Avenue T Volume 1 Issue 28

Dhaka Tribune

Thursday, November 14, 2013 Volume 1, Issue 28

12

Check out

Elegance in a boutique

20

Travel

Korean roundtrip

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Contents

inside...

Volume 1, Issue 28, Nov 14, 2013 Editor Zafar Sobhan

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Google streams to Tv

Magazine Editor Ishtiaque Mahmud Avenue T Team Mahmood Hossain Sabah Rahman N Anita Amreen Najmal A Nadvi Sabiha Akond Rupa Tausif Sanzum Fuad M Hossain Photography Syed Latif Hossain Sadia Marium Shekhar Mondal Kazi Syras Al Mahmood Contributors Natasha Ahmed Navin Ahmed Maya Almuqtadir Agony Aunt Auronee Malsi Tahsin Momin M K Aaref Md Mahmudullah Al Mamun Shahnoor Rahman

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8

Moon’s boutique

Happy feet

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Autumn essentials

Design Istela Imam Md Mahbub Alam Production Masum Billah

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Kabuli Pulao

Advertising Shahidan Khurshed Circulation Wahid Murad Email: info@dhakatribune.com Website: www.dhakatribune. com Cover Photo: Photographer: Topu Rahman Model: Afrina Trina, Sadia Joty, Asim Ali, Raaz Make-up: Tareq Styling/concept: Ashikur Rahman Pony Send in your queries, views, suggestions at avenuet@dhakatribune.com

4 Tuned – Introducing rock & roll 5 Tech – A hybrid family hatchback 6 Tact – Prepare for winter 7 Tease – Avoiding the risk 8 Try Out – Focusing on your feet 9 Tailored – Style for your skin tone and going green 10 Tempt – Come back with a bang 11 Tempt – Autumn wardrobe 12 Trial Room – Moon’s in focus 14 Tell – A cheater’s dilemma 15 Take Care – Eating healthy for men in their 30s 16 Tantalise – Afghani pulao 17 Tucked In – Flat screens and birds 18 Talk – Changing the music scene 19 In Town – Arabian aroma 20 Travel – Capital of South Korea 22 Tags – Comicon in Dhaka, bigger and better

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Change the music scene AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, N OVE MB E R 1 4, 20 1 3

4

Tuned Entertainment

See

Music

Old is gold Epicle 1: The miracles of mainstream pop

The Crazy Ones Another office based sitcom starring Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar as a fatherdaughter duo. They are also business partners at the ad firm.

Williams’s character is goofy and outlandish while Gellar brings on screen a more reserved personality balancing the act. Watch this duo’s crazy ride on Star World.

Watch

Pacific Rim The year is 2013 and the earth is invaded by humongous beasts, Kaijus. Armed forced all over the world fail and finally the government of every nation pool their resources to create colossal war machines, Jaegers. These war machines are run by two human pilots who are interlinked physically and psychologically. Over time the Kaijus become more powerful and the Jaegers have one last chance to stop them for good before its gets too late.

It was the year 1955, Rock & Roll: The Audible Asteroid that hit planet Earth, as three stars were on course for a head-on collision; three of the brightest stars that lit up the world of music Zaki Adnan It was when the bodacious threesome: mainstream pop, rhythm & blues, and country & western blended together and jammed out an iconic sound that resonated across the universe, the sound we know, now as: Rock & Roll. So, strap on as you are about to embark upon a four-episode-article (4 epicles, if you will) about the chronicling of rock & roll.

It all started from the 1920s, when the music world’s philosophy revolved around one magical word, “Song.” All focus was being put on the song and not performance specifically. Getting as many people possible to sing the song was the whole purpose. Back then, music could not be recorded, songs were sold on music sheets. Music sheets comprised of the lyrics and chords of a song. Essentially, people would buy them, come back home, play the song on their pianos and sing to their families. Slowly and steadily, the song would resonate across neighbourhoods, eventually realising its purpose. Music

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To best acquaint yourself with the miracles of mainstream pop, give the following albums a hearty listen: • A musical autobiography • The best of Paul Whiteman: The Columbia Years • The golden age of The Andrew Sisters • The very best of Frank Sinatra.

November

15-17

in Dhaka this week

read

The Book Thief This is the story of an adolescent orphan, Leslie who is given to foster parents. The book is narrated

by Death himself. The story is set during the 1940s with the world falling apart due to wars in various regions. This book mirrors what common people lose in a war, wars caused by ideologies they might not even support. Written by Markus Zusak, this book definitely brings out the plight of a girl where other books have failed.

became a part of the family, all thanks to the stars of pop music.

Bing Crosby, one of the first stars of pop music (also recognised as America’s Favourite Uncle) was notably credited for developing the coveted mic technique that has been realised as one of the most revered tools of singing.

Next, the timeline of pop music saw the birth of big bands (the seed of jazz), a musical ensemble with usually one or two leading singers, a rhythm section and a horn section. Paul Whiteman and his orchestra led the marching of the big bands. Singing groups such as The Andrew Sisters and The Mills Brothers emerged from within the trumpets and the trombones, with their ambient, soulful harmonies. These three styles of music dominated the music world up until the dawn of a new revolution. Frank Sinatra took the audacious first step towards a solo career and stole the spot light away.

Exclusive fashion fair

Venue: Drik Gallery House 58, Road 15A (New), Dhanmondi Residential Area, 1209 Dhaka, Bangladesh

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Banish The Posers Fest 2013 Time: 3pm Venue: Russian Cultural Center

Dhaka ROCK Music Fair 2013

Time: 3pm Venue: Drik Gallery House 58, Road 15A (New), Dhanmondi Residential Area, 1209 Dhaka

17th

Dance drama - Syed Shamsul Haq’s “Chompaboti,” based on “Beder meye”

Time: 7pm Venue : Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy 14/3 Segunbagicha, Ramna, 1000 Dhaka, Bangladesh

Very Graphic: The art of storytelling Bengal Art Lounge 60 Gulshan Avenue , Road: 131, Gulshan

Tech 5 App Watch

Rejoice, art lovers

New Tech

Google streams to TV It’s one of the simplest gadgets to be ever made for anyone to use. So what makes the Google Chromecast so special? Why was it, initially, sold out and back-ordered for weeks? It is Google’s way of finally getting into your TV sets Mahmood Hossain The TV streaming adapter is a way to view video files, be it movies or music videos, on a larger screen from your mobile devices. This streaming dongle, costing only $35 (roughly around Tk3,000), is definitely worth the purchase. It’s not just about the price tag and its small size, which hides comfortably behind your TV. It simplifies content streaming and web browsing at a larger scale.

