Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

Sunday May 17, 2015

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2 Times Sunday Magazine

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MAY 17, 2015

Times Feature

Historical hotel ads of early Guyana

By Dmitri Allicock

A

picture may paint a thousand words but ads written from over a century ago lend a kind of majesty to that vintage age of early Guyana and capture so well the essence and flavour of time passed.

For the travellers of British Guiana in the late 1800s and early 1900s, these now historical hotel advertisements served the practical purposes for lodging and comfort away from home. Hotels would have provided basic accommodation: a room with bed, a cupboard, a small table, washstand and cutting edge technology of electrical lighting plus furnishing like a billiard table, drawing and stylish dining room for passengers arriving by steamer.

For passengers arriving by steamers, public transportation would have included British Guiana railways, steamships, horse and carriages plus the tramways of Georgetown.

On the Dec 27, 1878, Paris Britton, one of the hotel industry pioneers and owner of the hotel The White House, died at his residence Strand, New Amsterdam, after a lingering illness at age 90 yrs regretted by a large group of friends and relatives - The Colonist BMDS 1879 “Anthony Trollope, in his amusing book,“The West Indies and The Spanish Main”, said that in ‘New Amsterdam three people make a crowd’. Old Paris Britton house, at which the novelist stayed, and at which he called the best hotel in the West Indies, has long been pulled down. It is certainly, especially of the

late years, a rather sleepy place” - Henry Kirke 1890s The lineage of famous teacher and composer of national songs of Guyana, Valerie Rodway(1919-1970) can be traced back to the original owner. Rodway’s mother, Jane Elizabeth (nee Fraser), was born in Corentyne, Berbice, and was a descendant of Parris Britton, a Barbadian immigrant who came to Berbice circa 1816, just after the colonies of Berbice and Demerara were finally ceded to the British by the Dutch.

He was a leather worker – the maker of saddles, harnesses, stirrups, and other accoutrements required for the horses and mules that dominated the transportation system of sugar estates in British Guiana. He became a successful proprietor of estates, livery stables, a racecourse and first owner of the Strand Hotel in New Amsterdam called The White House in 1880.

The Demerara Ice House ad of 1909 reveals perhaps the best known building in Guyana and a piece of living history. The Demerara Ice House -- now Demico House, situated at the junction of Water Street and Brickdam, was originally owned for 50 years by Messrs. Birch & Company and Charles J. Macquarrie.

It was bought in 1896 by the four sons of Jose Gomes D’Aguiar, founder of the 1840 large family business, and formed the D'Aguiar brothers’ partnership. The acronym of the Demerara Ice House, DIH, became the brand of the company and is still in existence today with international recognition. The DIH had several connotations, D’Aguiar Imperial House and also

D’Aguiar Industries and Holdings being prime examples.

The building, which contained a hotel, soft drink plant and liquor bars, got its name from holding ice imported by schooner from Canada and the US. The age of ice and refrigeration for food preservation had not arrived as yet in British Guiana.

Historical advertisement not only peaks the curiosity but also tells a vivid story of our history. Egyptians used papyrus to make sales messages and wall posters.

Commercial messages and political campaign displays have been found in the ruins of Pompeii and ancient

Arabia. Lost and found advertising on papyrus was common in ancient Greece and ancient Rome. Wall or rock painting for commercial advertising were another manifestation of ancient advertising form, which is present to this day in many parts of Asia, Africa, and South America, including Guyana, a tradition of antiquity that dates back to thousands of years.

These eight newspaper clippings of more than 100 years ago tell a tale of treasured history and cultural identification of that vintage time of early Guyana, which must not to be forgotten.(Reference: British Guiana Genealogical Society)

Royal Albert Hotel ad 1909

El Dorado Hotel, British Guiana (n.d.)

The American Saloon, British Guiana (n.d.)

The Tower Hotel ad 1909

The Demerara Ice House, British Guiana (n.d.)

The Grand Central Hotel ad 1909

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MAY 17, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine

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Times Feature

St. Barnabas Special School on Regent Street in Georgetown

The school's headmistress Rebecca Persaud (left) enjoying a light moment with some of the teachers

T

he St. Barnabas Special School has consistently endeavoured to help children with learning disabilities, equipping them with the necessary academic tools for a bright future.

The school was established in 1887 as a gift from a J. Roberts Rea. It began with an enrolment of 312 children, catering for both the primary and post-primary divisions. There were also a patrol unit, scouts and guides, and a young brigade unit attached to the school.

In 1985, the school was changed from an all-age school to a ‘special’ school for students who suffered a learning disability. The idea for a special school to cater for the needs of slow learners arose out of a concern by the education ministry for the relatively large number of students who were passing through the school system without mastering basic reading and writing skills.

This is a problem not only in Guyana, but in all parts of the world – including developed countries.

Due to the social environment, (psychological, and in some cases physical

factors), such students cannot cope with the pace of the normal school system.

Inevitably, they experience continuous failure, frustration and disappointment, and either drop out of school to become unemployed and street sellers, or simply drift through school until it is time to leave. This project (school) is an attempt to reverse this trend and o give students an opportunity to experience success, to learn at their own rate, and improve their sense of self.

Additionally, this project was an attempt to make school life attractive and meaningful by providing stimulating activities, and by working in small groups.

Each child is treated as an individual and works at his own pace. Educators can then measure the child’s success as he or she goes along. The children do not have to compete or work under the strain of (external) examination. At the end of the course, which will be for a three-year period, a few of the students have been able to re-enter the normal stream of the secondary school to write external examinations, while oth-

Artistic work by students are displayed on the walls of the school

ers have pursued studies at vocational centres; the remaining have been assisted to gain meaningful employment, including self-employment.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, headmistress Rebecca Persaud stated that the school has come a long way since its conception. It now has an IT lab with 15 computers, when previously there were only three.

“We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for this. The ministry has also aided us in completing the home economics department and gave us money to purchase items for our children to have the practical experience of the subject. There are currently five teachers who are trained to work effectively with the children. The ministry sends these students to us.

They are interviewed first and then sent to us. We offer classes up to Form Three, and, when the children are ready, after evaluation, they are sent off to mainstream

secondary school or to the Guyana Technical Institute or Carnegie School of Home Economics or other similar institutions,” she outlined.

Persaud noted that the children are more inclined to learn when using technological equipment, such as the computers. This, she pointed out, is now one strategy to teach the children, which has resulted in students’ excelling academically. The headmistress hopes that

more technological materials to aid the learning process for the students can be donated to the school.

The school teaches nine subjects: Writing, Pastoral Care (Health and Family Life education), Visual Arts, English A, Mathematics, Home Economics, IT, Sports (indoor and outdoor), Craft.

“We are thankful to the businesses, NGOs and parents who have been supporting us throughout the years.

The school's Home Economics department

We are also thankful for the huge support from the Ministry of Education. We have many success stories of students who have gone on to excel in their studies and careers; this we are proud of. We continue to excel and are determined to help our children on the path to success,” Persaud declared.

For more information on how you can contribute to the school’s projects/activities please call 226-2061.

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Times Sunday Magazine

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MAY 17, 2015

Times Feature

Dartmouth Village

Basir (standing) interviewing residents on the history of the village

By IsahakBasir, CCH

D

artmouth is a village located in Region Two on the Essequibo Coast. From 1640 to 1850, Dartmouth had no drainage system or sea defence. The area was a no man’s land and was first occupied by former slaves who could not find relief in the existing sugar plantations.

While the ruling plantocracy was able to enact laws restricting freed people to occupy and cultivate lands in creeks or rivers, these laws were never exercised in Dartmouth. This was because of Dartmouth plot’s triangular shape, 800 acres of forested land, which was not in early colonial control but became a haven for people who fought against slavery.

Nearby villages, Bounty Hall and Perth, collectively, were mathematical exper-

iments to change the flow of canals to suit the gravity pull of the seacoast tide, which has a strange phenomenon of ebbing at low tide between the Essequibo River and the Waini River in the northwest district.

The British occupancy did not learn from this exercise and made a similar mistake in 1923, when they dug the Somerset Pramage canal in the opposite direction of the tide’s gravity pull.

In 1908, a trail was discovered through the savannah south-west of Dartmouth by three landowners of Charity, which was then made into a road to Charity that linksPomeroon and the northwest district.

Dartmouth is entirely agricultural, where mangoes and coconuts dominate, while rice, pig rearing and other crops follow.

Dartmouth was also a “rescue raft” for displeased

Indian sugar workers who were unceremoniously forced to leave their logies on existing sugar estates with the collapse of indentureship. The “Jahangese” renamed Dartmouth with a Hindi name “LudgeJaa” meaning “turning back”.

The remaining offspring of indentured Indians should never forget the compassion of Dartmouth.

Like a few other villages, Dartmouth has its pathfinders - the first veterinary surgeon and statesman Dr. P. A. Reid. The Andamantadors, some of whom excelled in the medical field, included the first regional chairman of Region Two, Mr. Kenneth Hopkinson who hails from Dartmouth also. Other historical families included the Brummels, Cummings, Peters, Bostons, Daymons, Gens and Persauds.

By 1961, Dartmouth’s

Double koker at Dartmouth

landscape changed rapidly with expansions of other facilities, and, from 1992, there were further developments that are admirable.This village has secondary and primary schools, a health centre, community building, well-paved streets, farm- to- market road, modern hotel and many entertainment spots. Two main wooden public road bridges were replaced with con-

crete structures. With the exception of Queenstown, Dartmouth overruns the market with Buxton spice, the most delicious mango in Region Two. The most recent spokesman for the village is CarnolDaymon, who is a proud-speaking Member of Parliament (MP). Along with other village amenities, the MP saw the Neighbourhood Democratic Council office

functional, new Peace Corps Volunteer tutors, a fully functioning Information and Communication Technology Computer Lab for the secondary school and a wellkept environment.

The glory of Dartmouth, where two concrete bridges signal its presence, comes into brightness every Friday afternoon until Sunday night. (Photos by Marco Basir)

Huge pots used to cook for slaves

8th of May Secondary School and St Barnabas Anglican Church

Hotel in Dartmouth

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MAY 17, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 5

Times Women

S

ometimes, when Dionne Hammiel wants the attention of her rambunctious kindergarten class, she stands on the table. Other times, she lowers her voice to a whisper, making her instructions a very important secret that every child strains to hear.

