Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

Sunday February 8, 2015

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The paintings of Cletus Henriques evoke nostalgia

Shanta and Ramsagar Singh grew up in earlier times but Page 4 their love for each other remains strong even now

2 Times Sunday Magazine

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FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Feature

T

he game of chess is not just about the king, it is a tool to increase higher-level thinking skills, advance math and reading skills, and build self-confidence. Cognisant of these benefits, the recently founded National Deaf Chess Club plans to help deaf youths develop strategic skills while fostering lasting friendships.

“The Deaf Chess Club was recently founded by those present at the Deaf Association of Guyana’s second chess workshop with national coach Wendell Meusa,” Sabine McIntosh, president of DAG, said in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine “As such there is no formal structure as yet. The next step is to have discussions with the Guyana Chess Federation.”

McIntosh stated that the club aims to promote chess among deaf youths, in and out of school, and bring it to a level where the club can

Deaf students having fun playing chess

compete in matches organized by the International Chess Committee of the Deaf.

“At our recent Day of Games, held annually for students and adults, approximately 16 persons par-

ticipated, from ages 14 to 24. So far, DAG has held two competitions during Day of Games and two as part of two chess workshops. Deaf students learn to play like anybody else, but with an interpreter present. Chess has helped to build their self-esteem the same way accomplishments build selfesteem in youths generally,”

McIntosh noted.

David Rose Special School’s Joel Humphrey emerged winner of the recently held rapid minichess competition for deaf students and youths at the National Sports Resource Centre on Woolford Avenue.

Asiyah Bacchus, from Tuschen Deaf Academy, collected the Diane Scoboria trophy for best female player. The tournament was organized by DAG in collaboration with the Royal Chess Academy, and was conducted by Meusa.

“Based on the results, a national team, with Robin Munilall from New Amsterdam as team captain, was selected and six team members were charged to be ambassadors of chess in general and deaf chess in particular. It was certainly the right time to launch a National Deaf Chess Club, which will allow for structured training sessions and will bring more deaf players - especially the very young ones - into the game. I challenged the players to organize competitions in their respective schools and promised to provide incentives,” McIntosh mentioned.

The tournament was

preceded by a workshop session during which Meusa introduced the participants to some of the fundamentals of chess. Facilitated through interpreting into GSL (Guyana Sign Language) by Jenel Bishop, teacher of the deaf at David Rose Special School, and Mike Morgan, Peace Corps volunteer, the participants followed the presentation with rapt attention.

“Number one on our list is the need for a deaf centre where we can have on-going activities, among them training sessions (in many areas) and competitions.

This is very important for DAG and the deaf community. We also need sponsors to come on-board, so that we can organize more training sessions and competitions for the players, who so far come from Regions Three, Four and Six. Our focus is to get more deaf youths involved in chess, getting more exposure with other chess players (hearing), and taking part in national and regional school and open chess competitions,” McIntosh outlined.

For more information, contact McIntosh on 2254489 or Wendell Meusa on 672-6017.

On DAG’s request, members of the Chess Federation helped to take chess into special needs schools. In photo, students from David Rose are engaged in a game of chess

Joel Humphrey (right) emerged as the winner of the recently held rapid mini chess competition for deaf students

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FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine

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Times Feature

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

C

harlestown was laid out on the front lands of Plantation Le Repentir and named after Charles, Duke of Brunswick, who commanded against the French and died in 1806. This district was laid out in two sections: the first about the

Princess Street as it is so often erroneously called) was on older maps shown as Clarence Street after the Duke of Clarence, subsequently King William IV, but its more comprehensive title was probably meant to embrace all the royal princes, sons of George III. Green Street was probably named after a member of the Green family, a popular family in the early 19th century. One of the family mem-

also a Major of militia and JP. Russell Street was named after the celebrated statesman, minister and premier of England Lord John Russell. He died in 1878.

Adelaide Street, formerly known as Charlestown Back Dam, was named after Queen Adelaide, wife of King William IV, who died in 1849.

Light Street was named after Henry Light Esq., gov-

The Heritage Home of Cheddi and Janet Jagan (grey and white house) in Bel Air

Prince's Street, Georgetown

year 1806 extending from the river to Charles Street, and the second in 1820 extending eastwards to Charlestown Back Dam bordering the Le Repentir Cemetery and now called Adelaide Street.

Prince’s Street (not

bers, Gardner Green, was the proprietor of Plantation Greenfield on the East Coast.

Lyng Street was named after William Lyng, who was a clerk of markets and town superintendent in the 1800s.

He retired in 1852. He was

ernor from 1840 to 1847.

Forshaw Street was named in memory of George Anderson Forshaw, a solicitor and many times Mayor of Georgetown who died in 1889.

Peter Rose Street was

Aerial view of Brickdam and Hadfield Streets with Parliament Buildings in central view (Photo by Amanda Richards)

named after Peter Rose, member of the Court Policy where he was one of British Guiana’s “strong men”.

When Albouystown was incorporated into the city on April 1, 1913, the district was known as Albouystown Village and, from this, it can be assumed that its settlement began within the living memory of its ownership by

James H. Albuoy 1825-1832.

James H. Albuoy was a local businessman, owner of the old coffee and sugar estate of La Penitence, and director of Messrs. Albuoy and Co. Note the correct spelling of the name is Albuoy and not Albouy as it is officially and incorrectly spelt.

Garnett, Campbell, Curtis and Barr streets commem-

orate the old-established firms once located in those streets, while Non Pariel, Bel Air and Hogg Streets commemorate Quintin Hogg and some of his estates.

Hill Street, in Albouystown, was named after either Jacobus C. R. Hill, once a town clerk, or Luke M. Hill, once a town superintendent.

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Times Sunday Magazine

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FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Feature Shanta and Ramsagar Singh grew up in earlier times but their love for each other remains strong even now

W

e find love sometimes in the most unexpected ways and unpredictable moments.

That’s what happened to two persons many years ago. It became a story of love, commitment and endurance; qualities Shanta Singh and her husband Ramsagar Singh now hold dear. This love story, recalled by Shanta, looks back at her arranged marriage to the most wonderful person. It is a story of ‘like’ becoming love.

Shanta, 55, and Ramsagar, 65, grew up together in the village of Grove. They lived about a street away from each other and attended the same church. In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Shanta recalled that Ramsagar would visit her home regularly because her parents favoured him due to his maturity and esteem. She recalled that he would take her to Sunday school on his bicycle and would carry her home in his arms when she slept away in church, but she had no idea he liked her.

