The New Nation - Internet Edition

Cafe Bazar Revisited

Farizaa Sabreen

The moment your receive that first welcoming smile from the team at the Cafe Bazar of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, you know you are in the hands of professionals capable of providing you with a great meal experience.

The restaurant seems to be doing brisk business feeding the tired and hungry shoppers.

Soothing music plays in the background. Service is very quick and courteous.

They offer a new and exciting culinary experience, select from their range of fresh dishes available in Starters and Main Courses.

Start our meal with Greek salad, consists of feta, kalamata olives, lemon and olive oil dressing and smoked Khulna prawns. Both are good.

Try their Wonton noodle soup (Asian greens and chicken dumplings, small pickled chili and soy sauce on side).

Bangladeshi Corner consisted of the Chicken or mutton Biriyani and the chicken boti jhatka, chicken marinated in garlic, ginger, turmeric and chili powder, fresh tomato, fresh chili. Again, very good.

Bengali spiced fish fillet is appropriate with these.

None of the dishes are overtly spicy - but have the right amount of flavour.

Those who eat here regularly normally make their selection from the International menu, like Lebanese style fish fillet or Nasi Goreng or Moroccan flavoured chicken.

Bowls listed on the menu such as Choice of Pasta, which is filled with farafalle, spaghetti, penne, maccaroni with rich chunky bolognaise sauce and Parmesan cheese Carbonara or tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese- an excellent dish.

If that doesn't leave you full and satisfied, then try chicken hot pot with hokkein style noodles, Pak choi, spring onion, shitake mushrooms, tofu and corriander.

At Cafe Bazar, the sandwiches aren't those traditional things with bread and mayo. There are more than seven varieties here and all served with vegetable pickles, mixed leaves and fries.

Choose some Fillet steak or Veal cutlet from the grill.

The restaurant serves a great variety of desserts, like Rashmalai, seasonal assorted fruit plate, Tiramisu' cake, ice cream, etc.

One can enjoy Cafe Bazar's live cooking section and learn the secrets of chef's great cooking - like how to combine fresh ingredients - to create authentic dishes that you'll enjoy sharing with your family and friends.

On Fridays, they celebrate Bangladeshi night, on Saturdays they have Chinese night, on Sundays they have American Night, then they enjoy Thai Night on Mondays. Arabian Night is on Tuesdays, Vietnam Night is on Wednesdays and Thursdays are for Indonesian Night.

The menu has something for every taste and nutrition need. Sandwiches for the young and hurried ones, great tandoori food for the discerning palates, slightly alien international set is well done and of course the desserts. Overall good and well done food.

Their aim is to serve truly authentic multicuisine with a selection of traditional and innovative new dishes created by a combination of superb new facilities.

According to Selina Momen, Public Relations & Communications Manager of Pan Pacific Sonargaon, "We are especially proud of our Chef's ability to cook an exquisite range of special dishes. All our dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients every day and at Cafe Bazar we aim, to meet the highest expectations of the most discerning gastronome; we hope to excite customers senses!"

Whether entertaining clients or simply dining with colleagues, the Cafe Bazar is an excellent venue. They are well aware of the standard of hospitality our business clients expect Special banquets may be arranged for your own requirements.

It's here that you can enjoy a superb meal in stylish surroundings or carry a bag of delicious curries out to eat in the comfort of your own home. Go there with your family for a pleasant meal.

Photo: Sharif

Launch of ETC - Fashion Exclusives

WP Reporter

ETC-Fashion Exclusives, the newest venture of Etcetera Bangladesh - a concern of Ascent Group - was launched recently in a fashion-show, jointly organized by Etcetera and JetSet Public Relations (JPR). Held at the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel on Friday, May 9th, the show displayed designs and accessories that will be exclusively available at Etc Fashion Exclusives. This newest entrant to the Dhaka retail scene aims to blend the best of East and West and showcase the talents of a host of designers under one roof for the convenience of the busy, Dhaka shopper. ETC - Fashion Exclusives presents a rare and unique opportunity for our own local designers, who will be able to display their talent alongside the premium names in sub-continental and international fashion.

