15th Dec 2013 Sunday Magazine

Sunday

Times December 15, 2013

Star Times Hollywood:

Angelina Jolie banned from flying personal plane See story on page 12

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An adventure hike to the ‘Sleeping Giant’ Page 23

An Unforgettable Experience

Page 4

2 Times Sunday Magazine

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december 15, 2013

Times Feature

Giving back to her homeland

N

ot forgetting where she came from, Canadianbased Guyanese Subrina Mohamed-Puran’s aim is to give back to her homeland.

Through her We Care, We Can Foundation, the humanitarian donates much needed necessities to numerous orphanages and families, putting a smile on their faces.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine , Subrina stated that her charity work started over two years ago when she came to Guyana to get married. She approached one of her friends in Guyana to help her raise funds to give back to the needy. Via the fundraiser, Subrina was able to supply 3 orphanages across Guyana with much needed necessities, and her charity efforts grew from that.

Her foundation, We Care, We Can Foundation, stemmed from a food drive initiative she was part of with Youth Media Guyana.

Subrina saw how effective volunteerism proved to be in helping the needy and it stuck with her.

Subrina and her team help orphanages across the country- about 14 of them, which are fully registered.

She reiterated that her team follows strict criteria because they want to provide help where it is most needed.

“Guyana is my home. The

Recently, Subrina donated bags of toys to the Step

by Step Foundation, a school for children with autism, spreading the Christmas cheer with the children.

Additionally, she donated bags of foodstuff and toys to the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre, which is a regular feature of her visits to Guyana. She has also donated bags of school supplies to the Child Care Protection Agency and groceries to Help and Shelter.

“I usually plan my vacation time to Guyana so that I can continue our charity work. Some people define vacation as somewhere they

clared.

Through Facebook, according to Subrina, she can connect to businesses and overseas-based Guyanese who are willing to help donate to her charity. She said her team acts as the “middle man”, donating on behalf of those individuals.

Guyanese in Canada and as far as Germany, she revealed, have donated to the foundation’s work and have expressed their joy in giving back to their country.

Charity work and volunteerism is not new to Subrina. In Canada, she has been volunteering for more than 10 years with interna-

are happy and comfortable, and in Guyana is where I’m most happy and comfortable. I plan a trip maybe twice or three times a year and I coordinate initiatives with my team,” Subrina de-

tional companies and highprofile events.

“I have always been giving back. I grew up like that. My family always is involved in such activities. Then I always thought about the children who were given help for one day and wondered what happens to them the next day. This is what also sparked my interest in giving back. I will never forget Guyana no matter where I go. I’m also inspired by the children who remember me and hug me to express their thanks,” she explained.

Currently, Subrina is working with the Volunteer Youth Corp which is trying to get 500 toys for 500 children in the Sophia area.

“So far I have gathered toys for about 200 children and I’m researching online on how we can get more.

VYC’s event is on December 21 and I’m encouraging all those who can donate to please do so. VYC’s Chief Executive Officer Goldie Scott is an amazing, stellar person who is doing an excellent job. She motivates me to keep expanding my work,” Subrina noted.

Visit We Care, We Can Foundation Facebook page or email Subrina at subrina_mohamed@hotmail.com for more information.

Subrina (right) packing boxes filled with toys

Canadian culture of always giving back is instilled in me. Giving back started off as a hobby and is becoming a career actually. In Guyana, I gathered some of my friends who willingly joined in giving back to our communities. I now have a group of five, all Guyanese, including myself. In a week's planning we had helped more than seven orphanages and from that our efforts expanded.

Some of my team members have notable jobs in Guyana and it is commendable that they are taking the time to give back to their communi-

ties,” she noted.

The philanthropist mentioned she is always researching orphanages and groups that require help.

Through social networks such as Facebook, Subrina searches for individuals or organisations she can reach out to-either to help them or to encourage persons to donate to her charity work.

“Giving back comes naturally. The team I’m lucky to have is always willing to make things happen. People see that and it encourages them to donate. The team would go the distance to Plenty of toys to be distributed

make things happen and we’re very transparent and people tend to relate to that really well. Our motto is we care because we can and we want to volunteer,” she related.

Receiving a big hug from a student at Step by Step Foundation

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december 15, 2013

Times Sunday Magazine

3

Times Focus

Liana Cane

F

ocusing on doing business that is holistic, and a model that promotes and practices concepts of sustainability as they relate to people and the environment is what Liana Cane is all about.

It was at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro where Jocelyn Dow, Guyanese environment advocate and managing director, first dreamt of manufacturing furniture in Guyana from nontimber forest products from Guyana’s pristine rainforests.

Two years after the Earth Summit, Liana Cane, now an internationally recognised brand, was founded. In response to the need to conserve Guyana’s extensive forest, Dow researched ways in which she can manufacture furniture sustainably. She trained young Guyanese women and men in the manufacture of new, high- quality furniture of functional and high-end design and offered it to both the local and international markets.

Liana is a generic name for woody rainforest vines that attach themselves to the towering tree canopies while their roots and multiple offshoots droop down to the forest floor.

Similar in look and texture to the rattan and bamboo of the Far East, the kufa and nibbi vines are used for the structural elements of the furniture.

Nibbi, a small vine that grows from the forest floor up the trunks of trees, is used for binding joints as well as for the weaving that gives a wickerlike appearance to some of the pieces. A fibre of the Ite palm is made by women into a twine called tibisiri. This is used for the production of a cord-like material that is woven into fabric for the seats and backs of the chairs and tables, a feature unique to Liana Cane furniture.

Liana Cane manufactures furniture in a way that stimulates all-round development, with Amerindian communities as its partners in this pioneering effort at sustainable development. The unique traditional knowledge

Liane Cane furniture is made from the most sustainable forest products

and skills of surviving Arawak and Carib peoples in Guyana are key to the sustainable harvesting of the liana vines, from which Liana Cane takes its name.

“We are heartened by the numerous designers, artists , government officials and private investors who have embraced our vision of creating fine, carefully crafted furniture inspired by nature, and

INSIDE The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

which is a model of what can be achieved, especially in the global South, when we honour the essential relationship between people and nature,” Dow expressed in her catalogue.

The production of Liana Cane furniture and architectural pieces from forest vines helps to combat the destruction of Guyana’s forest ecosystems, threatened by two pressures.

The first is the increasingly desperate search of people in poor countries for survival; the second is the movement by big timber businesses into the remaining global forest resources of the South.

Adding value to non-timber forest products encourages the diversified use of the tropical Guyana rainforest and pro-

Jocelyn Dow presenting at an international forum on sustainable production

sponsible business partnerships with communities liv-

ing in and near key forest biodiversity areas such as the Iwokrama Forest as an essential prerequisite to the development of viable alternatives to the continued loss and destruction of tropical rain forest ecosystems. Their development is thus a key element in meeting the overall objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity- conservation, sustainable utilization and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of biodiversity.”

Dow’s foresighted vision has centred on rainforest conservation through the use of renewable forest products and the social responsibilities of building capacity in developing her country through qual-

Mandela and the Pg 6 Guyanese Imagination

Star of the Week

Pg 7

ShaSha Designs’ launches avantgarde collection Pg 10

Hrithik Roshan, Sussanne Pg 14 split!

Laurens Storm van’s Gravesande Pg 22

In the Liana Cane factory that employs local skills in manufacturing its quality furniture

vides evidence that a more

sustainable forest practice is economically beneficial to people. Liana Cane materials are harvested with a light ecological footprint on the forest and, in comparison with the conventional timber industry, generates many times more jobs per unit impact.

David Cassels, former director general of Iwokrama Rainforest Conservation Programme, commented on the work

by Liana Cane: “The Iwokrama International Centre sees the availability of companies like Liana Cane that can provide re-

ity design. Dow always reiterates that her furniture has been inspired by nature and is created for life.

For more information, visit Liana Cane on Facebook or call 225-8404.

4

Times Sunday Magazine

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december 15, 2013

Times Feature

T

he story of Buddy, a blind otter who once lived at Karanambu Lodge in the Rupununi, is one from tragedy to happiness for both the otter and his caregiver.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Salvador de Caires, who was born and raised in Georgetown, related his unforgettable experience with the loving otter.

Salvador first met Buddy on the Rupununi River sandbank at Karanambu.

Salvador has known Diane McTurk for years.

They met through a mutual friend Duane de Freitas, the manager of Dadanawa Ranch.

Diane has, for years, been executive director of the lodge which this year won the Caribbean Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award. Over the past 20 years or so, Diane has cared for more than 50 orphaned giant river otters at Karanambu – the majority of which have successfully been returned to the wild.

“My wife and I came to Guyana, after living overseas for a number of years, in January of 2010 with the intention of investigating the possibility of moving home to Guyana. We went to Karanambu to visit

“Buddy was unable to live on his own because he was blind. It would have been just a matter of time before a caiman got him. It was a question of quality of life over safety. But Diane still would not agree to send Buddy to a zoo. I tried to tell her that this would be his only chance to mate. She wavered; and then the wet season came and the river came up about twenty feet.

Buddy became disoriented because the sandbank was gone and the steps that he was accustomed to going up and down at a great speed to the sandbank disappeared under water. Diane relented,” Salvador recollected.

A few weeks later, a charter flight landed at

Buddy in his habitat at Jacksonville Zoo created just like the one at Karanambu

ago,” he recalled.

When Salvador and his wife arrived at Karanambu, they saw Buddy who was just a teenager. Salvador recollected Diane having two baby otters at that time: Philip and Belle. Salvador described Buddy as “very inquisitive and friendly”.

“Having a large animal, (about six feet from tip of tail to tip of nose) checking you out is a little nerve-rack-

Salvador and Buddy playing in the water at Karanambu

Diane for 10 days and ended up staying for three months.

When we finally returned to the U.S., it was only two weeks before Diane called us on Skype and asked us to make her home our home. It took us five minutes to agree. We returned to Karanambu as the managers of Karanambu Lodge Inc. That was four years

ing. But I soon realized I had nothing to fear from Buddy.

As he heard Diane call out, ‘My beloved beast!’ he came bounding over and almost knocked her over. Buddy and I became very close friends.

I took over his care, allowing Diane to spend more time with the two baby orphan otters,” Salvador reminisced.

He noted that Buddy’s

temperament was what stood out about him. He trusted Buddy completely.

The loving otter was never aggressive, unlike many others raised by Diane.

Salvador mentioned that he could lock his fingers behind Buddy’s canine teeth and pull him through the water and not get bitten- it was a game they played.

