Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

Sunday

Times September 27, 2015

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None of which are actually tigers Page 3

Encourages others to plant more Page 2

2 Times Sunday Magazine

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September 27, 2015

Times Feature

Dartmouth farmers find profit, independence in beans

Encourages others to plant more A farmer transporting beans from Dartmouth backlands

By Indrawattie Natram

W

hat may seem as a very tedious task for many is actually a very enjoyable pastime for several women of a Dartmouth community in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

The women in Dartmouth, located in the centre of the Essequibo Coast, confirmed that beans cultivation is the best hobby they could ever adopt; one that makes them self-sufficient and meaningfully occupied.

They are actively involved in the cultivation of

red beans and the manual packaging of the beans that are later sold on the local market.

The project was conceptualized and assisted by READ and the National Agriculture Research Institute and Extension, (NARIE) through the Ministry of Agriculture some two years ago.

On a regular basis, farmers in the area benefit from the distribution of new bean seeds from NAREI. The organisation usually work along with the farmers, providing technical advice so that farmers can improve their crop husbandry practices through extension edu-

cation, demonstration plots and farmers’ field schools.

Approximately 70 acres of red beans are currently under cultivation in the sandy area. The farmers have two crops of beans cultivation in the area. They are often affected by dry weather, which sometimes hampers the amount of yield.

Love your work

Sunday Magazine recently caught up with a few bean-farmers who shared their stories. Having braved the midday sun, and walking among acres of bean plants, Sunday Magazine was able to meet with a few farmers

who shared their success stories. Most of the farmers were females, who were very enthusiastic about speaking of their work.

As they plucked their bean pods, throwing them in their bags, they related that being independent is the best thing that a woman can achieve.

Explaining further, the women said that in the past, when the project wasn't introduced in the community, they would spend most of their time in front of the television. The mothers also related that most times they wanted many things in their home but couldn't afford anything.

crop is in its green stage, she said, she would periodically visit to ensure that no pests or diseases were affecting it.

Another farmer, Bella John, said that she loves

“Beans Cultivation" is we living – makes us self-sufficient”

The farmers related that now they are happy for the project since it was one that has led the way to their independence.

Melinda Joseph, one such bean farmer, said that she finds love in farming and loves what she is doing. She added that her farm provides employment as well as money for her children and home circle.

“I don't know… but I don't see this job as painful.

I love to be close with nature and pick my pods; this is what every woman should see too – that being in the garden is a wonderful job: it makes you earn, and you can provide for your family," Joseph declared.

The mother said that she would usually venture out as early as 5:00 a.m. in the morning to her farm and start harvesting. When the

ing. After the drying process the beans are then separated and go through a packaging process.

Farmers in the area pointed out that the drying

Drying beans

Field of beans plants

farming, and encourages other women to get aboard.

She said that despite the challenges during the crop, there is an assurance of money at the end.

She explained that she would usually hand pick the red beans, pack in a bag and later transport via a bicycle to the drying floor for dry-

Melinda Joseph with her beans

floor is assisting them but have requested a packaging facility to further assist in the process.

Although these farming residents do not have a packaging plant, they find pleasure in going through the process manually. The beans, after being processed, are later sold locally to supermarkets and indigenous communities within the Region.

John said that like Dartmouth, other communities can adopt similar ideas, and women can be actively involved. She said she has not regretted getting into farming, and is in fact thinking of putting more lands under cultivation.

The farmers are encouraging other females who are looking to adopt a profitable hobby, to get involve in farming plants. They confessed that farming has a positive effect on an individual’s life and also can help to enrich their standard of living. (Cover photo: Working tirelessly harvesting beans in Dartmouth)

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September 27, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine

3

Times Feature

By Matt Hallett Part One

G

uyana is home to six species of wild cat – each with unique natural histories, beautiful physical attributes, and interesting behaviours. Each of the six species plays an important role in the vast forests and savannas of Guyana, a niche that evolved over millions of years.

Whether it is as the top predator or feeding on rodents in the tree tops, the astonishing diversity of the landscape allows for all six of these species to share space, find enough food, and pass their genes on to the next generation, while each role plays an important part in the functioning of the landscape itself.

While other countries have more wild cats (India is home to 15 species of wild cat), Guyana supports relatively healthy populations of all six species – part of the country’s enduring national heritage.

All of the wild cats found in Guyana are experiencing population decreases in other parts of their range and some are already considered ‘Near Threatened’ or ‘Vulnerable,’ which is like knocking on the door to ‘Endangered’ species status.

What’s in a name?

The presence of cats that roam wild and free across vast areas of plentiful habitat is something that all Guyanese can be proud of,

The ‘tigers’ of the Neotropics actually comes from the Spanish word for the Asian tiger, El tigre. Upon arriving in the new world in the 16th century, Spanish explorers had no native word in their language for the cats that they encountered. These early explorers described the wild cats of this new world as smaller than a lion but bigger than a leopard.

None had ever encountered such creatures in the Old World, and so they named the largest after the Asian tiger, whose ferocity was known to them through Roman writings, popular literature during the Renaissance.

Despite its inaccuracy, the name El tigre stuck, was picked up by the Portuguese who colonized Brazil, and was adopted and passed on by the Spanish, French, Dutch, and British, who all played roles in Guyana’s colonial history.

So what’s in a name?

Many may think that calling Guyana’s wild cats is a charming historical relic that is commonly used and doesn’t seem to be hurting anyone. But understanding species is a critical first step to appreciating them.

Guyana is truly a rare place in this world. You can search the globe, but very rarely will you find another place with the amount of relatively pristine, intact, standing forests as Guyana currently maintains. Even fewer places support relatively healthy populations

None of which are actually tigers

Puma caught on camera traps near Yupukari village, Region Nine

over the course of three weeks, the six tigers of Guyana – none of which are actually tigers at all.

The jaguar (Panthera onca), also known as tiger or el tigre, is the largest cat in the Americas, the only ‘big cat’ in the New World, and the third largest cat in the world. The common name, “jaguar” comes from the Tupi–Guarani (western Amazon) word yaguareté, which roughly translated means “true beast.”

Jaguars are known for their spotted coats – a tawny-yellow base layer that is covered in black rosettes

Jaguar caught on camera traps near Yupukari village, Region Nine

yet it seems that few know their names.

Most people probably know of the large wild cats of Guyana simply as ‘tigers’.

Many times I’ve been provided detailed explanations of the different types of tigers (deer tiger, tapir tiger and labba tiger), their habits and behaviours.

There are many in Guyana who have spent their lives farming, hunting, and fishing the land and thus are very knowledgeable about local wildlife, including Guyana’s wild cats.

While calling Guyana’s wild cats ‘tigers’ is largely believed to be an interesting artefact of Creole culture, the so-called tigers of the Western Hemisphere actually have an interesting history that originates outside of the Caribbean.

of all their native wild cat species.

This should be source of national pride that can be shared by all Guyanese. In a world where forests are being cut and overturned for short-term economic gain and species are being hunted to the brink of extinction, Guyana has managed its resources with a global perspective and an eye for the future.

And while wild cats have been vilified as dangerous nuisances that are a threat to public health recently in the press, maybe getting to know your wild neighbours might help all Guyanese realize what how special it is to share space with these unique creatures before it is too late.

Jaguar

Let me introduce to you,

that provide camouflage in the dappled light of the rainforest, but melanistic jaguars that are all black in coloration due to the expression of a recessive gene also make up a small percentage of the population.

Jaguars are the true ‘king of the jungle’ as the top predator of the Amazon and Guiana Shield forests, but jaguars are actually found in a wide variety of habitats, including grassland, scrub, and desert.

Jaguars have the largest and most intact range of any of the world’s big cats, from the southwestern United States to northern Argentina.

Jaguars are considered ‘Near Threatened,’ as their population trend across their range is generally decreasing due to habitat loss,

depletion of natural prey, and retaliatory killing as a result of conflict with livestock.

Jaguars once roamed across the southern U.S., but their range there is now limited to a few individuals who venture across the Mexican border, and they have actually gone extinct in El Salvador and Uruguay.

Solitary animals that are highly territorial, jaguars come together only to mate or as mother/cub groups and maintain large home ranges that they actively monitor, mark and defend. Jaguars have the highest jaw strength to body size ratio of any cat and their mouth can open extremely wide, giving them access to a wide variety of prey.

Jaguars are opportunis-

tic hunters who have been recorded to prey on as many as 87 species, including livestock. Preying on livestock causes conflict between pumas and ranchers and many pumas are killed each year in retaliation for predation on livestock.

As top predator, jaguars

play a key role by keeping prey and competitors’ populations in check, thus maintaining balanced ecosystems, but the continued killing of jaguars in retaliation for preying on livestock threatens to disrupt this balance across their range.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Margay captured on camera traps in the Kanuku Mountains

4

Times Sunday Magazine

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September 27, 2015

Times Feature

Remarkable rocks of Guyana G

uyana is blessed with a host of precious and semi-precious stone resources, minerals and rocks.

Sunday Magazine visited a booth at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s Mining Week celebrations held in Bartica, and was intrigued by a stunning display of rocks. These rocks are testimony of Guyana’s rich natural resources, which we should all cherish and not exploit.

First let’s distinguish a rock from a mineral and an ore, and then we’ll delve into the different types of rocks.

A rock is a naturally occurring collection of mineral or minerals, which constitute a significant part of the earth’s crust. On the other hand, minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances with a definite and predictable chemical composition and physical properties.

An ore is a mineral or a collection of minerals from which valuable element, especially a metal, can be profitably mined or extracted.