Shanta and Ramsagar Singh

“I had no clue, nor did my parents, that he liked me,” she reminisced. “Of course being ten years older than me, it didn’t occur he would like me. I can remember when one of my sisters-inlaw asked him when he was getting married, and he told her that the person wasn’t mature enough as yet and that he has to wait. I didn’t think he would want to marry me because he was more

educated than I am. I only went to primary school and didn’t get to complete that level because my family was very poor.”

When Shanta got older, Ramsagar expressed his interest in her. Shanta said her mother was overjoyed because she really admired his character and would always say he would make a wonderful husband.

“When I was 15, he was

25, we got engaged. That made my mother very happy because she admired him for having all the qualities of a good husband. At first I didn’t agree to get married to him because I said I was too young and that he was way older. I didn’t know anything about love or relationships.

But my mother sat me down and told me that he is a good person and he would take care of me. Of course, long ago, you had to listen to your parents, and so I eventually gave in. Ramsagar waited two more years, when I was 17, and we got married on February 19, 1977. He was a supervisor back then and later he became a teacher. He even taught me how to read. I then realised that my mother’s decision for me to marry this wonderful man was right all along,” Shanta revealed.

Eventually, Shanta’s ‘like’ for Ramsagar turned into love, and their marriage was as if it was etched in heaven itself. She grew to love him completely, but Ramsagar’s love went as far back as when he took that peaceful, sleeping girl home from church in his arms.

There were challenges when they got married, but Shanta and Ramsagar’s mutual love for each other and for God helped pull them through. Shanta said they would read the bible and pray together, and she credits that for solidifying their bond.

However, when the couple decided to move to Suriname, seeking better opportunities, life challenged the union.

“After we had two of our sons, we decided to go to Suriname to seek a better financial opportunity for my family,” she recalled, “When I got my third son, in Suriname, about 1986, was when my husband lost his job. It was tough times. My two other sons were 5 and 6.

My husband was doing menial work and although it was tough, we endured together. We had no other support, and many days would

have nothing to eat. In the mornings I would drink sugar water just to get something in my stomach. My third son, who was breastfeeding, had to drink sugar water too because we didn’t have money to buy milk. We ensured that the two older sons get to eat and my husband and I would stay without. That’s when my front teeth began to rot and I had to pull them out. I was without four of my front teeth for about three years; of course I couldn’t afford dentures.

I felt ashamed of it, but my husband would tell me that God made me beautiful and that he [Ramsagar] loves

Additionally, he told this publication, he has never regretted marrying Shanta as she turned out to be the perfect mother and wife – his perfect soul mate.

Looking back at the many years of an enjoyable marriage, Shanta said her advice to young wives like she was, is to be content with what their husbands can provide. Being contented, she pointed out, is one of the many factors that contributed to the peace of her marriage.

“Don’t look at what other women possess and what you lack, because then you may be inclined to pressure

Ramsagar and Shanta when they got married in 1977

me just as I am. Ramsagar would assure me that one day will come when I’ll get my teeth fixed and I’ll look more beautiful. That really carried me through all those years. My husband remained faithful for all the years we have been married and I’m truly lucky to have a great guy like him,” Shanta shared.

Ramsagar always commended Shanta for being a person of character and for her inner and outer beauty – reasons why he married her.

your husband and that can create problems. Being contented with what you have contributes to a peaceful marriage. Communication and trust are also essential for a happy marriage.

Not forgetting having God in your marriage and praying together as a couple,” Shanta advised.

Now, Shanta and Ramsagar enjoy a beautiful marriage filled with love and memories of a wonderful life together. They have five children and five grandchildren.

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FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 5

Times Women

T

he ISA Islamic School on Friday, Jan 30, observed for the first time World Hijab Day. The day is observed Feb 1, and is dedicated to raising awareness about Muslim dress.

To some, the hijab is a symbol of female oppression and Islamic extremism, and women face discrimination in some countries for wearing it.

Under the World Hijab Day theme, “Better Awareness, Greater Understanding, Peaceful World”, both past and present students staffed a booth at the gates of the school to hand out fliers and encourage passers-by who were non-Muslim to try wearing

a khimar.

The khimar refers to the headscarf that covers the head and drapes over the neck and chest. The hijab comprises the khimar and jilbab. The jilbab is the singular outer garment that conceals the clothes beneath. According to CNN, the Arabic word hijab refers not just to a headscarf but to modest dress and behaviour in general.

Students at ISA Islamic School said that they were observing the occasion to reach out to society to show everyone what it's like wearing a headscarf, and to answer questions from the public about the hijab. They hoped this would broaden

World Hijab Day originated in the USA when Nazma Khan, a Muslim who, upon going to America from Bangladesh at age 11, found herself stigmatized and at the heart of religious discrimination for wearing her Muslim clothing. She also found herself quite surprised at the reluctance of fellow Muslims in the US to

"Wearing a khimar makes me feel happy, because it represents my religion and my belief."

Narifa DeSantos, Grade 10

Fliers explaining hijab were also handed out at the school for the occasion

Past students of ISA attending the day’s activities

A member of the public tries on the khimar at ISA

– despite being protected by the First Amendment right to free speech and freedom of religion.

This year was the third year running that the occasion has been observed in the USA and around the world. Some 33 countries carried out special activities this year to mark the occasion. Organizers in Canada,

society's knowledge about why Muslim dress is significant to Muslims.

The students donated the headscarves, pins and some snacks, and put together funds to buy cookies and cupcakes to distribute as part of the initiative.

Persons who were willing to try on the khimar, (it was impractical to have them all trying on the jilbab as well at the gates) were allowed to keep it. In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, most were willing to leave it on when they left.

Students taking part in the day’s events said it was fun. "I feel proud to be a hijabi," (One who wears a hijab) Khadija Perreira, a grade 11 student declared.

"Wearing a khimar makes me feel happy, because it represents my religion and my belief," Narifa DeSantos of grade 10 added. While Hadiyyah Abd Al Ahad noted, "We want to convince everyone that it's okay to wear them [khimars]."

A few students from the nearby All Star school had the experience of trying on khimars, and enjoyed it, some finding it to be “a pleasant experience for [those of] us who don't know anything

Students from another school trying out khimars and different headwraps for the hijab

about this religion.”

ISA plans to make World Hijab Day an annual activity for the school, which, the students said, would emphasize important messages such as not to be scared to wear khimars, find out why before judging and rejecting, and to ignore the rumours.

wear their hijab.

With much perseverance and determination, she later set out to have a day dedicated every year for all those Muslims to wear their hijab without feeling ashamed, and to raise awareness among non-Muslims.

CNN noted that although the concept of modesty is also embraced among other religions, public expression of hijab can be controversial and often misunderstood – especially in the United States

for example, invited the public to try on hijabs at a mall in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

It was the first time since the event began in 2013 that it became a social media trend, with non-Muslim women from around the world sharing their support online at the World Hijab Day website, on Facebook and Twitter. The website has also received support from both public and private individuals and organisations.

