifetime of clear, healthy skin

By Tilat Khayer

balance the level of water within the skin.

Go easy on cleansing Taking care of skin begins with regular make-up removal. In order not to stress your skin, and to respect its natural balance, make sure to use a pH-neutral make-up remover, specially formulated to cleanse your epidermis gently. Once a week, use a suitable pH-neutral exfoliation product, which is perfect for smoothing and purifying the skin, while respecting its natural balance.

Photo: Big Stock

Make a habit of reading product ingredients Most bar soaps contain harsh oilstripping detergents that can erode your skin’s protective barrier.

Be aware of what you are exposing your skin to, and avoid products containing ingredients that destablise the skin's pH level, like sodium stearate, sodium palmate, sodium tallowate and sodium palmitate.

You probably haven’t given the term "pH Balance," a marketing slogan skincare companies have used for decades, much thought since your high school chemistry classes. But pH plays a fundamental role in the skin's barrier, called the acid mantle, which is formed by secretions from sweat and sebaceous glands, as well as the breakdown of fatty acids by beneficial microflora. This barrier functions as an invisible veil that keeps the "good stuff" (lipids and moisture) in and the "bad stuff" (pollution and bacteria) out.

Simply stated, pH is a scale between 0-14 that is used to measure acidity and alkalinity, with zero being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline.

The pH of a healthy skin surface ranges from pH4.5 to pH5.5, which is slightly

acidic compared to other natural elements, but necessary to help retain the moisture and inhibit the growth of bacteria and skindamaging allergens Over time, environmental factors like pollution, temperature change, UV light and even sweating can cause pH fluctuations that affect the natural enzymes in the skin to cause dry, scaly or break-out prone skin. However, common, everyday habits can also send your pH level sliding away from its comfort zone.

Washing your face Watch out for water, which has a pH of 7, as excessive use of it on your face can make your skin more alkaline. In order to rebalance the protective barrier, it is advisable to keep the skin well moisturised.

It is also important to choose daily moisturising skincare products that

Ditch the soft drinks All soft drinks share a common issue: they are highly acidic. They lower your overall pH level dramatically, which can cause acne and zap you of radiant skin. We need a high level of alkalinity for our bodies to be healthy, which is expressed in our glowing complexion.

Therefore, consuming a product that is highly acidic begins a rather destructive process in your acid mantle.

barrier’s pH, stripping it of its protective and reparative powers.

The daily use of sunscreen defends the acid mantle by shielding the skin cells

from sun damage and increasing the skin’s ability to protect itself.

Increase your intake of antioxidants Antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E, and green tea) are important in maintaining the acid mantle in two ways. They fortify the cells so that they can function optimally, and they protect the cells from environmental stresses and oxidation.

According to the British Journal of Dermatology, women with chronically higher pH levels have more wrinkles than those with more acidic, well-balanced skin. Let this be food for thought!

Tilat Khayer is an international make-up artist, who has worked with celebrities at London Fashion Week and Britain’s Next Top Model. Her brand Roshi operates in the UK and Bangladesh.

Slather on sunscreens When the skin is sunburnt, water from within your body rushes to calm it down, and in the process raises the

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12

Trial Room

A dream come true: Purple

Photo: Syed Latif Hossain

Sadia akhand’s EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION

“A dream doesn’t become reality so easily; to make it real, one needs to have the dedication and courage to pursue it!” says Sadia Akhand, the designer of PURPLE. Starting their journey with humble beginnings, a mere facebook fan page to begin with, soon stood among the ranks of prominent brands.

This exclusive boutique started its venture in 2008, through a facebook fan page, which presently stands at a colossal 26,500 fans and rising, from all over the world. Sadia attained recognition for her clothes' designs, especially made for women, men and kids and eventually fame caught on, thanks to her extraordinary designs of wedding attire.

Photos: Syed Latif Hossain Model: Dhusharima

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Price: Tk12,000 This soft, soothing baby blue muslin saree is given a romantic touch with its bold, contrasting blouse and black satin shine.

Trial Room

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Price: TK7,800 Chiffon jorjet with katan and zardosi work

Photo: Zia Uddin Model: Nusrat Srabony

Price: Tk7,000 Delicate purple chiffon adorned with intricate zardosi embroidery and velvet trimmings

Price: Tk7,000 Purple chiffon kameez with velvet embroidery work

Sadia became an entrepreneur by following her small dream, PURPLE, and she is now maintaining her boutique with her own embroiderers.

