A True Test of Asia

The Festival of Breaking the FastRamadan is a special time of Muslim worship, reflection and seeking self-purification. It is most prominently characterized by the act of fasting from day break to sunset.

Every year during Ramadan, we all know Dhaka comes alive with restaurants, cafes, street bazaars and there is a lot of good food on offer.

Ramadan Bazaars are also held at various locations all around the world.

All kinds of good food to stuff yourself silly and choices from one end of the road to the other - this is a real street feast both Muslims and non-Muslims alike can enjoy.

Diet during Ramadan
To be healthy, one must consume food from the major food groups: bread and cereal, milk and dairy product, meat and bean, vegetable and fruit. During the month long fast of Ramadan the metabolic rate of a fasting person slows down and other regulatory mechanisms start functioning. Body and dietary fat is efficiently utilized. Consuming total food intake that is less than the total food intake during normal days is sufficient to maintain a person's health. Intake of fruits after a meal is strongly suggested. A balanced diet improves blood cholesterol profile, reduces gastric acidity, prevents constipation and other digestive problems, and contributes to an active and healthy life style.Happy Cooking at Ramadan
Tommy Miah

Klaicha (a beautifully scented date-filled pastry)
Dates - which are traditionally eaten by Muslims to break their fast, as well as for their nutritional value as a quick energy booster.

Ingredients:500g/17½oz plain flour80g/2¾oz caster sugar250g/8¾oz unsalted butter, cubed3 tsp rosewater60ml/2¼fl oz water250g/8¾oz stone dates2 tbsp butter

Method:Preheat the oven to 180C/360F/Gas 4.Make the pastry by rubbing the butter into the flour and sugar.Sprinkle the rose water; add the water and mix to make a firm dough.

Wrap the dough in clingfilm and leave to chill in the fridge while you prepare the dates.Chop the stoned dates and sauté them in butter.

When the dates are cool, take some of the pastry dough and make a round ball the size of a large walnut. Flatten in the hands, add some cooled dates and fold over into a small crescent.Prick the edges with a fork.Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

Keema Katlama
"Appetizers are the highlight of parties at our home. Slices of this golden katlama swirled with ground beef and butter disappear in a hurry. They're a tasty accompaniment to any meal”

Ingredients:1/2 kg of Ground Beef Salt (to taste) 2 tbsp. of Oil 1/2 tsp. of Ginger Paste 1/2 tsp. of Garlic Paste 1/2 tsp. of Red Chilli Powder 1 kg or 7 1/2 cups of Flour 2 cups of Water 1 cup of butter3 Onions

Method:Add sifted flour to warm salted water. Knead dough and let stand 10-15 minutes. While dough is setting, Put oil in a pan and add ground beef and stir. Add salt, red chilli powder, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Fry ground beef until well done. Turn off stove, set aside. Roll out into a thin layer, 1 mm (1/25 in) and coat with butter. Sprinkle surface evenly with chopped onions, and ground beef. Roll the dough around itself using a rolling stick (similar to a dowel).

Cut lengthwise along the stick which 2 cm (3/4 in) strips. Roll up each strip, place in its side and flatten with a rolling pin to a thickness of 1 cm (2/5 in). Coat frying pan with melted butter and fry on both sides.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad
"A refreshing, light salad for any hot, humid summer day! The kidney beans and tofu make it a great main dish for vegetarians, as well. The basil may be substituted with fresh parsley or mint. Be sure to make this salad just before serving."

Ingredients:1 tomato, chopped 1 cucumber, seeded and chopped 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion 1/4 cup canned kidney beans, drained 1/4 cup diced firm tofu 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing Salt and pepper to taste
Method:In a large bowl, combine the tomato, cucumber, red onion, kidney beans, tofu, and basil. Just before serving, toss with balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing, and season with salt and pepper.

Tahini Salad
"This is a recipe I learned from my Middle Eastern friend. It is a delicious way to get those very valuable brightly-colored veggies, and at the same time have a little fun. This side salad goes nicely with any main dish."

Ingredients:2 pickle-size Persian cucumbers, diced 1 large tomato, diced 3 radishes, diced (optional) 1 green onion, sliced 10 mint leaves, sliced 1/3 bunch parsley, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 3/4 cup tahini 1/4 cup lemon juice 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt, to taste

Method:Combine the cucumber, tomato, and radish in a bowl with the green onion, mint, and parsley. In a small bowl, stir together the garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth; season to taste with salt.

Toss the vegetables with the dressing until combined. Cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Tabbouleh
"A delicious bulgur salad that is filled with tomatoes, green onions, and cucumber. It is seasoned in the traditional way, with fresh mint and lemon juice."