6 Times Sunday Magazine

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FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

T

he third session in a five-part series titled “Race: A Guided

Discussion” was staged at Moray House Trust, on Thurs Jan 29, 2015. Dr Paloma Mohamed, a social psychologist on sab-

batical from the University of Guyana, facilitated the event.

That third forum shocked, shamed, mortified,

brought degrees of elucidation and levity to the subject, and raised more questions than answers. It made the previous sessions, al-

Vanda Radzik

Mosa Telford

though significant to the whole idea, appear mundane and may very well be the high point of this series.

The previous two sessions were important introductions to the subject via the showing of two films: the screening of the prize winning National Geographic film, “Journey of Man”, and “Race: The Power of An Illusion”, and resulting discussions after.

The theme for the third session on race was “Representation of Race in Guyanese writing”. The participants for this session included academics, literary critics, poets, dramatists, graphic artists and writers.

The session started with Dr Mark Tumbridge who concentrated on the novel, “Lutchmee and Dilloo”, written by John Edward Jenkins, first published in 1877. The author treats Indians in sympathetic manner while other races like the “Negroes” (his word) Europeans and Chinese are treated as peripheral characters.

There are many reasons for this. One of the main reasons is (and the author makes note of this in his preface: “the field is a new one for fiction”) that it was the first time that Indians were a worthy subject of English literature. Another reason could be found in the fact that Jenkins came to British Guiana in 1870 acting on behalf of the Anti-Slavery Society and the Aborigines Protection Society “to investigate the coolie condition”.

Tumbridge ended with the following verse from the poem “They came in ships”

by Mahadai Das. Commissioners came, capital spectacles in British frames consulting managers about costs of immigration.

The commissioners left, fifty-dollar bounty remained.

Dr Joyce Jonas’ presentation was measured and flawless as usual, with her treatment of literary issues.

Jonas focused on the novel, “Frangipani House” by Beryl Gilroy and en passant made reference to “Palace of the Peacock” by Wilson Harris. Jonas raised the issue of blurring of boundaries/identities especially in the makeup of the crewmembers in Harris’ book.

Sonia Yarde, teacher,

actress and playwright, focused on her play, “The Colour of Race”, revealing some unsavoury displays of racial bigotry. Her intent was to use drama to get home her message of taking the positive elements of race in order to mend and fashion a better society.

Vanda Radzik, a rights activist and a supporter of the arts, focused on Martin Carter in order to break the cycle of the race folly. Radzik also made reference to “The Hummingbird Tree”, by Ian McDonald, a novel set in Trinidad.

Yours truly focused on the autobiographical influence on all writing, begging the question of truth, halftruths, and selected memory in such writing. I touched on two novels of mine, “And So What?” and “Overtures”.

The theme of both was respect for each other, tolerance and working together.

Barrington Braithwaite, a graphic artist, displayed advertisements of soaps and detergents used in the past that defined race (between whites and blacks) in such a manner leading to self-hate (among blacks).

Ras. Michael Jeune’s dub poetry exponent gave the audience a ride down the corridors of history in a sound performance of dub poetry.

Mosa Telford, one of the bold new voices in drama, focused on her prizewinning play “Sauda”, which brought out the autobiographical treatment of race in literature and shed light on the preference for lighter shaded people.

Dr Juanita Cox, expert on Mittelholzer, looked at the prizewinning novel, “Timepiece”, by Janice Shinebourne, which also depicted how race and class are perceived from place to place – from a rural Guyana to an urban Guyana.

From the floor, the focus was usage of words like ‘negro’, the other ‘n’ word, and ‘coolie’. In the end, like the whole issue of race, it was left open-ended. However, it was of a general view that the context would decide whether usage was denigrating or acceptable/vogue.

There are two other sessions in this series; date/s to be announced.

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

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 7

Times Heritage

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ccording to “The Guyana Story” by Odeen Ishmael, one of the major problems that Georgetown faced at one time was the availability of water for domestic use.

Ishmael writes that in 1825, one of the leading citizens, Dr Michael McTurk, proposed the construction of a canal to bring water from the Lamaha Creek, some distance south of Georgetown.

The author added that the proposal won support from both the central government and the town council, and by 1829, a canal from Camuni

Creek to Georgetown was completed with the labour of hundreds of slaves.

In the town itself,smaller canals branching off from the Lamaha Canal were dug and these provided the supply of water to the residents.

It was not until 1885 that the people of Georgetown began to get their water supply through pipes after mechanical pumps were purchased by the council.

In “The Story of Georgetown”, James Rodwaymentioned, “…it appears there was already a small canal at

the back of Cuming’s Lodge known as Ward’s Trench, dug by Mr. Ward of Industry to connect with No. 3 Canal; this was to be enlarged and continued to the Lamaha Creek at the expense of the estates, and a connection made for the town by a trench 12 ft wide on the level, 6 ft at the bottom, and 5 ft deep...”

Rodway added that on “October 29, 1829, an Act for the better preservation of the Lamaha Fresh-Water Canal and Reservoir within the precincts of Georgetown recites that a canal and reservoir have been formed”.

Lamaha Canal 1870

Lamaha Canal, Georgetown n.d.

A section of the Lamaha Canal today

The Canal under construction n.d.

Preserving our heritage through pictures

DEMERARA: STREET IN GEORGETOWN n.d

8 Times Sunday Magazine

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FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Travel & Tourism

A trip to the Iwokrama Forest is not complete without a hike to the top of Turtle Mountain

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fter a 20-minute boat ride downstream from the Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre, you enter a magnificent Mora Forest, one of the many forest types in Guyana. This forest experiences seasonal flooding typical of this forest type, which is most often supported by an alluvium type soil.

If you look carefully, you will see watermarks on the trees that hint at the level the river can rise to during the long May/June rains – sometimes 20 feet or more.

At the beginning of the tour, you pass through the Turtle Mountain campsite where many researchers, university students and tourists who desire a more

intimate experience with the forest would stay.

This trail offers the chance to experience many birds: the Plumbeous Pigeon, Screaming Piha (a small bird with a beautiful call), Bat Falcon, Cocoi Heron, Little Blue Heron, Ring Kingfisher, Green Kingfisher, Great Black-Hawk, Red-Rumped Cacique, Anhinga, Neotropical Cormorant, Yellow-billed Tern and occasionally the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, to name a few.

The beautiful one and a half-hour hike takes guests through various forest types and past large rock formations to the almost 300-metre (984 feet

View from Turtle Mountain

Trail to get to the mountain

to be exact) summit for a breathtaking, relaxing view of the Iwokrama Forest and Essequibo River. Often, guests are treated to Spider and Howler monkeys in the treetops and Scarlet and other macaws in magnificent flight displays over the undulating forest canopy.

