TMAG Volume 2 Issue 34

Dhaka Tribune Thursday, January 1, 2015 Volume 2, Issue 34

#saveSundarbans

TMAG Th u rsDAY, JAn uArY 1 , 2015

#SaveSundarbans

Illustration by Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy

About the cover

A weekly production ofDhakaTribune

EditorZafar Sobhan

Executive EditorShahriar Karim

Managing EditorJahangir Hyder

Magazine EditorSabrina Fatma Ahmad

Asst Magazine EditorNatasha Rahman

TMAG TeamSaudia AfrinTahsin MominBaizid Haque JoarderRad ShararRaisa Rahim

ContributorsPragya RahmanNasif ChowdhuryMustafid Raiyan KhanImad Khan

GraphicsMohammed Mahbub AlamTahsin Momin

Colour SpecialistShekhar Mondal

ProductionMasum Billah

CirculationMasud Kabir Pavel

Email: [email protected] Website: www.dhakatribune.com

More insidePicks of the week2 Room of the week Rayma Habib10 Spotlight X - Multiply10 The goodsheet Burnin it down-Jason Adlean

Your world5 Car The little wonder5 Comic strip reAl life3 Event Tweets6 Hot topic New Year, New You12 Love Guru

fAshion4 Beauty check Accessorised in

Cuteness4 Look of the week Rubab Al Islam Sami4 Wardrobe Check Back-to-School

tMAG sAYs2 Funk up your room New Life 2 FYI Oil Spill10 Playlist Roar

horoscoPes9 Year Long Horoscope

editor’s note

“I would say happy new year but it’s not happy; it’s exactly the same as last year except colder” - Syamonti Hassan

Status of the week

2 Room of the week Rayma Habib

4 Look of the week Rubab Al Islam Sami

5 Car talk Alfa Romeo 4C

8 Written in the Stars S I M Shadman Sheikh & Fahmida Faiza

Hashtag trendings#AndroidWear

Last week, android announced its Android Wear project, creating an earthquake in the mobile world.

“Shake ‘em, break ‘em. Go Android”#AndroidWear

Dear Readers,

Happy New Year! Are you ready to rock 2015? We know we are. One thing we want to do this year is not repeat the mistakes we made in 2014. Towards the end of last year, one of the biggest things that went wrong was the oil spill in the Sundarbans, which led to some incalculable losses.

We’ve taken a moment to talk about the rich diversity of wildlife in the region that we must protect. There’s also been a fresh round of Model UN conferences, and we catch up with a few organisers to talk about the need for young people to participate in these kinds of dialogues.

If you’ve made resolutions for the upcoming year, join us in the Trial Room to talk about ways in which you can honour them and bring out the best in yourself.

Here’s hoping you have a great weekend and an even better year!

With love,

From, The TMAG desk

Meme of the week

TMAG Th u rsDAY, jAn uArY 1 , 2015

Your Life2 tmag

courtesy FYI

Your room

The Sundarbans house the endangered Royal Bengal tigers. Yet, despite all the efforts put into saving these animals from the brink of extinction, it all went in vain due to the negligency of two oil tanker captains. Here is a list of a few of the endangered animals living in the Sundarbans

Bengal tigers It’s funny how our national animal, the Royal Bengal tiger, has its population dwindled to approximately 350, much lower than India’s approximate census of 1,400. The population of these tigers are declining fast because of habitat destruction, poaching, and prey depletion.

Barashinga (Swap deer) and Hog deerOne of the main reasons why Royal Bengal tigers are declining in population is because of prey depletion caused by humans. Swamp deer is probably extinct in the Sundarbans due to excessive hunting and poaching. Since Bengal tigers prey on these deers, many have to starve due to the lack of forage.

Gangetic dolphinsThese dolphins are freshwater dolphins, meaning they live in the rivers. Dolphins are smart and wary. However, unlike most dolphins, these are blind and therefore rely on echolocation for locomotion. With the oil spill, these dolphins unfortunately suffer from intoxication, and die.

Northern river terrapin These are classified as one of the most critically endangered turtle species, close to extinction. These cute little shelled creatures are found only in Bangladesh and India, but mostly in the Sundarbans. If this oil spill isn’t dealt with, there might just not be any left!

Small-clawed and smooth-coated ottersThese furry animals are also called “graceful fishers.” They’re small in stature, highly intelligent and one of the best swimmers in the animal kingdom. Unfortunately, there are still fishermen in the Sundarbans, who reduce the forage for the otters. Some men even trap these otters in their nets and skin the otters for their fur and meat. With the recent oil spill, things are becoming even worse for the otters.

