The New Nation - Internet Edition

The Newseum

Shakhawat Hossain

The Newseum, the world's only interactive museum of news can easily take the enthusiastic journalists as well as the eager visitors for all ages and interest, behind the scene to see and experience how and why news is made.

The Newseum is located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Sixth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., on America's Main Street between the White House and the U.S. Capitol and adjacent to the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall.

The exterior's unique architectural features include a 74-foot-high marble engraving of the First Amendment and an immense front wall of glass through which passers-by can watch the museum full-fill its mission of providing a forum where the media and the public can gain a better understanding of each others.

The Newseum which features seven levels of galleries, theaters, retail spaces and visitor services, also offers a unique environment that takes museum goers behind the scenes to experience how and why news is made. Visitors can act as TV anchors, relieve great news stories of the past and fascinating experience of breaking news as it happens at the Newseum.

It can only be described as the lone speciality museum of news, which provides the opportunity to explore the freedom of press, free speech and free sprit for all people around the world. It is indeed, a great and fascinating opportunity for any body in the exploring the unforgettable images of the extraordinary evolution of news from the spoken stories of ancient times to today's world-wide information explosion. I was no exception.

The Newseum, which is conveniently located at the World Centre of The Freedom Forum in Arlington, VA, minutes from Jimo Memorial National Cemetery and the monuments of museums of the Washington DC, is funded by the Freedom Forum, a non-partisan international foundation dedicated to free sprit for all people.

The beginning of the visit, actually, starts with an overview of the world-wide reach of news where anybody can find the terms news in their own languages. It is also not at all a difficult job for any body to find "Sangbad" written in clear Bangla alphabet. It is almost like the must-head of the country's one of the oldest daily newspaper Sangbad.

It was also really amazing to see a total of 1, 841 newspapers nameplates not only from the United States of America, but also from around the world on a huge News Globe just in front of the front desk of the museum. Experiencing a break through panorama of news on a 126 foot long seamless video wall featuring live satellite feeds of today's news around the world and multi-screen video programmes about Newseum exhibits is, undoubtedly, another spectacular attraction of the Newseum. During a trip, a visitor can easily learn what was happening in the world the month and the year he or she was born and also can watch great moments in history as he or she has never seen them before in the area's only high-definition video theatre. A newspaper reporter, editor or photojournalist can test his or her skills just using the interactive touch screen monitors located in the Newseum. There is also a chance to explore the difficult ethical questions very often faced by journalists.

That's not all; still there is lots of alluring attraction in and outside of 72,000 square-foot museum. It provides an opportunity to view the greatest display of historic newspapers, magazines and news broadcasts ever assembled. Any body can easily explore the difficult ethical question faced by the journalist across the world.

Freedom Park

Celebrating the spirit of freedom and the struggle to preserve it, the park features the Freedom Forum Journalist Memorial, which honours journalists who have died while trying to report the news, and an international collection of icons representing historic milestones in the pursuit of Freedom.

The Freedom Forum Journalists Memorial

Visitors pay tribute to the journalists from around the world who died while trying to report the news. It's an elegant spiral of glass and still honors more than 1,500 journalists across the world; new names are inscribed on the memorial each year.

The name of those Bangladeshi journalists, who were brutally killed till now while reporting the news, are also inscribed on the glasses of the memorial.

The Berlin Wall at Freedom Park

In order to celebrate the freedom that was restored to Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, eight sections of the original Berlin Wall pieces were placed outside the Germany. Behind the wall is an original guard tower that once stood less then a mile from the check point Charlie.

International Icons of Freedom

It is really thrilling and fascinating to walk among icons of freedom that symbolize the victory over oppression and remind us that the struggle for liberty continues around the world. Icons on display include a toppled statue of Lenin brought from the former Soviet Union, a bronze casting of the jail-cell door from Martin Luther King Jr.'s imprisonment in Birmingham, Alabama; and replicas of the Goddess of democracy from Tiannamen Square and the Freedom Forum Statue that stands atop the US Capitol.

The Newseum is funded by The Freedom Forum, a non-partisan, international foundation dedicated to free press, free speech and free spirit for all the people.

In fact, the Freedom Park is a cooperative effort of the Freedom Forum, West field Reality Co., The Rosslyn Community and Arlington County, Virginia. The park which is open daily, dawn to dusk and the admission to the NEWSEUM and the Freedom Park, is totally free.

(Writer is a Freedom Forum Fellow at the Graduate School of Journalism at University of California, Berkeley, California, USA and now working as Attaché de Presse, Embassy of France, Dhaka).

'O Par Bangla’ Food Festival

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

To celebrate Pahela Baishakh, we wait for a year's time. As it comes once a year and also the beginning of the year so it's certainty cherished in a special way. Baishakh is first month of Bengali calendar.