One bird often spotted from the summit and sought after by seasoned bird watchers is the Orange Breasted Falcon.

To find out more about Iwokrama and the Turtle Mountain Trail, call 2251504 or visit http://iwokramariverlodge.com, www. iwokrama.org or Iwokrama Canopy Walkway on Facebook. (Photos by Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar)

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FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 9

10 Times Sunday Magazine

FEBRUARY 8, 2015

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R

FEBRUARY 8, 2015

izwan "Riz" Ahmed, also known as Riz MC, is an English actor and rapper. He has starred in “The Road to Guantanamo”, “Shifty”, “Britz”, “Four Lions”, “Ill Manors”, and “The Reluctant Fundamentalist”. Ahmed was born into a Muslim family in Wembley, London. He is of Pakistani British heritage. His parents moved to England from Karachi, Pakistan during the 1970s. Ahmed was selected as a BBC Introducing artist in 2007. In his most recent film, “Nightcrawler”, Ahmed was cast in a major role playing Rick, a cash strapped homeless young man who becomes the assistant to a driven and possibly unhinged paparazzi, Lou (played by Jake Gyllenhaal).

The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for the 2015 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

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Times Sunday Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

12 Times Sunday Magazine

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FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Hollywood

Ciara, Jordin Sparks, Adrienne Bailon stun at 2015 Black Women in Music event

T

he red carpet of Essence's 2015 Black Women in Music event was crowded with music beauties who took the spotlight with their stunning looks. Among those who shone with their outfits were Ciara, Jordin Sparks and Adrienne Bailon.

Ciara showed off her long leg in a black floorlength dress which featured

a low V-neck and a thighhigh slit. Her black long hair was styled in natural waves. Wearing smokey eyeshadow and pink lipstick, the "Love Sex Magic" singer completed her look with some accessories and matching strap heels.

Jordin flaunted her curvaceous figure in a tight black long dress with a sheer part showing her

cleavage and her waist. The "One Step at a Time" songstress completed her look with small curls hairstyle, a silver glitter clutch, matching accessories and black strap heels.

Newly engaged Adrienne, meanwhile, bared her cleavage in a black lacy mini dress and black pointy pumps. The former member of 3LW and The Cheetah Girls styled her hair in side-swept loose curls. Sporting smokey eye make-up with dramatic lashes, rosy cheeks and pink lips, Lenny Santiago's fiancee showed off her engagement ring.

Other celebrities in attendance included Jill Scott, Leona Lewis, Zendaya Coleman, Katerina Graham, Tamera Mowry, Jeannie Mai, Amber Riley, Jessica White and Goapele.

(AceShowbiz)

Fun. is not breaking up

D

espite nearly three years without new albums, Fun. are still together. Responding to fans' questions if they've broken up, the trio made up of Nate Ruess, Jack Antonoff and Andrew Dost posted a long statement on their Facebook page on February 5 in which they explained why it took them so long to follow up their successful 2012 set "Some Nights".

"Fun was founded by the 3 of us at a time when we were coming out of our own

bands," they wrote. "One thing that has always been so special about fun is that we exist as 3 individuals in music who come together to do something collaborative.

We make fun records when we are super inspired to do so."

Currently, Ruess is working on his solo album.

Dost, meanwhile, is scoring films and Antonoff is super busy with his other band Bleachers. "The 3 of us have always followed inspiration wherever it leads us.

Jaden Smith releases a three-song 'album'

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aden Smith, who's the son of Hollywood's power couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, surprised his fans on February 5 with a threesong project titled "This Is the Album".

"OHH MY GOD JADEN

SMITH DID SOMETHING CRAZY," he alerted his followers on Twitter. The three songs on the EP include "Scarface", "4 My 1" and "Weekend in Atlantis" that were all produced by Daniel D'artiste, who frequently works with both Jaden and his sister

Willow Smith.

Along with the new EP, Jaden also premiered a new music video. Accompanying the track "4 My 1", the clip features the 16-year-old star rapping alone in various places and getting shirtless in his bedroom. There's also

a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo from pal Justin Bieber.

"This Is the Album" came less than three months after Jaden released a free album "The Cool Tape Vol. 2" via his own app "Jaden Experience".

(AceShowbiz)

Sometimes that inspiration leads to fun music, sometimes it leads to musical endeavors outside of fun," they continued.

Of a follow-up to "Some Nights", they said that they wanted to treat fans with the respect they deserve by "making music when we are fully ready to make it and never giving you guys anything that is less than 100%." " 'Some Nights' was a successful album and it would have been very easy for us to jump back in the studio and capitalize on our momentum. But making records and touring when it's 'good for business' means nothing to us. We make records and tour when we are inspired to do so," they added. "That is how we can be the most honest to the people who support our music. " They concluded the statement by telling fans that they'd been very involved and supportive of each others' projects. (AceShowbiz)

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FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 13

Star Times Bollywood

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onam Bajwa is a model and actress active in the Punjabi and Tamil cinema. She participated in the Femina Miss India contest in 2012. She played the leading female role in the 2014 Punjabi blockbuster film, “Punjab 1984”. Her debut film was Punjabi film, “Best Of Luck”. She was shortlisted to act opposite Shah Rukh Khan in “Happy New Year”, but was not chosen for the role. Her most recent role is in the 2014 Tamil comedy, “Kappal” (The Ship).

14 Times Sunday Magazine

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FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Bollywood

Amitabh Bachchan committed to creating awareness of diseases

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kshay Kumar has revealed that a dozen visually-impaired girls have been attending his free self-defence classes.

The actor launched an initiative for free martial arts training for women in Mumbai, in association with Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray.

He told The Hindustan Times: "Having the honour of being able to not only teach such wonderful girls, but to also put smiles on their sweet faces, leaves an imprint on my heart.

"People think it's the children who are lucky to have this opportunity to train, but it is me who is the lucky one, as I get to be a part of their growth," he explained.

"If I do nothing else in life, I want to instill confidence and power in women, and

A

help them stand as strong as they can in this world."

The actor said the initiative is his way of giving back to society. (Hindustan Times)

mitabh Bachchan has spoken of his commitment to raising awareness of health issues.

As UN goodwill Ambassador for Polio Eradication, the actor has played a prominent role in eradicating polio in India and more recently announced his support for campaigns to create awareness of hepatitis and TB. According to Bollywood Life, he said: "Awareness is a huge factor in most illnesses. I work for diabetes and tuberculosis, and will be working for hepatitis, and

they are all very prominent diseases, many of them people are unaware of how to avoid, or at times are even unaware that they are affected by it.

"If I am going to be talking about a particular disease and know enough

about it, I would definitely do it. We did that with polio, worked for eight years and finally India is today poliofree," he explained.