It doesn’t matter if you are using your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, the Chromecast can be controlled with all three. Your mobile device becomes the controller as you view your content on a larger screen. This device isn’t something special to look at, but that’s not the point. Its functionality is the main attraction. Getting things started is a cinch. Once you’ve hooked the Chromecast to your TV, it will ask you to

Imagine all the works of art in the world, from your personal vault to that of the most prestigious galleries, in your pocket Mahmood Hossain Artsy is an app like no other. It lets you explore and collect more than 60,000 pieces of art. All of which are updated daily from popular galleries, fairs, and museums all over the world.

Now you can carry around historical masterpieces as well as modern day artwork wherever you go.

Imagine walking through and gawking at memorable pieces on the walls of the Guggenheim, SFMOMA, the British Museum, Gagosian Gallery, Pace Gallery, White Cube, Victoria Miro, and over 600 more through 50 different countries.

It’s your free pass into the halls of timeless brilliance, with zoom capabilities so high that you are able to view each brushstroke. But it’s not only about sitting there and staring, you have the ability to actually buy these pieces at galleries and art fairs from all over. The experience is even more pleasurable with the assistance of your personal art advisor, and it’s only a tap away. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, Artsy possess art advisors and specialists who harbour years of experience from auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s.

There’s also a unique way to bring artists together by The Art Genome Project. This is an ongoing study to map out characteristics that connect artists and artworks around the world. The engine lets the user discover and learn so much more about new artists and their work that if you spend enough time with the app’s minimal design and elegant fonts, you’ll start hearing the steps on waxed marble floors and murmurs of visitors in all directions. Worth the download? You bet.

go through the online setup procedure using your laptop or smartphone. From there, it’s an easy download of the Chromecast’s setup app and after a few minutes of step-by-step instructions, you’ll be ready to go in no time.

It does have a few minor issues though.

You have to keep in mind that this dongle needs to be charged via a USB cable. It is an HDMI Wi-Fi device after all. With that said, you also have to make sure you have a high-speed internet connection. Since it relies heavily on the connection’s speed through Wi-Fi. Overall, you shouldn’t expect too much from this device. There’s a reason why it’s so easy and simple to use. It doesn’t try to be what it’s not. But let’s face it, with a price tag of Tk3,000, it wouldn’t hurt to try out a new gadget.

Truth be told A United Nations report said that disconnecting people from the internet is a human rights violation and against international law

Wheels

The green perception In response to Toyota Hybrids, the 2012 Insight is Honda’s stab at a hybrid family hatchback with green aspirations and the same kind of low-cost, carbon-conscious motoring that we’ve come to expect in recent times Tahsin Momin

Between the 1.3-litre petrol engine and the rear-mounted electric motor is a lukewarm 97 horsepower. The gas engine is good for 88HP and 88 pound-feet of torque, while the electric motor chips in with 13HP and 58lb-ft. Power flows to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The beauty of electric power is that all the torque created by the electric power source is available the very instant you depress the accelerator. Which means that pulling away from the traffic lights, or an intersection, is generally effortless and deceptively quick. Even when the Insight is moving solely on electric power, the

petrol engine, or at least the drive shaft is still spinning, there’s always a smooth takeoff whenever the petrol engine is engaged.

The Honda Insight is about as calm as it gets on the driving front. However, poor handling is not the only problem this car has. There’s a lot of road and wind noise audible from the inside, and the suspension doesn’t cope with our ruined Bangladeshi roads well, hence it’s pretty loud and bumpy. As for the engine/ electric motor, they do a reasonable job of propelling the Insight but the CVT gearbox really struggles. Honda’s fondness for futuristic cabins is well

documented and the interior is all very space-aged, with an overabundance of neon lights and a digital speedometer.

Honda, generally does excellent seats, which are well bolstered, supportive and the Insight is no exception to that practice. On the plus side, there’s loads of legroom for front/rear passengers and a big boot, which renders the Honda pretty practical.

Standard Features: Smart keys, adjustable headlights, traction control, cruise control, steering mounted audio control, 1 disk player with iPod/aux/USB, 16” alloys, fog lights.

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6

Tact

Male perspective Rant

Tulu stares out of the window, rather discontent. He looks at the people passing by and wonders how so many people can live in such a tiny space like Dhaka. He wonders how anybody is actually comfortable dividing scarce resources within themselves. He of course feels lucky, he doesn’t have that problem. He’s made his fortunes, thanks to his inheritance, sizeable wedding gifts from his father-in-law, and lastly from his own successful clothing factories Esha Aurora

Photo: Big Stock

“I wish this traffic doesn’t end. I have no intention of going home before 11pm. I do feel guilty, leaving my dear daughter alone with that woman all day. She won’t even let her go out to eat with her friends without the maid around. However, there is only so much I can allow her to do, without stirring the wrath of my beloved.

On the other hand, I wish I would play the tabla all day long.

But no! I can’t even get in five minutes of play time at home That woman keeps barking in my ears about our daughter’s marriage, her clothes, her sleeping habits, the maids, the drivers, the guards, the lady next door who is perpetually competing with her. Or at least she believes so, since the wife always wants to trump her in everything.

Even down to hair colours, the neighbour has red hair, Bibi wants to be fiery red, if she gets a 1,000Tk haircut, Bibi wants a 2,000Tk haircut. I can’t convince her that there is no hair stylist in Dhaka who is that expensive. Therefore she insists I fly her to Bangkok every three months for a haircut and a haircut alone It’s not always as bad as it sounds though, I just have to filter out the white noise she usually spurs out, because underneath, she’s managed to keep everything together for me when I myself have been absent from the family because of work. I just wish she’d understand that I too need to come home and relax, I can’t always play the strong man. It’s just not fair!

Survival

Welcoming your winter wardrobe As the skies lighten and the heat of the summer months finally start saying goodbye, it’s time to begin retrieving your woolen woolies to allow for a comfortable winter welcome. This week Avenue T shows you how to de-clutter your summer wardrobe to make way for a well maintained stack of winter ready outfits. Read on to find out more Natasha Rahman While there is nothing quite annoying as the task of rearranging your wardrobe, once you begin to sift through the piles of lovingly bought clothes, there will be a time when you can’t help but let out a sigh of relief just thinking about having cut the clutter from your cupboard.

Ungroup and degroup Group your clothes according to colour and convenience for starters. Section it out to include three parts – western outfits, kameezes, and saris. Since winter wear mostly consists of sweaters, cardigans, and shawls, section these out in a part of your wardrobe that is easily accessible. Pile your T-shirts according to wearability – the one’s you’re more likely to wear placed at top, vice versa. Apply the same rule for dress shirts, denim, and work wear

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Make way for easy accessibility Make four winter piles: one for cardigans, one for shawls, one for mufflers and scarves, and one for bulky woolen sweaters. Colour coordinate these piles so there aren’t any sartorial uncertainty the next time you need a warm woollie. Pile them up in a manner that places sweaters of different make on top of one another. This will ensure that you don’t threaten to tip over the pile when going for any one particular cardigan/sweater.