Thankfully, the UN caught a whiff of the disaster and is acting right away to debilitate the effects of the catastrophe. More importantly, there shouldn’t have been a commercial vessel moving through within the 10,000 square km in the first place. We need to save them, not just because they’re cute but because they are precious. Imad Khan

TMAG’s Room of

the week!

nAMe

rAYMA hAbib

AreA

dhAnMondi

“Mural”

“A sweet mural peeks from behind the dresser mirror, suggesting there is more to this cornner than it is immediately apparent.”

new lifeCrafting gorgeous adornments from unused materials can be both unique and fun. Let’s discover a few ideas with TMAG

oil sPoil

Place of the beloved Give the old, unsightly tables a new life. Paint the entire table in a solid colour and let it dry. Now, spend some more time selecting the best pictures of your favourite photographer, any important news cutouts, or personal photographs of your friends and family. Stick the pictures on the table with a moderate amount of glue. Either you can create a neat display with a few favourites, or create a more chaotic look by completely covering the table with different photos of your choice.

Green love Different types of containers or cartons such as tin cans and glass bottles can be recycled to grow indoor plants in them. You can place them near windows or in your balcony. Paint them and draw patterns to make them look

presentable as to also brighten up your room. However, unpainted ones have a classy, unvarnished DIY look to it in case you like that better.

It’s vivacious For a rustic decor, employ small glass jars in the corners of an open shelf for a vivid and efficient decoration. To add in some fun elements, fill the jars with buttons, candy and sequins of different shapes and colours.

Conceal area How can you reuse denim jeans, shirts, jumpers and skirts? It’s the beginning of the year and many of you must need a good-looking diary to write your resolutions on. You can cut out the denim in the shape of your journal and glue it on to make it look edgy and less ordinary. Be creative and use other pieces of unused clothes to make different shapes and design the front cover. SaudIa afrIn


eVeNTS 3tmag

Chewan Rai, a student from Nepal, who served as the chairman of Social Cultural and Humanitarian Committee (SOCHUM) of the Dhaka University National Model United Nations (DUNMUN) 2014, concluded his speech in the closing ceremony saying, “we started the conference with 45 delegates and ended it up with 45 future diplomats.” Chewan Rai referred to the delegates of his committee, who debated with each other and passed on a resolution in recognition of the third gender.

Chewan’s remark was not only applicable for the delegates of SOCHUM, but also for all the delegates of the other ten committees. SOSHUM was a platform that let the international students, who participated as the delegates of 193 member states of United Nations, to learn the art of diplomacy, diplomatic behaviors and leadership.

DUNMUN 2014, which is the largest and the most prestigious model United Nations conference of the country began on the December 21 and the curtains fell on day 24. This four-day long conference was inaugurated by the honourable vice-chancellor of the Dhaka University in the honourable presence of the counselor of Cultural Affairs, Chinese Embassy in Dhaka and the UN resident coordinator in Dhaka.

The event was hosted to unite the youths and make them work on the theme of “Empowering Youths for sustainable development.”

The theme was chosen as the secretariat of DUNMUN 2014 led by the secretary general, MJ Shohel believes that empowering youth is the key to sustainable development for both Bangladesh and other countries of the world.

After the innaugauration on December 21, the committees started their sessions where they discussed their agendas and tried their best to find out the solution within three days. Moreover, the conference will be reckoned for the Special Committee for Bangladesh Affairs where all the proceedings were conducted in the mother language of Bangladesh, Bangla. Even the resolution they submitted was in Bangla.

DUNMUN 2014 was marked by cultural exchanges between the students from 13 separate countries. The International Night that was held on December 22 included performances from the delegates and they were given the floor to represent their respective cultures. The night will be a memorable one for many of the delegates because

of the seven girls from war-ravaged Afghanistan who presented their national anthem dressed in traditional Afghani dresses.

On the final day of the conference, nine of the ten proposed resolutions were passed in plenary. The United

Nations Security Council failed to reach an agreement on the Settlement of Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea due to the veto given by the delegate of United States.

