Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

President Obama: 'Indians

Professional Youth Alliance Guyana

Guided by its motto, “Fostering Youth Alliance through Development and Partnership”, the Professional Youth Alliance Guyana (PYAGuy) focuses on making a difference in society

In November 2007,

Eon Stephens, founder of PYAGuy, was conducting his college research thesis and discovered an overwhelming fact that a number of persons were moving up the corporative ladder in organisations lacking the fundamental skills of competency as it relates to professionalism. The research analysis provided valuable information on the lack of profesionalism in several operations. Consequently, Stephens created a programme for training and development that showed the value of professionalism and its long term benefits. He produced a mini programme, which was further developed to empower the work force. Stephens realised that an opportunity to create lasting change through training and development was needed, and developed this programme.

Subsequently, a meeting was scheduled for discussion on implementa-

youth clubs, making presentations on life skills and contributions to the less fortunate and families from rural communities.

In January 2010, Stephens met with a group

tion. At the meeting, the challenge was given to the young professionals present. The group and other interested persons continued to meet for a few weeks, and the idea of starting a youth organisation emerged. A few projects were executed but commitment was lacking, so Stephens independently carried on the programme for three years single-handedly.

PYAGuy started out as a group of youths who were visiting orphanages and

of young professionals in the spirit of collaboration, to embark on an initiative of assisting the needy children and young people in Guyana. After a productive meeting, a plan of action was developed. It was decided that the group would assist street children, the less fortunate and the underprivileged. Visits were made to a number of charitable organisations to better understand the needs among this targeted group.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday

Magazine, Stephens said the challenge to date is to develop and implement strategic methods of contributing to the development and improvement of the outreach initiative.

On October 14, 2010, Professional Youth Alliance held an orientation session where 15 young professionals, who had expressed a common interest for personal and professional development, attended. This was the perfect time and place for Stephens to share the vision and mission of the organization, which received an incredible amount of response and commitment. Twelve of the 15 pledged alliance to the organisation.

PYAGuy orientation session was held against a backdrop of promoting youth work and development as a budding profession with opportunities for success.

“PYAGuy’s work at the time was hailed as a major children-youth response to a very obvious problem. As a result of this, and careful planning, the organisation was very successful at not

faced. PYAGuy worked diligently to discover those root causes and developed initiatives in response. One of the areas of primary involvement and intervention is training and development,”

Stephens pointed out.

Since its induction, PYAGuy has transformed from a group of young professionals giving assistance to the less fortunate and street children, to an organisation engaging, reshaping and empowering lives of both young and old, and offering aid wherever it might be needed. It is also conscious of its responsibility to its supporters and the public

young people to gain the social skills, values, competencies, and attitudes that will allow them to make positive contributions to the development of our country. We envision a holistic creative and relevant programme for children and young people to achieve their full potential. This will be done through continuous development and implementation of innovative training projects. We also plan to create a strong network with other organisations with similar focus and individuals. As founder/CEO of PYAGuy, I am willing to go out of my way to spread love and kind-

only attracting young professionals but also genuine people who want to contribute to change and making a difference in someone’s life. The success is also in part attributable to the fact that we did not only restrict the organisation to the provision of supplementary support to change, but also the organisation was responsive to the fact that there are root causes to the issues

of transparency in both its management and community practices.

PYAGuy believes that young people and children are most likely to succeed in life if they are given opportunities to become actively involved in leadership roles whether at home, in school, and or in community based programmes.

“It is very important for

ness to those people who are in dire need of affection and support in terms of social, mental, and educational aspects,” declared Stephens.

To join this team of professional and proactive leaders whose main aim is to create change or to contribute to their humanitarian efforts, visit Professional Youth Alliance Guyana (PYAGuy) on Facebook.

A PYAGuy member educating students on technology at the Community College

Eon Stephens, founder of the PYAGuy speaking at one of the programmes

Reading to children in Caria Caria, Essequibo

Youths picking up garbage at the Seawall

Remarkable exhibits feature proudly at African Heritage Museum

The African Museum of Heritage in Barima Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown is said to be the first of its kind in the Caribbean, and there are many fascinating artefacts on exhibition at the museum that tells of our historical and cultural connections to Africa.

The exhibits include paintings as well as everyday items and ceremonial artefacts that symbolize mostly West African art in daily African life and culture: from combs to iron and wooden

masks to the carved door and sculptures.

A visit to the museum will prove worthwhile for many students or persons interested in art and history.

One of the many interesting artefacts on display is the group of Kpelige masks.

According to the museum, these are characterised by a central portion, which is essentially a natural human face. Such masks are worn with a costume made of plant fibre, which completely covers the wearer. The projections on the sides of the

face represent bird wings and projections at the bottom represent legs. The lower lip has been pierced by a lip labret or plug. The top of the mask has horns symbolising power. A bird at the top represents the clan emblem of the people who performed with it.

Brass weights used for measuring gold dust, drums, musical instruments, games and clothing are just a few of the museum’s many captivating exhibits.

Originally called the Museum of African Art and

Ethnology, it was established in 1985 with the purchase of collections of African art from Hubert H. Nicholson, owner of the building that currently houses the African Museum, and Desiree Malik.

These collections were annotated and accessioned through UNESCO by Dr. William Seligman, Curator of African and Oceanic Art, Brooklyn Museum.

In 2001, the Museum of African Art and Ethnology was renamed the Museum of African Heritage in order to open its doors to a wider audi-

ence and address the African experience in Guyana.

Much of the art in the collection are examples of the kind of art objects found in West Africa, and help to educate us as to the meanings and reasons behind African art traditions.

Some of the exhibits came from Africa, brought directly to Guyana by Nicholson. Opening hours are Mondays to Thursday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Call 2265519 for more information. (Cover photo -Kpelige Mask, Senufo Tribe, Mali, Ivory Coast and Burkina

Faso)

A wooden scultpure brought directly from Africa

Bowl to hold Kola nuts, Yoruba tribe, Nigeria

Cast iron figures of musicians, Burkina Faso

Ceramic water containers, Akan, Ghana

Jewellery from Africa

Kpelige Mask, Senufo Tribe, Mali, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso

Painting by Guyanese artist C. Nurse (1991) showing freed slaves transporting money in cans in wheelbarrow to purchase land

Continued from last Sunday, Vincent Roth’s book “Roth’s Pepper-Pot” details the origins of the names of the streets of Georgetown.

Newtown was built soon after the English occupation of 1769. After the great fire of 1828, an ordinance was enacted prohibiting the establishment of rum shops in the Newtown district.

Commerce Street derives its name from its position in the business part of Georgetown.

America Street is so named because it led off America Stelling, off of which, in former times, all American vessels used to moor.

Charlotte Street was named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of British

of Wellington.

Alexander Street commemorates the Czar of Russia, Alexander I, who was very popular at that time.

Croal Street, originally known as ‘Red Dam’ from its surface covering of burnt earth, takes its names from the Honourable John Croal, once the mayor of Georgetown.

Hadfield Street is named after Joseph Hadfield, an architect and crown surveyor in British Guiana.

The short streets running north to south of Stabroek were originally known by numbers before they were named by the Mayor and Town Council in 1901:

Manget Place was named after Dr Etienne Manget, a former director of medical

King George III. King Street was named after King George III, and nearby Wellington Street was named after the Duke

services or surgeon general, whose property bordered on this street.

Sendall Place was named after Sir Walter Sendall,

K.C.M.G., a governor of Georgetown from 1898 to 1901.

Pollard Place was named after the Hon. W. B. Pollard, a former auditor general and

Boyle Place was named after Sir Cavendish Boyle, K.C.M.G., a government secretary and acting governor of Georgetown from 1894 to 1900.

Austin Place was named after Charles Austin, receiver general, Vlissengen Commissioner, and the son of Bishop Austin.

Chalmers Place was named after Charles Catheart Chalmers, a former crown surveyor who died in 1877.

Brummell Place was named after John Brummell, sheriff of Demerara, police magistrate of Georgetown and first chairperson of the Botanic Gardens. He was said to be “an old and faithful public servant.” His residence was located on this street. He died in 1881 and the Botanic Gardens Bandstand was erected as a memorial to him.

Winter Place was named after F. A. R. Winter, a well-known merchant and founder of Hand-in-Hand Insurance.

Sandeman Place was named after Patrick Sandeman, keeper of the Government Astronomical and Meteorological Observatory, which stood on the site of the present street.

The Werk-en-Rust area

of Georgetown comprises portion of the old Dutch estate of that name meaning “work and rest”.

The three short cross streets connecting Lombard and Water Streets - De Rooy, Schumaker and Bugle – are named after merchants who lived or had their businesses in close proximity. Michael Bugle was mayor of Georgetown in 1872.

The other streets on Werk-en-Rust were named as follows:

Harel Street was named after Louis Harel, a French resident who lived at the corner for the street and claimed direct descent from Napoleon Bonaparte, the first emperor of France.

