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Sunday June 28, 2015

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Star Times Hollywood:

‘Saved by the Bell’ Screech is sent to prison See story on page 12

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Page 16 Using martial arts to Page 3 encourage self esteem

Overcoming the odds Page 5

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2 Times Sunday Magazine

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JUNE 28, 2015

Times Feature

By Dmitri Allicock

T

he cautious introduction of steam propulsion to vessels in British Guiana, brought the golden age of sailing ships and the reliance on the wind currents to an end in the 1800s, and launched an era of both commercial and passenger steamships in early Guyana.

The steamer service in Guyana dates back to the early 19th century when the colonial government contracted a few privately owned steamers to provide transportation for commuters and for shipping produce.

The first official documentation of a steamer service can be traced to the establishment of a local steamer navigation company, which appears to have been founded in 1825. This company commenced operations in 1826 with the Cambria, an immigrant ship.

A few years later, the colonial authorities, on August 24, 1828, established a steamer service across the Demerara River.

In 1838, ten years later, operations were expanded as the steamer, Royal Victoria, commenced operations in Georgetown, Essequibo and Berbice.

The transportation route was soon extended to the island of Leguan when Lady Flora Hastings was contracted on August 12, 1841.

Hugh Sproston

In 1840, Hugh Sproston arrived in Demerara to manage the interests of a London ship owner with whom he had worked when he was only 15 years old.

Five years later he established his own business,

originally as a merchant.

However, the pressing need for a regular steamer service caught his attention, and a few years later he established Sprostons Limited.

Born in Gibraltar, in 1819, Hugh Sproston became an export merchant and ship owner based in London. His ships were named Berbice, built 1859; Georgetown, 1873; Lady Longden, 1876; Princess, 1876; Guiana, 1879; Charlestown, 1880; Sproston Wood, 1881; Cuyuni, 1883.

Sproston Wood was the name of the house where the Sprostons of Wrenbury lived. Sproston was one of the most prominent personalities of the latter half of 1800s in British Guiana.

His shipping business became synonymous with the glory days of growth and the foundational development of Guyana.

During the early years of operating a steamer service, many of the flat-bottomed vessels were damaged and

had to be repaired in the U.S.; no dry dock facilities existed in British Guiana for repairs and making vessels seaworthy.

At the request of Hugh Sproston, a team of British and American engineers surveyed several areas in Guyana, capable of holding ships 200 feet long with an estimated weight of 800 tons. An area at Charlestown was selected but the early efforts left Sproston close to ruin, as the Cofferdam erected to protect the docks gave way, destroying everything.

Nevertheless, Sproston persevered and on Oct 26, 1867, Governor Hincks and his wife declared Sprostons Dry Dock open. It was christened by Mrs. Hincks as she loosed a silken cord, to which a bottle of wine was attached, against the iron gates at the opening ceremony with the 1859 steamer Berbice decked out in flags.

During the 1870s and 1880s, Sproston did much to improve ferry servic-

es throughout Guyana.

The year 1878 represents a watershed in the history of steamer operations in Guyana as Sproston operated a daily ferry service to Essequibo.

On Dec 11, 1878, The Sproston Creole, the first steamer built by Sproston’s dry dock in Guiana, commenced operations. Other steamers such as Amy (1886), Horatio (1886), and

government to be repaid in 20 years without interest.

This light railway line was over 18 miles long, and ran westward from the Wismar Terminus to the Rockstone Terminus.

It provided access through Guyana’s primeval forest to the upper Essequibo’s Potaro gold fields, balata (Bullet wood) trees and endless supply of hardwoods, with the first leg of the journey done by Demerara River Steamers from Georgetown.

Hugh Sprostons died on June 24, 1907, in Beattyville Lee Kentucky, U.S. He was 87 years old. The Sprostons Company Ltd continued with success after his death.

By 1914 Sproston’s fleet consisted of some 15 ships, traversing the interior. They were classified as Class A1 ships, all built at Lloyds in London.

Sprostons’ decline

The First World War proved to be very profitable for Sproston’s as numerous ships were repaired at the dry dock. By 1923, however, the company began a slow downward spiral. Its

The R. H. Carr was built in 1927 in Saltney, a small town in Wales on the river Dee just south of Liverpool in the UK. Under steam power, she made her way across the Atlantic Ocean to British Guiana and was operated as a steamship before being converted to diesel in the 1950s by the then owner, Sprostons Ltd. Tough and legendary ships and ferries such as the Oranjestaad, Lady Northcote, Powis, Canje Pheasant, Pomeroon, Barima, Lady Berbice, Mazaruni, Makouria, Torani and Lukanani connected the lives of Guyanese and transported cargo.

The age of steamers have now been replaced by diesel and gas engines of our time but the stories of our rich heritage were carried by those steamers on the many waters of Guyana.

The name of Guyana’s national bird, Canje Pheasant, was given to a 298 tons cargo/passenger steamship built by Sproston’s in 1956 and highlighted “in the news of 1958 that the people of British Guiana acclaimed

Sprostons Steam Winch for hauling greenheart on the DER, Wismar 1910

the New Amsterdam (1887) bolstered ferry services in the country.

The areas navigated also increased. For instance, in 1881, ferry services were extended from the Demerara River to Lucky Spot and along the Berbice River from New Amsterdam to Coomacka.

Other steamers operated

by Sproston under exclusive contract from the government included Eluza, Malali and the launches Gertie, Elfreda and Piranha.

Steamers were divided into two sections: first and second class. Tickets for first class during the 1880s cost $2, while the second class cost 48 cents.

Railways and Steamers

In 1894, Sproston extended his interests to Christianburg, Upper Demerara, acquiring a portion of the Paterson’s lands, which had been bought by the government. Sprostons Company Ltd then constructed the Demerara Essequibo Railway in the years 1895-1897.

A loan of $200,000 dollars was given to Sprostons Company Ltd by the British

interests were purchased by the Aluminium Company Limited based in Montreal Canada.

One hypothesis for the decline of Sproston’s may have been the establishment of the Transport and Harbours Department in 1919. The actions of the Harbour Board and the new regulations soon gave way to government asserting control of the transportation network that it had contracted to Sproston’s to operate. This was done under the guidance of the Colonial Steamer Services.

In 1922, the Colonial Steamer Service became the Government Steamer Service. It was later amalgamated with the Demerara Railway to form the Colonial Transportation Department and marked the end of that era of steamers in Guyana.

The age of steamers ends

Bigger and better steamers continued to dominate the British Guiana’s landscape of the first half of the 1900s. The legendary R. H. Carr ran the Georgetown to Upper Demerara route.

Princess Margaret as the ‘Calypso Princess’ when she arrived in Georgetown, the capital of this ‘Land of Waters’, in a river steamer the Canje Pheasant. She had flown from Tobago. She landed at Atkinson Field, 25 miles from the city, soon after lunch. After a fanfare of trumpets she was greeted by the Governor, Sir Patrick Renison. Leading personalities of the colony presented to Her Highness included the Archbishop of the West Indies, Dr. A. J. Knight, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Minister of Trade and Commerce, and his wife Janet, the Minister of Labour, Health and housing”.

Such royalty and national symbolism were attached to one of the last steamers that ploughed the waters of Guyana.

Quicker road travel across Guyana augmented with bridges of today has influenced the decline of ferries or river travel.

However, some of us who have experienced the age of the steamers know it was indeed a regal time that we simply cannot forget.

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 28, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine

3

Times Feature

O

Students demonstrating variations of blocks

ne great way to encourage children to get more physical exercise is to let them take martial arts classes designed for them. Martial arts not only impart invaluable physical skills, such as self-defence, which may help children if they find themselves in a risky situation, but also help to develop self-esteem.

Martial arts encourage children to be physically healthy, agile, disciplined and it builds concentration.

If your child is not so suited for team sports, martial arts provide a great way for them to get some exercise, meet other children and learn valuable skills that will stay with them for life.

With the concept of ‘goal attainment’ (via the belt system) at the heart of martial arts, the sport provides a useful way for children to focus on moving ‘up the ranks’ and the sense of satisfaction and self-fulfilment this brings, building a child's self-esteem and confidence along the way.

Martial arts is not just about physical prowess - the sport is also about training the mind and spirit so children learn skills they can take into other areas of their life, too, such as better concentration and reasoning skills, vital for academic success.

The disciplined, carefully-supervised environment of the ‘Dojo’ (martial arts training school), combined with an emphasis on using the mind to overcome the opponent rather than unnecessary, brute force, reinforces positive behaviour and self-restraint.