The hushed message at John Burroughs Education Campus, U.S.A., in the District was routine on a recent day: “We need to go to the bathroom, drink some water, come back, and pick out our books to read.”

Nevertheless, the children were instantly alight, excited about the next step in their kindergarten adventure.

Hammiel, with her infectious enthusiasm and outstanding results, is known for the towering expectations she sets for the small children in her class and the deeply analytical approach she brings to her own practice and the skills each child is developing.

“She creates an environment in her class where they really want to do well,”

said her principal, Aqueelha James. “Her students want to see her energy, and they really, really work very hard.”

The result? “The children who leave her are not on the first-grade level,” James said. “They are beyond that.”

Hammiel, 37, is the daughter of a schoolteacher, as well as the cousin and niece and granddaughter of a family full of schoolteachers. Her approach is also close to home: “I look at my students as my own kids,” she said.

The Guyana native moved to the District when she was 11, went to Orr Elementary and eventually graduated from Wilson High School. She majored in human development and family studies at Pennsylvania State University, then started her career as a social worker at a local day-care centre. She became a teacher at a Head Start centre and found her niche in early childhood education. She has been teaching at John Burroughs in the Brookland neighbourhood for nearly 15

years.

Kindergarten has become more academically rigorous in the past decade, and Hammiel keeps a “data wall” at home tracking her students’ performance. She sets goals for each child and celebrates their progress.

She holds their parents to high standards, too, giving US-based Guyanese educator Dionne Hammiel them clear directions for go out there and shine.” what she expects the chil- the page.

When introducing a About the award dren to do during spring word, she reads it in a senThe Washington Post break. tence, shows a picture or has honoured teaching exShe said she loves teaching kindergarten because acts out the meaning. And cellence in the Washington she is always looking for DC region for three decades, the children are “sponges.” with more than 500 men and “The more you give them, challenging words to share.

James, the principal, women winning the Agnes the more they will take,” said she was sceptical when Meyer Outstanding Teacher Hammiel said. “They want to please you, and every day she saw that Hammiel’s les- Award for their work in the there is the joy of seeing son plan early in the year in- classroom, creativity and cluded “array,” “linear” and contribution to the improvetheir success.”

She teaches lessons in “circular.” However, later ment of education.

The awards are named creative ways to appeal to she heard the children using the words when discussing for Agnes Meyer, wife of different learning styles.

When the children were the line they had formed in Eugene Meyer, who purchased The Post in 1933. having trouble with vowels, the hallway.

“From the outside, you She was a staunch supportshe wrote a song they could think, ‘These are kinderer and defender of public edsing using their hands, with each finger representing a gartners,’ ” James said. “But ucation and believed in the motto that still guides the vowel. Now when they are they rise to the occasion.”

“The moon, that’s where awards: “Quality education writing, she sees them taking a break to look at their I set the bar,” Hammiel said. is essential to the well-behands before returning to “When they leave me, they ing of our society, and good

teachers are the foundation of our educational system.”

The Post also honours the region’s principals with the Distinguished Educational Leadership Awards, recognizing those who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment.

The teachers are examples of what works in the classrooms, such as tutoring high school freshman at risk of failing, recruiting students for AP classes who didn’t consider themselves advanced-course material, and writing songs to help kindergartners master vowels. Winners in both categories receive a US$1,000 cash award. (Washington Post)

GDF Officer Cadet Britany van Lange heads to West Point

G

uyana Defence Force Officer Cadet, Britany van Lange was recently awarded a certificate of appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Britany received her appointment from the US Embassy's Georgetown senior defense official, LCDR Robert Novotny in a small ceremony held April 20 at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, East Bank Demerara. She will join her older brother Errol, who is currently enrolled at West Point in the class of 2016.

Born Nov 17, 1996, Britany has excelled academically and in swim-

Britany in action

ming and music. A science major, she attended Bishops’ High School until 2013 when she earned 11 subjects at CXC examinations. She is currently a senior at Queen’s College where she has completed Unit 1 CAPE, again successfully earning five subjects.

Britany has quite an impressive swimming record.

In 2010, she was one of two swimmers who represented Guyana at the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Dubai. At the 2011 School Swimming Championship, Britany won the 50-meterbutterfly, the 50, and 100-meter free style races. Her most outstand-

committed to the values of duty, honour, and country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to their nation.

West Point provides a superb four-year education, which focuses on the leadership development of the Corps of Cadets, all underwritten by adherence to a code of honour.

Britany van Lange

ing achievements came in 2012 when she earned 12 gold medals and a bronze, breaking three Goodwill records at the Carifta Swimming Championships in the Bahamas. That same year, at age 15 and the youngest member on the Guyana team, Britany represented Guyana at the 2012 London Olympics.

Unfortunately, she did not make it to the semi-finals.

The United States Military Academy serves to prepare students, known as the Corps of Cadets, for service in the United States Army. The mission of West Point is to educate, train and inspire the Corps so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character,

Ethical and moral development is emphasized, as is selfless service to one’s country.

The academic program grants a Bachelor of Science degree with a curriculum that grades cadets’ performance upon a broad academic program, military leadership performance, and mandatory participation in competi-

tive athletics. Cadets are required to adhere to the Cadet Honour Code, which states that “a cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.”

Britany will graduate from Queen’s College at the end of this school year and will be heading to New York subsequently. (http://guyanesegirlsrock. com)

6 Times Sunday Magazine

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MAY 17, 2015

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

An interview with Imam Baksh Burt Award for Caribbean Literature winner tigious prize was much longer. Let’s talk about beginnings -- where did it all start?

IB Well, the first time I tried to write a novel, I was ten.

PP That’s going a long way back, even for you - a young man.

IB Yes. But I don’t think I got very far. You see, in those days, I was a lot more interested in reading than writing. But I kept coming back to the idea of writing, I like the process, I enjoy the process.

And during my university days [UG] when I was about 21-22, I had it in my head that I can do this seriously. So I started writing stories, which I sent off to magazines. I did not have success for a long time because I was a raw, young writer, developing a skill, but it was important to begin the process, to be in the process, to take the process

By Petamber Persaud

(Extract of an interview with Imam Baksh, Georgetown, Guyana, May 2015, just after he received first prize in the Burt Award for Caribbean Literature. The Burt Award is a recent literary award.

It is designed to benefit literature in the Caribbean by hosting writers’ workshops, handsomely rewarding the best writing for young adults in the region. It also provides new material for readers and educators, and work for publishers, booksellers and educators.

The award ensures manuscripts are published by Caribbean publishers, and books printed in the thousands are distributed in the Caribbean and wider society.)

PP C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s on winning the 2015 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature. The manuscript you submitted, “Children of the Spider” was shortlisted and eventually adjusted the winner.

The trip to collect your prize in Trinidad was a short one – taking every-

PP Which is good groundwork.

IB Yes. I have an idea, which should be a novel or a short story, but I only feel like I have time to write a short story.

Last year, [March 2014], you called me, inviting me to the Burt Award writing for young adult workshop which I attended. The workshop was facilitated by several persons but mostly by Mr Richard Scrimger…

PP Who was fun; making learning fun, making writing fun. It was inspiring…

IB Yes. The first day, we talked about how to write a good opening, among other things. And the first day, he gave us homework to write an opening, which we had to share the following day. I wrote about a girl hiding with a knife – I had no idea why she was hiding and why she

like brushing your teeth and going “aaah…ahha… uumm” -- you know.

PP Let’s quicken the pace, as Richard [Scrimger] would say….

IB Yes but this is important to the process of writing. My personality is such that I don’t work well without a deadline.

The deadline for the Burt Award was late October. So late August, I said that I would settle down and finish this novel. So I wrote for two months.

PP So your submission “Children of the Spider” was birthed at the workshop?

IB The exact opening scene in the novel is the exact scene I wrote for homework at the workshop, all I did was to clean up the text etc…

PP Richard would be tickled over this.

IB I told him, and he was.

Imam Baksh

thing related to that event into account like your local preparation, air flight from Guyana to Trinidad, and

the actual ceremony but your journey, your writing journey on way to winning such a rich and pres-

Imam Baksh, second place winner Diana McCauley, from Jamaica, and Lynn Joseph of Trinidad and Tobago who copped third prize, with their awards (Photo: codecan.org)

seriously, even to receive the rejection slips/emails.

Then finally, around 20056, I got a couple accepted in small presses, anthologies. Just about then, I had a couple accepted in The Guyana Annual magazine, of which you were [are] editor, and that was encouraging. But these were still short stories. And in my computer, I was writing notes – ideas for stories; I have about twenty ideas/ outlines for novels, which I have built up over the last twenty years.

had a knife, who she was; who she was hiding from etc. this opening received good reaction from the other participants. I built the story on that which eventually evolved into the novel.

It took months to answer all those questions – where should the girl come from, what she was doing here, whom should she meet first, would she be helped or hindered, …it took months for me to form something out of nothing… it took months - while going through your daily tasks

PP Amazing… amazing the process of writing -- and you have to do it to know.Earlier you talked about reading and how essential it is to read? Two issues: what type of literature you were interested in, and, did your reading influence your writing?

IB I was always attracted to stories that explored things….(to be continued) Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com

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MAY 17, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 7

Times Heritage

A Brief History of Sugar in Guyana

T

he territory under Dutch control,which would become British Guiana then independent Guyana, first began growing sugar around the mid-1600s but not on a large scale.

The first sugar exports to Holland occurred in 1661.

However, it would not be until the late 1700s that it became an important crop, and large scale sugar production began.

According to Tim Merrill, (ed. “Guyana: A Country Study”, Washington: GPO for the Library of Congress, 1992), by 1800 there were an estimated 380 sugar estates along the coast. This low-lying, narrow strip of fertile land rests between the Atlantic Ocean, the savannahs and dense and sparsely inhabited rainforests of the interior.

It has been the early Dutch and British construction of infrastructure for sugar cultivation that has shaped the current land use along the coast. This includes levees or “dams”, sluices and waterways for drainage, irrigation and transport.