Choreographed by the renowned Liza Varma, the event showcased the talents of a host of sub-continental designers, including Ritu Kumar, Satya Paul, Anju Modi, Ashima-Leena. Local designers were equally well represented, with Bangladeshi designers and brands including Tootli Rahman, Nasrine R@Dia, Rehana Ashraf, Shabana Ali, Shahrukh Amin, Samuel H and Symon & Tenzing. The display of jewels by Jagirdar was merely one of the many highlights of the event. Established models from the international fashion circuit, including pageant winners Ms India and Ms Sri Lanka, displayed the designs to their full advantage.

The event was a truly glamorous one and noteworthy participants included Mr Syed Maher Murshed, Acting Chairman and Managing Director - Etcetera Bangladesh Pvt. Ltd., Mr Mishal Karim, Managing Director - Dia Asiana and Mrs Nasrine R. Karim, President - Bangladesh Design Council and Editor - Dia Asiana. Special awards of achievement were conferred to Ms Ritu Kumar, Ms Leena Singh and Ms Shahnaz Plamondon. The Honourable Adviser for Culture, Social & Women's Affairs, Dr Rasheda K. Choudhury kindly consented to grace the occasion with her presence. Sponsored by the likes of GMG Airlines, Bank Asia, AB Bank, the evening was glitz, glamour and elegance at their very best.

ETC Fashion Exclusives launched at Gulshan

ETC - Fashion Exclusives, the newest venture of Etcetera Bangladesh - a concern of Ascent Group - was launched on 10th May, 2008 at Gulshan.

Etc Fashion Exclusives brings a whole new store environment with contemporary retail presentation, open walkways, chic displays and vibrant lighting, creating a cozy ambience that pampers customers and enhances their overall shopping experience.

The store's layout, decor and merchandise selections have been designed especially to meet the shopping needs of customers in Dhaka City. Etc Fashion Exclusives will have a lot to offer the fashion-conscious shopper. From stylish casual collections to business apparel, dresses and formal wear. When it comes to fashion excellence, our unique combination of variety, quality and style will be unsurpassed.

Throughout our store, consumers can find well-known international fashion brands that have never been distributed in Dhaka before including Ritu Kumar, Satyapaul, Rohit Bal, Biba, Colours Of India, Orly for apparels. Favorite Bangladeshi brands can also be found at Etc Fashion Exclusives .

Our aim has always been to offer choice, individuality, excellent value and quality, and the best customer service to ensure your complete satisfaction. Style is your personal signature created by following your instincts. It's about simple sophisticated items that co-ordinate to make the perfect wardrobe. It's the confidence that comes from good value and great design. It's about finding the pieces you want in one place.

Photo: New Tarun

Radiant’s Students’ projects display at Drik gallery

WP Reporter

The students' projects of department of interior and Bonsai of Radiant Institute of Design were inaugurated at Drik Gallery in the city on May 8.

President of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) Tanveerul Haque Probal inaugurated the exhibition as chief guest & (Chairperson Radiant Institute of Design) Gulshan Nassrin Choudhury.

Faculty of Interior Architect Rezwan Sobhan Avik, Mahmudul Haque Nobel, Moniruzzaman Shipon, Towfique Elahe & Faculty of Bonsai Mr. Nasmul Haque (President of Radiant Bonsai Society), Shamim-al-mamun, Mr. Sazzad, gussets, designers, among others were present on the occasion.

Wall clock, mirror, lamp, sofa, chair-table, ea-table, dining table, book shelf, corner showpieces and others were took place in the showcase.

The exhibition was ended on May 10.

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life

When you change your thoughts, you change your life. The fastest way to achieve peace and harmony is to change your thinking. In order to change your outer world you must first change your inner world. Your thoughts dictate your behavior, and when you change your thought patterns, you will be changing your behavioral patterns as well. Altering your behavior will change the course of your life. Here are 5 simple ways to achieve peace and harmony.

1. Observe Your Internal Chatter. If you find your thoughts are negative or limiting, stop and replace those thoughts with positive ones. Your internal chatter is a good forecast to the direction your life is headed. Meditation is a good way to clear that negative chatter, and assist you in changing your thought process.

2. Say What You Mean, and Mean What You Say. Healthy communication is a key element in keeping peace and harmony in your life. Good communication eliminates being misunderstood, and prevents stressful situations. Saying what you mean not only gives you a sense of peace, you also earn the respect from others when they know you are true to your word.