The arts

There are many types of martial arts out there - with new ones emerging all the time - but the most widely available and most suited to children include Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, and Ju-Jitsu.

Literally meaning “empty hand”, Karate is one of the most traditional martial

arts, in essence an unarmedcombat system, employing kicking, striking and defensive blocking with arms and legs. There is a big emphasis on mental attitude and courtesy.

Involving lots of throwing moves, Judo is good for developing all round fitness, strength and balance, as well as posture and stamina. Meaning “gentle way” in Chinese, Judo today is widely practiced and adheres to a belt system - white belts are worn by novices and black by masters, with various different colour belts in between.

Emphasis in Taekwondo is placed on self-defence and development of self-control.

Its guiding principles are a sort of doctrine of belief which followers of the sport must adhere to and try to implement into all areas of their day-to-day lives.

Kung Fu is perhaps one of the best-known martial arts, and literally means “achievement through great effort”. It encompasses a group of Chinese martial arts, all of which use a range of punches and kicks on specific pressure points on the opponent's body.

Ju-Jitsu loosely translated means “gentle art” and is applied to many schools of unarmed and hand-tohand combat. With an emphasis very much on cultivating mind as well as body, it teaches ways to control one's anger and frustration and the use of force is only allowed in self-defence.

The Central Shotokan Karate-do Association

The Central Shotokan Karate-do Association, founded by Eric Hing, is one of the few Dojos in Guyana suitable for children. Hing, who has a black belt and has represented Guyana at international Karate tournaments, has been teaching children the fundamentals of martial arts for more than eight years.

“Growing up, I had a lot of help from older students, and this inspired

me to share my knowledge with the younger generation. I was very much interested in karate from a very

sionate about, and this passion has helped me to have a successful martial arts career, enjoying every mo-

terview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Currently, Hing has about 20 children in training.

'Sparring' is not just about learning martial arts but encourages children to be physically fit

small age. Everything for me came naturally because it was something I was pas-

ment I get to share what I know with others, especially kids,” Hing said in an in-

Classes are held Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm to 6pm.

Hing pointed out that martial arts help build character, teaches self-defence and discipline – some of the things he also learnt as a child.

“The children not only learn Karate all the time; they have games and get time out to play a bit. While they are taught Karate, they also are taught to have fun.

Karate for them is exercise.

Most importantly, what I try to instill in them is to never take what they learn to start a fight outside the Dojo and that it should only be used for self-defence. I have seen how disciplined they have become, and this will help them when they get older – as it did for me,” Hing noted.

The Central Shotokan Karate-do Association will be having its ‘summer’ classes from July 7 to August 7 at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda Ground. For more information, call 6966306 or 674-5852. Or visit Central Shotokan Karatedo Association on Facebook.

4

Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 28, 2015

Times Feature

P

ropelled by his determination to help children, Dennis Charran, owner of ComfortSleep, has always invested his resources to help improve society.

About eight years ago, Charran started a feeding programme, which continues today, helping various schools across the country.

“I am always involved in charity work. Helping the less fortunate children in Guyana gives me so much joy and pleasure. Also, the report from teachers who tell me that because of the feeding programme the attendance at school has improved tremendously and students are doing well academically,touches me and gives me the drive to continue this initiative,” Charran expressed in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

The owner of ComfortSleep said that his company is not just existing “just to do business”, but is focused on “caring for society” through his various charity projects.

“ComfortSleep wants people to know that they

Charran hands a gift to one of the children at a past Christmas party

Charran and his team sharing gifts to children at Fun City

are indirectly helping to keep the feeding programme going by simply buying ComfortSleep mattresses/products.By your continued support you are making a positive change in the life of a child in need,” he noted.

Every month, ComfortSleep provides groceries for the Ruimveldt

Children’s Home. It also donates to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, providing groceries, disposable diapersand other essential items. St. John Bosco Orphanage, Joshua House, St. Ann’s and Diamond Special Needs School are just a few organisations that benefit from ComfortSleep’s charity initiatives.

“Every Christmas there is a huge party for all the kids in the feeding programme.There are lots of gifts, food, party bags for each child. Santa is always present to hand out gifts and to mingle with the children.In Berbice, the siblings of all the kids in the feeding programme are invited to the Christmas party as

well. I made the decision to invite the siblings because some of the kids would not eat the food or use the drink because they have a little brother or sister at home who they wantto take the goodies to share,” Charran said.

For Christmas 2014, Charran hosted the party for all the children in the feeding programme at Fun City, Princess Hotel.

Children came from Berbice

and the West Bank to enjoy a movie, play games, spend time with Santa and receive gifts.

“Seeing the happy faces gives me joy and has inspired me to keep on giving back. That is why my advice to corporate Guyana is to give whatever help you can to someone in need,whether it is big or small. God has blessed you with so much, so why not share with someone in need,” he urged.

Roraima Scholarship Fund T

he Roraima Scholarship Fund was started three years ago by a group of US-based Guyanese who want to give back to their home country.

Seon Batson, Alistair Waithe, Kayana Batson and Cherese James are the founders of the Fund. The

team came together to help students in Guyana. Primary schools, high schools, CPCE, UG, GTI, and Critchlow Labour College will all benefit from the Fund.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Cherese James revealed that all its members attended the

same church, and when Seon came up with the idea, they were all more than happy to get together to start the Fund.

“We realized a lot of kids want to go to school but cannot afford it. Right now we are only focused on orphanage children who want to fur-

Bags of clothing and footwear donated will be shipped to Guyana

ther their education and cannot afford it. The scholarship programme accepts any donation, from school supplies to clothing and food stuff, which will then be shipped to Guyana. We have already packed barrels to be shipped in August. Seon Batson will be in Guyana in August to give out awards. We will have an essay competition and will select winners based on grades and their application and then funds will be given out,” James explained.

Last year the team launched its first successful fund-raising event, which they intend on making an annual one. On July 18, 2015, the team of humanitarians

will have their second annual fund-raising, sponsored by popular Jamaica singer I-Octane, who is known to significantly help various charity initiatives.

“If someone reaches out to me for help, and I can do so, why not? It’s making a difference in someone’s life and for the youths to better their education. Guyana has always shown me love and support and I wanted to show my good deeds back. I wish Roraima Scholarship Fund all the best. Cherese James is no stranger to us.

She has been doing a great job as an ambassador and a great role model and is living up to her words in sup-

One of the Fund's founding members, Cherese James

porting her home country,” I-Octane declared.

For more information on how you can help, visit Roraima Scholarship Fund on Facebook.

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 28, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 5

Times Women

O

vercoming challenges to become the first female engineer with a prominent aviation company, Tesia Alexander is a determined woman.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Alexander said she did not want to be an engineer although she was always fascinated by airplanes.

“I actually wanted to become a doctor, but during my work study stint at the Georgetown Public Hospital I discovered that the sight of blood made me feel as though

came at the beginning when I was unable to pay for my studies at the engineering school. A relative who had promised to help me told me that they were no longer in a position to do so. However, with the help of the then principal Mr. Floyd Scott and the chairman of the school board Mr. Chan-A-Sue, I was awarded full scholarship by the school,” she reminisced.

Although the scholarship was a significant help, Alexander still found it financially difficult to continue.

She revealed that many days

Alexander at work

I was about to faint. My mom was the one who encouraged me after she read an article in the local newspapers about Bishops High School’s top student who stated that he was going to further his studies to become an aircraft engineer at the Art William & Harry Wendt Engineering school in Ogle. She suggested that we visit the school to find out what courses of studies they offered. She was aware of my love for airplanes and the fact I use to carry out minor repairs around our house,” Alexander recalled.

Alexander holds six CXC subjects and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) license “without type rating in Electrical and Radios categories”, and the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority license in Electrical, Radios and Instruments categories. She also holds LIAT airlines’ approval for the DASH-8 100 and 300 series aircraft and the ATR-42 and 72-600 series aircraft.

Looking back at her accomplishments, Alexander disclosed it was not an easy road for her. Plagued by financial difficulties, Alexander’s path to her career as an engineer proved to be one of the biggest challenges in her life.

“There were many challenges. My biggest challenge

she was very close to missing school because of not having money to take the bus to school.

“But by the grace of God, I never missed a day as my family would pitch in when they could. All of this time we were living in Sophia, which did not have electricity as yet so all of my studying was done with the use of a lantern, which was how I also studied for my CXC exams,” Alexander recollected.

Among the dark clouds came a silver lining when Alexander secured a job during her second year of school at Air Services Limited.