Rearrange the rest of your wardrobe Since you no longer have to rely on your cottons for comfort, stow away the chiffons, silks, and crepes to the back of your wardrobe. As the materials make a comeback on your fashion agenda, move them to the front row accordingly.

Again, colour coordinating them will save you a lot of time.

Photo: Big Stock

Tease

7

Breaking it off with your best friend’s sister Gentlemen, there are plenty of ‘Bro Codes’ we are all familiar with. One of the many is a cardinal rule most of us have, one time or another, wanted to break. Your best friend’s sister is absolutely off limits. No matter how attractive she is or how flirtatious she has been with you, you do not break that one rule. But for those who have, worry not. There’s a full proof plan to getting out of a terrible situation before it escalates into something worse Mahmood Hossain As desirable as she may be to you, your solid bond between you and your best friend is more important. Temptations will come and go, but from the moment you laid eyes on her was your first mistake.

Anything passed that is an obvious offense. It’s pure desire. In other words, it can be avoided.

You’ve had your fun, now to turn

things around and back away. It’s the initial realisation that will open the window of opportunity.

Clear the confusion. If there is

a blur between love and fun, make it easy for her to understand why you are ending the affair.

A diplomatic touch works wonders. Make sure you tell her that

and love her brother as your own. And you wouldn’t want to do anything to lose that.

Save face. Both of your reputations are on the line. You may believe it’s perfectly fine what you are both feeling for each other, but always be considerate of others. Just strike the fear into both of you by imagining what would happen if her family found out.

Be mature and practical. Hiding

any kind of relationship is unhealthy.

This isn’t grade school, you are a grown adult so try and comprehend the consequences of your actions.

The heart wants what the heart wants, but that doesn’t stop your brain from working.

you not only care for her, but you respect

Hall pass

So you’ve got a girlfriend who rocks your world and leaves you feeling revved up. You love spending time with her, listening to her talk, and just being around her. She makes you want to get involved, to commit, but you’re afraid she’ll become your ball and chain, and you’ll become one of those Siamese twin couples. It doesn’t have to be that way. Let Avenue T tell you how to carve out some time for yourself and still enjoy being an awesome twosome Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Photos: Big Stock

1+1=2

The first thing to remember is that a couple is composed of two individual units. Each of you bring your own flavour into the relationship. While some compromises and sacrifices must be made, you still want to retain enough of your personality to still be you in the relationship. So don’t feel guilty for wanting some time off to do things you enjoy that she might not. Do let her in on this line of reasoning so that you’re on the same page.

Transparency

Unless you’re secretly moonlighting as a criminal, do keep your partner in the loop about what your me-time entails, so that she doesn’t drive herself crazy wondering what you’re up to. Even if she’s the trusting type, you can bet on the fact that there’ll be some toxic third party who’ll try to make her insecure, so give her at least the bare bones, be it game night with the guys, or just power hour at the gym.

All in the timing

Sometimes the tug-of-war for time out

happens because of conflicting plans, so make sure you set your schedule together, so that you don’t wreck each other’s programmes and mess up your couple-times.

Rah-rah, right back atcha

She won’t be sore about you pursuing your own interests if you support hers.

Encourage her to go out with friends, or hit the spa, whatever she likes.

Don’t sneer at her shopping trips, and cheer her on if she’s got a hobby she’s passionate about. If you’re her cheerleader, she’ll be yours.

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Try out

Happy feet DIY

If you were not of royal blood, you were not allow to paint your nails.

Wearing nail polish was a sign that you didn’t have to work for a living

Natasha Rahman

You’ll need:

Shampoo Hand brush Foot scrub Petroleum jelly Nail file* Tooth pick Cuticle pusher* Cuticle trimmer* Nail cutter Nail buffer Old toothbrush pumice stone *All available with any manicure set

Directions 1. If you have polish on, remove it using a good quality nail polish remover.

Cut and trim your nails according to your preferred length and then shape it using a nail file. Instead of working against your nails, work in a light left to right motion.

2. Dip your feet in a large bowl of lukewarm water that has a few drops of shampoo added to it. Soften your heels by soaking your feet for approximately 10 minutes.

3. Take the hand brush and gently scrub your feet all around.

4. Using your little finger, apply petroleum jelly to each toe of your right foot.

5. Using the cuticle pusher, push back around the edges of your nail, ensuring that there is no dead skin on top of your nail.

6. Using the tooth pick, clean under your nails with smooth left to right motions.

7. Trim any protruding cuticle edges carefully using the cuticle trimmer.

Aim at maintaining your nails natural shape.

8. Repeat the steps above on your left foot.

9. To really remove all the dead cells on your heels, begin lightly scrubbing

Photo: Big Stock

Truth be told

We splurge on cashmere shawls and invest in expensive haircuts, yet, when it comes to the dreaded pedicure, that extra bit of cash you need to dish out seems a tad too much for your wallet. On the other hand, when you take the poor man’s route to DIY-ing that pedicure, that shiny glean of a clean feet seems to be slightly amiss. This week Avenue T makes it their business to ensure you get a quality pedicure, at home AND on a budget

your foot all around, moving towards your heel.

10. Scrub the sides of your feet and the soles. Repeat on the other foot.

11. Apply the foot scrub and massage it in to remove any remaining dead cells.

12. Rinse off the foot scrub and pat dry your feet with a towel.

13. Evenly apply lotion on both feet.

Using the nail buffer, buff your toenails.

14. Apply an even layer of top coat and wait 5 minutes for it to dry. Apply two layers of a nail polish of your choice and allow it to dry.

I Tried It

Ouchie from Moochie This Eid, finding nothing to pair with my high-low kameez, I went out to scratch my never-ceasing shoe shopping itch. I wasn’t about to splurge on an extravagant pair, I just wanted to treat myself to a classy chic pump. After hours of unsuccessful browsing , I paid a visit to Gallerie Apex to check out their Moochie line that’s been creating much buzz lately Natasha Ahmed

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I was ever so thankful to find that perfect pair: A slightly pointy nude suede pump with a 3.5in stiletto heel and small gold detailing at the back of the counter.

Tried on a size 39 and strutted around the store believing it to be the perfect fit. It even made my clown feet look a few sizes smaller and the beige hue added the illusion of height to my already 5ft 6in frame. Paying Tk2,600 for it, I was more than happy with the purchase and was already planning outfits in my mind on the way back home.