3. Focus on the Positive Not the Negative. Turn negative situations into positive ones. Everything happens for a purpose and a reason. Instead of complaining, and feeling wounded after a negative situation, stop and think about how you can change it into a positive one. Remember, you attract what you dwell on; positive attracts positive, and negativity attracts negativity. If your thoughts are negative and victimizing, you will attract exactly that into your life. What are your thoughts attracting?

4. Practice Guided Visualization. This technique involves sitting comfortably, and listening to a tape or an instructor who guides you through a relaxing scenario. The setting is calm, tranquil, and peaceful allowing your mind and body to connect. You can create what you visualize, and with the aid of your subconscious mind, the possibilities are limitless!

5. Get Organized. Organizing your surroundings, and managing your time wisely helps give you a clear head for making wise choices. Your choices are dependent on your thoughts that precede it. How can you make a wise decision if your thoughts are cluttered and unorganized? Start organizing your life now, and see how fast you can change your life.

Thoughts are powerful, after all, everything ever created started with a thought. You are creating your tomorrow with the thoughts you have today. Taking control of your thoughts will give you a sense of stability, and with that stability brings peace and harmony.

Menopausal problem & solution

The formal definition of menopause is the last menstrual period. However, during the years building up to menopause, many women's cycles will be irregular, with several months between periods. So it can be difficult to know whether the last period you had was in fact the final one. A rule of thumb is that if you haven't had a period for 12 months, they're probably finished, and your menopause is 'back-dated' to the last period you had.

Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average being about 50 or 51 years. But there is a lot of variation - some women reach menopause in their 30s and early 40s, while others keep menstruating until the late 50s. The reasons for early menopause are little known. It's often said that if you start menstruating early, you'll stop early, but research shows this not to be true. The only known indicator is that if you have a family history of early menopause, then you are more likely to also.

Do you have any way of knowing whether you are nearing menopause?

For some women, there will be no warning - their periods will simply stop. But most will go through a phase of erratic periods before they reach menopause. Periods will get further apart, or occasionally closer together. This phase is called the 'menopausal transition', or 'perimenopause', and it can last for several years.

A hot flush is a sudden feeling of being overheated, usually accompanied by sweating and redness in the face. It is the most common symptom women experience during the years surrounding menopause (and sometimes for many years afterwards).

Lots of women do experience mood swings and depression during menopause, some of them severely, but menopause is not directly responsible. Hormonal fluctuations do make women more vulnerable to stress, so that they might not cope as well with life's ups and downs as they usually do. Depression does occur during menopause, and it needs to be taken seriously (doctors can help with medication or psychological treatments). But it does not seem to be any more common than in other age groups; menopause does not cause depression on its own.

Many women (and men) do notice a drop-off in sexual response as they get older, and the fall in oestrogen levels after menopause can cause vaginal dryness which can make sex uncomfortable. However, vaginal dryness is easily treated with lubricants or hormones. Research suggests that the most important ingredient for a good sex life is a good relationship with your partner.

Hormone replacement therapy, commonly known as HRT, is the standard pharmaceutical treatment for menopausal symptoms. It is usually made up of two kinds of hormones - oestrogens and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone). Levels of these hormones fall after menopause, and hormone replacement therapy helps relieve symptoms and has some long-term health benefits, such as osteoporosis prevention. There are, however, many controversies over the risks and benefits of HRT:

Oestrogens are the sex hormones that control the menstrual cycle, the growth and function of the uterus and uterine lining, and secondary sex characteristics (such as breast development, vaginal secretions and sexual interest) in women. They also affect bone, brain, heart, blood vessel and skin tissue. There are three main types of oestrogen produced by the body: oestrone, oestradiol and oestriol. These are often collectively referred to in the singular form, as 'oestrogen'. Women's oestrogen levels fall drastically during menopause, with widespread implications for long-term health.

Progesterone is the hormone, which, during a woman's fertile years, is produced by the ovaries and has effects, which are in some ways opposite to those of oestrogens. During the menstrual cycle, oestrogens build up the uterine lining (called the endometrium), but if the egg is not fertilised the lining is not required; it is progesterone which stimulates the lining to shed, causing a period. Progesterone is included in hormone replacement therapy in a synthetic form called progestin. It helps protect the endometrium from over-stimulation by oestrogens, which can contribute to endometrial cancer. Because of the progestin in HRT, most women taking HRT have 'withdrawal bleeding' - a kind of 'false period' which lasts for a few days. Women who have had a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) do not need progestin, so they are prescribed oestrogen alone and do not experience bleeding.