However, it was difficult for her to balance work and studies as she was preparing to sit her exams at GCAA. Her days off were spent travelling from Georgetown to GDF Air Corps in Timehri to study with a schoolmate who had completed his exams.

“I was able to overcome all of my challenges because of a few good men that I would like to think were placed at very strategic points of my life to encourage me on to the next level, when I felt like giving up or when I was not going to make it in a field. One of my instructors once told me that in a male-dominated field, such as the one I’m in, I would have to be twice as qualified and work twice as

hard to get the same respect as my male counterpart, and over the years I have proven that statement to be true,” Alexander pointed out.

Alexander proved her ability in a male-dominated field when she was named the first female engineer to be appointed by regional airline LIAT in its 53-year history.

“There were already two other women working in the engineers department when I got there so my challenges were not gender-based. I think it was more directed to the fact that I was younger than most of my male coworkers that I was assigned to supervise after I was promoted to the position of an aircraft engineer,” she noted.

The aircraft engineer’s responsibilities include ensuring that at all times the aircraft is safe to fly by completing all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance work whether it is during “turn

arounds” or heavy maintenance, which entails taking the aircraft apart and carry out very detailed inspections and putting it together again (her favourite part of the job) by following procedures as laid out in the aircraft and LIAT company manuals.

Alexander is also responsible for ensuring her work environment is always safe.

She admitted she gets bored on slow days, but when it gets busy the days can be very long, so she has learnt to appreciate the slow days.

Alexander has proven to be a role model for many who have experienced similar challenges in their lives. She is especially a role model for youths.

“I would advise youths that with God all things are possible. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. Your current position or situations will not determine how far you will go

Tesia Alexander

in this life. It is how hard you push; determination is the key to success. Even when you feel like giving up, I beg you please don’t. It is also very important to find some-

one to draw strength, but the reality is that sometimes they are not always going to be there and then it is up to you to draw strength from within,” she encouraged.

6 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 28, 2015

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

‘Doing Nothing is Not an Option’ Part II

By Petamber Persaud

(Extract of an interview with Eric Huntley, Georgetown, Guyana, 2015.

In the late 1960s, Eric Huntley cofounded the BogleL’ouverture Press with his wife Jessica who died Oct 13, 2013.

“Groundings with my brothers” by Walter Rodney became its first publication.)

PP You have moved from place to place, from country to country; from Guyana to the UK and back to Guyana in your four score and six years.

Congratulations on reaching that milestone.

EH Thank you.

PP In those four score and six years you have achieved a number of firsts, and in my book, your achievements should not go unnoticed. What is intriguing about your life is found in the title of this book, “Doing Nothing is Not an Option”; this is like a philosophy, and it would be enlightening to find out whence cometh this philosophy.

EH It is like making a cake. People have been making cakes before recipes. We [Jessica and Eric Huntley] have made the cake without the recipe. We have been confronted with certain situa-

Eric and Jessica on their wedding day in British Guiana

Eric Huntley

tions, which needed our attention. Other people have done the same thing; I don’t think it is a strange occurrence – we didn’t think about the consequences then. Now people are more concerned about payments of bills, mortgage payments, lots of obligations and other responsibilities. We did not take any of those things into consideration. If we did, nothing would have been done.

PP Still searching for that point of departure. Let’s go to your formative days in

Guyana – your involvement in trade unionism, in the socio-political movement of this country.

EH I don’t think there was anything noticeable in our childhood days. Both Jessica and I, we had ordinary childhood days – she grew up on the East Coast of Demerara [Kitty Village] and then in Howes Street [Charlestown] and I in Bent Street, near the Wai-Wai Yard, Bourda, and then we ended up in New Amsterdam [Berbice] in our later days. But looking back

now, maybe the ingredients came from our parents – the value they placed on education; not being allowed to play too much, get your book and read, and religion of course, being on your best behaviour, being respectful. There wasn’t any one reason….

PP They all came together to make that cake.

EH They all came together and allowed us to do a lot of crazy things…which had positive outcomes.

PP Crazy things like?

EH Like that time in Rosignol, as a postman, I picketed the Princess of Athlone, the Queen’s cousin who was here, with a poster saying…

condescendingly rebuked me without reporting the matter.

PP Still on crazy things – was it a crazy thing for you to be joined in marriage to Jessica?

EH In my days and under the circumstances, it was.

My father was a prison warden living in the good section of Bent Street, and when he heard that Jessica was from Charlestown, he said that that was not the sort of company I ought to keep. That was the thinking then.

PP So there was opposition since then? How did you [both of you] overcome, conquer that?

EH Love. Love conquers

attracted you to Jessica?

EH That is a very good question because when I first saw her, I saw her from the back so it couldn’t have been the beauty of face. Maybe it was a spiritual connection initially. I asked her where she was living and she replied Kitty, which turned out to be not true,...anyhow I accompanied her to Howes Street. And the rest, as they say, is history.

PP Still on attraction.

What really attracted you to her?

EH Initially, it was a strong mind, a strong personality, which was something to twin with – I wanted someone

The Huntleys at their 60th anniversary celebrations in England

Now, looking back, it was crazy.

PP What was the positive coming out of that action?

EH I was saying to the people that this person was not deserving of our veneration – she was one of the exploitation class, and is not deserving of our respect.

PP Another crazy thing before we move on?

EH At Rosignol Post Office again, I think it was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, I took down her photograph from the wall of the post office. But the postmaster at that time was like a father figure to me and he

all.

PP Was that a motif in your life – love and caring for other?

EH Not consciously, but by becoming aware that people are not well off and if we lend them a helping hand, they would be able to live a better life. It was not a conscious decision but subconsciously it was making us more aware of the needs of people. You see, in our family there were teachers and social workers so….

PP Theme work – together you and Jessica made a wonderful theme with significant achievements.What

with those qualities to help me along the passage of time.

So we worked well together, very supportive of each other and learning from each other.

PP Your first project together?

EH We published a journal for the Post Office Union when I was in Buxton. We bought a Gestetner machine from Bookers….which was later seized by the British troops that raided our house….(TO BE CONTINUED) Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 28, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 7

Times Heritage

M

ajor-General Sir James Carmichael Smyth, (born Feb 22, 1779 in London) became governor of British Guiana on June 15, 1833 until his sudden March 4, 1838 death on the colony, attributed to “brain fever”.

May 1829, he is recognised for fighting to abolish the flogging of female slaves.

When he became aware of a case involving several female runaways who were ordered flogged, Smyth suspended the Justice and Chief Magistrate from the

Bust of Governor James Carmichael Smyth at St. George's Cathedral in Georgetown Its inscription reads, Sacred to the memory of Major General Sir James Carmichael Smyth Baronet, C.B_K.M.T_K.ST.W. Appointed Governor of British Guiana 1833, Died 4 March, 1838 Aged 58 years Erected by public subscription

After being made governor of the Bahamas in

Bahamian Council for sentencing and ordering the

flogging.

Governor Smyth also advocated for the religious rights of the blacks on the island, but his proposals were rejected by the white Bahamian assembly.

Smyth repeatedly clashed with whites there regarding his empathy for the enslaved on the island.

Some say partly because of this he was transferred to British Guiana to oversee the transition from slavery to emancipation there.

In British Guiana, Smyth unsuccessfully fought for greater improvement of slave conditions. Despite much white planter hostilities, he did however see the successful passing into law of the Abolition Bill while overseeing the apprenticeship system - though the latter yielded mixed results.

According to the “Oxford Dictionary of National Biography”, Smyth so closely supervised every department of government that, as he himself observed, he could sleep satisfied that no person could be punished without his knowledge and sanction.

In her book "New Negroes from Africa": Slave Trade Abolition and Free African Settlement.”Rosanne Marion Adderle states that Smyth also advocated the importation of free African labour in 1834 into British Guiana.

When confusion and disorder prevailed in August 1834 among the slaves regarding the date of their emancipation, it was left to Carmichael Smyth to go to various plantations to explain the Emancipation Act to them.

Smyth, as governor of the colony during the Damon-led protest of Aug 9, 1838, ordered imprisonment

New Amsterdam, British Guiana n.d.

Major-General Sir James Carmichael Smyth

of some protestors; others were flogged or sent to a penal colony, while Damon, considered the leader of the protests, was handed the death sentence.

Smyth refused however, to acquiesce to the white planters demand to invoke martial law on the confused slave populace.

His fervour and dedication would win him much

praise from the slaves on the colony and from authorities in England.

James Carmichael Smyth was the first son of famous and successful Scottish physician, James Carmichael Smyth, who was also Fellow of the Royal Society anda Fellow of the Royal College ofPhysicians.