Buddy had lost his sight in an accident when he was much younger. A small boy, Salvador recounted, was playing with Buddy and stepped on a board which flipped and hit Buddy across the eyes, blinding him instantly.

Taking Buddy to the sandbank twice a day for at least two hours each time, Salvador got to see what he could do, and was amazed. Not having sight in the murky river waters was not an obstacle to catching fish. Buddy surprised everyone when he caught an 86lb arapaima and dragged it up out of the river onto the sandbank. Another time he caught a huge stingray and ate most of it.

“But Buddy was getting big. Twice he followed a wild otter down the river and we had to go behind him in the boat to bring him back. He also had several close encounters with black caiman, who were thankfully not bigger than he was,” Salvador remembered.

Because of his blindness, Buddy required special attention; he would not have survived very long in the wild. Jacksonville Zoo, in Jacksonville, Florida, was looking for a giant river ot-

Having fun together on the Rupununi River sandbank

ter to add to the gene pool.

The zoo collaborates closely with the Government of Guyana. Two jaguars from Guyana are already there.

Diane’s intention, according to Salvador, has always been, with each otter she has raised, to return them to the wild, not to keep them as pets.

Karanambu and a crate was loaded with Buddy and Talia – a volunteer who had become very close to all of the otters. After 48 hours of travelling, Buddy finally arrived in Jacksonville.

Salvador said the experts checked his eyes, but unfor-

Buddy plays in the water at Jacksonville

tunately nothing could be done. He had a few parasites and was kept in quarantine until he had adjusted.

At Jacksonville Zoo, a complete habitat based on Karanambu was designed.

Underwater channels, a waterfall and even a sandbank were designed just for Buddy.

Salvador also related humorously that Buddy was accustomed to catching fresh piranha and eating them headfirst, so when Jacksonville served him his first frozen fish popsicle, he swallowed it too quickly and got “brain freeze”; shaking his head madly.

Salvador is happy to know that Buddy is now given the best of care. He has a team of caregivers, including expert veterinarians. But most importantly, Salvador mentioned, Buddy has a mate, Ms. T, which would not have been possible in the wild. Otters live in groups of at least six to eight. Only the dominant pair mate and so it would have been very unlikely for Buddy to find a group, much less become the dominant male.

“This year, thanks to the senior veterinarian at the Jacksonville Zoo, Dr Nick Kapustin, we got to see Buddy. Dr Kapustin arranged a behind-the-scenes meeting. Much to my surprise, Buddy came right over to me and greeted me, standing up on his back legs and greeting me hand to paw. I could not believe that after three years he recognized me. It was a very emotional reunion,” he reminisced.

“A few months ago, the veterinarians thought Ms. T was pregnant, but it turned out to be a false alarm. I had a serious heart-to-heart talk with Buddy at Jacksonville, explaining about ‘the birds and the bees’. All of us at Karanambu are anxiously awaiting the news that Buddy and Ms. T will soon be parents,” Salvador added jovially.

guyanatimesgy.com

december 15, 2013

Times Sunday Magazine 5

Times Women

Mataji Sukhdaia Bhuali

A dedicated devotee

By Deodat Persaud

I

magine for a few moments, living for 102 years, how would you spend your days? Tough to imagine? What about living it?

Some pray to the Almighty for longevity for many reasons; perhaps to experience all there is to relish on this planet. But some live simply to praise and worship God. Mataji Sukhdaia Bhuali, also known as Sumintree Mahabir – said to be the oldest resident in the East Canje community – is such a person. Popularly known in the village as “Moonsee Nani”, this 102-year-old devotee of 86 East Canefield Settlement proudly credits God as the sole reason for her being alive today.

She insists that her remaining days must be dedicated in service to God.

This of course is taken literally since she is present at almost all religious Hindu functions in the community.

She is noted for her exceptional punctuality at religious functions and for worship at mandirs – the latter to which she walks only.

Her trademark of greeting is unique and brings a sense of conviviality when she says “Ram Ram”, and uses her hands to gently rub the receiver’s face and utters, “Oowwebaab, how u a do?” It is like the feeling you experience when someone in a divine and esteemed position touches you.

The numerous tragedies she overcame during her life have not shadowed the ever present human spark of love that prevails in her.

Even though her birth certificate record states her date of birth as December 30, 1910, her relatives are maintaining that she

is much older. It was explained by the relatives of Bhuali that both her parents came from India

share words of advice to the younger generation, often mixing her conversation with English and Hindi.

To the amusement of many, she continues to fold her legs in padmasana position at religious functions.

She is ever ready to offer guidance and even assist in puja (prayers) preparations.

What is noteworthy is that she is always alert during a puja in the event the priest requires additional ingredients.

Her physical appearance makes her quite conspicuous. She can be spotted from a distance with her brisk walking, curved back posture due to age, and neat rumal or head kerchief. Another, distinctive mark of Moonsie Nani is

her gownah or tattoo on her hand, signifying her family’s promise to her suitor for marriage.

Her marriage union ended in 1970 when her husband died. She then moved from the village, New Dam (modern day backlands of Albion) to Canefield to live with her relatives, since she has no children of her own.

This centenarian, a former labourer at the Rose Hall Estate, does not compromise her diet for age.

It is amazing to watch her eating “seven curry” in the evening without complaint.

She occasionally eats fish and meat, but enjoys her vegetables and supplement tonics. She boasts a body free from diabetes and hypertension.

The residents in her community consider her presence and company as a blessing and joy. “Nani can gyaff, she likes being around people,” her granddaughter-in-law, with whom she resides, said.

When asked how she was able to live so long, Bhuali jokingly said, “Beta, me deh hay too long. Me beg dem (God) fo tek me now, me live enuff, and me want meet me ancestors them now.”

A meeting with Bhuali and you will learn that happiness in life can be found through service to God. Her life shows that man must use their time to seek God and serve humanity.

(Article first published in Horizons 2013)

Bhuali being awarded for her devotion

Deodat sharing a light moment with Moonsee Nani

and arrived at Plantation Highbury. They later settled in Mara- an agricultural village 25 miles from New Amsterdam. Given the difficulties prevailing in those times, accessibility to a registry office was seemingly impossible.

It was after about 5 years, when her family migrated from Mara, the registration of her birth was possible. Her relatives insist that this lapse caused a grave error- the incorrect recording of her date of birth.

If her relatives’ claims are true, Bhuali would be celebrating 107 years of existence this month – ranking her as one of the oldest citizens in Guyana.

Despite her age, Bhuali is a moderately fast individual who enjoys dancing, singing, chatting, performing basic chores such as washing and cleaning, and visiting neighbours.

She is always willing to

6 Times Sunday Magazine

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december 15, 2013

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Mandela and the Guyanese Imagination

By Petamber Persaud

N

elson Mandela has seeped into the psyche of peoples worldwide, including the people of Guyana, through various sources – mainly books, music, films and quotations (the words of Mandela).

It is difficult to measure that effect. That effect is more, much more than naming a street in tribute to the man. Other manifestations of that effect can be seen daily especially in letters to local newspapers.

Mandela came to Guyana through the following sources: Films Many outstanding actors played Nelson Mandela in memorable portrayal of the man. In the 1987 HBO film Mandela was played by Danny Glover. Ten years later, Sidney Poitier played Mandela in “Mandela and de Klerk”. In 2007, Dennis Haysbert played Mandela in “Goodbye Bafana”. Two years later, Morgan Freeman portrayed Mandela in “Invictus”.

Then in 2013, the big hit, “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” in which Mandela was played by Idris Elba.

Music Music is another art form through which

Mandela pervaded the Guyanese consciousness.

Here’s a short list of songs that spoke about, and still speak to the man and his work.

‘Number 46664” by Bono, Joe Strummer and Dave Stewart “Free Nelson Mandela” by the Specials “Mandela, bring him back home” by Hugh Masekela “Asimbonanga” by Johnny Glegg (a music video in which Mandela was a part) “Nelson Mandela song”

by Nomfusi & The Lucky Charms “Freedom now” by Tracy Chapman “Mandela” by Carlos Santana “Prophet of Rage” by Public Enemy “Ordinary love” by U2 The more one listens to the songs the more the songs seem to speak to the life and work of the man.

Books Monday evening I listened to excerpts from the “Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela” which tells of his early years, a childhood of activities lived in a place where he could enjoy the neat line of the horizon.

David James Smith’s “Young Mandela” tells

about the rise of Mandela in the African National Congress. From reviews, this was a riveting piece of writing, showing rather than telling the story of the man. Looking back on those formative days, we could see the making of greatness through humility.

“Mandela’s Way”, by Richard Stengel, transforms Mandela’s prison experiences into the life lessons, which we may be advised to take from the book. (Some of the quotations in the following section will bear witness to this.)

and a complete relaxation, even when you’re discussing serious things, does help to mobilise friends around you. And I love that.

What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.

Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.

Many Guyanese have had the good fortune to meet the man in person, meetings that would tell their own stories and add to the avalanche of material soon to surface, all contributing in time to the shaping of Guyanese literature.

In his own Words The following quotations “copyright © 2010 by Nelson R. Mandela and The Nelson Mandela Foundation or From Nelson Mandela by Himself: The Authorised Book of Quotations’.

Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.

It is in the character of growth that we should learn from both pleasant and unpleasant experiences.

Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (July 18, 1918- Dec 5, 2013)

A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy.

I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.

Long speeches, the shaking of fists, the banging of tables and strongly worded resolutions out of touch with the objective conditions do not bring about mass action and can do a great deal of harm to the or-

ganisation and the struggle we serve.

It is never my custom to use words lightly. If twentyseven years in prison have done anything to us, it was to use the silence of solitude to make us understand how precious words are and how real speech is in its impact on the way people live and die.

You sharpen your ideas by reducing yourself to the level of the people you are with and a sense of humour

What’s happening: • “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature” is now available from the above contacts, Austin’s Book Service and at the National Library. This book is an up-to-date guide featuring significant literary landmarks from the 16th century to the new millennium. This 150-page book including over 100 photographs is an attempt at bringing to the fore little known facts about lesser known aspects of our literature. The big books, the big authors and the big success stories in Guyanese Literature are also featured.

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december 15, 2013

Times Sunday Magazine 7

Times Feature

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Star of the week

Joshua Singh

Fitness Trainer and Gym Owner

By Vahnu Manikchand

A

t the age of 19, Joshua Singh is a qualified fitness trainer with his own training centre; a dream driven by his motivation and own experience.

The youngest of five children, Singh spent most of his childhood indoors playing video games – and eating.

“I was a big eater, I loved eating. As soon as I got home from school I would go get something to eat and so I was overweight,” he recalled.