Menopause Survival Tips

The general consensus is that your menopause is likely to be similar to your mother's menopausal experience.

Take one aspirin tablet per day (325 mg., 1/2 a regular adult dose) as a natural anti-coagulant. Antiplatelet therapy reduces the risk of any serious vascular event by about one quarter; risk of non-fatal heart attack by one-third, non-fatal stroke by one quarter, and vascular death by one sixth. If heart attack (or stroke) symptoms occur, take one aspirin immediately as its anti-coagulant effects can mean the difference between life and death.

Become more aware of nutrition -- what you put into your body. The types of oils you use in cooking, the way you prepare your foods. Canola, Sunflower, Safflower and Olive oils are the best. Sunflower oil actually serves as a cleanser of your arteries to remove plaque and prevent more plaque from forming. Certain fats are good for your body, while others are bad. As you are aging your skin, hair and nails are likely to become drier and more brittle and lose their natural oils. Moisturize your skin and deep-condition your hair. And eat lots of fruit and fiber.

Avoid processed foods, nicotine, caffeine, artificial sweetners and "junk" food. These are no-no's for menopausal women. Try to cut down or, better yet, stop drinking carbonated drinks, especially diet sodas - and more especially, those made with aspertame (Nutrasweet). The carbonation can cause bloating.

Keep a journal. Journalling can be extremely useful. A suggestion -- when you have a hot flash, mood swing, palpitations, bout of binge eating, sudden elevated anxiety, panic attack, or any number of repetitive behavioral problems, take a pen and paper (or treat yourself to an actual journal) and write down:

What you were doing/What you were thinking /what you were feeling /with whom you were interacting/what they said to you /what you ate just prior to the onset of the problem

t and anything else you can think of that might be useful in identifying your triggers.

By keeping a running journal of the 'changes' you experience, you'll be able to identify those circumstances, foods, people, thoughts, activities that may have triggered the physical and emotional changes. Through examination, you can see if there's a pattern to the emotional UPS and downs, you can utilize the process of elimination in pinpointing the cause of the problem! When a hot flash hits, you can peel off the top layer (without getting arrested) and wear cotton as it is the most absorbent and cool of all fibers.

Additional suggestions:

Drink a glass of cold water or juice at the onset of a flash

At night, keep a carafe or thermos of ice water or an ice pack alongside your bed

Use cotton sheets, sleeping garments, lingerie, and clothing to let your skin "breathe"

Believe it or not, one of the quickest remedies for hot flashes and sweats is in your own refrigerator. Open the freezer and pull out a bag of frozen vegetables. Place it on your face, neck, inner arms and wrists. It's refreshing and often can thwart a hot flash instantly. When unanticipated hot flashes or sweats hit, especially while travelling, a handy item to have is a mini portable personal fan. Remember, this isn't a taboo subject any longer. There's no need to be embarrassed. It's a natural occurrence. So, use your frozen veggies, or whip out your hand fan and, uncomfortable as it may be, try to find the humor in it. Everyone else will, too.

Eat lots of garlic! Garlic is excellent for blood pressure and cholesterol. You can also take garlic in a gel tablet - odorless, too. Also, eat lots of broccoli. It's loaded with phytochemicals, vitamins and contains the highest amount of antioxidants than any other vegetable. Stacked with protective compounds , such as isothiocyanates and sulforaphane, as well as indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a substance that is said to have anticancer actions, broccoli tops the list of 'must serves'. The entire Brassica family of vegetables, (which includes Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, bok choy, kale and collard greens), contains a compound that activates certain enzymes in the human body to protect cells from genetic damage.

Try adding cinnamon and ground flaxseed to your morning oatmeal. It's been discovered that cinnamon is very effective in lowering hyptertension. Ground flaxseed blends nicely with oatmeal and is one of the most important things you should take. Flax is good for your heart, for maintaining healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, one of the "good fats" our bodies need, has anti-carcinogenic properties to protect us from various forms of cancer. Flaxseed is an excellent source of fiber and especially Omega 3 Fatty Acids. A 2 tablespoon serving provides 2400 mg of Omega 3.

You know how we suddenly develop cravings for chocolate? They've said that chocolate is the "feel good" food - probably raising seratonin levels. However, while it may make us feel good for a short while, chocolate and all sweets can bring on hot flashes, raise insulin levels, cause palpitations, anxiety and even depression in some, so while everyone's exalting chocolate to the sky, remember it's not good for every peri and postmenopausal woman.