Henry Kissinger, the former secretary of state of the United States believes, “The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been.” DUNMUN 2014 organised by Dhaka University Model United Nations Association (DUMUNA), as a whole, served the diplomat enthusiasts of the country.

aaQIB md ShaTIL

The writer was a Director of DUNMUN 2014

the fActorY of diPloMAts!


fASHioN fACe-off4 tmag

Beauty CheckLook of the week

ModelRubab Al Islam Sami

Photo Courtesy

hello Yellow

“Tea-coloured octagonal spots all over the

chartreuse punjabi look both elegant and perfect

for a winter holud evening. The golden-

green panel on the collar and sleeves

complement the look and

makes it attention-

worthy”

Wardrobe Check

bAck-to-schoolThe holidays are almost over; some are happy maybe because they will get to see their crushes everyday whereas others are already dreading the impending avalanche of homework and class tests that are to come. No matter how you feel, looking good is a must

The header may lead you to think about school-fashion trends, but here in Bangladesh, we have to wear uniforms to school. And tampering with them might end up with you standing in front of your principal’s office.

With that being said, you don’t wear your uniforms 24/7, right? There are coaching classes you have to go to as well. So let’s organise that wardrobe of yours, shall we?

Take out everything from your closet at one go and try them on to see if they still fit you. Elizabeth Bye and Ellen McKinney conducted a study that shows about 85% of women have ill-fitting clothes in their closets. And that’s just the women we’re talking

about, mind you. If the clothes do not fit you at all,

as in there is nothing you can do to revamp them or alter them into some use, feel free to donate them to someone who has a better use for it. Plus, it helps to keep your closet clean and you don’t have clothes falling off on you every time you open it.

Now that the temperatures are low, layering is the way to go. Start with lighter materials and build on it. For the “gals,” dressy and casual can be an outfit idea for those evening classes at your tutor’s. Soft cardigans or shawls would look good with leggings or chinos. Moreover, the right accessories will surely fulfil the “glam” quotient of your outfit.

For guys, fitted jackets are a must this season. Men’s cardigans are trending big, and so are structure-fit chinos. Light-weight sweaters can be

a part of your outfit as well. Last but not least, leather jackets. They never fail. BaIzId haQue Joarder

Bird ClipsYou can find yourself pulling off a fierce eagle embedded hair clip, making you look as edgy and bold as itself. Perhaps even a kingfisher to make you look lively and serene. If you’re one of those people, then why not a swan to adorn your lovely long locks to make you look elegant and voluptuous. Gone are those days when only little girls would wear them. Today it’s both trendy and fun, that is if you can pull them off well.

Animal Print ScarvesCheetah print, leopard print, tiger print and zebra print scarves are all very wild and trendy. They will make you

look very chic and will go with just about everything you put on. They are the new black in fashion. The print comes in different colours beside the typical brown one, for example blue, pink or even a bright blood red one.

Reptile Belts Crocodile or snake leather belts are quite classy and they will make you look fabulous. You can wear them with your dresses, or even your pantsuits if you want. Either way you’re covered and guaranteed a day filled with gracious compliments. You can also match your reptile belts with matching reptile shoes. That is ought to look gorgeous! Pragya rahman

Accessorised in cuteness


STreeT 5tmag

Car Talk

ComiC strip

And here's such a thing! On paper, the 4C has what it takes; a fusion of the latest technology and a commitment to driving pleasure that car junkies in general have been demanding for years.

As if there wasn't enough anticipation surrounding the Alfa Romeo 4C, the introductions focused on targets: a quest for adamant driving pleasure, supercar performance at an affordable price, a kerb weight of no more than 900Kg, and the task of steering the Italian brand back into the realms of desirability and increased sales.

Without a doubt, it's everything that an Alfa should be. It is pure, involving, uncomplicated driving pleasure; draped in voluptuous bodywork that recalls great Alfa coupes such as the breathtaking, 1967 Scaglione-designed 33 Stradale. The purists appreciate

the fact that it's a rear-wheel drive; something that Alfa hasn't offered since the 75 saloon in 1992 and the last independently designed car before the company was taken over by Fiat.

So it has an illustrious pedigree and it even looks jaw-dropping-ly gorgeous. But what's it like to drive?

Turn the key and the engine burbles to life with a volume of mechanical chatter that you rarely get to hear from the modern cars. There's "only" 240bhp from the turbocharged 1.7-litre, four-cylinder engine, but thanks to only 895kg to haul, it accelerates like a charm and the smooth spread of torque indicates that this is one quick car. A maximum torque of 258lb ft is available between 2,100 and 4,000rpm, meaning that gear-changing is something you can do for fun much of the time.

Despite its compact dimensions, the 4C initially feels wide, but as it gains speed it shrinks around you and never feels less than agile. The 4C simply grips and goes; the more you turn, the more the front end holds on to the curve, even the mid-corner bumps won't unsettle it.