To supply the labour required for sugar cultivation, Dutch plantation owners at first imported slaves from West Africa.

After the British were ceded the colony in 1814 and slaves were later emanci-

The Enmore sugar packaging plant was commissioned May 9, 2011

According to the GuySuCo website, the company operates five sugar estates and eight factories (Map from guysuco.com)

pated, the labour shortage and subsequent decline in agriculture led to the arrival of indentured labourers from Portugal, China, the Caribbean and India to work on the sugar plantations.

These circumstances helped create the multi-ethnic society of independent Guyana today.

By the mid-1900s, the sugar industry was wracked with strikes and unrest as sugar workers, mainly Indians who stayed to work on the sugar plantations after indentureship ended,and their descendants, fought

for better working and living conditions.

In 1976, some 10 years after the country became independent, the then socialist PNC government nationalised the sugar industry and formed the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) comprising the private estates of Tate and Lyle, Jessels Holdings and Bookers.

By the 1980s, with the reduction of a labour force as many Indians emigrated to avoid PNC dictatorship, the sugar industry turned to semi-mechanism to increase production and lower costs.

However, the lack of quality administration, properly maintained technology, further labour shortages and global market circumstances led to a steeper decline in the industry’s fortunes.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, with the advance of technology, the sugar industry has seen the rapid modernization of sev-

eral of its sugar estates. The industry continues to provide employment mostly for the indentured Indians’ descendants who choose to remain working in the industry.

Some 300 years after sugar cultivation began, the sugar industry remains an important contributor to the economy, said to be responsible for approximately 40

per cent of agricultural production and 20 per cent of the country’s annual revenue in the new millennium.

Guyana’s sugar is famed as the “golden brown Demerara sugar” and is exported to many countries including those of the European Union (EU), to the United States of America, and several Caricom countries.

Most of GuySuCo’s sugarcane is transported by punts to its factories on waterways rather than by road or rail

Transporting cane mid-20th century

Demerara, Land of Trenches (n.d.) (Photo credit- Edward Boyer)

Painting by Joshua Bryant, an artist who worked in Demerara,depicting a sugar plantation in Demerara. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy 1798-1809

8 Times Sunday Magazine

MAY 17, 2015

Times Travel & Tourism

Carahaa Landing

A great experience in the heart of the jungle

C

arahaa Landing camp is an exciting ‘hammock camp’ located on the banks of the Burro Burro River, three miles from Surama Eco-Lodge in North Rupununi.

In a large clearing of the dense jungle, there is a large, open benab for hanging hammocks; a smaller adjacent benab has a table and cooking area where food is prepared over an open fire.

It is a basic set-up but the permanent structure provides good shelter for anyone wishing to experience a night camping in the jungle without roughing it too much.

Staying overnight at the camp also allows visitors to experience night walks through the jungle, and late evening and very early morning canoe trips on the river, when the animals and birds are most active. For birding enthusiasts, it is a great location for spotting some of Guyana’s famed birds.

Carahaa Landing camp offers a great experience in the heart of the jungle. (Information by Kirk Smock)

A morning tour on the river

Arriving in a canoe at Carahaa Landing camp (Photo by Jay Seedy)

Relaxing under one of the benabs at the camp (Photo by Jay Seedy)

Paddling under fallen trees along the river (Photo by Jay Seedy)

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May 17, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

Dealing with Disappointment

E

W

hile general literature and news on heart disease, obesity or cancer focus on prevention, and, when such symptoms first present themselves, focus on reversing or stopping the symptoms, mental health does not receive the same focus of prevention and reversal of symptoms.

According to Mental Health America, catching mental health conditions early is known as Early Identification and Intervention. However, many times people may not realize that their symptoms are being caused by a mental health condition, or they may feel ashamed to pursue help because of the stigma associated with mental illness.

It’s up to all of us to know the signs and take action so that mental illnesses can be caught early and treated, and persons can live up to their full potential. Even though mental illnesses may require intensive, longterm treatment and a lot of hard work at the later stages, people can and do recover and reclaim their lives.

One way to see if you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition is to take a screening.

Visit www.mhascreening.org to take a quick, confidential screening for a variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders or PostTraumatic Stress Disorder.

Use your screening results to start a conversation with your primary care provider, or a trusted friend or family member and begin to plan a course of action for addressing your mental health.

Mental health conditions are not only common -- they are treatable. There is a wide variety of treatment options for mental illnesses, ranging from talk therapy to medication to peer support, and it may take some time for a person to find the right treatment or combination of treatments that works best for them. However, when they do, the results can be truly amazing and life changing.

Stages of Mental Health Conditions Stage 1 Mild Symptoms and Warning Signs At Stage 1, a person begins to show symptoms of a mental health condition, but is still able to maintain the ability to function at home, work or school—although perhaps not as easily as before they started to show symptoms. Often there is a sense that something is “not right.”

Stage 2 Symptoms Increase in Frequency and Severity and Interfere with Life Activities and Roles At Stage 2, it usually becomes obvious that something is wrong. A person’s symptoms may become stronger and last longer or new symptoms may start appearing on top of existing ones, creating something of a snowball effect.

Performance at work or school will become more difficult, and a person may have trouble keeping up with family duties, social obligations or personal responsibilities.

Stage 3 Symptoms Worsen with Relapsing and Recurring Episodes Accompanied by Serious Disruption in Life Activities and Roles At Stage 3, symptoms have continued to increase in severity, and many symptoms are often taking place at the same time. A person may feel as though they are losing control of their life and the ability to fill their roles at home, work or school.

Stage 4 Symptoms are Persistent and Severe and Have Jeopardized One's Life

By Stage 4, the combination of extreme, prolonged and persistent symptoms and impairment often results in development of other health conditions and has the potential to turn into a crisis event like unemployment, hospitalization, homelessness or even incarceration. In the worst cases, untreated mental illnesses can lead to loss of life an average of 25 years early.

veryone faces both large and small disappointments in life.

Unfortunately, many of people choose to complain or behave aggressively about their problems -- to the immense inconvenience and, sometimes, even injury of others.

Disappointment is a fact of life—one that must be dealt with. If not, discouragement and devastation are never far away.

While it is certainly important to acknowledge your disappointments and not just ignore them, how do you do it effectively?

The answer lies in learning constructive ways to acknowledge disappointments. Learning to deal with your disappointments constructively can make you a stronger person in the end.

You can honestly express the emotions that you are experiencing without blaming others or punishing everyone in sight. This is about how you feel about the situation, not about other people. Articulate your feelings without attacking others. Always be respectful, but do not be afraid to let them know precisely how you feel.

There is no one right or wrong way to feel. Your feelings are valid and if you do not voice your opinion then you will begin to harbour resentment and create stress to yourself.

Put and keep things in perspective. Even the tiniest of disappointments can seem monumental at first.

However, once you have constructively expressed

your hurt, frustration, or anger, take a step back and look at the larger picture.

How much of an effect is this disappointment going to have on you tomorrow, next week, or next year?

Breathing deeply is an easy thing to do, but one of the first things we forget to do when stressed. Take a deep breath and go for a walk to get some space and time to help put your disappointment into its proper perspective. Taking time to reflect and step away from a situation will help calm your nerves so that you will be better able to handle the disappointment.

Do not doubt yourself.

Sometimes disappointment can make you feel like a total failure. You may wonder why these things “keep” happening to you, or you may begin to think that you were not being wise to get your hopes up in the first

place. However, none of that is the truth. Do not succumb to this thinking. Do not allow yourself to give in to these negative thoughts.

Disappointment is not unique to you. Everyone has been disappointed at some point in their life. Instead of beating yourself up (or others), think about what you could have been done differently and always learn from the experience.

Look for solutions or compromises. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot have your way all the time, but often there will be a second option that is agreeable to each party.

Again, take a few deep breaths and relax. It is possible to find something positive in almost every situation.

Reassess and make adjustments, if necessary.

Sometimes when you experience disappointment, it may

be a sign that you need to re-examine your priorities.

Depending upon the degree of disappointment that you are facing, you may need to make minor or major changes to your life. Learn to be flexible. Refocusing your attention on your new goals will help you work through your disappointment.

Do not give up. Any person who has had even the smallest degree of success in life has faced some disappointments. Winners just don’t quit. They learn from their failures, missteps and disappointments, and go on to achieve their goals. You should not allow disappointment to lower your self-confidence. This not to say that you need to gloss over your feelings, but that you can learn how to deal with your disappointments effectively, so that you will be able to move on to bigger and better things sooner.

Mom 'forced' to have son charged to get him mental health care

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fter years of temporary in-patient care and seeing him cycle from healthy and kind to psychotic and cruel, mom Sylvie Messer says she was "forced" to ask police to charge her schizophrenic son in order to get him into long-term treatment.

Her son, Shawn Smith, 28, was charged with uttering threats after he said he would kill her and "plant" her.

"A parent should never be forced to charge their child. Nobody understands what that is like until you've been through it. And as a parent, it's the worst thing I've ever had to do," said Messer.

"When he's well, he's a big mama's boy, but when he's not well, he hates me. He threatens me. He's completely different. Almost like Jekyll and Hyde."

Messer, who lives in Fredericton NB, Canada, says about five years ago her son's behaviour started to change, becoming increasingly odd, then more severe as the years went by.

He developed a cycle of health, drug use, crisis and temporary stays in hospitals. He was diagnosed with chronic paranoid schizophrenia.

Smith, who lives in the Moncton area, won't or can't admit he has a mental illness. She says he "selfmedicates" with drugs, and then becomes cruel and delusional.

Smith is an adult, so Messer was unable to access any health information about her son. She didn't know when he was in hospital, being released from hospital or what decisions he was making about his treatment.

Messer decided to take the action of obtaining power of committee over her son.

The judge declared him incapable of making his own health-care decisions because of his illness, and placed that responsibility on his mother.

She is to be informed by medical and psychiatric staff on all treatment actions. But she says the problem is she's not. Recently, Messer had a lawyer remind the hospital that they

are legally obliged to inform her.

She thumbs through the photos of a young, happy Shawn. She lingers over the picture of him strumming a guitar. She says he could have a decent life, if there was help.