Avoid toxic situations and people! Menopause can be likened to Murphy's Law -- whenever anything can go wrong, it does! Our patience is tested to the max while we're coping with all these changes. It seems all our demons, every unresolved issue of our life, hits us right between the eyes during perimenopause. We each know at least one someone who pushes all our wrong buttons. If you know certain situations or people are invariably going to cause you grief, do everything within your power to avoid them. Avoid inconsequential arguments.

Organic Gardening

You must always give back to the earth. So every spring and fall, amend the soil with the three magic ingredients: compost, peat moss and manure. These key ingredients enrich the soil naturally and keep it alive. If you amend the soil in the spring, in most cases you won't need to fertilize during the entire growing season. By enriching the soil, the plants get a jump start on the growing season. But as the season wears on, some vegetables and plants will need additional feeding.

If you want organic food, there's plenty to choose from. Fish emulsion is great for tomatoes, berries, peppers and fruits. But be prepared--this stuff stinks. Compost is another great snack for any garden plant. Simply scratch it into the soil at the base of the plant.

By using any of these nature-made techniques, your flowers will flourish without a fuss. Of course, these nutritious snacks, which are sure to fortify your plants, will also feed your weeds. These uninvited guests steal nutrients and rob the water from your prized possessions. To keep them out, you can pull them out or you can douse them with some vinegar.

Weeds aren't the only looters. Bugs are also bad. These intruders come in odd shapes and sizes. Hungry insects and crawling critters will eventually come looking for a free meal. The key is to spot them early. Examine the tops and bottoms of your plants frequently. A sharp jet of water will knock aphids and other bugs off the plant and kill most. Look around for lady beetles, who love aphids. If you don't have any, you can buy them from a garden center.

You can spray plants with insecticide soap by mixing one gallon of water with two to three tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. Spray both the top and bottom of the leaves. Crawlers like cabbage looper and cabbage worm can be handpicked or dusted with a product that has BT in it. BT is a bacteria that kills many unwanted pests without harming the stuff you want to stay.

Here are some tips for keeping your lawn green naturally. Lawns need only one application of fertilizer a year, and it's best if done in the fall. Consider using a battery-powered lawn mower. The EPA estimates that a gas mower used for an hour produces as much pollution as some cars driven for two straight days.

Leave grass clippings on the lawn. They won't produce thatch and will actually feed the lawn naturally. As the temperatures warm, allow the grass to grow longer. It shades the soil and helps retain water. Water in the morning or evening. During the day, 40 to 60 percent of the water can evaporate before hitting the ground.

Instead of herbicide for crabgrass control, try corn gluten. Or you might want to simply lose the lawn and replace it with a groundcover that doesn't need to be mowed, fed or watered as much.

It's not as hard as you might think to go green, and as a gardener, it's fun and challenging doing this nature's way. You'll find it very rewarding, and you can never argue about what it produces.

Eat to Boost Metabolism and All-Day Energy

Is 3 p.m. your crash time? Or do you find yourself prowling the premises for candy at 10:30 (a.m. OR p.m.)? Even if you're one of those people who usually wakes up rested and ready to go, the energy roller coaster can easily take you down later in the day.

Want to get off the ride? Naturopathic physician and chef James Rouse says you're in the driver's seat - you just need a map.

He explains that with the right portions, the right mix of nutrients and strategic timing of meals and snacks, you can have more all-day energy and avoid the physical and mental roller coaster.

When? What food options +how much? How they boost metabolism?

Breakfast (6-8 a.m.) 2-egg vegetable omelette (1 cup vegetables) 2 slices of French toast Two hard-boiled eggs, toast and 1/2 grapefruit Whole grain cereal with blueberries and almonds Most likely, you've had nothing to eat for 10 to 12 hours, and your metabolism needs a cue to start burning. If you miss this morning window, you set the stage for your brain and body to go into "energy debt," slowing your metabolism and leading to low energy and fatigue.

Snack (9:30-10:30 a.m.) 1 whole grain/fruit bar + 1 cup of yogurt1 apple16 oz. fruit smoothie with protein powder. You get to work and start chasing deadlines, e-mails and voicemails - and the day just began! Your body needs longer-burning complex carbohydrates to get the energy it needs the rest of the day.