Deepika Padukone recently commented on her own battle with depression and pledged to commit 2015 to raising awareness of the illness.

Commenting on his Piku co-star's revelations, Bachchan said: "I don't know the extent of what Deepika has said. But I think it's very honest and daring of Deepika to talk about it not so much to gain from it, but to make people aware of it.

"I am not saying that we don't go through phases where you are depressed or frustrated. All of us go through it, but we try and find a way out." (Digital Spy)

I

n a speech at a dinner in London to mark the launch of a new anti-trafficking fund by the British Asian Trust, Rani Mukerji revealed that 2.2 million children are sold every year across the world, while every eight minutes a girl goes missing in India.

"Through my film ‘Mardaani’, child trafficking became a national focus in my country India," she said."These are the little steps towards making an effort.

"While preparing for my role I researched and discovered how pervasive and pernicious this practice is. Every eight minutes a girl goes missing in India.

Nearly 40,000 children are abducted every year out of which 11,000 remain untraced. 2.2 million children are sold every year globally.

"We should not be complacent and each one of us should be more vigilant and take personal responsibility to stop this crime. I stand here before you today committed to the eradication

of human trafficking," she added.

"My film ‘Mardaani’ was my first step in this direction. I know that this journey is going to be a long and arduous one but I feel hopeful that together with people like you and many others in my country and around the world we shall make a difference."

The charity dinner was also attended by Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi, who revealed that he was personally moved by the actress's commitment and her performance in the movie. (Digital Spy)

Shahid Kapoor thanks fans for Filmfare Best Actor award

S

hahid Kapoor has been sharing his Filmfare success with his fans on social media.

The 32-year-old won the Best Actor award for his powerful performance in “Haider”.

After receiving his award from legendary star Amitabh Bachchan, he posted a series of photos of his prize and thanked fans for their support writing: "Thank you all for the wishes . I am because of your love."

Sharing a picture of the coveted trophy dubbed The Black Lady, he added: "Time to peace out . This

ones for all u guys."

Earlier, Kapoor won the Best Actor (Male), “LifeOK Hero” (Male) and Best Jodi with Tabu at the 21st Annual Life OK Screen Awards for his performance as “Haider”.

The film, which also stars Tabu and Irrfan Khan, received the People's Choice Award in the Mondo Genere (world genre) category last year - the first time that a Hindi film has won the top prize at the world-renowned festival.

Kapoor said he felt "empowered" after working on the Vishal Bhardwajdirected film. (Digital Spy)

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine

15

Times Trends

Star of the week

Trending Now Gadget trends to make parenting look easy Out of all the tech trends for 2015, gadgets for babies and kids have definitely grown the most since years past.

From smart pacifiers to trackers that do more than just keep tabs on baby's location; this is what parenting in the digital age looks like.

Bellabeat Shell

The Bellabeat Shell is two things in one. When mom is pregnant, the sound gadget detects the baby's heartbeat, kicks, and movements. You can even use it to play music to baby in the womb. After birth, it acts as a monitor that recognizes seven different types of crying. Oh, and it can also track the air humidity and temperature in the nursery. It is currently being sold for US$119. Visit www.bellabeat.com for more info.

Pacif-i

Billed as the world's first smart pacifier, Pacif-i monitors baby’s temperature and sends results to an app. There's also a built-in sensor that tracks location and alerts you if the little one has gone past the distance you've set. You can even add medication details into the app like type and dosage so you don't forget. It is currently being sold for US$40. Check out http://bluemaestro.com for more info.

Baby Glgl Smart Bottle

A "smart bottle" might sound ridiculous until you hear everything it can do. Baby Glgl monitors how much, how fast, and when baby is drinking so you can keep a solid feeding schedule. Access the data from an app, plus get alerts like if the bottle is clogged up as well as suggestions on how to angle the bottle so baby doesn't swallow air. Baby Glgl should go on sale by midyear and cost around US$100.

MamaRoo Infant Seat

You may already be familiar with the MamaRoo infant seat, but its new feature is about to become your lifesaver.

Not only does the chair bounce up and down and sway side to side as if you were carrying the baby, but you can now control five motions and five speeds with your phone through an app! You can also use the app to play sound from the seat's built-in speakers. It’s currently being sold on Amazon for US$199.

HereO GPS Kid Watch

These watches sure are cute. But they also serve as a GPS tracker for kids ages three and up. Called HereO, the gadget syncs with a location app that the whole family can use to share whereabouts. It also comes with other securityfocused features, like a panic mode that immediately sends an alert to parents. It is available on www.hereofamily.com for US $179.

S

parkling beauty Shameeza Wong, also known as Jasmine, is currently vying for the crown at the Miss West Indies pageant to be held Feb 14, 2015 in Galisbay, St Martin. Wong attended Carmelita Nursery, Redeemer Primary and Al-Ghazali Islamic Academy. She took the struggles of her childhood and made them a steppingstone to success when she graduated with a degree in Communication from University of Guyana. She is passionate about drama and arts in general and received a certificate in directing stage play from Merundoi in 2012. Sherecently copped the best supporting actress in an open play in the National Drama Festival 2014.Nevertheless, Wong always contemplated modelling and pageantry. As a child, she admiredpageant contestants and queens, and wished she could do the same. As she matured, her perspectives, stereotypes and prejudices on pageantry changed. She realised that as a beauty ambassador she can further her causes and be able to contribute to her community. As a humanitarian, Wong has volunteered in various charitable activities. She has played an active role in planning the Volunteer Youth Corps’ children’s Christmas concerts and gift distribution. Wong’s hobbies include reading, cooking, volunteering for children’s projects, modellingand photography. Her goal is to become an established actress/model and TV producer/ director. This, she claims, will give her “a voice to help showcase Guyana and help elevate and employ youths”. Her favourite quote is: “The ladder to success is never too crowded at the top.” For more info on the Miss West Indies pageant, visit http://misswestindies. org (Photo by Ronald Nandlall)

16 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Art

The paintings of Cletus Henriques evoke nostalgia formers – the drummer, flute-player and stilt-walker are missing – but he has the flouncers and the mad bull.

These figures he simplifies and treats as areas which are broken up into shapes that contain decorative patterns. The background too is simplified – there are no audience or trees or houses but a se- "River's Edge" 1968 ries of vertical shapes. The colours are also not the hot and endearing painting.

(Text on the paintings tropical colours one would taken from “Panorama: A expect but seem almost pasPortrait of Guyana” by the tel. Taken all together, these Ministry of Culture, Youth elements create a rhythmic and Sport and the Guyana

C

Telephone and Telegraph Company. Photos courtesy of Castellani House) Cover picture: “Shave-Ice Man” (1967) by Cletus Henriques

"Masquerade Dancers" 1969

letus Henriques is revered as one of Guyana’s late pioneer artists. His paintings are part of a gifted second generation of Guyanese artists, which now form a significant part of the National Collection at Castellani House, Vlissengen Road.

