lifestyle
Bangladeshi-American chef shortlisted for the ‘Oscars of food’
In a remarkable achievement, Bangladeshi-born American Chef Nur-E Gulshan Rahman has been shortlisted for the Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic category by the James Beard Foundation. Chef Rahman's culinary prowess shines at Korai Kitchen, a hidden gem in Jersey City, renowned for its authentic Bangladeshi cuisine.
The James Beard Foundation Awards, often dubbed the “Oscars of food,” honor excellence across America's culinary spectrum. These prestigious awards celebrate the artistry and innovation in the culinary field, recognizing the best chefs and restaurants.
Despite its modest beginning, as reported by the New York Times, Korai Kitchen has carved a niche in Jersey City's vibrant culinary scene. Chef Rahman's eatery has earned accolades for its authentic Bangladeshi flavors and homestyle cooking.
An emotional social media post from the restaurant celebrated this milestone: “Amma was nominated for a James Beard Award today!! Words cannot express just how proud I am of my mom and our incredible team. What a beautiful moment of recognition for Bangladeshi food and for my insanely talented mother, who has honed her craft for over FIFTY YEARS!”
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The post added, “My mom would sometimes say she felt like an imposter because she has no formal culinary training. Amma, you've shown that it's not culinary school that makes a chef; it's passion, talent, grit, and love.”
Korai Kitchen, described by the New York Times, offers an immersive experience akin to dining in a Bangladeshi home. The restaurant features a rotating buffet of dishes, including bhorta (mashes) and light curries, all prepared under the watchful eye of Chef Rahman. It's a celebration of slow food — homestyle Bangladeshi dishes crafted with care and affection.
Since their inception in 1990, the James Beard Awards have set a benchmark for culinary excellence. The outstanding chef category, in particular, honors chefs who not only uphold high culinary standards but also positively influence their peers and make a significant impact on the wider community. Chef Rahman's nomination is a testament to her dedication and skill, bringing the rich flavors of Bangladesh to the American culinary landscape.
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Bearing Legacy Mindset: How Do You Want to Be Remembered?
Beyond trophies and titles, what truly endures? It is the echoes of our character, the ripple effects of our actions, the way we shape the lives we touch. Whether in the workplace or life in general, leaving behind a positive legacy is a desire many share. This article will help you to find effective ways to be remembered for the right reasons.
Legacy Mindset
A legacy mindset and leadership are intertwined guiding principles for a meaningful existence, transcending mere achievements and emphasising the profound impact on others. Picture the legacy mindset as an architectural design for a lasting impression in personal and professional spheres.
At its core, this mindset is shaped by values—guiding principles influencing decisions and actions. Defining these values is a deliberate process of intricately shaping the tapestry of one's legacy with meaningful interactions and heartfelt moments.
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In the workplace, leadership rooted in a legacy-driven mindset involves making a positive impact through excellence, teamwork, and fostering a positive environment. However, a legacy extends beyond the professional domain, with acts of kindness and genuine connections weaving threads into the fabric of a narrative that transcends the workplace.
Leadership, transcending titles and power, requires a legacy-driven mindset that harmonises personal ambitions with the greater good. It demands humility, urging leaders to set aside egos and focus on collective well-being.
Ultimately, a legacy-driven mindset, in personal relationships or leadership roles, is a daily commitment to a purpose-driven approach. It is about creating a positive legacy that inspires and influences generations. This mindset serves as a guiding beacon, steering individuals and leaders to navigate with integrity, compassion, and a profound commitment to leave the world better than they found it.
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Ways to Be Remembered
Mentorship
Empowering the next generation through mentorship is a potent way to leave a lasting legacy. Guiding a youth in need provides valuable insights and a mature perspective. Mentorship creates a positive ripple effect, impacting not only individuals but fostering a chain reaction of positive influence.
By mentoring the lost and empowering the marginalised, you become a lighthouse in storms, offering guidance and support that resonates far beyond the immediate mentor-mentee relationship.
Winners of Bangla Academy Literary Award 2023 announced
Recipients of the Bangla Academy Literary Award-2023 have been announced, honoring 16 individuals for their notable contributions to various aspects of Bangla literature.
Bangla Academy announced the names of the winners on Wednesday, according to a press release.
