The New Nation - Internet Edition

Express yourself

Sumon Sarwar

Everyone needs some time to themselves to reflect on their feelings. Being able to express how you feel may help you make better decisons about what is right for you now.

Being creative helps you achieve your goals more effectively. It leads you to new pathways, and you will hardly believe what you find out about yourself. It's also a way of venting, and for teenagers, a way of finding yourself.

Expressing yourself can help you keep in touch with how you are feeling. It can also release a lot of tension that you may be carrying around with you. Sometimes when people get out of touch with how they feel, their feelings burst out in situations or ways that are embarrassing or inappropriate.

Never think of yourself too seriously. Don't put pressure on yourself to be perfect! If you don't have restrictions on yourself, it gives you more room to just let yourself flow creatively. Don't worry about being perfect. Perfection is boring anyway, and it's also kind of…unoriginal.

Find a place that inspires you and that will help spark your creativity. Maybe you like a place that is quiet and feels private to you, such as the outdoors - calm, serene, and beautiful. Or maybe you have a bright colorful room that makes you feel artistic. Maybe you like starry nights - whatever it is, revel in it!

Experiment with different mediums. Never be afraid to try something new. If you want to try sculpting, go for it! If you don't like it, you can always just stop. But how will you know whether or not you're a secret writing/painting/sewing genius is you never try it?

Meditate. Relax. Get away from the outside world. Forget about the grocery shopping you have to do. You are in your own personal space - be with yourself.

Find examples. If you think you might be interested in art, go to an art museum or find artists online. If you like writing, read a variety of books and investigate classical authors. It's a type of self-education, and it's what separates the true intellectuals from everybody else: a willingness to explore, learn, and discover.

Consider starting a journal to use everyday. It doesn't even have to be the kind of journal that you write in. It could be a doodle journal, or a sketch journal, or a poetry journal. Just use it to record your emotions day-to-day, in a place where no one can see them if you don't want them to.

Be yourself! Even though you are consciously trying to be more expressive, it doesn't mean that you have to act like a totally different person.

Ways of Expressing Yourself

Finding out the best way for you to express yourself can be rewarding. You may find that you enjoy expressing yourself in a particular way, such as painting, playing sport, singing, drumming, or even doing something like kicking ball or yelling at a tree. If you don't know what way suits you, try some of the following suggestions.

Write About How you Feel

Writing may be a useful way to explore your feelings. Some people keep diaries, others just write down whatever comes into their head. You may want to write a story about whatever is happening in your life now (try 'Scream it Dream it'), or even make up a story based on some past event in your life. Writing poetry works for some people so you might like to try that.

Play Sport

Playing sport lets you express yourself in a physical way. There are plenty of opportunities to yell or curse or feel elated when things go well. Team sports allow you to express yourself and combine your energy with others both in verbal and non-verbal ways.

Draw or Paint

Even if you don't think of yourself as artistic, drawing and painting are useful ways of expressing yourself. No one else has to see what you do. You may just want to experiment with drawing lines, sketching, colours and so on.

Sing, Play Music, or Shout

Singing along to your favourite songs or playing a musical instrument is another way to express yourself. Sing in the shower or out in a park. If you play an instrument or sing regularly you may find that you even start writing your own songs or music to express how you feel.

Dance

Dance is a form of self-expression. Put on some music at home or go out and dance as much as you like.

Andharer Alo at Gallery Nitya Upahar

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

A nine-day long group photography exhibition by four young promising photographers titled 'Andharer Alo' (Light in the darkness) ended at the Gallery Nitya Upahar at Aziz Cooperative Super Market, Shahbagh in the city on October 28.

Fashion house Nitya Upahar organised the exhibition to highlight the works of four young photographers -Md Farhad Rahman, Syed Fayez Hassan, Kamrul Hasan Mithon and Mahamudul Hasan. Of them, Mahamudul Hasan is a graphic designer, Kamrul Hasan Mithon is a freelance photographer, Syed Fayez Hassan is a designer and Md Farhad Rahman is a student of leather technology.

Noted designer Chandra Shekhar Saha planned and directed the exhibition. An eight-year old photographer Affifa Faiza Chowdhury inaugurated the photography exhibition on October 20. Bahar Rahman, owner of Nitya Upahar and also coordinator of the show, among others, were present on the occasion.