The junior Carmichael Smyth was educated at

Charterhouse School in London and the Royal Military Academy, and served as an engineer officer in South Africa and Holland.

He served the famous British commander, the Duke of Wellington, against Napoleon during the June 18, 1815 Battle of Waterloo.

Carmichael Smyth was knighted in 1821.

On May 28, 1816, he had married Harriet, daughter of General Robert Morse.

Their son, and only child, James Robert Carmichael, the second baronet, dropped the additional name of Smyth by the mid-1800s, which had been assumed by his grandfather.

The Bahamas National Archives notes that Smyth, in his fight against the inhuman slavery system, should be considered “an early local hero”.

Carmichael Primary, established in 1969, according to the Bahamas Weekly, was given its name in honour of Governor Carmichael Smyth. It was renamed in March 2015 to honour native Bahamian educator Sybil Strachan.

In Guyana, Smyth Street in the Werk en Rust ward of Georgetown was named in honour of Governor Carmichael Smyth.

8 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 28, 2015

Times Travel & Tourism

Panoramic view of Kurupukari ferry pier (Photo by Jay Seedy)

K

urupukari Crossing is a picturesque and significant pontoon crossing on the Essequibo River, along the Mabura to Lethem route. Those travelling on the pontoon in the evening can enjoy the warmth of a beautiful orange sunset.

Kurupukari Crossing leads to a world of adventure,

starting with the Kurupukari Falls. There, Amerindian petroglyphs, which have been in existence for centuries, display the rich ancient heritage of Guyana’s indigenous people.

The crossing, completed in 1992, is located adjacent to the Linden-Lethem road. At the crossing on the left

bank, or the western bank of the Essequibo River, is Fair View village.

Although most often a practical route, the crossing offers captivating views of its surroundings, and is a gateway to adventurous journeys into the Guyana rainforests.

Road leading to the crossing Scenic view of a section of Kurupukari (Photo by Jay Seedy)

Rapids on the Essequibo River seen from the Kurupukari Crossing

Pontoon crossing Essequibo River on a cool day

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 28, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

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enerally, our immune system helps guard us against germs and diseases, but when it fails, we become sick and, depending on the illness, we must take steps to help rebuild our immune system to help it - and ourselves - to recover.

Because it is not a single entity but a system, for our immune system to recover requires not just a single treatment for an instant recovery process. It requires a balance and harmonious flow of specific processes.

Although there is yet no specific and clear scientific study linking lifestyle to a healthy immune system, general preliminary research suggests healthy-living strategies can help.

Adopting healthyliving strategies

When our immune system must defend us from environmental assaults, it can be boosted by healthy-living strategies such as not smoking, reducing stress and avoiding what can cause an infection (washing your hands can keep away certain infections for example).

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthily, exercising regularly, moderate alcohol consumption (if you must drink), getting adequate sleep and regular medical check-ups for your age and risk groupare also suggested to help.

Store-bought products and fads

Most medical experts prefer we help our immune system stay strong by adopting the healthyliving strategies rather than just

popping pills or practicing one-off treatments like the ever-popular detoxing.

Unhealthy eating habits can lead to many health problems that may not be easily fixed by pills or once a month treatments.

Harvard Health Publications of the Harvard Medical School notes that although some herbal preparations have been found to alter some components of immune function, so far there is no evidence that they actually bolster immunity to the point where you are better protected against infection and disease.

Some of the supplements that have drawn attention from researchers include aloe vera (For now, there’s no evidence that aloe vera can modulate immune response, though there is some evidence that topical aloe vera is helpful for minor burns, wounds, or frostbite, and also for skin inflammations when combined with hydrocortisone).

Astragalus membranesare marketed as an immune-system stimulant but the quality of the studies demonstrating the immune-stimulating properties of astragalus are poor. Furthermore, it may be dangerous.

It’s not clear how the root of the ginseng plant works, but claims on behalf of Asian ginseng are many, including its ability to stimulate immune function. Despite the claims of a number of mainly small studies, the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) considers there have been insufficient large studies of a high enough quality to

support the claims.

The immune system and aging

The school notes that researchers believe that the aging process somehow leads to a reduction of immune response capability, which in turn contributes to more infections, inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Respiratory infections, influenza, and particularly pneumonia are a leading cause of death in people over 65 worldwide. No one knows for sure why this happens, but some scientists observe that this increased risk correlates with a decrease in T cells, possibly from the thymus atrophying with age and producing fewer T cells to fight off infection.

Again, adopting healthy-living strategies is an important factor for ensuring healthy aging.

There is no definitive literature yet about whether dietary supplements may help older people maintain a healthier immune system.

Immunity boosting

Scientists are still researching the immune boosting potential of a number of different nutrients.

The Harvard Medical School mentions that some studies suggestthat people with low selenium levels are at greater risk of bladder, breast, colon, rectum, lung, and prostate cancers. A largescale, multiyear study is currently in progress to look at the effects of combining selenium and vitamin E on prostate cancer prevention.

There is some evidence that vitamin B2 enhances resistance to bacterial infections in mice, but what that means in terms of en-

hancing immune response is unclear.

Several studies have suggested that a vitamin B6 deficiency can depress aspects of the immune response, such as lymphocytes’ ability to mature and spin off into various types of T and B cells.

Supplementing with moderate doses to address the deficiency restores immune function, but megadoses don’t produce additional benefits. In addition, B6 may promote the growth of tumours.

The jury is still out on vitamin C and the immune system. Many studies have looked at vitamin C in general; unfortunately, many of them were not well designed.

Vitamin C may work in concert with other micronutrients rather than providing benefits alone.

Researchers have found that vitamin D, which is produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight, signals an antimicrobial response to the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tu-

berculosis. Whether vitamin D has similar ability to fight off other diseases and whether taking vitamin D in supplement form is beneficial are questions that need to be resolved with further study.

A study involving healthy subjects over age 65 has shown that increasing the daily dose of vitamin E from the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 30 mg to 200 mg increased antibody responses to hepatitis B and tetanus after vaccination. However, these increased responses didn’t happen following administration of diphtheria and pneumococcal vaccines.

Zinc is a trace element essential for cells of the immune system, and zinc deficiency affects the ability of T cells and other immune cells to function as they should. While it’s important to have sufficient zinc in your diet (15–25 mg per day), too much zinc can inhibit the function of the immune system.

Safe personal, beauty care

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he Palo Alto Medical Foundation notes the importance of ensuring what we put on our skin, sometimes on a daily basis, is not harmful, both in the long and short term, to our health.

In the U.S, from where many countries import their cosmetics, because there's not enough government regulation in the cosmetic industry, cosmetic companies can, and many do, include chemicals that make their products smell better or look glossier, without knowing of the health impacts of all those chemicals.

They may also make claims about their products that do not have any scientific basis or proof.

In 2014, consumer pressure on cosmetic company Avon to remove Triclosan, touted to inhibit bacterial growth, stemmed from laboratory studies showing a link to hormone disruption. It was detected in human breast milk, blood and urine samples.

That same year, Johnson & Johnson announced it would phase out triclosan in its beauty and baby care products by 2015. Proctor and Gamble had pledged to remove triclosan from its products by the end of 2014.

Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical most commonly used in hand soaps and body washes. It is also found in some brands of toothpaste, clothing, kitchenware, furniture and toys. Both triclosan and triclocarban, if listed in your cosmetic ingredients, should be avoided.

Methylparaben is a preservative used in many beauty products, including lip-

stick ... at least in the U.S. Use of this chemical is restricted in the European Union because it has been linked to c a n - cer and may disrupt the endocrine system or be toxic in other ways. The consumer advocacy EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic database labels them a “high hazard.”

Moreover, not just adult women face health risks with personal or cosmetic products.

The immature organ systems of babies are often less

restrict boric acid, considered to disrupt hormones and harm the male reproductive system, in body care products made for children less than three years of age.

Their rules require that products containing these ingredients be labelled as not appropriate for broken or damaged skin.

For teens and tweens, acne products containing triclosan, parabens and PEG/ cetearetj/polyethylene should be avoided as well, the consumer advocacy website adds. According to the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products, longer chain parabens like propyl and butyl paraben and their branched counterparts, isopropyl and isobutylparabens, may disrupt the endocrine system and cause reproductive

capable of fending off chemical assaults, while subtle damage to developing bodies may lead to disease later in life.

Avoid any baby wipe products that contain Bronopol, DMDM hydantoi and fragrance, and BHA, Boric acid and fragrance found in diaper creams,says EWG. Both the European Union and Canada

and developmental disorders.