There are three basic types of rocks – igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Limestone An igneous rock

Migmatite

Slate

Igneous rocks

Igneous rocks are called ‘fire rocks’ and are formed either underground or above ground. Underground, they are formed when the melted rock, called magma, deep

within the earth, becomes trapped in pockets. As these pockets of magma cool slowly underground, the magma becomes igneous rocks.

Additionally, igneous rocks are formed when

Phyllite

Pink Granite

volcanoes erupt, causing the magma to rise above the earth’s surface. When magma appears above the earth, it is called lava.

Igneous rocks are formed as the lava cools above ground.

Sedimentary rocks

For thousands, even millions of years, little pieces of our earth have been eroded - broken down and worn away by wind and water.

These little bits of our earth are washed downstream where they settle to the bottom of the rivers, lakes and oceans. Layer after layer of eroded earth is deposited on top of each. These layers are pressed down more and more through time, until the bottom layers slowly turn into rock.

Metamorphic rocks

A metamorphic rock is a result of a transformation of a pre-existing rock. The original rock is subjected

to very high heat and pressure, which cause obvious physical and/or chemical changes. Examples of these rock types include marble, slate, gneiss, schist.

Remarkable rocks

Basalt is an example of igneous rock. It is actually an aphanitic igneous rock (igneous rocks that are so fine-grained that their component mineral crystals are not detectable by the unaided eye) with less than 20 per cent quartz and less than ten per cent feldspathoidal (a group of minerals) by volume, and where at least 65 percent of the feldspar is in the form of plagioclase (a member of the feldspar group). Over half the Earth's crust is composed of a single group of minerals known as feldspar.

Conglomerate is a course grained clastic sedimentary rock that is composed

of a substantial fraction of rounded to sub angular gravel-sized clasts such as pebbles, granules, cobbles and boulders larger than 2mm (0.079 in) in diameter.

Clasts are fragments of geological chunks and smaller grains of rock broken off other rocks by physical weathering. Conglomerates form by the consolidation and lithification (process of sediments gradually becoming solid rocks) of gravel. Conglomerates typically contain finer grained sediments such as silt, sand, clay or a combination of these, which are called ‘matrix’ by geologists.

Gabbro refers to a large group of dark, often phaneritic (coarse-grained), intrusive igneous rocks. It forms when molten magma is trapped beneath the Earth’s surface and slowly cools into a holocrystalline (made up wholly of crystals or crystalline particles) mass.

Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Calcium carbonate is a white insoluble solid occurring naturally as chalk, limestone, marble, and calcite, and forming mollusc shells and stony corals.

Most limestone is composed of skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral and molluscs.

Migmatite is a rock that is a mixture of metamorphic rock and igneous rock. It is created when a metamorphic rock partially melts, and then that melt recrystallizes into an igneous rock creating a mixture of the unmelted metamorphic part with the recrystallized igneous part.

Phyllite is a type of foliated (repetitive layering) metamorphic rock created from slate that is further metamorphosed so that very fine grained white mica (form of mineral) achieves a preferred orientation. It is primarily composed of quartz, sericite, mica and chlorite all minerals.

Pink granite is a common type of igneous rock.

The word ‘granite’ comes from the Latin word granum, a grain, in reference to the coarse grained structure of such a rock.

Sandstone (sometimes known as arenite) is a classic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains.

Slate is a fine grained, foliated, homogenous metamorphic rock derived from an original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash. Shale is a fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock composed of mud that is a mix of flakes of clay minerals and tiny fragments of other minerals. (Information by Guyana Geology and Mines Commission)

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September 27, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 5

Times Women

Overseas-based Guyanese chef Shaunna Marto shares her finance to food story

I

Overseas-based chef Shaunna Marto

n an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, overseasbased Guyanese chef Shaunna Marto, who stated she is from Georgetown, but migrated to the US in 1986 and currently resides in Toronto, Canada, said that she never thought she could have a career doing what she loves. Inspired by life, the chef is now assiduously pursuing her dreams “Back in 1990, after working and getting used to the culture, I went to University of Toronto and completed a degree in Business Administration as many people do when they’re not completely sure of what they want to do – but business is always a ‘safe’ career,” she recalled.

After years of working in the finance field, including 12 years in Municipal Government as a finance analyst, Marto decided she wanted to attend culinary school. With her love for the culinary arts and encouragement from family and friends, Marto thought culinary school would be a good place to start.

“I wanted to see if I could do it. I totally fell in love! I started cooking when I was 11, much to the horror of my parents who were concerned I would hurt myself or burn the house down. But they soon realised I was not to be stopped. Coming from the Caribbean, I never thought I could have a career doing what I love; now I know differently. I encourage my son to do just that. He’s 18 years old. I raised him as a single mom since he was three and he has been my inspiration for following what I love to do,” Marto expressed.

In 2006, the chef started her company, Party’s By Shaunna, while still work-

ing at a fulltime job. She was compelled to do so because of responsibilities to care for her son, pay a mortgage, and other financial obligations. In 2011, she left her government job to pursue her business full-time.

much more. I have been doing so for over 10 years and continue to do so. I dedicated part of my business for fundraising in helping charities by donating dinners as prizes for auctions and so on. I am also involved in community events such as Caribana, Carabram - an annual 3-day multicultural festival run by volunteers in promoting various cultures,” she outlined.

Marto is a Frenchtrained chef, but also cooks Indian, Asian, Italian, Thai, and Caribbean cuisines.

The “Guyanese girl” comes out in every dish she makes, which she believes gets her great feedback about her food.

“There is a challenge for women in the culinary field, but it’s certainly getting better. It is a very tough field; hard to have a proper family life. Working in restaurants is very hard work and everyone has to pay their dues. It’s certainly not what you see on cooking shows.

One should not choose this career based on the chefs that they see on TV,” the chef urged.

The culinary expert enjoys creating new dishes

Spreading love via her food

“I knew if I wanted to have a successful career doing what I love, I had to dedicate myself completely to my business. I have also found the time to give back to my community. I have been involved with various charities such as United Way, Canadian Mental Health Association, mentoring atrisk youths, food banks and

or elevating an old dish by changing a spice or ingredient, which gives her a sense of accomplishment. Marto is always trying to cook something with a “wow” factor and expresses her love via her dishes.

In outlining her plans, the chef said she would like to help her business grow.

She plans on purchasing

a food truck, with a mission to introduce delicious, fresh, affordable gourmet food to the Toronto area.

Her concept involves curries inspired by her country of birth. Marto also plans on teaching her culinary arts on a wider field. Currently, she provides private cooking classes for people in their homes.

“My advice for anyone pursuing food as a business is that it has to be a passion! No one goes into the food business to become rich. It’s hard, backbreaking, but for me it’s not a job, it’s what I absolutely love to do! Get some kind of training and learn the basics, even if it’s just a few weeks. Always practice,

practice, practice. Let your family and friends give you feedback on your cooking. My son was always my taster since he was 6 years old and has a great palette,” the culinary connoisseur revealed.

For more information on the Guyanese chef, visit Party's By Shaunna on Facebook.

6 Times Sunday Magazine

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September 27, 2015

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Part V

By Petamber Persaud

I

n previous articles we examined the following books: “Stories of the Heroes”, by P. H. Daly, “Dictionary of Guyanese Biography”(DGB) compiled by Arthur and Elma Seymour, “Grass Roots of Guyana” compiled by Lewiz Alyan and “The Excellent Decade 2005-2015”, produced by the ANSA McAl Foundation.

During that four-part expedition, we were treated to varied perceptions of a hero/heroine, different views on excellence, and we were given various reasons for the compilation of those publications.

In part four, we paused at a new publication featur-

Desiree Patricia Bernard

Sister Mary Noel Menezes

S. S. Ramphal

Professor Clive Thomas

ing contemporary heroes of Guyana and the Caribbean.

Now, it is back to ‘old’ books.

This book, “Personalities Caribbean: the International Guide to Who’s Who in the West

Indies, Bahamas and Barbados” is in its seventh edition, first published in 1967 featuring under 300 men and women, a large percentage making up the government of a country.

This massive book fea-

tures 40 Guyanese, some of whom are still alive.

As was done in previous articles, we would take another look at living personalities, ladies first.

Loncke “She was a winner of the Guyana Scholarship in 1960, which took her to the University College of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. While there she was awarded a French Government Scholarship for study in France which she completed at the Sorbonne in the University of Paris. With the offer of a UCWI Post-graduate Scholarship she proceeded to Somerville College, Oxford. But that was not all.

Dr Loncke received a French Government Fellowship in 1971, followed by a Ford Foundation Grant for Research in France in 1974. …

By 1960 she was already a Licentiate of the Royal School of Music, London, and became a Fellow of the Trinity College of Music at London in 1971…. one of Guyana's leading concert pianists, and the foremost performing artist in classical music resident in Guyana. … She was made a Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1974, awarded the Arrow of Achievement (AA) in 1980, and the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) in 1987.”

(University of Guyana Website) she was conferred with the title Professor Emeritus by the University of Guyana.

Joycelynne

Eleanor

Sister Mary Noel Menezes a historian and author, born 1930 in Kingston, Georgetown, completed her secondary education at St. Joseph High School. She grew up with her mother and extended family in a happy home. So they could not understand her decision to leave such a life of ease for a life of sacrifice. Her books include “Goodall's Sketches of Amerindian Tribes 1841 – 1843” (Macmillan Caribbean Publishers, 2002); “British Policy towards the Amerindians in British Guiana, 1803-1873” (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1977); “The Amerindians in Guyana 1803-1873”.

