Lifestyle
Boi Mela to be open for 3.5 hours a day due to COVID-19
The daily operational hours for the ongoing traditional Amar Ekushey Book Fair has been changed due to the recent surge in COVID-19 infection rate across the country and the capital.
The new schedule says that the fair will remain open to the book-lovers from 3 pm to 6:30 pm, three and a half hours a day.
Also read: Bangladesh reports record number of 5,358 new daily Covid cases; 52 deaths
Bangla Academy, organiser of the month-long traditional fiesta, announced this on Wednesday.
The notice was announced via a press release signed by Aparesh Kumar Banerjee, director of the public relations department of Bangla Academy, saying, “In consideration to the recent spike in the Coronavirus infection rate, the schedule of Amar Ekushey Book Fair has been changed from 31 March, 2021. The fair will start at 3pm every day and close by 6.30pm, effective from Wednesday.”
Also read: Book fair gradually gains momentum
Originally, the traditional Amar Ekushey Book Fair followed the time schedule of 3 pm to 9 pm in the month of February, and 11am to 9 am on holiday and weekends.
Writers from 4 continents up for International Booker Prize
Chinese writer Can Xue and Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong’o, both long-favored contenders for the Nobel Prize for literature, are among nominees for the International Booker Prize for fiction.
Can Xue’s “I Live in the Slums” and Ngugi’s “The Perfect Nine: The Epic of Gikuyu and Mumbi” are among 13 books on the long list for the 50,000 pound ($69,000) prize.
The list announced Tuesday features works from four continents, including “The War of the Poor” by France’s Eric Vuillard, “In Memory of Memory” by Russian writer Maria Stepanova, “The Dangers of Smoking in Bed” by Argentina’s Mariana Enriquez and “Minor Detail” by Palestinian author Adania Shibli.
Writer Lucy Hughes-Hallett, who heads the judging panel, said a theme of many of the books was “migration -- the pain of it, but also the fruitful interconnectedness of the modern world.”
The six finalists are set to be revealed on April 22 and the winner on June 2.
The International Booker Prize is awarded every year to a book of fiction in any language that is translated into English and published in the U.K. or Ireland. It is run alongside the Booker Prize for English-language fiction.
The prize money is split between the book’s author and its translator. Ngugi translated his own novel from his mother tongue, Kikuyu.
Virtual Japan Fest 2021 with Tahsan Wednesday
The Embassy of Japan will host “Japan Fest 2021” online on Wednesday through YouTube channel and Facebook page.
This year you will see Japan through the eyes of famous singer and actor Tahsan Khan.
“Japan Fest 2021 with Tahsan Khan” will feature Covid-19 awareness song he has composed for the festival, a collaborative song with Japanese popular singer Miyazawa Kazufumi, original scores by Tahsan and also a musical appearance of Ambassador of Japan Ito Naoki.
The programme will be streamed on Embassy of Japan YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkf1HU6drZAnnTQNMBxOvaA) at 6pm and also will be broadcast by RTV at 5:30pm on the same day.
Fungus: Health Benefits, Nutritional Values and Precautions
The fungus has always secured an interesting spot in the food industry. Its nutritional benefits aren’t shared as frequently as compared to the likes of food and vegetables. Mushrooms, for example, are commonly found in burgers, pasta, and soup but have been marketed as a flavor enhancer more than anything else - but the fungus has more than restaurants are letting on. Here are the nutritional values and health benefits of fungus.
Nutritional Values of Fungus
As a whole, fungus such as black fungus, mushrooms, and more contain a plethora of properties, with the standouts being Vitamin D, protein, and potassium. Because mushrooms assimilate organic matter rather than being able to photosynthesize like plants, carbohydrates are its main source of carbon and that presents a different set of nutrients to plants.
Glucose, xylose, sucrose, and fructose are some carbon-based nutrients. On a slightly smaller scale, some mushrooms contain magnesium, zinc, folate, vitamin B, and fiber. This is because fungi are parasitic in nature and contain nutrients from organic material it “infects”. Despite the connotation of fungi’s identity, it is a rising superfood that can nutritionally benefit many staple dishes.
Read Bodybuilding Vs Powerlifting: Similarities, Differences, Pros, Cons
Is Fungus Goof for Your Health?
Healthy Skin
There aren’t many foods out there that benefit skin health to the same degree as snow fungus. The food contains large quantities of polysaccharides that have been making waves in the skincare industry. This is due to its ability to keep skin hydrated by acting similarly to hyaluronic acid, the hydration it presents helps restore the skin’s elasticity while containing antioxidants as well.