Leopold Street was named after Leopold I, king of the Belgians, favourite uncle and mentor of Queen Victoria.

Devonish Street was named after John C. Devonish who resided at the corner. He came from Barbados around 1820 and opened the first private school in British Guiana. The street was later renamed Cross Street.

Breda Street was named after the Dutch town of that name where, in 1667, a treaty was signed restoring the West Indian islands of St. Kitts, Montserrat and Antigua to England.

Smyth Street was named

after Mayor General Sir James Carmichael Smyth, governor of British Guiana from 1833 to 1838 during whose regime the Mayor and Town Council of Georgetown was incorporated.

Henry Street, formerly called Centipede Alley, was named after Jabez Henry, first president of the Court of Justice.

George Street was named after King George III.

John Street was probably named after John, Duke of Austria, one of the allied commanders in the Napoleonic wars. He died in 1859.

Bishop Street was named after Bishop Austin, first Bishop of Guiana from 1842 to 1892 who died shortly after celebrating the jubilee of his episcopate (the position, term, or office of a bishop).

Lime Street is a botanical name, probably chosen as it was the continuation of Orange Walk in Bourda. Palm Street was named from a number of cabbage palms which formerly grew in its close proximity.

Louisa Row was named after Louisa, a daughter of H. J. C. Nieuweller, a former proprietor of Werk-en-Rust. D’Urban Street was named after Major General Sir Benjamin D’Urban, first governor of the three united colonies of British Guiana in 1831.

Bent Street was named after Mr Bent, the second chief justice of British Guiana.

Norton Street was named after Judge Norton. Wortmanville, a part of Plantation Werk-en-Rust, was incorporated into the city in 1902. It is named after its former proprietor Henry Wortman, a planter who partly allotted it out in 1843. Its main streets are the continuation of those in Werk-en-Rust and carry the same names.

Its two cross streets are Hardina Street, named after the wife of Herman Vyfhuis, a granddaughter of Henry Williams; Hayley Street named after William Hayley, city engineer of Georgetown from 1852 to 1878.

To be conTinued...

Vlissengen Commissioner. He is buried in the Bourda cemetery.

Canal from Homestretch Avenue to Croal Street

Croal Street 1950s

Princess Street in Wortmanville

‘I am doing exactly what I was born to do’

Professional bodybuilder of Guyanese heritage, Alana Shipp has muscled her way to the top level of women’s body building in just a few years

Professional bodybuilder of Guyanese heritage, Alana Shipp has muscled her way to the top level of women’s body building in just a few years.

Born in Barbados to Guyanese parents, Alana spent a great part of her early childhood in Guyana prior to moving to Queens, New York, at age 11.

After high school, Alana enlisted in the U.S.

Consulate in Jerusalem. It was in Israel that the bodybuilding world was introduced to her.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine , Alana said her parents are from Georgetown. She visited Guyana quite a few times since she migrated. Her most recent visit was in 2010.

Becoming a bodybuilder was something Alana “stumbled” into. She said

ing weight and building lean muscle mass. From that point things took a positive turn. My trainer recommended I compete in a local show in Israel.

I was bit by the competing bug. I developed a love for the gym. No longer did I feel like I didn't belong, instead it felt like a home away from home.

I went from being that girl who felt out of place in the gym (especially in the weights section) to becoming completely at ease there. I enjoy the process of sculpting my body,” Alana revealed.

The professional bodybuilder began developing her body way beyond her expectations. Seeing the changes in her body was motivation to work even harder. This has all led her on the incredible path she is now on as a professional bodybuilder.

“My journey has just begun and there is still a whole lot more that I would like to accomplish. I feel as though I am doing exactly what I was born to do and I would like to take it as far as I can. I hope to be among the best of the best one day,” she expressed.

In May 2012, Alana

Marine Corps and spent almost eight years as a Marine. It was during this time she learnt resilience and commitment. In late 2008, she moved to Israel with her husband who is employed by the U.S.

she was unhappy with her body and wanted to change that.

“I tried on my own many times to lose weight, but I was unsuccessful. That’s when I decided to hire a trainer. I began los-

won first prize and title of Miss Israel Fitness. The Times of Israel referred to her as “The Talented Ms. Ripped.”

That same year she competed internationally for the first time and

won third place in the Ms. Physique category at the NAC Championship in Hamburg, Germany. At the 2013 NPC National Championship, Alana won the middleweight division and earned her IFBB procard. She was also the first place lightweight and overall winner at the 2013 NPC Steve Stone Metropolitan Professional Championship.

Alana continued her climb to the top when she competed professionally, in September 2014, for the first time at the Ms. Olympia championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, placing fourth.

Ms. Olympia is the title given to the winner of the women’s bodybuilding portion of Joe Weider’s Olympia Weekend - an international professional bodybuilding competition that is held annually by the International Federation of Body Builders (IFBB).

“Being a bodybuilder built my self-esteem, but there was a period after building my body where my self-esteem was lower than before I started. This was due to my fear of what others would think of my new muscular body. Over time this changed and I couldn't be happier with the changes I've made to my body,” she disclosed.

Commenting on men’s reaction to her body, Alana said: “Some men are intimidated, but there are those secure men who appreciate the hard work and commitment. Some of them can be very support-

ive. It all depends on the person and what’s their preference. The question I’m asked most frequently by men is how much I can bench press. They also often ask to arm wrestle with me.”

The 32-year-old said that to achieve where she is in her bodybuilding career takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Alana’s training is rigorous and the diets are extremely strict. According to Alana, anyone who is interested in bodybuilding has to be prepared for the physical and mental challenges that it requires. Alana usually works out five to six days a week and every day when she is close to a show/competition.

“For the women out there, be proud of the skin [you’re] in. If there is something you’re unhappy with, you have the ability to change that. Spend less time complaining and get up and do something about it. I used to say I couldn't go below the weight I was, but I now know our bodies can be moulded in any way we want it to be. Seek a professional to help; it can change your lives,” Alana advises.

The bodybuilder is a mother of two: her daughter is 11 and her son 7. For more information on Alana, visit www.alanashipp.com

Alana with her mother

Professional bodybuilder Alana Shipp

Showcasing her abs in a past bodybuilding competition

Working out in the gym

The Shaping of guyaneSe LiTeraTure

Spring-cleaning can bring out unexpected finds

By PetamBer Persaud

It is time for my annual “spring cleaning” ritual, at the beginning of the year. I cannot recall when this ritual started but it had to be a long way back because I was always collecting souvenirs like cricket cards, pictures of movie stars, stamps, coins and clippings. Somewhere along the way, I had outgrown all of the above except clippings. Books replaced some of the things I have outgrown. To the published books were added homemade books and exercise books with my writings. Making homemade books was a tedious but fulfilling process. I was proud of my production,especially the bindings where I used thread instead of staples to stitch pages together, and hard cardboard instead of flimsy covers. I was proud of my products –until I shelved those manifestations of a burning desire to be a pub-

lished writer, after it seems as if I would never be published.

So this ritual of spring cleaning (notice the repeti-

tion of the word, and it was indeed a ritual, with all the attendant pain and gain) is in reference to books, files, bits of jottings and other things cluttering my desk and my study, entailingcataloguing, re-organizing my file cabinet and discarding material no longer of use. (No matter how diligently I try to keep apace of the accumulation, it always gets ahead of me.)

This process is a protracted one, warranting deciphering and reading; a tiring procedure where some

thingsare discarded without due process. Sometimes, a piece of material would attract all my attention. Why? No obvious answer. Then the trip down memory lane. No clue/s. I tarry a while. Then move on, reminding myself that I do not have all day or all year.

This is what happened when I uncovered a small book, discoloured to a dirty brown,and dog-eared without front cover. What was this book doing among my other treasures all these years; there must be a reason. I slowly opened the book to the flysheet. Autographed,in too cursive a handwriting to decipher everything, were these words:

“To Hugh Burden [..................... .....................]

Henry Cecil

March 1956.” The name of this book is “No Bail for the Judge” written by Henry Cecil, published by PAN Books Ltd., 8 Headfort Place, London. It was first published in 1952. So it means that the book was still around when ‘my’/ Hugh Burden’s copy was autographed in 1956. In 2002,

the novel was republished and I have just discovered it is still being read in 2015.

“No Bail for the Judge” is an intriguing read, with a story full of rising suspense. In this novel, a respected judge is charged with the murder of a prostitute, an incident in which he temporarily loses his memory. Because of his position, the case is much talked about, and the trial closely followed by the public. The judge’s daughter employs a gentleman crook, who devises elaborate schemes to scam people, to gather evidence in order to acquit him. The chase to the expected ending was engaging.

Other books by Henry Cecil include“Brothers in Law”, “Sober as a Judge”, “Independent Witness”, “Settled out of court”, “Daughters in Law”, “Alibi for a Judge”, and “According to the Evidence”.