I understand that new shoes (especially heels) always need getting used to and you’re bound to end up with blisters if you’ve been walking in them long enough, but this was totally uncalled for. I came back home the next day almost in tears and black and blue heels. Although I hadn’t done much walking, I remember every step being taken in excruciating pain and taking them off at every chance that I could.

It was one of those Carrie Bradshaw disapproving, “I’m-never-wearingheels-again,” moments. That’s how I knew the pair would be sitting in their

box till I grab hold of enough bandaids to secure my bruised ankles. It makes me wonder though, maybe the

real reason why Cinderella left her glass slippers on the palace stairs was because they were killing her feet.

Tailored His Style by

9

Style

Tone it down

Session

No punches pulled. This city is plagued with men wearing the wrong colours. It’s mainly because of the lack of knowledge in style and fashion. But that’s quite alright, this is what Avenue T’s Tailored is here for. It doesn’t matter if you’re dark-skinned, medium-toned, or fair. You can find the appropriate colours for your completion Dark skin tone

Medium-tone Consider yourself blessed. You can pretty much pull off any colour you put on. Both light and dark shades will compliment your skin tone, so you have it a little easier than the other blokes.

The colours that will look best with your skin tone are: Beige, burgundy, royal blue, nave, black, pink (striped), and you get the point.

Q:I’ve read an etiquette question earlier on Style Session so I thought I would ask one of my own. I always find time to myself and when I do, I like to dine alone at times. Is it proper to read a book or zone out to my smartphone?

Although there are colours you should avoid: Pistachio, mauve, dark brown, red, and olive. Overall, you should avoid any colours or shades that come too close to your skin tone.

Fair skin tone This complexion is the obvious opposite of the darker complexion. Whatever you are assuming is correct. The rules are flipped here.

The colours that will look best on you are: Light blue, brown, beige, off-white,

and bold shades of blue. Darker shades will create the unmistakable contrast, so always try to aim for that.

Colours you should avoid: Red, pink, orange, yellow, and purple. Your goal is basic and easy to understand. Avoid any harsh or bright colours that can cause an eye sore. Your complexion will, in no way, look flattering. You’ll get lost in the brightness, while your clothes get all the attention. In other words, no vibrant colours.

In Fashion

Going green

No, it’s not about being eco-friendly, however, keeping things fresh and clean is something Avenue T endorses. This season’s standout colour code will be green and its many shades

Let’s be clear, the shades of green should be on the darker side. Don’t think bright or neon, it’s along the lines of evergreen or forest green.

The best thing about one of the colours of the season is that you can wear it all over. The full-length casual shirt, authentic leather sneakers, and the warm hoodie all come into play. And let’s not forget the casual trousers. If you aren’t comfortable going green wrapped around you, accessories also come in that colour. You can opt for the variety of watches, bags, and belts instead.

Just like any other major piece to a look, you have to take it one

step at a time. Too much of the same colour may not be flattering.

Keeping things basic, one green item at a time, is the smoothest way to pull off a colour that is uncommon to the spotlight. But for the brave and bold, you can be a head turner by dawning a suede or corduroy, forest green suit. Don’t get ahead of yourself, gentlemen.

Even with a matching suit, you must always remember to contrast.

This should be a given, but many men tend to overdo it. If you decide on a deep green blazer or trousers, it’s best to throw a little grey, white or black into the mix.

Articles by Mahmood Hossain Photo: Big Stock

A:“Me time” is very important, we all need it once in a while. There’s nothing wrong with reading a book or catching up with the latest on your smartphone. It’s more fun than sitting there alone bored out of your mind while you eat. Not unless, you prefer that. In this situation, your first priority is to yourself. Just as long as you don’t laugh out loud, keep the other patrons at the restaurant in mind, you should feel comfortable reading or fiddling with your phone. Having a conversation on the phone is still considered a “no-no.” But then again, it all depends on the environment. You should be able to tell the difference between a five-star gathering and a Pizza Hut.

Style tip: To take your greens to another level, you can also compliment the look with browns and purples, as long as they are of the deeper tones

Photo: Big Stock

The colours you wear should contrast with your darker features. Colours you can look your best in are: Pink, white, khaki, baby blue, and gray.

The colours you should avoid are: Black, dark brown, turquoise, spring green, and magenta.

You have to keep in mind, it all depends on the occasion. Black can’t be avoidable in certain formal events. But that, of course, is always contrasted with a white shirt. That goes the same for navy blue. Only wear those colours when necessary. Also, stay away from tropical colours and dark shades.

Q:Hi, I’m in my late 20s and I work in a position that wouldn’t be considered too prestigious.

Some of my family and friends are also blue-collar workers. The thing is I love dressing up. How do I continue expressing my style without seeming pretentious?

A:The fact you have been pondering that and are conscious about your look is a sign of humility. No doubt you are a hard worker, but that shouldn’t stop you from being yourself. Everyone has a role to play on this planet, there’s no shame in what you may be doing for a living. If you conduct yourself as a gentleman, you should be able to dress as one. Your personality, ultimately, is what matters most. Your family and friends should be familiar with your character and dismiss the idea of any pretentiousness.

Send in your queries, at avenuet@dhakatribune.com

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10

Tempt

Q&A

Beauty

Gearing up for winter Navin Ahmed I have a really difficult time dealing with what the winter months do to my skin. No matter what I do, it feels flaky, itchy, and overall uncomfortable. How can I battle the winter skin blues?

Drink plenty of water Hydrate your skin from within by drinking lots of water. Carry a bottle with you at all times. Herbal teas are also great when it’s really cold outside. You’ll thank yourself for this healthy habit once your skin appears to have a glow.

Exfoliate A body scrub and facial exfoliant can help to remove dead skin cells from your body. Add this to your cleansing routine once a week. Your skin will feel supple and be perfectly prepped to moisturise.

Moisturise You may have found a moisturiser that works just fine during spring and summer. But as weather conditions change, so should your skin care routine. Find a moisturiser that’s oilbased, rather than water-based, as the

oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture. (Hint: Many lotions labeled as “night creams” are oil-based.)

Sunscreen Don’t say goodbye to your sunscreen just because summer is over. Before you leave your house, apply a formula with an SPF of 15 or more. This will protect your skin from the elements.

Alternatively, choose a product that has sunscreen with a moisturiser

Pamper your hands

available in oil as well as in capsule form.

Grease up those feet Light, minty foot lotions are lovely in the hot summer months, but during winter, your feet need a heavy-duty formula. Try finding lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine instead.

Lip tip Do not lick your lips. If you do, you’ll only chap your lips even more. Keep a lip balm in your purse and apply it when you’re tempted.