Like the Mito and Giulietta, the 4C has a DNA (Dynamic, Normal or All-weather) driving mode selector that changes the functional characteristics of the engine, transmission, suspension and the electronic differential.

In addition to being phenomenally quick, it also has a slightly old-fashioned essence courtesy of the unassisted steering and wonderful brakes that is comprised of just steel rotors on alloy hubs gripped by Brembo callipers rather than fancy carbon brakes. But the brakes are as effective as they are easy

to use, as it claims to go from 62mph to a standstill in just 35 metres. And who cares about the unassisted steering? Yes, it is hard to manoeuvre and almost impossible to park. But then again parking is for losers! (Just kidding)

And last but not the least, the exhaust, for all its auditory boldness, has some competition from the air intake. The moment you roll down the window, it sounds as though the turbocharger is trying to suck your hair into its compressor like a demented vacuum cleaner. It is by all means loud; more like listening to half of a Jaguar F-type but at a much lesser price.

The 4C might not be perfect, but it is a beautiful little Italian sports car at a price that mere mortals can contemplate. You can’t help but be glad that it’s here! TahSIn momIn

Rough, loud and scary, the 4C draws stares like no other

the little wonder


6 tmag

Another year comes and goes, you’re still a legume on the couch, a dot in the less-than-grand scheme of things, and still not the best version of yourself. Four billion years of evolution, selective breeding, running from dinosaurs, riding mammoths, and fighting mongols has led to this moment where you exist, and you are blowing it away binge watching Desperate Housewives. This simply won’t do! 2015 is coming up, and with it, comes an excuse to try and reinvent yourself. But how do you do it? Simple steps, is how:

DON'T REINVENT YOURSELFKeep your goals simple, and achievable. Preferably make plans that take no more than a few months to achieve. Horribly bent out of shape? Don’t target a six pack within 3 weeks, and then lose motivation 2 weeks in. Aim for something simpler: maybe go running once every three days, or cut out fizzy drinks.

12

NEW YEARN E W Y O U


HoT ToPiC 7

SHUSHKeep your goals to yourself. Studies have shown that announcing them give you a sense of achievement that might later demotivate you from progressing further. Do, and then show. Self improvement is a single player game, inviting your friends to a resolution-party will not make things easier in this case; the nay-sayers just might demotivate you enough to abandon your goals entirely.

2

HOBBIESThis one is a bit strange, and might require long term commitment, but you should give it a shot anyways. Try to have at least 3 types of hobbies in your daily life: One that keeps you healthy, one that utilises your creativity, and one that has the potential to make you some money. Of course, these criteria are allowed to overlap(you can sell art pieces, for example), but it is healthy to keep at least one of these three traits in whatever pass-time you pick up.

3DISCIPLINE IS THE kEY, NOT mOTIVATIONMotivation is a fickle friend. One moment it is with you, the next thousand moments it is not. And while that one moment would’ve been enough if we could fast forward real life like a training montage, unfortunately most of the us get diddly squat done during our brief meetings with “motivation”. Discipline is your friend, discipline will help you be strong and unbreakable.

4LEARN TO LOVE FAILUREYou learn by failing. If you give up after the first try, you’ll never get anything useful done, and we’ll all devolve back to single celled organisms just because you’re too much of a wimp to accept that it’s okay to fail every once in a while.

5Most important of all though, learn to have fun with it! A new year is not a new you, that’s just motivational malarkey used by gypsies and writers with anger issues. It’s still the old you, just with a little something extra that’s slightly better than the old you, which is all that counts really.


WriTTeN iN THe STArS8 tmag

How many conferences or events of MUN did you attend so far? Please share what you’ve learned from your experiences with us so far.Both of us have been to almost 50 MUN conferences together and have organised a few National level Model UNs in Dhaka. We were privileged to recieve training from the UN Headquarters in New York and that was a really big accomplishment as we were the first Bangladeshi MUNers to achieve this training.

The experience we’ve gathered from each and every Model UN regardless of the size and location, were significantly impressive and has changed our mind-sets. However, we think quality participation is very important and therefore we’ve been to the recent training in Japan that was held for the first time in Asia by UN to train the Model UN leaders across the world. The former UN under secretary general Mr Akasaka was there to take the sessions and UN officials have also trained us on which procedure the actual UN runs. It was a one of a kind and once in a lifetime experience anyone could ever get.