Hugh Burden and Henry Cecil were contemporaries, having being born a few years apart and having died a few years apart.Both men lived in England. Both served during the WW2, and both were writers – Burden the playwright, Cecil the novelist.

(Hugh Burden was indirectly connected to British Guiana - the heady thing about research is that it will sometimes lead one to unexpected finds.) The book is too old to hold on to so I will package it for disposal after extracting the autographed page, which I would hold unto for a little while longer, perhaps until next spring-cleaning....

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

Hugh Burden (April 3,1913 - May 17, 1985)

Henry Cecil Leon (Sept 19, 1902 –May 23, 1976) who wrote as Henry Cecil

The Parade Ground on Middle Street in Georgetown was in the past kept up entirely for use by the Militia. In 1823, it was the scene of a shocking series of executions relating to the East Coast insurrection. For several days, at the latter end of August, processions with condemned prisoners to be hanged at Parade Ground passed every

afternoon from the Court House.

There was no Promenade Gardens then, and Middle Street was only a walk across the middle of the ground, hence its name. After the Militia laws were suspended, the ground was neglected. It was described in “The story of Georgetown” by James Rodway as a “wilderness”.

In February 1843 it was reported that a Mr Hackett had proposed to the Town Council a plan for converting the Parade Ground into ornamental public walks.

The “Gazette” did not particularly admire his plan and reported it was too much of a “supper-tray pattern”. There were to be two temples north and south, reminding them of two gi-

Preserving our heritage through pictures

Government House, Main Street, Georgetown (No date)

Lepers’ Hut, Kaow Island, Essequibo, British Guiana (circa 1898)

ant tea canisters, a barbarism which could not have been expected from Mr

Hackett. They were to be named Victoria and Albert. (Information from “The sto-

ry of Georgetown” by James Rodway)

A section of the ground today which includes a basketball court

Cricket match being played on Parade Ground 1866

Parade Ground circa 1850

Times Travel & Tourism

Taking the Trail to the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway

The Canopy Walkway is located about an hour’s drive south from the main Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre.

As you enter the trail that takes you to the Canopy Walkway, you will experience what is termed as “mixed forest”, one of the many forest types you can see in Guyana. This forest grows on lateritic soil and is typically found on ridges and hills.

Some of the trees to see are the endemic Greenheart and Wamara species, Crabwood and Bulletwood, the latter from which we get the non-timber forest product called balata. Balata was the first forest product exported from Guyana as a

substitute for natural rubber, and this occurred during the First World War. It was later used in the manufacture of golf balls.

It is rare to find a Bulletwood tree in Guyana that has never been ‘tapped’ for the balata gum, which is now most often used to make beautiful figurines of animals and plants. The Makushi village of Nappi in the Rupununi boasts the best balata artisans.

Other than the great plants you can experience on the Canopy Trail, the opportunity to see a number of birds and other animals presents itself. It is not uncommon to see deer and powis (Black Curassow) birds, also known as Bush Turkey, around the Atta Lodge.

Visitors are also welcomed to spend time at the Atta Lodge. ‘Atta’ is Makushi for hammock, as in the earlier days this was more of a camp style place to stay.

The Atta Lodge and Canopy Walkway are managed by a consortium of strategic partners called

Community and Tourism Services (CATS). The partners comprise the Iwokrama International Centre, Wilderness Explorers, Surama Village and Rock View Lodge.

To find out more about Iwokrama, call 225-1504 or visit http://iwokramariverlodge.com, www.iwokrama. org or Iwokrama Canopy Walkway on Facebook. (Photos by Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar). (Cover Photo- Deer at Atta Lodge by Pete Oxford)

Guyana Where and What 2015

The 8th edition of “Guyana Where and What”, the premier pocket-size guidebook on Guyana, is now available for visitors to Guyana, and Guyanese alike. The first edition was

published in 2007 for World Cup Cricket and has since been published annually. The information sec-

tion has also been translated into Portuguese for the growing population of Brazilians residing in Guyana and to support Brazilian tourists, businessmen and traders visiting Guyana.

This year’s guidebook, in addition to the comprehensive information it provides for visitors to Guyana, introduces special features on our historic buildings, monuments and structures in New Amsterdam, Linden and the Essequibo Coast, fishing at Rewa Village and on Guyana’s minerals.

Twenty thousand copies would be in circulation at hotels, restaurants, airports, tour operators, resorts, travel agencies and embassies.

The 134-page guidebook has a pull-out 10 inches by 12 inches map of Georgetown, and the Guyana map. The

Georgetown map is of greater Georgetown, showing up to Cummings Lodge to the East and Industrial Estate, South Ruimveldt Park and South Ruimveldt Gardens to the south.

Copies can be obtained

from the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana in Waterloo Street. The guide is free of cost.

“Guyana Where and What” is published by Gem Madhoo-Nascimento of G.E.M.S. Inc.

Canopy Walkway

Aroid plant wraps around a tree on the trail to the Canopy Walkway

Beginning of the trail leading to the Canopy Walkway (Photo by Sam Bacchus)

Picturesque Atta Lodge can be your set-off point to the walkway

Dealing with Dog Bites, Attacks

While there are no global estimates for the incidence of dog bites, dog bites account for tens of millions of injuries every year, and children are at the highest risk of being bitten.

Low and middle-income countries have limited to no data, but some studies reveal that dogs account for 76–94 percent of animal bite injuries in these states, where fatalities are higher than in high-income territories, especially when rabies is prevalent.

Children suffer greatest risk of injury to the head and neck, adding to increased severity, necessity for medical treatment and death rates.

Preventing

dog bites and their serious health consequences

The World Health Organization advises that communities and children especially, should be informed about the risks of dog bites,as well as prevention techniques such as avoiding stray dogs, and never leaving a child unattended around any dog.

In the US, where dogs bite some 4.5 million persons each year, half of whom are children, the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) advises that for children especially, unfamiliar dogs, dogs that are sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies,

should not be approached. What to do when facing an attacking dog

Animal experts advise that it is important never to run away and/or scream. Doing so would most likely provoke behaviors that dogs would naturally utilize for prey, such as stalking, chasing, catching, and biting. Keep your arms at your side and avoid eye contact. For dogs, direct eye contact is an aggressive stance, perceived as threatening to the animal. Your keeping still is in the hope the dog, seeing your actions, would lose interest. If that happens, back away slowly. Never turn your back on the dog.

If the animal does attack however, Barbara Pezzanite, an animal behaviorist who works at the Animal Rescue

Fund of the Hamptons in East Hampton, said, “… feed him your jacket, purse, knapsack, or anything else you have on that can be placed between yourself and the dog.”

Speaking to the East Hampton Star, she added that you should still try not to scream or even roll around. "[I]f you fall or are knocked down to the ground, curl up into a ball, cover your ears with your hands, and remain motionless."

While it is widely reported that pit bulls are responsible for many fatal attacks, Dr Pezzanite, who has a Ph.D in psychology with sub-specialties that include animal behavior, said it is important to remember, "any breed of dog can attack, not just pit bulls."

Best Foods for Weight Loss

Regular exercise is a key component of healthy weight loss – a healthy diet is the other. Studies have shown that regular exercise helps build muscle and lose fat, but what you eat is extremely important.

What foods are particularly valuable for optimum weight loss? While some may sound exotic or expensive, like hummus or quinoa, others are common foods that can cost less than the sodas, chips and sweets we tend to buy instead.

1. A is for apples and avocados. Apples are one of the highest foods with pectin, a soluble fibre that makes you feel full. Eat it as a snack and it would help you dish out less at mealtimes. Avocados are high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help diminish belly fat. Eat them as a snack or add them to your toast or to recipes.

2. Cinnamon may be a spice that we just add for its flavour, but it’s good for you. Just a tiny amount can help regulate blood sugar levels, curb cravings, and boost metabolism. Some nutritionists suggest sprinkling cinnamon in your coffee or smoothies to jump start your day.

3. The humble potato may have gotten a bad rap for its carbs but a 2008 study found that potatoes help people feel the most satisfied. The skin of a potato is

full of fibre and the starch doesn't have deathly calories – but hold off the fatty add-ins like butter, cream and such.

4. For a healthy snack, grab a square of high-quality dark chocolate. Eating just one square every day reportedly helps reduce (unhealthy) dessert cravings.

5. A recent study found that those who ate oatmeal instead of cereal consumed the same amount of calories but felt fuller longer and more satisfied, because of oatmeal's high fibre content.

6. Want something healthy to munch while watching TV or just as a snack? Nuts and popcorn can work – in moderation of course. A 2011 study found that people who ate an ounce of nuts a day had higher levels of serotonin, the feelgood hormone that can act as an appetite suppressant. Higher serotonin levels may also help diminish stress levels — a big help when it comes to the fight against belly fat. Popcorn meanwhile is full of antioxidants and low in calories, which is a good thing when you're craving salty, greasy chips. Skip the melted butter and salt-laden ones for a truly healthy treat.