"They need long-term care. You can send them to a psychiatric unit for 30 days, not a problem. When they come out, they're not being followed. There's no psychologist. No therapy. No ongoing anything," she said.

The judge ruled Smith is to be sent back to the psychiatric facility in Campbellton for treatment. A review committee there will decide how long the treatment there will last.

Coming out of the courthouse Messer said, "I'm glad he's going back to Campbellton and getting the help he needs, for sure. That was the whole plan, to get him some help.

And he looks better than he did a month ago."

A tear slid down her cheek.

"It was nice to see him. I just wish I could give him a hug," she says.

(Source: cbc.ca)

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he spotlight is on the recent chic collection of handmade jewellery by Guyanese designer Nadia Jabour.

Jazz 2015 is a collection of necklaces and earrings that are ideal for a complete, fashionable look.

Designs by Nadia are original designs created from indigenous seeds, wood, sea glass, sea stones and any natural material that will give her collections a unique touch.

Nadia’s desire to “create with a difference” has motivated her to design distinct pieces for those who love a “statement look”. The designer’s unique collections suit any personality and style.

Notably, Nadia’s pieces were featured in the June 2010 edition of SHE

Designer Nadia Jabour

magazine. She was also chosen to participate in Design Caribbean 2011 in Dominican Republic.

Her designs are shipped worldwide and are sought after by other designers to complement outfits on international runways.

For more information on the collection, visit Designs

by Nadia on Facebook.

guyanatimesgy.com

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MAY 17, 2015

Romeo Santos

omeo Santos is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, featured composer and former lead singer of the Bachata group, Aventura. Santos has been a key figure in popularizing Bachata, with hits reaching near the top of the Billboard Latin charts and the top of charts in Europe. In 2002, the band's song "Obsesión" was number one in Italy for 16 consecutive weeks. After releasing several albums with Aventura, the group went its separate ways. Since then, Romeo has embarked on a solo career which in three years has spawned seven number one songs on the Hot Latin Songs chart and eight number ones on the Tropical Songs chart. Santos made his Hollywood acting debut in the film “Furious 7” alongside Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson and Paul Walker.

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Prince Harry plays Prince Katie Holmes says 'I love you' to Jamie Foxx on phone Charming for a little A girl in New Zealand

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he 30-year-old prince set hearts fluttering once again when he paused to help a little girl put on her shoe – looking very much like a Disney prince straight out

of “Cinderella” – during a reception at Government House in New Zealand on Friday (May 15).

Even Harry's official Instagram account, @ KensingtonRoyal, couldn't

help but point out the fairy tale similarities.

"A little cinderella #RoyalVisitNZ," they wrote along with the photo.

While the little girl may not have realized the adorable moment she was creating, plenty of fully grown women were enjoying the interaction.

"Cool, my ovaries just exploded," one commenter wrote on the Instagram post.

Another added, "Swoon!"

The stop marked Harry's final full day in New Zealand, wrapping up his tour that included plenty of adorable moments with kids, taking part in Maori traditions and even making his first-ever post on Instagram.

Of course, the day wasn't just about playing a fairy tale prince – he also visited a local youth shelter, got lei'd and spent time with disabled athletes at a rehabilitation clinic. (PEOPLE)

Ciara accidentally kicks fan in the face

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iara has been making lucky fans' dreams come true by giving them lap dance during the shows on her

"Jackie" tour. However, the R&B diva hurt one dude at a stop in her hometown of Atlanta as she accidentally kicked him in the face while attempting to do a backflip.

The embarrassing but hilarious moment was caught in a video shared by a concertgoer on Instagram. According to the brief clip, CiCi was trying to bend over backwards from the floor onto the man's lap when she smacked him with her boot.

She eventually landed on his lap and continued her performance. Luckily, the fan didn't seem to mind the incident.

"Jackie" tour was launched earlier this month in support of Ciara's newest album of the same name. The record, titled after her mother, was released last week and recently opened at No. 17 on Billboard 200 with around 25,000 equivalent units.

(AceShowbiz)

Rihanna's debut ads for Dior have been released

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ihanna's debut ads for Dior have been released. A series of the printed ads for the French label's fourth installment of "Secret Garden" feature the 27-yearold singer in a fantasy-like sequence while she stuns in glamorous clothes and accessories by the fashion brand.

In one image of the ads, Rihanna looks undeniably sexy as she sizzles in a low-cut black fur gown while seductively pulling it open. She completes her gothic-inspired look with a black veil and a large flower-embroidered purse with chain handle.

For another shot, the Barbadian beauty is snapped wearing a high-neck and longsleeved glittery dress as she holds a silver handbag. She poses attractively while staring at her own reflection in front of a huge mirror.

In another picture, Rihanna is shot as she is running through a hall while wearing a red dress. All the images were shot by photographer Steven Klein in the Palace of Versailles.

"Rihanna's mystery and intrigue combined with her razor-sharp looks and sensibility, are the essential, perfect elements to create the stage for Secret Garden," Klein said in a statement.

Rihanna is the first black artist to become Dior's brand ambassador. She joins Jennifer

Lawrence, Marion Cotillard and Natalie Portman as the latest celebrity face of the label. "It feels fantastic. It is such a big deal for me, for my culture, for a lot of young girls of any color. I think to be acknowledged by Dior means a lot, as a woman, to feel beautiful - to feel elegant and timeless," Rihanna said previously. (AceShowbiz)

lmost two years having been rumored together, Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx haven't opened up their relationship yet. A source, however, told Us Weekly that their relationship was getting serious as there was L-word in their conversation.

Katie was caught saying the L-word on a phone conversation with Jamie after landing at L.A.'s LAX Airport. "She said she loved him. She always gushes about how amazing he is and the joy he brings into the world," the source said.

On the other hand, Jamie reportedly called her "my girl" in front of his pals.

The rumor about the two dating started to emerge in 2013 when Katie was seen dancing with the Oscar winner at a party in

East Hampton, New York.

In March, Us Weekly published a photo of the two holding hands in a studio, showing how intimate the two were. A source said that the "Dawson's Creek" star got everything which she didn't get from Tom Cruise with Jamie. "Jamie is someone she can trust and have fun with," the

source said.

The 36-year-old actress knew Jamie through Tom when they worked on a 2004 film, "Collateral".

She split from the "Edge Of Tomorrow" star in 2012, after five years of marriage.

The actress moved to L.A. earlier this year allegedly to get closer to Jamie.

(AceShowbiz)

Ian Somerhalder describes his married life as 'the best time I’ve ever had'

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ewlywed Ian Somerhalder seemed to be enjoying his first days with his wife, Nikki Reed. During The CW Upfront Presentation on May 14, the 36-year-old star couldn't hide his happiness about being married and told E!, "Amazing.

It's great. It's the best time I've ever had."

The star of "The Vampire Diaries" even showed off his marvelous wedding ring which he said was designed by Nikki.

During the interview, he also joked that it's "really sweet" that the TV network threw a congratulation party for him by gathering the cast of his show.

Besides talking about his personal life, the star talked about how his character on the supernatural drama series, Damon and Nina Dobrev's Elena, could be the most "epic" couple of all time.

It's not the first time Ian gushed over his new wife. He praised the "Twilight Saga" star in the caption of his Instagram pic-

ture. He said, "Thank you to this beautiful woman who makes every day a dream come true."

The couple tied the knot on April 26 in Malibu, less than a year after they began dating. Shortly after their marriage, the couple spent honeymoon in Mexico, Brazil, and Costa Rica. (AceShowbiz)

'Human Barbie' Valeria Lukyanova explains why she wants to be muscular

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aleria Lukyanova who is best known as "human Barbie" took to Facebook to hit back at her body critics on Thursday, May 14. She shared a lengthy message on the social media site explaining the reason behind her body transformation and revealing who inspired her.

After her months-long absence from internet, Valeria shared a series of photos showing her completely transformed-figure on Facebook earlier this week. In the snaps, she showed off her still super slim but a bit bulky body. She said at that time that she no longer liked her old body because it was lack of muscles. However, some people didn't respond to her very well.

Following the body criticisms, the controversial model slammed the haters, saying that she had a "pity" for them. "It is a pity that most people choose the path of degradation," Valeria wrote in Russian. "If they see a man who has succeeded with something better than they are, they are ready to literally tear. Especially often I see it on the Internet."

She noted that it's not the first time she noticed the negative comments about her figure. She claimed people who hated her wrote "such a frenzy nastiness that I have the impression [they feel] that I have stolen the last piece of bread Or something spoiled [their] very existence."

Valeria explained that she started building the muscle after she was brutally assaulted by two men outside her Odessa

home in the Ukraine on Halloween. The incident reportedly left her hospitalized due to an injury on her face. "Since then, I decided to seek not just relief, but good and strong muscles, like female warrior Amazons!" she continued. "I was inspired by Queen Amazons - Medusa. Her body is perfect, I believe."

However, she thought that she was "certainly still far from ideal, very far. But I strive for athleticism." She added, "So funny that girls and boys from sporting groups write such nasty things about my body... so much negativity." She sent "love and light" to her haters at the end of the extended post. (AceShowbiz)

uma Qureshi worked as a theatre actress and model before beginning her film acting career. After starring in several theatrical productions, Qureshi moved to Mumbai and signed a two-year contract with Hindustan Unilever to appear in television commercials. During the shoot of a Samsung mobile commercial, Anurag Kashyap noticed her acting ability and signed her for his films.

Qureshi made her feature-film debut with a supporting role in the 2012 critically acclaimed crime drama ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ (parts 1 and 2) as Mohsina (a film buff and the supportive wife of a gangster). Her performance drew critical appreciation and earned her several nominations for Best Supporting Actress (including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress) and Best Female Debut. That year, Qureshi also starred in the comedy ‘Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana’. While the film was a commercial failure, her performance was well received by critics. In 2013, she starred in the supernatural thriller ‘Ek Thi Daayan’. She was seen in the the sequel to the 2010 film ‘Ishqiya’ entitled ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ (with Madhuri Dixit, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi).

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Huma Qureshi guyanatimesgy.com MAY 17, 2015

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Ranbir Kapoor says no plans of marrying Katrina Kaif next year

B

ollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, who recently told the media that he plans to get married to girlfriend Katrina Kaif by the end of next year, is now denying any such plans!