A total of 20 photographs were on display at the show. Prices of each photograph were Tk 2,000.

In the exhibition, all the photographs were focused on the diverse topics, highlighting contemporary issues in the works of the four budding photographers.

Mahamudul Hasan done some thematic works. One of his photos titled 'Boyosher dheu' showed an elderly man sitting by water. He presented a beautiful moment during the time period of rain. Basically it was focused of the sky of Dhaka titled 'Dhakar megh.'

In works of Farhad he took photographs that addressed the diverse contemporary issues. One of his photographs titled 'Khelaghar' was a snap of the National Parliament Building at Sher-e-Baglanagar. In another work titled 'Godhuli belai,' he showed an aerial view of Dhaka city. It was taken during the dusk time.

Kamrul Hasan Mithon done a series on river. His photographs confined the moments on and around the 'Ichhamoti' and 'Dhaleswari' rivers.

In works of Syed Fayez Hassan, he also focused on natural life.

It is mentioned that there were some 'Malshas,' a kind of plate that is used to take rice by rural people, in the middle of the gallery. Main aim of the organisers was to create a rural environment at the gallery venue.

Enjoy the ecstasy at Jamuna Resort

Farizaa Sabreen

Searching for tranquility? You'll always find it at Jamuna Resort. It is just one path to vacation bliss. Discover lush accommodations and personalized service in a remarkable variety. Allow yourself to be swept away by the beauty of the area.

The cottages are setting with dramatic décor. Walk along the Resort area and enjoy gentle breezes and breathtaking sunsets. Relaxation and adventure await you from this elegant luxury resort.

There are many activities and recreational facilities on offer - guests can choose from water and land sports, cultural activities, day excursions and general entertainment. It's also possible to have a wedding.

On a sandy side of River Jamuna, Jamuna resort stands with wide-open windows you can feel the soft breeze and hear the river -water lapping at the shore.

Its secluded space and private cottages make you feel as though you've stumbled upon your own private paradise. No one could possibly dampen the blissful buzz that is created by the tropical greenery, plush surroundings, incredible cuisine and friendly people.

Although the property now has several areas, you can also opt to stay in the "Double bedded luxury room (Tk. 4,250)", "Deluxe Suite Twin (Tk. 4,500)", "Royal Suite (Tk. 6,000)", "Imperial Suite (Tk. 6,500)", "2-Bedroom Cottage (Tk. 6,000)", "3-Bedroom Cottage (Tk. 8,000)" and "Standard Room (Tk. 3,000.00)". All price are exclusive of 7% service charge and 15% government taxes.

All rooms are attached with bath (hot/cold water running), fully air conditioned with living space, and having color TV with satellite channels.

Most of the furniture has a cane and bamboo touch, richly polished, softened by the warm tones of Grameen Checks.

They have multi cuisine restaurant at the resort has been designed to cater the people from different tastes. Menu includes delicious items from western, oriental and sub continental. Take away lunch boxes are also available there.

For a change of environment, guests can opt for Bar B-Q dinner or garden party in the poolside area or the garden. The food is wonderfully fresh and tasty-and completely customizable, no matter what your dietary habits.

The area is connected by a series of narrow stone walkways, lush vegetation. The visitors are lucky enough to see the Jamuna River and the Bridge along with the Resort.

If, while on vacation, you've ever felt you could spend all day in your room, you'll surely feel it here. You can also drag yourself away, you leave your cottage sanctuary and explore all that resort has to offer, or take you on a trip to any of the area's many attractions.

Prefer to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the country? Entertainment is provided each evening. This comprised of tribal dances, folk songs, gajals classical instrumental concert etc. These held in either in the conference hall or in the restaurant or in the garden.

For the sports-minded, the resort boasts tennis, basketball, badminton and volleyball.

Other facilities are, shopping arcade, health care, saloon, laundry services, video recording, musical events, banquet and conventions, transport facilities, ample parking facilities, business center, floral arrangement and gymnasium.

The Resort also has some promotional packages, like Honeymoon package, moonlit night package and anniversary package.

The striking greenery is balm to the distressed soul, the plush surroundings are in perfect taste, the food is wonderful and the staffs are friendly.