Read Curry Leaf Health Benefits and Uses
High In Potassium
Particularly found in black fungus is a high count in potassium. This nutrient benefits in the long term by assisting in preventing kidney stone formations, hypertension and even strokes. Potassium also has more immediate benefits that include moderating blood pressure, establishing bodily PH balance, digestion improvement and heart health. A versatile nutrient that fungus has in spades when consumed moderately only.
Read Most creative ways to eat more fruits for the non-fruit eaters
Cancer Prevention
According to the National Cancer Institute, the antioxidants found in mushrooms can prevent different types of cancers such as lung, breast, and prostate for starters. Vitamin D is the main nutrient found in mushrooms that accredit this ability, proving that it can prevent and treat cancer, however, this is largely dependent on the patient’s specific reaction to it. Additionally, Choline is an antioxidant known to reduce the risks of cancer altogether, however, this is less substantial.
Also read: Matcha Green Tea Health Benefits
Reduces Risk Of Diabetes
Not exclusive to mushrooms, its high fiber content does put it in the same league as vegetables in terms of its quantity - resulting in a solid range of choices that can reduce the risks of diabetes altogether, especially type 2. Unlike other nutrients found in fungus, fiber is best congested as a whole in a well-structured meal plan. Meaning beans, rice, vegetables, and certain types of bread perfectly complement the mushroom’s rich fiber count.
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'50 Springs of Freedom’ art camp ends in Chattogram
As part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the country’s Independence, a 4-day exclusive Art Camp of Gallery Cosmos titled ’50 Springs of Freedom’ concluded in Chattogram on Sunday.
The camp, with a collective vision to portray the jovial vibes of Spring blossoms blending with the festive occasion of the glorious 50 years celebration of country’s Independence, was hosted by Hidden Her Foundation with support of Cosmos Foundation.
Regarding the camp, Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of the Cosmos Foundation said, "Bangladesh has paved a long route to reach this glorious destination of the Golden Jubilee of our Independence, and we are fortunate to have the beautiful natural landscape alongside many talented, world class Bangladeshi artists. This exclusive art-camp is part of the continuous artistic ventures taken by Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Foundation, and we are really honored to initiate this special art-camp with all these prolific and talented artists in this special time."
Also read: Gallery Cosmos art camp on PM Hasina begins
Eight leading and promising Bangladeshi painters participated in the four day-long camp at the beautiful setting of Finley Hill in the port city, in quest for exploring the innate and everlasting connection between human and nature, and celebrate the unified harmony of brush, color and canvas through their jovial artistic expertise.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC), visited the Art Camp on Saturday, and lauding the initiative, he said, "An initiative like this in our beautiful and majestic port city Chattogram, celebrating the vibrant color of our 50th Spring is highly appreciated - and I am extremely glad to be here, specially when the country is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Independence. I truly admire this tremendous initiative taken by Gallery Cosmos and thanking the Hidden Her Foundation for hosting this wonderful Art Camp with support from Cosmos Foundation, participated by all these talented and respected artists in this peaceful and picturesque landscape."
Earlier, Dr Rubana Huq, BGMEA President and Mohammed Rahim, Vice Chairman of DBL Group, were present at the inaugural event of the four-day-long special camp on Friday.
Also read: Zonta Club's ‘Strokes Against Violence' art camp calls for united awareness
“We usually do not see this type of exclusive initiative, especially in a beautiful and peaceful setting like this. I am really honored and pleased to be here among these known faces, in such a glorious occasion, initiated by Gallery Cosmos and hosted by Hidden Her Foundation,” Dr Rubana Huq lauded the camp.
Explaining the initiative, Hidden Her Foundation Founder and Director Sunehra Z Islam said, “We would not have been able to celebrate and enjoy the color of nature in an independent country, if we did not earn our freedom and liberty in such a heroic way. To celebrate the essence of freedom and the vibrant nature of Spring, we are pleased and proud to host this special art-camp."
The list of stalwart participated in the camp is featuring a unique team of eminent and promising artists, including Samarjit Roy Chowdhury, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Anisuzzaman Anis, Anukul Chandra Mojumder, Azmeer Hossain, Bishwajit Goswami, Abdullah Al Bashir & Mong Mong Sho.