Cosmetics usually found in men’s aftershave, shaving cream and in sunscreen, may also have negative health effects. Phthalates, present in personal care products, have been associated with altered hormone levels in men and boys, and sperm damage.

10 Times Sunday Magazine

JUNE 28, 2015

Times Fashion

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ridging the Gap’, an exclusive fashion event in the U.S. by Guyanese designer Sonia Noel, was a resounding success.

This week’s featured designs presented at the fashion event are by designers Lady Ruth, Geneve Powell and Shackeema Brown.

The event, which was launched in celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month (June 2015), was testimony of Noel’s passion to display local and regional fashion talents to the world.

“I feel so blessed to produce an event that provided an opportunity to showcase

the talents of our designers from the French, Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean to the world,” Noel said in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

The event featured designers from the French, Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean to the world.

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 28, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

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eoffrey Royce Rojas, known by his stage name Prince Royce, is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. At an early age, Royce took an interest in music and, into his teenage years, began experimenting with music and writing poetry. By age 19, Royce’s music career took off. In March 2010, he released his eponymous debut studio album, which generated two commercially successful singles, "Stand by Me" and "Corazón Sin Cara".

Both songs reached number-one on the Billboard Tropical Songs chart while "Corazón Sin Cara" reached number-one on the US Hot Latin Songs chart. The album itself reached number-one on the US Billboard Latin Albums and Tropical Albums charts. He also received three awards at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in 2011, which included Tropical Album of the Year for Prince Royce. Prince Royce was listed as one of the 50 Most Beautiful on the magazine People en Espanol in 2011. In November 2012, Royce released a compilation album entitled "#1's", a collection of his hits thus far. His most recent hit single “Back it Up”, featuring Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull, makes it clear that Prince Royce is ready for the mainstream pop spotlight.

12 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

June 28, 2015

Times Hollywood

‘Saved by the Bell’ Screech is sent to prison

“S

aved by the Bell” star Dustin Diamond has been arrested and jailed after his involvement in a bar brawl.

The disgraced star, who played Screech in the 90s hit show has been sentenced to four months in prison after his involvement in a stabbing in Wisconsin on Christmas day 2014. He has also been sentenced to 15 months probation.

According to Dustin and other witnesses on the night, the fight broke out after a woman punched his girlfriend. The ex-TV star then took out a knife and "accidentally" stabbed a man during the altercation.

Speaking at the hearing

yesterday, Dustin said that he would like to "sincerely apologise to everyone involved".

He continued: "This was the single most terrifying experience of my life... this is all I've been able to think about for the last six months."

This is not the first time Dustin has been in trouble with the law. He has been sued on numerous occasions for unpaid taxes and in foreclosure proceedings for missing mortgage payments.

In recent years Dustin has also released a sex tape and a 'tell-all' documentary about “Saved by the Bell”.

(Glamour)

Lil Wayne skips show after entourage refuses security check

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il Wayne's Minneapolis show got canceled because some of his crew members didn't want to be searched. The rapper, who was supposed to play the gig taking place at a club called The Venue over the weekend, "elected not to perform after members of his entourage refused to take part in the Venue's standard safety procedures," according to a statement posted on

the club's Facebook page.

These procedures include an exterior pat-down, metal detection and presenting an ID to confirm someone's age and identity.

"These safety procedures apply to customers and entertainers alike and are similar, if not identical, to safety standards and procedures utilized by clubs and arenas throughout the United States and the Twin Cities," the statement continued.

The club confirmed that Weezy was permitted entry into the club upon his arrival.

However, he chose to cancel his performance at the last minute after finding out some of his people had trouble entering the venue.

"The safety of its patrons, its performers, and its staff members is and continues to be the number one priority for The Venue.

While The Venue regrets the artist's decision not to perform, The Venue is not willing to bypass its security standards and jeopardize the safety of its patrons, performers, or staff members," the statement added.

The club is now in the process of refunding fans' tickets. Wayne hasn't responded to their claim. (AceShowbiz)

Selena Gomez says Taylor Swift Chris Brown to would not be a good roommate release new album

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elena Gomez opened up while stopping by "Shoboy in the Morning" on Thursday, June 25 that she would love to move to New York City and get close to her BFF Taylor Swift. However, she admitted that the "Bad Blood" hitmaker wouldn't be a good roommate.

As Taylor lives in N.Y.C., host Shoboy asked Selena

whether she would join her BFF to move to N.Y.C. "I want to...Honestly, I do," the 22-year-old singer confessed. However, she won't likely move to the city anytime soon as she said, "But because I purchased my house last year, I thought I should enjoy that in L.A. But it's crazy, there's been pull, something's pulling on my heart to come here [N.Y.C.]

for a little bit, but I just don't know when I'm going to take the step and do it."

When the "Love You like a Love Song" hitmaker was asked where she would reside if she moved to N.Y.C, she coyly said, "Probably close to Taylor..because I would be nervous and would not know anybody, and I'd just want to be around her." However, when asked whether the two would be good roommates, Selena admitted, "No, I don't think so...I think she also likes her personal space."

During the talk, the host also humorously launched Selena's presidential campaign with the slogan "Selena Gomez for Prez 'cause she's 'Good for You'."

When the host asked her whom she would choose as her first man in the White House if she were the president, she said, "Ryan Gosling, he looks good in a suit." Meanwhile, the face of Pantene hair care chose Paul Rudd as her Vice President because "I love Paul. I'm sure he knows a little bit about politics too."

(AceShowbiz)

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hris Brown is coming back with a new album later this year. According to Billboard, the R&B singer is planning to release his seventh studio effort this fall.

The upcoming project will feature a brand new track called "Liquor", which landed online on Thursday, June 25.

Still untitled, Brown's new album serves as the followup to last year's "X" which peaked at No. 2 on Billboard 200 and spawned the hit single "Loyal". The LP, however, will be his second to arrive in 2015. Earlier this year, he and pal/frequent collaborator Tyga released "Fan of a Fan: The Album". (AceShowbiz)

Nick Jonas opens up about split from Olivia: 'It's very tough'

Miley Cyrus named PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian of 2015

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iley Cyrus has been named as PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian of 2015.

The animal rights organization announced on its website on Thursday, June 25. Miley beats out other 100 vegetarian celebrities like Ariana Grande, Ellie Goulding, Prince and Richard Linklater for the prestigious honor.

PETA explained how it came to crown Miley as the Sexiest Vegetarian, "After hearing the heartrending song written for her beloved blowfish and reading about her unflinching dedication to animal rights and her decision to go vegan, PETA knew that Miley Cyrus isn't just any sexy vegetarian celebrity-she's the Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity of 2015! Congratulations, Miley!"

Miley, who has committed herself to living a vegan lifestyle, recently posted a photo of a plate full of veggies along with caption, "The luxurious life of a vegetarian in LA... So many good plants/fruits/veggies to eat you ain't gottttta eat dead animals!

Everything that goes into my body is aliiiiivvvve! To keeeep ME alive! Love this life!"

The "Wrecking Ball" hitmaker joins the annals of hot vegetarians who have won the award including Ellen Page, Jared Leto, Jessica Chastain, Natalie Portman, Woody Harrelson and Olivia Wilde. (AceShowbiz)

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ick Jonas is opening up about his breakup with Olivia Culpo, less than two weeks after the "Jealous" singer confirmed his split with the former Miss USA winner.

The singer sat down with ET to discuss his career and long-term battle with diabetes, but the conversation quickly turned to his recent heartbreak.

"I'm doing OK," Jonas

told ET. "It's very tough and we had a beautiful two years together and [I have] nothing but love and respect for her. But it's always hard and my thing now is focusing on my work and staying as busy as I can, as creative as I can be. These are the times you’ve just got to dive in and get lost in your work and that's what I'm trying to do."

Dealing with a public

breakup is even more difficult, as the singer’s relationship with the actress and beauty queen was often in the spotlight. Jonas previously admitted that his single "Jealous" was written about Culpo, who also appeared in the music video, and he admits he has some regrets.

"I have regrets about not being open with relationships in the past," the singer admitted. "That's the thing that makes it actually more challenging. On many levels you try to hide the relationship or do things to make it more private but that just adds more stress on the relationship. Whereas this relationship I was in was open and public and there's a lot of comfort in that and support. So yeah, I think it's the opposite actually. But it's this part of it that makes it all harder afterwards."

Nick’s older brother, Joe Jonas, just began a high-profile relationship with model Gigi Hadid, but the singer said he hasn’t given his big bro any advice on dealing with love in the spotlight.