Treat yourself to a truly unforgettable luxury resort vacation, marked by distinguished style, attentive service, and picturesque surroundings and allow yourself with forever-cherished memories.

Life fostered by moon

Md Foiz Hossain

Introducing with our be loving moon

Moon is the most familiar as well as common phenomena to the all sorts of people on this earth. Also the largest satellite in relation to its planet in the entire solar system. It is the first body in the solar system on which vehicles from Earth landed and the only one to be explored by human. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to step onto the surface of the Moon. He was followed by Edwin Aldrin, both of the Apollo 11 mission. The distance of the moon from the earth is 406711 kilometre (furthest in 1912) to 356375 kilometre (closest in 1984) and the average distance is 384403 kilometer (approximately), mass 734556000000 tones. The moon's gravity is one-sixth that of the Earth's; a man who weighs 180 lbf (pound-force) on Earth weighs only 30 lbf on the Moon. The rotation of the Moon and its revolution around Earth takes 27 days, 7 hours, and 43 minutes, and the surface temperature is -163°C to + 117C. There is no atmosphere in surface of the moon. The surface of the moon is naturally made of stones, inorganic substance. It has no light of its own but shines by sunlight reflected from its surface.

Change of the seasons and observing the festival

A heavenly body which man feels close to him is the moon. The moon reflects the sun's strong light and shine softly on the earth as if caring for all things with its dewy light. Because of its affectionate nature, the moon has been adored by people both in the orient and in west some respectfully termed it lunar goddess. In contrast to the harsh sunshine, the moon sends out but pale rays. The moon is also an object of scientific research. People now feel psychologically closer to it because of successful of mankind. The moon announces the changes of the seasons by means of its changing configuration and location and provides a rhythm to human life. Its gentleness was made the object of the poems, novels and music. Some times few of us do not believe in Almighty Allah but when the moon is seen at night with innumerable glittering stars they should at least realize it is impossible for anybody else to arrange those things except God. They don't know Almighty Allah's power knows no bounds. The Arabic months is totally depends on subject to the appearance of the moon. Accordingly all of the Muslim religious festivals like Shab-e-Barat, the holy Ramadan (practicing fasting) to Eid-ul-Fitre (1st Shawal) the biggest Muslim festival for Muslim, 10lh Muharram (which is being called Ashura), Eid-ul-Azha the second Muslim festival depends on subject to the appearance of the moon and many others.

In the religion of Hindu the Laxipuja, Durgapuja (Bijoya Dosomi) depends on the appearance of the moon though dates have been fixed even it become the heritage. The Kalipuja has been observing the day of a new moon simultaneously.

Now about the religion of Buddha, we of course concern about the Buddha Pumima (being called the Baishakhi Pumima), Gautama Buddha born on that day. (Here Purnima means the full moon) Another one is Maghi Pumima which day Gautama Buddha successfully attained his esoteric power called Siddhartha observed by the Buddhists. Madhu Pumima also observed by the Buddhists. No doubt totally depends on subject to the appearance of the moon. Scientists always confess that human society is influenced by nature.

Influenced of the moon on climate

In agriculture, crop yields are influenced by climate but damage brought is often considered to be related to the duration of sunshine alone. Yet the moon counts as it controls water, as is clear in its relation to the ebb and flow of the tides. Because of the moon the sun's energy can be fully utilized. For instance, plants actively absorb moisture from the ground during a new moon to a full moon. Then moisture moves into the ground from a full moon to a new moon, during which period the plants become less juicy. These functions of the moon suggest that the best time for fertilizer application is the period between the new moon and full moon. Coupled with the solar energy, the crops organize photosynthesis to assimilate nutrients and moisture. Both solar and lunar function together help crops give rich harvests.

The relation between Human life and the moon

The Chinese scientist used to believe that the moon is also appropriately used as a part of the characters that mean the different internal organs. Each of the characters meaning the lung, the heart, the liver, the kidney, the spleen, the pancreas, the large intestine, the small intestine, the stomach and almost all bodily organs have the character of the moon within them. Besides, the character for the arm, brain, belly, skin and other bodily parts are also composed with the character of the moon. Education by Chinese character consists of teaching and rearing. The character for rearing illustrates a baby that is being delivered out of a mother womb; this is also has the "moon" Character as one of its parts. The ancient people thus recognized the relation between the life and the moon. It also indicates that life is closely related to water, since the moon control the tides.