The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means it’s harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. Carry a hand cream rich in emollients in your purse so you can apply whenever they feel dry.

Ban super hot baths

Flaxseed oil

Avoid harsh soaps, (such as antibacterial formulas) body and handwashes. Switch to something that is gentle and moisturising.

Although it doesn’t taste very great, flaxseed oil can moisturise your body from within. It is rich in vital fatty acids, do a lot for your overall health and is

Sure, soaking in a scalding hot bath feels great after frolicking out in the cold, but the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture.

Soaps and cleansers

Photo: Big Stock

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

Hair

The big bang theory Bangs are the fastest way to score a fresh new look. A few snips make a big impact and can send you on your way to a stunning new you Sabah Rahman

i Bangs instantly take years off your face

There are a variety of styles you can experiment with: side swept bangs, a blunt-cut fringe, or even soft, layered wisps.

A big bonus about getting bangs is that you can work with the hairstyle you already have

Long hair Side swept bangs: Long, layered bangs, worn to the side of the face are a great addition for ladies who want to bring out their eyes but still want a soft, overall effect.

Make sure you ask your hairdresser to cut them at an angle so they blend in with the rest of your hair.

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How to style: Blow-dry bangs in sections straight down from the roots, sweeping towards one side of your face.

Finish off with a light application of hair spray to help keep hair in place.

Blunt bangs: If your hair tends to be on the thicker side, blunt bangs that skim the eyebrows will work best for you. Women with round face shapes benefit from this specific cut as it makes the face appear slimmer.

How to style: Apply a straightening styling cream to wet hair and blow-dry with a round, metal hairbrush. Once dry, go over the bangs with a flat iron to achieve a smooth finish.

Photo: Big Stock

Hot Tip:

Short hair Ladies with short haircuts can rock mini bangs for a 60s inspired look.

Those with closely cropped hair will be pleased to know that bangs will work in their favour since it’s a great way to highlight bone structure.

How to style:Apply a thickening spray onto wet roots and blow-dry, using your fingers to lift hair for volume.

You can also use a pomade and let your hair air-dry for a textured, slept-in look..

Tempt

11

Wardrobe essentials for Autumn/Winter

Winter is slowly inching its way into the city and it’s time to put away those summer favourites and pull out some cozy, comfortable clothes to keep you warm during the chilly days that are soon to come. Here are some essentials for your wardrobe for the upcoming season Maya Almuqtadir

Truth be told

Photo: Big Stock

Dark Washed Denim You can pair it with anything and dress it up or down. This flattering hue looks great on all shape and sizes. Just make sure it fits well.

Nude Camisole It’s perfect for layering underneath those sheer tops so you aren’t overexposing and at the same time staying super chic.

Black Cardigan This closet essential will always end up being the go-to sweater during chilly weather. It goes with pretty much everything and by adding a different scarf each time, your outfits will never look the same.

A Pretty Shaw

saris and salwar kameezes is a big fat fashion don’t. Please invest in a nice shawl preferably in a muted, neutral color. Designers are coming out with beautiful velvet shawls with embellishments for the winter. Save up and grab a few. These will be staples and are timeless and elegant.

Eyeliner became popular after its discovery in King Tutankhamun’s tomb in the 1920s

Ballet Flats There is nothing more unfashionable than spotting sandals worn with socks during winter. Look effortlessly cool and keep your feet warm by swapping your open toed sandals for ballet flats.

If you must wear socks with them, there are specific socks made for flats that are nude and wont peek through. If nothing is available, even nude hosiery is better than thick socks with sandals and open shoes.

Wearing button down sweaters with Maya Almuqtadir is the designer and owner of Mayali and a practitioner of fusing international and local trends

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Trial Room

The regal magnificence of Moon’s Boutique Photographer: Topu Rahman Model: Afrina Trina, Sadia Joty, Asim Ali, Raaz Make-up: Tareq Styling/concept: Ashikur Rahman Pony

Ever since its launch in 2000, Moon's Boutique has made its name as a fashion house believing in designs that are glamorous, bold and incredibly stunning.

Their dazzling array of saris, salwar kameezes and kurtis use colour palettes that play with contrasting shades that stand out. Their recently launched collection focuses on the full-blown glamour of classic designs.

While staying true to the dramatic sense of style they follow, they have also maintained a certain refined elegance that can only be expected from Moon's Boutique Sabiha Akond Rupa

Striking ensembles The vibrant colours are not for the faint of heart, these looks are for the woman who is bold, beautiful, and utterly confident

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Trial Room

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Aqua shimmer Let the woman in you shine with this intricately designed lace and embroidery number

Rouge Embrace this wedding season in shades of bright red and black.

Don a soft chiffon sari with a contrasting katan blouse and have your beau match with a sheer black, embroidered panjabi

http://www.moonsboutiquebd.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Moons Boutique House# 153, Road# 11, Block# E Banani, Dhaka-1213 Tel: 02-8815444

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14

Tell Letters to Mars

Confessions of a cheater

Truth be told Thirty-five percent of the people who use personal ads for dating are already married

I am a 32 year old man and I have a moral conundrum. I have been married for the last two years and I love my wife. But I don’t get to spend much time with my family because of work.

You see, I travel for work a lot and end up spending a lot of time in airports.

Last month I met a girl in transit and she was not like anyone I met before.

I ended up doing something I deeply regret. My question is, should I tell my wife what happened?

KH

What is the purpose of your confession? Releasing yourself from the guilt and reassuring yourself you are not a bad boy after all? A promise not to do it again? I feel your confession will be like throwing a bomb on a crowd - leading to lots of hurt and damage. So, my advice to you is to keep quiet, remember why you married your woman and why you promised to be with her and cherish her. Maybe after two years, you allowed the monotony of everyday life to forget

the joy of being together: bickering when you are tired, giving too much attention to chats on the phone and so on. Put your phone away when you are together, go for walks and do not answer calls while walking, be present with her, hear what she says, talk and most importantly demand to be happy with her. Demand does not mean she has to change, it means: you need to want to be happy with her and do whatever it takes to be so with her. Be playful, present, and joyful when you are together. Remember the times you were dating, how anxious you

Horoscope

were to be with her, those feelings are still in you: dig deep and bring them up to light again. Notice her clothes, make positive affirmation about her looks, her personality, her actions, tell her how much you love her, be affectionate in the way you look at her: make her feel wanted, make her feel SHE is YOUR woman. The rewards will be great. The more you do this, the more she will be present with you.

Confucius said: “Do unto others what you want done unto you.” If you want to receive, give first.

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

Stuck

Letters to Venus I’m a 29 year old woman who has been married for eight months now.