Check out the recent designs of PURPLE. Visit: facebook.com/ PurpleTheExclusiveCollectionBySadia For direct purchase, visit the shop: PURPLE, Shop no. 100, Block D, Level 2, Bashundhara City Shopping Mall, Panthapath, Dhaka

Photo: Zia Uddin Model: Flora Tumpa

Currently, PURPLE has a registered shop in the Bashundhara City Shopping Mall.

Last year, Sadia flew to New York City to participate in an international fair, where she successfully promoted her Bangladeshi clothing brand. PURPLE also sponsored the reality show “Channel I Shera Kontho,� during which Sadia designed clothes for the judge, Sabina Yasmin.

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14

Tell

Letters to Venus

Letters to Mars

Money matters Shackled?

I’m a 24-year-old man who has been dating for the last three years. My girlfriend and I have had a tumultuous relationship.

She has cheated, betrayed my trust and done more wrong than I can remember, promising every time that she will reform.

I love her to death, so I take her back every time. For the past six months, she has kept her word and done everything right.

There is just one problem: she insists on getting married and incessantly pesters me about it. I love her, but I don’t think I want to marry her (not just yet, at least.)

She threatens to leave me if I don’t talk to

my parents soon. What should I do?

P Dear P, What prevents you from marrying her?

Fear of your parents’ consent, lack of money or the fact that you do not trust her (or let yourself trust her) in case she goes back to her old habits? What is her hurry? Does she worry that she may revert back? Or is she now ready to commit? If she is, why aren’t you?

Your heart will tell you: listen to your heart.

I’m a 28-year-old woman working as a finance controller at a very renowned firm. Both my husband and I are working, but I earn a lot more than him. This seems to be a constant problem between us, and it makes him feel insecure about himself. It has come to the point where he doubts what I do at work and accuses me of having extramarital affairs with my seniors to get my way at the workplace! Our arguments have come to a point where he demands me to leave my job! What should I do?

K

Dear K, It is quite common for a husband to feel this way, but do you think this is the only reason he feels so? Does he have reasons to believe you cannot be trusted? Look inside yourself and see if there is anything in your behavior that may upset him. The person in a strong position has the ability to make the vulnerable person feel less vulnerable. I am not blaming you, we can blame him, but it will not make either of you feel better. You should not leave your job, but may encourage him to find a better job while making him feel you love him for "who he is" and not for his earning ability. Yes, you have to do the work of making him feel better, because you want your marriage to work and you want to keep your job.

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.

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I’ve been working at a new advertising firm for the past eight months, but I’ve gotten a better offer elsewhere.

My current boss has been exceedingly generous in the past: he gave me both a raise and a promotion. While everyone else has been leaving the firm for better opportunities, I feel guilty about abruptly leaving the firm right when they have given me so much.

N Dear N, Are you learning where you are now? Is money the only concern? Are there better prospects out there? Since many people left and you seem to be appreciated, this could be a chance for you to be promoted again, gain more experience and expand your skills. Money is important, but it is not everything. Loyalty is something that is in short supply nowadays and seems to be out of fashion in our lives, so make it fashionable again!

Photos: Big Stock

Guilt ridden

Issues

Take Care 15 Health

Nurture a healthy heart

Coronary heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death and disability in Bangladesh.

In fact, statistics show the number of people suffering from the disease has increased to 3,500% in just two decades, as opposed to the predicted rate of 100% increase by 2020

By Bassema Karaki The rapidly increasing rate of cardiovascular disease is a wake-up call to Bangladeshis around the world.

It’s never too early to educate yourself on the potential risk factors you may have for heart disease. While some risk factors are unalterable, there is plenty you can do to make sure your heart stays healthy. First of all, know your numbers. Every adult Bangladeshi should know his or her blood pressure, waist measurement, weight, cholesterol and fasting blood sugar. These five numbers can offer clues and alerts to the state of your health.

This dangerously rising rate is linked to many factors, including rapid urbanisation, population density, the environment, nutritional problems and genetic problems. Current research (BRAVE study) is assessing the role of long-term exposure to arsenic and other toxic metals through food and water, tobacco consumption, including chewing tobacco as paan/betel leaf and jarda, sub-optimal nutrition and genetic variation.

Blood pressure: Your blood pressure can indicate if you are at risk for cardiovascular disease, a stroke or kidney disease.

Measure your blood pressure once a month by taking a reading three times and averaging the numbers. A systolic reading above 140 is considered too high and warrants seeing your doctor.

Cholesterol: High cholesterol is a big risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Test your cholesterol levels regularly. Your HDL, the healthy cholesterol, needs to be 50 or better; your LDL, the unhealthy cholesterol, should be under 100.