By Zenica DaBichan

Tonsils are two masses found at the back of your throat whose function is to trap germs that enter the airway. In this way, the tonsils are one of the first lines of defence against infection. However, sometimes the tonsils themselves become infected. Overwhelmed by bacteria or viruses, they swell and become inflamed, a condition known as tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is a common illness, especially in children.

The main symptoms of tonsillitis are redness and swelling of the tonsils, sometimes severe enough

to block the airways. Other symptoms include:

• Sore throat Fever

• A white or yellow coating on the tonsils

Hoarseness

• Difficulty swallowing

• Ear pain

• Loss of appetite

Difficulty breathing, which signals that the tonsils are blocking the airway and immediate medical attention is needed.

Diagnosis and treatment

A visit to the doctor for suspected tonsillitis will involve a physical exam where he/she will look into

your mouth and throat then swab the tonsils to run lab tests to determine the cause of the infection.If tests show you have a bacterial infection, your doctor will give you antibiotics. It is important to finish all of your antibiotics as directed by your doctor, even if you feel better. If you do not take them all, the infection can return. Patients who have recurring tonsillitis, who are not responding to antibiotics, or who suffer complications, may require surgery to remove the tonsils. Drinking cold liquids and gargling with warm salt water can help soothe the throat as you recover from your illness.

Times Fashion

Shirtdresses

In an anything-but-tame turn, designers re-imagined this classic shape with drop waists, double high slits, and more.

It is all about the tiny check because of its sexy, swingy vibe.

From amber and canary to saffron and marigold, there is a shade of yellow for everyone. The trick is figuring out your skin's undertone, then finding the hue that best complements it.

The trend's not groundbreaking, but black and white is everywhere. What makes this classic colour combination interesting is its various textures, patterns, and silhouettes.

If black and white is too stark for you, this subtle version may be more your speed. Give it a try when you feel like making a statement with little to no colour.

At this point, it is not about the rules of when you can wear all-white; it is about how you wear it. New styling tricks include mixing textures, layering multiple pieces, and teaming various shades.

Gingham

Yellow

Black and White

Blue and White

Head-to-Toe White

Gugu MbathaRaw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw, is a British stage and film actress. Working in British television and stage productions, Mbatha-Raw first gained stardom in a recurring role in “Doctor Who”. She gained attention in American productions, beginning with a supporting role in the Tom Hanks’ comedy “Larry Crowne”, and main star roles in short lived television series “Undercovers” and “Touch”. Mbatha-Raw earned critical acclaim for her performances in the period drama “Belle” and the romantic drama “Beyond the Lights”, receiving numerous accolade nominations from critics worldwide. The actress is set to star in the upcoming biopic “Concussion”, starring Will Smith. It’s the story of Dr Bennet Omalu, the forensic neuropathologist who first discovered extensive brain damage in NFL players and tried to put a stop to it.

Times Hollywood

Justin Bieber apologises to fans for being “arrogant”

After his recent TV appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Justin Bieber posted a video to his Facebook account apologising to his fans for all of his bad behaviour.

In the self-made video, he said of his TV appearance: "I didn't want to come off arrogant or conceited, or basically how I've been acting the past year, year and a half. I'm not who I was pretending to be."

The pop star pointed out that his interview with Ellen was his first official TV appearance in a long time, and he admitted on Facebook he was feeling "really nervous" about how he would be perceived.

"Often we pretend to be something we're not as a cover up of what we're truly feeling inside," JB said. "And there was a lot of feelings going on in there. Just being young and growing up in this business is hard. Just growing up in general is hard."

Justin visited the Ellen show and surprised the host for her birthday, he brought her flowers and a pack of Calvin Klein underwear. The pair chatted about his first major TV appearance (also on Ellen), the anxiety he

Shakira welcomes her second child

The 37-year-old singer welcomed her second son with boyfriend Gerard Piqué at Quiron Teknon Hospital in Barcelona Thursday night, where she underwent a scheduled Caesarean section.

feels when he's sitting down for an interview.

"I think it's cool to laugh at yourself - I've done some things that might not have been the greatest," Justin said, before Ellen jumped in: "Really? Nothing comes to mind, I don't know what you're talking about." After a laugh, Bieber added, "I just want to be able to laugh about it, and just kind of own up to some of these things."

In the Facebook video, Justin Bieber reiterated this sentiment, insisting he no longer wanted to be the kind of person who doesn't care about anything or anyone. "And although what's happened in the past has happened, I just want to make the best impression on people and be kind and loving and gentle and soft," Bieber said. "And although people can call me a 'softie,' that's how my mom raised me."

(Glamour)

Disney announces first Latina princess

Disney has introduced its first Latina princess - Elena of Avalor.

The princess is described as a confident and brave 16-year-old whose had a hard time. First, her parents and Latina-inspired kingdom were taken away from her by an evil sorceress. Elena fought the aforementioned sorceress to protect her little sister and grandparents, but was imprisoned inside her magical amulet (an object which protects its owner from danger or harm). This saved her life, but she was left trapped inside a jewel.

Decades later, another princess, Sofia of Enchancia, finds out that the amulet she's been wearing in fact contains Elena and sets out

to restore her back to her human form. Needless to say, Sofia finds a way and Elena continues to have many princess-like adventures. She learns how to rule a kingdom from her grandparents Tito and Cici and a royal advisor called Duke Esteban. Friends come by way of a young wizard Mateo and mystical flying creature Skylar.

The story will be told via a television series, “Elena of Avalor”, in 2016, but Elena will first be introduced during a special episode of Disney Junior's hit series “Sofia the First”. In other Disney news, Emma Watson has been cast as Belle in a new version of “Beauty and the Beast”. (Glamour)

Rihanna Poses Topless

Rihanna, who's just released a new song "FourFiveSeconds" featuring Paul McCartney and Kanye West, goes topless for i-D Magazine's latest issue. RiRi shows off her edgy side with a '90s inspired look, including dreads and grungy make-up.

The news was confirmed in a statement from the couple shortly before midnight. The Colombian singer gave birth to her baby boy at the same clinic where she gave birth to her first son Milan two years ago.

Fellow footballer Lionel Messi was among the first to congratulate the couple, writing on Twitter: "Congratulations @shakira and @3gerardpique on the birth of your son.." (Glamour)

RiRi shares on Instagram three photos from the magazine's spread. In one photo, she strips off her top, wearing only a pair of oversized denim pants. The "Don't Stop the Music" singer covers her breasts with her hands, exposing side-boob. Her hair is styled in '90s dreads. She completes her look with dark colored lipstick.

In the cover photo, RiRi styles her hair in thick box braids with slicked down edges. Sporting large gold hoop earrings and dark blue

top, the "Diamonds" hitmaker completes her look with smokey eye make-up and dark brown lipstick. The third shot shows topless RiRi wearing a nose ring.

i-D's Fashion Director Alastair McKimm, who teamed up with RiRi and photographer Paolo Roversi

for the photoshoot in Paris, praises the Barbadian songstress, "She really is one of the most creative, talented and inspiring women I've ever had the pleasure of working with. The energy and enthusiasm she brings is intense. She's the ultimate icon of our time."

(AceShowbiz)

Kanye West serenades daughter in 'Only One' video

Kanye West shows his softer side in a music video to support his new song "Only One" which is an ode to his little girl North West. The husband of Kim Kardashian spends some father-daughter time with his adorable child, strolling through a field and whispering lyrics to her ear.

He premiered the video on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show". When the host pointed out that he looked "less angry," he explained, "I've definitely learned how to compromise more. Which is something you have to understand when you partner with people in the business. And I've learned to shut up more. Yeah, I think I'm a bet-

ter human being because of her, and because of my daughter."

"I was going through my version of the Terrible Twos," he said. "My daughter, she wants to express herself but she just doesn't have the words for it. For me, there's so many things I want to do with film and clothing and I just didn't have the words or the resources or the backing or the perception that I could do it being a rapper."

Featuring Paul McCartney, the song is expected to appear in his next studio installment. "I don't know yet. We're still trying to find it. Trying to find the vibe," he said when asked about the title of his new album. "This transition from what I felt when I did 'Yeezus' to what I feel now, and we're just creating, so we haven't found it yet."

(AceShowbiz)

Gautam Rode is an Indian actor and television host. He did his first lead show “Lucky” in 2005. He played the lead role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's show “Saraswatichandra”, and was awarded Best Actor at the 145th Dada Saheb Phalke Award for the show in 2014. Currently, he is essaying the role of Rudra in the daily soap, “Maha Kumbh”. On his website, www.iamgautamrode.com, the actor said coming from Delhi, he had no aspirations to become an actor initially. He was about to get into his father's business of stock brokerage when destiny called and Rode moved to Mumbai. “I have had my share of hardships and I actually started acting to pay my rent, but was soon sucked into the creativity of the profession and never looked back!” he stated.