I married a man I have loved and cherished for three years of my life only to find out that he has been seeing another woman throughout the course of our marriage. I feel like everything I ever believed in was never true. I feel like a fool. I don’t know how to face the world and look it in the eye knowing the crime my husband has committed.

He says he’s sorry and he will never do it again, but how can I trust him after this?

I am sorry you are in such a situation, an unfaithful husband from the beginning of your marriage? Was “the other person” someone he knew before? Was he forced into marriage by his family?

Or, is he simply a very insecure man

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who does not know himself and runs away from life? Scared of committing fully to any relationship? If you would like to carry on in the marriage, do go to a marriage counsellor together, to find out what his needs are about?

He needs to know himself so that he can make changes in his life. If you try to solve the problem by yourselves, it will only end up in fights: you feel betrayed and may never believe him in the future, even if he is faithful.

This could lead to anxiety attacks and make you constantly suspicious of his behavior.

If you love him and like many things about him, it is really worth the effort to forgive him and to learn to trust him again. On the other hand, your husband too needs to work on making it up to you back and knowing himself.

Aries (mar 21- apr 19) As your days continue to prosper, work wise, don’t fly so high that you lose sight of who you really are. Be practical and work out a course of action.

Taurus (apr 20- may 20) You’ll be lost in the world of philosophy, dumbstruck by the ideas that surround you. You may even make a short trip abroad.

Gemini (may 21- jun 20) This week is all about romance, passion and serendipity. Everything will seem artistically inspiring to you.

Cancer (jun 21- jul 22) Any special relationship that held meaning to you will resurface from the ashes. The warm feelings of love may once again return t o your heart.

Leo (jul 23-aug 22) You’ll be feeling braver than you are. Don’t overdo your daily tasks, it will only tire you out and exhaust you.

Virgo (aug 23- sep 22) Your creating energy will be running high this week. You’ll achieve a lot when it comes to innovative problems.

Libra (sep 23- oct 22) This is the ideal time to take part in social events. You’ll be busy hosting your own parties, or busy entertaining others at theirs.

Scorpio (oct 23 – nov 21) That one task you have meaning to do, you should do today. Your mind is at peace and ready for a challenge.

Sagittarius (nov 22- dec21) Although you are going to be financially sound this week, the feeling of security will lack. A hidden talent of yours shall emerge, brace yourself.

Capricorn (dec 22- jan 19) You’ll have this special quality about you that will attract all onlookers into your vicinity. This is a week that is for revelling in yourself.

Aquarius (jan 20 – feb 19) You’ll live this week in an imaginary land, your head permanently in the clouds. Try to work with a real electronics to help you keep you in the world of reality.

Pisces (feb 20 – march 20) You’ll be kept alive with the idea that there is a hint of romance everywhere. Old friends will seem like potential lovers and strangers will feel like friends.

Take Care 15 Health

Nutrition for men in their thirties Men in their 20s and 30s feel invincible. They take a lot of risks and subject their bodies to a lot of abuse because they believe that they can easily bounce back.

However, the truth is that the better you treat your body in your 20s, the better prepared you’ll be to tackle your 30s, 40s, and beyond Dilshad Fayeza Haque Here are some quick fix ways to make the best of the resources around you: Smart snacks: Includes foods that are low in sugar and rich in protein. A slice of cheddar, Swiss or provolone cheese, low-fat plain yogurt, almonds, lean meat and vegetables are very good for health.

Dealing with depression: Men in this age range are also prone to depression.

One tablespoon of ground flaxseed everyday will improve brain function not to mention it also does wonders for the brain’s pleasure centre.

generally lower in calories than an entire "high protein" meal. Drinking a protein shake after every workout speeds muscle recovery and supplies your body with the amino acids needed for muscle growth.

Cancer: If you don’t want to become prone to cancer, you’ll want to stock up on fresh fruit, berries in particular, as well as chicken liver and whole grain cereal.

Green Tea: Green tea fights fat. Experts ideally recommend about eight cups a day or just take a supplement.

Multivitamin: It's not exotic, but its a must for those who don't consume enough fruits and vegetables. In addition, make sure you buy a men's formula, without extra iron.

Protein Powder:It's convenient and

Fish oil: Most guys in their 20s and 30s aren't thinking about their hearts.

But if you have a family history of heart disease, fish oil is the best protection available against such ailments.

Muscle: In your 20s the levels of musclebuilding hormones, testosterone, and growth hormone hit their peak. By the

time you're 30, your skeletal system is set. A poor diet increases your risk of disease, weight gain, and mental breakdown, now and for decades down the road.

Fighting stress: Men in their 20s -30s tend to increase their stress levels due to busy work schedules. To reduce hypertension there should be a higher intake of potassium rather than sodium.

Consuming half a cup of beans, a banana or a handful of raisins daily increases potassium by 400mg per day.

Eat right, stay healthy, and fight back with food. Start today and you'll build a body that will last a lifetime.

Yoga

Part II: making way for a Yogi lifestyle Finding time for yoga in our schedule isn’t always easy and excuses sometimes prevent us from creating a regular yoga routine. I personally found the key was to not put any preset pressure on myself and go with my natural lifestyle flow in order to make yoga both enjoyable and beneficial, without it feeling like a burden. We should always look forward to yoga.

Here are some surefire ways that helped me start off my personal practice

PREPARE for your yoga session: Part of the comfort factor when practicing yoga depends on your preparations.

Make sure to wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement. Lay down a sticky mat or a folded blanket.

Find a comfortable space as well as a space that is warm, quiet and well ventilated. Don’t do yoga in a full stomach.

STUDY each yoga posture: Yoga poses or Asanas can improve your health, increase resistances, and develop mental awareness. Doing the poses requires us to study them and to execute them slowly as we control our body and mind. Use the infinite sources online and in books to better understand both the mechanics and the philosophical foundations of the poses. Try to have full awareness while slowly executing a pose and calmly breathing rather than rushing without pausing to reflect.

Resting between poses allows time for reflection and your body to take a break.

Photos: Big Stock

Expect SLOW improvement, not miracles: Regular practice will kick start your yoga flow, but expect it to be gradual. Give it time and soon enough, you’ll realise that your regular practice is benefiting and having positive impacts in your life. There are yoga moves you can do using your office chair, simply standing, or while waiting. Practice inhalation and exhalation exercises anywhere, anytime. Close your eyes and do some quiet reflection amid everything else going on around you.