Blood sugar: Your fasting blood sugar (FBS) measures your risk for diabetes, which can lead to many health problems, including heart disease. Your FBS can be determined with a simple blood test or a finger stick test. An FBS number above 100 is considered prediabetic, and you should consult with a physician.

Know the symptoms of a heart attack and your family history. Women may have more subtle symptoms than men, so be sure to educate yourself on what they are so you can know what to do in an emergency.

Weight: Weigh yourself once a month and make a commitment to keep checking that number for losses and gains. The average Bangladeshi woman stands approximately 1.5m tall and should weigh less than 68kg, the cut off point for obesity.

The average Bangladeshi man is about 1.7m tall and should weigh less than 88kg, his cut off for obesity. Taller folks can add about 1kg per 1cm, and shorter folks can subtract 1kg per 1cm.

Waist size: Measure your waist at the belly button once a month. The number should be less than half of your height.

If it is more, it puts you at risk for cardiovascular disease among a host of other health concerns.

Photos: Big Stock

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16

Tantalise Recipe

Smoked chicken enchiladas

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

When it comes to the frighteningly delicious combination of meat sauce and melted mozzarella, nothing beats the rich beauty of lasagna.

Just when we thought the lasagna couldn’t get any better, the world introduced us to enchiladas.

Essentially a Mexican take on lasagna, the enchilada is a delight for both the eyes and the palate. A tortilla stuffed with rich, meaty filling , this Mexican beauty is topped with salsa and a daring dose of mozzarella. Enjoy!

By Naorose Bin Ali Photos: Syed Latif Hossain

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Ingredients 2 tortillas 50g mozzarella cheese 50ml tomato salsa 100g smoked chicken, shredded 20g garlic aioli Chopped onions, jalapeno and cilantro (for garnish) Directions Fold the tortilla and give it a good rub with garlic aioli.

Place the chicken between the two tortillas, along with some jalapeno.

Close the tortillas, sprinkle cheese on top, and place them in the oven for two minutes, or until they have melted nicely.

Once the cheese is melted, pour the tomato salsa on top and garnish it with onions, jalapenos and cilantro.

Tucked In Decor

Horoscope

ILLUMINATE YOUR SPACE

M K Aaref is a trained architect and have been in practice for the past 25 years. His practice have included residences, retail and office spaces, and hospitality related spaces.

Growing up, there was only type of light bulb: the one ensconced in a glass bubble with the filaments dangling between two glass receptacles. It gave off a lot of heat and went out often, but gave a warm glow

By M K Aaref

Photo: Big Stock

Then came the fluorescent lamps, also known as tube lights. They were energy efficient, but the white light they gave off turned the warmest shades into a cold texture. In restaurants, they turned any food into an unappetising palette.

Nowadays, the choices are enormous. Light bulbs come in various wattages and save a bundle. Initially, they gave off the type of light more akin to the fluorescent one, but now they can also be found in warm shades. To take things further, some bulbs even change colour spontaneously (from blue to red to green, etc.)

In my opinion, light bulbs should be visible only through their light, concealed in a fixture or shade and not seen with the naked eye. The only exception to this rule would be the specialised chandelier bulbs that resemble the shape of a flame.

17

Light bulbs nowadays are available with dimmers. You can set the mood of the room by adjusting them. Have it on full strength when celebrating a child’s birthday party, and have it dimmed when setting a romantic mood. The bulbs can also be set on timers to go on and off at a certain time. For example, you can set the lights to turn on automatically every evening so you find your home lit up after a long day at work. To keep thieves away while travelling, these timers will give off the illusion that someone is occupying your house even if it’s empty.

Next time you go shopping for lights, buy one sample and try it out before making a bulky purchase. For security reasons, choose the brightest energysaving bulb available, and restrain the amount of electricity you spend indoors.

Aries (mar 21- apr 19) Suddenly, you will feel like nothing you do is being appreciated by others. Don’t give up on yourself, try to trust yourself and your instincts.

Taurus (apr 20- may 20) You will meet many interesting people this week.

The interactions you will have will make you want to sit back and ponder upon your thoughts. This is a week of reflection.

Gemini (may 21- jun 20) You have a lot to anticipate in the future: something new and big will come your way. Embrace it, because it is going to change your life for the better.

Cancer (jun 21- jul 22) On the emotional front, there will no longer be any negative energy. You will bask in the glory of positivity. This is a promising time for you.

Leo (jul 23-aug 22) This is going to be quite a lucky week for you. You shall win unexpected gifts. Don’t wait for it, allow yourself to be patient, and luck will come your way.