Singh attended Marian Academy during his primary years before going to School of the Nations where he spent his secondary years to write six Cambridge subjects in 2012.

At the age of 13, he weighed more than 200 pounds, and this was challenging for him as someone who was growing out of childhood into adolescence.

“It was the toughest challenge in my life; I got picked on in school and was very weak and sluggish. I never did anything, I just ate and slept. I was unmotivated to do anything. I was even uncomfortable going out because I would get picked on.”

After realizing the toll his size was taking on his life, Singh began working out in his room, trying out new routines. Within one year, and with no help, he lost more than 100 pounds. He then joined a gym, after which he began training people in the National Park.

During this time, he developed an enthusiasm for fitness training. He left his job with an online shopping business, which he began after he completed school, to pursue his dream of being a trainer. He began making and selling workout videos and was also doing personal training at persons’ homes. With the earnings he got from these ventures, he saved up and used it to go abroad to complete a certificate programme in fitness training.

He covered the American Council on Exercise (ACE), a three-month course on personal fitness training, and also received training from a gym in Canada, after which his certificate was approved. When Singh returned to Guyana in March, he continued his training sessions, only this time doing it in group sessions, which led to him establishing his very own fitness centre, Fit-Rex Training Centre. He started with one client and, within a mere few months, managed to acquire approximately 40 clients.

Singh could not have done all that he managed to accomplish without the continuous support from his family. He said that parents who have overweight children should take more interest in their health, and avoid too much junk food.

“They can still eat junk food but in moderation. They also need to be active, get into sports or physical activities, and parents should pay keen interest in their children’s diet and start being health conscious.”

He urged those in their early teens not to attend gym even though it may seem tempting. He recommended that they first start with physical exercise and then they can attend gym in their mid-teens.

Farzaana Ameena Khan

A

brilliant beauty, 17-year-old Farzaana Ameena Khan is a driven individual who loves dancing. Farzaana attended Mae’s School where she wrote her CSEC examinations and gained 9 subjects. She then went on to School of Nations to further her studies in business and English. One of Farzaana’s notable talents is dancing. Her inspiration comes from her mother who has a fond love for dancing. Farzaana credits her mother for encouraging her to follow her passion. At the tender age of 7, Farzaana took up dancing. She started with Kathak dancing- her favourite form of dance. Farzaana, at the age of 8, won her first place trophy- a huge encouragement to continue dance. She had originally started dancing at the Indian Cultural Centre but had to leave there because of her exams. She then joined the Dharmic Nritya Sangh and participated in her first Naya Zamana show in 2012. Farzaana described it as a “truly amazing and unforgettable experience”. She continues to train under the tutelage of dance instructors Dr. Vindhya Persaud and Trishala Persaud. Farzaana also received training from notable, talented teachers from India who always encouraged her to never give up on dancing.

The talented dancer is thankful to her dance teachers, family and dance associates for their endless support throughout the years. Dancing for Farzaana is a way of expressing herself and keeps her fit. She gets excited when she learns of new dance forms and choreographies and tries her best to continuously improve her abilities. A humanitarian, Farzaana enjoys donating to orphanages and also loves animals. She plans to graduate with a degree in business and to continue to grow as a talented dancer.

8 Times Sunday Magazine

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december 15, 2013

Times Kids Page

Did you know?

T

he woolly monkey (Lagothrix Lagotricha) inhabits the tropical forests of north-west South America. It is most well known for its roundshaped head and dense fur that covers its body.

There are four different species of woolly monkey found in the South American jungles today. These are the brown woolly monkey (also known as the common woolly monkey), the grey woolly monkey, the Columbian woolly monkey and the silvery woolly monkey.

The woolly monkey is omnivorous: fruit is its primary source of food, but it will also eat nuts, seeds, leaves, flowers, nectar, insects and even small rodents and reptiles.

Large birds of prey, like eagles, are the main predators of the young woolly monkeys, and wildcats such as ocelot and jaguars prey mainly on the adults.

Humans also prey on woolly monkey for their meat and fur.

CHRISTMAS SOCKS Spot the 5 differences

W

Columbian Woolly Monkey

The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

please see solution on page 22

Colouring Fun

Santa’s Reindeer

S

anta Claus’ eight reindeer according to the poem “Twas the Night before Christmas”,

by Clement C. Moore, are named Comet, Cupid, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Donder

FUN FACTS

and Blitzen.

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer is from a 1949 song of the same name. The songwriter also used Moore’s version of the reindeer’s names, but modified “Donder” to “Donner”.

The names of Donner and Blitzen in Henry Livingston Jr’s original 1823 poem “Account of A Visit from Saint Nicholas” were "Dunder" and "Blixem" (Dutch) before they were changed to Donder and Blitzen (German for thunder and lightning) by Moore.

oolly monkeys are now considered highly endangered, and captive individuals are bred to ensure the survival of the species as part of the International Breeding Program for Endangered Species.

They are large muscular monkeys with prehensile tails and arms about as long as their legs.

Woolly monkeys are sometimes followed by doubletooth kites, which are birds that feed on insects stirred up by the activities of the monkeys.

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december 15, 2013

Times Sunday Magazine 9 Anpan is a Japanese sweet bun filled with red or white bean paste.

Wheat

Rye

By Laurie Triefeldt

Barley

Rice

Grains A bread’s taste, texture and nutritional value depend largely on what type of grain is used to make it. Grains are the seeds or fruits of grasses. Cereal grains are named for the Roman goddess Ceres.

Bread can be made from many kinds of grains. Historically, the type of bread people made was determined by what type of grain was grown in their region.

Leavening agents

Through the centuries, people from all cultures have made some kind of bread. Bread has been an important food since ancient times. Making bread is not difficult; the earliest breads were made by grinding a grain into flour, adding water or milk, and baking the dough on hot stones. There are hundreds of delicious kinds of breads. Here are just a few.

A leavened bread typically has had yeast added to the dough.

Leavening is a sort of fermentation. The leavening agent creates bubbles, causing the dough to rise and become light. Sourdough was the first leavened bread.

Yeast, baking powder, baking soda and eggs can be used as leavening agents.

Naan is an oven-baked flatbread popular in India and the Far East.

Bagels are found worldwide.

They are often topped with sesame or poppy seeds.

Challah is a braided egg bread made by Jewish people for Shabbat.

Bao, also known as baozi, is a Chinese steamed bun made with meat or vegetable fillings.

A powerful symbol In many cultures, bread is symbolic of the harvest and fertility.

People around the world break bread together as a symbol of peace.

Pita is one of the most ancient of breads. It originated in the Middle East, but is found worldwide today.

Cuban bread has a toasty crust and soft middle, similar to white French and Italian breads.

Bread also plays a role in many religions. For Christians, communion bread is symbolic of the body of Christ, and hot cross buns commemorate Lent and Good Friday.

Jewish families celebrate the coming of the Sabbath with challah.

In ancient Egypt, bread could be used as currency. Today, money is sometimes called “dough” or “bread.”

Did you know?

According to a Food Institute Report, U.S. sales of fresh bread and rolls totaled $5.8 billion for the 52 weeks ending August 11, 2013.

Wheat is grown in 42 of the U.S. states. In Canada, it is mostly grown in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario.

Rye bread originated in Germany and is a hearty alternative to white bread.

Pan de Muerto is a Mexican bread served on the Day of the Dead (November 1 and 2). This sweet, egg bread is decorated with a skull or other bone shapes.

Pretzels are a European bread thought to have originated in German monasteries of the Middle Ages.

Fry bread is a Native American bread traditionally made by the Navajo peoples.

The first commercial bread slicing machine was invented in 1928 by an American named Otto Rohwedder. By 1933, 80 percent of all bread sold in the U.S. was sold sliced. It was around this time that the phrase “the best thing since sliced bread” was coined.

Before erasers were invented, people used a rolled-up piece of white bread to erase pencil marks.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends Americans eat 6 ounces of grain-based foods every day and that at least half of that should be whole grain.

Focaccia bread originated in Italy and the Mediterranean. It is topped with herbs and spices and can be served instead of garlic bread.

Tortillas are a flat, unleavened bread of Mexico. This bread has been made for thousands of years.

Farmer’s bread is often darker and more textured, being made from whole grains.

Soda bread has many variations, but traditionally it is a yeast-free bread made with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Native Americans used potash as the leavening agent to make this bread.

As a flatbread, pizza dates back to ancient times. Early versions of baked flatbread topped with a variety of ingredients were enjoyed by the ancient Greeks, the ancient Egyptians and other Mediterranean peoples. Tomato sauce was not added until the 16th century.

SOURCES: World Book Encyclopedia, World Book Inc.; The World Encyclopedia of Bread by Christine Ingram; www.americasheartland.org; www.suu.edu; http://whyeatbread.com; www.wheatworld.org

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Times Fashion

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vant-garde designer Keisha Edwards recently launched her sensual yet classy collection.

Her signature ‘ShaSha Designs’ is the perfect choice for any Christmas festivity.

For a distinct look this season, Keisha carefully designed her collection with pieces that will surely stand out at any occasion. She has also incorporated a stylish twist on plaidsdesigns ideal for any day or night event.

The pieces are also very comfortable and contour any body type. From the conservative to plunging backs

and necklines, these designs will suit any fashionista.

“Shasha Designs is ‘Personality Risen to the Surface’. A mixture of traditional rock meets modern wear with a dash of Caribbean flavour. My collection is a true expression of self and an escape from the norm into the extraordinary. ShaSha Designs allows you to be bold and express your stylish persona,” the designer said in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

For more information on ShaSha Designs, email at shashadesigns@ gmail.com or call 676- 7341.

Designer Keisha Edwards

L ily Collins is an English and American actress, model, and television personality. She is the daughter of English musician Phil Collins. Lily is known for her roles in the films “The Blind Side” (2009), “Abduction” (2011), and “Mirror Mirror” (2012). In 2013, Lily portrayed Clary Fray in the fantasy film adaptation “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones”, based on Cassandra Clare's best-selling novel “City of Bones”.

Lily began acting at the age of two in the BBC series “Growing Pains”. As a teenager, she wrote a column (titled “NY Confidential”) for the British magazine Elle Girl. She has also written for Seventeen, Teen Vogue, and the Los Angeles Times magazines.

She was picked by Spain's Glamour magazine in 2008 as their “International model of the year” and appeared on the magazine's cover in August 2009. Lily was one of 20 women named by Maxim magazine as one of “The Hottest Daughters of Rock Stars” in 2009.

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S

tateside reports today are claiming that Angelina Jolie has been banned from flying her own personal plane, meaning she'll just have to make do private jets in the meantime.