“A Documentary History” (London: Frank Cass and Co. Ltd., 1979); “Scenes from the History of the Portuguese in Guyana”

(London: The Author, 1986); “The Portuguese of Guyana: A Study in Culture and Conflict” (Gujurat: The Anand Press, 1992); “Guide to Historical Research, and How to Do Better Research”. In 1982, she was honoured by the Government of Guyana with the Golden Arrow of Achievement. In 1983, she was endowed with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from College Misericordia followed decades later, 2005, by an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from The University of the West Indies and recently in 2008, she was endowed with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Mount Aloysius College. To crown her long association with the University of Guyana, she was conferred with the title Professor Emeritus.

Carmen E. Jarvis “is the first woman to be appointed Chairman of the National Library Committee…she has held the post of SecretaryGeneral, Guyana National Commission for UNESCO and wrote the History of Bishops’ High School.”

She is an outstanding educator and was awarded the Cacique’s Crown of Honour and Golden Arrow of Achievement for her outstanding service in Education and Social Work.

Desiree Patricia Bernard is “the first Guyanese woman to have been appointed Judge of the High Court…the first Secretary of Caribbean Women’s Association… first woman President of the Organization of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Association…

Chairman of the United Nations Committee on the elimination of discrimination against women’ among other things.”

Male personalities include Dr. Frederick Sukdeo, Professor Clive Thomas, Philip A. O. Allsopp, Rashleigh Jackson, Samuel R. Insanally, Mohamed Shahabudeen, Roy Errol Cheong, Aston Chase, Donald A. B. Trotman, Hamilton Green, Christopher A. Nascimento, Haslyn Parris, S. S. Ramphal, among others.

The copy in the National Library of “Personalities Caribbean: the International Guide to Who’s Who in the West Indies, Bahamas and Barbados” is well-used, mostly by students.

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

guyanatimesgy.com

September 27, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 7

Times Heritage

F

rom its constitution as a colony in 1745, Demerara was ruled by the Courts of Policy and Justice of Essequibo.

In 1773, the settlement of Demerara had become so considerable that the latter was given a Court of Policy and a Court of Justice of its own.

On January 25, 1773, the States’ General granted the Courts power to exercise certain rights over the colonies of Essequibo and Demerara.

The Combined Court of Policy held at Fort Zeelandia on January 10, 1774 and June 23, 1775, laid down that the Jurisdiction of Essequibo commenced at the Boerasirie Creek.

Governor Bentinck proclaimed, on November 22 that from the January 1, 1807, the boundary of Demerara should extend beyond the Boerasirie Creek to the Bonasique Creek.

By a Resolution of the Council of Ten, of September 30, 1784, it was ordered that the headquarters of both colonies were to be in Demerara, and that the Director General was to reside there.

A Resolution of the same body, on the 14th of the same month, had ordered

Stabroek Market (1881)

that “the 'City of Demerara" should be called Stabroek.”

According to “The records of British Guiana” by Davis, N. Darnell (Nicholas Darnell), 1846-1915 (published 1888) the name of Stabroek was given by the Council, out of compliment to one of their own number, as, on the 14th August 1 780, the Court of Policy had received notification from the Council of the death of one of this body, and of the appointment in his stead of Mynheer Geel- Vinck, Lord of Stabroek. The publication of the name thus given ap-

pears to have not been made until February, 1785.

On February 2, 1785, the Directors of the West India Company appointed Jan L'Espinasse to be Governor of Essequibo and Demerara, and on June 8 following, the Governor and Court of Policy enacted the Union of the Courts of Policy of Demerara and Essequibo.

The Union of the Courts of Justice of the two colonies did not, however, take place until April 1, 1812, during the British occupation.

On January 7, 1792, the King of Holland assumed

the direct control over Demerara and Essequibo, on the expiration of the Charter of the West India Company.

On January 29, 1799, Werk-en-Rust was incorporated with Stabroek. The union of Stabroek and the adjoining districts under the name of Georgetown, was resolved by Governor Carmichael and the Court of Policy on the April, 29, of 1812.

Before then, no real town existed in either colony. There were some houses near Fort Nassau, in Berbice, and Fort Zeelandia, in Essequibo, while in Demerara the Government

Water Street, Georgetown (1924)

East Indian tajah festival, British Guiana (1920s)

officers were on a small island called Borsselen, about 15 miles up the river.

In 1781 the colonies were captured by the British, who occupied them for ten months, and chose a site for a new town near the mouth of the Demerara.

The French, acting as allies of the Netherlands, then ousted the English, and in 1784 the Dutch resumed possession, and called the new town Stabroek. It became Georgetown in 1812.

New Amsterdam, in Berbice, was laid out about ten years later. Until 1831 Berbice was administered quite separately from Essequibo and Demerara.

8 Times Sunday Magazine

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September 27, 2015

Times Travel & Tourism

P

rofessional photographer Michael C Lam shares with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine breathtakingly remarkable photos of scenic landscapes in far-flung areas of Guyana.

The photos were taken during a Pakaraima Mountain Safari adventure. The Pakaraima Mountain Safari, dubbed an “adventure of a lifetime”, entails travelling via 4×4 vehicles across Regions Four, Eight, Nine and Ten, starting below sea level and reaching approximately 3,800 ft. above sea level.

These photos are evidence of Guyana’s grandeur, and should motivate us to want to explore the corners of our beloved country. (Photos copyright to Michael C Lam. TheMichaelLamCollection.com)

Amazing view of the Pakaraima Mountain Range

Breathtaking view of rugged landscape

Camp at Ireng River

Serene sunset at Ireng River

Enjoying a refreshing bath at Orinduik Falls

guyanatimesgy.com

September 27, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

International Day of Older Persons is October 1

Healthy tips for eating

Our daily eating habits change as our bodies get older. Make small adjustments to help you enjoy the foods and beverages you eat and drink.

Add flavour to foods with spices and herbs instead of salt and look for low-sodium packaged foods.

Add sliced fruits and vegetable to your meals and snacks. Look for pre-sliced fruits and vegetables on sale if slicing and chopping is a challenge.

Drink 3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk throughout the day. If you cannot tolerate milk try small amounts of yogurt, butter milk, hard cheese or lactose-free foods. Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Consume foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as fortified cereals.

Ask your doctor to suggest other options if the medications you take affect your appetite or change your desire to eat.

Be active your way

Focus on maintaining a healthy body weight. Being physically active can help you stay strong and independent as you grow older. If you are overweight or obese, weight loss can improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of disease and disability.

Adults at any age need at least 2 ½ hours or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Being active at least 3 days a week is a good goal.

Find an activity that is appropriate for your fitness level. If you are not active, start by walking or riding a stationary bike. Strive for at least 10 minutes of exercise at a time and be as active as possible.

Include activities that improve balance and reduce your risk of falling such as lifting small weights. Add strength building activities at least 2 times per week.

Being active will make it easier to enjoy other activities such as shopping, playing a sport, or gardening.

If you are not sure about your level of fitness, check with your doctor before starting an intense exercise program or vigorous physical activity.

W

e all want to stay healthy and independent as we get older. Along with keeping our bodies in good shape, we want to keep our minds healthy, too.

Eating well as you get older

Benefits of Eating Well: Eating well is vital for everyone at all ages.

Whatever your age, your daily food choices can make an important difference in your health and in how you look and feel.

Eating Well Promotes Health: Eating a wellplanned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits.

For instance, eating well may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, some kinds of cancer, and anaemia.

If you already have one or more of these chronic diseases, eating well and being physically active may help you better manage them.

Healthy eating may also help you reduce high blood pressure, lower high cholesterol, and manage diabetes.

Eating well gives you the nutrients needed to keep your muscles, bones, organs, and other parts of your body healthy throughout your life. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fats, and water.

Eating Well Promotes Energy: Eating well helps keep up your energy level, too. By consuming enough calories -- a way to measure the energy you get from food --you give your body the fuel it needs throughout the day.

The number of calories needed depends on how old you are, whether you're a

man or woman, your height and weight, and how active you are.

Food Choices Can Affect Weight: Consuming the right number of calories for your level of physical activity helps you control your weight, too.

Extra weight is a concern for older adults because it can increase the risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease and can increase joint problems.

Eating more calories than your body needs for your activity level will lead to extra pounds.

If you become less physically active as you age, you will probably need fewer calories to stay at the same weight.

Choosing mostly nutrient-dense foods -- foods which have a lot of nutrients but relatively few calories -- can give you the nutrients you need while keeping down calorie intake.

Food choices affect digestion: Your food choices also affect your digestion.

For instance, not getting enough fibre or fluids may cause constipation. Eating more whole-grain foods with fibre, fruits and vegetables or drinking more water may help with constipation.

Make one change at a time

Eating well isn't just a "diet" or "program" that's here today and gone tomorrow. It is part of a healthy lifestyle that you can adopt now and stay with in the years to come.

To eat healthier, you can begin by taking small steps, making one change at a time. For instance, you might take the salt shaker off your table. Decreasing

your salt intake slowly will allow you to adjust.

Switch to whole-grain bread, seafood, or more vegetables and fruits when you

shop.

These changes may be easier than you think.

They're possible even if you need help with shopping or cooking, or if you have a limited budget.

If you have a specific medical condition, be sure to check with your doctor or registered dietitian about foods you should include or avoid.

You can start today: Whatever your age, you can start making positive lifestyle changes today. Eating well can help you stay healthy and independent -and look and feel good -- in the years to come.

Brain health as you age

Developing a brain dis-

ease or injury as you age depends on a mix of your family’s genes, your environment, and your health choices.