President Obama: 'Indians should applaud actors like Shah Rukh Khan'

Shah Rukh Khan has said he is "proud" to have been mentioned in US president Barack Obama's speech in New Delhi on Tuesday January 27. The president was in India along with the first lady Michelle Obama on an official three-day visit, dur-

ing which they met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, NDTV Movies reports. In a speech at New Delhi's Siri Fort Auditorium President he said: "India will succeed so long as it isn't splintered along the lines of re-

ligion, any lines. So long as all Indians go to the movies and applaud an actor like Shah Rukh Khan or an athlete like Milkha Singh."

Obama quoted one of Shah Rukh's most popular dialogues from “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” saying: "Bade bade deshon mein, or something like that. You know what I mean."

Revealing that he tried his hand at Bhangra at the White House's annual Diwali party last year, President Obama added that he regretted that they "were not able to schedule any dancing in this visit".

Writing on Twitter Shah Rukh responded to the president's comments, saying: "Proud 2 b part of the gender & religion equality speech of Pres. Obama. Sad he couldn't do the Bhangra...next time Chaiyya Chaiyya for sure."

The president's comments resulted in 'SRK Pride of India' and 'Barack Obama Respects SRK' trending all day. (Digital Spy)

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: 'It was an immediate yes to Jazbaa'

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has revealed the reason she chose “Jazbaa” as her comeback film.

The actress took a threeyear break from films after the birth of her first child Aaradhya.

According to Bollywood Life she said: "It was an immediate yes because the subject has that kind of immense voice which I was very happy to spread and be a part of this team."

The former Miss World praised the film's director Sanjay Gupta, saying: "Gupta is a wonderful visionary for this subject on celluloid. And I think the combination is great.

"I have always enjoyed his work. The subject of this genre and the director... when these two come together, it has an exciting newness to it. So obviously

Akshay

Kumar's

it was an immediate yes," she added.

Rai Bachchan attended a cast script reading for the film, which stars Shabana Azmi, Irrfan Khan, Anupam Kher, Siddhanth Kapoor and Atul Kulkarni.

"The team that has come together was our wish-list, we had all discussed and I am glad that everybody likeminded has happily come on board because that is exactly what we together had visualised as actors coming on board… even the technical team, the professionals, who will continue to work till the very last minute. The journey has just begun," she explained.

Gupta has described Aishwarya as the "hero" of the film.

“Jazbaa” is reportedly an adaptation of the Korean movie “Seven Days”. (Bollywood Life)

‘Baby’

banned in Pakistan

Akshay Kumar's “Baby” has been banned in Pakistan.

The Pakistan Censor Board refused to allow screenings of the film which tells the story of an Indian spy on a mission to catch a feared terrorist, PTI reports.

"Censor boards in Islamabad and Karachi have decided to ban the film because it portrays a negative image of Muslims and the negative characters in the film also have Muslim names," the Dawn newspaper reported after a representative of the film's distributor Everready Pictures confirmed the film has been banned in Pakistan.

All CDs and DVDs of the film have also been banned in Islamabad. Earlier, director Neeraj Pandey said the film was not "antiPakistan".

The film stars famed Pakistani TV drama actor Mikaal Zulfiqar as well as Rasheed Naz.

Kumar has faced problems with the Censor Board previously when advertisements for his film “Khiladi 786” were banned in Pakistan following concerns that the film's title might offend Muslims. The

Amitabh Bachchan: 'I'm not a singer'

Amitabh Bachchan, Dhanush and Akshara Hassan were in the UK this week for the promotional tour for “Shamitabh”.

The cast of the R. Balki film met members of the British media at a press conference, to discuss the challenges they faced when shooting the film.

Commenting on the complex dubbing for the film in which he provides the voice for Dhanush's character, Bachchan said: "I recorded the entire script inside a dubbing theatre all by myself.

"And then we filmed it and played back what was recorded so actors performed according to the recording," he explained.

"And then I went and redubbed the entire film again because his (Dhanush) facial expressions are going to be

different to my voice."

The veteran actor, who has also recorded the track 'Piddly' in his own voice for the film, joked that his recording was perfected with the aid of auto-tune.

"My voice is terrible man," he said. "I'm not a singer but there are wonderful instruments these days, which are called auto-tune, and you sing in whatever rubbish manner. You feed it into this beautiful machine and it makes you sound like Frank Sinatra."

In “Shamitabh”, Dhanush plays a speechchallenged actor who rises to stardom with the help of Bachchan who lip-syncs for him.

The actor also regaled the attendant media with a recitation of his most famous lines from “Kabhie Kabhie”.

“Shamitabh” releases

number '786' is of important religious significance to Muslims.

The Pakistan Censor Board also banned “Ek Tha Tiger” which featured an InterServices Intelligence (ISI) agent. (PTI)

Trending Now

Apps Trends: Best iPhone Apps of 2015

One of the greatest assets of the Apple ecosystem is the App Store. Every year countless apps are launched for the iOS platform under different categories. Some of you like to enhance the functioning of your phone, some are game freaks, some like to get organized, some are avid music and movie lovers, some like eBooks and audio books, the list goes on. Take a look at these apps that are worth a try on your iPhone.

MyPlate Calorie Tracker

If you are a fitness freak, then here is an app that you must not miss out. With MyPlate you can keep track of the food you eat daily. It consists of an in-app scanner that automatically includes all the nutritional details of the food item, if it is already present in the database of the app. If you are having a personalized meal, you can include the nutritional information and the app will provide you thorough information on your diet. You can either customize your details or also include your workout statistics from a large database.

Poshmark

Not everybody is an expert in organizing his or her closet. Particularly, if you have an overflowing closet then certainly you require assistance from an app like Poshmark. The app functions as a bridge for fashion lovers. Buy a latest brand for a grand occasion or clear out the old clothes which you no longer use, from your wardrobe, this app helps you to do all with ease. You can easily connect with a buyer or buy apparel easily using Poshmark, thereby regularly pepping up your wardrobes. The app provides a user-friendly interface

and interactive community to buy and sell clothes. There is a wallet within the app where you can keep the profit from your selling for further purchase.

Coach.me

Coach.me can be considered as a one stop shop for organizing and achieving all your goals. Simply put, it acts as a life coach by helping you assign specific target goals in numerous areas like enhancing productivity, sharpening a skill, staying fit, etc. The app includes a few relevant challenges under every category. All you have to do is join a challenge. The app lets you set particular goals pertaining to the challenges. It also connects you with a coach and other users to assist you remain focused to achieve your targets.

Duolingo

Duolingo is a fantastic app for all the language lovers out there. Whether you wish to learn and explore a new language or refresh your expertise on a familiar language, this app helps you achieve both effectively to a great extent. Duolingo provides a series of short, simple lessons in nine different languages. The app also allows you to focus on a particular area like enhancing your reading or speaking skill of the nine languages.

Wickr

Often clearing the sent items in your messaging app is a time-consuming ordeal. But why bother when the app itself destroys the messages after a specific time period. Wickr is similar to any other regular messaging app but with a notable difference. There is always skepticism about messaging apps or services collecting personal data from its existing users. But Wickr neither stores your numbers nor your email address. It is designed in such a way that the app relates the cryptographic hashes of email addresses and phone numbers to scout for new users. You can use this app as a daily messaging app with greater sense of security.

Itall started when, at the age of six, Vick Sarran, popularly known as Selector Andy, started playing around with the radio during the days of audio cassettes. The radio was his instrument of fun, and he would spend almost every playtime discovering the classical hits of the days and mixing them into recordings, all the while developing a love for music. As the years went by, the only change was that Vick’s love for music grew into a passion. He took this passion to another level when the DJ software was introduced in Guyana. Vick began mixing music digitally, practising everyday to perfect his skills. A desire to share the cadence of music, Vick decided to seek the opportunity to entertain, becoming a DJ. He was given the opportunity to share his passion while working with Fusion Sound Company, a great experience that lasted for nine months. Vick then teamed up with popular entertainer WR Reaz, and formed Mega Mix Reload (MMR), now one of the most popular local radio programmes. With the MMR team, Vick was afforded opportunities to entertain at various events. Apart from being a music selector, Vick holds a degree from the University of Guyana and works in accountancy. Vick advises all aspiring DJs/music selectors that success does not come without effort. “It is about analyzing your audience and playing the type of music that they would want to hear in order to keep them on the dance floor,” he shared.

Hubert Moshett was one of the pioneers of Guyanese art in the 1930s. In the recently published “Panorama: A Portrait of Guyana”, Moshett is said to have “enjoyed a long and productive career, painting numerous depictions of the ordinary life of Guyana people, in-

Burrowes. In the Guianese Art Group, founded in 1944, he was elected first committee member and later secretary. In 1966 he was elected secretary of the Guyana Art Association.