When viewing the relation between the moon and the human body, one may note the influence of the moon on the blood. It is well known fact that the ingredients of the blood are surprisingly similar to those of sea water. Just as the waxing and waning of the moon bring about the ebb and flow of the tide, so does the movement of the tide influences the condition of the blood. During high tides, the heart is activated and pumps out blood more vigorously. As an example, if one is injured during a high tide, bleeding is greater, while it is less during low tide.

It is scientifically proven that there is a relationship between birth of life and the cycle of the moon. Many cases have been recorded in this regard. Although the time and date of the delivery of a baby is medically controlled according to the convenience of the mother or the hospital now-a-days under natural condition a baby is born at a time of a high tide, after having been nurtured in its mother womb for ten months and ten days (by the lunar calendar) the waves of a totally calm sea are counted at 18 times a minute, which is the same as that of the breath of a human being. This, however is not a coincidence. Except for death due to an accident, man dies at a time of a low tide.

Man's birth and death are thus influenced these tides. This is, as is well known, connected with the movement of the moon with a distance of 384403 kilometer (approximately), from the earth. When that interaction is further enlarged in thinking about the relationship of human being with the universe, one can realize that the life of man also created by universe. For this reason, a human being, a microcosm or a miniature universe can easily be seen as such. I am greatly impressed by a report on a medical experiment which states that within a human body the memory of the past 20 billion year history of the universe since the big bang is vividly recorded.

Recent astronomical research has shown, as mentioned above that out of nine planets in the Solar system only on earth can living things be found. This was made possible by the presence of the sea and for this reason the earth is called a watery planet. In studying the history of living beings on the earth, the fossil of bacteria is known to be about 3.5 billion years old. Since the emergence of the first living creature life has been nurtured has evolved under sea. After many years the algae began producing oxygen through photosynthesis. The atmosphere then, having prepared for living things to come up on land about 400 million years ago, contained enough oxygen. One may rapidly comprehend the influence of the body on the sea on the body of that was born at the end of the history of creation of species on earth.

From view point of the scientific study, more unknown elements are said to exist in the sea than universe. The sea is yet to be developed, and its resources could be tapped to provide even more energy and resources. With such potential, it is all the more regrettable to hear that the sea is polluted due to selfish acts of the man who does not appreciate his place in the world.

The earth is breathing with the energy of fire that it receives from the sun and water that is the sea which synchronizes with the movement of the moon. Embraced by this mysterious interaction between fire and water, the earth supports the human beings and other living things. It is an irreplaceable mother body for all living things.

In this age of urbanization moonlight bathing is practiced. Young people living in the hustle and bustle of cities must feel natural moon light as fresh and even mysterious. They seem to say just looking up at the moon inspires solemnity in us. These young people seeking rich values have discovered the mystery of the moon. A moonlit night the whole nature looks bright and appears in celestial light. Reflecting upon the balance between fire and water reminds us that man must have in his deep psychology a nature desire to long for the total balance rational and the moon as being static and intuitive. Moonviewing parties or full moon festivals, which have been practiced since the olden times are certainly meaningful.

Lunar Eclipse and Solar Eclipse

Lunar eclipses happen when the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow. In a total lunar eclipse, the Moon and Earth are lined up so that the whole of the Moon is in shadow for a while. If they're not completely aligned, only a part of the Moon can end up shaded (a partial eclipse). Lunar eclipses can only happen when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon and that can only happen at full Moon. During the moon eclipse the only light that reaches the Moon has already been filtered by the Earth's atmosphere. Once light hits all that gas and dust, it gets scattered. Long wavelength reddish light tends to bounce right out into space - it's the light that reaches the Moon. Shorter wavelength blue light keeps bouncing around off molecules and doesn't really get a chance to escape. (That's why the sky usually looks blue - the red light bounces away, so blue is all that's left). The most recent lunar eclipse of 2008 occurred on February 21, 2008, was visible from the Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