Diseases and conditions that affect brain health include: Genetic makeup Certain medicines, smoking and excessive alcohol Health problems like diabetes and heart disease Diseases like depression and Alzheimer’s Brain injury Poor diet, insufficient sleep, lack of physical and social activity

You can make a difference

Some risks to brain health cannot be controlled

or prevented, like your genes. Others, like health choices, are under your control. For example, you can: Take care of your health Eat a healthy diet Drink alcohol moderately, if at all Get active and stay active Sleep 7-8 hours each night Learn new things Connect with your family, friends, and communities Your doctor or health care provider can provide information to you about taking care of your health, and there are a number of resources on the Internet and at libraries on healthy choices in diet, exercise, and social activities.

10 Times Sunday Magazine

September 27, 2015

Times Fashion

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espoke pieces that are not just chic, but comfortable have been added to the designer label Mariska Designs.

The name behind Mariska Designs is modelling these gorgeous pieces this week.

Mariska Fiedtkou Jordan displays pieces that can be worn to the resort or a cocktail.

The pieces are available in different colours at designer Sonia Noel's studio in Barr Street, Kitty. For more information, call 6961365.

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

September 27, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

Michael B. Jordan M

ichael Bakari Jordan is an American actor. He is best known for his roles in “Friday Night Lights”, “The Wire”, “All My Children”, “Chronicle”, and “Parenthood”. He has also played shooting victim Oscar Grant in the critically acclaimed film “Fruitvale Station” (2013), co-starred in “That Awkward Moment” (2014) alongside Zac Efron and Miles Teller, and played the ‘Human Torch’ in the 2015 film “Fantastic Four”. Jordan was born in California to Donna and Michael Jordan, a caterer. His middle name is Swahili for “noble promise”. He is the middle of three children with an older sister.

12 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Times Hollywood

Amber Heard forcing Johnny Depp to sell yacht named after his ex?

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ohnny Depp owns a lot of nice things. He has a private island, houses in several different countries, approximately 47,000 raggedy scarves - but one thing he doesn't own anymore is a 156-foot luxury yacht.

The reason? Depp's new wife Amber Heard didn't like its weird name.

The yacht was called Vajoliroja, inspired by the names of Johnny's kids, Lily Rose and Jack, and their mom, Vanessa Paradis.

“Johnny loved that yacht. But he bought it for Vanessa,” an insider tells Us Weekly. “And Amber is still jealous of her.”

Selling a boat is not one of the weirdest things Depp has done in recent weeks, but it still seems odd that Amber would make such a big deal out of something so petty.

We guess a little childishness comes with the territory of marrying someone 23 years your junior. (hollywoodgossip)

Bill Cosby loses Honorary Degree from Fordham University

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am Smith’s theme for “Spectre”, the next James Bond movie, is no longer top secret. Sam unveiled “Writing’s on the wall”, showcasing his amazing voice in a powerfully classic ballad.

Sam debuted his song on The Radio Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw on BBC Radio 1 on Sept. 25.

Sam seemed very excited when he previewed the song on his Instragram.

The whole gig has been fun for him, as he even posed as a “Bond Girl” in a hilarious

photo.

But, the joking must have stopped when he made this song. Listeners can tell he worked hard on it, and he had to. Adele knocked ‘em dead with her “Skyfall” hit so the pressure was on Sam. Thankfully, you don’t need to be British in order to hear the new theme, as it’s also available on Spotify.It’ll be in “Spectre” when the movie hits theatres in the UK on Oct. 26, landing stateside on Nov. 6. (hollywoodlife)

ordham University just did something it's never done in the school's 174 year history.

The Jesuit university rescinded the honorary doctorate given to now-formerDr. Bill Cosby back in 2001, the first time the New York City school has ever rescinded an honorary degree.

The University Board of Trustees voted unanimously to revoke the award amid ongoing accusations that Cosby drugged and sexually abused numerous women over the course of his career.

"A recipient's actions would have to be both unambiguously dishonourable and have a deep im-

pact," the university said in a statement announcing its decision. "By his own ad-

mission, Mr. Cosby's sexual exploitation of women was premeditated and ongoing.

Equally appalling is his long-time strategy of denigrating the reputations of women who accused him of such actions."

The statement continued, "That Mr. Cosby was willing to drug and rape women for his sexual gratification, and further damage those same women's reputations and careers to obscure his guilt, hurt not only his victims, but all women, and is beyond the pale."

As a result, Fordham said it could no longer stand behind the degree it had given Cosby.

Cosby had received the honorary fine arts degree back in 2001 for what the university said was the significant role he played in breaking the colour barrier in American television and popular culture, thereby becoming an inspiration for many African Americans.

The 78-year-old has not been charged with a crime and has denied the decadesold allegations of sexual assault and attempted sexual assaults. In its statement, Fordham was apparently referencing a deposition made public in which the former sitcom star admitted to obtaining drugs to give to women he planned to have sex with. (eonline)

'Scandal' alum Columbus Short pleads no contest to knocking man out

F

ormer Scandal actor Columbus Short is avoiding jail time after pleading no contest Thursday to punching a man at a Los Angeles bar last year.

Short pleaded no contest to a felony count of assault likely to cause great bodily injury, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office. Short was sentenced to three years' probation and two months of community labour, and he must take 26 anger-management classes.

Short also will be ordered to pay restitution to the man he punched. The amount will be determined at an Oct. 21 hearing.

A witness testified at a December hearing that Short delivered a running punch

during a fight in March 2014, causing Fenton Hyche III to lose consciousness and fall to the ground at a family gathering. Hyche suffered a concussion and a fractured eye socket.

Short's attorney, Michael Levin, didn't immediately return messages seeking comment about his client's plea late Thursday. Levin has previously said Short was acting in self-defence because Hyche was prepared to fight Short.

But Hyche's cousin testified in December that Hyche's father had intervened and was holding his son's forearms when the actor delivered the punch.

Short, who turned 33 last week, left Scandal after being charged in the assault case and a separate domestic-vi-

olence case involving his estranged wife.

After December's hearing, a judge ruled that prosecutors had shown enough evidence to support a battery charge against Short but expressed doubts about the credibility of some of Hyche's testimony.

Hyche said he couldn't remember several aspects of his argument with Short but acknowledged that he had taken off a jersey and was prepared to fight the actor.

Hyche acknowledged he was arguing with Short about money and said he "felt like he was being belittled." He said, in response to questions from Short's attorney, that he didn't remember throwing money at Short's wife at one point or taunting the actor. (hollywoodreporter)

50 Cent goes on Instag-rampage after ‘Empire’ season premiere diss

A

pparently, 50 Cent wasn’t a big fan of Wednesday night’s “Empire” premiere.

The rapper, who in the past has accused the Fox series of copying the promotional campaign of his own Starz drama “Power,” took to Instagram to repeatedly mock the show after “Empire” took a dig at him in its Season 2 premiere.

During Wednesday’s episode, Cookie Lyon — played by Taraji P. Henson — dropped a wisecrack calling 50 Cent “thirsty.”

The rapper swiftly shot back, firing up his Instagram account to repeatedly take pot-shots at the show.

In one video, the rapper insinuated that he had engaged in sexual relations with the character.

“I can’t believe Cookie would say some s[…] like that about me. Thirsty? Me? Thirsty? Come on,” the rapper said. “Man, me and Cookie go way back. You know I hit that.”

Which was benign enough. At least more so than the photo he posted Thursday, which bore the message, “F[…] Empire.”

Jackson wasn’t done there. Shortly thereafter, he posted a video of himself assuming the role of the director of “Empire.”

Jackson appeared to bury his beef with the show in an interview with TheWrap in July, heaping praise on Henson just hours before the Emmy nominations were announced.

“I’d like to see Taraji recognized. Black people really like the Cookie character,” Jackson said.(Yahoo celebrity)

shna Zaveri is an Indian film actress who works primarily in Tamil films. She has worked in films like “Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham” (2014) and “Inimey Ippadithan” (2015). Zaveri was a fashion-stylist and a model in Mumbai, India where she was born. Zaveri is said to be “the face of the next generation”. Having been featured in multiple ads for famous brands and working with Bollywood star actor Shah Rukh Khan, Zaveri is a promising actress who has success written in her stars.

September 27, 2015

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guyanatimesgy.com

Times Sunday Magazine 13

Star Times Bollywood

14 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

September 27, 2015

Times Bollywood

‘Calendar Girls’ not Aishwarya's security beefed up just about skin show A says movie director

I

ndia’s national awardwinning director Madhur Bhandarkar, whose latest film “Calendar Girls” released on September 25, said that the film is not just about skin show but there is much more to it.

Mr Bhandarkar is known for making women-centric films, and “Calendar Girls” is no different. It is reportedly a take on the life of calendar models.

"There are a lot of things in the film. I can't talk about it. I have shown both good and bad part. We have shown the journey of five calendar girls. The film is not about expose and bikini, it is about performance," he told PTI.

"As a director I have responsibility towards the film, it has to be true to the subject," he said.

The Fashion director said he got the idea of making a film on calendar models while he came across Vijay Mallya's annual calendar.

"Almost 99 per cent (of calendar girls' career) is a failure. And one per cent achieve success, either as models or actresses. I interacted with lot of calendar girls, some were forthcoming to talk about it, some were reluctant," he said.

Mr Bhandarkar said the film is story of five girls from different cities and how their life shapes up after

they pursue career as calendar girls.

"My subject is about those who did not make it at the top, where have they (calendar girls) gone. It is a story of underdogs. Every year a calendar is launched and new girls are introduced. So what happens in their life - whether they go ahead or not," the director said.