One of his celebrated paintings, “Masquerade Dancers” (1969), which is part of the National Collection, serves the best of both worlds – it creates a beautiful pattern, and it evokes the well-known masquerade dance which is a feature (though now sad-

ly disappearing) of a good Guyanese Christmas.

Although apparently simple, this painting succeeds because the skilful use of colour, shape and line.

Henriques simplifies the masquerade to three representative figures. He does not try to include all per-

"Kissing Bridge" 1965

Link Show 31 promises more laughs

L

A few of the cast members in the last show who will be in Link Show 31

ink Show 31 will take to the National Cultural Centre stage on Feb 20 and promises an evening full of tear-generating, knee-slapping comedy.

The first Link Show was staged in November 1981. It followed that trend for three years, and then in 1985 the annual show moved to February where it has renamed for the past 27 years.

Link Show has become synonymous with Mashramani, and in keeping with the themes of the lyrics of calypso competitions, it represents the dramatic satire.

The highly anticipated show has been attracting large audiences over the years.

It is the longest and most popular satirical stage production in Guyana. It has done several tours overseas to countries with a heavy diaspora presence.

This year, with elections on the heels of opening dates, one can expect “an election link” and a lot of predictions on the outcome.

The annual satirical review is slated for February 20-21, 27-28 and March 1. There is no guarantee for repeat shows so patrons are asked to get their tickets early and secure their seats.

Tickets will be on sale at the National Cultural Centre, Nigel’s Supermaket, Giftland OfficeMax and Ashmin’s Trading.

Prices are $2500, $200 and $1500.

Cast members include Henry Rodney, Rajan Tiwari, Mark Luke-Edwards, Randolph Critchlow, Mark Kazim, Paul Budnah, Sean Budnah, Michael Ignatius, Simone Dowding, Sonia Yarde, Leslyn Fraser, Nirmala Narine, Nicola Moonsammy, Tashandra Inniss and Nuriyyih Gerrad. It will be directed by Ron Robinson and produced by Gem MadhooNascimento and presented by The Theatre Company and GEMS Theatre Productions.

Patrons are advised to observe the National Cultural Centre code and be punctual.

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FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 17

Times Tech

Apple Inc. iPhone Outsells Android In USA Sees increase in Europe and China as well

F

or the first time since 2012, Apple iPhone sales outdid all Android device sales combined in the last quarter of 2014, according to a new report from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech. This news reinforces just how big of a hit the newest iPhone models have been with consumers, and it shows the strength of the portfolio of Apple smartphone offerings.

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus marked Apple's first foray into smartphones with displays larger than 4 inches -a market already proven to be hot with many Android customers. As Apple competed with Samsung with similarly sized flagship devices, the tech giant proved

Tech BYTE

up from 43.9per cent in the year-ago quarter, according to Kantar. Android's share of smartphone sales fell to 47.6per cent from 50.7per cent during the same period.

The record-setting quarter went beyond the U.S.In Europe, Android saw its

Apple already has strong customer loyalty with a retention rate of 87 per cent in the United States and Europe.

it could not only attract new smartphone owners but also convince many Android users to make the switch.

With smartphone penetration in the U.S. at 59 per cent, Kantar analyst Carolina Milanesi says plat-

form loyalty is key.Apple's U.S. market share of smartphone sales for the fourth quarter was 47.7 per cent,

Predictions about technology come true There is no absolute ability to predict the future.Nevertheless, sometimes we can come close or even hit the nail on the head when movies or books describe futuristic technology that eventually, actually comes true. Here’s a look at a few.

George Orwell: “1984”

Rocket power “Big Brother is watching you,” Orwell wrote in the classic novel “1984”.

His vision of a surveillance s o c i e t y in which governments monitor what we are doing is a reality today.

In 1865, Jules Vernepublished the novel “From the Earth to the Moon” illustrating h u m a n k i n d ’s first trip to space in a rocket – even predicting it would leave from Florida.

share decline by 3.8 percentage points, while Apple enjoyed a rise of 6.2 percentage points, according to Kantar. In China, Apple's share jumped 2.5 percentage points while Android's share decreased 1.6 percentage points.

Tech news

Samsung plans March 1 launch of new Galaxy phone

S

amsung has sent out invitations to its annual launch event, known as Unpacked, where the company will likely show off the Galaxy S6. The all-black invitation reads, "What's Next" and hints at a curved device.

The rumoured Samsung Galaxy S6 smartphone is expected to be the big draw at the event Sunday evening in Barcelona, Spain, ahead of the Mobile World Congress trade show.

It's an important time for Samsung to launch a new flagship device, as the Korean company has seen its lead in the mobile market slide during a worrying five quarters in a row of profits shrink-

The SamsungGalaxyS5. Rumour has it the S6 may ‘upset the Apple cart’ with its similar iPhone chassis design. According to Forbes, it matches the (seemingly aluminium) unibody chassis of both iPhones, their bottom edge speaker grill and even the headphone port position – all major changes from the Galaxy S5.

3D printers The Star Trek replicator, capable of creating food almost instantaneously, first appeared in “The Next Generation” TV series in 1987. 3D printershave been compared to the replicator and,from a working gun to mending broken bones, 3D printing technology is advancing.

Touchscreen technology In 1978, the sci-fi series “The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy”, Douglas Adams describes a device you simply “had to brush the panels with your fingers” to operate.Later, “Star Trek” demonstrated their use. Today touchscreen technology has become a reality.

ing.

MWC sees mobile manufacturers, phone networks and others gather in Barcelona to show off their wares for the coming year.From mobile phones and tablets, the show has expanded to smart-home devices, wearables, and the Internet of Things -- the idea of connecting more devices and objects to the Web. Many of the big press conferences take place that weekend, with HTC, Huawei and Nokia all revealing their new kit on the same day as Samsung.

18 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Home & Cooking

Moroccan Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Raisins Give your home a romantic look that could last beyond Valentine’s Day. Spread beautiful table linens like this red vintage paisley tablecloth over your table, and it becomes a dining area worthy of any swanky restaurant on date night

Ingredients 1 1/2-2 1/2 tbsps oil 2 lbs chicken thighs (skin on) 1/2 to taste salt and pepper 1/2 large onion, chopped 1 tbsp fresh minced garlic (or to taste) 1/2 tbsp cumin 1/2 tbsp turmeric

Method In a large heavy saucepan heat oil over medium heat.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper the brown well on both sides; transfer to a plate.