What topics came up in the recent conference?Being in the leading positions of Bangladeshi Model UN contingent, we were there to discuss the progress, perspective and potential of our country’s Model UN culture. We’ve covered a wide range of issues including youth activities and access to Model UN. We’ve shared our ideas on how to build regional relationship stronger and ensure sustainable development of this arena in future. Also, we believe that a united approach can help us perform better and only unified action can ensure the actual replication of UN in Model UN. As MUN trainers and consultants we were also very welcomed to talk about the educational value of Model UN and the possibilities this student conference has.

Why did you choose the topic?We had a variety of topics to discuss but given the activities we’ve done and considering our reputation we were chosen to talk on that topic. We’ve organised two national, one regional Model UNs, and established nation’s first of a kind practice MUN platform, mock MUN Bangladesh. We’ve also organised and taken over 40 free workshops nationwide, made MUN accessible and easier to understand through Bengali Model UN video tutorial and provided scholarships to 50 students for getting acquainted with MUN. We’ve recently organised MUN training with reputed national and international speakers. In fact

we are the fastest growing quality platform for the Model UN enthusiasts of the country with our organisation LIGHTHOUSE IMPERIUM.

Needless to say we were the main focus point at the training session in Japan and were interviewed to share our success story.

Tell us the experience you’ve gathered as MUNers?A MUNer is a true global citizen concerned about world politics and international affairs. We believe that the most essential skills we’ve developed, as MUNers, are the art of negotiation and diplomatic behaviour that no other platform offers.

What is your biggest achievement so far?Under our initiative MUN for NATION, we’ve organised the first national level Model UN ever in the country outside the capital, with the intention of emerging and building promising MUNers. At Chittagong Summit Model UN we had 235 students from all over the country. We believe this was a giant leap in achieving our goal of making MUN accessible and widespread.

Did you face any obstacles in the process of starting up?As practice Model UN needs dedication and monetary involvement, it can be difficult for any new comers; in fact this is the first obstacle we faced. Finding the right sponsors was difficult but once one becomes a bit experienced, he or she can easily deal with it. Besides, there are scholarships and financial subsidies for the selected few. The second obstacle is obviously the significant amount of dedicated time Model UN takes for research. However, we’ve managed it somehow as the research was relevant to our field of studies we’re pursuing.

How can one get involved with MUN? What are the basic requirements?Model UN is an open platform. Any school, college or university student from any background can be a part of it. However, if someone gets involved with an organisation that works on Model UN or become a part of his/her MUN club, it becomes easier to continue MUN regularly. For example from our organisation Lighthouse Imperium, we train and advise students and send delegation to different MUNs of home and abroad. From the previous Dhaka University National Model United Nations (DUNMUN), our students have achieved 10 awards for their excellent performances. n

ProudAnd ProMisinG

Muner’sS I M Shadman Sheikh & Fahmida Faiza, two young Model United Nations (MUN) figures of the country have recently been to Japan to attend specialised training on Model UN. They are hoping to spread the spirit of Model UN amongst the youth of Bangladesh, to cultivate the concept and practice of diplomacy and negotiation. Discover their vivacious journey with Saudia Afrin

To me MUN means freedom. With the best

intellectual minds from home and abroad it is a unique opportunity to learn, share and grow with exchanging ideas

for making the world a better place

I think the educational value and confidence Model UN ensures is

truly worthy to join this global environment.

And that’s what made me interested in MUN. It is a unique opportunity to meet, network and

negotiate with the best minds from wide a range

of background


You WriTe iT 9tmagYou WriTe iT 9tmag

HorosCope

whAt’s in store for You in 2015?Will 2015 be a year of new experiences, new tantrums, new friends (and some “special friends” *wink wink*), new jobs, new places and basically a new us?

Your year’s going to kick off really hot and energetically (which is ironic because it’s freezing outside and a lazy day with your kombol awaits you).

Around March, you’ll find that you have little control over your emotions but then life will eventually fall into a steadier pace, leaving you feeling invincible. But remember, you’re mortal, not a superhero., so don’t go fighting crime or anything.

ARIeS(March 21 - April 19)

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

GeMINI (May 21 - June 20)

CANCeR (June 21 - July 21)

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

VIRGo (August 23 - September 22)

LIBRA (September 23 - october 22)

SCoRPIo (october 23 -November 21)

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)

CAPRICoRN (December 22 - January 19)

AqUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

PISCeS (February 19 - March 20)

2015 is an excellent time for you to start new things and choose a new path, something you’ve been mentally preparing for; April and May being the best time for these plans. Relationships might get difficult around July and August, so just go extra slow with people and love-things, and be careful. A little extra creativity will keep you popular all summer (that’s right, A LOT of Facebook likes). Mid-September to mid-October might strain relations, but Taurus can turn on the sweetness when they want to so you should be safe. #Bulls-eye (Taurus puns LOL)

Relationships will flourish this year. It’ll kick-start with a bang, blazing and pace-y, but you’ll have plenty of breaks to stay on track and take time for everything you cherish. You’re a real GEM, Gemini!