To welcome and celebrate the New Year Khazana Restaurant, a treasure of Indian cuisine, is offering their guests with special 'O Par Bangla' food festival where buffet for lunch and dinner will be available.

Chef from Kolkata has specially come over to share the taste of 'O Par Bangla' for this auspicious day. There will be vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties so nobody is disappointed.

Santosh Singh, Chef from Kolkata, said, "We will be preparing some new delicious Bengali dishes for another 10 days to celebrate 'O Par Bangla' food festival."

He has incurred for showcasing West Bengal traditional cuisine.

Name of some dishes are the following:

Kobiraj Cutlet:

Boneless Supremes of chicken marinated with Indian spices, coated with egg batter and fried crisp.

Chorchori:

Five different seasonal vegetables cooked with the flavour of five different spices with mustard paste and lentil dumplings.

Chingri Malai:

Jumbo prawns stewed in coconut milk. Flavoured with cinnamon, cardamom and traditional spices cooked on Dum.

Dab Chingri:

Prawns and grated coconut marinated in mustard paste, green chillies and ginger. Filled into a tender coconut shell and cooked on Dum.

Vetki Machher Paturi

Vetki covered with paste of mustard and turmeric paste and spices, wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed on Dum.

Kosha Mangsho

Small pieces of lamb marinated with green papaya and spices. Stir-fried until tender and dry.

The buffet lunch will be available at Tk 850 per head.

Avishek Sinha, General Manager of Khazana, said, "This festival is our on going effort to showcase different style of cuisine from India to the people of Bangladesh and we promise to serve authentic Indian food all along. To enjoy the taste of Kolkata you can walk-in or make reservations in advance."

The festival will end on April 25.

Bridal makeup

You've been planning your reception, orchestrating the bridal party and designing the centrepieces down to the last twig. But don't let all that attention to detail forces you to skimp on some of the most important elements of all: your bridal makeup and hair.

That's why we've stepped up to make all the primping and prettifying less taxing.

The key is to be not too made up while looking dramatic at the same time. Follow these tricks from our experts to find out how:

1. Find "the one."

You've already found him, so now it's onto a whole new hunt: finding a makeup artist. Good ones get booked early, so give yourself at least six months before the wedding to find a suitable match. Getting makeup artist referrals from friends who've had positive experiences is a good starting point.

If you liked the way [her] makeup turned out on the wedding day and it crossed over in their photos, ask her where she got it done. She will most likely let you know what worked for her and what didn't.

If you're drawing a blank, start doing your homework online. But, warns always ask to see the artist's bridal portfolio and be wary of those who claim they'll give you a better price without the essential pre-wedding makeup trial. Ask how many years they've been in the biz to back up their asking price, depending on experience and location. Also check if they're using professional makeup brands. Try to meet the artist beforehand to gauge how comfortable you are with them. It's going to go a long way on the wedding day.

2. Get a trial-to avoid error.

Once you've found a makeup artist, set up a makeup and hair trial. Many artists include a trial in their makeup package price. Having a trial two to three months before the wedding is ideal.

You should bring a matching purse, veil or shirt from your wedding dress if you've got one. Also bring pictures from magazines or Web sites that appeal to you so the artist has an idea of your taste. A little makeup for one bride is a lot for another.

Don't wear black on the trial day. Bangladeshi colors are bright, and wearing black won't give the right results.

Take a digital camera to the trial. It's a good way to see how the makeup looks in pictures and for your own reference when deciding on an artist.

3. Skip the dreaded "cakey" effect.

The whole trick to makeup is not to look overdone. Pick one feature and make that pop, like dramatic eyes and light lips, or red lips and soft, champagne gold eyes.

The pancake look is gone. We put nothing on the face or use sheer bases if the skin is good. When the face starts to look chalky and opaque, that's a sign of too much makeup. The right amount of makeup shows in pictures as translucent skin and well-balanced eyes and lips.

4. Focus on fabulous, glowing skin.

Let's face it: Makeup is only as good as its canvas. Start with a skin care regimen almost up to a month before. Don't try anything new too soon before the wedding in case your skin reacts poorly. The same applies to threading and bleaching, which should be done at least a week in advance to avoid any rashes.

For that healthy, natural glow, exfoliate and moisturize regularly. I cannot stress this enough. The better your skin, the less makeup you'll need. Start from the inside out by drinking plenty of water.

A basic spa facial is great for cleaning out the pores. Try a mini microderm with a facial or add a cooling oxygen treatment to help your skin glow. Both of these services require little downtime. If your skin requires a little more, a chemical peel or deep medical microdermabrasion, which should be done a few months in advance. You'll experience full benefits if it's done in a series of six (just consult your aesthetician beforehand!).

New to facials? Know that they may cause irritation to sensitive skin types, so start early to know how your skin will react-at least two months in advance and every 28 days (when the skin starts to shed).