The 32-year-old actor said the couple have made no plans as of now as he is busy with his film projects. "Yes, I am in love but I have not made any marriage plans yet. There are so many rumours surrounding my marriage like sometime people have quoted me that

I am getting married next year. But there are no plans as such," Ranbir told reporters here during the promotion of “Bombay Velvet”.

The actor said they have not made any plans as he is busy with his movie projects. His denial comes just days after he was quoted by a leading Bengali daily saying, "We have planned to tie the knot by the end of next year. Both of us have agreed on that. Both of us are sure about our relationship and if we don't open about it

now, it would be showing disrespect to the relationship."

Katrina too came out with a statement today where she dismissed reports of the impending wedding.

Ranbir is busy promoting the Anurag Kashyap-directed period drama, set in 1960s Bombay, where he is playing a street fighter Johnny Balraj.

Asked why he is not joining social media as it has become a major tool for film's promotion, the actor said, "I feel uncomfortable being on the social medium platform. I don't think actors have that much of freedom of speech. If I would have written something on Twitter yesterday, you people would have asked five questions regarding that today. So, I don't want to have this unnecessary pressure in my head to clarify what I say." (PTI)

Security tightened for Salman Khan in Kashmir

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alman Khan was in Kashmir to resume work on Kabir Khan’s “Bajrangi Bhaijaan”. Since the actor has been in the limelight owing to the verdict of the 2002 hit-and-run case and the subsequent bail, according to sources, the makers of the film feel that they should go the extra mile to keep Salman safe and out of the media’s reach.

The actor has returned to shooting for the film just a few days after the hearing of the case. In a bid to keep overzealous onlookers and

troublemakers at bay, the security cordon around him has been tightened by the makers as well as local security agencies. No one wants to take the risk, especially after seeing the number of fans gathered outside his home in Mumbai during the court proceedings.

The film, which is also being produced by him, is set to release on Eid (in July) this year. So, pushing the film’s shoot is out of the question. Hence, the actor didn’t take a breather after he was granted bail by

B

ollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his Kolkata Knight Riders co-owners, B-Town actress Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta, have been served Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons for allegedly violating FEMA norms, official sources said on Wednesday (April 13).

The ED move follows a notice sent in March this year and SRK and others would be required to appear before the agency by the May-end.

An IPL franchisee, the Knight Riders Sports Pvt Ltd is suspected to have violated FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) norms by undervaluing its shares in a transfer deal with Jay Mehta’s overseas company, Sea Island Investments Ltd.

the court. “This is the last schedule of the film. After this, the movie will go into post production, before the promotions kick off," says an insider. (Hindustan Times)

A

Baoqiang - who has dubbed for Aamir in “PK” were present.

SAPPRFT officials will talk about importing and exporting films between the two countries.

These moves follow the signing of the Agreement on Audiovisual Co-Production between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the SAPPFRT during President Xi Jinping's visit to India.

Latest Chinese movies like “Dragon Blade”, “The Grandmasters”, “Wolf Totem”, and “The Nightingale” will be distributed in India.

Last November, China was the 'country of focus' at the 45th International Film Festival of India. (Hindustan Times)

However, none of the coowners have officially reacted to the development. A coowner of KKR – among the highest valued IPL franchisee brands – Mehta is

the leading light of Mehta Group, a multi-business entity in control of assets worth over USD 400 million in India, Britain, Africa and North America. (Tribune)

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan launches first look of ‘Jazbaa’ at Cannes

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Aamir Khan releases ‘PK’ in China, shares stage with Jackie Chan amir Khan was in China to promote the wide release of his recent blockbuster, “PK”, on Thursday (April 14). The movie has been dubbed in Chinese and will be released across the country later this month.

“PK”, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is one of the biggest hits ever in Bollywood.

The dubbed version of the film will release with 3,500 prints in China.

Hong Kong superstar Jackie Chan, also a Mainland politician, joined Aamir on stage to talk about the China-India project - Gong Fu Yu Jia (Kung Fu Yoga) - he is currently working on. The movie is being shot in India and China. The event coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China.

The Chinese government also announced the launch of three films with SinoIndian themes, starring top bracket actors, directors and studio houses from both countries on May 14 - the day Modi lands in the city of Xian in northwest China.

It is rare for China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) to make a public announcement about projects.

“Da Tang Xuan Zang” (temporary English title: Monk Xuanzang), “Gong Fu Yu Jia” (temporary English title: Kung Fu Yoga), and “Yin Jiong Da Nao Tian Zhu” (temporary English title: Lost in India).

Besides Aamir and Jackie, two top Chinese stars, Huang Xiaoming and Wang

Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla allegedly violate foreign exchange law

ctor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan unveiled the first look of her comeback film “Jazbaa” at the 68th Cannes International Film Festival at a closed door United Nations panel discussion on May 16, which will be followed by a media event on May 19.

Aishwarya along with the elite panellists including actresses Salma Hayek, Adele Exarchopoulos and forthcoming film Carol's

producers Christine Vachone and Elizabeth Kushel delivered a speech on gender equality and the role of women in media.

The “Jazbaa” trailer showcased at the event in the presence of Essel Vision's business head Akash Chawla and the film's writer, co-producer-director Sanjay Gupta.

"Most films define the man as the only hero but in this case all three actors, Aishwarya, Shabana Azmi and Irrfan Khan, have equally significant roles in taking the story forward.

"And since the trio have a prominent international presence, an event at Cannes, which is the most prestigious film festival, was a welcome opportunity to get the international media together under one roof," Chawla said in a statement.

“Jazbaa” is produced by Essel Vision, White Feather Films and Vikings Entertainment and is set to release worldwide on October 9. (IANS)

Fridays still affect Amitabh Bachchan

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n his more than 40 years of acting career, Amitabh Bachchan has braved the box-office challenge innumerable times but the megastar says he still gets Friday jitters. "Of course they do," Bachchan said when asked if he still gets affected before the release of his movies.

"There is anxiety and apprehension and jitters on what the audience is going to think about the film," he told PTI in an email interview.

The 72-year-old star is happy and relieved with the response to “Piku”, a slice-oflife story about a hypochondriac father obsessed with his digestive system and his overworked daughter.

Bachchan has teamed up with Shoojit Sircar after Shoebite, which did not release. It is also his second big screen outing with Deepika Padukone after Aarakshan while he calls working with Irrfan Khan "a privilege".

"It is always a joy to be in a space that brings smiles on the faces of the audience.

Piku was certainly that space," the star said.

The movie is a family drama and a road-trip rolled in one and Bachchan's experience of working with Bengali directors helped him channel a Bengali father.

"I have lived and worked in Kolkata for 7 years and have a bit of Bengali in my home too (wife Jaya Bachchan)... so yes it made things somewhat familiar!! Also having worked with several Bengali directors helped – Hrishi Da, Basu Chatterji, Dulal Guha, Shakti Samant," he added.

The actor said he did not have any qualms about playing a man with diges-

tive problem in the movie. "... you must accept the fact that 'digestive problems' are indeed a slice of everyone's life," joked Bachchan.

The actor, who wrote a note to Deepika after her performance in “Finding Fanny”, believes the actress has evolved.

"Deepika is a most accomplished artist in her own right, and her recent performance is testimony to that.

She has evolved to an extent that was most unexpected and I feel great pride in getting an opportunity to work with her," Bachchan said, adding he sends such notes to people whose work he admires.

In his next screen outing, Bachchan will be seen playing a wheelchair-bound chess master in “Wazir”.

"Wazir is a dramatic thriller and is being made under the banner of Vinod Chopra Films. It is being directed by Bejoy Nambiar and has Farhan and Aditi Rao Hyadari in the lead .. the shooting is complete and post production is in the process, for an October release."

(PTI)

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Times Trends

Trending Now

Star of the week

W

hile not all trends are necessarily things we'd see ourselves rocking, there are certain ones you can't deny are "a thing."

Lady Gaga, of course.

Yaeba Teeth

Pollution Masks

Where It Came From: Beijing, China ...BUT WHY? Fresh air is a luxury in China.

With smog everywhere, much of Beijing's population has taken to wearing masks to avoid breathing in harmful contaminants.

But that doesn't mean they've had to sacrifice their style. Sure, there are run-of-themill stark white ones, but there's plenty of other options implementing designs like animals, patterns, and even designer knockoffs like Louis Vuitton.

Where It Came From: Japan ...BUT WHY? To look younger without resorting to botox.

One of the latest trends sweeping Japanese girls is getting "Yaeba" teeth.

Translated as "double-tooth" the look consists of elongated canines that look like a "snaggletooth," such as the kind actresses like Kirsten Dunst have naturally. Japanese girls think it gives them a cuter, more childlike appearance.

Facekinis

Mexican Pointy Boots

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orn and raised in Industry, on the East Coast of Demerara, Alicia Kirton attended Cummings Lodge Secondary School and attained her tertiary education at Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

She loves to challenge herself, and chases after anything that would give her the opportunity for self-development. After successfully graduating as a teacher from CPCE, Kirton was placed at Ketley Primary School. There, she has been the Grade One class teacher for two years. The loving teacher views her profession as a “blessing” and a chance to “wake up every day to mould the minds of children, to be a role model, and to provide them with opportunities”. Always fond of the pageantry world as well, Kirton, while studying at CPCE, participated in the Miss CPCE pageant, in which she was second runner up. Given the platform via pageantry, Kirton has highlighted numerous social issues. The one that she hopes to always have a spotlight on is child street beggars. Kirton believes that people in leadership positions and humanitarian groups should take their responsibilities seriously and target people in need. Concerning the pageantry world, one of Kirton’s greatest achievements in life was participating in the Miss Guyana Universe 2014 pageant. One of the many things the beauty said she learnt during her journey vying for the crown was to be courageous. Not winning the crown did not mean she lost. Kirton said she “found” herself, and loves the woman she has become because of the experience she gained in the pageant. Her advice to youths is to believe in themselves, look for the positives and never turn down an opportunity for self-development. A determined individual, Kirton hopes to compete in the next Miss India Guyana pageant. A desire to develop herself academically, Kirton plans to pursue a degree in education and hopes to one day build her own school, which will cater to the needs of children suffering from learning disabilities. Other than pageantry, Kirton enjoys swimming. On weekends, she would unplug from her day-to-day routine and “float free from any worries and discomfort”.