Lunch(12-1 p.m.) Open-face turkey veggie sandwich (recipe below)Lean deli meat (1-2 slices) and tomato wrap1 veggie burger Dopamine, which stimulates circulation and metabolism, and norepinephrine, which promotes feelings of clarity and motivation, can get a boost from lean meat and other protein sources. Eating these types of foods gives you a spike of energy to get through the rest of your day.

Snack(2-3 p.m.) String cheese (1-2 pieces)Edamame (1/4 cup to 1/2 cup)Sunflower seeds (1/4 cup)Almonds (15-20) As you move into the late afternoon, you need to adjust your energy and calorie needs to allow for conscious "downshifting" and support optimal all-day and all-night metabolism. The simpler the snack the better, such as vegetables, nuts, seeds or cheese.

Dinner(5:30-6:30 p.m.) Grilled salmon salad with pears and walnuts (recipe below)1 portobello mushroom and roasted asparagus (8-10 spears) with 1/2 cup brown rice1 chicken (1/3 cup) and spinach enchilada As your energy needs come to a close for the day, choose vegetable-based carbohydrates and protein. These are very easy on your blood sugar and require less insulin from your body to manage, preparing your body for optimal sleep-time metabolism.

Dessert*(At least 1-1/2 to 2 hours before bedtime) 1 slice zucchini protein bread (add 1/2 cup of protein powder to the recipe)1 berry smoothie Popsicle Overnight, your body either stores fat or burns it. Make sure it's the latter by staying away from refined sugar. Instead, choose complex carbohydrates in the form of whole grains, low-fat dairy products or a smoothie with a protein-powder or dairy product boost. You'll sleep better, burn fat and calories better and wake up with more mental clarity.

*optional

Timing Is Everything

For foods to give you that much-needed boost, you need to eat the right ones at the right time. There's nothing worse than skipping meals. Your body needs fuel, just like a car. If you don't provide it, your body will break down muscle tissue to generate it. And your weight-loss goal should be to increase calorie-burning lean body mass, not lose it.

"Never let your tank get on empty," says Dan Benardot, PhD, RD, FACSM, a nutrition researcher and professor of nutrition at Georgia State University in Atlanta. "It is very important to maintain a normal blood sugar, and the best way to accomplish this is to eat every few hours."

The challenge is to be prepared and to carry healthful snacks with you so you don't go for long periods of time without fuel for your tank. Portable combinations of complex carbs and lean protein -- like low-fat cheese and whole-grain crackers, whole fruit and a handful of nuts, or a low-fat granola bar -- are great munchies for energy. Store them in your purse or briefcase so they're always handy.

Fire Up the Engine

The carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in food provide calories to fuel exercise and energize your body. Contrary to myth, vitamins and minerals do not themselves provide any energy. (They are, however, involved in the process of converting nutrients into fuel for energy and are an important part of a healthy diet.)

Carbohydrates are the body's preferred form of fuel because they can be quickly converted to glucose for energy. Eating a light snack of carbohydrates right before exercise is a good idea for quick energy.

For longer-lasting energy, eat protein along with the carbs to slow down the rate at which your body absorbs them. But be sure you don't include too much fat.

"Any food with calories will give you energy; however, foods high in fat stimulate production of serotonin, [a brain chemical] that can make you feel sluggish and tired," according to Benardot.

So mixed meals that contain small amounts of healthy fats, along with protein and complex carbohydrates, are the foundation for an energizing diet.

High-Octane Foods

The best energizing foods are those that are rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other health-promoting substances. Put these foods together along with small amounts of healthy fats for a balanced diet that is sure to provide you energy all day long.

Here are a just a few of the energizing foods that will do your body good. As long as you don't eat them in excess, these foods will make you feel lighter -- and more inspired to move around.

l Blueberries

l Beans

l Cantaloupe

l Strawberries

l Mango

l Spinach

l Salmon

l Nuts

l Tea

l Tomatoes

l Soy

l Low fat dairy products

l Oatmeal

l Whole grains

l Citrus fruit

l Peppers

l Sweet potatoes

Start off your eating small, healthful meals more often, and see how much better you feel. You'll gain energy, helping you to approach each new day with a renewed feeling of optimism and enthusiasm. And what have you got to lose, except maybe a few pounds?