5. Match makeup colors to your face-not your clothes.

Many Bangladeshi brides have the misconception that their makeup needs to match their outfit, but how many of us really look good in red-orange lipstick?

The trend is for the entire look to blend and be of same palette, not the colors of the outfit. For instance, a red or bright magenta sari can be worn with gold and bronze eye makeup and plum lip gloss. Softer outfit colors, like peach or pink, are complemented by pearly or coral eyes and rosy shades of pink for the lips. And you don't have to stick to the reds and golds. Branch out by considering greens, blues or purples.

One color desi brides usually miss: Pink. 6. Play up the eyes.

When it comes to wedding makeup, the eyes have it. Use primer and, of course, waterproof mascara to add length. For more drama, some brides use fake eyelashes. But if you've never worn fake ones before, your wedding day is not the day to try it out. If you really want to try falsies, get individual lashes put in the corner of your eyes for a much more natural look. But make sure one of your bridesmaids is carrying an emergency tube of glue-just in case.

The latest trends include "dramatic eyes, lots of color, long lashes and nude, glossy lips. The key to making your eyes look dramatic lies in the black smolder pencil from MAC. Carefully apply the pencil in the whole inner eye and around the eyes. L'Oreal's black mascara is perfect to complete the eyelashes. To finish the look, use your fingertips to smudge the eye pencil for that smoky look.

7. Keep essentials handy for quick touch-ups.

No matter how great your makeup looks, you'll probably need some fine-tuning throughout your day. Create an emergency kit containing compact powder to dab on when you experience shine overkill; lipgloss for touch-ups, and a Q-tip for kohl or mascara smudges.

8. Get your nails done-but not always in red.

If you're more traditional dark reds for nails that are short and freshly manicured, but French pink can be a much more appealing alternative. It's the prettiest on our skin tone and gives a more finished look.

9. Get gorgeous hair.

Updos look neater for the wedding day and will show off your neck and jewelry better. Leaving your hair down can get messy, especially if you're having your wedding in the summer or planning on dancing later in the night. Sport a more casual look for the next day or at the less formal events. And if you can plan ahead enough, opt for a lighter veil. The heavier it is, the harder it is to work with and can weigh your hair down. Of course, always opt for what's best for you. If you know that loose hair looks good on you, don't be afraid to break the rules.

Always wash your hair the night or day before-not the day you're getting it done. Super clean and silky hair is hard to work with because the hairspray won't hold. If you have oily hair, take a shower early in the morning, way before you're getting it done.

They're great if a bride's hair is too thin or too short or if she's looking into an elaborate style where it's needed. Talk with your stylist about what would work for you.

Finally, good hair care is essential, so start early. Use the proper protective serums if you're using heat tools, and get regular trims to avoid split ends. If you're planning on coloring your hair, do it at least two months in advance.

10. Relax and enjoy your day!

Easier said than done, right? But remember, this is your time to pamper yourself, so get a massage, take up yoga, rest well and eat well. Focus on enhancing your best features and feeling comfortable and beautiful within your self. It's your big day-just enjoy it!

Marketing with the pros

There's plenty of help available when it comes to marketing. The key is choosing the right kind to help grow your business.

Outstanding entrepreneurs are often excellent do-it-yourselfers. They learn to be great at their core businesses while handling the thousand-and-one tasks that require attention on a daily basis. But the trick to real success is understanding what tasks to take on and when to call in the pros.

It's not always smart to do everything yourself. Unless you were a skilled tailor, you probably wouldn't try to sew your own shirts. You may be a great hair salon owner or roofing contractor, for example, yet be out of your depth when it comes to marketing.

Marketing encompasses everything from advertising and PR to 30 or more different specialties, including copywriting, art direction and media buying. The good news is that there's professional assistance available at every level. And once you've identified your target audience and approximate budget, you can choose the right professionals to help you reach your goals.

Here are four types of marketing support you can tap to help build your business:

Marketing Communications Agency

A full-service marketing communications company will generally encompass advertising production and placement, PR, direct mail, design and often online marketing as well. This is the most costly type of marketing vendor, since agencies assign teams of professionals from a variety of disciplines to work on a single account. Each worker's time is billed by the hour, so it's not uncommon to have a team of five or more people working on an account at rates ranging from $75 to $250 per hour. If you have a marketing challenge that involves multiple tactics, an agency is a smart way to go because they will form a complete campaign for your approval, then place it in select media or through multiple marketing channels. Depending on the size of your geographic market, you'll need a minimum budget of about $100,000 to several million dollars to hire a marketing communications agency.

Copy and Design Team

If you have a modest budget, your best bet is to find at least two individuals who work as a team, such as a copywriter and art director. In most cities you can find highly experienced people who have struck out on their own after many years in agencies. You'll get to work with people with 10 to 30 years experience who can expertly and affordably execute your materials. Find professionals who have expertise in the areas you most need to pursue. For example, it requires a different set of experience and skills to create TV commercials than it does to create business-to-business collateral materials.