“Calendar Girls” stars Ruhi Singh (Winner, Miss Universal Peace and Humanity, 2014), model-actress Avani Modi, Akanksha Puri (Airhostessmodel-actress), Kyra Dutt (Kingfisher calendar girl) and Satarupa Pyne (modelactress). (ndtv movies)

fter encounter with overzealous fans, makers of the actress' next film have tightened the security ring around her As Aishwarya Rai Bachchan gears up for the city promotions of her comeback vehicle “Jazbaa”, the makers are said to have beefed up the actress' security.

Sources say the decision was taken after Ash was hounded by fans at the film's wrap-up party at a Mumbai night club recently.

A source says, “Aishwarya entered the party quite late and was accompanied by two of her personal security officers. As soon as news spread about her

presence at the night club, a huge crowd gathered outside to catch a glimpse of her. The club's bouncers and her security officers were no match for the surging crowd

and had a tough time getting Ash out of the club. Now that the city tours are about to begin, the makers have decided to strengthen the security cover around the actress, considering her fan following.”

A source working on the project states: “Recently, there have been a few cases of actors being manhandled by fans and so, we don't want to take any chances with Ash. She will be surrounded by 15-20 bodyguards during the promotional city tours.”

Akash Chawla, co-producer of “Jazbaa” confirms the news, saying: `The security has indeed been beefed up keeping the promotions in mind.” (santabanta)

Veena Malik gives birth to a baby girl

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akistani beauty Veena Malik, who has been enjoying marital bliss ever since she got married to Asad Bashir Khan Khattak, has been blessed with her second child.

The “Zindagi 50 50” actress gave birth to a baby girl at a hospital in Virginia, US. The little one has been named Amal Asad Khan by the happy couple who already are parents to one-year-old son Abram.

Veena Malik married Asad in multi-nation wedding celebrations in 2013, bidding goodbye to showbiz for the time being. (TOI)

Asad took to Twitter to post the beautiful pictures of their bundle of joy

Priyanka Chopra takes over GMA

P

riyanka Chopra made her debut appearance on the ABC chat show “Good Morning America” for “Quantico” promotions.

PC fans cheered for the babe on Twitter and social media. The actress did not disappoint her fans as she looked smoking hot in a purple Self Portrait crop top and pencil skirt paired with black pumps.

On being quizzed about being the first Indian actor to bag an international TV

show, Priyanka said that it is “the best time to be in entertainment because it’s global.”

PC was easy going during the interview, and said that she picked “Quantico” because it was “ethnically ambiguous.”

And that wasn’t all, she also promised to teach the GMA team some Bollywood moves to the Quantico track.

She and the ABC crew then grooved to “Quantico” music Bollywood style. (bollywoodlife)

Sanjay Dutt denies he sought pardon

B

ollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, who is currently serving his five year jail term after being convicted in the 1993 bomb blasts case, said that he had never filed for pardon with the Maharashtra Governor nor had he requested anyone else to do so on his behalf.

Dutt's advocates Hitesh Jain and Subhash Jadhav, in a statement released September 25 said the recent articles stating that Maharashtra Governor has turned down the actor's plea for pardon, are based on an application made by retired Supreme Court Justice Markandey Katju seeking pardon for Mr Dutt and other convicts in the case.

"No such application for grant of pardon was ever made by Sanjay Dutt or his family members to the Governor seeking pardon.

Further, Sanjay Dutt or his family members never approached former Supreme Court Justice Katju for making an application for pardon on behalf of Dutt," the statement said.

"Justice Katju has suo moto ["on its own motion”] made this application for pardon not only for Dutt but also for other convicts in the case like Zaibunissa Kazi," it added.

The statement said that Mr Dutt has almost finished his imprisonment and shall be

out soon.

Justice Katju had petitioned Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao to pardon Mr Dutt as he was "not a terrorist" and had only "erred".

Mr Rao had rejected the pardon plea earlier this week following the advice of the Maharashtra Home Department which had recommended that granting Mr Dutt pardon would set a bad precedent.

Dutt, 56, was convicted in 2007 by a special court under the Arms Act for possession of arms and sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment. Mr Dutt had spent 18 months in jail in 1996 after his arrest. (ndtv)

guyanatimesgy.com

September 27, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine

15

Times Trends

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Star of the week

unamis is a gospel band with immense talent. Their goal is to share messages of love, faith and truth through their music. Incredibly creative, the band has been producing original gospel songs, both lyrics and instrumental, for nine years now. These songs, both written and produced by members of the band, are “unrestricted in its musical diversity” as Dunamis “draws influence and inspiration from all genres of music”, which creates the band distinct sound. Dunamis has played in Suriname, Trinidad, and Barbados. Dunamis was formed in 2006 at the Ruimveldt Life Improvement Centre (Assembly of God) Church. The Dunamis Band was originally “just the musicians of the church”; however, under the encouragement of the senior pastor, Reverend Simon Harris, it later became a formal band. The band is headed by Jeduthun Harris (who plays all instruments but is a keyboard specialist), JohnMark Hannibal on the drums, Jason Lawrence on the bass and Keoma Griffith on the keyboard.

There are five vocalists: Jermaine Dewsbury, Rashlie Joseph, Trevor Smith, Jasmin Harris and Tiffany Vasquez. For more info, visit Dunamis Band on Facebook.

Trending Now

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ccording to The Wall Street Journal, the unlikely style combination of socks worn with sandals has become a thing.

When people hear the words "socks and sandals," they think of an extremely awkward look, usually found on the feet of tourists and grandfathers.

But this often-feared combo can actually be very trendy, and socks and sandals have been banished for too long. If you thought they were fashion's biggest faux pas, think again - now is finally the time to turn this fashion don't into a fashion do.

The trendy combo has been popular at international fashion shows worldwide.

Not only are socks and sandals a smart idea for keeping your feet warm, but they are also a painless way to break in new shoes (leave those Band-Aids at home, people)

16 Times Sunday Magazine

September 27, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Art

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oving Circle comprises a group of indigenous artists who first used the name in 2002. These artists had introduced themselves in February 1991 with a ground-breaking exhibition, entitled “Contemporary Amerindian Art”, at the Hadfield Foundation. Since then, the group has held an exhibition almost every year, underlining the strength of creativity they possess.

This year, they have dedicated their exhibition, currently being held at Castellani House on Vlissengen Road, to Canon John Peter Bennett, an indigenous linguist, writer and priest.

This is a totally fitting tribute, since Fr. Bennett and the indigenous artists, in their own and separate ways, in different times, places, arts and pursuits, are all vitally involved in preserving, protecting and sharing the unique culture of our first peoples.

Together and individually, they have created, and continue to create, cultural artefacts of immeasurable value to the indigenous peoples, and a treasure for the nation.

Prior to 1991, earlier artists of indigenous heritage had made themselves known within the world of Guyana's art. These include, most notably, the ceramist and painter Stephanie Correia who in

"Indigenous Embrace" by Anil Roberts. Acrylic on canvas

ings that showed a fusion of European technique and indigenous subject matter in a style heavily influenced by printmaking, which he had been studying in England. Simon exhibited again in 1989, under the theme "Contemporary Amerindian Art".

"Woman with Warishi" by George Simon. Mixed medium

the 1960's was one of the first artists to use indigenous motifs in her work.

Correia also designed her ceramics around the shapes of traditional pots and containers. Later in her career, she created a series of paintings reflecting her heritage.

In 1982, George Simon began exhibiting paint-

These exhibitions showed Simon's search for a sense of self and a painterly language with which to express this sense. In subsequent exhibitions, he gradually developed a more individual style and a deeper insight into his native culture, and eventually became one of the major indigenous and national artists.

But it was the stunningly original work of Oswald Hussein, Simon's brother that definitively announced a live, vibrant and unique artistic imagination among our indigenous peoples.

Hussein won the National Exhibition for the Visual Arts prize for sculpture in 1989, and repeated the feat in 1993.

Hussein's work was markedly different from that of the previous indigenous artists, and in addition to this, he worked in sculpture, unlike the previous artists.

The “Contemporary Amerindian Art” exhibition in 1991 at the Hadfield confirmed that Hussein was no flash in the pan. Along with him, eight other artists displayed a large collection of work in sculpture, of fresh imagination and the highest quality of conception and execution.

This exhibition broke all kinds of ground in Guyanese art, and radically changed the perception of what “Amerindian Art” is.

George Simon had been the person who organized, inspired and trained these artists who included such names as Hussein, Telford Taylor, Lynus Clenkien and Roland Taylor and others.

The group began mounting an annual show thereafter, in honour of Amerindian Heritage Month each year.

In 1998, they began using the Arawak word "Lokono" (the People) to describe themselves.

There are also other artists of indigenous heritage who have exhibited sometimes separately, and sometimes together with the Lokono artists. These

include Winslow Craig and Desmond Ali, who, in individual exhibitions starting in the 1990's and 1980's, had made solid reputations for themselves in their own right as sculptors.

Other indigenous artists who have produced a range of work over the years include Basil Rodrigues, Eon Joseph, Abiola Francis, Trevor Alfred, Valentine Stoll, George Tancredo, and Basil Joseph.

The indigenous artists have indeed made a tangible contribution to Guyana's art. Indeed, they dominated the decades of the 1990's and early 2000's, and almost single-handedly kept our art fresh and creative.

In a similar manner, Fr. Bennett had for many decades until his death in 2011, been working to concretise indigenous language, myths and history by writing, collecting, documenting and researching.

Given the extent of cultural erosion of Amerindian life, the work of these men and women constitute a massive statement of selfworth. They help to bring to the fore a concrete life its environment, activities, people, motifs, language, myths and even its spirit.

This is important not only for the indigenous peoples, but for all Guyanese.