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

Aurnonee Malsi

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Tantalise Recipe

Kabuli Pulao

Ingredients (wings) • 500g basmati rice • 2lbs lamb meat • 3 cups lamb broth • 2 medium onions chopped • 1/2 cup sultanas • 1 cup carrots julienne • 1.5tsp garam masala powder • 1.5tsp cardamom powder • 2” cinnamon piece • 1/4tbsp whole black pepper • 100g vegetable oil • 1tbsp garlic paste • 1 cup sugar • 2tbsp clarified butter/ ghee • ½ cup almond julienne • ½ cup pistachio julienne • salt to taste

A dish made for Kabuliwala. A combination of rice, lamb meat, carrots, and raisins makes a fabulous, colourful, and fragrant dish for different occasions and festivals. Kabuli Pulao is the national dish of Afghanistan and a very popular in South Asia and the Middle East Md Mahmudullah Al Mamun

Directions : 1. Heat 3tbsp oil and stir fry onions till translucent.

2. Put the lamb pieces into the saucepan and add the whole spices along with the garlic paste. Add salt to taste and cook for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown. Now add lamb broth or

hot water into a saucepan and cook for one to one and a half hours or until the meat is tender. Drain the cooked meat and separate the lamb broth for further use.

3. Mix garam masala and cardamom powder into the lamb broth.

4. Cook the rice separately in hot

water up to 80% and drain well.

the meat over the rice and the garnish.

5. Saute carrots and sultanas in butter with some sugar for caramelising, to be used as garnish.

7. Simmer over gentle heat for 20 minutes.

6. Put the rice into a thick bottom pan and pour the spicy broth and spices over the rice. Subsequently add

8. Garnish further with carrots, juliennes, sultanas, almond and pistachio.

Serve hot on a large flat dish.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking rice to perfection As a Bangladeshi staple, it is surprising how many struggle to make perfectly cooked rice with each grain fresh, separate and not sticky. Some use the good old method of just boiling a pot of rice and using the touch and feel technique to figure out when it’s done. While this works just fine for those who have used this tried and tested method without fail, for the others, what we really need is to tap into those secret skills at play. Read on to find out a comprehensive three step method to cooking your very own pot of perfectly cooked rice N Anita Amreen

Step 1 Begin by rinsing your rice three to four times with cold water. Once you have rinsed it clean, drain it thoroughly.

Photos: Big Stock

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Step 2 For each cup of rice, add 1-3/4 cups of water in a medium sized pot. Make sure the pot has a tightly fitted lid, this is a vital step in cooking a flawless bowl of rice. Over high heat, allow the pot to come to a boil, without the lid on. The moment it begins boiling, lower the heat

to a simmer and put the lid on. Continue cooking on low heat, waiting until the rice has absorbed all the water. This will take as long as 10 to 12 minutes. Lift the lid to check if it’s done.

Step 3 Allow the rice to sit undisturbed with its lid on. This is one of the most important parts of cooking rice. You can let it sit for five minutes or up to thirty minutes.

Remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice.

Tucked in

The dilemmas of owning a flat screen TV solved

17

M K Aaref is a trained architect and has been working in this field for the past 25 years. His expertise includes residences, retails, office spaces and hospitality related spaces.

Thinking of getting a flat screen TV? I love them.

They save so much space in terms of volume. You hang it on the wall just like a painting and you are done.

Well, not exactly. In today’s world of cable TVs, there are those ubiquitous cables to think of. Once hung they will dangle from the unit like a cat’s tail. Therefore, think ahead as to how you are going to hide them all Also do give some thought as to where the TV will be placed. If you are one of those sedentary types confined to just watching TV, placing them over a low end cabinet in front of the couch will do, as long as the middle of the screen is at eye level. However, the TV has evolved into an entertainment unit that includes gaming, browsing, and lots of interactive modules as well. If the TV is wired to the Wii, Xbox or other gaming modules, make sure the TV screen is big enough, and secondly, there is enough space in front of the TV to move around to play

Photos: Big Stock

M K Aaref

games on the screen.

There are various types of mounting brackets for flat panel TVs. By using them, you won’t miss a minute of your favorite shows. All you have to do it angle the TV set straight towards the room you are in. For example: if the TV is in the drawing room, you can angle it towards the dining space so that you

can watch your favourite programme as well as watch TV sitting on the dining table instead of risking throwing food crumbs on your sofa.

It is always advisable to place your flat screen TV away from the window. The difference in light from the window and your screen can cause eye strain. If you cannot ignore placing your TV in front

of the window, then use an opaque and possibly room-darkening lined curtain to cover the window. This will also give you privacy from your nosy neighbours who might otherwise try to peep in and see what you might be watching on TV.

Pets

Owning a pet bird Having a bird as a pet can be quite rewarding.

However, like all other pets, it is very important to choose the right bird to fit into your lifestyle Tausif Sanzum Some species of birds are more demanding than others, some are affectionate and would prefer to be held, while others might not. It is very important to understand the temperament of your bird. For example, if you want the bird to perch on your hand, at times it will open its beak which you might mistake as an attempt to bite you. However, in reality birds always test a perch before stepping on it and as such would touch its beak on your hand before stepping on it.

Though we shan’t be elaborating on the different types of birds to choose from rather we will focus on looking

after one. Pet birds are usually housed in cages. However, over a period of time it becomes mandatory to let them out daily within a confined room, even more so for larger birds. It is important to have the largest cage that can be accommodated in the house for your pet bird. The minimum width should be twice the length of the bird’s wing when fully extended. You should also make sure the bird cannot slip its head through the cage as that might cause injury. Place the cage in a well-lit room from where the bird can constantly see human activity. Confinement in a cage away from human activity may

develop emotional problems and selfdestructive behaviour in them. Birds can adapt themselves to the temperature in which human beings live in although a sudden change in temperature should be avoided.

Birds are quite messy. The food and water container in the cage should be cleaned on a daily basis and a thorough cleaning of the cage should be undertaken every week. If birds are carefully looked after, in most cases they have very long life expectancies.

As such, it is important that you make sure that there is someone available at all times to look after it.

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Talk

Bangladeshi music: a change for the better Rakat Zami is 20. He may look 15, and his voice may prove that even further. But beneath the baby-faced, happy-go-lucky demeanour lies a person that is completely motivated and driven to change how the masses perceive the current music scene Shahnoor Rahman

“I think there is a lot that can be done and I believe that I can help bring about a change to the current music scene. If I can leave a mark, even if that is just a little bit, and I can get people into it – I think I’d have played my part.”

Rakat is obviously talking about the brand of music he is making and - while he may not delve into typecasting it to any specific genre - the music for his solo project, “Embers In Snow,” can be defined as an atmospheric album with soulful melancholy and a rich guitar tone.

Alongside Steven Wilson who’s one of his biggest influences; he’s also a fan of Anathema and there is no hiding that with the two covers he has of them in “Dreaming light” and “Are you there?”