Media Buying Service or Broker

If you choose to hire a copy and design team to create your advertising, you'll need a skilled and experienced media buyer to make all but the simplest purchases. A media buying service will create a proposed media schedule, whether for print or broadcast, then negotiate for rates where appropriate, place your schedule and bill you. They'll take a commission, generally 15 percent, just as an advertising agency would on the media they purchase. If your budget is large enough, the media buying service may take a reduced commission. If you're using solely direct-mail lists to reach your target audience, consider hiring a list broker. These pros will search for the right lists to meet your needs, then negotiate for them on your behalf. And since brokers are compensated by the list vendors, you may pay no additional fees for the service.

Life is looking rosy for French cinema

Shakhawat Hossain

French cinema left its mark on Hollywood in 2007. From the animation Persépolis to Le scaphandre et le papillon [The Diving Bell and the Butterfly], an art-house film that premiered at Cannes last year, through La Vie en Rose, a popular feature film on the life of Edith Piaf, several very different major French films have been picked to take part in one of the world's most important cinema ceremonies on 24 February.

Marion Cotillard is doing very nicely. In this early stage of the year, the traditional awards season, the actress who plays singer Edith Piaf in La Vie en Rose is being celebrated all over the world. Very well received at the box office on its release, the film has so far drawn an audience of 5.2 million in France. On 22 February, at the annual César awards for the best French films, it is tipped to receive a number of awards. Beyond the borders of France, this feature-length biopic has attracted an audience of 4.55 million. A sign of this success is that on 10 February in London Marion Cotillard was awarded a BAFTA for best actress at the annual British film awards ceremony. The actress beat Julie Christie and Keira Knightley, two British stars who have been highly successful in Hollywood. She is the first French actress ever to receive this award.

Since it began its life on the other side of the Atlantic, La Vie en Rose, directed by Oliver Dahan, has been very well received by an intrigued American audience. Today these same Americans have awarded it a number of prizes and nominated it for top awards. On 13 January, at the Golden Globes, although disrupted by the screenwriters' strike, Marion Cotillard won Best Actress in a Motion Picture in the Musical or Comedy category. Only one French actress, Anouk Aimée, has ever won such a prize before, in 1967 in the Drama category for her performance in Claude Lelouch's Un homme, une femme [A Man and a Woman]! Ruled out last September from participating in the Best Foreign Language Oscar by the French Ad Hoc Committee, La Vie en Rose got its revenge in January this year. The Academy Awards have nominated it for three Oscars: Marion Cotillard's performance has once again attracted attention and Marit Allen, the film's costume designer, as well as Didier Lavergne and Jan Archibald, makeup artists, are in the running for their respective categories. Since then all three have also received a BAFTA. So Marion Cotillard is now in the big league. Indeed she is following in the footsteps of Catherine Deneuve, the most recent French actress to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress, in 1991, for her performance in Régis Wargnier's Indochine.

On 24 February at the 80th Oscar ceremony, which will be held as always in the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, awards may well go to other French films too. Indeed, Le scaphandre et le papillon, made by American director Julian Schnabel but produced by Pathé, is tipped for four statuettes: Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing. When presented at last year's Cannes Festival, this film, which recounts the final days of a man suffering from locked-in syndrome, left the Riviera with an award for its direction. Today, Le scaphandre… seen by a big audience all over the world, has also been awarded numerous prizes by American critics. It won a Golden Globe for Best Director and the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film.

The Academy Awards have not left out French animation. While the short film Même les pigeons vont au paradis [Even Pigeons Go to Heaven] by Samuel Tourneux and Simon Vanesse is in the running for the Oscar in its category, Persépolis by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud has been picked alongside two big American productions: Ratatouille and Surf's Up. Also well received everywhere it has been released, and seen by thousands of filmgoers, Persépolis, which premiered at Cannes, won the Jury Prize there. So, with Le Mozart des pickpockets [The Mozart of Pickpockets] a short film by Philippe Pollet-Villard nominated for an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film, French cinema is off to Hollywood this year with ten nominations under its beltt it would be a real sign of bad luck if it were to come home empty-handed!

Disciplining your child

How do you keep a 1-year-old from heading toward the VCR? What should you do when your preschooler throws a fit? How can you get a teenager to respect your authority?

Whatever the age of your child, it's important to be consistent when it comes to discipline. If you don't stick to the rules and consequences that you set up, your child isn't likely to either.

Here are some ideas about how to vary your approach to discipline to best fit your family.

Ages 0 to 2

Babies and toddlers are naturally curious. So it's wise to eliminate temptations and no-nos - items such as VCRs, stereos, jewelry, and especially cleaning supplies and medications should be kept well out of reach. When your crawling baby or roving toddler heads toward an unacceptable or dangerous play object, calmly say "No" and either remove your child from the area or distract him or her with an appropriate activity.