Mid-May to Mid-June 11 will be a period of contemplation. You’ll mentally rethink hasty decisions from the month before. #Don’tPlayGemsOK?

Your instincts, feelings and intuition will be particularly sharp this year.

Medical note: these are also sure signs that you don’t have cancer!

You’ll be busy with fun in May and June, but mentally stressed. Try to control your emotions around late June and July.

#cancerperks

Can we get a roar for all Leo’s out there?Try doing everything in moderation, and you should

be fine. Unless you’re reading TMAG, because then EXCESS IS GOOD! You’ll find comfy escapes in February, surprises in April, love-tugs around July *winkety wink wink* and life to be generally awesome in September. Note to maintain your personal integrity in April (probably best to avoid posting controversial statuses on Facebook). November might see some minor health concerns, but stability and good instincts can fix all. Enjoy each day to its fullest! #I’mNotLion

Looks like it’ll be a lucky year for you, Virgo!You’ll be extremely emotional, opinionated, driven

and always busy, so much so that you’ll find it hard to think straight sometimes.

You are likely to be surrounded by opportunities and friendly people from January 1. The extra luck and prosperity should kick in around August.

It’s a good year to be outgoing, sociable and fun so stay healthy, active, eat and rest well, because you’ll need it! #Virgo-in2haveFUN!

In 2015 you’re going to want a bit more luxury and material security, so you’ll feel more motivated and ambitious, and inevitably accomplish more on a professional and personal level.

You’ll be very lucky with people this year and socialise (in real life)! Take a break around August to rest up and reboot. November and December will be good times for you, especially the last two days of December. #Librrated2nyt

Luck and instant energy are constants for you in 2015! With your intensity at everything you do, make sure not to burn out the people close to you. Don’t sting ‘em?

People will get harder to read around February and March, so try being a little detached.

Brace yourslf for surprises coming in March and April. Don’t try to exceed your physical limits and be healthy and motivated. Anchor through the difficult times. #LashThatStinger

It’s going to be an incredible year, with a lot of admiration, respect, and authority in store for you! Through all your success, remember to be modest. Trust your judgment, especially emotional ones in February.

Watch the calories, especially in April. Just go with your instincts, and let your awesome year unfold!#SagGotSwag

Start off 2015 with a big bang or maybe many smaller ones! Follow your heart and try being your own best friend for a change. Trust yourself; it’ll keep you from moving too fast or getting off track (especially if you’re planning on being a NASCAR driver). Find effective ways to beat the stress (have lots of capers and popcorn.) Don’t be flustered by failure and keep trying! Go out there and be amazing!#CapriPopCorn

Nervousness won’t be part of your facade anytime this year. Use that poker-face well!

From January 21- February 21 you will appear sharper and more cautious.

Don’t overdo things, be safe and avoid stupid accidents. Looks to be a well-balanced year for you, Aquarius! #Aquafina

2015 is the time for you to step up and make a better you! Unexpected opportunities are abound, doors waiting to magically open for you. Don’t worry; nothing’s fishy this year! Be wise, not lightheaded. Take the luck seriously, and be gracious.

Pay attention to your health around January through April, and expect to be busy but happy in January and February. #LifeNotInPisces


STereo10 tmag

It’s an album that is quite distinctively “Ed Sheeran.” His endless number of unnamed lovers was the inspiration behind the songs. But it doesn’t matter for whom these songs written for or why. What matters is that this album was a really big hit.

Ed Sheeran isn’t only popular or famous because of his talent as a guitarist and a singer, although he is exceptionally talented as both. The talent that really made him shine is his ability in song writing. However, in “X,” all his talents, especially his new twisty rapping style in “Sing” and tracks three

and four, “One” and “I’m a Mess,” reflected immensely.

This album is like a story. As an English singer/song writer, it’s not surprising that perhaps he delved into alcoholism, which is what three of eleven of his songs seem to imply. The other two themes that seemed to have influenced his song writing are perhaps love and jealousy.