The A-list mother of six can no longer fly what appears to be her personal plane after the registration on the aircraft expired over the summer, according to an FAA spokesperson.

"FAA records show the registration on N805MX, registered to Chivan Productions, Inc. and Potter, Inc. of Los Angeles, expired June 30, 2013," they confirmed. "The owners attempted to reregister the aircraft, but the documents were returned for needed corrections. The owners have filed new paperwork, which the FAA is reviewing."

Given that Chivan is Jolie's son Maddox's middle name, it is therefore believed to be the production company owned by the Oscar-winning super starlet.

Jolie obtained her pilot's license in 2004 after her adopting Maddox. "I learned to fly a few years ago in England," the actress revealed back in 2010. "When Maddox was one and a half, we used to go to the airfield, have lunch and watch the planes. And it dawned on me: I could fly. So I promised him I would fly by his second birthday."

Is there nothing this woman cannot do?

"It's the only place I'm completely alone-

up in the air, detached from everything…

Brad [Pitt, her partner in case you didn't know] loves the technical aspects. He loves the checks, loves all the math. I'm terrible at the math, but I love that I can just go anywhere, have that freedom."

The rep for Angelina, whose aircraft is reportedly valued at over US$350,000, is yet to comment. (Glamour)

he Beatles has been announced as one of the artists who will be honored with the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award early next year. The legendary British band will receive the award at a special ceremony that's taking place on January 25, the night before the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.

Other Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are electronic music band Kraftwerk, musical group The Isley Brothers, singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson, Zydecoartist Clifton Chenier, Mexican singer Armando Manzanero, and violinist Maud Powell.

They join previous honorees that include Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton and Barbra Streisand.

"It is a great privilege

to recognize such an exceptional group of honorees and celebrate their accomplishments and contributions to the recording industry," Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement.

"This astoundingly unique and gifted group have created some of the most distinguished and influential work in our musical history. Their legacies are timeless and legendary,

‘The Hunger Games’ Barbie dolls are here

F

ollowing on from the clothing line with NetA-Porter, the hugely successful “Hunger Games”

sequel “Catching Fire” has got its own line of Barbie dolls.

Katniss (Jennifer

Lawrence), Finnick (Sam Clafin), Effie (Elizabeth Banks) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) have all been given a likeness in doll form - and as Barbie doll tributes go, we think they're relatively accurate.

The action figures (aside from Effie) are dressed ready to do battle in the arena, from Finn with his trident, to Katniss with her side braid and bow and arrow.

Effie is dressed as eclectically as she is in the film, wearing a blue metallic dress and grey feather jacket.

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” broke box office records in the US when it debuted 10 days ago, taking $110.2 million over the Thanksgiving weekend.

(Glamour)

O

prah Winfrey apparently does not regret not having children. The media mogul talks about family in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Speaking to the magazine, Oprah seems to believe that her children will suffer and end up hating her because she is busy with work.

"If I had kids, my kids would hate me.

They would have ended up on the equivalent of the Oprah show talking about me;

and their creativity will continue to influence and inspire future generations," he added.

Additionally, rock photographer Jim Marshall, legendary Italian composer Ennio Morricone, and FAME Studios owner Rick Hall, will all receive the Recording Academy's Trustees award.

Emile Berliner, the inventor of the gramophone, will posthumously receive the Technical Grammy Award.

(AceShowbiz)

because something [in my life] would have had to suffer and it would've probably been them," says Oprah, who has been in relationship with Stedman Graham since 1986.

Oprah's best friend Gayle King, however, is totally different from her. "Gayle was the kind of kid who, in seventh grade Home Ec class, was writing down her name and the names of her children. While she was having those kind of daydreams, I was having daydreams about how I could be Martin Luther King," she explains.

Oprah is known as a benefactor for many causes including a school for girls in South Africa. Although she grew up in poverty in rural Mississipi, the young girl always thought of helping others. "I'd collect it in a little cup and take it back to church on Sunday to give to the starving children of Costa Rica. I always felt that whatever you have, you have to share it," she recalls.

The media mogul donated more than $100 million to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls which she opened in 2007. Oprah also says in the interview that she responds to the the girls' stories via e-mails regularly. (AceShowbiz)

Khloe Kardashian filing for divorce

I

s it really over? According to a new report from TMZ, Khloe Kardashian plans to file for divorce from husband Lamar Odom very, very soon.

The site claims that the 29-year-old reality star will be citing irreconcilable differences in her divorce papers. Married since September 2009, the couple has been estranged for several months, thanks largely to revelations about Odom's drug use.

There seemed to be a glimmer of hope for the pair in late fall, but that glimmer has since faded. Kardashian has not been photographed with her wedding ring since Nov. 23, and has hinted at heartbreak in several recent (and cryptic) posts on Instagram and Twitter.

"She flip-flopped several times, but she can't imagine having kids with someone who refuses to seek help for his disease," a source close to the star shares in the new issue of Us Weekly. Adds another pal: "She's saying, 'I'm moving on.'"

Indeed, Kardashian seems determined to rise above. On Thursday, Dec. 12, just hours before TMZ reported on her divorce plans, she shared this quote via Instagram: "I am strong because I've been weak. I am fearless because I've been afraid. I am wise because

I've been foolish."

She also posted a note about learning to love on Dec. 7. "Dear Human: You've got it all wrong," the note read. "You didn't come here to master unconditional love. That is where you came from and where you'll return. You came here to learn personal love. Universal love. Messy love. Sweaty love. Crazy love.

Broken love. Whole love. Infused with divinity. Lived through the grace of stumbling.

Demonstrated through the beauty of...messing up. Often."

It went on: "You didn't come here to be perfect. You already are. You came here to be gorgeously human. Flawed and fabulous.

And then to rise again into remembering."

(US Magazine)

V

arun Dhawan is an Indian actor and a former model. Dhawan was in Mumbai to film director David Dhawan. He is the younger brother of director Rohit Dhawan who made directorial debut with the 2011 film “Desi Boyz”. Varun has a degree in business management from Nottingham Trent University, UK. He marked his debut in Karan Johar's “Student Of The Year” (2012) and won a Stardust Awards for Breakthrough Performance. Prior to his acting debut, Varun worked as assistant director to Karan Johar on his 2010 film, “My Name Is Khan”. His next film, titled “Main Tera Hero”, is a remake of a Telugu blockbuster film, “Kandireega”. In preparation for his role, he enrolled in singing classes. The movie is scheduled to release in April 2014. He has also been signed by Saif Ali Khan's production house, Illuminati Films, to do a film directed by Sriram Raghavan. He is also confirmed for Karan Johar's next production “Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania” opposite “Student of the Year” co-star Alia Bhatt.

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Times Bollywood

Hrithik Roshan, Sussanne split!

B

ollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan Friday announced that he and his wife Sussanne have parted ways after the latter decided to annul their marriage.

"Sussanne has decided to separate from me and end our 17-year relationship. This is a very trying time for the entire family and I

request the media and the people to grant us our privacy at this time," said the 39-yearold in a statement.

The news has come just a few days before their 13th marriage anniversary. The duo tied the knot Dec 20, 2000, post the success of Hrithik's debut film “Kaho Naa...

Pyaar Hai”. They have two sons- Hrehaan and Hridhaan.

"I do not wish this news to disempower my fans and the people about the institution of marriage in any way. I am a firm believer in this institution and respect and honour it at the highest level...," he said.

Last month, Hrithik headed to an undisclosed location abroad for his medical treatment. The “Krrish” star has been suffering bouts of headache. In July this year, he had undergone a brain surgery for removal of a clot at the Hinduja Hospital.

"And once again I thank my fans for all the concern and prayers for my health, my treatment is going well and I should be able to resume my life in every way very soon.

Thank you," he said. (Times of India)

Shah Rukh Khan tops Forbes celebrity list for the second time

B

ollywood star Shah Rukh Khan has been named the most powerful celebrity of 2013 by Forbes India for the second time in a row.

The 48-year-old actor has conquered the Top 100 celebrity list with the help of his popularity and earnings from his mega hit film “Chennai Express” this year.

Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni moved up from the third spot last year and has come in at the number two spot with his immense popularity and endorsement deals.

Bollywood star Salman Khan slipped from his second position last year and earned the third spot in the list. They are

followed by Sachin Tendulkar at number 4, and megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who retained his position, completing the top five on the list.

Bachchan is followed by Bollywood action star Akshay Kumar, who has come in at number 6.

There have been two exits from the top 10 this time. Actress Kareena Kapoor and swashbuckling cricketer Virendra Sehwag have made way for actors Ranbir Kapoor at number 8 and Hrithik Roshan at number 10.

Cricketer Virat Kohli is the youngest celebrity to make it to the top 10 this year.

Katrina Kaif is the only woman who has made it to the Top 10. (Indian Express)

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania honours ‘Chennai Express’

E

arlier this year, Shah Rukh Khan's “Chennai Express” broke records at the box office with its collections. And now, the film has earned itself a special recognition.

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania through Knowledge@wharton has awarded the digital team of SRK's film with the best social media campaign honour.

The team was presented with an award at a ceremony held on December 10 at Pennsylvania in the US. Shailja Gupta, digital strategist for Chennai Express, received the award on behalf of the team.

Producer and actor Shah Rukh, of course, is excited about bagging the award. "With every film we make, we try to bring in something new, especially when it comes to our digital publicity. Our team brought many firsts to the table with Chennai Express and I am glad we executed them exactly as planned. Also, without the support of my always-loving fans, this wouldn’t have been possible,” he says.

Chennai Express was the first time that Shah Rukh teamed up with film-maker Rohit Shetty. After the phenomenal re-

sponse it got at the box office, it is believed that SRK and Rohit will come together again for a sequel to the project. (Hindustan Times)

Katrina Kaif: 'I'm not getting married to anyone'

K

atrina Kaif has said she is not getting engaged or married to Ranbir Kapoor.

Attending the “Dhoom: 3” press conference in Mumbai with her co-stars from the film, the actress responded to questions about her relationship status.

"I am not getting married or engaged to anyone soon," she told The Hindustan Times. "You can lock it. It's final. I am not getting married to anyone. I don't know if it (marriage) will happen in 10 or 20 years or so."

The questions come on the back of an appearance on Koffee with Karan in which Ranbir's cousin actress Kareena Kapoor teased him about his relationship with Kaif, describing her as her "sister-in-law."

Ranbir was recently forced to deny reports that he was engaged to Kaif after the media circulated news of his planned proposal.

Kapoor and the “Dhoom: 3” actress were photographed on holiday in Ibiza and New York, but continue to deny they are in a relationship.