When the Malcara Gallery opened in 1969, the first of its kind in Georgetown where artists’

self never received any formal training.

From 1941 to 1962, he worked with the British Guiana Lithographic Company as co-director of the Art department with his friend Reginald Phang, with whom he collaborated in two major art series.

The British Guiana

cluding sugar estates, sawmilling, balata bleeding, market scenes, cabinetmaking...”

The artist was born Sept 28, 1901. When the first generation of Guyanese artists formed the British Guiana Arts and Crafts Society in 1931, Moshett was elected committee member, along with his close friend E. R.

work were framed, glazed and exhibited, Moshett served on the committee that selected and hung artists’ work. There were sketching classes not only attended but organised by Moshett for the artists’ community, in the days long before formal art training was available in Georgetown. Moshett him-

Lithographic, the predecessor of the Guyana National Printers Limited, was in Moshett’s words the “first colour-printing and photo-lithographic business in British Guiana and the entire West Indies”.

The Lithographic produced the majority of the monthly and annual magazines, such as the ‘Caribia’

and the Booker Group’s ‘Pepperpot’, which, apart from newspapers, were the only mass-circulation media in the days before the expansion of radio or the

arrival of television. The look and style of the magazines were of vital importance, and Moshett was a key figure responsible for the high and sustained

ing on the right hand side, contrasted to the more impressionistic left hand side, all create rhythms and tensions in the painting and help to make it an excellent

quality of work through those years.

At the end of Moshett’s working career, he had compiled a list of more than 160 paintings, most of which are no longer in Guyana.

The National Collection has relatively few of his works. Banks DIH has a series of 24 paintings of “Guyanese Industry” and the National Library has 11 prints of “The Legend of Kaieteur”. Both were executed by Moshett and his friend Reginald Phang.

“Panorama: A Portrait of Guyana” stated that Moshett’s ‘Waterfront’ (1977) “artistically and seriously records an ordinary piece of Guyana life. Through this exercise, Moshett ennobles this simple facet of Guyana and creates a great piece of art. The point of view from the water looking inland is unusual. So too is the composition, which includes a large body of water and a diagonal leading in from the right hand side. The distribution of light and dark, the serrated roofline, the mingling of colours in the water, the strong draw-

work of art”.

In Moshett’s “Shrimping” (1972), the publication pointed out that “the life of poverty is starkly presented in this painting of two women searching for shrimp in a canal to make a meal for their families. The land is painted as dark greenish masses, and the women are painted in the same dark tonality. Only the canal is a bright area across the canvas, reflecting the blue sky. The women, backs to each other, are intent on their work, which is a means of their survival. Moshett manages to capture these women in a moment of their life – they appear to be totally oblivious of the artist. While this painting makes a strong social statement, it was not painted as part of a social movement. However, it was painted fairly late in Moshett’s career, since he was among the early Guyanese artists of the 1930s”.

Moshett died in 2003 at the age of 101. (Additional information on the artist and photos provided by Castellani House)

"Port Georgetown from Vreed-en-hoop"

"Ice Cream Vendor"

"Water Front"1977. Oil

"Shrimping" 1972

Tim Cook: Apple Watch to ship in April

Apple has revealed that the Apple Watch would ship in April, though a specific date wasn’t given.

The device was first announced in September 2014 alongside the latest iPhones. It was originally said to be shipping “Early 2015,” which Apple CEO Tim Cook now says is considered anything through April. Since then the watch has gained traction in the fashion and tech worlds.

Apple’s wearable will support notifications and “glances” from iPhonebased apps and is said to be aiming for 19-hour battery life, though it is reportedly having trouble hitting that goal. Apple is also planning to enable Apple Pay transactions on older iPhones

BYTe

Apple Watch will require a companion application on a paired iPhone to configure

Microsoft's HoloLens

Microsoft has a vision for the future, and it involves terms and technology straight out of science fiction

Microsoft's HoloLens, which the company unveiled Jan 21 at its Redmond, Wash., headquarters, is a sleek, flashy headset with transparent lenses. It has all the innards of a computer built directly into the headset. That means no cords or even a smartphone required.

Microsoft describes it as “the most advanced holographic computer the world has ever seen.”

You can see the world around you, but suddenly that

world is transformed -- with 3D objects floating in midair, virtual screens on the wall and your living room covered in virtual characters.

Microsoft's HoloLens is not actually producing 3D images that everyone can see. Instead of everyone walking into a room made to reproduce 3D images, Microsoft's goggles show images only the wearer can see.

Unlike the goggles of Oculus Rift that wants to immerse us in an entirely new world via virtual reality, Microsoft is not trying

to transport you to a different world, but rather bring the wonders of a computer directly to the one you're living in. It is overlaying images and objects onto our living rooms.

As a HoloLens wearer, you'll still see the real world in front of you. You can walk around and talk to others without worrying about bumping into walls.

The HoloLens headset is still early in development. Even so, Microsoft announced it would be made available “in the Windows 10 timeframe.”

will require iOS 8.2 to install from the App Store, if it isn’t pre-installed already with the update.

In preparation for the device's release, the consumer electronics giant has now made good on its promise to release a Software Development Kit (SDK) and - in the process - shed some further light on what users can expect from the Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch will come in three styles: an entry-level Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Sport and a slightly pricier gold Apple Watch Edition.

iPhone users that opt for the Apple Watch will be able to choose between a stainless steel or space black stainless steel case, while Apple Watch Sport

buyers will be offered an anodized aluminium case in silver or space grey. The high-end Watch Edition sports an 18-carat gold case and a sapphire crystal display as standard.

Apple is also offering users the opportunity to build an Apple Watch to their own specifications. As such, they can choose between either a 38mm or a 42mm height case for their devices, which will be available in a selection of colours including stainless steel, silver aluminium, 18-carat yellow gold, space black, space grey or 18-carat rose gold.

Microsoft launches new Outlook app for iOS, Android

Microsoft has launched a new Outlook app for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. The app will support Office 365, Exchange, Outlook.com, Yahoo Mail, Gmail, iCloud and other key email services. The app will also help users manage calendar and fetch attachments within the same app.

Users will be able to attach files from Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive or the user's mailbox right from the app.

"Our mission is to bring the best mobile email experience across platforms, in a way that is as familiar and functional as Outlook itself," Javier Soltero, Outlook general manager and former CEO of Acompli, said in a statement.

Microsoft had acquired the San Francisco-based email startup Acompli for $200 million in December last year.

Julia White, general manager for the Office Division, said during an interview that the new apps are not just for email but also to liven up the full Outlook experience.

The new apps are expected to replace the current range of Microsoft Outlook apps like the OWA apps for iOS and Android.

The new Outlook apps are free for consumers and business users. The business version also offers special features that require a subscription to Office 365. The premium features will debut early this year.

This update includes support for Office 365, Exchange, Outlook.com, Yahoo! Inc.! Mail, Gmail and other email providers.

Microsoft’s old Outlook.com app could only access Microsoft emails. The obsolete app will continue to be offered, as Microsoft looks to slowly pull it off the market.

pairing those handsets with the watch.

Microsoft's HoloLens can let you play Minecraft in your living room, Skype and watch live TV from any surface, or walk alongside the Mars Curiosity Rover during a tour of the Martian surface

Organizing

Wdaily clutter

Szechuan Shrimp

minced

½ tsp crushed red pepper

2 tbs sesame oil or vegetable oil

1 can (10 ¾ oz.) condensed chicken broth

2 tbs dry sherry

2 tsp soy sauce

Method

In a small bowl, beat egg white until soft peaks form, gradually adding 2 tbs cornstarch.

Dip shrimp in egg white mixture.

Fry, a few shrimp at a time, in deep fat at 350o F until lightly browned.

Drain on absorbent towels.

Cook onions, red pepper and garlic and crushed red pepper in oil until just tender. Add shrimp, broth, remaining cornstarch, sherry and soy sauce.

Cook, stirring until thickened.

Serve with rice and broccoli. Makes about 3 cups.

Never overcrowd the pan. When a pan is crowded, the heat that rises from the cooking surface becomes trapped under the food and creates steam; making oven fries limp and preventing chicken breasts from getting that delectable caramelized crust. To help give food flavor and lock in moisture, make sure the pieces aren’t touching one another in the pan. Patting damp food dry with a paper towel before cooking also helps. Cook in batches if you don’t have a large enough skillet or baking sheet.

To restore finished wood furniture, steep two tea bags in hot water for 10 minutes. Let cool, then dampen a clean soft cloth with tea and wipe over wood furniture. It will bring out the woods natural color and shine.

Boil orange peel and cloves to get rid of unpleasant smells in the kitchen.

The Rocket Book

By Peter Newell

(Continued from Jan 25)

Where did the rocket go after the janitor’s kid set it off from the basement through to the tenth flat…?