"Their relationship is their own thing," Nick said.

"I'm happy to see my brother happy, it's a great thing.

You love seeing your family happy. She's a great girl, and I love spending time with them together, but as far as the details of their relationship, that's on them."

(Yahoo)

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 28, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 13

Star Times Bollywood

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mruta Khanvilkar is an Indian film actress who appears in Bollywood and Marathi movies. Her career in Marathi films started in 2006. She was the leading lady of the Marathi film “Saade Maade Teen” (2007), one of the highest grossing Marathi films. The actress made her Bollywood debut in “Mumbai Salsa” (2007). Amruta has established herself as one of Marathi cinema's leading actresses and an accomplished dancer.

14 Times Sunday Magazine

JUNE 28, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Bollywood

Arjun Kapoor Sunny Deol: ‘No good action films being made today’ turns 30 H

A

ctor Arjun Kapoor turned 30 on Friday and Hindi film fraternity members have wished him a year full of happiness.

Arjun, who is the son of film producer Boney Kapoor, worked as an assistant director on Nikhil Advani's “Kal Ho Naa Ho” in 2003. He also assisted Advani on his next directorial multi-starrer film “Salaam-eIshq: A Tribute to Love” in 2007. But his acting career began only with the 2012 film “Ishaqzaade”.

Arjun then portrayed a dual role in Atul Sabharwal's crime thriller film in 2013 “Aurangzeb”, following which he was seen in movies like “Gunday” and “2 States”.

Not one to step back from experimentation, Arjun was also featured in a key role in satirical English language film “Finding Fanny”.

Abhishek Bachchan twetted: “Happy birthday @arjunk26 what's goin on in there???? Big love brotherman. Have a great year.” (Times of India)

Salman Khan gives Kareena Kapoor Khan 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' painting

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he painting is that of a man and a woman, in black and white, with a red bindi on the woman's forehead adding a dash of colour on the canvas.

The film's Twitter account @BBThisEid shared a picture of the painting and tweeted on Friday, "Here’s what @ BeingSalmanKhan gifted #KareenaKapoorKhan in his Bajrangi Bhaijaan andaaz" On Thursday, Salman released the video of the song 'Bhar Do Jholi Meri' from “Bajrangi Bhaijaan”.

“Bajrangi Bhaijaan” narrates a tale of a man's journey out on a mission to take young Pakistani girl, who is mute and is lost in India, back to her country. The film spins a story around his experiences and the people he will

stumble upon during his travel. (Mid-Day)

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from the Magadha era.

The two set out on a treasure hunt, which begins in the dynasty of King Bimbisara. He ruled the Magadh empire from around 542 BC to 492 BC. He was known for his cultural achievements and was a great friend and protector of Gautam Buddha.

"There are a lot of stunts in the film which is not surprising since it features Jackie Chan, a martial arts expert. What is interesting is that Katrina too will get to do many action scenes," says a source close to the development, pointing out that she

main one. Sunil Saini, the co-producer of the film, spoke to her and she agreed. Meeting her will be like a reunion, as we haven’t met in the longest time,” says Sunny. (Hindustan Times)

John Abraham inspired by refugees’ tales

Katrina teams up with Jackie Chan

atrina Kaif is going places. The actress has signed her first international film, co-starring Jackie Chan. The film is titled “Kung Fu Yoga”.

The action-adventure will be directed by Hong Kong based filmmaker Stanley Tong. He had earlier helmed the Jackie Chan classic, Rumble in the Bronx. Katrina was born in Hong Kong.

The 31-year-old actress will play an Indian professor at a Chinese university. Chan plays a Chinese archaeologist who enlists her help to unearth treasures

is last release, “Singh Saab The Great” (2013), didn’t do well at the box office. But Sunny Deol has better hopes from the project he is currently working on — the sequel to his 1990 hit, “Ghayal”.

“The sequel is being made after 25 years.

Sometimes, it feels a bit odd, as a lot of time has passed since the original released. But the good thing is that it’s still fresh in our minds,” says the actor, who is also producing and directing the new installment.

Action was an integral part of “Ghayal”, but 25 years have seen a sea change in the way action sequences are shown in films today. However, Sunny says that he is not bothered about that. “My film is beyond current action films. No good action films are being made today. I have already done the kind of action sequences that actors do in today’s films. The most important thing is to have a good story,” says the 58-year-old.

The sequel will also see a cameo by Meenakshi Sheshadri, who was also part of the original. Since the actress has not been doing films for the past several years, was it difficult to convince her to face the camera again? “We didn’t really have to convince her. Once you are an actor, you always re-

did a lot of action in Ek Tha Tiger too.

The professor and the archaeologist will travel back in time and interact with the royals. "They will also fight off demons from their past," adds the source.

In May 2015, the Chinese superstar had told a local newspaper that he is keen to co-produce and act in Indo-Chinese collaborations. His statement appeared after the two countries inked an agreement for co-productions in 2014 when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India.

The exchange was further strengthened when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a trip to China.

Katrina has been busy with Abhishek Kapoor's “Fitoor”, an Indian adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel, “The Great Expectations”. The film will be a 2016 Valentine's Day release. (Mumbai Mirror)

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elebrity ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), John Abraham, on Saturday lunched with Barlin, a Somalian refugee who is now an Indian social worker, Sri Lankan refugees Divya and her sister, currently residing in Tamil Nadu, the Rohingas from Myanmar and a few Afghani and Iranian refugees.

And the 42-year-old actor-producer is inspired to make a film about refugees in India because cinema is the best voice to express their plight.

"India is a great country and we are accommodating as many people as we can. But Divya and her sister still had to seek special permission from the Tamil Nadu government to come and visit me today. The youth needs to be aware of such permissions that refugees need to seek," he pointed out, addressing the little-known fact that refugees need special documentation.

John, who turned producer with “Vicky Donor”, is very clear that he wants to make mainstream cinema.

"My films too will be in the commercial format but I want to get a message across," he insists.

Back in 2006, John and Kabir Khan had shot a film in Afghanistan soon after the Taliban had been overthrown by the ISAF, a group of countries headed by the US. "While I was there, I saw a lot of Afghanis leave their country and flee to neighbouring countries like India. Since, then I've been inspired to make real-life stories," he reveals.

His last production, “Madras Café”, explored the Sri Lankan crises, the assassination of our late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and the plight of refugees in India today.

"As an actor and producer, I will only do films that are close to my heart, film which carry a lot of weight and are meaningful," he asserts. (Mumbai Mirror)

Sridevi returns to the screen

S

ridevi made her successful Bollywood comeback in 2012 with Gauri Shinde's “English Vinglish”, then disappeared for three years. Now, she'll return with a Tamil action-adventure, “Puli (Tiger)”.

"Everyone in the South wants her back, she's really popular here. She heard the script and thought it was the right subject for her return. She's looking beautiful and younger than the other two actresses, Shruti Haasan and Hansika Motwane as you'll see in the teaser," raves filmmaker Shibu Thameens.

Buzz is the 51-year-old-actress is playing a queen in the period drama. "No, and it's not a period drama or a contemporary film. It's an action-adventure on the lines of Russell Crowe's The Gladiator," says Shibu.

"She is the head of a group, someone with unbelievable strength and powers and has a lot of action scenes." (Mumbai Mirror)

guyanatimesgy.com

June 28, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine

15

Times Trends

Star of the week

Trending Now

From berry lips to flushed cheeks, these are the top trends appearing on international fashion runways that are easy to recreate at home.

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alachi Alstrom, popularly known as DJ Shizzle, aims to influence people through music. Since the age of 14, Alstrom has been immensely involved in music. He played as a DJ with his friends on a sound system called Rock Bottom in Meadow Bank. In 2005, at age 16, he got his opportunity to display his talent at a Heineken DJ Spin Off, where he was awarded third place.

The owners of Hits & Jams and Fusion Sound System were present at the event and were impressed with Alstrom’s talent. They offered him an opportunity to work with them, which he readily accepted. He did gigs from small events and as “warm up” DJ on Fusion Sound System to make a name for himself. However, his career as a DJ was not without challenges and, at one point, Alstrom considered giving up his craft to wholly pursue a degree in business management at the University of Guyana. However, motivated by his passion that inspired people through music, Alstrom stayed true to his dream of being a DJ. He was rehired

by Hits & Jams. Now, Alstrom savours every moment he gets to share his love for music. He explained how he got the name “Shizzle”: “I listened to a lot of dancehall artiste Elephant Man's music and one of his favourite phrases was “shizzle ma nizzle”, and from that my friends started calling me ‘Shizzle’.” Alstrom draws inspiration from music legends like Bob Marley. He recalled a quote from Marley: “When music hits you, you feel no pain.” Alstrom believes that music is a “universal language that transcends among everyone despite class, age, gender, religion or belief”. As a DJ, Alstrom said his joy comes from entertaining people whether on the radio, in the club or at party. Because he loves what he does, Alstrom tries his best to be as “versatile as possible, including all genres of music” whenever he is deejaying.