Ingredients1 cup bulgur 1 2/3 cups boiling water 1/3 cup olive oil 1/3 cup lemon juice 1 cup chopped green onions 1 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 3 tomatoes, chopped 1 cucumber - peeled, seeded and chopped 1 teaspoon salt Ground black pepper to taste
Method: Combine bulgur and boiling water in a large bowl. Cover, and set aside to soak for 1 hour. Add oil, lemon juice, onions, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and cucumber; toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Koulourakia
"Cookies sprinkled with sesame seeds."Ingredients1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup shortening 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 cup milk 3 tbs sesame seeds

Method:Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cream together butter or margarine and butter. Add sugar , flour, baking powder, 1 egg , vanilla, ground cinnamon, nutmeg and milk. Chill dough until easy to handle.

On a floured board roll tablespoon size pieces into ropes. Place on cookie sheet in S shapes. Brush with remaining egg that is beaten with 1 tablespoon water. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degree C) for 10 to 12 minutes.

Lemon and Thyme Lamb Chops
"Drag that grill out of storage for spring grilling! Make extra marinade to use on grilled vegetables. Serve with a mint sauce and warmed flatbread."

Ingredients1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 tbs chopped fresh thyme Salt and pepper to taste 12 lamb chops

Method: Stir together olive oil, lemon juice, and thyme in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place lamb chops in a shallow dish, and brush with the olive oil mixture. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Preheat grill for high heat.

Lightly oil grill grate. Place lamb chops on grill, and discard marinade. Cook for 10 minutes, turning once, or to desired doneness.

Hair Cut

Face shape is crucial in getting the most flattering hair cut. Celebrity clients spend thousands of dollars on the best stylists at the best salons, but you don't have to. The easiest way to find your face shape is to pull any bangs off your forehead into a clip, take a lipstick or a magic marker and outline your face in the mirror. Draw what you see, not what you think, and you may be surprised. Step back and consider the shape on the mirror as only a geometric design. Is it…

Face Shapes Square RectangularOval (most common face shape) Round Heart ShapedTriangular

If you Have an Oval Face ShapeIf you look at most models and actresses, you'll notice that their faces tend to be oval. Oval faces look good in pretty much any hairstyle, especially styles that show off that perfect shape. Don't get bangs, and don't wear your hair in your face. For everyone else, hairstyles may be used to create the impression of having a "perfect" oval face. But you can also use your hairstyle to play up your best features regardless of your face shape.

Hair Cuts for Round Faces
There are two ways to address hairstyles for a round face. One way is to accentuate the roundness even further, with a bowl-shaped haircut, which can be very beautiful on the right woman. There's something widely appealing about transforming an unusual characteristic into a real feature, and playing up a round face is one way to be very much your own person, stylistically speaking. But if you don't want your face to look as round, choose a hair style that lengthens the look of your face. Have the top layered for fullness and height, and thinned out below the cheekbones to give the illusion of a narrower chin line. Go with medium to long hair. If you don't mind the extra time, running your hair through a straightening iron can be an extra sleek & sophisticated look.

Rectangular Face Hair Styles
A long, narrow face can be rounded a bit by hair that's kept short to medium in length, with wispy bangs. Fuller sides from the forehead to the middle of the cheekbones widen the face, and layers add fullness and volume to the hair. Long hair and center parts accentuate rectangular face shapes, making them appear longer.

Flattering Hairstyles for Heart Shaped Faces
You can have a lot of fun with new hair styles. The key here is to get a style with more fullness lower on the face, around the chin, and less fullness at the forehead. Sweep your hair back to show off your fabulous cheekbones. Short hair doesn't work as well on a heart shaped face, because it puts the emphasis at the top of your head. Keep your hair at least chin length, and light and wispy around the forehead.

Hair Lengths for Triangular Faces
If your chin or jaw is wider and your forehead narrower, add weight to the top of your head with layers that create fullness, thinning as it approaches the jaw. The shag was made for the triangular face! Short hair looks nice on a triangular face. Long hair doesn't work as well, but if you're attached to your hair and can't bear cutting it, try styles that pull your hair back as it falls below your cheekbones.

Elongate a Square with the right Hair
The square face can be elongated somewhat by added height on the top of the head. Layers on the crown and parting your hair off center help to reduce a square look. Wispy bangs and temples soften the squareness too, and may add roundness. Wavy hair adds to the softening effect; straight lines, straight bangs and straight or flat hair are to be avoided. Short or medium hair looks nice. Don't let any haircut end at your jawline.