Timeouts can be effective discipline for toddlers. A child who has been hitting, biting, or throwing food, for example, should be told why that behavior is unacceptable and taken to a designated timeout area - a kitchen chair or bottom stair - for a minute or two to calm down (longer timeouts are not effective for toddlers).

It's important to not spank, hit, or slap a child of any age. Babies and toddlers are especially unlikely to be able to make any connection between their behavior and physical punishment. They will only feel the pain of the hit.

And don't forget that kids learn by watching adults, particularly their parents. Make sure your behavior is role-model material. You'll make a much stronger impression by putting your own belongings away rather than just issuing orders to your child to pick up toys while your stuff is left strewn around.

Ages 3 to 5

As your child grows and begins to understand the connection between actions and consequences, make sure you start communicating the rules of your family's home. Explain to kids what you expect of them before you punish them for a certain behavior. For instance, the first time your 3-year-old uses crayons to decorate the living room wall, discuss why that's not allowed and what will happen if your child does it again (for instance, your child will have to help clean the wall and will not be able to use the crayons for the rest of the day). If the wall gets decorated again a few days later, issue a reminder that crayons are for paper only and then enforce the consequences.

The earlier that parents establish this kind of "I set the rules and you're expected to listen or accept the consequences" standard, the better for everyone. Although it's sometimes easier for parents to ignore occasional bad behavior or not follow through on some threatened punishment, this sets a bad precedent. Consistency is the key to effective discipline, and it's important for parents to decide together what the rules are and then uphold them.

While you become clear on what behaviors will be punished, don't forget to reward good behaviors. Don't underestimate the positive effect that your praise can have - discipline is not just about punishment but also about recognizing good behavior. For example, saying "I'm proud of you for sharing your toys at playgroup" is usually more effective than punishing a child for the opposite behavior - not sharing. And be specific when doling out praise; don't just say, "Good job!"

If your child continues an unacceptable behavior no matter what you do, try making a chart with a box for each day of the week. Decide how many times your child misbehave before some punishment kicks in or how long the proper behavior must be displayed before it is rewarded. Post the chart on the refrigerator and then track the good and bad behaviors every day. This will give your child (and you) a concrete look at how it's going. Once this begins to work, praise your child for learning to control misbehavior and, especially, for overcoming any stubborn problem.

Timeouts also can work well for kids at this age. Establish a suitable timeout place that's free of distractions and will force your child to think about how he or she has behaved. Remember, getting sent to your room may have meant something in the days before computers, TVs, and video games were stored there. Don't forget to consider the length of time that will best suit your child. Experts say 1 minute for each year of age is a good rule of thumb; others recommend using the timeout until the child is calmed down (to teach self-regulation).

It's important to tell kids what the right thing to do is, not just to say what the wrong thing is. For example, instead of saying "Don't jump on the couch," try "Please sit on the furniture and put your feet on the floor."

Ages 6 to 8

Timeouts and consequences are also effective discipline strategies for this age group.

Again, consistency is crucial, as is follow-through. Make good on any promises of discipline or else you risk undermining your authority. Kids have to believe that you mean what you say. This is not to say you can't give second chances or allow a certain margin of error, but for the most part, you should act on what you say.

Be careful not to make unrealistic threats of punishment ("Slam that door and you'll never watch TV again!") in anger, since not following through could weaken all your threats. If you threaten to turn the car around and go home if the squabbling in the backseat doesn't stop, make sure you do exactly that. The credibility you'll gain with your kids is much more valuable than a lost beach day.

Huge punishments may take away your power as a parent. If you ground your son or daughter for a month, your child may not feel motivated to change behaviors because everything has already been taken away.

Ages 9 to 12

Kids in this age group - just as with all ages - can be disciplined with natural consequences. As they mature and request more independence and responsibility, teaching them to deal with the consequences of their behavior is an effective and appropriate method of discipline.

For example, if your fifth grader's homework isn't done homework before bedtime, should you make him or her stay up to do it or even lend a hand yourself? Probably not - you'll miss an opportunity to teach a key life lesson. If homework is incomplete, your child will go to school the next day without it and suffer the resulting bad grade.

It's natural for parents to want to rescue kids from mistakes, but in the long run they do kids a favor by letting them fail sometimes. Kids see what behaving improperly can mean, and will probably not make those mistakes again. However, if your child does not seem to be learning from natural consequences, you should set up your own consequences to help modify the behavior more effectively.

Summer decorating tips

Summer is in full swing and many people are taking advantage of the great weather and bright sun for outdoor activities. Most people however, don't know that summer offers them a unique opportunity to freshen up their decor.