Solar Eclipse

On the other hand the solar eclipses happen when the Moon is between the Sun and the Earth. In a solar eclipse, the Moon and Sun are lined up so that the whole of the Earth is in shadow for a while because the sun hides behind the moon. During that time the sun light as though creates a diamond ring around the moon. Sunlight and solar eclipses are another thing altogether. Sunlight can burn our retina (the business end of our eyeball) in a fraction of a second, so we should never look directly at the Sun. And even though most of the Sun's light is blocked out during a solar eclipse (when the Moon blocks the Sun from view), the rim of Sunlight around the Moon is incredibly bright, and because of the darker sky our pupils are dilated so more Sunlight can hit our retina in a short time. So we should not look at the Sun during an eclipse - or at any other time. The most recent solar eclipse occurred on August 1, 2008, and was a total eclipse. In ancient times, and in some cultures today, lunar and solar eclipses have been attributed to supernatural causes. Total lunar and solar eclipses can be frightening for people who are unaware of their astronomical explanation, as the Moon as well as the Sun seems to disappear in the day and the sky darkens in a matter of minutes. Still now there is a superstition about the lunar and solar eclipses. Once upon a time people did not usually take meal during the time of the lunar and solar eclipses. Specially pregnant women were strictly prohibited for taking any kind of meal and doing anything. Now-a-days people realize that is nothing but misbelieve. It is a natural phenomenon ever happen and people use to enjoy.

Conclusion

The Moon has been fascinated since many years. The sunlight fallen on the moon and reflect the one fourteenth of it because most of it's absorbed by the moon. No need to reveal it that the moon is adored by the all sorts of people around world. It is real blessing for the mankind. Amazingly the ocean, the sun, the moon, plants and human beings have been closely related to each other. They perhaps continue to play their roles as internal elements of the culture assets of humanity. It has been proved that festivals of moon, which have been practiced since the olden times, are certainly meaningful. Also indicate that there is a relationship between science religion and human life without any doubt.

The writer is Inspector

Directorate of Co-operative, Agargaon Civic Sector

10 essential health tips

"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." -Arabian Proverb

1. Move More

Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!

2. Cut Fat

Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

3. Quit Smoking

The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

4. Reduce Stress

Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

5. Protect Yourself from Pollution

If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

6. Wear Your Seat Belt

Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

7. Floss Your Teeth

Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.

8. Avoid Excessive Drinking

While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook

There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.

10. Choose Your Parents Well

The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.

Parenting: Boost your child’s self-esteem

Self esteem is quite simply, loving, respecting and having faith in oneself. To develop a healthy self esteem is extremely important as it helps kids not only in there day to day behavior but also in becoming a confident and matured adult.

A lack of self esteem results in many behavioral problems, difficulty in learning and performing and a lot of emotional problems due to lack of confidence. A healthy amount of self esteem on the contrary gives your child the ability to accept his mistake and learn from them and be open to criticism.

You as a parent can do the following to enhance his self esteem.

First of all, make him feel important. Do not ignore what he is saying and value his opinions even though you might not agree with them.

Keep telling him that you love not just him but also the way he is. That is, not just because he is your child but because of the way he is as a person.

When you want to correct him, try and correct his behavior. Tell him that the thing that he did was wrong, instead of telling him that he was wrong.

Try and understand that it is not possible for your child to behave correctly all the time.

Children like grown ups experience a lot of emotions but they do not know how to handle them. Due to this, they might be behaving in an unusual manner. Your being understanding during these mood swings and providing them with love and support will help them maintain their confidence.

Make your approach positive. While teaching them anything, use positive language.

If your child is taking time in following something, instead of saying that he's not getting it right, say that he has almost got it. Instead of saying that he is wrong, say that he is almost right.

If your child comes home to tell you that he is not good at something his classmate is at and you feel that this is making him feel low, let him know that it is understandable to feel this way however it is not necessary that he has to be good at everything.

Tell him that nobody is perfect and point out something that he might be really good at.

Do not show too high expectations from your child as he will keep measuring his performance according to how much he has met your expectations. If they are to unrealistic and he is not able to match them then obviously he will start feeling that he is incapable of something.

Also do not show that you expect too less of him as that might make him feel that you do not think he can perform better.