'90s Lips From ripe berry lips to plum black lips, this is the season for a sea of lip colours

Graphic Liner Tweak the classic cat eye by opting for a straighter across swipe of black kohl. This is a more modern way to wear liner that elongates and lifts the eye and adds intrigue to the face

Bronze Shadow Many makeup artists are now opting for bronze rather than classic gold or silver. The colour really warms up the face and works paired with the earlier mentioned '90s lip colour

Easy Smoky Eyes Though sometimes a dramatic eye can be intimidating, this look can be created as a diffused look using just black and brown liner.

Flushed Cheeks Flushed cheeks create a look of a fresher, youthful face

16 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

June 28, 2015

Times Art

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"Combine Universal Thoughts of Time and Movement" (1997) Carl Anderson

hen the early Guianese artists mostly landscape painters who pursued the Romantic and Impressionist styles of the late 19th century to early 20th century -

embarked on the trail of pioneering art in Guiana, the major art hubs in the world had already begun to embrace the emergence of new styles of art.

However, Guyana’s art,

nurtured in its infancy by colonial artists in British Guiana in the 1930s, has retained a figurative character throughout its history. Even a quick look at our art will show how interested our art-

ists are in concretely depicting the life around them.

We see in paintings, for example, where it reaches a high point in the photo-realistic images of Carl Anderson. In sculpture, Winslow Craig amazes us with his life-like depiction of animal and human bodies and the other objects that he carves. Bernadette Persaud’s lush paintings of the Botanical Gardens and the paintings of countless scenes of Guyana by other artists depict the country’s flora.

Nevertheless, this is not to say that Guyanese artists are pictographic realists. A closer look shows a healthy current of works, some of which are not figurative; some in which figuration is part of a larger nonfigurative style, and some in which figures, objects and so on, are restyled in different ways.

“Abstract art” is often

Untitled (Reclining Couple) n.d. Omawale Lumumba

Untitled n.d. Parboo Singh

"Cock of the Rock" (1971) Stanley Greaves

used to describe such work in which the representation of visual reality is not a principal aim. This term can cover a range of art styles and art movements, from semiabstract to full-blown abstract works, from freeform work to geometric compositions, from Impressionism and Cubism to Optical Art and a host of other approaches.

Some of these can be seen among the main preoccupations of many of our artists. Carl Anderson, for example, is also engaged in Optical Art. Other artists, such as Terence Roberts and Derrick Callendar, are consciously abstract artists who see themselves as part of an Avant-garde, which rejects the tenets that historically underpinned European visual art.

For the viewers of abstract art, what exists in the natural world becomes non-existent to thought, and what you see depicted is almost a complete denial of reality. The work continues an array of form, shape, colour, texture, line and even the process of art creation.

To learn more about abstract art, Castellani House, located on Vlissengen Road and Homestretch Avenue, currently has on exhibition an array of abstract art done by veteran Guyanese art-

ists who have been producing work in an abstract vein since the late 1950s.

The exhibition, aptly titled “Abstract Art”, is open for public viewing until July 18, 2015. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00 hours to 17:00 hours, and Saturday from 14:00 hours to 18:00 hours. The gallery is closed on Sundays and holidays. Admission is free. (Text by Alim Hosein and Ohene Koama. Photos courtesy of Castellani House) (Cover photo: "Abstract Still Life" (1972) R. G. Viard)

"Melancholy" (1974) Gary Thomas

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June 28, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 17

Times Tech

How the new, faster Qi wireless charging spec could boost your iPhone

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he Wireless Power Consortium has updated its popular Qi wireless power specification to include a new 15-watt fast charging mode that can take your iPhone power from zero to 60 per cent in half an hour.

This means that if Apple eventually does choose to expand the availability of wireless charging across its product range, it could do so with no detriment to charging times.

The new standard is designed to bring Qi — which is offered in numerous flagship Android and Windows Phone handsets, as well as other personal electronics — closer to the capabilities of modern wired power delivery systems.

Recent developments have allowed some manufacturers to include wired quick-charge modes that can fill as much as 30 per cent of a mobile phone's battery in as little as 15 minutes.

Qi's low power mode — the variant used to charge mobile devices — was previously

Tech BYTE

M

Microsoft to make $31m Samsung jams up Tech from Windows XP support news Windows security deal with US Navy amsung has been in-

i c r o s o f t Corporation is set to make more money from the 14-year old Windows XP, since the US Navy has demanded support for the operating system (OS). The support deal is worth $30.8 million, and is to last until 2017.

The US Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Tuesday signed a deal with Microsoft worth $9.1 million per year, and pertains to custom security update support for the 100,000 Navy workstations that run Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Exchange 2003, and Office 2003.

“The Navy relies on a number of legacy applications and programs that are reliant on legacy Windows products. Until those applications and programs are modernized or phased out, this continuity of services is required to maintain operational effectiveness,” SPAWAR spokesperson Steven Davis said.

Tech news

G

limited to 5 watts, making it noticeably slower than simply plugging a device into the wall.

The company is known to have investigated wireless charging in many variations over the years, leading to a number of rumours that it may finally adopt the technology in future iPhones and iPads.

(Source: Apple Insider)

S

Furthermore, the US Navy has plans to change the obsolete platform, as the current system makes it vulnerable to more threats.

The out-dated technology makes it more susceptible to intrusion, which may lead to data loss, network performance issues, and adverse effects on efficiency of mission readiness.

Former Naval cryptologic technician Joe Loomis has noted that the Navy’s systems comprise of a large variety of hardware, which is not compatible with Windows 7. However,

Loomis says that the support deal cost is like a drop in the bucket, compared to the cost of changing the whole system.

The U.S. Navy is not the only big fish keeping Windows XP alive. The U.K. government paid Microsoft a hefty sum last year for continued support of XP, and at the same time so did the Dutch government.

According to web analytics firm Net Applications, it’s thought that as much as 15 per cent of desktop computers accessing the web are running Windows XP.

terfering with the automatic Windows Update process by using a .exe file to disable it.

The executable "could result in consumer groups red-flagging Samsung products because this practice puts users at risk," suggested Rob Enderle, principal at the Enderle Group.

The action "will work against Microsoft's efforts to create an acceptably safe Windows user environment."

Samsung reportedly said it created the executable to prevent driver updating problems with accessories such as USB 3.0 ports.

That could be a legitimate reason, said Eric Smith, a senior analyst at Strategy Analytics.

"Windows will have an update for a driver, and the OEM will have updates for that driver, and users may not know which the right one is," he told the E-Commerce

Times, "but I think if that was the issue, Samsung would be able to work with Microsoft behind the scenes."

"It could be that Samsung's experimenting with this executable as a way of managing the experience," he speculated.

Still, the effort was "hamhanded," he acknowledged.

The issue came to

updates

light on Tuesday, when Microsoft MVP Patrick Barker published a blog post about his discovery when helping a user who was having problems.

Microsoft is "likely not at all happy that Samsung has done this," Enderle suggested.

Executives from the two companies reportedly are discussing the issue.

(Tech News World)

Chrome allegedly listening to your voice, recording it without your permission

oogle is under fire for downloading and installing a Chrome browser extension that allegedly listens to a user's conversations.

The accusations first came from Rick Falkvinge, founder of the Pirate Party, who says Google has installed black box code, or code that cannot be audited by other parties, into the opensource Chromium, the browser upon which Chrome is based.

This code is said to be downloading and installing an extension that activates the "Ok Google" search function, which allows users to search for things via voice when they open Google's home page or a blank, new tab on

Chrome.

"Your computer has been stealth configured to send what was being said in your room to somebody else, to a private company in another country, without your consent or knowledge, an audio transmission triggered

by... an unknown and unverifiable set of conditions," says Falkvinge.

However, Google has responded to this issue, pointing out that the ability to use "Ok Google" commands and enable the extension is an opt-in feature. Under

Settings in Chrome, one will find a box that says "Enable 'Ok Google' to start a voice search."

This box is not checked by default, and for Google to start listening out for "Ok Google," users will have to have checked this box before.