Held by the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House, in collaboration with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, the exhibition continues until Wednesday, September 30, 2015.

Admission is free.

Gallery hours are 10am to 5pm on MondaysFriday and 2pm to 6pm on Saturdays; the gallery is closed Sundays and holidays. (Text by Alim Hosein)

"Kiss of Rain" by Oswald Hussein. Saman

"Art in Resistance" by Desmond Ali. Saman wood

"Amazon South America - Guyana" by Desmond Ali. Acrylic on canvas

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SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 17

Times Tech

Record sales expected for iPhone 6s, 6s Plus T

he new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus hit stores Friday, with dozens of people - and a ro-

cord 12 million to 13 million phones to fly off the shelves in the first weekend, up from more than 10

smartphone market.

Among the first to pick up the new iPhone 6s in a cold, rainy Sydney, was a

work and other things to attend to and can't spend two days lining up so my boss at work suggested I take one of the robots down and use it to stand in my place," she said via an iPad mounted on top of the wheeled robot.

"I love new gadgets. The new camera is meant to be

amazing."

Fans around the world have camped out for days prior to the release, and Apple has said pre-orders suggested sales were on pace to beat last year's first-weekend performance.

The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, which start at

US$199 and US$299 with a two-year service provider contract, went on sale on Friday in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The queue outside an Apple store in England at 7:00 a.m. Friday

bot - queueing in Sydney, Australia, to kick off a global sales cycle.

Analysts expect a re-

Tech news

I

million last year when the hugely successful iPhone 6's launch was delayed in China, the world's biggest

Instagram hits new milestone: Tech 400 million monthly active users news

nstagram is now used by 400 million people each month.

The stat was announced in a blog post Thursday afternoon, just about 10 months after Instagram first hit 300 million monthly active users.

Instagram's growth from 200 million to 300 million happened in roughly the same time span, which means that the service is growing fast, although its growth is not necessarily accelerating. Still, it's grown to an impressive size.

Tech BYTE

S

telepresence robot named Lucy, operated by marketing executive Lucy Kelly.

"I obviously have my

Twitter is currently at 316 million monthly active users, and Pinterest just hit 100 million.

What's particularly interesting about Instagram's growth is that it's happening largely outside of the US. Instagram says that 75 percent of its users live elsewhere, with recent growth coming from Europe and Asia; Brazil, Japan, and Indonesia added the most users in this past 100 million.

In total, Instagram says that its users are posting 80 million photos per day.

(The Verge)

People identified by their own personal clouds of germs

cientists have discovered that not only does everyone emit an invisible "microbial cloud," but that individuals can be recognized by the bacteria that make up their particular cloud.

A team from the University of Oregon placed 11 test subjects in a sanitized chamber, one at a time, then analysed the airborne microbes that each person left

behind.

It was found that within four hours, it was possible to identify most of the subjects by comparing their residual "microbial cloud signature" with a fresh one obtained directly from them.

Although all the people emitted mostly the same types of bacteria – such as Streptococcus from the mouth, plus Propionibacterium and Corynebacterium from the skin – the relative proportions of the different varieties were distinct to each person.

It is hoped that the team's findings could lead to better understandings of infectious diseases, and even be used by forensic investigators to establish if a given person has visited a specific location.

That said, it still remains to be seen if the technique can be used in public spaces, where multiple microbial clouds are present simultaneously.

A paper on the research was recently published in the journal PeerJ. Remember Pig-Pen, the Peanuts comic character who's always surrounded by a cloud of his own dirt? Turns out then that we're actually all a little like him.(gizmag)

S

Facebook retools, rebrands Internet.Org

ocial networking giant Facebook is rebranding its Internet.org programme, which was in the midst of a controversy over alleged violation of Net neutrality, to 'Free Basics'.

Armed with more services and stronger security measures, the rebranding will help Facebook distinguish the free basic Internet offering from the large number of activities the US-based company is pursuing to help get new users online across the globe.

The announcement came days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Facebook's campus in California today.

"We're making this change to better distinguish the Internet.org initiative from the programmes and services that Facebook provides, including Free Basics. Anyone cur-

Tech BYTE

W

rently using the app will be able to continue using the Android app though it will now be called Free Basics by Facebook in Google Play. And the mobile Web version, which will redirect from the previous URL, can be accessed at Freebasics.com," Internet.org Vice-President Chris Daniels told PTI. He added that more than one billion people have access to Internet.org's free basic services across Asia, Africa and Latin America on Friday.

Launched last year, the programme has more than a dozen mobile operators on board across 17 countries offering basic Internet services without data charges to over a billion people. The programme aims to provide people with access to free basic services through Internet.org to help them discover the value of the Internet. (ndtv)

Quantum Leap

Scientists break quantum teleportation distance record

hen you think of teleportation, you might think of “Star Trek’s” Beam me up, Scotty, or maybe even “The Fly,” but this is different.

Scientists have transferred quantum information carried in light particles — that is, photons — 60 miles along spooled optical fibre.

The technique won’t transport you and an errant insect from one location to another, but it could advance quantum computing, unhackable encryption of computer data and even one day lead to a quantum Internet.

The quantum information we’re talking about is the information contained in one photon — its specific time slot in a sequence. It’s called a quantum state and like other aspects of quantum science, the explanation goes beyond the normal, everyday experience.

Essentially, Hiroki Takesue, a NIST guest researcher from NTT in Japan, and his team were able to transfer the quantum state from one photon to another over that 60-mile distance.

Although other scientists have tired this before, teleporting the quantum state of a photon down an optical fibre has not been easy. Frequently, much of the quantum

data became lost in the fibre and transmission rates over distances were very low.

“Only about 1 percent of photons make it all the way through 100 km of fibre,” Marty Stevens, a NIST researcher, said in a press release.

But Takesue and his team used a new type of single-photon detector developed at NIST. Although the distance set a record, the researchers have a way to go before we see an unhackable, unbreakable quantum Internet and ever farther before we can teleport to the office to avoid rush hour.

Takesue reported the results in the journal “Optica.” (Discovery News)

18 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week Ingredients

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ost home designers will tell you that building ventilation is one of the most important aspects for healthy indoor air quality.

Your home is no different. With climate change and global warming, scientists are suggesting that you take full advantage of natural ventilation when building or renovating your home.

Cool breezes work best in narrow or open plan layouts.

Louvre windows assist with natural cross ventilation so the need for air conditioning is significantly reduced to keep a home at a comfortable temperature throughout the day

1 lb. potatoes, peeled and cut into 1⁄4-inch pieces Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 oz. pickled cucumbers, finely chopped

1⁄4 cup mayonnaise 3 tbsp. capers, finely chopped 1 tbsp. finely chopped parsley 3 hardboiled eggs, chopped 1 small shallot, finely chopped Zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 grilled hotdog

Method Cover potatoes with salted water in a small saucepan; cook over medium-high until tender, about 8 minutes.

Drain, then rinse under cold running water until cool; dry, then place in a medium

bowl.

Except the grilled hotdog, add remaining ingredients, plus salt and pepper, and toss gently to combine.

Serve over grilled hotdog in a bun.

Serves 4-8

GREATEST KITCHEN TIPS

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Maximise the indoor− outdoor relationship and provide outdoor living spaces that are screened, shaded and rain protected.Bamboo shades keep the sun and heat off this patio for a relaxing retreat anytime of the day

Where the climate provides cooling breezes, maximising their flow through a home when cooling is required.

Windows at exterior and interior cross-walls allow ventilation throughout the house as well as up the open stairway

f you boil when you should simmer, the result is a hurried-up dish that’s cloudy, tough, or dry.This is one of the most common kitchen errors. First, let’s clarify what is meant by simmering: A bubble breaks the surface of the liquid every second or two.

More vigorous bubbling than that means you've got a boil going.

And the difference between the two can ruin a dish.

Best bets for boiling: This intense cooking method is well suited for pasta, some grains, and tender green vegetables. Boiling is also useful for reducing sauces.

Best bets for simmering: Simmering is used to cook proteins (fish, poultry, and meats), often in the form of poaching (cooking in enough liquid to cover the food) and braising (cooking in a small amount of liquid). It's also essential when making broth or stock.

Tough, fibrous root vegetables (such as potatoes, turnips, and beets) are best simmered so they cook evenly throughout. (Cooking Light)

M

HOME HELP

ake your wood shine by polishing it with a solution of two parts olive oil to one part lemon juice.

Before washing fine china, crystal, or anything fragile, place a towel on the bottom of the sink to act as a cushion.

Prevent the inside of a flask from smelling stale by adding a teaspoon of sugar before storing.

To make oven cleaning easier, first heat a bowl of water on high for 20 minutes – the steam loosens dirt Dry wet shoes more quickly by putting crumpled balls of newspaper inside them.

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SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

Part 2

JOKES Kids Q&A

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

A: An udder failure.

Q: Where do polar bears vote?

A: The North Poll Q: What do you get when a chicken lays an egg on top of a barn?

A: An eggroll!

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?

A: To show everyone he wasn't chicken!

D

r. Tim Elmore is a best-selling author of more than 25 books on children and founder and president of Growing Leaders, an organization dedicated to mentoring today’s young people to become the leaders of tomorrow.

He had this to share about the seven damaging parenting behaviours that keep children from becoming leaders – of their own lives and of the world’s enterprises: 3. We rave too easily The self-esteem movement has been around since Baby Boomers were kids, but it took root in our school systems in the 1980s.

Attend a little league baseball game and you’ll see that everyone is a winner. This “everyone gets a trophy” mentality might make our kids feel special, but research is now indicating this method has unintended consequences. Kids eventually observe that Mom and Dad are the

only ones who think they’re awesome when no one else is saying it. They begin to doubt the objectivity of their parents; it feels good in the moment, but it’s not connected to reality.