The two actors starred in “Ajab Ghazab Ki Prem Kahani” together. (Digital Spy)

Abhishek Bachchan: 'I am in awe of Aamir Khan'

A

bhishek Bachchan has said he is in awe of Aamir Khan.

Bachchan reprises his role as Jai Dixit in the action thriller “Dhoom: 3”, which sees Khan join the cast as the film's new adversary.

Speaking to IBN Live, the 39-year-old said: "I can't say Aamir is my buddy. For

the kind of work he has done and is doing there is a certain amount of respect that I have for him.

"I am in awe of him. I have learnt a lot from him while working with him on this film."

In the previous two installments of the hugely successful Dhoom franchise, Bachchan's character pitted his wits against John Abraham and Hrithik Roshan in negative roles.

"I have had fun working with all of them," said Bachchan. "All the three films are very much different and so are these characters.

"For ‘Dhoom: 3’ we have gone a step ahead. I don't look them as villains but as co-stars. It is difficult... unfair to choose who is my favourite."

Also starring Katrina Kaif, “Dhoom: 3” releases on December 20. (Digital Spy)

Bollywood stars condemn India's gay sex ban

B

ollywood's biggest stars have spoken out in condemnation of the Indian Supreme Court's ruling which states that gay sex is a criminal offence.

Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Farhan Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Freida Pinto and Anupam Kher are just a few of the celebrities to vociferously criticise the regressive Section 377 ruling, which outlaws sex "against the order of nature". Conviction carries a fine and a jail sentence of up to 10 years.

Leading Indian writer Vikram Seth called the verdict "a great day for prejudice and inhumanity and a bad day for law and love".

Actor Aamir Khan was vocal in express-

ing his anger at the judgement. "I am most disappointed with this judgement. It feels very intolerant and violative of basic human rights. It's a shame," the star said in a statement.

Filmmaker Karan Johar tweeted: "#Sec377 is not just a violation of human rights but also makes democracy seem like a mirage in our country....

"For all those who think that this judgement gives them a right to talk about their self appointed machoism...GET A LIFE!!!" he added.

The Supreme Court's judgement set aside a Delhi High Court verdict from 2009 which had decriminalised homosexuality in India. (Digital Spy)

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Times Sunday Magazine

15

Times Healthy Living

Holiday Drinking: How 8 Common Medications Interact with Alcohol

part ii

(GERD), drinking can make heartburn worse.

The holidays can be challenging for people with GERD because there's often so much tempting food and alcohol. "It's hard to tell whether it's eating or drinking that is causing reflux symptoms to flare up," Elder said.

Alcohol can irritate and erode the lining of the stomach and oesophagus, and also increase the amount of stomach acid produced, thus worsening acid reflux as well as ulcer symptoms.

Elder advised people with stomach ulcers to avoid alcohol because it can slow an ulcer's ability to heal.

(Continued from Dec 8)

A

lcohol is often a familiar sight at holiday celebrations. But if you're taking one or more medications a day — whether they're over-the-counter or prescription — is it safe to raise a glass or two, or should you avoid drinking altogether?

In some cases, mixing alcohol with medications can be dangerous. Some drugs contain ingredients that can react with alcohol, making them less effective.

Knowing which of the eight common medication classes below may interact harmfully with alcohol, and what side effects may occur as a result, could go a long way toward helping you to enjoy a happier and healthier holiday season.

Be sure to consult your pharmacist or doctor if you have additional questions about the medications you are taking.

Cholesterol-lowering medications

"In general, it's best to err on the side of drinking moderately if you're on statins," Qato said.

Moderate drinking means one drink a day for women and up to two daily for men, according to the U.S. government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

(One drink is considered 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor.)

But Qato said a bigger concern is the people

who take these cholesterollowering drugs and have a history of heavy drinking.

That's because liver damage is a potential side effect of statin treatment, and regular statin use combined with frequent bouts of heavy drinking can both take a toll on the liver.

Liver problems may not cause any noticeable symptoms, and may be detected only through a liver function test.

Diabetes medications

People who have diabetes should be aware that alcohol can cause low bloodsugar levels not only right after drinking, but also up to 24 hours afterward, Elder said. Because of this, she advised eating a snack before or while you're drinking,

to keep blood-sugar levels steady.

Some diabetes medications may not mix well with alcohol because they lower blood sugar and could lead to dangerous side effects.

One of these medications is metformin, which has been linked with a rare but potentially serious side effect when taken by someone who has been drinking excessively. It increases the risk of lactic acidosis, which causes a buildup of lactic acid in the blood and could lead to such symptoms as nausea and weakness.

Drugs used to treat diabetes, such as chlorpropamide, and other sulfonylurea drugs can also occasionally interact with alcohol and cause dizziness, nausea, flushing (redness of

the face), and extremely low blood glucose levels, Elder said.

Gastroesophageal reflux and ulcer drugs

Though Elder said it may be OK to have one drink if you have heartburn, larger amounts of alcohol can relax the muscle between the stomach and the oesophagus, increasing acid reflux.

This could produce a burning sensation in the upper chest and a sour taste in the back of the mouth, she explained.

Although Elder said there's not really any direct reaction between alcohol and proton pump inhibitors, which are the drugs commonly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease

Painkillers

Drinking can be harmful when taking certain overthe-counter and prescription pain relievers because alcohol intensifies the effect of some pain medicines.

It's generally safe to drink in small amounts if you're taking acetaminophen (Tylenol), Qato said, but she warned that chronic drinking and acetaminophen use can cause liver damage.

Other over-the-counter pain remedies, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, are usually safe with moderate drinking, Qato said. But she cautioned that because aspirin and ibuprofen can increase stomach irritation, and so does alcohol, it's best to refrain from heavy drinking if you take pain relievers on a regular basis in order to avoid the possibility of ulcers

and stomach bleeding.

Drinking should be avoided when taking prescription pain medications, including opioids such as Vicodin and OxyContin.

Alcohol can enhance the sedative side effects of these narcotics, thus increasing fatigue and causing blood pressure to drop. Combining alcohol and narcotics can also impair thinking and motor skills, lead to breathing problems and even death.

Sleeping pills

It's generally recommended to steer clear of alcohol if you're taking sleeping pills, said Qato.

Combining sleep aids, such as Lunesta or Ambien, with alcohol can be dangerous. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of sleep medications, depressing parts of the brain and causing severe drowsiness and dizziness, which may increase the risk of falls, injuries and car accidents.

Heavy drinking while taking sleeping pills can reduce blood pressure to extremely low levels, and cause difficulty breathing.

Although drinking can make you feel tired, which is why some people use it as a nightcap, it can also disrupt normal sleep patterns and cause you to wake up more often during the night.

If you have a drink, try to wait at least six hours before taking sleeping pills in order to keep alcohol far away from your bedtime, Qato recommended.

Cholesterol 'fuels' breast cancer

A

by-product of cholesterol can fuel the deadly growth and spread of breast cancer, according to a group of scientists. It raises the prospect that taking cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins could prevent cancer.

The work, published in the journal Science, helps explain why obesity is a major risk factor for the disease. However, cancer charities cautioned that it was

more quickly in the laboratory when it was fed 27HC. One of the researchers Prof Donald McDonnell said: "A lot of studies have shown a connection between obesity and breast cancer, and specifically that elevated cholesterol is associated with breast cancer risk, but no mechanism has been identified.

"What we have now found is a molecule - not cholesterol itself, but an abundant metabolite of cholesterol - called 27HC that mimics the hormone oestrogen and can independently drive the growth of breast cancer."

too soon to advise women to take statins.

Obesity has been linked with many cancers including those of the breast, bowel and womb. The fat in overweight people can pump out hormones, such as oestrogen, which drive the growth of cancers.

A team at Duke University Medical Centre, in the US, showed that cholesterol was having a similar effect. Cholesterol is bro-

ken down by the body into 27HC, which can mimic oestrogen and produce the same effect as the hormone in some tissues.

Experiments on mice showed that a high fat diet increased levels of 27HC in the blood and led to tumours that were 30 percent larger than in mice on a normal diet.

Tumours were also more likely to spread. And human breast cancer tissue grew

Treatment

The researchers say their findings raise the prospect that lowering cholesterol can lower the risk of breast cancer developing.

Statins are already taken by millions of people to cut the risk of heart disease.

However, studies have already suggested statins can cut the risk of breast cancer.

A healthier diet is another way to cut levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Dr Hannah Bridges, from leading charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, says: "Up until now research into the links between cholesterol levels, use of statins and breast cancer risk has been inconclusive.

"The results from this early study are promising and if confirmed through further research could increase our understanding of what causes some breast cancers to develop."

Dr Emma Smith, from Cancer Research UK, said:

"This study is intriguing as it shows for the first time a direct link between cholesterol and breast cancer in mice - but it's too early to say how this knowledge might help tackle breast cancer in the future.

"As things stand, until we know more about the effects of statins on cancer risk, the best ways to cut the risk of developing breast cancer are to stay a healthy weight, cut down on alcohol and keep active." (BBC News Health)

16 Times Sunday Magazine

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December 15, 2013

Times Home & Cooking

Smokey barbecued meatball skewers Capture the magic and brilliance of a classic holiday with simple inspiration from realsimple.com

Ingredients: 600g beef mince 1 egg, lightly beaten 3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs 1 small brown onion, grated 100g rindless shortcut bacon rashers, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed 1/3 cup smokey barbecue sauce 2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives Olive oil cooking spray Salad leaves and smokey barbecue sauce, to serve

Method: Combine mince, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, bacon, garlic, barbecue sauce and chives in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix to combine. Roll level tablespoons of mixture into balls. Place on a plate.

Thread three balls onto each pre-soaked bamboo skewer. (You will need 12 in all) Spray a barbecue plate or chargrill with oil. Heat over medium-high heat. Cook skewers, turning, for 5 to 7 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Serve with salad and sauce.

Pumpkin & sweet potato fiesta Set a simple and sophisticated table that will make your holiday gatherings extra special

Turn a bare windowsill into a stylish nook in no time by filling glass jars of varying heights and shapes with leftover balls for a dramatic, highimpact display

Ingredients: 1.6kg butternut pumpkin, peeled, seeded, cut into 2cm pieces 1kg even-sized orange sweet potatoes (kumara), peeled, cut into 2cm pieces 80ml (1/3 cup) olive oil

80ml (1/3 cup) balsamic vinegar 70g flaked almonds, roasted 1 long red chilli, seeded, finely chopped 1/2 cup roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus extra, to serve 2 tbs Craisins (sweetened dried cranberries)

Method: Preheat oven to 200C fanforced. Place pumpkin and sweet potatoes in separate bowls and toss each with 2 tbs oil. Season with salt and pepper, and toss well to combine.