Another important lesson that you need to give to your child which will help him have a good self esteem is to accept his mistakes and learn from them. Everybody makes mistakes, it is only human to do so. What is important is to not get disheartened by them but to learn from them and move ahead.

A child with high self esteem becomes a better learner and a more confident and secured person. Since he respects himself, his values, morals and the way he is, he is able to respect and accept others better too.

Career: Build your career in food engineering

Mohammad Mukul Hossain

Food science is a discipline concerned with all the technical aspects of food, beginning with harvesting or slaughtering, and ending with its cooking and consumption. It is considered as a branch of the agricultural sciences, and is usually distinct from the field of nutrition. Examples of the activities of food scientists include the development of new food products, design of processes to produce these foods, choice of packaging materials, shelf-life studies, and sensory evaluation of the product with trained expert panels or potential consumers, as well as microbiological and chemical testing. Food scientists at universities may study more fundamental phenomena that are directly linked to the production of particular food product and its properties. Food science is in fact a highly interdisciplinary applied science. It incorporates concepts from many different fields including microbiology, chemical engineering, biochemistry, and many others.

Next to breath, life of human being is solely dependent on food and health, and hence the importance of food science and technology in keeping us healthy can never be overlooked. The fast paced life of today has ushered in the era of convenience food or more popularly the fast food culture in our country. On one hand this has led to the growing demand for packed and processed food and on the other it has made the consumer more quality and nutrition conscious. All these factors pose a very encouraging picture on the future of Food Processing Industry in Bangladesh. The food processing industry encompasses basic foods like wheat and rice products and the processes for converting them into edible form; besides processed foods such as bakery & confectionery products, dairy products, meat and fish products, fruit and vegetable products in short, everything which is processed and packaged to enhance and prolong the edible shelf life. This technology has indeed revolutionized the food habits of the people in our country by having cooked and packed foods in attractive packages in their homes. In fact these foods have become a status symbol for many households in the country.

Institutions, Area of study and Eligibility for Education

Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh offer bachelor and master degree in food Engineering, under the department of Food Technology and Rural Industries. Candidates from science group with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English and Biology or Agriculture after passing HSC are eligible for the under graduate study. The admission to undergraduate programmes is centrally administered through an Admission Committee of Bangladesh Agricultural university. Usually, The notice for admission is advertised in the national newspapers soon after the results of HSC examinations are announced by the different Boards. Applications are invited each year for January-June semester. Successful applicants must appear before a written admission test. From the merit list of the results of the admission test , qualified applicants are invited for viva examination and medical test before they go for final admission to undergraduate programme. The capacity of intake of newly admitted students are 30 for B. Sc. in Food Engineering.

Curricular layout for the degree of B. Sc. Food Engineering of Bangladesh Agricultural University is designed to strengthen the engineering background and emphasize the use of fundamental principles in solving problems associated with food processing industries as well as other post-harvest operations of raw materials from plant, animal and marine sources. The area of the study is Agro-Industrial Chemistry, Crop Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering Drawing (Civil), English, Physics, Computer Science, Workshop Technology, Engineering Drawing (Mechanical), Engineering Mechanics, Surveying, Agricultural Economics, Computer Application, Thermodynamics, Food Science, Horticulture Science, Fluid Mechanics, Rural Sociology, Electrical Engineering, Heat Engines, Strength of Materials, Engineering Materials and Cost Estimation, Fundamentals of Food Engineering, Hydraulics, Statistics, Biochemistry, Accountancy, Electrical Machinery, Food Factory and Storage Building, Unit Operation in Food Engineering, Food Packaging and Machinery, Heat and Mass Transfer, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Mechanical Design of Process Equipment, Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, Agribusiness and Marketing, Electronics and Instrumentation, Fish Processing, Food Analyses and Nutrient Technology, Post-harvest Technology of Agricultural Produce-I, Food Plant Design Layout and Management, Beverage and Fermentation Technology, Engineering Management, Food Process Engineering, Quality Control in Food Industry, Post-Harvest Technology, Engineering Properties of Food Materials, Sugar Engineering.

Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Islamic University and Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University also offer bachelor degree in food processing and nutrition science.