Where It Came From: Matehuala, San Luis Potosí, Mexico ...BUT WHY? To look like a seriously steezy vaquero.

Pointy boots can be traced to the Mexican town of Matehuala in 2009. Made by elongating the toe of boots up to 5 feet, there are also some guys who just DIY'd it with a garden hose. The boots have become an integral style staple for Matehualan club kids, who form all-male dance groups and compete in competitions at night clubs. The trend has even spread to areas with plentiful Matehualan migrants, like Dallas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.

Where It Came From: Qingdao, Shandong Province, China ...BUT WHY? Because it keeps you from looking like a farmer.

Should you have a beach day in China's coastal city of Qingdao, expect to see plenty of people looking like they're about to rob a bank. The "Facekini" offers protection from the sun's rays, and completely cover the face except for the nose, mouth, and eyes.

Usually paired with a bodysuit or wetsuit, their purpose is to preserve the skin's fairness and prevent tanning. In China, having a tan is considered a sign of being a peasant who works in the fields all day.

Animal Hair Hats

Ear Pointing

Where It Came From: Tokyo, Japan ...BUT WHY? It's art!

Stemming from the mind of late Japanese pop artist Nagi Noda, she drew upon the concept of fascinators for this project that involved crafting exquisite animal shapes from hair. They developed a cult following for their brilliance but unfortunately the artist passed away in 2008. Still, they did manage to turn one celebrity into a fan:

Where It Came From: Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. ...BUT WHY? You want to go elf yourself.

Ear pointing, or ear shaping, is a practice in which the ear is modified look like the pointy ears we've seen on fictional characters like Spock (one of the main characters in “Star Wars”). So in essence, they're pretty popular among hardcore fans of “Lord of the Rings” and “Star Trek”. Its rise in popularity is attributed to Arizona-based Steve Haworth, who is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "Most Advanced Body Modification Artist" since 1999. It became popular enough to warrant a mention as a plot point in an episode of “Law & Order: SVU”.

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Times Art

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“case of visual and verbal imagery engaged in dialogue” is the description of Stanley Greaves’ AA, recent series of 24 paintings, which were exhibited at Castellani House last year.

A mirror of the literary mind viewed from Greaves’ prospective, the series proves a complex one as described by the artist: “The paintings showed the evolution of visual language where visual complexity, illustrative mode in the earlier series was shunned in favour of presenting a single dramatic moment or image as symbolic interpretation.”

In a drive to connect with his surroundings by committing visual memory and experience of colours, textures, shapes and forms in images created in his

Artist Stanley Greaves

paintings and sculptures, Greaves sought to “create paintings based on reading novels to deepen” his experiences.

According to Greaves, novels written by Sir Wilson Harris, a Guyanese author, have “provided [him] with a link to understanding the nature of the

impact of the landscape on life forms and its impact on [his] own way of seeing/ sensing the place of things/ events in [his] work and by extension in [his] cosmos”.

The series was accomplished by reading novels and in reacting to “text painting until the end”.

While reading, Greaves would make notes about possible themes, themes that presented him with an image (but not a complete composition) which would develop as he painted.

A semi-abstract approach was thus utilised moving away from “detailed planning to a more organic” style where “intuition provided direction and drive”.

“I [would] begin with an image, which as it developed, provided clues

"The Limbo Forest" (2014)

for composing the rest…,” Greaves explained.

Work on “Dialogue with Wilson Harris” originated in the 1960s, however, intensive work was not done until 2011 while reading the several novels and relating events, which allowed for the completion of the series in 2014.

Very talented in several areas, Greaves studied art in the Working Peoples’ Art Class led by E R Burrowes, after which Greaves taught for a few years at the Sacred Heart Primary and St Stanislaus Secondary Schools.

Greaves later left to study art at the University of Newcastle-on-Tyne, "The Search" (2012)

"Gold Prospectors at Ravenshead" (2012)

"Miners' Parade" (2013)

"Oudin's Stratagem" (2012)

where he graduated with a BA (Hons) in Art and a Diploma in Art Education.

Greaves also attended Howard University where he gained a MFA and helped design the first Arts and Craft Syllabus for the Caribbean Exam Council.

Notably, the artist is known for his work across several art disciplines where he has won prizes nationally, regionally and internationally. Not to mention, his poems where he has linked poetry to art just as he linked literature to art in Dialogue with Wilson Harris.

(Cover photo: Arawak Bowl of Numbers (2013))

"Palace of the Peacock"(2013)

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May 17, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 17

Times Tech

M

ing-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities issued a new research note on Tuesday, a copy of which was obtained by AppleInsider, in which the trusted analyst revealed a number of changes planned for Apple's socalled "iPhone 6s."

Specifically, he said that Apple would offer a new rose gold option, though he didn't indicate whether the new rose gold "iPhone 6s" would be made of actual gold like the high-end Apple Watch, or if it will simply resemble the colour found on the Apple Watch Edition.

In addition, according to Kuo, Apple will upgrade the camera to 12 megapixels.

AppleInsider also first revealed

Tech BYTE

A

Tech BYTE

T

Tech news

different casing materials and a restructured internal design, addressing the supposed bending issues that affected the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. (Source: Apple Insider)

China imposes smartwatch, wearable tech army ban

Members of China's two million-strong army are banned from wearing unauthorised tech while on duty

parallel parking.

The EO Smart Connecting Car 2 can also contract from a full length of around 7.5 feet to around 5.2 feet.

However, performance is not its forte. Top speed is just 40 mph, while range is estimated at between 30 and 44 miles. The onboard

battery pack takes four hours to fully recharge.

The EO Smart Connecting Car 2 isn’t destined for production, but it demonstrates possible ways to make cars easier to use in cities. Whether any carmakers employ any of its features in their own vehicles remains to be seen.

RoboUniverse presents robots for every day

he first global tradeshow series for the service robotics industry, RoboUniverse, was held May 11 - 13 in New York.

Among the dozens of robots presented at the New York trade show last week, one helps autistic children Milo, developed

by RoboKind Robots, is a robot that can assist children with autism to practice social skills

iPhone 6 concept by iPhonesoft.fr

Tiny electric car drives sideways, shrinks to fit parking space

team of German engineers has a concept car designed to make driving and living with an automobile easier in the densely populated urban areas that increasing numbers of people are expected to call home.

Created by DFKI Robotics Innovation Centre, the EO Smart Connecting Car 2 adapts to the urban environment. It can shrink to take up less space, and drive sideways into parking spaces.

The pod-like design features seating for two and four electric motors, one mounted to each wheel hub. This design allowed engineers to give the car some serious turning ability. Each wheel can rotate 90 degrees.

By turning the wheels perpendicular to the curb, the car can move sideways like a crab into a space, much easier alternative to

in March that Apple would upgrade its so-called "A9" processor with 2 gigabytes of RAM, matching the memory found in the iPad Air 2.

Kuo also restated his earlier claims that there will be no new 4-inch iPhone model this year, leaving screen sizes of 4.7 and 5.5 inches.

O t h e r changes to the new handset are said to include a new design with

C

hina has forbidden its armed forces from wearing internet-connected wearable tech, according to reports.

The People's Liberation Army Daily, the Chinese military's official newspaper, said security concerns had been raised after one recruit had received a smartwatch as a birthday

Tech news

gift.

News site NBC said its sources had confirmed a ban was now in place.

One expert said the move was a natural extension of restrictions already placed by most armies on mobile phones.

The PLA Daily said army leaders had sought the advice of experts last

month after being alerted to an incident in which a soldier had tried to use a smartwatch to take a photo of his comrades stationed at the eastern city of Nanjing.

It said the country's agency responsible for protecting state secrets subsequently issued the following decree: "The use of wearables with internet access, location information, and voice-calling functions should be considered a violation of confidential regulations when used by military personnel."

"The moment a soldier puts on a device that can record high-definition audio and video, take photos, and process and transmit data, it's very possible for him or her to be tracked or to reveal military secrets," it added. (Source: BBC News)

Walmart to test cheaper challenge to Amazon Prime delivery

JD is made from a robotics kit sold by EZRobot, which targets these kits for science and technology learning. After clipping the robot together, JD can walk, grip objects and see around it.

W

practice social skills and another is a roving kiosk for big-box stores.

The three-day conference and expo continues June, Oct and Dec this year in Seoul, Tokyo and San Diego. (RoboUniverse.com)

almart plans to test a new unlimited shipping service this summer for its online shoppers in a move that undercuts Amazon's US$99 Prime service.

The test highlights Walmart's efforts to grab a larger share of the online sales market from Amazon, one of the Internet's largest retailers. The test appears to challenge Amazon Prime; the two-delivery service launched 10 years ago.

Walmart will deliver items purchased through its website within three days for an annual subscription fee of $50, the re-

tail giant said, confirming a report by The Information.

Walmart said the test will be invitation only and limited geographically, but it could not specify which markets would have access to the program.

Walmart's test will offer more than 1 million of the best-selling items available on Walmart's website, about 14 per cent of the 7 million items listed on the site.

However, at this point in the offering, Walmart doesn't yet plan to add free movie or music streaming to subscribers, as Amazon Prime does. (Source: CNET)

18 Times Sunday Magazine

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May 17, 2015

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

Choosing your home windows

Whether you are buying new windows to replace old ones and enhance your home, or you are buying them for your new home, it is important to be informed about the types of windows available. Here are a few…

Broccoli Beef Stir Fry Ingredients: 3/4 pound flank or sirloin, sliced thinly across the grain 3/4 pound broccoli florets 2 tbsps high-heat cooking oil 2 cloves garlic, very finely minced or mashed through garlic masher 1 tsp cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tbsp water 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded, cut in slices

For the beef marinade 1 tsp soy sauce 1 tsp Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry) 1/2 tsp cornstarch 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper For the sauce 2 tbsps oyster sauce 1 tsp Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry) 1 tbsp soy sauce 1/4 cup chicken broth

Single hung windows open upwards without using any interior or exterior space. Of the choices of window frame material, vinyl is the most impervious, while wood is the least durable to insects and weathering

Method: Marinate the beef: Stir together the beef marinade ingredients in a medium bowl.