Also read: BSA initiates ‘Art Against Corona’ art camp with 300 artists
"As a proud and independent nation, we have paved a long way through the last 50 Springs. Initiatives and artistic ventures like this, remind us about the unity and harmony that was channeled among the people through the historic March 7th speech of Bangbandhu, which eventually brought us victory and liberty in 1971. Celebrating and showcasing the picturesque beauty of Spring is the motto of this camp, and we are pleased to join this venture," artist Bishwajit Goswami said about the camp.
Regarding the camp, Executive Artistic Manager of Gallery Cosmos Sourav Chowdhury said, "Celebrating the glorious occasion of our 50 years celebration of Independence, alongside harmonizing the artistic essence of 50 Springs that we have explored and celebrated till date, Gallery Cosmos and the host Hidden Her Foundation, is proudly organizing this special art camp with support from the Cosmos Foundation."
News agency United News of Bangladesh (UNB) was the Media Partner of the event.
Bodybuilding Vs Powerlifting: Similarities, Differences, Pros, Cons
When it comes to the world of fitness, bodybuilding and powerlifting often get confused with each other. From a typical first impression, it’s basically just big people lifting heavy things - which makes these misconceptions understandable. Even though these two sports may seem intimidating just by the amount of effort and time required for both, anyone who is looking to either gain strength or muscle mass can do both of these exercise styles without looking like the next Arnold Schwarzenegger. Differing in diet, training regime and results, let’s take a look at bodybuilders vs powerlifters and see which one is the best for you.
Bodybuilders Vs Powerlifters: Similarities
Both Require Heavy Lifting
Lifting heavy weights will be an inevitable part of both styles of exercise. No matter how opposing the results can be from one another, there is an element of strength that is absolutely necessary to progress. Strength cannot be achieved without at least focusing some attention on basic muscle building. In order to gain strength and the muscle mass necessary to take on heavier weights, a bulking phase is a must.
Read How To Build Muscles At Home
Eating Loads Of Food (Some Seasons)
By bulking, trainers will have to go on a calorie surplus that requires more meal sessions. This is so that the body is conditioned to use more energy, protein and other nutrients as the workout intensity amps up. Ideally, the bulking phase is meant to be healthy, which requires a certain level of macronutrient count that consists of carbohydrates, protein and fat - amounts from largest to smallest respectively. When malnourished, the body does not have enough nutrients to build muscle nor the energy to exert force while lifting.
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Types Of Exercises
Deadlifts, squats, bench presses and military presses are staples for both styles of working out and are known as compound exercises. This term is used to describe routines with movements that concentrate on large muscle groups. Deltoids, trapezoids and lats are minor muscles that certainly have their uses, but serve a purpose that will be addressed later.
Compound exercises engage large muscle groups that improve strength, flexibility and heart rate. Additionally, activating such a large range of muscles per exercise also dwell in the cardio category (slightly) allowing lifters to even burn calories.
Read Yoga vs Pilates: Which One Is Better For You?
Liberation war memorials in the major cities of Bangladesh
Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Walter Hitchcock once said, "freedom is not free." Indeed, it is not free, and freedom is the best achievement for Bangladesh. After a nine months long great liberation war, we achieved our independence. During those nine months, the Pakistani aggressors killed three million innocent people in Bangladesh.
Memorials and sculptures have been erected in different parts of the country to keep alive the memory of those martyrs who gave their lives in the liberation war. Here we will discuss the liberation war memorials in the major cities of Bangladesh.
1971's Independence war monuments in the major cities of Bangladesh
Dhaka
Dhaka has many liberation war memorials; however, the National Martyr's Memorial is the most significant one. It is located in Savar, which is 25 kilometers away from Dhaka. The monument was designed by Syed Mainul Hossain, and it was dedicated to all three million martyrs.
National Martyr's Memorial's unique design consists of seven triangular-shaped structures; each signifies the seven historical moments that formed independent Bangladesh. The moments are 1952's Language Movement, 1954's legislative election victory United Front, the Constitution Movement in 1956, 1962's Education Movement, 1966's 6-point movement, 1969's Mass Uprising, and finally 1971's Liberation war. This iconic design has 150 feet spanning height, and it is our national symbol.
Read Top Sculptures in Dhaka City
Chattogram
Chattogram is said to be the birthplace of the independence movement. But even in the five decades of independence, the memorial of the liberation war was not built in Chattogram metropolis. However, a Shaheed Minar named 'Sobedhon Nilmini' was built in 1969 in front of the Nandan Kanan Muslim Institute Hall in Chittagong to tribute the language martyrs. But this Shaheed Minar has been used to pay homage to all national days.