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to hand over the awards officially during the inauguration of Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2024, it said.
Shamim Azad won the award for her achievements in poetry.
Names of Bangla Academy Literary award winners announced
Novelists Nuruddin Jahangir and Salma Bani jointly won the award for best fiction writer.
Playwrights Mrittika Chakma and Masud Pathik were acknowledged for their outstanding work in the field.
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Tapankar Chakrabarty received recognition in children's literature category, and ornithologist Inam Al Haque was honoured for his contributions to the environment/science field.
Tapan Bagchi was bestowed with the award in acknowledgment of his significant contributions to folklore.
Afroza Parvin and Asaduzzaman Asad were acknowledged for their writings on the Liberation War, while Saifullah Mahmud Dulal and Md Mojibur Rahman received awards for their work on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Ishak Khan was recognized in the biography category.
How Does Fat Leave the Body When We Lose Weight?
Losing weight is a common goal for many, but have you ever wondered where the fat goes when you shed those kgs? This article will unveil the secrets of fat-burning and discover effective weight-loss strategies. Join the journey to a healthier you, where every lost kg tells a tale of determination and transformation.
What is Body Fat?
Body fat, often unappreciated, serves a crucial role as a reservoir of stored energy, particularly during extended periods without food access. Body fat refers to the adipose tissue present in the human body, serving as a crucial energy reserve and playing various physiological roles.
Comprising triglycerides, body fat is stored in adipocytes, or fat cells, distributed throughout the body. While essential for insulation, organ protection, and hormone regulation, an excess of body fat can lead to health issues.
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The growth of fat cells in size and number is determined soon after birth and during adolescence. It remains relatively stable in adulthood unless disrupted by long-term excess calorie consumption. Weight loss can shrink fat cells but not their number.
Body fat is typically categorised into two types: essential fat and storage fat. Essential fat is vital for normal physiological functioning, found in organs, nerves, and cell membranes. Storage fat, on the other hand, accumulates beneath the skin (subcutaneous fat) and around organs (visceral fat), providing a reserve for energy needs.
Measuring body fat percentage is crucial for assessing overall health and fitness. Various methods, such as skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), help estimate body fat content. Healthy body fat percentages differ based on age, sex, and fitness levels, with excessive body fat linked to increased risk of conditions like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
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Maintaining a balance between essential and storage fat is essential for overall well-being. It apexes the importance of a healthy lifestyle encompassing proper nutrition, regular exercise, and holistic health management.
How to Avoid Scams During Travel Bookings
There is a saying that if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. As electronic and social media have made advertisements easier than ever, there is a growing number of scams, especially leveraging the tourism industry. Here’s what one should keep in mind to avoid scams while booking for travel at home or abroad.
Ways to Avoid Scams while Doing Travel Bookings
Check for Website Authenticity
Website authenticity is the first and foremost way to avoid travel booking scams.
What’s the typical process people follow for booking? They go to Google and type in their keywords like ‘7 days vacation package to (desired destination)’.
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Many fake websites leverage these keywords and advertise on search engines. As a result, they tend to show up at the top of the search results. Fortunately, one can easily check where there is an “AD” mark next to the website link.
There are several ways to check an authentic site. An efficient approach would be to check for the Domain Authority (DA) using free online tools. It is better to avoid sites with lower DA scores.
Avoid Too Good to Be True Offers
Data harvesting and tracking is another way scammers target tourists and travelers. The moment you put in a keyword in a search bar regarding a booking, you will notice enticing offers showing up regarding that destination. Most of these ads often sound too good to be true. And in almost all the cases, they are.
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As a precautionary measure, always double-check the offer on the website. Check for website authority to ensure that the displayed offers are indeed legit.
Double Check on the Payment
There are two warning signs of scams when it comes to payment – lack of encryption and guiding users to a different landing page. A legit travel booking site will have the necessary SSL encryption which shows up as a keypad lock right after the https in the address bar. Scam websites don’t have those.
Some scammers have legit-looking websites for information and pricing but would take the users to a different domain for payment. Users should be wary of those sites as well.