Add in onions and garlic; sauté for about 5 minutes, then add in cumin, turmeric, paprika and cinnamon; cook stirring with a wooden spoon for about 1 minute.

Stir in broth, honey, lemon zest and flour;

1/2 tsp paprika 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp grated lemon zest (more is optional) 1/2 tbsp flour 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 1 1/2 tbsps honey (or to taste) 3/4 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1/4 cup dark raisin (or to taste) 1/2 cup rice cooked to taste stir to combine. Then add in the browned chicken; simmer covered for about 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes of cooking add in the raisins and continue to cook (uncovered) until the chicken is completely cooked through (about 15-20 minutes).

Season with salt and pepper.

Remove the chicken to plate/s. Add in the chickpeas and simmer for 5 minutes.

Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve with cooked rice.

Swap out regular bedroom linens and curtains with luxurious red and white ones for a romantic look that would last longer than the day

GREATEST KITCHEN TIPS

Bring out your red cushions and add an impressive floral bouquet; your living room is instantly updated for Valentine’s Day – and longer

W

hen making dough, freeze the butter and grate it into the dry ingredients. You'll handle the cold dough less, resulting in more tender and flaky piecrusts, biscuits, or scones.

When making a whole roast chicken, salt it then chill it, uncovered, in the fridge for the day. This helps season the bird and dries out the skin so it crisps perfectly when cooked.

Remove it from the fridge an hour before you plan to put it in the oven, and add herbs and aromatics like garlic or shallots.

T

HOME HELP

o remove sticky stuff like gum or wax, apply a piece of ice until the gunk hardens, then gently scrape it off with a comb or a butter knife. Dab on some clear dish soap to dislodge any residue. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth.

Get rid of grease caused by pizza or salad dressing by sprinkling cornmeal or talcum powder on the spot until absorbed. Brush off with a dry cloth.

guyanatimesgy.com

february 8, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 19

20 Times Sunday Magazine

FEBRUARY 8, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Sunday Puzzle

Insert one word in each pair to link the two words together.

The end of the first word is the beginning of the second.

1. Push __ __ __ Cushion 2. Digital __ __ __ __ __ __ Shy 3. Crystal __ __ __ __ Park 4. First __ __ __ __ __ Clown 5. Bed __ __ __ __ Candy see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 21

Times Kids

Creature Corner

T

he caracal is Africa’s most widespread and fastest small wild cats. Also called the desert lynx, they inhabit dry savannah scrubland and arid areas of Africa, except the Sahara and tropical rainforest region.

Caracals can also be found in eastern Mediterranean countries, as well as the coastal areas of the Arabian Peninsula and southwestern Asia.

Weighing about 30-40 lbs., they are solitary carnivores capable of catching prey twice their weight. Caracals eat birds, small mammals, impala, young antelope and even domestic animals. They can leap up to 10 feet to bring down flying birds.

Its long black tufts, also called tassels, on the tips of its long ears are important for communication between individuals.

The word caracal is from a Turkish word that means “black-eared”.

Colouring Fun 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

MAZE DAZE

Find your way through the maze

Dot to Dot

22 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 8, 2015

THE

ELIZABETHAN ERA

By Laurie Triefeldt

Named for the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, which lasted from 1558 until 1603, the Elizabethan Era is famous for its royal intrigues, renowned explorers and legendary playwrights. Sometimes called the Golden Age of England, it was a time of relative peace, economic growth and great creativity.

Henry VIII (1491-1547)

Queen Elizabeth was a great believer in pageantry and always dressed to impress when in public.

She knew how to use her appearance as a political advantage.

Her gowns were intricately handembroidered and decorated with royal jewels.

Elizabeth’s wardrobe was designed to convey power, wealth and authority.

Family ties Elizabeth Tudor (1533-1603) was the daughter of King Henry VIII and his second wife, Ann Boleyn. When Elizabeth was 2 years old, her mother was charged with adultery and beheaded.

Henry declared his daughter Elizabeth illegitimate. When King Henry VIII died, Elizabeth was third in line for the throne — it was unlikely she would ever be Queen of England.

Anne Boleyn (1501-1536) Edward VI (1537-1553)

In line for the throne Elizabeth’s brother Edward VI became king of England in 1547 when he was 9 years old, but a regency council ruled for him. Edward and Elizabeth got along well, but their friendship was short-lived. Edward died in 1553 of consumption (tuberculosis) at the age of 15. Henry VIII’s will declared that Elizabeth’s elder half-sister, Mary, should become queen if Edward died without children.

Mary Tudor was a devout Catholic who was determined to restore Catholicism to England.

Violent religious conflicts marred her reign. Mary wed King Philip II of Spain, but they had no children.

When Mary died in 1558, Elizabeth became Queen of England.

Princess Elizabeth at age 13

The Queen’s favorites Robert Dudley was a great favorite of Elizabeth I, and she may have let him (among many others) believe that she would marry him. When his wife died from a fall, Dudley was free to marry his queen, but public outcry suggesting it was murder caused such a scandal that all such matrimonial hopes were dashed forever.

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester (c. 1532-1588)

Sir Francis Drake is one of the most famous Elizabethan privateers (hired pirates). Drake was the first Englishman to sail around the world, and his attacks on the Spanish helped England become a major sea power.

Sir Walter Raleigh was another of Elizabeth’s favorites. He was granted the right to colonize America, and he helped organize the famous lost colony of Roanoke, Virginia. Raleigh’s colorful exploits often got him into trouble, and he was sent to the Tower of London more than once.

Tower of London Globe Theatre

Sir Walter Raleigh (c. 1554-1618) William Sir Francis Drake Shakespeare (c. 1540-1596) (1564-1616)

The great playwrights

Mary I (15161558)

Plays were a popular Elizabethan recreation, enjoyed by rich and poor alike. The same play was rarely shown more than twice in a row, creating a constant demand. A new play hit the theaters of London about every two weeks. Although Shakespeare is the most famous Elizabethan playwright, he was not alone. Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, George Chapman and Thomas Dekker are just a few of many writers who penned stories and plays. Sometimes writers teamed up to put a play together quickly.

The owner of a theater would rent his stage to an acting company, and his contract usually entitled him to a share of the profits.

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FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 23

World Times

China Official Asks Couples in Shanghai to have Second Child

F

acing a sharp decline in work force, Shanghai authorities in China have appealed to "qualified young couples" to have a second child, as 30 per cent population of the country's biggest business hub will be aged 60 or above by this year's end, official media reported.

As the world's most populous nation struggles to grapple with the surging numbers of the old, the demographic crisis was more pronounced in Shanghai, China's biggest city, with more than 21 million people struggling to find work force.

In a rare public call, an official at Shanghai's Population and Family Planning Commission, which oversees the city's birth control, appealed for "qualified young couples" to have two children.