Career Prospects

Food Processing Industry is a very fast growing industry with good job prospects in Bangladesh and abroad. Processed and preserved foodstuffs have been instrumental in brining about a change in the food habits of a large urban populace. From eating merely for subsistence, people now prefer to supplement their diet with 'value-added food'. Increase in consumption of processed foods is noticeable across various sections of the population and the trend of 'eating out' has grown manifold. In tune with theses trends, the market for processed food is growing significantly. Food production, procurement, processing, distribution networks and retailing are attracting large integrated players into the field. With the open market policies of the government and globalization, this industry has also attracted multinational participation. It is a thrust area recognized by the government as well. Needless to say, the industry is now offering tremendous job opportunities to qualified food technologists.

There is a plethora of opportunities for food technologists, mainly in institutions like processing industries, hotels, food industries, quality control, hospitals, packaging industries, distilleries, bakery industries, soft drink factories, product design, pharmaceutical industry, biochemical engineering, spice, cereal and rice mills etc. Job availability in deferent sectors in the country are Factory production 64%, Research & Development 12%, Government laboratories 2%, Teaching 2%, other jobs 25%

Remuneration

Today being a food scientist and technologist is all about success and quick career growth. To start as a fresher/trainee after an under graduate degree course in food science and technology, one can earn a salary ranging from Tk.10, 000/ to Tk.18, 000 per month. However, a master degree holder can get a salary in the range of 15, 000/ to 25, 000 per month depending upon the personal skills and caliber. In the present scenario, the fact is that the stepping-in of multi-national companies has further increased job prospects and lucrative salary packages in this industry.

Mohammad Mukul Hossain

MS Student, Dpt. of Food Engineering

Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU)

Gardening: How to buy trees

The epitome of gardening must be growing trees for without them the whole cycle of plant life would be under constant threat. They are the foundational pillars of any good garden design and dictate the landscape once they're planted and growing. For with their immense canopies they can reduce the garden to a shady retreat or open the yard up to winter sun.

Yet, what does one look for when they go to buy trees? They all look very similar when stockpiled throughout the nursery but how can you tell a good one from a bad one? Are there giveaway signs that the tree you just bought was, in fact, a 'lemon'? Sure there are, and here a few that may help you buy the best tree and leave the rubbish where it belongs.

It's all about shape - isn't it always? The tree's structure is an important element when considering which tree to buy. It should have a main stem with 2-3 leaders branching off midway up the trunk. Some nurseries will sell them with just a single trunk and not reduce the leader at all. It's hard to tell, from a gardener's point of view, whether this is a good tree or not because it obviously hasn't suffered any pruning yet.

Leave these for the garden centre to deal with and buy the ones that have already proved they can survive cutting back. This will ensure that your new tree will have greater success when you plant it in your garden.

Is it root-bound? - Check around the base of the container and look for any roots that are forcing their way through the pot. Also, you can try sticking your fingers down the edge of the container or a key, or other object, into the middle of it. If roots are showing at the base or the soil in the pot seems impenetrable then it's a sign that the tree is root-bound.

This doesn't mean that the tree can't grow successfully but it does highlight the need for extra care and patience in trying to get it established. If you're looking for a easier alternative, bypass the trees with root congestion and find an alternative with a better root structure.

Foliage telling you anything? - As foliage usually plays an important part in most trees growth success, listening to its leaves can save you heaps of time and money. Look for brown edges - a sign that water is lacking or there is some mineral deficiency in the soil; lumps on the leaves - exhibiting signs of pest infestations or even a myriad of other foliage issues.

Price - trees seem to be one of those items that command very different prices in the market place. I've often found the same tree for a much cheaper price at a nursery in the same neighbourhood.

While those were some general buying tips there are also many other factors that need to be considered. A tree isn't as flexible as your favourite garden shrub and it can't be moved, or removed, as easily as a container plant on your patio. Forethought is much better than hindsight.

Here are four more things for you to consider before you buy trees for your garden;

Small vs Tall - the problem with trees, like puppies, is that they grow up. While they may start life all cute and cuddly it's not long before you could have a monster on your hands wreaking everything that you once enjoyed about your garden.

A small tree is one that will grow to about 5-8 feet. Medium sized trees usually don't exceed 15-20 feet and tall trees can break into the stratosphere like the sequoia - well almost.