Track three, “Sing” is a very different kind of song where he showed us that he’s not afraid to try something new. Even gutsier was his song, track four, “Don’t,” which portrays jealousy and

betrayal. The rest of the songs in the album seep into a sappy story and end with a good note on track 13, “Thinking Out Loud,” which is a song subtlety depicting the vows of marriage in a nutshell with an emotive and lyrical flow. Overall, the album is excellent. It may have some generic themes, but the touch of lyrical genius and acoustic beauty amplified the essence of the album, which could be why the album is called multiply. Imad Khan

spotligHt

the Product of ed sheerAn’s tAlents equAls X Ed Sheeran’s latest album “X,” read as “multiply,” was a success, peaking number one in both the UK Albums Chart and US Billboard 200roAr

1. eye of the tiger Survivor

2. Roar Katy Perry

3. earth Song Michael Jackson

4. Colours of the wind OST Pocahontas

5. Chahe Mujhe Koi Junglee Kahen OST Junglee

6. Animals Maroon 5

7. Radioactive Imagine Dragons

8. only human Jason Mraz

9. Tomar ghore Anusheh Anadil

10. Heal the world Michael Jackson

goodsHeet

top

10

Burnin it downJason Adlean

Capo: 1 (Standard Tuning)

Dm BbYou slip your finger through the tear in my t-shirt F CYou stirrin’ up dirty in the back of my mind DmYou keep on flirtin’ BbCause you know that it’s workin’ F CYou stuck in my head girl writing the linesDm BbCouldn’t sing this song without you if I triedF CLet’s light it up like it’s our last night

Dm BbWe’re just hanging around FBurnin’ it down CSippin’ on some cold Jack Daniel’sDm BbJammin’ to some old Alabama with you baby F CLaying right here naked in my bed


feATure 11tmag

food for thouGht

On Tuesday December 9, 2014, after a tanker and another vessel collided, more than 3,50,000 litres of oil was spilled into the waters of the Sundarban tidal mangrove forest, spreading across 60 Km of waterways.

Environmentalists have expressed great concerns regarding the impact of this oil spill on wildlife. This could be disastrous, especially for aquatic wildlife due to the low levels of oxygen in water.

Unfortunately the accident took place in one of the three dolphin sanctuaries in the area, which was a prohibited zone for vessels. This is supposedly the largest oil spill in the

Sundarbans region, and the third vessel to sink in the vicinity over the past three years; the other two carried fertiliser and fly ash. The oil tanker that had been carrying fuel from Khulna to Gopalganj was hit from behind by another tanker, causing the front part of the tanker to sink spilling almost the entire oil into the Sela River, inside the Chandpai Dolphin Sanctuary.

In 2011, the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York discovered a surprising population of 6,000 Irrawaddy dolphins in the Sundarbans. This find led to the creation of three sanctuaries of long nosed Gangetic and Irrawaddy

dolphins. The fact that the cargo vessel was wrecked in one of these sanctuaries, has raised concerns about its overall environmental impact.

Along with the dolphins, another aquatic creature that is affected by the spillage, is otter. Two dead otters were recovered from the site. An autopsy carried out on their lungs revealed a presence of furnace oil inside them. Otters have been considered an endangered species and included in the International Union For Conservation of Nature (IUFCN). As far as aquatic animals go, the most vulnerable candidate in endangerment would have

teArs of the wildThe price of a spill

to be the horseshoe crab, which are considered living fossils because of their origin from 450 million years ago.

This collision led to a densely polluted river that is harmful for aquatic animals and people who made a living off of the resources provided by the river. Also, the incident severely hampered the lives of many animals associated with the river such as birds and deer. Animals can also be affected by the disruption caused in the food chain. Birds like vultures or other carnivorous animals that come in contact with the toxic substance will not be able to withstand it, and will eventually perish. Birds are as vulnerable as the aquatic animals. The threatened and endangered, finfoot, is a resident of the Sundarbans. Imagine a bird covered in oil and can’t see properly; they are less likely to escape predation, they may not be able to hunt, their body temperatures may drop and will eventually starve to death. This is true for more than 10 species of birds of prey, eight species of kingfishers and 100 species of water birds.