“What is really nice is that different people interpret my music differently and the fact that I can reach out to people with very personal songs - such as “Fire” - in different ways.”

Although there is a sense of achievement, he is very open to learning and honing his craft. While there is no arrogance, there is an inner confidence, which shines through when he is speaking about his music and the scene in general.

He is very outspoken when he wants to or feels the need to be,

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but that is because he has good intentions.

Many may question his outspoken nature but Rakat doesn’t mind criticism – as long as it is constructive – as he knows that there is a lot left to his learning and development as a musician.

“I think the best way to judge a musician is by seeing how they perform live. I unfortunately have not gotten that opportunity (to play live) on a grander scale although I would have liked to.”

He goes on: “The best way to be able to find flaws or the strengths of another person is when you find the mistakes you've committed in your own work. Once you get to figure that out, you can eventually judge another person's work and point out the shortcomings.”

Rakat is leaving the country to study Chemistry at York University, while also minoring in Music but he wants to continue being part of the music scene, having recently signed up with ME label. He is also part of an experimental band: Changing Homes.

“Everyone is saying that I’ll be leaving so this must be the end.

But I want to prove to everyone that I can still keep doing this.

Even though my band members will also leave and we’ll be in different parts of the world we’d still want

to continue creating music. This is certainly a challenge I’d like to take up.”

Rakat’s belief is that, even while maintaining a regular 9-5 job, a musician can always continue to follow his/her passion of creating music. “I have to say that in our scene there is a lack of continuity among a lot of musicians. There are many that have started, made a name for themselves, and then stopped. I’ve been managing my studies, work, and my music and I don’t just think, I know it’s possible to do all of it and chase your dreams.”

Rakat credits social media for being a big stepping-stone for acquiring exposure and to being where he is now. “I’d like to show to other aspiring musicians, that it’s possible to do this, even in Bangladesh. Getting your music out, if you have the desire to, will happen one way or another. Today I have my music in iTunes. It didn’t start off like that. I have been at it for nine years before I got to where I am today.”

One can only hope that Ember’s In Snow is just the beginning as there is clearly a lot of potential in Rakat which is matched equally by a desire to make a positive impact in the music scene.

In Town

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Aroma of Arabia

Photos: The Westin Dhaka

“Aroma of Arabia” – a week long Arabian food festival held at the Westin Dhaka from November 7 - 14. The Westin Dhaka hosted this event as part of its initiative to enhance the food experiences of the guests.

The idea is to provide them a taste of cuisines from all over the world. Guest chefs from Egypt Mohammad Ali Mahmoud Ali Mahmoud Aldawa and Alaa Mohamed Hamdi Abdel Ghani Beshir were especially brought in for this. A wide array of Arabian food items from all over the MiddleEast were displayed for the guests Tausif Sanzum

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Travel

Seoul, South Korea Seoul, the capital of South Korea is a city of wonders. The majestic skyscrapers, huge malls, and narrow alleys filled with innumerable shops form an amazing contrasting scenario. At one end, heritage and culture reign supreme with palaces, museums, and galleries.

On the other, Seoul has embraced modern times with a strong foundation of high-tech technology and infrastructure. If you plan to visit, prepare to have a blast at some of the top tourist sites as well as places that are a bit more unorthodox Tausif Sanzum

What to do Festivals and nightlife

Seoul has a dynamic nightlife. Throngs of people safely wander in the major shopping districts and popular downtown areas even after midnight especially in the Dongdaemun Market and Hongik University neighbourhood.The Hi! Seoul Festival is one the major festivals held in autumn. It includes a wide array of cultural and art programmes.

Shop

If it’s Korean cosmetics that you are looking for, Myeongdong is the place for you and check out Mario Outlet if you prefer upscale merchandise. If however, it’s gadgets that strike your fancy, visit Yongsan Electronics Shopping Mall and Techno Mart.

Explore Seoul is filled with historical architecture, museums, and religious monuments. The National Museum of Korea is situated in Yongsan Family Park. The War Memorial of Korea will take you on an educational and emotional journey of various wars in which Korea was involved. If you want

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to see something unconventional, visit Seoul Museum of Chicken Art. Another attraction is Gyeongbokgung, one of Seoul’s grandest palaces among five other major ones. The Myeongdong Cathedral is a landmark which also deserves a visit.

Travel

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Where to stay

What to eat

Tteokbokki

This dish is basically rice cakes in a red pepper sauce, often topped with meat or fish cakes. The hearty meal is sweet and spicy and is easily available at most street carts.

Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel (Tk27,000 per night and up)

The hotel boasts iconic views of the capital from its lobby on the 41st floor, which is the highest in Korea. It has a 2,000 square-metre gym which includes a pool, screen golf and aequalis spa.

Grand Hilton Seoul

(Tk15,000 per night and up) This hotel is a combination of elegance and affordability. A complimentary shuttle service to the centre of the city is provided along with a wide range of dining options.

Red bean doughnut

This is Seoul’s own version of a filled donut, a sweet and flat doughy treat stuffed with red beans and covered in sugar. Easy on the palate as well as your wallet.

Hotel Icon

(TK9,000 per night and up) If you are looking for a place which is affordable, yet cozy, Hotel Icon is the place for you. Since the hotel is centrally situated, most tourist spots are at walking distance and public transportation is available nearby.

Getting there

INDEX Emirates Airlines flies daily to Dubai, from where connecting flights are available

Bibimbap

Known as one of the national dishes of Seoul. This combination of rice, meat, vegetables, red pepper paste, and egg is widely available and must be tried.

Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel 360-51, Sindorimdong, Guro-gu, Seoul, South Korea Ph:+82 2-2211-2000 Hotel Icon 33-24 Ikseon-dong (20 Samil-daero 32ga-gil), Seoul, SO, South Korea Ph:+82 2-766-3438 Grand Hilton Seoul 353, Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea Ph:+82 2-3216-5656

Globe Trotter Saxony, Germany Florence, Italy

London, England Bangkok, Thailand

Mount Abu, India Bundi, Rajasthan

The International River to River Dixieland Festival Festival Dresden May 22-28 12-19 November

Harrod’s Christmas Jae Danupon GrottoClassical Kaewkarn Concert November 2-December 24 May 25

Summer Festival Bundi Utsav May 23-25 November 20-21

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Tags

Dhaka Comicon 2013 "Bigger and Better"

Photos: Courtesy of Comicon

Dhaka Comicon kicked off on Friday, November 8 and greeted thousands of fans at Jamuna Future Park. Numerous attractions took place throughout the two day event, such as performances by Nemesis, Cosplay and art competitions, as well as collector's exhibits

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