ELEVENTH FLAT

While Carrie Cook sat with a book

The phonograph played sweetly.

Then came the rocket and it smashed

That instrument completely.

Fair Carrie promptly turned her head,

Attracted by the roar.

"Dear me, I never heard," she said,

"That record played before!"

TWELFTH FLAT

De Vere was searching for a match

To light a cigarette, But failed to find one with despatch, Which threw him in a pet.

Just then the rocket flared up bright

Before his face and crackled,

Supplying him the needed light--

"Thanks, awfully," he cackled.

THIRTEENTH FLAT

Home from the shop

came Maud's new hat--

A hat of monstrous size!

It almost filled the tiny flat

Before her ravished eyes.

When, sch-u-u! Up through the box so proudThe rocket flared and spluttered.

"I said that hat was all too loud!"

Her peevish husband muttered.

FOURTEENTH FLAT

Tom's pap had helped him start his train,

And all would have been fine

Had not the rocket, raising Cain, Blocked traffic on the line.

It blew the engine into scrap,

As in a fit of passion.

"Who would have thought that toy," said pap, "Would blow up in such fashion!"

FIFTEENTH FLAT

Orlando Pease, quite at his ease, The "Morning Star" was reading.

"My dear," said he to Mrs. Pease, "Here's a report worth heeding."

The rocket then in wanton sport

Flashed through the printed pages.

The lady gasped, "A wild report!"

Then swooned by easy stages.

(to Be Continued)

Five Ways to Help Your Kids Do Well in Math

Mastering mathematics is essential for future opportunities in school and careers. Your children would need to reach a certain level of competency in math to take many advanced high-school courses, to be admitted to higher institutions of learning, and to have a wide variety of career choices.

Here is how you can help them maximize their mathsmarts.

1. Make sure your children understand mathematical concepts.

Otherwise, math becomes a meaningless mental exercise of just memorizing rules and doing rote drills. Have your children manipulate objects to figure out basic concepts. For addition, they could add one, two, or more blocks to a pile of blocks and then tell you how many blocks are in the pile.

2. Help them master the basic facts.

Mastery of a basic fact means that children can give an answer in less than three seconds. Considerable drill is required for children to give quick responses. Use flash cards to help your children learn the basic facts. When they don't know an answer, have them lay out objects to solve the problem.

3. Encourage your children to do more than the assigned problems.

Considerable practice is necessary for your children to hone their math skills. If the teacher only assigns the even problems, having them

do some of the odd ones will strengthen their skills. The more time your children spend practicing their skills, the sooner they will develop

problems. Teach your children to read a word problem several times. Also, have them draw a picture or diagram to describe it. Make it easier for

Mathematics will become more meaningful when your child sees how important it is in so many real-life situations so encourage him/

confidence in their abilities.

4. Explain how to solve word problems.

Mathematicians have an expression: To learn to solve problems, you must solve

JOKES

Two Guys Are Hunting In the Woods…

One of them spots a hole in the ground that looks unusually deep. He picks up a rock and throws it in the hole, and never hears it hit the bottom.

"Try something heavier", the other man suggests. They find a rusty old anvil nearby, pick it up and throw it down the hole. Five seconds later a goat comes speeding toward the hole and falls in.

"What the heck was that?", one of the men says.

Just then another man runs up and says, "Please, have you seen my goat anywhere?!"

"Yes", they reply. "We just saw him run this way and jump into this hole!"

The man says, "That's impossible. I had him tied to an anvil."

Not too late

The mother and father had just given their teenage daughter family-car privileges. On Saturday night, she returned home very late from a party.

The next morning her father went out to the driveway to get the newspaper and came back into the house frowning.

At 11:30 AM, the girl sleepily walked into the kitchen, and her father asked her, "Sweetheart, what

time did you get in last night?"

"Not too late, Dad." she replied nervously. "Then, my precious one, I'll have to talk with the paperboy about putting my paper under the front tire of the car."

Too Slow

A wife complains, "A wall clock almost knocked my mother senseless today. It fell only seconds after she got up from the couch."

Her husband mumbled, "Clock always was slow."

Tough Diet

A doctor put an overweight guy on a diet. "I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day, and repeat the procedure for two weeks. The next time I see you, you'll have lost at least five pounds," he instructed. When the guy returns, he's lost nearly 20 pounds. "Why, that's amazing!" the doctor says. "Did you follow my instructions?"

The guy nods. "I'll tell you though, I thought I was going to drop dead that third day."

"From hunger, you mean?" said the doctor. "No, from skipping," replied the guy.

them to understand the steps in a problem by teaching them to substitute smaller numbers for larger ones.

5. Make mathematics part of your children's daily life.

her to use math in practical ways. Asking them to space new plants a certain distance apart, double a recipe or pay bills in stores are simple ways to get them involved in Maths.

By Grammar G

Let’s look at fun terms and labels of those sometimes weird and quirky ways we can all manipulate our English language.

SIAMESE TWINS

What is often referred to as Siamese Twins is, in medical parlance, known as conjoined twins. It is a condition where identical twins are born joined at some part of their anatomy, and, until recently, unable to be separated without fatal consequences to one or both.

(As an aside, the term Siamese Twins was coined in the early 19th century, referring to twin brothers Chang and Eng Bunker from Siam, (now Thailand) joined at the chest, who nevertheless led active lives)

In rhetoric (persuasive writing or speech), the informal term Siamese twins (formally: binomials or binomial pairs) is used for those pairs of words that appear together in a particular order, which cannot be switched without losing the meaning.Some have to stay one way because they explain a logical order.

For example, we name and shame drunk drivers since,as part of their reprimand, we first put their names in newspapers and this we expect would subsequently shame them.

Siamese twins can be connected with and: “alive and well,” “nuts and bolts,” a “skin and bone.” Also with or: “give or take,” “more or less,” “win or lose”, or other words like“dawn till dusk,” “north to south”, “head over heels.”

They can also contain antonyms: “days and nights,” “back to front,” and “up and down”, synonyms: “house and home,” “leaps and bounds,” “prim and proper”, and alliteration: “friend or foe,” “tried and true.” Siamese Twins can also contain repetition or near repetition: “dog eat dog,” “eat or be eaten”, or rhyme: “wrong and strong”, “wear and tear”.

(Siamese ‘twins’ can also be triplets (trinomials):“left, right, and center”, “hook, line and sinker”, or overlap: be a synonym and alliteration etc.)

Not all Siamese twins explain a logical order, most end up that way because that’s the way it worked outso it sounds better. Being left dry and high to pay the bill alone when out with friends is just as irritating as being left high and dry. If you tell your friends the switched Siamese twin though, they might think you drank most of the drinks anyway. Can you think of more Siamese twins? See page 23 for some examples.

20 Times Sunday Puzzle

I am four words

Though there appear to be three

Two ways of pronouncing

Three spellings there be.

The first is a manner of indicating, a case being such, or therefore, or a measure of degree.

The second is a pig, female you see.

The third is also on a farm, a manner of planting of seed.

The fourth is to stitch, to hold fabric together, indeed.

Can you say now, what word could this be?

Bengal tigers are found mainly in the Sundarbans region that lies in the northeastern Indian state of West Bengal, and in Bangladesh. Isolated groups can also be found across India as well as scattered populations in neighboring Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. The Sudarbans is one of the world’s largest mangrove swamp regions.

Bengal tigers are solitary, carnivorous animals that have no problem going into water to chase or retrieve prey. Their night vision, aided with a mirror-like layer at the back of the eye to reflect extra light, is six times better than ours is but their hearing is their sharpest sense. Each tiger’s stripes on its coat are as unique to each individual as human fingerprints are to each person.

There were once eight subspecies of tiger but five remain today: the Bengal, Siberian, Sumatran, Indochinese and the Caspian tiger.

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.

By Laurie Triefeldt

SPAIN

Once one of the wealthiest and most powerful of nations, this sunny land of sweeping plains and rugged mountains has also known poverty and struggle. It is steeped in history and is famous for its castles, food, flamenco dancing, wine and bullfights.

Just the facts

Total area 195,364 sq. mi. (504,645 sq. km)

Population 46,704,314

Capital city Madrid

Agriculture

Barley, hogs, milk, olives, oil, rice, potatoes, sheep, beets, tomatoes, wheat, wine

Manufacturing Automobiles, chemicals, food products, iron and steel, machinery, ships, shoes, textiles

Ancient history

The ancient Romans called early Spain Hispania. While in the region, they founded cities and built public baths, aqueducts, theaters, arenas and roads. The Moors ruled Spain for 700 years and called it Al-Andalus. Moorish palaces were often decorated with colorful tiles and delicate stone carvings.

When the Moors left Spain in 1492, the empire began to expand and become rich and powerful. The country grew to control Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, most of Central and South America, the Philippines, parts of Africa, the Canary Islands, large areas of Europe and parts of North America.