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Ananya Panday’s dazzling international ramp debut in Paris
In a stunning display of fashion and charisma, Bollywood actress Ananya Panday recently marked her international runway debut at the prestigious Haute-Couture Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Week in Paris. Ananya walked the ramp for renowned designer Rahul Mishra, as reported by NDTV.
Gracing the runway in a captivating black and gold ensemble, Ananya’s presence was a sight to behold. She added an artistic touch to her appearance by carrying a giant sieve, a bold and unique accessory that complemented the haute-couture vibe of her outfit. Expressing her exhilaration, Ananya shared on her Instagram story, “Walking for Rahul Mishra at Paris Couture Week,” capturing this milestone moment in her career.
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Designer Rahul Mishra also took to social media to welcome Ananya into the world of high fashion. He posted, “Hello baby girl. Welcome to the world of couture. Ananya Panday for Rahul Mishra at Paris Couture Week,” celebrating her successful debut.
Away from the runway, Ananya continues to make waves in the Bollywood film industry. She recently starred in “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan,” a film directed by Arjun Varain Singh, featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi, Adarsh Gourav, and Kalki Koechlin. Her fans eagerly await her upcoming ventures, including “Control” and “The Untold Story of C Sankaran Nair.” Additionally, she is set to appear in the upcoming show “Call Me Bae.”
Since her acting debut in 2019 with “Student Of The Year 2,” Ananya has carved a niche for herself in Bollywood. Her filmography includes notable titles such as “Dream Girl 2” with Ayushmann Khurrana, “Pati Patni Aur Who” alongside Kartik Aaryan and Bhumi Pednekar, “Khaali Peeli” with Ishaan Khatter, and “Gehraiyaan” featuring Deepika Padukone and Siddhant Chaturvedi. Ananya Panday’s ascent illustrates her versatile talents and her growing influence.
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Micro-acts of Joy: Secret to Being Happier and Healthier?
Amidst the chaos that is contemporary living, uncovering pockets of joy becomes a potent catalyst for elevating both happiness and well-being. Micro-acts of joy, small yet impactful gestures, have the potential to transform our daily experiences. This article explores the fascinating connection between these micro-acts and the enhancement of overall well-being.
How Happiness Affects Health
Happiness is not just a fleeting emotion; it serves as a cornerstone for overall well-being, profoundly impacting both mental and physical health. The link between happiness and health is a subject of extensive research, revealing a symbiotic relationship that goes beyond mere positivity.
From a psychological standpoint, a happy and content mind contributes to reduced stress levels. The release of endorphins, often termed 'feel-good' hormones, acts as a natural stress reliever, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility. This emotional equilibrium, in turn, fosters resilience in facing life's challenges.
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On a physiological level, the benefits are equally significant. Studies show that individuals with a positive outlook tend to have lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues. The immune system also receives a boost, making the body more resilient to illnesses.
Furthermore, the connection between happiness and longevity is a compelling aspect. Studies indicate that those with an optimistic outlook on life are likely to enjoy a longer lifespan. It emphasizes the vital role of emotional well-being in determining one's overall health and lifespan.
In essence, happiness becomes a powerful elixir for a healthy life, influencing the mind and body in intricate ways. Cultivating joy not only adds vibrancy to our existence but also acts as a fundamental building block for a resilient and thriving state of health.
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How to Flex Your ‘Forgiveness Muscle’
Forgiveness is often overlooked in the grand scheme of self-improvement, yet it is key to unlocking a sense of liberation and inner peace. In the hustle and bustle of a new year, reflecting on the art of forgiveness — both towards ourselves and others — is essential.
Forgiveness is not just a gesture; it is a powerful tool for personal growth and emotional well-being. As we embark on a new year, let's delve into the profound journey of flexing our “forgiveness muscles.”
Benefits of Forgiveness
Inner Peace and Tranquillity
Forgiving oneself and others allows for the release of inner turmoil, leading to a profound sense of peace and tranquillity. The burden of resentment lifts, creating space for emotional well-being.
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Improved Mental Health
Studies suggest a strong link between forgiveness and mental health. Letting go of grudges and resentments can alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and contribute to overall psychological health.
Enhanced Relationships
Forgiveness plays a pivotal role in nurturing and sustaining healthy relationships. Whether it is forgiving a friend, partner, or family member, it fosters understanding, empathy, and a stronger bond.