Heat a large heavy-based frying pan over high heat.

When the pan is very hot, add pumpkin and leave for 3 minutes to brown. Cook, turning occasionally, for a further 7 minutes or until pumpkin is almost tender.

Transfer to a large roasting pan.

Repeat with sweet potatoes and combine with pumpkin.

Drizzle vegetables with vinegar; roast in oven for 10 minutes or until tender. Transfer to a large bowl, add almonds, chilli, parsley and Craisins, and toss gently to combine.

Scatter with extra parsley to serve.

Greatest Cooking Tips

When planning to a cook turkey, remember that turkeys range in weight from the 6- to 8-pound category to as large as 26 pounds. Very small and super-big are not better. Small ones get blotchy. Big ones present food safety problems because their mass resists total heat penetration; best to go with a basic 12- to 16-pound turkey.

Always use an instant-read thermometer when roasting turkey. This is your most important tool. With this, you don't need a roasting chart or a clock. Read the facts on the dial. There will be no question about the internal temperature of your meat. If you don't have one, get one.

Don’t restrict magnificent and sparkly baubles to the tree. Accentuate overhead lighting with shimmery decorations

Home Help

Add a few drops of bleach to vase water to prevent the build-up of the slime caused by bacteria. It works just like chlorine in a swimming pool.

Run a few small strips of wax paper through the can opener to clean out of the bits and pieces that have built up in the gears throughout the year. The wax will also rub off on the gears to protect for future use as well.

To un-stick a zipper, use olive oil. The oil will help the zipper slide more easily.

If you have a photo stuck on a page that you can’t get free, try using a blow dryer on the back of the page. It will loosen the adhesive holding it there, and the photo from the page.

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December 15, 2013

Times Sunday Magazine 17

Times Sunday Puzzle

Detective Singh sat across the table from his friend, John.

John had just come back from seeing a sleep therapist.

He claimed that he would be able to cure John's insomnia forever, if John agreed to spend a week at his "Sleep Camp".

The catch was that the week's treatment cost "$5,000".

"But it'll be worth it," John said "If only he cures my insomnia. I've not had a good night sleep in as long as I can remember. The doctor says it's because when I go into "deep sleep" known as "gamma sleep" in the medical profession, I don't make the transition to and from REM sleep properly, thus making me wake up, and stay awake all night."

"He might be able to help you, his theory certainly appears sound," Detective Singh said. "But I don't believe he is a real sleep therapist."

Why not? see solution on page 22

see solution on page 22

see solution on page 22

18 Times Sunday Magazine

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December 15, 2013

Times Creative Writing

Good husband and housewife, now chiefly be glad, Things handsome to have, as they ought to be had.

They both do provide, against Christmas do come, To welcome their neighbours, good cheer to have some.

Good bread and good drink,

a good fire in the hall, Brawn, pudding, and souse, and good mustard withal.

Beef, mutton, and pork, and good pies of the best, Pig, veal, goose, and capon, and turkey well drest, Cheese, apples and nuts, and good carols to hear, As then in the country is

counted good cheer.

What cost to good husband, is any of this?

Good household provision only it is: Of other the like, I do leave out a many, That costeth the husband never a penny.

Thomas Tusser

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Times Sunday Magazine19

Times World

Nigerian survivor tells his story H

e had survived three days in an upside down tugboat at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean and then he saw lights in the water. Air bubbles rose around the cook as he squatted in an air pocket. A diver was coming. Rescue seemed imminent for Harrison Odjegba Okene.

But then the lights disappeared.

Desperate, Okene swam through pitch-dark waters in the sunken boat to grab the diver.

Okene couldn't find him and, with the air in his lungs giving out, he swam back to the cabin that held his precious, but dwindling, pocket of air.

In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Okene described the ordeal and his miraculous rescue that was videotaped and which went viral after it was put on the internet this month.

The 29-year-old still has nightmares and vows to never return to the sea again. He has taken a new job as cook on firm ground instead.

Okene was the only survivor in a crew of 12 when the boat capsized in May. It still haunts him. In addition with being saddled with survivors' guilt, some Nigerians believe he saved himself through black magic.

The Jascon 4 was resting on the seabed upside down at a depth of about 30m.

The chubby cook survived on only one bottle of Coke. Two flashlights that he had found gave up after less than one day. In

H

ow do you practice humility from the most exalted throne on earth?

Rarely has a new player on the world stage captured so much attention so quickly—young and old, faithful and cynical—as has Pope Francis.

In his nine months in office, he has placed himself at the very centre of the central conversations of our time: about wealth and poverty, fairness and justice, transparency, modernity, globalization, the role of women, the nature of marriage and the temptations of power.

At a time when the limits of leadership are being tested in so many places, along comes a man with no army or weapons, no kingdom beyond a tight fist of land in the middle of Rome but with the immense wealth and weight of history behind him, to throw down a challenge.

The sceptics will point to the obstacles Francis faces in accomplishing much of anything beyond making casual believers feel better about the softer tone coming out of Rome while feeling free to ignore the harder substance.

The Catholic Church is one of the oldest, largest and richest institutions on earth, with a following 1.2 billion strong, and change does not come naturally. At its best

ies and already had recovered four corpses when they came upon Okene.

Corpse

Harrison Okene

the dark, he had almost given up hope after three days when he suddenly heard the sound of a boat, a hammering on the side of the vessel and then, after a while, saw lights and the rising waters around him bubbling.

He said he knew it had to be a diver, but he was on the wrong end of the cabin.

"He came in but he was too fast, so I saw the light but before I could get to him, he was already out. I tried to follow him in the pitch darkness but I couldn't trace him, so I went back."

His rescuers from the Dutch company DCN Diving were looking only for bod-

When the diver returned, Okene had to swim again to reach him and still he did not see him. "So I tapped him at the back of his neck, so he was afraid." When the diver saw his hand he said "corpse, corpse, a corpse," into his microphone, reporting up to the rescue vessel.

"When he brought his hand close to me, I pulled on his hand," Okene said.

"He's alive! He's alive! He's alive!" Okene remembers hearing.

Okene described a surreal scene after the diver emerged into the air pocket.

"I knew when he gave me water he was observing me [to see] if I'm really human, because he was afraid," he told the AP. The diver first used hot water to warm him up, then attached him to an oxygen mask. Once saved from sunken boat, he was put into a decompression chamber for 60 hours before he could safely return to the surface.

Until his rescue, Okene believed his colleagues must have escaped. The tug was one of three towing a Chevron oil tanker in Nigeria's oil-rich Delta waters, but on May 26 there was a sudden lurch and it keeled over.

"I heard people shouting, I felt the vessel going down, going down, I heard a voice

saying 'Is this vessel sinking or what?' ... I was in the WC (toilet) and the WC fell on my head, things started falling on my head ... My colleagues were shouting 'God help me, God help me, God help me.' Then after a while I never heard from them [again]."

When recounting the rescue at his local church, the pastor asked him if he had used black magic to survive.

Religious and superstitious

"I was so surprised! How could a man of God be saying this?" Okene said, his voice rising in disbelief.

He didn't go to the funerals of his colleagues because he feared their families' reactions - Nigerians being generally very religious but also superstitious.

"I couldn't go because I didn't know what the family will say, thinking 'Why is he the only one to survive,'" said Okene.

It's a question that has shaken his steadfast faith. "Every week I ask [God] 'Why only me? Why did my colleagues have to die?'"

His wife Akpovona Okene, 27, said he still suffers nightmares. "When he is sleeping, he has that shock, he will just wake up in the night saying 'Honey see, the bed is sinking, we are in the sea."

Okene said he made a pact with God when he was at the bottom of the ocean: "When I was under the water I told God: If you rescue me, I will never go back to the sea again, never." (News 24)

With a focus on compassion, the leader of the Catholic Church has become a new voice of conscience it inspires and instructs, helps and heals and calls the faithful to heed their better angels.

But it has been weakened worldwide by scandal, corruption, a shortage of priests and a challenge, especially across the fertile mission fields of the southern hemisphere, from evangelical and Pentecostal rivals. In some quarters, core teachings on divorce and contraception are widely ignored and orthodoxy derided as obsolete.

Vatican bureaucrats and clergy stand accused of infighting, graft, blackmail and an obsession with “small-minded rules,” as Francis puts it, rather than the vast possibilities of grace. Don’t just preach; listen, he says. Don’t scold; heal.

And yet in less than a year, he has done something remarkable: he has not changed the words, but he’s changed the music. Tone and temperament matter in a church built on the substance of symbols—bread and wine, body and blood—so it is a mistake to dismiss any Pope’s symbolic choices­as gestures empty of the force of law. He released his first exhortation, an attack on “the idolatry of money,” just as Americans were contemplating the day set aside for gratitude and whether to spend it at the mall.

This is a man with a sense of timing. He lives not in the papal palace surrounded by courtiers but in a spare hostel surrounded by priests. He prays all the time, even while waiting for the dentist. He has retired the papal Mercedes in favour of a scuffed-up Ford Focus. No red shoes, no gilded cross, just an iron one around his neck.

When he rejects the pomp and the privilege, releases information on Vatican finances for the first time, reprimands a profligate German Archbishop, cold-calls strangers in distress, offers to baptize the baby of a divorced woman whose married lover wanted her to abort it; he is doing more than modelling mercy and transparency. He is embracing complexity and acknowledging the risk that a church obsessed with its own rights and righteousness could inflict more wounds than it heals.

This focus on compassion, along with a general aura of merriment not always associated with princes of the church, has made Francis something of a rock star....When you are a media celebrity, every word you

speak is dissected, as are those you choose not to speak.

“Why has he not said more about the priest sex-abuse scandal?” ask victims’ advocates. (Just this month, he set up a commission to address the abuse of children by priests.) “Why does he not talk more about the sanctity of life?” ask conservatives, who note that in his exhortation, abortion is mentioned once, mercy 32 times.

Francis both affirms traditional teachings on sexuality and warns that the church has become distracted by them. He attacks priests who won’t baptize children born out of wedlock for their “rigorous and hypocritical neo-clericalism.” He declares that God “has redeemed all of us … not just Catholics.

Everyone, even atheists.” He posed with environmental activists holding an antifracking T-shirt and called on politicians and business leaders to be “protectors of creation.”

None of which makes him a liberal—he also says the all-male priesthood is not sub-

ject to debate, nor is abortion, nor is the definition of marriage. But his focus on the poor and the fact that the world’s poorest 50 percent control barely 1 percent of its wealth unsettles those who defend capitalism as the most successful antipoverty program in history.