Here’s hoping the oxygen levels have returned to normal by now, so that the aquatic animals can breathe properly. We can only pray that the bees have returned to gathering honey for their hive, the fish are no longer floating in water but swimming around carelessly, the birds are no longer confined but are happily flying around, and that all is beginning to look well for the Sundarbans. Pragya.rahman


TeeNArAmA12 tmag

Love guru TMAG presents, Lola and Mr. Twist to aid you in all of your romantic endeavours. Send in your love/relationship/crush problems and have them take a stab at it

QMy girlfriend does not want to go to a party where I am going. It is on a friend’s rooftop where most of our friends are going. She says that she doesn’t feel like partying but I think the real reason is that she saw my ex’s name on the guest list. I can go if I want to, but I’m sure she’ll use this as a weapon the next time we fight. What should I do? -Boyfriend of a party-pooper

QSo I went to this wedding where I met this girl, and I swear it felt like love at first sight. She is funny, smart and did I mention she is drop dead gorgeous? Unfortunately, she’s the same girl from my old math coaching class, who I used to pick on for being chubby. She still remembers me being a mean bully and hence she doesn’t believe that I am not the same person any more. Is there anything I can do about it?-Bully turned lover

Mr. Twist: DEAL BREAKER. Just kidding! Jokes aside, did she say anything about the ex? If not, you are probably making an unnecessary fuss about the entire deal. Maybe, she genuinely doesn’t like to party. But if you really want to find out what’s up, talk to her. If the ex-thing is really what’s bugging her, assure her that you are currently in a relationship with her and NOT your ex.

Mr. Twist: Don’t you feel like kicking yourself right now? May this be a lesson for all those bullies out there! But yes, as for the advice, there is nothing much you can do about the past. What’s done is done. Take her out on a date, and when you’re talking about the old times, make yourself look pesky in those stories and apologise. Make her believe that you have changed and the rest is in her hands.

Lola: Communication is key here. Bring up the issue of the ex. If that’s the real reason, explain to her that she has nothing to worry about. If she’s still uncomfortable with attending, sit this one out with her. Maybe a party isn’t worth fighting over.

Lola: Wow, while it’s hard to sympathise with someone for being so shallow, it’s also hard to hold a grudge against someone who is obviously trying to change. With your swan princess, if you really want to win her over, you have to show her that you’ve changed. Be unfailingly polite, not just to her, but everyone around you when she’s around. Compliment her on her personality, and in general, show interest in her as a person, not just because she’s gorgeous. Maybe, just maybe, she’ll see the new you.

Send us your love related problems at [email protected] message us on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/dhakatribunetmag

IlluSTRATIoN By rio shuvo


TidbiTS 13tmag

GameFest Bangladesh is the country’s first e-sports festival bringing together the largest electronic gaming community in Bangladesh, including avid players and gaming enthusiasts as well as e-sports businesses and investors. GameFest’s target is to provide a platform for celebrating all things related to e-sports.

It aims to offer something for everyone: serious gamers can interact competitively through tournaments for the top three popular games. While novice players and enthusiasts develop their knowledge and skills at the arcades, the content developers showcase their newest ideas and products. The organisers, event

management firm, EventUs, aspire to make the festival the biggest annual e-sports event in Bangladesh, and eventually represent Bangladesh at an international level gaming event.

For the first time in Bangladesh, GameFest is offering a substantial cash prize of BDT 2.08 lacs to the tournament winners. The two-day tournament group stage, the first-of-its-kind electronic gaming festival, concluded yesterday. More than 250 players took part in the matches for three of the most popular video games: League of Legends, DOTA 2 and FIFA15. Eight winning teams from the team games and four FIFA15 players will go on to play semi-final and final matches at the GameFest carnival

to be held on January 2 and 3, from 10 am to 8 pm, at the Saad Musa City Center in Kuril, Dhaka. Alongside the tournaments, the GameFest carnival will also feature a cosplay competition with cash prizes. Popular rock bands, Black and Arbovirus, will perform during the carnival, which will also feature numerous arcade and casual gaming opportunities for visitors and stalls carrying e-game merchandise.

There will be a great range of activities at the event for everyone to enjoy. Such as: live game of the final matches for League of Legends, DOTA2 and FIFA15, Mobile Gaming competition organised by Symphony (with winners receiving Symphony smart phones), live

performances by Arbovirus (January 1) and Black (January 3), cosplay competition (with winners receiving cash prizes in total of BDT 30,000). Moreover, there will be a casual play of various popular video and arcade games including Mortal Kombat, Just Dance, Caddilacs, Dinosaurs etc. There will also be various e-sports merchandise stalls and food stalls encompassing the entire event. So be ready for an exciting, thrilling and mind blowing fun stacked two-day carnival because.

Tickets will be available at the venue for BDT 100. For more information please visit: eventusbd.com and facebook.com/EventUsBangladesh.

GAMefest


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TMAG Volume 2 Issue 34