The comment came last Sunday during a consultation, as part of the annu-

“P

oor Kids Are Starving for Words”, a recent headline in The Atlantic declared.Thirty million words: that is the size of the “word gap”, the number of extra words, so to speak, children of well-off parents hear from their parents during toddlerhood that poor children don’t hear from theirs.

Critically, what a child hears has direct consequences for what a child learns.

A 1986 Chinese one-child-policy poster. At the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the country had 542 million people. By 1979, the population reached 975 million. To fight overpopulation, Mao Zedong instituted the one-child policy. The policy is said to have prevented the births of more than 400 million children.

Children who experience this drought in heard words have vocabularies that are half the size of their peers by age three, putting them at a disadvantage before they even set foot in a classroom.

This problem was the focus at a recent US White House conferencethat called for people to address the word gap with the same passion they do child hunger.

According to the White House website, the word

Brain Teaser Answer

1. Pin 2. Camera

3. Ball 4. Class

SUDOKU

5. Rock

KID SUDOKU

gap can lead to disparities not just in vocabulary size, but also in school readiness, long-term educational and health outcomes, earnings, and family stability even decades later.

“It’s important to note that talking to one’s baby doesn’t just promote language development. It promotes brain development more broadly. Every time a parent or caregiver has a positive, engaging verbal interaction with a baby – whether it’s talking, singing, or reading – neural connections of all kinds are strengthened within the baby’s rapidly growing brain,” it added.

Speaking in a video message on the website, the American leader, President Obama pointed out that if

a minority child is not ready for school at age three then he or she is half as likely to finish middle school with strong academic and social skills.

A new study released at the conference found that it’s quality – not just quantity –that matters.

“It’s not just about shoving words in,” said Kathryn Hirsh-Pasek, professor of psychology at Temple University and lead author of the study, as quoted in The New York Times. “It’s about having these fluid conversations around shared rituals and objects.... That is the stuff from which language is made.”

The 30-million fig-

al meeting of the Shanghai people's congress, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

The official was quoted as saying the benefits of having a second child including family stability and social development.

Shanghai is one of the first big Chinese cities to face this population dilemma.

China lifted its decadeslong one-child policy in 2013, under which couples can apply for permission to have a second child if one of the parents is an only child. Yet the impact of the change in policy has not been as great as expected.

Commission figures showed 90 per cent of local women of reproductive age were eligible, but less than five per cent of them had applied, the paper quoted Fan Hua, director of the commission's family development bureau as saying.

Fan said the rising cost of

bringing up children and the desire of many women to develop their careers, were behind the lack of interest in having a second child.

While the option of having a second child appears less popular than expected, migrants from the country's rural areas, the main workforces, continue to face strict migration controls.

The household registration system, or hukou system, leaves migrants unable to enjoy the best social benefits like local residents.

Demographic experts have urged regional governments to scrap population restrictions, especially the hukou system, to let in more young, working-age migrants and ease the pressure on the ageing society.

The old policy restricted most of the urban couples to have one child and most rural couples to two children, if the first child born was a girl.

(Source: Deccan Herald)

ure goes back to a study “Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experience of

Young American Children”

by Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley, published in 1995.

My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose CROSSWORD

S

Or pink, yellow, orange or lavender…

aturday Feb 14, 2015 will be Valentine’s Day, and roses are one of the biggest selling gifts on that day. But there may be more to roses than meets the eye – each colour the romantic flower comes in, has a special meaning.

According to ProFlowers.com, the following colours hold significant symbolism: Red - The most traditional colour choice when it comes to roses, the red rose is a symbol of romantic love. Usually given in a long stem form, if you have someone you want to express your undying love for, stick with this colour.

Pink - The pink rose – the subdued colour that it is – represents refinement.It is often given as a sign of high esteem or appreciation. So if there is someone that you've admired for a long time and didn't know how to express it,

pink roses would communicate the message for you.

Yellow - If you are giving yellow roses to someone this Valentine's Day, it probably means that you think of this person as someone who brings joy to your life and is a great friend, because that is exactly what the yellow rose represents.

Orange - This colour probably is not seen too often in rose form, and that is possibly a good thing because orange represents feelings of passion, desire and excitement when it comes to romance. If you don't want to send the wrong message, tread cautiously with this one.

Lavender - Distinctive and beautiful, the lavender rose signifies enchantment and is often taken as conveying love at first sight. So if you are a romantic at heart and love the stories of fairy tales, sweep that special someone off their feet by giving them a bouquet of lavender coloured roses.

24

Times Sunday Magazine

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FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Fun Times

Archie

ARIES

Keep your eyes and ears (March 21- open. Others will be reluctant April 19) to share information that you need, making it necessary to do your own fact-finding.

A relaxing pastime should TAURUS be your main focus. Engage (April 20- in positive discussions with May 20) loved ones in order to avoid an unpleasant confrontation.

A personal change will do you good.

You'll have trouble stickGEMINI ing to your agenda. Your plans (May 21will be difficult to achieve due June 20) to last-minute alterations brought about by outside influences. Go with the flow and do the best you can.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Dilbert

Honesty is the best policy.

Once you let everyone know where you stand, you will be able to pursue your goal without concern. Ignore anyone who doesn't share your beliefs.

LEO A trip down memory lane (July 23- will bring you in touch with Aug. 22) people you miss. Reconnect, compare notes and make plans to get together on a regular basis. Sharing your personal history will be enlightening.

It's time to loosen up VIRGO and enjoy life. Someone who (Aug. 23- thinks he or she knows you Sept. 22) well will be in for a pleasant surprise if you suggest doing something out of the ordinary.

LIBRA This is not the time to act (Sept. 23- impulsively. Before you make Oct. 23) an important decision, be sure you have the facts in order. There will be no chance to backtrack.

Peanuts

Stop second-guessing SCORPIO what to do next.

Your plans (Oct. 24Nov. 22) will never take off if you keep stalling. Take the plunge and change your life. Positive actions will bring good results.

Home improvements will SAGITTARIUS bring added value to your (Nov. 23- property. Consider the opinDec. 21) ions of those you live with before you make a major adjustment. Put comfort and convenience first.

Calvin and Hobbes

CAPRICORN Compromise and coop(Dec. 22- eration will get you the reJan. 19) sults you are after. If you are pushy, you will end up fighting with the people you need on your side.

You should take time to AQUARIUS mull over your options. Hasty (Jan. 20Feb. 19) actions will bring unanticipated problems. You will make the right choice if you consider the outcome realistically.

PISCES Romance is evident.

(Feb. 20- Someone you admire will enMarch 20) tice you to do something different. A new idea you have been developing will be enhanced by what you discover.