Virgo (aug 23- sep 22) This week is all about spontaneity. You’ll party hard, and work hard, but will never follow a strict plan. However, things will run smoothly.

Libra (sep 23- oct 22) Your partner may force you to be in a sour mood this week. Your compatibility ratios will stand low. Be patient and try not to nag, things will get better.

Scorpio (oct 23 – nov 21) You shall be swamped with multiple tasks, all of which demand your undivided attention.

Don’t lose yourself in the midst, rather delegate tasks to share the load.

Sagittarius (nov 22- dec 21) An estranged person from the past will return this week, asking for your hand in friendship again. Carefully think of your decision before you agree.

Capricorn (dec 22- jan 19) You shall be in a comparatively generous mood this week.

Despite buying expensive gifts and donating wholeheartedly, your financial status shall prosper.

Aquarius (jan 20 – feb 19) This week you’ll learn a whole new set of skills without even knowing it. Whether its public speaking or the art of influencing people, only this week will tell.

Pisces (feb 20 – march 20) This week you will find joy and peace in your close ones and their achievements. You will glow with positive energy.

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18

Trails

Outside Dhaka

Bagerhat The Mosque City of Bagerhat, located in the suburbs of Bagerhat city in the southwest of Bangladesh, is originally known as Khalifatabad.

About 40km southeast of Khulna and 325km southwest of Dhaka, this city is nicknamed the “mint town of the Bengal Sultanate.”

This city was founded by the 15th century warrior, General Ulugh Khan Jahan, and is now listed by Forbes as one of the 15 lost cities of the world.

The Mosque City has been recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Site as an “outstanding example of an architectural ensemble which illustrates a significant stage in human history”

By Farah K Iqbal

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Trails

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where to stay

What to do Bagherhat has more than 50 Islamic monuments, which were found after removing the vegetation that had obscured them from view for many centuries. To start off a tour of the city, you can excavate towards the Shatt Gombuj Mosque, aka the Sixty Dome Mosque. After that, a visit to the nine domed mosque will leave you marveling at the terracotta floral scrolls and flower motifs embedded in its architecture. Across the street lie the Singair Mosque and the Chunakhola Mosque, each having one wide dome supported by

The Hotel Castle Salam is superbly situated in the heart of Khulna and is not too far from the largest mangrove forest in the world. The historical sculptures and artwork of the Shatt Gambuj Mosque and the Kodla Moth are within the vicinity of this hotel, which is designed with modern amenities and palatial suites that cater flawlessly to the needs of its guests.

What to eat thick pillars. One sight you don’t want to miss is the largest dome in Bangladesh, held by the Ronvijoypur Mosque.

After discovering the tales of the mosques, next on your itinerary should be a visit to the Ajodah Temple, otherwise known as the Kodla Moth. The facade and decoration of this temple are its main attractions.

Despite its distance, tourists always find a reason to come back to Bagherhat and admire these heritage sites.

Getting There

Dhanshiri is an extremely popular restaurant not only in Dhaka, but throughout the country. It has quickly picked up a name for itself, and is thought to be one of the best places for “Bangali fast food.” Whether it’s a plate of chicken biryani or kichuri and an egg, the restaurant’s wide variety of irresistible dishes brings out the flavour of Bangladesh so well it keeps tourists coming back for more!

Travelling to Bagherhat is a fun experience. If you have an adventurous spirit, you’re bound to enjoy the “rocketsteamer” trip from Dhaka to Hularhat.

After that, you can take a bus straight into the heart of Khulna and towards your planned accommodation. Tiger Tours Limited offers extraordinary, tailored packages to Bagerhat.

INDEX Hotline numbers: 0184 145 5500, 0184 144 5500 or e-mail: info@tigertoursbd.com. http://bangladeshunlocked. blogspot.com/ http://www.tigertoursbd.com/

The writer is a team memberof Tiger Tours

Photos: Tiger Tours

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Travel

Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur is a cultural centre spot where some of the world’s greatest cultures combine in a great, dynamic mix.

As one of Dhakaites’ favourite holiday destinations, and with one of the most famous second home programmes, this capital offers the perfect travelling experience with its bustling shopping malls and exciting cuisine Compiled By N Anita Amreen

What to do Shopping Malaysia’s enviable list of markets and malls include everything from the expensive to the cheap. Suria KLCC, Pavillion and Star Hill Gallery are luxury shoppers’ shopping haven, while Bukit Bintang, Pasar Malam (Night Market) and China Town are where the bargains are at.