Yes it's true; the summer season gives us an opportunity to do some quick and cheap interior decorating to liven up our homes. Bright colors, breezy fabrics and fragrant flowers are the fundamentals of an easy summer decor.

One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to make an impact is with the addition of fresh flowers. Fresh cut, brightly colored flowers either from your own garden (if you happen to be so lucky) or from the local florist. Place them in a light and understated vase; avoid heavy, dark or bulky vases and let the flowers take center stage. Placement should be casual and on table/counter tops to ensure the flowers are always visible. Consider the foyer, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom as prime locations.

The second decorating idea you involve livening up the colors in your home. It's no secret that color has an impact on our moods and plays a major role in any decor. Since we're trying to take advantage of the bright summer sun and increased light levels, it's a good idea to choose bright and airy colors or patterns. These are sure to raise energy levels and lift your mood. A great way to do this is with small accessories such as throw pillows and table runners. These are items that are available at just about any home store and can be had for as little as a few dollars each.

Last but not least, consider changing your curtains. Forget about those dark heavy drapes; instead think light, translucent curtains that will let the sun and light breezes into your home. A light airy curtain can transform your home! Just think of all the extra sunlight and those lovely summer breezes blowing a breath of fresh air into your home. Take advantage of the nice weather as it wont last forever!

Interior Shades Provide Summer Cooling

If your home gets too hot in the summer, you can stay cooler by installing interior shades to reduce the solar energy flowing into your home. Roller shades, mini-blinds, or fabric curtains can all reduce solar overheating, reduce the cost of operating your air conditioner, and improve your summertime comfort.

Interior shades work by reflecting some of the solar energy that enters your windows back to the outdoors. Shades that are light colored or aluminized on their outside surfaces work best because they reflect more solar energy than darker surfaces. Darker exterior surfaces of shades tend to absorb energy and release it into the home.

You'll receive the greatest benefits from reflective window shades if you install them on windows that get a lot of sun. These might face east, where the low morning sun starts to heat your house. They might face south, though on some homes the high noon sun isn't at the right angle to actually enter your windows. Or you might choose to install shades on the west side of your home, where the low, hot afternoon sun really heats up.

The cheapest and most effective interior shades for cooling are simple roller shades. Fabric curtains can also be effective sun shades if reflect solar and insulate the home from the hot area near the window. Venetian blinds are also effective sun blockers, if they are reflective and closed during the day. Some homeowners install roller shades behind fabric curtains so they have both effective sun shades and designer curtains.

Interior shades can only keep your home cool if you use them effectively. Close shades or blinds in the morning before the sun has a chance to overheat your home. Leave them closed as long as the sun shines on your windows. Open your shades at night, and open your windows if you can, so your home will be cooled by cool evening air. Your home will be more comfortable and your power bills may be lower, too, when you use interior shades to block solar energy.

l Set a festive table for dinner outside - even if just for yourself! Use colorful tableware, light some candles (citronella for bug protection), and enjoy!

l Use outdoor lighting to highlight plants, trees, walkways - whatever you prize. Just avoid the "runway" effect with too much, too bright.

l When entertaining, bring the indoors out with rugs, pillows - even the nice crystal and china!

l Or you can bring the outdoors in by using casual outdoor furniture in your décor. Wicker looks great inside or out. And try a piece of yard art in your foyer!

l Keep flowers from your garden around at all times. Put a bit of salt in the water to make the blooms last longer.

l Not able to grow flowers for cutting? Keep a bowl of a summer-scented potpourri somewhere special.

For your bedroom

The bedroom is a vital part of any home as a place of retreat and relaxation. It is important that the bedroom always be a welcoming place of respite, but this is especially true during those warm summer months, when a place of cool retreat is needed the most. Use these simple tips to turn your bedroom into a cool oasis this summer.

Step 1:

Replace your heavy comforter or quilt with a lightweight blanket or throw, or cover your existing blanket with a duvet cover. Choose a white or pastel solid. Because the bed is such a focal point of the room, covering it with dark bedding can have the effect of darkening the entire room.

Step 2:

Put away flannel sheets for the season and replace them with a bright crisp cotton set in a color scheme that complements the blanket. Choose a pattern such as stripes that will offset the solid color of the blanket.

Step 3:

Throw a couple of pretty new decorative pillows on the bed in colors that blend with your sheets. You could also give existing throw pillows a facelift by recovering them and adding trim or a tassel.

Step 4:

Hang sheer drapes to bring an airy feel to the room and to allow light to enter in.

Step 5:

Mount a mesh canopy on the ceiling above your bed. The sheer netting will lighten up the room and bring the feel of summer right to your bed.

Step 6:

Place a large vase in a fresh summer color, such as bright blue or butter yellow, on your dresser or nightstand. Keep it filled with fresh-cut flowers. Remove any dried flowers, since they contrast with the feeling of freshness you want to infuse into your room.