When we rave too easily and disregard poor behaviour, children eventually learn to cheat, exaggerate and lie and to avoid difficult reality. They have not been conditioned to face it.

4. We let guilt get in the way of leading well Your child does not have to love you every minute. Your kids will get over the disappointment, but they won’t get over the effects of being spoiled. So tell them “no” or “not now,” and let them fight for what they really value and need. As parents, we tend to give them what they want when rewarding our children, especially with multiple kids. When one does well in something, we feel it’s unfair to praise and reward that one and not the other. This is unrealistic and misses an opportunity to enforce the point to our kids that success is dependent upon our own actions and good deeds. Be careful not to teach them a good grade is rewarded by a trip to the mall. If your relationship is based on material rewards, kids will experience neither intrinsic motivation nor unconditional love. (To be continued)

STORY TIME

Reflections

Q: What is 'out of bounds'?

A: An exhausted kangaroo!

Food and drink humour

A

ppetizers are little things you eat until you lose your appetite.

Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we diet.

The best thing for a person on a diet to eat is less.

Namethe Four Food Groups.A: Fast, Frozen, Junk and Instant.

In the Bath

L

ittle five year old Johnny was in the bath tub, and his mom was washing his hair.

She said to him, "Wow, your hair is growing so fast! You need a haircut again."

Little Johnny replied, "Maybe you should stop watering it so much."

In the Baker's Shop

A

n irate woman burst into the baker's shop and said, "I sent my son in for two pounds of cookies this morning, but when I weighed them there was only one pound. I suggest that you check your scales."

The baker looked at her calmly for a moment or two and then replied, “Ma’am, I suggest you weigh your son."

Funny Test Answers

W

e say the cause of perfume disappearing is evaporation. Evaporation gets blamed for a lot of things people forget to put the top on If conditions are not favourable, bacteria go into a period of adolescence.

"Germinate: To become a naturalized German."

The inhabitants of Moscow are called Mosquitoes.

Some oxygen molecules help fires burn while others help make water, so sometimes it's brother against brother.

We believe that the reptiles came from the amphibians by spontaneous generation and study of rocks.

Algebraical symbols are used when you do not know what you are talking about.

Many dead animals in the past changed to fossils while others preferred to be oil.

T

here was a huge Banyan tree beside a lake, which nested a number of cranes.

In the hollow at the foot of the tree lived a poisonous black snake. He used to climb up and eat the crane's young after they were hatched.

One crane, who had lost her children to the cunning black snake, started weeping on the banks of the lake.

A crab, who was nearby, heard the crane weeping, and asked, "Why do you cry, aunty?"

By Grammar G

I

The crane replied, "I am the unlucky mother, all of whose children have been eaten by the wicked black snake, who lives in the hollow of the tree.

What else can I do but weep? I would have killed the snake if I could!"

The crab thought for a while, "I have to devise a plan to have the black snake killed, and have the cranes destroyed at the same time. The cranes are our natural enemy. I will tell him half-truth and half lies, to my advantage."

Thinking so, the crab said

to the crane, "Aunty! I will tell you a plan to get rid of the black snake. All you have to do is scatter some fish and flesh from a nearby burrow, where a mongoose lives, to the snake's hollow. When the mongoose will come following the food and reach the snake's home, he will certainly kill him!"

The crane agreed to do as the crab planned. As anticipated, the mongoose saw the black snake while following the trail of food. They had a fight, and the mongoose killed the snake.

After this, the mongoose realized that there were many cranes on the top of the trees.

In due course of time, the mongoose climbed up the trees and started killing the cranes, till all the cranes were destroyed.

The wise indeed say:The solution of the problem should not be worse than the problem itself.

That is, while trying to solve the problem, you should not complicate the problem further.

It Might and It Might Not You never know when someone Might catch a dream from you.

Or something you say may open up the windows Of a mind that seeks light; The way you live may not matter at all, But you never know, it might.

And just in case it could be That another's life, through you, Might possibly change for the better With a better and brighter view, It seems it might be worth a try At pointing the way to the right; Of course, it may not matter at all, But then again, it might.

- Anonymous

Know your ABC

f you like your books or kitchen spices arranged in alphabetical order you will perhaps appreciate the word abecedarian which describes words pre-sorted alphabetically: their letters appear alphabetically as they are spelled.

It is pronounced AY-BEESEE-DAY-REE-AHN so you actually can hear A-B-CDAYR-EE-AHN: the start of the alphabet…

The first words we shall begin with are – well – first and begin: two abecedarian word examples.

Others include abhors, adept,befit,below,chimps, chintz,deity,dirty,empty and so on.

The longest abecedarian word is considered to be a scientific term for a type of grass:

aegilops.

If we allow repeating letters then we can add words like accent, bellow, chilly and glossy among some others.

However, the only abecedarian number spelling is forty.

Wordplayers also like to look at reverse abecedarians (letters in reverse alphabetical order) and they’ve discovered that there is also exactly one reverse abecedarian number:one.

As for the longest reverse abecedarian, it is the hyphenated word spoonfeed. The longest non-hyphenated reverse abecedarian is trollied (slang for extreme intoxication after drinking alcoholic drinks).

The longest reverse abecedarian without repeated words are sponged and wronged.

A step further, we can look at vowels. Counting only vow-

els, facetiously and abstemiously (meaning “moderately”) for example, include all five at least once in alphabetical order. If you also include “Y” then that would make six.

Subcontinental has the conventional five vowels in reverse abecedarian order (not including “y”).

Incidentally, the dictionary also states that abecedarian is synonymous with words like rudimentary, basic,beginning, introductory etc. As in “an abecedarian approach to historical study.”

20 Times Sunday Magazine

SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

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Times Sunday Puzzle

Susan needed to go to the store to buy some ingredients to cook with.

She started writing them down – butter, milk, eggs, baking soda, cashew nuts, oranges, and lemon juice.

What was Susan making? see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 21

Times Kids

Creature Corner

Tepui Parrotlet

GEOZONE

Rapids

R

apids are described as areas of shallow, fastflowing water in a body of flowing water (also called a stream).

Rapids tend to form in younger streams, with water flow that is straighter and faster than in older streams.

Softer rocks in the streambed erode faster than harder rocks.

This process is known as differential erosion. The result of differential erosion is that as the streambed wears away, the stronger rocks remain and eventually begin to break up the flow of the stream. The many tiny waterfalls they create make the slope of the stream steeper.

The safety of a section of river is measured

The Tepui Parrotlet (Nannopsittaca panychlora) is found in the moist montane forests around the tepuis in Brazil, western Guyana and eastern Venezuela. It sleeps and nests in tepuis between 750 to 2200m, and descends to lowlands to feed.

Also known as Roraima Parrotlets, in their natural habitat, tepui parrotlets usually eat fruits, seeds and small insects. They especially prefer the fruits of the ficus tree.

Averaging around 14 cm in length, parrotlets are smaller than most other true parrots.

They are considered social birds that are usually seen in flocks of 50 or more. They are unfortunately susceptible to hunting and trapping for the wildlife trade, and are also vulnerable to habitat loss.

by the class, or level, of its rapids that determines how difficult it is to navigate using a kayak, raft, or other vessel. There are six classes, with class 1 the lowest and most easily navigable and class six, the highest, also classified as “U” for “unraftable”.

Dot to Dot Colouring Fun

please see solution on page 23

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.

22 Times Sunday Magazine

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SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Exploring the realms of history, science, nature and technology

TAP DANCING

By Laurie Triefeldt

This American form of dance incorporates metal taps on the bottom of the shoe to create complex, rhythmic percussion.

The Shim Sham Shimmy The Shim Sham is a traditional tap routine, originally seen on the vaudeville stage in the early 1900s. Still taught today, this dance can be performed solo, as a couple or in group (line) dance.

A bit of history

May 25 is National Tap Dance Day, in honor of Bojangles’ birthday,

Tap dancing originated in the United States and is thought to have begun in the mid-19th century, with the rise of minstrel and vaudeville shows. This unique form of dance is a combination of Irish and British step (clog) dancing and African Juba dance.

Fred and Ginger were a famous dance duo of the 1930s. Many people think that Rogers was a better dancer than Astaire because she did all the steps he did, but she did them in high heels.

The shoe Early tap shoes had wood soles that tapped out the dance beat.

At some point, pennies or nails were hammered into the toe and heel as a way to create the tapping sound. As tap dancing became more popular, shoe manufacturers added metal taps to the bottoms of tap dance shoes.

Today, most tap shoes have screws that can be adjusted to create different sound effects. A tap shoe’s sound, or “tone,” depends on the weight and surface shape of the metal tap.

Bill “Bojangles” Robinson (1878-1949) Shirley Temple and Bojangles dancing in “The Little Colonel”

It’s electrifying

20th Century Fox (1935)

Bojangles danced well into his sixties.

A shuffle is the most basic of tap steps. This step creates two distinct tap sounds by simply swinging the leg forward and back at the knee, allowing just the toe to connect with the floor. Shuffles can be done forward, to the side, or toward the back. Tap dancing combines this step with other tap steps, such as the brush and the flap.

The 1989 film “Tap” is about the history of tap dancing and features dancer Gregory Hines performing a tap routine in a special pair of electronic tap shoes.

Rogers and Astaire dancing in the 1936 musical “Swing Time.”

Dancers like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers incorporated a more ballroom look to tap.

This kind of dance has become known as Broadway style.