These days it is bracing to hear a leader say anything that annoys anyone. Now liberals and conservatives alike face a choice as they listen to a new voice of conscience: Which matters more, that this charismatic leader is saying things they think need to be said or that he is also saying things they’d rather not hear?

For pulling the papacy out of the palace and into the streets, for committing the world’s largest church to confronting its deepest needs and for balancing judgment with mercy, Pope Francis is TIME’s 2013 Person of the Year. (Excerpt from explanation by managing Editor Nancy Gibbs on why Francis is TIME's choice for Person of the Year 2013.)

20 Times Sunday Magazine Times Tech

A

pple will kick off this weekend by launching iBeacons functionality in all of its 254 domestic U.S. stores, according to a new report by the AP. The location-based tech will work with the official iOS Apple Store app, and will allow Apple to do things like provide you with notifications of when your order has been assembled in the in-store stock room, to noticing that you’re in the iPhone section and offering you a notice about upgrading from your current device. iBeacon transmitters use Bluetooth 4.0 tech, and can be dialled in to a range

of different distance sensitivities, which means that it can work on a hyper local basis, sending specific information only when you’re in the area for demos and workshops, for instance, or next to a particular product display. At the same time, it can provide general alerts to anyone who enters a store’s doors.

The upside for retailers using iBeacons is two-fold: First, they can offer more specific, targeted information to customers, which in theory helps with customer service (and could cut down on minor requests that would normally occupy staff). Second, iBeacons

Apple turns on iBeacons in all its 254 U.S. stores for in-store notifications and more

Imagine you walk into a mall with an iPhone 5s (comes with iOS 7 and iBeacon). You are approaching a Macy’s store, which means your iPhone is entering into Macy’s iBeacon region. Essentially iBeacon can transmit customized coupons or even walking directions to the aisle where a particular item is located. It can prompt a customer with special promotions or a personalized messages and recommendations based on their current location or past history with the company. Smartphones that are in an iBeacon zone will benefit from personalized microlocation-based notification and actions. (gigaom.com)

Tech Byte

E

"Virtual reality hands" mindcontrol therapy for stroke patients

arlier this year, we saw an amazing demonstration of an EEG skullcap interface that allowed a quadcopter to be controlled with only thoughts. Now the same technology is pioneering a medical therapy in which stroke patients can use their thoughts to guide a simulation, and thus rebuild damaged neurons. As the “virtual reality hands” provide customization and direct feedback of one’s progress, this could be an improvement over traditional therapy methods.

After a stroke occurs, it’s possible to rebuild the damaged neural connections and overcome paralysis, generally through a technique where a therapist moves the patient’s limbs while the patient imagines moving their limbs independently. But just as the patient is not directly moving their own limbs when working with a therapist, they need not even move real limbs, as the research team at the University of Minnesota found.

In the virtual reality hands technique, a patient wears the EEG skullcap,

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December 15, 2013

through which brain waves are converted into commands for controlling a simulation of arms and hands. The patient also wears 3D glasses to increase the illusion of the simulation being a part of them, similar to how the quadcopter pilots viewed camera footage directly from the bridge of the quadcopter, rather than viewing it in third person.

The technique provides patients with real-time visual feedback and, as an additional benefit, simulations can be customized to the patient’s goals and challenges, increasing the patient’s motivation.

In traditional therapy, the experience is passive, and the m o v e ment occurs regardless of whether the patient is stimulating the correct neurons.

The test group of six was able to achieve as high as an 81 percent success rate in manipulating the simulated hands after three two-hour sessions and reported it being "engaging and gratifying."

While the study needs to be repeated on a larger and more diverse population, it was promising enough to be presented this week at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2013.

(GIZMAG)

provides them with hyperlocal data regarding customer movements within a store (apps could contain an optin for allowing use of that info). That kind of granular look at shopper behaviour could pay huge dividends in terms of helping formulate evolving retail strategy.

Apple, however, told the AP that it doesn’t collect any info about the shoppers in its stores via iBeacons, which could mean that it’s using this mainly as a way of ‘dogfooding’ – showing other retailers how the technology might be useful when implemented in a ‘best practices’ kind of way.

Apple isn’t the first to use iBeacons; Major League Baseball made headlines when it announced plans to

Tech news

S

implement the tech to delivery unique offers and content to patrons attending games at its stadium locations. That doesn’t go into effect until next year, however, and other projects like the iBeacons Newsstand subscription delivery service

are likewise in a pilot phase.

Apple’s use of iBeacons is likely the most mature and whole implementation to date, so it’ll be the one to watch in terms of something for other retailers to mimic. (Information provided by Global Tech)

Samsung Loses Bid for iPhone, iPad Ban in South Korea

amsung this week lost its bid to have Apple iPhones and iPads banned in its home country of South Korea.

As reported by Reuters, a Seoul Central District Court judge rejected Samsung's request to pull devices like the iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, and iPad 2 from stores shelves in the region, and for $95,000 in damages.

Samsung had accused Apple of violating patents for short message display methods and messaging grouping features, Reuters said.

"We are disappointed by the court's decision," a Samsung spokeswoman said in a statement to PCMag. "As Apple has continued to infringe our patented mobile technologies, we will continue to take the measures necessary to protect our intellectual property rights."

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This decision is the latest in the long-running patent dispute between Samsung and Apple, which kicked off in early 2011 and has since expanded to dozens of courts around the globe.

Recently, a California jury awarded Apple $290 million in a retrial of a case that originally awarded Apple $1.05 billion.

All together, Samsung is on the hook for about $900 million in that case, though it is appealing.

That came shortly after a U.S. appeals court ordered a California court to review a Dec. 2012 decision that denied Apple's request for a U.S. injunction on certain Samsung products.

In October, meanwhile, Samsung proposed a moratorium on requesting injunctions against devices that use its standard essential patents (SEP). That move, however, was intended to avoid an antitrust smackdown in Europe, and only applies to firms that agree to a particular licensing framework. (pcmag)

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Times Sunday Magazine 21

Times Art

S

ince 1996, the Institute for Mexicans Abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico convened an annual children's drawing competition called Este es mi México (This is my Mexico).

Originally, it was intended to strengthen the ties of children of the Mexican Diaspora born mainly in the United States and Canada, with their motherland.

Eventually however, the Mexican authorities discovered that non-Mexican children were often willing to participate as well.

Conscious that understanding among peoples is more easily achieved through cultural and artistic expressions, and of the importance of fostering the creativity of children and their ability to communicate through learning about cultures different than theirs, the 11th edition of the drawing contest in 2006 was opened for chil-

10-year-old Julia Evans "Mexico Food" drawing

"Mexican" by 11-yearold Ronaldo Bovell

Wednesday presented the certificates to the six winners from Joshua House. The ambassador also used the occasion to share with the 60 children of Joshua House a joyous

time ahead of the Christmas season. Additionally, the embassy made a contribution of books to the library at the children’s home. (Info and photos by Embassy of Mexico)

Artwork by 10-year-old Robin Rogers

Four of the six children from Joshua House presented with certificates from Mexican Ambassador Francisco Olguín (third from left, second row) and embassy staff

dren ages 7-11 from schools and orphanages all over the world, whether they were of Mexican heritage or not.

They were invited to express their artistic abilities and imagination by drawing

different aspects of Mexican life, culture and history.

Starting in 2010 in Guyana, as the Embassy of Mexico officially opened in Georgetown in July 2009, local children have been invited to participate. In October 2012, the embassy invited children from public and private schools to visit the embassy to see an exhibit of participating drawings of the 14th and 15th contest editions. They also perused through Mexican art, geography and history books, saw assorted videos about Mexico, and were provided with cardboard and colouring pencils and crayons so they could get started on their own drawings to enter the 17th edition of the Este es mi México competition.

Six children from Joshua House entered their drawings in that competition, and on behalf of the jurors, a panel of Mexican

painters and sculptors led by renowned artist Jorge Marin, the Institute of Mexicans Abroad sent them a Certificate of Recognition for their efforts. The certificate includes a “winged” child painted by Jorge Marin, whose work is always inspired by winged characters.

The Mexican ambassador, Francisco Olguín,

22 Times Sunday Magazine

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December 15, 2013

Times Heritage

Storm van Gravesande is well known as the first governor of Fort Island in Dutch Essequibo, who is credited for turning its wilderness into a colony that would eventually become independent Guyana.

But all that came at a personal cost... aurens Storm van’s Gravesande was born in the Dutch city of ‘s Hertogenbosch on Oct 12, 1704, the eldest child of Pieter and Alpheda Lousia nee van Lutchenburg. His family was one of the city’s old families.

While little is known of his childhood days, van’s Gravesande, who, in his dispatches written while in Guiana, describes himself as habitually outspoken, is known to have entered the army at 17 years old, and may have even studied law.

In 1727, Storm, as he was more commonly known, is said to have “contracted an alliance” with Lumea Constantia van Bercheyck with whom he had seven children before his arrival in the Dutch Guiana colony; five of whom were alive when they travelled. One born on the colony just after their arrival, died young.

Of all his offspring, six reached adolescence: four boys and two girls. Three of the boys served under him while the two girls worked unofficially at his constantly undermanned colonial of-

L

Map of Fort Zeelandia on Flag Island (1772) of which van’s Gravesande became governor and director general

fice. When the girls had married, Storm wrote in a dispatch: “By the marriage of my daughters I have lost my clerks.”

In October 1737, Storm took the oath as secretary and bookkeeper for the West India Company’s Essequibo colony, which he elected to serve. Upon arriving in Essequibo, Storm immediately set out trying to improve the militia stationed at Flag Island, later renamed Fort Island. He also offered his

superintendence to the fort being constructed. By 1743, with much work already completed, the Essequibo seat of government was moved to Fort Island and the fort itself, named Fort Zeelandia, was completed in 1744.

Storm’s contribution to Fort Island was rewarded with his provisional appointment as Commander of Essequibo in 1742 upon the death of the previous commander Gelskerke. His appointment was officially de-

clared April 13, 1743.

But Storm and the directors of the West India Company would forever be at loggerheads over the latter’s constant neglect of the colony, which was often left in short supply of soldiers, food and ammunition provisions and slaves – sometimes for years.

Things had become so acrimonious for van’s Gravesande that in December 1746 he applied to the company for his discharge, repeat-

ing the request some eight months later. The response from the company was an increase in his salary, the appointment of one of his sons as an assistant, and a slave, his wife and child as a gift.