It's no secret that what we eat is vital to our health, both body and mind. When you eat the right foods, your body is able to function properly. By consuming the right foods you can keep yourself energized and revitalized throughout the day. If you need a little pick-me-up, take note of the following foods for a great energy boost. You may want to add them to your next grocery list.

Iron as a mineral plays the role in transporting oxygen through the red blood cells to wherever the body needs it. You should try to include at least 18 mg a day of iron. This is especially important for women. When you don't get enough iron, you feel it. The most common symptoms of a lack of iron include a low metabolic rate and feeling low on energy. So if you're feeling sluggish during the day, maybe you need to toss a little iron into your diet. Iron rich foods you can turn to are: lean beef, spinach, lentils, tofu, steamed clams, and orange juice.

When you need ever-lasting energy for a long day, grab a bowl of oatmeal. With loads of fiber, oatmeal has the ability to keep the body's blood sugar levels more constant, which means you can avoid high sugar cereals that give you an early rush, only to slow you down when you crash hours later. If oatmeal doesn't quite float your boat, try an oat bran muffin.

Need energy in moderation? Then eating a good ole peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread is your answer. The great thing about this easy meal is that the combination of whole wheat of the bread and the fat and protein from the peanut butter works to ration out doses of energy throughout the day. For a lighter snack, dab some peanut butter onto a couple of apples slices. The peanut butter will do its part, while the apple provides you with sugar to keep you going, but on a small enough level so that you don't crash and burn near the end of your day.

Eating foods and drinking beverages that are high in vitamin-C are another way to get your energy boost in the morning or after the end of the day. Not only does vitamin C help you feel revitalized, it is also responsible for producing carnitine, a molecule that helps the body burn fat for energy.

The best way to keep yourself going without becoming a drone is to eat 5-6 small meals a day. By keeping your metabolism on its toes, you'll be awake, alert and able to prevent yourself from overeating, which can lead to feeling tired and sluggish way before bedtime.

Fight lethargy with top energy-boosting foods.

sprouts - all types: All types of sprouts (seeds of legumes or grains that have been germinated) are high-energy, life-enhancing foods that help improve, revitalize, strengthen and regenerate your body. They contain a high concentrate of antioxidants as well as all the trace minerals, plus protein, enzymes and fibre. When seeds are sprouted, their nutritional power swells.

Grains: Grains release sugar slowly and give you a steady flow of energy instead of a quick high followed by a low. They are also a good source of B vitamins which are needed to assist the spleen, your energy battery. Without the Bs you will definitely need a 'jump start'.

Oats: Oats are not only packed with energy nutrients but they help keep blood glucose levels at an even keel to maintain concentration and alertness. Enjoy a bowl of porridge in the morning for the perfect release of sustained energy throughout the morning.

Parsley: Parsley is a nutrient powerhouse. It contains high levels of vitamin B12, more vitamin C than citrus fruits and just about all other known nutrients.

Seaweed: Sea vegetables, or seaweeds are the highest digestible source of all minerals as well as energy-boosting vitamins B and C.

Veg: The range of B Complex vitamins, plus the energy nutrients magnesium and iron, can be found in fresh green (preferably raw) vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus and spinach.

Broccoli is also a good source of co-enzyme Q10, a critical nutrient for energy production at a cellular level.

Peaches: Peaches have a high water content and have a laxative effect. They are wonderful in alkalinising the blood stream and can be used to regulate the bowel and build the blood. Peaches are one of the best energy fruits because the body assimilates them very easily, giving an instant boost. They are also great in helping to eliminate toxins from the body and are a great food to eat on a weight loss programme.

Flax seeds: Flax seeds, or linseeds, contain abundant levels of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs) and in perfect balance. EFAs are involved in energy production and oxygen transfer.

Sunflower seeds: The sunflower seed is packed with magnesium, iron, copper and protein, vitamin B Complex, EFAs, zinc and iron, and is an excellent source of protein. Get into the habit of carrying sunflower seeds around with you for when you need an instant energy pick-me-up.

Grapes: The therapeutic value of grapes is thought to be due to their high magnesium content. Magnesium is involved in the first stage of the process that converts energy to glucose.

Yams and squashes: Yams are packed with energy minerals and loads of vitamin C. Yams are also detoxifying and balancing to hormone and blood sugar levels, ensuring that your energy supply is constant. Squashes motivate the circulation of energy meridians, especially strengthening digestive function.