Sammy Davis Jr. (1925-1990)

Two forms

The shuffle

Ginger Rogers (1911-1995)

Bojangles was an expressive dancer, who rarely used his upper body, letting his feet create the rhythm.

Tap dancing without metal soles is called “soft-shoe dancing.”

Sand is sometimes used to enhance the sound of the softshoe tap and slide.

There are two basic variations of tap dance: rhythm (jazz) tap and Broadway tap. Broadway tap, or show tap, is lighter and uses more arm work. It has been influenced by ballroom dancing and ballet.

It is usually performed in theatrical dance routines. Rhythm tap focuses more on the sound of the footwork. Practitioners of rhythmic tap consider themselves part of the jazz music tradition. Professional tap dancers are sometimes called “hoofers.”

Fred Astaire (1899-1987)

Diana Ross (1944- )

Shirley Temple (1928-2014)

Many dance studios teach tap dancing, and it is a fun way to get exercise.

Sammy Davis Jr. and Diana Ross sing and dance to a variety of classics on “The Hollywood Palace” variety show (1969).

Savion Glover is a famous modernday American tap dancer, actor and choreographer.

The first rule in tap dance is to keep your knees relaxed and your weight on the balls of your feet.

Practice walking by putting the ball of your foot down first, then the heel.

Becoming a great tap dancer requires hard work and dedication.

Born in New York City’s Harlem, Davis began his showbiz career in vaudeville at the age of 3.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Ross became famous as the lead singer of The Supremes.

Glover was born in 1973 in Newark, New Jersey.

Taught by great dancers of generations past, Glover has described his dancing style as “young and funk.”

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SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 23

World Times

Did Nostradamus predict ISIS rise?

Elephants wounded by poachers travel to rescue group for help L

Michel de Nostredame, known as Nostradamus

F

rench prophet Nostradamus predicted ISIS's bid to dominate parts of Europe in moves which will spark a Third World War, researchers are sensationally claiming.

Nostradamus is believed by some to have accurately predicted the rise of Napoleon and Hitler as the world's first two appearances of three antiChrists.

So when the 16th century prophet predicted a "third and Final" anti-Christ, more hideous than the first two combined, coming to power on Earth before a 27-year Third World War", was he referring to ISIS? Many researchers of the infamous French prophet, who died in 1566, are convinced he has correctly foretold the current barbaric acts being committed by ISIS in the Middle East including its recently declared bid to capture areas of Europe to fulfil its Caliphate.

One website - Nostradamus 2242 - even claims WWIII will begin this year as a result of the struggle with ISIS and the world could end in 2242 - 27

years from now.

Other Nostradamus quatrains are said to predict a war with Europe.

But the problem is many earlier interpretations of other Nostradamus quatrains said WWIII would begin around 1999.

This problem with dates has led some Nostradamus researchers to conclude we are already in a WWIII, which somehow started in 1999, and should therefore come to a horrific conclusion, "probably involving nuclear weapons", in 2026.

Nostradamus is also claimed by some to have correctly predicted the Twin Towers attacks of 9/11 with the line: "The year 1999 seven months, from the sky will come the great King of Terror", prompting Bin Laden's brief holder of the third Antichrist title, despite it being around two years out.

But sceptics of Nostradamus point out that at least 50 per cent of his premonitions were so way off that even the diehard researchers leave them alone.

Brain Teaser Answer A shopping list.

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

ast month, a wild elephant and two of its friends were attacked by poachers.

Wounded by poisoned arrows, they trudged across the African landscape to the one place that could help them: the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT).

Though the wild elephant had never been a resident at DSWT, he knew elephants who had. He had mated with two former orphans who were raised at DSWT's Ithumba Reintegration Centre, who now lead their own wild herd. In 2011, he fathered babies with them, whom DSWT named Mwende and Yetu.

And DSWT is certain he knew this group of humans meant help.

"We are sure that Mwende's father knew that if they returned to the stockades they would get the help and treatment they needed because this continuously happens with the injured

(Photo: David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust)

bulls in the north; they all come to Ithumba when in need, understanding that there they can be helped," DWST wrote.

And while it might be surprising to imagine an elephant seeking out humans

for help — especially when he had just been injured by people — it's not unbelievable.

Elephants have remarkable spatial reasoning abilities and are able to craft detailed mental maps that

help them navigate their territory. Considering their intelligence and high sociability, it's possible that former orphans or elephants who have been treated by DSWT could have communicated that it was a place of safety.

Fortunately, these elephants wound up in exactly the right place. Over several hours, the veterinary team sedated the three bulls and treated their arrow wounds, cleaning out the poisoned areas and filling them with antibiotics and protective clay.

And according to DWST, they've done quite well after their surgeries — and seem to be thankful.

"Mwende and Yetu's dad has remained in the area with his friends and they have regularly been seen since undergoing treatment," the rescuers wrote. "Thankfully all their wounds have healed beautifully so they have all made a full recovery," they added.

Colombian scholars tackle tattoo typos

T

ypos are embarrassing in emails, dangerous in cover letters, cringe-inducing when they're on social media.

But it could always be worse: That mistake could be inked into your skin.

This September, a few unlucky Colombians will be freed from that plight. An institute dedicated to studying and teaching the Spanish language is offering to fix tattooed typos forever — free.

The Instituto Caro y Cuervo normally does things like publish dictionaries and research reading habits. But at the annual Festival de la Palabra (Festival of the Word) next month in Bogota, Colombia, the group will be tackling grammatical and spelling errors in fleshier form.

"We've seen a lot of people with really bad mistakes in their tattoos," Maria Paula Alzate, of the institute, told The Guardian. "For some people it turns out to be the worst mistake of their lives because you have to live with it every day."

So the institute put out a call on social media. In three days, the group received 50 submissions, according to the

Colombian newspaper El Espectador, and it has already chosen at least nine of them to fix at the festival.

The mistakes so far include capitalization errors and missing accents — familiar pitfalls to English speakers who have struggled through introductory Spanish. Same-sounding letters V/B and C/S are perilous, too: Tweets

to Caro Cuervo reveal "La Vida No Es Fasil"has been inked on at least one body. (Hey, el español no es fácil.)

Miguel Ángel Grillo, the director of the ad agency promoting the campaign, told El Espectador that they hope to reach young people and interest them in the proper use of language in everyday life.

THE PHILONOIST

Q: How did 13 become a baker’s dozen?

T

he number 13 has had a terriblereputation among the suspicious hasn’t it? The origin surrounding why the number 13 is referred to as baker’s dozen doesn’t erase that “bad” either.

Some suggest that it dates back to ancient Egypt when bakers commonly gave their customers less bread than was paid for. (The penalty if caught was to have your ear nailed to your bakery’s doorpost).

This form of punishment continued over the ages, and one theory states thatin England in 1266 this cheating became so prevalent that a law was passed to standardize the weight of bread produced by bakers. (The penalty was a harsh beating or jail).

But the bakers had some difficulty ensuring the exact weight, so not to run afoul of the law, they would add an extra loaf to the delivery. If a vendor or other customer were to order a dozen or several dozen loaves of bread from a baker, the baker would give them 13 for every dozen they ordered.

Another theory says the baker would add a 13th loaf as

profit for the vendor (the middleman) who sold his bread.

While the expression “baker’s dozen” is considered to have been around since 1599, the practice of giving 13 instead of 12 loaves was certainly around longer.

24

Times Sunday Magazine

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SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Fun Times

Archie

Put some time aside for fun and games. Get your pri(March 21April 19) orities straight. An intimate evening with someone special will help make amends for the lack of time you have spent together.

ARIES

Monetary loss will reTAURUS sult if your personal informa(April 20- tion becomes compromised.

May 20) Guard your assets carefully and keep your valuables out of sight. You need to be extra vigilant when traveling.

Be a participant in your GEMINI community. Environmental (May 21causes, neighborhood imJune 20) provements or charitable organizations warrant your time and elbow grease. Don't complain if you haven't made an effort to find a solution.

CANCER

Do your best to keep the

(June 21- peace and avoid getting into July 22) a battle of wills with a family member or friend. It's in your best interest to stay calm.

Dilbert

LEO Find an innovative way to (July 23- have a romantic liaison with Aug. 22) someone you love. If you are single, socialize in order to meet someone who shares your sentiments. A short journey will enhance your prospects.

Constant stress will take VIRGO its toll on your health. An in(Aug. 23trospective look at the anxietSept. 22) ies and conflicts you are facing will help you decide what is needed to repair the situation.

LIBRA Romance, adventure and (Sept. 23- travel will fill your day with Oct. 23) excitement. Friends and loved ones will enjoy your company.

An unusual proposal will be enticing and will spark your imagination.

Peanuts

Adaptability and ingenuity SCORPIO will attract influential people (Oct. 24to your side. Your innovative Nov. 22) problem-solving skills will make you a prime contender for advancement. Unusual job prospects will open up if you mix business with pleasure.

Hard work deserves a reSAGITTARIUS ward. Enhancements to your (Nov. 23living quarters will bring Dec. 21) you greater comfort and joy.

Purchase items that will add to your convenience or entertainment. Romance is encouraged.

Calvin and Hobbes

Avoid emotional confronCAPRICORN tations.

Eliminate the peo(Dec. 22ple and ideas that have been Jan. 19) confusing you or holding you back. A day trip will change your outlook.

AQUARIUS You will receive important advice. Solitary soul(Jan. 20Feb. 19) searching will help you make a rational decision. The vision others have for you may not coincide with your own.

Plan a day of personal PISCES (Feb. 20- pleasures and pampering.

March 20) Getting together with good friends for some lively entertainment will help keep your mind off of everyday trials and tribulations.