Add the beef slices and stir until coated. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Prepare the sauce: Stir together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

Blanch or steam the broccoli: Cook the broccoli in a small pot with at least an inch of boiling water until tender-crisp, about 2 minutes. Drain thoroughly.

Heat a large frying pan or wok over high heat until a bead of water sizzles and instantly evaporates upon contact. Add the cooking oil and swirl to coat.

Add the yellow bell pepper and cook it for a couple of minutes until it begins to soften. Remove and reserve.

Add the beef and immediately spread the beef out all over the surface of the wok or pan in a single layer (preferably not touching).

Let the beef fry undisturbed for 1 minute. Flip the beef slices over; add the garlic and reserved bell pepper to the pan and fry for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until no longer pink.

Pour in the sauce and the cornstarch dissolved in water, stirring, until the sauce boils and thickens, 30 seconds. Stir in the broccoli.

Sliding windows are made up of two (or more) sashes that slide horizontally, to the left or right, on tracks. While aluminum windows remain a common choice, fibreglass windows are becoming popular for their lower cost

GREATEST KITCHEN TIPS When cooking steak, put the steak in the freezer for 15-30 minutes before slicing, it will be firmer and easier to slice thin.

Whether you’re frying onions in it or sautéing greens in it, chicken fat is amazing. So after your roast chicken dinner, drain the now-cooled liquid fat into a plastic container and store it in your freezer.

Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to the water when hard-boiling eggs to make the shells very easy to peel off.

HOME HELP

Casement windows hinge on the side and open out to the left or right. Usually taller than they are wide, they provide top-to-bottom ventilation. Awning casement windows (the windows at the top in photo) hinge at the top to open outwards

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

Hang onions in cut-up tights or old stockings to make them last for months Place a layer of waxed paper on top of kitchen cupboards to prevent grease and dust from settling. Switch out every few months to keep them clean.

Use non-stick cooking spray in votive holders to prevent wax from sticking to the sides.

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May 17, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine19

Family Times

STORY TIME

PARENTING

Calling the police on your child

JOKES Just Anti-Social We've loaded him with a lot of taxes And rules and codes but there's something funny; In spite of the way his burden waxes The son-of-a-gun is making money!

Whenever he's given a boost to trade We've taken an extra tribute off it, But still the villain is undismayed, The son-of-a-gun has shown a Profit!

We grind out daily a brand new grist Of regulations by Profs. And scholars, But the Rugged Individualist Is still producing some surplus dollars!

We've frowned on personal, private gains, As most immoral, and due for censure, But the son-of-a-gun with Business Brains Continues risking some new adventure!

In spite of Planners and New Deal sages With Communistical dreams and yearnings, This Capitalistic guy pays wages, And Some of his stocks and bonds show earnings!

We've moved the bases, and changed the lines, And altered the rules for every inning, With added penalties, doubled fines, But the son-of-a-gun insists on winning!

O

ne of a parent’s hardest decisions to have to make is: “Should we call the police on our child?”

It can be a difficult decision, but sadly, there are times when a call to the police is necessary.

There are times where behaviour problems are so severe, even after professional help, the police may be necessary to maintain not only the family’s safety but the public’s as well.

Acts of violence and illegal activity require police intervention. When a teen is physically abusive, even after you seek professional help, it’s important to get the police involved. If you’re aware of illegal activity – and you allow it to continue – you could be held legally responsible.

Patters of bad behaviour should also warrant a call.

If your child is regularly coming home with stolen property or illegal drugs, or is in gang related illegal activity, despite your attempts to correct his or her behaviour, you may consider getting the police involved.

It is also important to be prepared for the impact that could have on your family. You may not have control over what happens to your child, and getting the police involved will affect your relationship with your child.

However, although you should consider the consequences, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t call the police. It may save your child’s life.

Reflections A.D. Nineteen Hundred War and Disaster, Famine and Pestilence, Vaunt-couriers of the Century that comes, Behold them shaking their tremendous plumes Above the world! where all the air grows dense With rumours of destruction and a sense, Cadaverous, of corpses and of tombs Predestined; while, like monsters in the glooms, Bristling with battle, shadowy and immense, The Nations rise in wild apocalypse.

Where now the boast Earth makes of civilization?

Its brag of Christianity? In vain We seek to see them in the dread eclipse Of hell and horror, all the devastation Of Death triumphant on his hills of slain.

It's anti-social to fail to fail, It makes our wonderful schemes look funny; Rush the Traitor at once to jail, For the son-of-a-gun is making money!

Berton Braley Taxation Poem Tax his land, tax his wage, Tax his bed in which he lays.

Tax his tractor, tax his mule, Teach him taxes is the rule

Madison Julius Cawein

O

nce a cake was stolen by two cats from a house. But they did not want to share it.

Each of the cats claimed that it was his earning and that he was not prepared to give a share to the other.

When their quarrel reached the climax, a monkey appeared on the scene. He offered himself to solve the dispute. He heard the case and opined that as they were good friends, they should share the cake equally. And he offered himself to divide the cake into two equal parts for them.

Somehow, the cats agreed to his suggestion. Then the monkey divided the cake into two parts. He weighed each of the parts separately, and found that one was heavier than the other. So he gave a good bite to the heavier piece to make it of

lesser weight, and weighed it again. Now he found the other part heavier. So again, he gave a good bite to the heavier piece and put it on the scale. Now it appeared to be of lesser weight. Again, he gave a good bite to the presently heavier piece to make it equal in weight to the other. But none of the two pieces appeared to be perfectly equal in weight.

Now the cake was almost eaten up by the clever monkey this way. So the cats wanted the remaining parts back from the monkey. At this, the monkey said that they cannot get them back, because he claims them as remuneration for his service to them. So saying, the monkey swallowed the two small pieces of the cake and jumped high up a tree, beyond the reach of the cats.

(Sai Shruthi)

is a consequence of one of Charles Darwin’s assertions in his theory of evolution that humans are descended from animals -- our closest relatives being apes. It was first considered too unbelievable and so became a sarcastic expression of disbelief: “If you’re related to the queen of England then I’m a monkey’s uncle!”

If you live high on the hog it means you live extravagantly, and spend money on only the finer things. It came about because the upper (high) parts of a pig -its steaks, chops and ribs -are considered the best and most expensive parts. Pigs’ feet and such lower portions are considered less tasty and so are cheap.

Tax his cow, tax his goat, Tax his pants, tax his coat.

Tax his ties, tax his shirts, Tax his work, tax his dirt Tax his chew, tax his smoke, Teach him taxes are no joke.

Tax his car, tax his grass, Tax the roads he must pass Tax his food, tax his drink, Tax him if he tries to think.

Tax his sodas, tax his beers, If he cries, tax his tears Tax his bills, tax his gas, Tax his notes, tax his cash.

Tax him good and let him know That after taxes, he has no dough If he hollers, tax him more, Tax him until he's good and sore.

Tax his coffin, tax his grave, Tax the sod in which he lays Put these words upon his tomb, "Taxes drove me to my doom!"

And when he's gone, we won't relax, We'll still be after the inheritance tax Anonymous

By Grammar G

Animal Language

S

imiles, metaphors, proverbs… there are many ways we use language to describe persons or things, and using animal behaviours or appearances aids these expressions. How did we come up with sayings such as “as blind as a bat” or “high on the hog”?

Blind as a bat. Long ago it was thought that bats were blind, hence the expression. But in reality, bigger bats see three times better than humans and, like many humans, bats are colour blind. Unlike most humans though, bats use echolocation, a form of natural sonar, to “see” in pitch darkness.

Crying crocodile tears means pretending to ex-

press sorrow. It derived from a physical phenomena of crocodiles that allows them to shed tears while eating.

This happens when its food presses on the roof of its mouth, and causes what is called its lachrymal glands to secrete a clear liquid from its eyes we call “tears”.

Dirty as a rat. Rats always seemed to have a reputation for being dirty --even before the 14th century plague. The places they inhabit and the things they eat hasn’t helped their cause either, nor their harbouring fleas that cause plague. But, some say, rats are in fact regular groomers who strive fastidiously to keep their habitats clean.

Being a monkey’s uncle

20 Times Sunday Magazine

May 17, 2015

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Times Sunday Puzzle

This list of words reveals a person.

Can you figure out who it is?

Ptarmigan Aisle Dossier Depot Column Lime February see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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May 17, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 21

Times Kids

GEOZONE

Creature Corner

Brazilian merganser The Tropic of Cancer T

he Brazilian merganser (Mergus octosetaceus) is one of the world’s 10 most critically endangered water birds, with some 250 left in the wild and none in captivity.

They can be found in a few pockets near dense forests, in shallow fastflowing streams and rivers with rapids and clear water in southcentral Brazil and one location in Argentina.

The last official sighting of the bird in Paraguay was in 1984.

Brazilian mergansers feed almost exclusively on fish but also eat molluscs, insects and insect larvae.

Habitat loss and degradation, especially from dam building and water pollution, has led the birds to the brink of extinction.

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.

please see solution on page 23

and Capricorn

T

he Tropic of Cancer (seen as a line around the earth on most world maps) marks the latitude 23.5 degrees north, where the sun is directly overhead at noon on June 21, the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere.

The Tropic of Capricorn is the circle marking the latitude 23.5 degrees south where the sun is directly overhead at noon on December 21, the beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere.

Between the two is the equator and the area known as the ‘Tropics’. This area experiences no such change in seasons because the sun is consistently high in the sky throughout the year.

When the imaginary lines were named 2,000 years ago, the sun was in the constellation of Capricorn during the winter solstice and Cancer during the summer solstice (hence the names).

Now, due to the gradual change in the direction of Earth’s axis of rotation, the sun is no longer in these constellations during these times, but the names remain.

22 Times Sunday Magazine Blackberries

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May 17, 2015

Secretariat is considered one of the greatest thoroughbreds of all time.