Step 7:

Hang a bright new piece of artwork to add a splash of summer color to the room.

Step 8:

Use a plug-in air freshener to continually fill the room with a light floral scent.

Step 9:

Clear off any surface clutter from the dresser and nightstand and use a small wicker basket to store perfumes and lotions. Clearing surfaces and consolidating items will give a fresh look to the room.

Step 10:

Arrange a plate of white candles on the nightstand. This will add a bright decorative touch.

Baishakhi albums, G-Series, Agniveena

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

Country's two popular audio, video and music production houses G-Series and Agniveena recently released new albums on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh. These are the following:

1) Esho Hey Baishakh:

Genre- Mixed Rabindra Sangeet album by Sadi Mohammad, Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya, Papia Sarwar, Milia Ali, Golam Morshed Khan, Shama Ali and Shimul Zaman.

Production: G-Series

Total songs: 12

Songs: 1) Esho Hey Baishakh, vocal- Sadi Mohammad and Shama Ali, 2) Purano Sei Diner Kotha, vocal- Sadi Mohammad and Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya, 3) Amar Hiyar Majhe, vocal- Milia Ali, 4) Sedin Dujone, vocal- Sadi Mohammad and Milia Ali, 5) Kothao Amar Hariye Jete, vocal- Sadi Mohammad and Papia Sarwar, 6) Aj Joshna Rate Sobai, vocal- Shimul Zaman, 7) Gramchhara Oi Ranga Mati, vocal- Sadi Mohammad and Milia Ali, 8) Ami Kan Pete Roi, vocal- Golam Morshed Khan, 9) Amar Porano Jaha Chai, vocal- Sadi Mohammad and Papia Sarwar, 10) Sokhi, Vabona Kahare Bole, vocal- Sadi Mohammad, 11) Ektuku Chhowa Lage, vocal- Sadi Mohammad and Papia Sarwar and 12) Esho Hey Baishakh, vocal- Sadi Mohammad.

2) Lalon Returns- Asian fusion

Genre: Lalon songs

Presentation: nMn feat Bimol Dash Baul.

Production: G-Series

Total tracks: 11

Songs: 1) nMn intro (0:48 minutes), 2) Itor Pona (4:50 minutes), 3) Gere Khepa (4:03 minutes), 4) Sohoz Manush (4:37 minutes), 5) Zaat Gelo (4:19 minutes), 6) Rosher Roshik (3:01 minutes), 7) Shaem er Prem (5:21 minutes), 8) Ouchin Pakhi (6:24 minutes), 9) Shader Peari (4:26 minutes), 10) Khomo Oporadh (5:44 minutes) and 11) nMn outro (3:19 minutes).

3) Classroom e Boshe Shekha

Genre: Solo album by Shahed

Production: Agniveena

Lyrics, music composition and vocal: Shahed

Total songs: 10

Songs: 1) Sundari, 2) Khola Chul, 3) Jhumpak Jhakkas, 4) Amar Chinta Kotha Bole, 5) Bondhur Rong, 6) Tumi Amar, 7) Amar Ekta bou Dorkar, 8) Pagla Chhara Duniya, 9) Sundari 2, and 10) Classroom e Boshe Shekha (studio live).

4) Anushochonar Nam Valobasa

Genre: Solo album by Suhan Sumon

Production: Agniveena

Music direction: Deva and Suhan

Lyrics: Russell Anonya

Keyboard: Sohel Nizami, GM Lipon, Nice and Deva.

Rhythm: Bidyut and Polash

Guitar: Nice and Masud

Tobla: Bipul, Chanchal and Pappu

Studio: Promix, Antora and Aronya

Sound: Ankur, Asad, Al-Amin and Sumon

Mixing: Ankur

Mastering: Ankur, Sumon and Al-Amin

Total songs: 12

Songs: 1) Je Valobasate, lyrics and music- Sohel Siraj, 2) Tumi To Sukhe Achho, lyrics- Pulack Devnath, music- Suhan, 3) Amar Priya, lyrics- Kamal and music- Pappu, 4) Valobasha Cheye, lyrics and music- Noyon Ahmed, 5) Londoni Kanya, lyrics- Noyon, music- Suhan, 6) Karo Apon Hosna, lyrics- Russell, music- Suhan, 7) Mohima, lyrics and music- Noyon Ahmed, 8) Anushochona, lyrics and music- Bapi Rahman, 9) Bandhobi, lyrics- Russell, music- Noyon, 10) Kotha Diye Kotha Rakhoni, lyrics- Russell Anonya, music- Suhan, 11) Ei Jonome, lyrics- Noyon, music- Kuti Mujahid, and 12) Dui Diner Duniya, lyrics and music- Noyon Ahmed.

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Language of roses

Roses come in a wide range of colors. Each different color has a different meaning. It sends a silent, yet extremely important message from the sender to receiver.