Multiple intelligences

Multiple intelligences is educational theory put forth by psychologist Howard Gardner, which suggests that an array of different kinds of "intelligence" exists in human beings. Gardner suggests that each individual manifests varying levels of these different intelligences, and thus each person has a unique "cognitive profile." The theory was first laid out in Gardner's 1983 book, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, and has been further refined in subsequent years.
The theory was proposed in the context of debates about the concept of intelligence, and whether methods which claim to measure intelligence (or aspects thereof) are truly scientific. Gardner's theory argues that intelligence, as it is traditionally defined, does not adequately encompass the wide variety of abilities humans display. In his conception, a child who masters the multiplication table easily is not necessarily more intelligent overall than a child who struggles to do so. The second child may be stronger in another kind of intelligence, and therefore may best learn the given material through a different approach, may excel in a field outside of mathematics, or may even be looking through the multiplication learning process at a fundamentally deeper level that hides a potentially higher mathematical intelligence than in the one who memorizes the concept easily. The theory suggests that, rather than relying on a uniform curriculum, schools should offer "individual-centered education", with curricula tailored to the needs of each child.[1] (This includes working to help students develop the intelligences they are weaker in.)
Gardner identifies kinds of intelligences based upon eight criteria. His eight criteria for describing something as an independent kind of intelligence (rather than merely one of the skills or abilities included in a kind of intelligence, or a synonym for, or combination of other kinds of intelligence) include:[2] [3]
case studies of individuals exhibiting unusual talents in a given field (child prodigies, autistic savants);
neurological evidence for areas of the brain that are specialized for particular capacities (often including studies of people who have suffered brain damage affecting a specific capacity);
the evolutionary relevance of the various capacities;
psychometric studies; and
the existence of a symbolic notation (e.g. written language, musical notation, choreography).
Gardner originally identified seven core intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. In 1999 he added an eighth, the naturalistic intelligence, and indicated that work continues on whether there is an existential intelligence.
The theory has been widely criticized in the psychology and educational theory communities. The most common criticisms argue that Gardner's theory is based on his own intuition rather than empirical data and that the intelligences are just other names for talents or personality types. Despite these criticisms, the theory has enjoyed a great deal of success amongst educators over the past twenty years. There are several schools which espouse MI as a pedagogy, and many individual teachers who incorporate some or all of the theory into their methodology. Many books and educational materials exist which explain the theory and how it may be applied to the classroom

Multiple intelligences

Multiple intelligences is educational theory put forth by psychologist Howard Gardner, which suggests that an array of different kinds of "intelligence" exists in human beings. Gardner suggests that each individual manifests varying levels of these different intelligences, and thus each person has a unique "cognitive profile." The theory was first laid out in Gardner's 1983 book, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, and has been further refined in subsequent years.
The theory was proposed in the context of debates about the concept of intelligence, and whether methods which claim to measure intelligence (or aspects thereof) are truly scientific. Gardner's theory argues that intelligence, as it is traditionally defined, does not adequately encompass the wide variety of abilities humans display. In his conception, a child who masters the multiplication table easily is not necessarily more intelligent overall than a child who struggles to do so. The second child may be stronger in another kind of intelligence, and therefore may best learn the given material through a different approach, may excel in a field outside of mathematics, or may even be looking through the multiplication learning process at a fundamentally deeper level that hides a potentially higher mathematical intelligence than in the one who memorizes the concept easily. The theory suggests that, rather than relying on a uniform curriculum, schools should offer "individual-centered education", with curricula tailored to the needs of each child.[1] (This includes working to help students develop the intelligences they are weaker in.)
Gardner identifies kinds of intelligences based upon eight criteria. His eight criteria for describing something as an independent kind of intelligence (rather than merely one of the skills or abilities included in a kind of intelligence, or a synonym for, or combination of other kinds of intelligence) include:[2] [3]
case studies of individuals exhibiting unusual talents in a given field (child prodigies, autistic savants);
neurological evidence for areas of the brain that are specialized for particular capacities (often including studies of people who have suffered brain damage affecting a specific capacity);
the evolutionary relevance of the various capacities;
psychometric studies; and
the existence of a symbolic notation (e.g. written language, musical notation, choreography).
Gardner originally identified seven core intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. In 1999 he added an eighth, the naturalistic intelligence, and indicated that work continues on whether there is an existential intelligence.
The theory has been widely criticized in the psychology and educational theory communities. The most common criticisms argue that Gardner's theory is based on his own intuition rather than empirical data and that the intelligences are just other names for talents or personality types. Despite these criticisms, the theory has enjoyed a great deal of success amongst educators over the past twenty years. There are several schools which espouse MI as a pedagogy, and many individual teachers who incorporate some or all of the theory into their methodology. Many books and educational materials exist which explain the theory and how it may be applied to the classroom