So, when you buy a tree, choose one that will fit within your surroundings in 10-15 years not just on the day you plant it.

Evergreen vs Deciduous - do you enjoy raking leaves? No? Then stick with an evergreen. For the novice, a deciduous tree is one that loses its leaves during winter while an evergreentwelltremains evergreen.

For many reasons, really. Firstly, its shape and structure make a real impact in the winter garden, while the seasons either side produce spectacular displays as well. Then there's also the added advantage of planting them on the west side of your living areas to let sun in during winter and shade throughout the warmer months.

Exotic vs Native - There has certainly been a trend over the last decade to search out indigenous tree species rather than their exotic counterparts. The reason is that natives take far less effort to maintain and if they're already growing in the region then there's probably more chance of success.

Exotics - Trees that you won't find growing in your area - can often take longer to establish, are much more prone to local diseases and pests and are usually more expensive than natives. But then the rewards of growing exotics are that you can show off your own individual talents and produce a garden that is distinctly different from your neighbours.

Fruit vs Ornamental - an even greater trend is starting to develop in the tree buying arena than just the popularization of natives. It seems that more gardeners are planting fruit trees over ornamentals as their garden plots get smaller and as the desire to be more self-sufficient grows.

Ornamental trees are wonderful, in that they provide beautiful aesthetics to the garden but enjoying the produce from your own fruit tree is hard to contend with.

Event: Ashraf Kaiser 'best talk show presenter of the year’

WP Reporter

Popular talk show host, advertising personality and journalist Ashraf Kaiser awarded `Best Talk Show Presenter of The Year' by Bangladesh Cultural Reporters Association (BCRA). He was awarded for his subjective and analytical talk show presentation.

His Television program hosting started with "Shongbadpotre Bangladesh" in channel I. Ashraf Kaiser has conceptualized and presented the famous current affaires talk show "Ekushey Shomoy" in Ekushey TV. The show was focused on Politics, economics, culture, and entertainment. Currently Ashraf Kaiser is conceptualizing and hosting a popular election based live talk show titled `Election Express' being broadcasted in Bangla Vision.

He is also a writer of several books like "Political killing in Bangladesh", Beside his media career Ashraf Kaiser is the Managing Director & CEO of advertising agency TBWA||Benchmark.

Trimming your to-do list fat

It seems that most items on people's to-do lists get carried over to the next day for months and months which creates more stress than having a to-do lists relieves. We have suggestions for what they can do to trim those to do lists and make them more realistic. Create a Master List. Get it out of your head and on paper. The next step is to break down the master list into categories. Your pillars are the major categories of your life: personal, relationships, work, health and financial. They're like the pillars of a house - the foundation.

We don't have room to work on all five pillars at once. Focus on just two or three at a time. Now, take a hard look at your list and decide what truly matters. Then focus on those items that are most important to you. Get them done!

If organizing your CD rack is on your list next to organize your kitchen drawers, think about what is most important at this time in your life. If organizing those kitchen drawers will save you time in hunting for things, and if this has been weighing on you emotionally, then, it is probably more important than organizing your CD rack right now. Save the CD rack for a later point, when the urgency feels higher.

By going through this process of prioritizing and focusing your to-do list on a regular basis, you can be more successful, effective and efficient with your to-dos. The goal is to accomplish what is doable at any given point in our lives.

If an item stays on your list for months, ask yourself why you have it on your list. If it is going to add value then keep it on your list and ultimately you will either find time or make time to take care of it. If it isn't truly important, then cross it off of your list and let go of the guilt.

Now that our current to-do lists are manageable we maintain the habit of keeping them manageable. Each day, evaluate the items on your list and really reflect on what is important on that day. We spend so much of our lives doing activities that drain us vs. excite us. Many activities are out of our control. However, our to-do lists can be in our control by reflecting what is important in our lives at this particular point in time.

Be patient with yourself. Organizing is a process and is also a thought process. It takes practice. With each step, you get to know yourself a little bit better. Each time you get to know your needs better, you make progress.

Throughout your day, take a break if you need to. Don't force yourself. Breathe and relax. If you are really drained, relax (guilt free) and you will be re-energized for the next day. It's ok to take a break, honest! There will always be stuff to do. Let's assure that the stuff we do adds value to our lives.