Emotional Liberation
Holding onto grudges can be emotionally exhausting. Forgiveness liberates us from the shackles of negative emotions, allowing us to experience joy, happiness, and a renewed sense of self.
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Increased Empathy
Choosing to forgive cultivates empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It promotes a compassionate outlook, fostering a more harmonious social environment.
Personal Growth
Forgiveness is a catalyst for personal growth. It encourages self-reflection, self-awareness, and the opportunity to learn from challenging experiences, ultimately leading to greater resilience.
Health Benefits
The benefits of forgiveness extend beyond mental well-being. Studies suggest that forgiving individuals may experience lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and overall better physical health.
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Stress Reduction
Letting go of grudges and embracing forgiveness can significantly reduce stress levels. The ability to navigate conflicts with a forgiving mindset contributes to a more relaxed and balanced life.
Positive Influence on Others
Demonstrating forgiveness serves as a positive example for those around us. It creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to adopt a forgiving attitude and contribute to a more compassionate society.
‘Rising Echoes’ begins at Batighar showcasing effects of climate change
Portraying pitfalls of development and miseries caused by climate change effects, a 10-day exhibition titled 'Rising Echoes' began on Saturday at 'Batighar – Smritite Sharaney Aly Zaker', Asiatic Centre rooftop in the capital.
The exhibition features a total of 31 artworks and photographs.
In this exhibition, photographer Mrittika Gain showcased adversities faced by people of Kalabogi village in Dakop, Khulna, due to climate-induced river erosion. through her photographic lens.
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Simultaneously, the other participating artist Hlubaishu Chowdhuri has highlighted the disfigurement of natural landscape due to construction of Kaptai Dam in Rangamati, through her paintings.
The 10-day exhibition titled ‘Rising Echoes’ has been organised by Mongol Deep Foundation and curated by Shamsul Alam Helal, a Curator, Educator and Visual Artist. He has curated exhibitions in Chobi Mela and Dhaka Art Summit.
Popular Motorcycle Helmets Under 15000 Taka in Bangladesh
As a convenient personal transport, the popularity of motorbikes is on the rise. However, bike riding can pose a threat if not wearing safety gear, especially the helmet. Motorcycle helmets come in all types of shapes and sizes. From half helmets to modular, off-road, dual-face to full-face helmets, the choice seems to be endless. But in addition to the types, there’s also the aspect of QC and compliance to consider. While it might be difficult to fit all the criteria in a budget helmet, here’s a list of the ones to consider under 15000 BDT.
What to Consider Before Buying a Motorbike Helmet
In Bangladesh, The Road Safety Act of 2018 mentions the requirement of a “proper” bike helmet for the rider and the pillion. But there’s no exact specification to define what’s “proper.” As a result, helmets as cheap as 600 BDT are easily available in the market. But none of those qualify for the UN or the ECE standards.
Before getting into the list, here’s what one should consider before buying a motorcycle helmet.
Safety Standards
As mentioned above, there aren’t any strict measures to enforce standards on motorcycle helmets. But considering personal safety, look for helmets that meet either ECE, UN, or BSTI standards or clearance certification.
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Fit and Comfort
There’s a common misconception that helmets need to be tight fit. On the contrary, the best approach is to go for a snug fit that sits comfortably level with the head. Even the pin-lock should be adjusted in a way that it doesn’t obstruct the natural jaw movement.
Helmet Type
The most common types of helmets in Bangladesh are full-face and open-face helmets. There are also modular ones but those are better suited for cruiser or off-road bikes. For normal city commutes, a full-face or open-face helmet would be ideal.
Weight
Always opt for a lightweight helmet so as not to stress out your head or shoulder. As a rule of thumb, look for a combination of lightweight build and enough cushioning for a snug and comfortable fit. Fiberglass or polycarbonate helmets can be a great choice in this regard. There are also carbon fiber ones, but those won’t come under 15000 unfortunately.
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Noise Level
Make sure the helmet has ample aerodynamic and wind noise reduction for a comfortable ride. It depends on the fit and how much noise can be blocked. Too tight a fit might block essential sounds as well which might become an accessory for accidents. So try and strike a balance in between.