Wheat grass: Wheat grass is a rich nutritional food that looks like grass and contains one of the most prolific arrays of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It contains 25 times the nutrients if your choicest vegetables.

Mung beans: To feel full of beans means that you are bursting with energy. And that's just what mung beans can provide you with: bags of energy.

Laser Vision releases new albums

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

Country's popular audio, video and music production house Laser Vision recently released new albums. These are -

1) Panjabiwala

Genre: Music video of Habib featuring Shireen

Editing: Shamim Uzzaman and Sohel Ahmed

Technical assistance: Looklence

Models: Sajjad Alam Badal, Jasim Boyati, Polash/ Mehedi, Nishuk, Jasmine/ Brishti, Soma/ Rabeya, Subarna/ Nodi, Monir Chowdhury, Sohel Chowdhury, Pintu Biswas, SK Nurul, Rumi / Anamika, Anu/ Rafique and more.

Songs: 1) Panjabiwala, lyrics and music: Abdul Gafur Hali, 2) Moner Bagane, lyrics and music: Abdul Gafur Hali, 3) Ore Amar Moyna Pakhi, lyrics and music: Collected, 4) Shikhaiya Pirity, lyrics and music: Kwari Amir Uddin, 5) Shahjalal Shaha Poran, lyrics and music: Nurul Alam, 6) Na Jene Bhul Bujho Na, lyrics and music: Firoz Mia, 7) Prem Nodite, lyrics and music: Md Rahamat Ullah, 8) Khwaza Tomar Preme Ami, lyrics and music: Borhan Uddin Rana and 9) Boleto Diechi Hridoyer Kotha, lyrics: SA Haque Alik, music: Habib.

2) Ey Sure Kache Dure

Genre: Rabindra Sangeet album by Jolly Rahman

Speciality: Songs No 5 and 12 are duet songs by Jolly Rahman and Sadi Mohammad.

Total songs: 12

Songs: 1) Tomar Khola Hawa, 2) Bhalobashi Bhalobashi, 3) Ja Bolo Tai Bolo, 4) Adhek Ghume, 5) Aha Aji E Boshonte, 6) Amar Mukti, 7) Swapne Amar Mone Holo, 8) O Keno Churi Kore Chai, 9) Pran Chai Chakkhu Na Chai, 10) Ashim Dhon To Achhe, 11) Ghorete Bhromor Elo and 12) Kotobaro Bhebechinu.

3) Ashroy

Genre: Bangladeshi drama

Script: Saifuzzaman Shamim

Direction: Chandan Chowdhury

Starring: Shamim Zaman, Tomalika, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Tushar Khan, Rasheda Chowdhury, Joyraj, Munshi Moznu, Sharif Uddin Polash, Shamima Shawkat Lovely, Kazi Uzzal, child artist Utsha and more.

Story: Saju is a meritorious student came from a village. He stays a house in Dhaka to continue his study. Owner of the house always suspect him and creates panic to him as because she thought that there is a relationship between Saju and her daughter. One day Saju left the house. Then she knew that Saju was his child.

4) Priyar Chaya

Genre: Solo Rabindra Sangeet album by Golam Haidar

Total songs: 12

Songs: 1) Ami Jalbo Na, 2) Ke Jetechish, Ayre Hetha, 3) Biroho Modhuro Holo Aji, 4) Ore Chitararekhadore Badhilo Ke, 5) Amar Priyar Chaya, 6) Jonaki, Ki Sukhe Oi Dana Duti, 7) Chokkhe Amar Trishna, 8) Mon Mor Meghero Songi, 9) He Khoniker Atithi, 10) Sei To Boshonto, 11) Akash Vora Surya Tara and 12) Jokhon Porbe Na Mor Payer Chinho.

5) Sakin

Genre: Bangladeshi drama

Script and direction: Gazi Rakayet

Camera: Asaduzzaman

Editing: Tofael Ahmed Apu and Nadim Ahmed

Background music: AK Azad

Starring: Taniya Ahmed, Gazi Rakayet, Golam Farida Chhanda, KS Firoz, AK Azad, Homaira Himu, Fahmida Haque Koli, Rubi, Sadia Khaled Snigdha, Swapna, Rashed Khan and more.

Story: Story of the drama is based on pride of a landlord once ruins all things.

-