Sightseeing The Islamic Arts Museum, National Art Gallery and the Menara KL, where you can get the highest view of the city, are all excellent spots to visit in the capital.

The Petronas Towers, the Guandi Temple, Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve and the KL Bird Park are must-sees as well.

Kenko Fish Spa Kenko Fish spa offers weary travellers a pedicure like no other. Dipped into a tiny pool where Garra Ruffa fish nibble away the dead and diseased skin, your feet will be left smooth and callous-free by the end of the treatment.

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Travel

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INDEX The Ritz-Carlton 168 Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur 55100, Malaysia Shangri La Hotel 11 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur 50250, Malaysia Ph: +60 3-2032 2388 Kenko Fish Spa Level 5, | 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur 55100, Malaysia Islamic Arts Museum Jalan Lembah Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur 50480, Malaysia Ph: +60 3-2274 2020

What to Eat

Where to stay

Shangri La hotel (Tk10,000 and up) In close proximity to the Petronas Twin Towers, Shangri La provides luxurious guestrooms and custom designed suites that offer modern amenities and excellent views of Malaysia’s cultural hub.

Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd Lot No. 241, Level 2, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre 50088 Kuala Lumpur Ph: +60 3-2382 2828 Fax No: +60 3-2382 2838 Email: info@suriaklcc. com.my

Nasi lemak

The ideal comfort food and national dish of Malaysia, Nasi lemak is a plate of scrumptious coconut rice, accompanied with a side of coconut beef, anchovies, boiled eggs, roasted peanuts and a sinful Malaysian chili sauce.

Ritz Carlton (Tk16,000 and up) Defining the art of luxury hotels, the Ritz-Carlton in Malaysia is conveniently located close to the top-notch business and entertainment hub of Bukit Bintang. The exquisitely designed hotel offers excellent cuisine and even better spa treatments.

National Art Gallery 2 Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak 53200 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Ph: +60 3-4025 4990

Flights Chili pan mee

For those who like it spicy, the chili pan mee is based on freshly cooked noodles topped with pork, garlic, half-poached eggs and a final touch of chopped onions. Finally, the magic ingredient of Malay chili sauce combines perfectly with this dish to bring out the true flavours of Malaysia.

Qatar airways flies from Dhaka to Doha daily, from where there are connecting flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Petronas Towers Lower Ground (Concourse) Level Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Ph: +60 3-2331 8080 Guandi Temple Jalan Tun H.S. Lee No.168, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Ph: +60 3-2078 2735

Banana rice

A true rice lover’s delight, the banana leaf rice dish is served on a large banana leaf, accompanied by an assortment of meat and fish curries, vegetables, spicy pickles and the crispy goodness of papadums.

Globe Trotter Yevpatoria, Ukraine Saxony, Germany

Bangkok, Thailand Oxfordshire, London

Mount Abu, India Cordoba, Andalusia

Earth.

Theatre.

International Children Dixieland2013 Festival July 1-7 Dresden May 12-19

Jae Danupon Henley Royal Kaewkarn Classical Regatta Concert July 3-7 May 25

Summerde Festival Festival la May 23-25de Guitarra Cordoba July 1-13

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News

Cell Bazaar.com hands over Thailand Trip tickets to lucky seller Among the tens of thousands of smart people selling things they don´t need, CellBazaar.com has selected the winner for its Thailand Trip competition. Showkat Ali sold his used treadmill on Cellbazaar.com and won a three nights´vacation with his wife to Bangkok, inclusive of air tickets, hotel and an additional pocket money of Tk 10,000 to make the trip more rewarding. Arild Klokkerhaug, CEO of CellBazaar. com handed the prize on June 27, 2013.

Celebrating 38 years of success: Al-Hassan Diamond Gallery A celebration was held in honour of Al-Hassan Diamond Gallery's 38 years of success as one of Dhaka's leading jewellery brands. Chairman Md Kobir Uddin and Managing Director Md Khairul Hassan inaugurated the ceremony by cutting their commemorative cake. Director Md Abdus Sobhan, Marketing Consultant Nozrul Hossain Oyon and Marketing Manager Humayan Habib, along with several customers and guests, were present at the event. To mark their anniversary, they also inaugurated an anniversary fair that will be held in their Gulshan 1 branch from June 29 to July 5, during which customers can avail up to 38% discount alongside receiving a gift voucher for every purchase worth Tk3,000 or more. Moreover, customers have the chance to win beautifully crafted, diamond jewellery through the raffle draw specially arranged by the store for the week long fair.

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