The overtures worked for a while but by March 1749, things had deteriorated further in Essequibo, and van Gravesande prepared to return to Europe to speak to the directors in an effort to improve conditions on the colony.

However, his two-year absence from Essequibo and his presence in Europe both proved to be unfortunate.

While away, the management of the already simmering colony deteriorated. In Europe, though his speech impressed the directors and he was given the title of Director-General, nothing practical and beneficial to the colony came out of it.

Storm returned dissatisfied to Essequibo in 1752 and was horrified at the change for the worse of the colony.

His authority, already re-

sented by the Secretary, a man called Spoors, was lessened while he was in Europe.

In fact, Spoors was given official direction along with the Director-General over the company’s plantations; a position that saw frequent conflicts of opinion between the two.

Adding to Storm’s distress while in Essequibo, on Dec 31, 1752 he lost his second son, Warnard Jacob, who was his assistant and had travelled with him to Europe. In March 1760, his wife Lumea died; in May 1761 his eldest son Jonathan Samuel also died. In July 1764 another son, Gerard Johan passed away aged 24. Storm writes in his dispatches, “...of my six sons I have therefore none left but the youngest [Jeremias; born 1749] who has gone to Europe in the country’s warship ‘Zephyr’...”. Storm lost his eldest daughter, Maria Catharina, in June 1771.

Storm would grow old vainly battling the company he worked for to improve conditions on the colony. He eventually repeated his earlier request for his discharge in 1776, though, with the directors warring among themselves, a response was never provided.

Then, after a service of 35 years, Storm was released for “bad and unjustifiable management” and for what is termed his lack of “honesty, attention and economy”, after a Feb 19, 1770 letter from the Zeeland Company took him to task for encouraging the purchase and importation of slaves unapproved by the company, and for the illicit acquisition of another cargo of slaves which the company had also not authorized.

His replacement, George Hendrik Trotz, arrived in New Zeelandia Nov 22, 1772 and Storm retired to his plantation Seostdjik in Demerara.

Laurens Storm van’s Gravesande died Aug 14, 1775, aged 70 at Seostdjik.

Brain Teaser Answer

Hotel Tower, Georgetown, British Guiana Circa 1900s

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

While there are five stages of sleep, including one known as deep sleep and one known as REM (rapid eye movement), none of these stages is known as being "gamma" sleep.

The four stages (other than REM) are: beta, alpha, theta and delta.

CROSSWORD

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December 15, 2013

Times Sunday Magazine 23

Times Travel & Tourism

An adventure hike to the ‘Sleeping Giant’

Breathtaking view from 'Sleeping Giant'

T

he Kanuku Mountains are located in the heart of the Rupununi Savannahs in south-western Guyana. The mountains are divided by the Rupununi River into western and eastern ranges. It is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in Guyana with habitats ranging from savannah, gallery forests and semi-deciduous forests in the lowlands.

Through photographs, Ronald Nandlall, a hobbyist/professional photographer, shares with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine his experience of an unforgettable hiking journey on the Kanuku Mountains. Ronald and 11 others braved dangerous difficulties to reach their destination - the ‘Sleeping Giant’, a peak found in the Kanuku mountain range.

Brian Gomes, who was also on the hike, describes the adventure: “Almost 3,000ft high, we stood there exhausted, fatigued, sore, dripping in sweat, but somehow energized by the feeling of accomplishment. Eleven hikers and I, not forgetting ‘Magga’ the dog, conquered the ‘Sleeping Giant’. We were faced with obstacles and challenges around every turn: steep slopes, almost vertical drops, slippery rocks, thorny trees, dangerous snakes and everything that you would expect to find in dense untouched rainforest. After every obstacle was overcome and every battle won, we were then awarded with some of the most amazing and picturesque views including streams, creeks, waterfalls, beautiful flowers, strange trees, unique insects and a landscape view of beautiful Guyana that no combination of words can describe. It was by far the most amazing experience of my life.

On the flip side, it was also the most challenging. A mountain climb with a team of persons motivating each other all along the way proves to me that if we work together in every aspect of our lives, almost anything can be achieved.”

For more information on the hike, email Ronald at rnd22@hotmail.com (Cover Photo: Ronald looks tiny next to this massive boulder along the hike on the mountain)

Rays of sunlight beaming through the canopy

Cascading waterfall along the hike up the mountain

Refreshing stream of water flowing down the mountain

24

Times Sunday Magazine

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December 15, 2013

Times Last Laugh

Healthcare System Needs Treatment

By Melvin Durai

M

y wife and I recently took our baby girl, Lekha, to a hospital emergency room.

It was the middle of the night and we couldn't get her to stop crying, so we thought something was seriously wrong. Forgive us, we're first-time parents and our imaginations tend to run wild. Did she swallow a loose thread in her blanket? Is she too young to eat fibre? Will it leave her stomach in a knot?

We thought we'd find answers at the hospital, but we'd have been better off taking Lekha to our mechanic. Not that the doctor didn't try.

He checked her pulse and pressure, even took X-rays. After Lekha had calmed down, the doctor shrugged and said, "Perhaps it was gas," a diagnosis that sounded eerily similar to a recent one from our mechanic.

Lekha didn't cry on the way home, but I burst into tears, realizing we had been blessed, beyond doubt, with another hospital bill. Despite having health insurance, we'd have to cough up $115.

That's because our health plan is called "managed care" and we're never quite sure when our insurance company will manage to care. Some hospital visits are fully covered, others are not, and to figure it out, you need a degree in quantum physics.

Even so, we're thankful we have health insurance, for we know that so many people don't.

In this rich and powerful country, a shameful 41 million lack health insurance, according to 2001 Census Bureau figures. The ailing healthcare system is further burdened by millions of illegal aliens who can't afford hospital visits, not to mention all the money that's being spent on Dick Cheney's heart attacks.

Bill and Hillary Clinton tried to fix the system,

but the only thing they managed to fix was their cat. Thankfully, President Bush seems just as concerned about America's health.

Reporter: "Mr. President, would you please explain your health plan?"

Bush: "Well, it has three important components. First and foremost, we must eliminate the primary threat to our health, a threat known to everyone as Saddam Hussein.

He is a cancer on our nation. We must operate on him as soon as possible. Second, we must make a commitment to rid the world of weapons of mass destruction, especially the ones that don't belong to us. As long as such weapons exist, our health is at risk. And finally, we must provide tax cuts for ordinary Americans such as Ted Turner and Bill Gates. Without tax relief, they will never be able to feel healthy. As the old saying goes, wealth is health."

Unless you're one of the 41 million who lack health insurance, it's easy to believe that overhauling the healthcare system isn't as important as, say, providing government funds for a scientific study to determine why monkeys scratch themselves. After all, the study might have a huge impact on our understanding of baseball.

Unless you're one of the unlucky ones, you may believe that only certain classes of people deserve health coverage, the ones who need it the least, the ones who drive around in Jaguars and BMWs, saying, "Who cares about America's health system? We've got a great wealth system."

Unless you're one of the unlucky ones, you may even believe that hospitals are cheap, doctors are underpaid, and Santa Claus delivers prescription drugs.

"Merry Christmas! Anybody want some Prozac? It'll make you forget you have no health insurance!"

Letter to Santa

Dear Santa, For this year all I’m asking for is a huge bank account, and a tiny body.

Please don’t mix them up like you have done every year!

The hypochondriac

Brian, one of the world’s greatest hypochondriacs, bumped into his Dr. one day at the supermarket.

“Doc!” Brian exclaimed, “I’ve been meaning to tell you, remember those voices I kept on hearing in my head? I haven’t heard them in over a week!”

“Wow! What wonderful news Brian! I’m so happy for you!” his Dr. exclaimed.

“Wonderful?” asked a dismal looking Brian.

“There’s nothing wonderful about it. I’m afraid my hearing is starting to go now!

Charitable Rescue

John, had been a Red Cross responder for years, but there was still one incident that happened in his first year on the job, that he would never forget.

They had been searching a rocky river for hours searching for a woman by the name of Wendy.

After many fruitless attempts at calling “Wendy, it’s the Red Cross!”, they finally heard a faint response saying “I hear you, Red Cross, I gave already!”

Diet Dollars

A group of prosperous businessmen were dining at the Sam’s Hotel in Las Vegas.

“Seems to me you are getting a little slimmer,” remarked one.

“I should be!” replied the other. “I went on one of those high protein diets. Nothing but expensive steaks and chops. And would you believe it? –In just two weeks I lost thirty dollars!”

Money Woe

When the lodge meeting broke up, John confided to a friend. “Mike, I’m in a terrible pickle! I’m strapped for cash and I haven’t the slightest idea where I’m going to get it from!”

“I’m glad to hear that” answered Mike. “I was afraid you might have an idea you could borrow it from me!”

Icy walk

“It was terrible”, moaned John upon entering the classroom a half hour late. “I left with plenty of time to arrive at school on time, but it was so slippery that every step I took, I slipped two steps back.”

“Well,” said the teacher, with a suspicious look on his face, “how in the world did you get here at all?”

“Well”, said the quick thinking student, “finally after twenty minutes I gave up and started heading home!”

Funny Fish

For our daughters 6th birthday we bought her a fish. We couldn’t help laughing when on the way she announced “the fish’s name is Sparingly.”

“How do you know?” I

asked.

“Look,” she responded, “it says “feed sparingly 3 times daily.”

Grandma babysits

Grandma Sally’s first great-grandchild was born, and after a few weeks, when the parents need a break, she was given the job of watching her.

“Let me see the little cutie,” begs her friend Gerty.

“Not yet”, Sally responds.

When she again refuses five minutes later Gerty has had enough.

“What are you waiting for?” she fumed.

“I’m waiting for her to cry.”

“Why is that?” questioned Gerty.

“Well, because I forgot where I put her!”

Riddles for Kids

Q: What did the farmer call the cow that had no milk?

A: An udder failure.

Q: Why do gorillas have big nostrils?

A: Because they have big fingers!

Q: What do Santa's elves do after school?

A: Their gnome work!

Q: What do you get from a pampered cow?

A: Spoiled milk.

Q: What does Tarzan sing at Christmas?

A: Jungle Bells!

Q: Why are teddy bears never hungry?

A: They are always stuffed!

The Lord’s Army

A friend of mine was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the vicar was standing at the door, as always, to shake hands with the worshipers.

He grabbed my friend by the hand and pulled him aside. The vicar said to him, “You need to join the army of the Lord.”

My friend replied, “I’m already in the army of the Lord, Father.”

So the vicar inquired, “Then how come I only see you at Christmas and at Easter?”

My friend whispered back, “I’m in the secret service.”

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