Apart from this, there are two monuments in Patiya and Raozan Upazilas of Chittagong. Although the Bangladesh government has made the announcement to build a liberation war memorial in Chattogram, it has not seen any ray of hope yet.
Read Top Historical Landmarks in Dhaka Reminding Liberation War of 1971
Sylhet
Banshtala Memorial in Sylhet is not just a memorial; it contains the graves of 14 freedom fighters who were martyred in the liberation war. It is surrounded by the Meghalaya mountains, which are located in Banshtala village of Doarabazar Upazila of Sunamganj district.
Can I take painkillers before or after a COVID-19 vaccine?
Don’t take them before a shot to try to prevent symptoms, but if your doctor agrees, it’s OK to use them afterward if needed.
The concern about painkillers is that they might curb the very immune system response that a vaccine aims to spur. Vaccines work by tricking the body into thinking it has a virus and mounting a defense against it. That may cause temporary arm soreness, fever, muscle aches or other symptoms of inflammation — signs the vaccine is doing its job.
Also read: Covid-19 vaccine not a 'silver bullet': WHO
Some research suggests that certain painkillers including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and other brands) might diminish the immune system’s response. A study on mice suggests these drugs might lower production of antibodies, which block the virus from infecting cells.
Other research has found that painkillers might dampen the response to some childhood vaccines, so many pediatricians recommend that parents avoid giving children the medicines before a shot and only if needed afterward, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its guidance to recommend against painkillers before a COVID-19 shot. It says they can be taken afterward for symptoms if you have no other medical conditions precluding their use, but to talk to your doctor.
Also read:Daily COVID-19 deaths in US reach highest level since May
If you’re already taking one of those medications for a health condition, you should not stop before you get the vaccine — at least not without asking your doctor, said Jonathan Watanabe, a pharmacist at the University of California, Irvine.
If you’re looking to relieve symptoms after your shot, he added, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is better because it works in a different way than some other painkillers.
“If you have a reaction afterwards and need something, take some acetaminophen,” Schaffner agreed. He added that the immune response generated by the vaccines is strong enough that any dampening effect by painkillers is likely slight and won’t undermine the shots.
Also read:Covid-19: Global cases exceed 62 million
The CDC offers other tips, such as holding a cool, wet washcloth over the area of the shot and exercising that arm. For fever, drink lots of fluids and dress lightly. Call your doctor if redness or tenderness in the arm increases after a day or if side effects don’t go away after a few days, the CDC says.
Curry Leaf Health Benefits and Uses
There are many plants to choose from when it comes to dieting. Greens like spinach, celery and cabbage have been popularised in the fitness and cooking industries for packing an optimal amount of nutrients to embark on the weight-loss journey; but curry leaves on the other hand hasn’t received the same amount of love and attention. Native to South Asia primarily, curry leaves are deceptively healthy despite its presence in some of the unhealthiest dishes out there. If done right, here is how the curry leaf can provide health benefits and have its uses.
Health Benefits and Uses of Curry Leaf
Abundant in Plant Compounds
First and foremost, curry leaves are stacked respectably against other greens in the nutrition department. Linalool, alpha-terpinene, mahanimbine and other compounds commonly found in plants can be found in curry leaves. Primarily, these compounds are suited as antioxidants to help the body detox and keep it immune from unwanted bacteria and viruses.
Granted, these chemicals are not elixirs by any means, but serve as an immunity benefit overall. In addition, curry leaf extract also can assist in protecting against oxidative damage on the heart, kidneys, brain and nervous system too.
Read Is Being Vegan Good For Your Body?
Reduces Risk of Heart Conditions
Curry leaves have a compound called mahanimbine that assists in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. As a result, this not only suppresses the rate of fat storage that could lead to obesity, but it also reduces the risk of heart failure.
Consuming this leaf semi-regularly is the key to allowing the body to decrease its cholesterol levels after a while, but a simple dish or two with some leaves alone, may not amount to much change. It is also worth noting that heart conditions that are less related to cholesterol may not see benefits from curry leaves.
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Reduces Risk of Diabetes
In addition to reducing cholesterol, curry leaves also reduce blood glucose levels significantly. More specifically, these leaves protect insulin-producing cells within the body that are responsible for damage prevention from external substances.
The pancreas is the main source of insulin production and benefits from copper, zinc and iron from the leaves directly. This makes curry leaves a serious candidate for plant-based diets that can mitigate long-term risks if consumed regularly.
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