KENTUCKY

By Laurie Triefeldt

Famous for its race horse farms, the Kentucky Derby and the Mammoth Caves, this state is also an important center for agriculture and mining.

Much of the United States’ gold reserve is stored in the depository at Fort Knox

Viceroy butterfly

OHIO Covington Ohio R.

In a word

INDIANA

ILLINOIS

Ashland Li

The word Kentucky can trace its roots to the Iroquoian word “Ken-tah-ten” which translates to “land of tomorrow.”

km

VIRGINIA

Nashville

50

0

Capital city Frankfort

R.

Cumberland R. Middlesboro

Murray

miles

g

Glasgow

Hopkinsville

Population 4,413,457

in ck

.

Somerset

Bowling Green

Paducah

40,411 sq. mi.

(104,664 sq. km)

Did you know?

Richmond

Danville

Green R.

Kentucky Lake

Just the facts

Elizabethtown

W.V.

Lexington Winchester

R cky

Radcliff Henderson Owensboro

Frankfort Georgetown tu Ken

Ohio R.

The nickname “Bluegrass State” is from a species of grass that grows in Kentucky, with bluish-purple buds in spring.

Total area

Louisville

Largest city Louisville Lowest elevation

Chevrolet Corvettes are manufactured in Bowling Green.

Agriculture Beef cattle, broilers, corn, hay, hogs, horses, milk, soybeans, tobacco, wheat

The town of Murray is home to the Boy Scouts of America Scouting Museum.

Manufacturing Chemicals, primary metal products, processed foods and beverages, transportation equipment

The gray squirrel is the official wild game animal of Kentucky.

Coal, lime, limestone, natural gas, petroleum

Famous Kentuckians Kentucky is the birthplace of several celebrities, including George Clooney and Johnny Depp.

SOURCES: World Book Encyclopedia, World Book Inc.; www.kentucky.gov; www.statesymbolsusa.org; www.netstate.com; www.50states.com; awesomeamerica.com

The state is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and colorful agate specimens.

Brachiopods are the state fossil and common to Kentucky.

The Kentucky coffee tree was replaced in 1976 by the tulip tree as the official state tree.

The cardinal is the state bird.

Mint juleps are a popular alcoholic beverage often served at the Kentucky Derby.

Milk is the official state drink of Kentucky.

Brachiopods had two shells and lived attached to the ocean floor or seabottom objects.

Daniel Boone 1734-1820 Explorer and frontiersman

Muhammad Ali 1942Professional boxer

Abraham Lincoln 1809-1865

Jefferson Davis 1808-1889

16th President of the United States

President of the Confederate States

Like us on Facebook — www.facebook.com/worldofwonder2014 © 2015 Triefeldt Studios, Inc. Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

At more than 300 miles (483 km) long, the Mammoth-Flint Ridge caves are the longest known cave system in the world.

Cumberland Falls is known as the “Niagara of the South.”

257 ft.

Highest elevation Black Mountain, 4,145 ft.

Mining

The Kentucky Derby is the oldest continuously run horse race in the United States. It is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

The world’s first free-flowing oil well was drilled in 1829, near Burkesville, Kentucky.

TENNESSEE

50

The wing coloring and pattern of the viceroy and monarch look almost identical, but the viceroy has a black line crossing its hindwing.

Goldenrod became the official state flower in 1926.

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May 17, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 23

World Times

World’s first solar road producing more energy than expected

I

n its first six months of existence, the world’s first solar road is performing even better than developers thought.

The road, which opened in the Netherlands in November of last year, has produced more than 3,000 kilowatthours of energy — enough to power a single small household for one year, according to Al-Jazeera America.

“If we translate this to an annual yield, we expect more than the 70kwh per square meter per year,” Sten de Wit, a spokesman for the project — dubbed SolaRoad — told Al Jazeera America. “We predicted [this] as an upper limit in the laboratory stage. We can therefore conclude that it was a successful first half year.”

De Wit said in a statement that he didn’t “expect a yield as high as this so quickly.”

The 230-foot stretch of road, which is embedded with solar cells that are protected by two layers of safety glass, is built for bike traffic, a use that reflects the road’s environmentally-friendly message and the cycling-heavy culture of the Netherlands. However, the road could withstand heavier traffic if needed, according to one of the project’s developers.

So far, about 150,000 cyclists have rid-

den over the road. Arian de Bondt, director of Ooms Civiel, one of the companies working on the project, said that the developers were working on developing solar panels that could withstand large buses and vehicles.

The SolaRoad, which connects the Amsterdam suburbs of Krommenie and Wormerveer, has been seen as a test by its creators — a stretch of bike lane that, if successful, could be used as a model for more roads and bike lanes.

The researchers plan to conduct tests of the road over the next approximately two and a half years, to determine how much energy the road produces and how it stands up to bikers. By 2016, the road could be extended to 328 feet.

Though the Netherlands’ solar road seems to be going as planned, solar roads overall typically aren’t as effective at producing energy as solar arrays on a house or in a field. That’s because the panels in solar roads can’t be tilted to face the sun, so they don’t get as much direct sunlight as panels that can be tilted.

However, solar roads don’t take up vast tracts of land, like some major solar arrays do, and they can be installed in heavily-populated areas. (Source: Climate Progress)

The Philonoist

Not Level

Q: What is the sea level?

The sea level is what scientists refer to as the still water level of the sea, after averaging out the motion of the sea caused by wind, the tides and waves. It is generally considered as the average height of the sea or the mean seal level (MSL).

Mean sea levels vary in different areas and over time due to sea or land level changes.

Sea levels can change due to fluctuations in the amount of water present -- usually a result of global warming that causes ice and glaciers to melt, which releases their stored water. Land changes caused by volcanic island formation or land subsidence also can help change the mean sea level.

Since the last ice age, some 20,000 years ago, the MSL has risen about 394 feet. Since 1992, the MSL has been calculated as rising 3-4 mm per year.

This has increased further since 1999.

Vietnam farmers protest salt works

Food Word Jumble Answers 1. omelette 2. sandwich

3. cupcake 4. salad

5. pastries 6. hamburger

Brain Teaser Answer Each word has a silent letter: Ptarmigan has a silent P. Aisle has a silent A. Dossier has a silent R. Depot has a silent T.

CROSSWORD

Column has a silent N. Lime has a silent E. February has one silent R. Put the silent letters together, and they spell PARTNER.

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

Villagers sit under a tent at the pumping station. They claim that there is so much saline intrusion on cultivated land that they cannot grow any more vegetables (Photo dantri)

H

ouseholds in central Ninh Thuan Province's Phuoc Minh Commune claim that the company, Ca Na Salt JSC had created so much saline intrusion on 60 hectares of cultivated land that no more vegetables could be grown.

Many are living in tents outside a pumping station to try to stop the company storing and pumping seawater for salt production.

In the meantime, the company said that the protests had stopped them from producing salt from more than 1,800 hectares of their salt field, causing the loss of tens of billions.

Nguyen Cong Su, resident in Phuoc Minh Commune's Lac Tien

Village, said 27 households had reported salt intrusion on their land since 2008, when the company built reservoirs and a seawater pumping station.

Nguyen Thi Huong, a resident from Lac Tien Village, said she and other villagers hoped provincial authorities would take measures to solve the problem.

Nguyen Duc Phan, deputy director of the company, said this was the seventh times local people stopped the company from pumping seawater.

He said the company had spent nearly VND10 billion (US$460,000) to compensate affected residents.

According to Phan,

it will take at least four months and about VND30 billion ($1.38 million) to resume their operations.

The 1,800 hectare salt field can produce 50,000 tonnes of salt a year, worth VND40 billion ($1.84 million).

Phan said the company was willing to work with authorities and residents to solve the situation.

Vice chairman of the provincial People's Committee, Tran Xuan Hoa, admitted that the company's reservoir contaminated cultivated land.

He said the committee has asked the Thuan Nam District's People's Committee to set up a team to evaluate the losses.

(Source: Vietnam News)

24

Times Sunday Magazine

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May 17, 2015

Fun Times

Archie

ARIES

Take the lead. You have (March 21- the wherewithal and pizzazz May 17) to encourage everyone to follow you. A younger or older family member will offer positive and insightful inspiration.

Step up and do your thing.

Refrain from being too TAURUS trusting.

Keep your valu(April 20ables in a safe, secure place.

May 20) Question the motives of anyone who is too interested in your schedule, budget or assets.

Let your personality win GEMINI (May 21- a desired someone over, not June 20) showy, exorbitant spending.

Your finances would suffer, and the response you would get to frivolous actions would not be favorable.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Dilbert

Don’t count on chance to shape your future. Make a realistic outline of your goals.

Choose your direction and take the first step necessary to reach success.

LEO Resist the temptation to (July 23- sit back and let matters unAug. 22) fold without your undivided attention. You know what you want, so don’t sit idle -- go out and get it.

Participation will be reVIRGO quired. Your powers of at(Aug. 23- traction are strong, and the Sept. 22) connections you make will be valuable. Whether for business or pleasure, a new partnership will be beneficial.

LIBRA You will be unpleasantly (Sept. 23- surprised by the state of your Oct. 23) finances. Curb your spending and get back on track. Return non-essential items that you bought on a whim.

Peanuts

If you are having difficulSCORPIO (Oct. 24- ty making a decision, get all Nov. 22) the background information you can. If you can’t find a dependable source, you will have to do your own research.

Don’t shirk your responSAGITTARIUS sibilities.

The projects you (Nov. 23have been putting on the back Dec. 21) burner need to be dealt with.

With a can-do attitude, you will be able to accomplish a great deal.

Calvin and Hobbes

CAPRICORN Onlookers will be puz(Dec. 22- zled by your overly emotionJan. 19) al state. Don’t get involved in a one-on-one discussion.

Participate in activities that will lighten your mood and help stave off an argument.

Someone will have trouble AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- keeping your secrets. Don’t Feb. 19) publicize your plans. Keep your thoughts to yourself until you are ready to present what you have to offer.

Protect your ideas.

PISCES Expand your mind.

(Feb. 20- Knowledge is power, so learn March 20) everything you can from people with more experience than you. Whatever your interest, pursue it wholeheartedly. The results will be worth it.