Gulf of Cádiz

Famous people

El Cid was a just and fearless knight of Castile who helped defeat the Moors and became master of Valencia.

The great Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes wrote a famous story about Don Quixote, a knight who tilted at windmills he thought were giants. You can still see giant windmills on the dry plains of Castile-La Mancha.

The Third of May 1808, by Francisco Goya

Many famous painters came from Spain. Among them are: Diego Velázquez (1599-1660) and Francisco Goya (1746-1828), who was known for his war paintings. Two great 20th-century artists are Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), who pioneered Cubism, and the Surrealist painter Salvador Dalí (1904-1989).

“Castilla” means “land of castles.” The word “Alcázar” comes from the Arabic word for “castle.” Segovia’s Alcázar was rebuilt in the late 1800s after a fire destroyed the original keep. The

Flamenco

The province of Andalusia, in the south of Spain, is the birthplace of flamenco music. Traditionally, flamenco has belonged to gypsies and the poor. But as flamenco has become popular around the world, it has been mixed with other kinds of music and dance. Flamenco in its truest form is an expression of deep emotion, like terrible sadness or great joy.

Traditionally, red is the favorite color of flamenco dresses, because red seems to evoke fire and passion. Polka dots are a popular fabric design.

Shawls and fans are sometimes used as a flamenco accessory — an extension of the arms and upper body.

The flamenco guitar, or Spanish guitar, is smaller and lighter than a modern classical guitar. Most flamenco guitars have push-pegs (like a violin) for tuning.

Walt Disney World Castle in Florida was inspired by this castle.

Spanish baroque guitar with 10 pegs

Paella is sometimes thought of as the national dish of Spain. This Valencian rice mixture is often made with seafood, but it can be made with many other ingredients.

Tapas is a selection of appetizers or snacks often served in Spanish cafes and bars. Served hot or cold, these delicious tidbits are made in great variety.

For many Spaniards, the art of bullfighting (toreo) is an important ancient ritual.

Queens of Africa dolls outpace Barbie in Nigeria

When Taofick Okoya’s young daughter declared that she wished she were white, his pride in his culture – and his innovative spirit –took note.He created‘Queens of Africa’ dolls.

"All the dolls in the house were all white, and I was like, “‘Oh, ok, that’s a problem,’" Okoya explained in a video.

“Because when you load a child with all this, it becomes an acceptable form of … how you should look. And so I thought, I want to use my dolls to teach Nigerian culture, African culture.”

Eight years later, the 43-year-old Nigerian now sells 6,000 to 9,000 dolls a month in his country, much more than the world-renowned Barbie doll there.

He has become an agent for social change since.

The three dolls Okoya created each represent one of Nigeria’s three largest populations. Nneka, who is Igno and characterizes love; Wuraola, a Yoruba, symbolizes endurance, and Azeezah, a Hausa, who is the queen of peace. They come in various outfits, but according to the company’s website, queensofafricadolls. com, the ones dressed in traditional attire are the most popular.

Okoya noted that his first prototypes were full-figured dolls, but they weren’t so popular among young girls, accustomed as they were to the standard slim Barbie. Nevertheless, according to Okoya,he will be making “dolls with bigger bodies” and “identifying African characteristics” in the future.(Source: Yahoo Style)

Brain Teaser Answer

In order of appearance: So Sow Sow Sew

The title is a reference to the fact that both sew and sow appear in proverbs ("a stitch in time, saves nine" and "you reap what you sow")

Answers to Wordplay

Tooth and nail, trial and error, give and take, smoke and mirrors, fun and games, profit and loss, bread and butter, sweetness and light, track and field, ball and chain, straight and narrow, breaking and entering – and finally a triplet: lock, stock and barrel.

FIND THE DIFFERENCES

SUDOKU KID SUDOKU

How the first human to take steps in outer space nearly didn't

return to Earth

Alexei Leonov did not feel as if he was in motion as he clambered on to the outside of the spacecraft, 500km above the Earth.But in reality, he was hurtling around our planet at speeds many times faster than a jet aircraft.

The vast, vivid geography of our planet stretched out before him - a giant canvas of contrasting colours and textures.He was the first of his species to see our planet in such glorious aspect. The Russian was quickly overwhelmed.

“You just can't comprehend it. Only out there can you feel the greatness - the huge size of all that surrounds us.”

The Voskhod 2 mission was hailed as a propaganda coup for the Soviet Union and as a blow to American pride. But this triumphant narrative bore little resemblance to what actually took place behind the scenes.

Leonov, now 80, gave a rare interview to the BBC in which he talks about the series of emergencies that made the trek back to Earth worthy of any Hollywood movie.

Minutes after he stepped into space, Leonov realized his suit had inflated like a balloon, preventing him from getting back inside.The lack of atmospheric pressure in space had slowly caused his spacesuit to inflate like a balloon.

“My suit was becoming deformed, my hands had slipped out of the gloves, my feet came out of the boots. The suit felt loose around my body. I had to do something.”

In five minutes, he would be in the Earth’s shadow, and plunged into total darkness.Without telling ground control, the cosmonaut decided to bleed half of the air out of his spacesuit through a valve in its lining.This risked starving his body of oxygen, but if he couldn't get back inside the capsule, he’d be dead anyway.

Leonov let out a little oxygen at a time to reduce the pressure. But as he did so, he started to feel the first hints of decompression sickness.

“I began to get pins and needles in my legs and hands. I was entering the danger zone; I knew this could be fatal.”

He started coiling the cord in order to haul himself back. When he finally reached the airlock, he pushed the camera in, grabbed the sides and lurched through headfirst.He was supposed to re-enter the airlock feet first.

Cosmonauts of the Voskhod 2, Co-pilot Alexei Leonov (L) and Pilot Pavel Belyayev on their return

Getting in the wrong way meant he had to turn himself around in the cramped space to make sure the umbilical cord was inside and the hatch was locked.After curling around in his bulky suit, in such a narrow space, Leonov finally made it back inside the craft.

Later on, the cosmonauts narrowly avoided being vaporized in a huge fireball when oxygen levels soared inside the craft. The spacecraft’s instruments showed oxygen levels steadily climbing at an alarming rate.

As the oxygen pressure soared, Voskhod 2’s cabin became dangerously flammable.The cosmonauts frantically worked to lower the temperature and the humidity. This halted the relentless rise in oxygen pressure, although it remained high for some time.Eventually, the level began to fall.

Then on the way back to Earth, when the spacecraft’s equipment module, which contained engines and propellant, failed to detach fully as planned,the crew was exposed to enormous G-forces as both the equipment and descent modules of the spacecraft started tumbling.

However, the ordeal ended when the cable linking the modules burned through, freeing the cosmonauts’ capsule.

The descent module floated through the clouds on its parachute. It touched down hundreds of kilometers off target, in a remote corner of a Siberian forest populated by wolves and bears.

It would take two nights before their rescuers could fly them out. Leonov recalls, “When we flew out of there, the rescuers said they saw wolf tracks around the spacecraft.”(Source: The First Spacewalk, by Paul Rincon, BBC, Oct 13, 2014)

Azeezah is Hausa who is the queen of peaceWuraola is Yoruba and symbolizes enduranceNneka is Igno who embodies love

Leonov's spacewalk

Times

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

(June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Your friends or relatives will be able to give you some good advice if you confide in them. You need to get out and enjoy yourself more often. Look for inexpensive but entertaining activities.

Your life will stabilize if you stick to a tight budget. Take care not to be talked into donating to organizations that you believe in but can't afford to help.

You have to put your energy to good use by taking part in competitive sports events, socializing with friends or spending time with a loved one. Your passion will be hard to contain.

You can learn if you listen to others. You need to stand back and decide if you are really going in a direction that will satisfy your needs.

You need to take time to do things for yourself. You've been so busy caring for everyone else that you've forgotten what it's like to be pampered.

Arguments will lead to anxiety and frustration, not to mention loneliness and hurt. Don't overreact to your partner's lack of time or attention. Keep busy. Get involved in your own interests, and you won't be by yourself for long.

Your quick wit will win you points. Voice your opinion, but don't be too pushy, or opposition will arise. Physical activity will be rewarding. You will have the energy to get things finished.

Channel your efforts into fixing up your home, not arguing with those you live with. Don't let your stubborn nature lead to irreconcilable differences.

An emotional partner will be upset if you have been neglecting your duties. Someone you have become friends with has greater interest in you than you realize. Tread carefully.

Don't let yourself be dragged into a love triangle. Be sure that the person you date is free and clear of past involvements. Children will play an important role today.

Try to include your family in any social events that arise. You need to create a closer bond with your loved ones. Your entertaining nature will win favors from coworkers.

Emotionally, things won't run too smoothly today. Try not to let someone corner you. This is not the time to be faced with a situation that could result in isolation. Busy yourself with activities that will enhance your looks.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Dilbert

AQUARIUS

CANCER

CAPRICORN

GEMINI