Make sure you are sending the right message when you select roses for someone; else he or she will get the wrong message!

Many think of roses as signifying love that is true, though that is true mainly of the single Dark Red single rose. There are many meanings to the different color roses. If your sweetheart is one that knows the significance of the color of roses here are some tips to help you understand some of the colors mean.

Pink Rose or Dark Pink Rose:

This rose you want to give when you are thanking someone. Normally you give this rose to your significant other to thank them, remember you do not need an occasion to say thank you. The Dark Pink or Pink rose perfect the rose to make them feel you appreciate the person you choose to give this rose.

Coral Rose:

Coral Rose means desire. This is a good rose to give when a relationship is fresh and in the beginning, stages to let the person you are dating know you desire them. If they are not well versed in the meaning, you could let them know the meaning in a card or simply explaining it to them.

Lavender Roses:

Lavender Rose means love at first sight. If you have seen someone that you are attracted to and want to ask them out the Lavender Rose along with an explanation will go far in helping you get a date with the person you feel drawn to.

Light Pink Roses:

Light Pink Roses show joy, sweetness, and gentleness. To get these roses is to see how your significant other feels about you. Showing an appreciation for your soft innocent side, letting you know how much this side of you means to your partner.

Dark Red Roses:

When given Dark Red Roses the person giving them is showing they see your unconscious beauty. Though they may not express themselves in words, give the roses as a gift to let you know how deep your beauty goes.

Red and White Roses together:

When given the combination of Red and White Roses this is a symbol of togetherness. Show love with the Red Rose and the happiness of being a couple with the White Roses in the mix of the bouquet.

White Roses:

White Roses represent purity. That is why you will normally see White Roses carried by a bride on her wedding day. White roses are also good to give to young girls on special occasions such as their sweet-sixteen party.

Yellow Roses:

These roses often thought of as the friendship rose. However what the true meaning of this rose is I care. This rose often seen as a friendship rose may have a deeper meaning, since it means I care, it may mean more than friendship.

Yellow Rose with red tips:

This is the friendship rose. This is the rose given to a friend, as with most roses, the Yellow Rose with red tips may need an explanation.

Single Red Rose:

The long-stemmed Red Rose is the rose that says I love you. As stated previously, there is a difference in getting a bouquet of Red Roses and a Single long-stemmed Red Rose.

Black roses:

What about black roses? Do they exist and, if so, what is the meaning? While no jet-black rose exists, there are some of such a deep red as to suggest black. E.g., Rosa 'Black Magic.' Alternatively, some florists dry fresh roses and dye them black. And the meaning? There is some disagreement on this point. Many say black represents death and can thus be used as a symbol to express vengeance towards a foe. But others interpret that more liberally, suggesting as a meaning for black roses the death of old habits, thus signalling rebirth.

Roses - The Meaning of Each Color

Red and White given together, these signify unity.

Red Rosebud A symbol of purity and loveliness

White Rosebud Symbolic of girlhood

Thorn less Rose Signifies "Love at first sight".

PEACH roses indicate modesty.

ORANGE display a feeling of enthusiasm, desire and fascination.

RED and YELLOW rose together say "Congratulations!"

YELLOW and ORANGE in combination imply passionate thoughts.

Other Messages From Roses

Delicate and Beautiful, the rose is the principal messenger of love.

A single rose denotes "I still Love you"

Two Roses of any color taped or wired together signify a commitment or forthcoming marriage.

In general, pale-colored roses signify friendship.

12 Roses - Gratitude

25 Roses - Congratulations

50 Roses - Unconditional Love

With roses and flowers there are no limitations as to what can be expressed. The colors and aromas of the different types of roses all have their unique place the history of human expression. Knowing the specific meaning of a rose only enhances the experience of sending and receiving rose and flower bouquets.

Amin Jewellers’ exhibition on Baishakhi festival

WP Report

Bangladesh is a land of six seasons. The life style of the people rotates through the variety of the seasons and their taste as well our lives are colored as the seasons rotate which has a great effect on our dress and ornaments. The ornament has a traditional role to beautify the Bengali ladies themselves.

Amin Jewellers also beautifies the ladies to a great extent by its artistic attractive ornaments in decays together. "Come and dress ourselves with Amin Jewellers ornaments in Baishakhi Style" with this slogan on Monday Amin Jewellers opened month-long exhibition of various designs at their showroom at Prince Plaza, Sobhanbagh in the city.

The exhibition was formally inaugurated by Managing Director of Kazi Sirajul Islam.

Among the local and foreign designs, Bombay, Bahrain, Jaipuri, Kashmiri, Singapore, Saudi Arab, Dubai and Pakistani designs will be available in this ornament exhibition. Customers can place order for ornament choosing from the exhibition with copper, antique, radium prepared in KDM process in 22 and 21 carat which will be made by the famous designers controlling the quality strongly.