"Our primary focus is getting code ready for Google Chrome," says Google. "If a third-party distributes it, it is their responsibility to enforce their own policy."

Falkvinge says the solution to stop technology companies from eavesdropping is not a software switch but a physical hardware switch that can cut the microphone off from its electrical supply.

However, unless somebody gets to audit that code, we can't really know for sure if Google, or Apple listening out for "Hey Siri" and Microsoft listening out for "Hey Cortana," is actually eavesdropping in on you right now.

(Tech Times)

18 Times Sunday Magazine

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June 28, 2015

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

Simple pork pies

I

n today’s world, doing the laundry ought not to include a trip to the canal or creek but rather a walk to a room in the home we call the laundry room.

For many though, the laundry room also becomes the “catch-all” of the home - from dirty shoes to unused and unwanted items to just plain junk.

With proper room design and layout however, whether or not the room is large or small, you can keep clutter at bay and have a functional place to do your laundry.

White appliances and cabinetry over black tile floors bring a classic and clean look to a laundry room

A rustic look with modern appliances is a popular design in many homes, and this laundry room, just off the kitchen, features an old-time basin-sink with cabinets that house - and hide - laundry appliances

Ingredients: 500g good-quality pork sausages 1 apple, grated 1 tbsp. chopped flat-leaf parsley Pinch grated nutmeg

2 1/4 cups (340g) plain flour 80g unsalted butter 1 egg, beaten, plus 1 egg yolk to glaze Tomato chutney or sauce, to serve

Method: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a 6-hole muffin pan.

Squeeze the sausage meat out of the casings into a bowl. Add the apple, parsley and nutmeg, then season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Sift flour into a bowl, add 1 tsp. salt, and make a well in centre.

Melt the butter with 100ml water in a pan over low heat, then add to the flour and stir to combine.

Add the beaten egg and use your hands to bring the mixture together to form a smooth ball.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured board; use a 10cm pastry cutter to cut 6 rounds from the dough. Use rounds to line the prepared muffin pan, leaving a slight overhang.

Divide the sausage mixture among the muffin holes. Bring the remaining pastry together into a ball and re-roll. Use a 7cm cutter to cut 6 lids from the dough.

Brush the overhanging pastry in the muffin holes with a little water, sit the lids on the filling, then fold the overhang up around the edges and press in.

Roll any excess pastry into long thin strips and use to run around the edge of each pie to form a decorative seal.

Brush the pies with beaten egg yolk and bake for 35 minutes or until golden.

Cool slightly before removing from the pan. Cool completely before packing. Serve with tomato chutney or sauce.

GREATEST KITCHEN TIPS For perfect rice, wash and rinse the rice well, until the water runs clear.

Drain. Place in a saucepan with double the amount of water and a little salt and stir once. Bring to the boil, then turn the heat all the way down and cover the pan tightly with a lid. Cook on the lowest heat possible for 10-15 minutes without uncovering the pan. Use a fork to fluff up the cooked rice.

Don't stir the rice throughout the cooking - it will make it stodgy and don't cook the rice on too high a heat as it may stick and burn on the bottom before the rest of the rice is cooked.

HOME HELP

Lots of cupboards, drawers and other storage absorb items that could lead to clutter in the laundry room

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

Half of a lemon sprinkled with table salt can be used safely to clean or remove stains from granite. For stains, leave lemon and salt on stain to soak, then rinse with clean water and dry.

If you have weeds growing in the cracks of your patio, deck, or driveway, kill them by spraying them with a solution of quarter cup of salt added to 1 gallon of water.

guyanatimesgy.com

June 28, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

Toxic don’ts of parenting

A Funny Poems The Earthworm

Mrs. Brown had taught first grade for twenty years or more.

She was a real good teacher; all the folks knew that for sure.

One day in her zeal to teach her students helpful things She chose drinking whiskey, and the problems that it brings.

She poured some whiskey in a glass so they could plainly see, Then showed to them an earthworm. All the students squealed with glee.

"See how he wiggles and moves so fast," said Mrs. Brown, and then She dropped him straight down in the glass. They didn't understand.

She held the glass, and then she said, "Now, come and look inside."

They looked, and it was plain to see, he had shrivelled up and died.

s a parent, the way you treat your spouse can have a positive or negative effect on your child or children that can in turn enhance or diminish their childhood.

Couples who show mutual respect, cooperation, and encouragement, teach children healthy relationship skills. Couples who exhibit toxic behaviours send kids the wrong message about love and life.

Their dysfunctional behaviour can influence the way their children see themselves and the world around them.

Don’t compete to be the best or most loved parent. Don’t compete to show your child who does the most work around the home or at their job. Playing “good parent, bad parent” will only encourage a child to manipulate the situation.

Don’t overcompensate for the other parent. If a mother tends to be really strict, the father may respond by being extra laid back in an ef-

STORY TIME

Bad Company

"Now children," she said tenderly, "you've all looked at this worm.

"Can anyone explain today the lesson that you've learned?"

All the students shook their heads, but Johnny raised his hand.

"I know, I know," Little Johnny said. "I know! I understand!"

Mrs. Brown saw Johnny's hand and she was very glad.

With glowing eyes and a happy heart, she looked at him and said, "All right, Johnny. Stand up, now, and tell them what you learned."

"If you drink whiskey all the time, you never will have worms!"

Donna Word Chappell

Who Is She?

Her eyes are like diamonds that are shiny and bright Her hair is so soft and black as the night Her legs are long and her body is slender When you hold her close she is warm and tender

A

rich man had only one son. The son fell into the bad company. He developed many bad habits.

The man was much worried about the habits of his son. He tried his best to mend his habits but he could not succeed. One day he thought of a plan to teach his son a lesson.

He went to market and purchased some fresh apples and a rotten one. He came back to his home and called his son. He asked his son to

put all the apples along with the rotten one in the almirah.

The son did the same.

After some days father asked his son to bring the apples. As he opened the door of almirah he was surprised to note that all the apples had become rotten.

He felt sad.

At this, his father told him to see how one rotten apple had spoiled all the rest. In the same way one bad companion could spoil all others. The father's advice had the desired effect.

The boy gave up bad company and became good again.

Moral: Better alone than in bad company. (Gayatri Roy)

fort to balance out his partner’s no-nonsense attitude.

Overcompensating for the other parent leads to a lack of consistency, which isn’t healthy for kids.

Don’t collude with your child. Keeping secrets from your partner, lying, complaining about the other parent with your child, or agreeing to behaviour that the other parent would never allow, is an unhealthy dynamic.

Don’t let your child see you two arguing over discipline. It’s not healthy for children to see their parents disagree over what’s best for them. Showing a lack of respect toward the other parent will only encourage your child to do the same.

Kids need clear structure, firm limits, and consistent discipline; this means there will be days where you won’t win any popularity contests - but who ever said that is what parenting is all about?

Reflections The Baby Pray, have you heard the news?

Sturdy in lungs and thews, There's a fine baby!

Ring bells of crystal lip, Wave boughs with blossoming tip; Think what he may be!

Love cannot love enough, Winter is never rough All round such sweetness; One of a million more Sent to the glad heart's door In their completeness!

Such news is never old, Though in each ear't is told, As a first birthday.

Welcome, thou ray of light!

In golden prayers bedight, Sail down thy mirth-way!

Rose Hawthorne Lathrop

Hiding amongst the shadows so tall Looking much closer she's not there at all Always in trouble with her curious way She stays out all night and sleeps in all day Creeps into your room and sits up on your bed Gives gentle kisses on your nose and your head Always expects you to open the door There isn't a sound as she walks on the floor She will not come over when you call Walks straight past as if you're not there at all If you want to work she wants to play Doesn't care if you forget her birthday Is she your wife or is she your lover Is she a friend or is she your mother She is none of those things I can tell you that This beautiful creature is only the cat Virginia Gronow

My Family Tree

My mother's brother's sister's name is Grace She's my aunt and likes to go from place to place My mother's sister's brother's name is Brad He's my uncle and he is my cousin's Dad My grandmother on my mother's side Is my maternal gran, she is my grandfather's bride She also is my father's mother-in-law And not surprisingly they often go to war My cousin is the nephew of my mother His father happens to be my mother's brother My aunty's niece is in fact myself Hope you're not too confused, because I can't help.

Akshita Singh

By Grammar G

Closing the gap of misunderstanding

I

n English, we can spell many words either as two words with a space in between (called an open compound) or as one word with no space between (called a closed compound).

For example, things can be under way (in motion) or underway (occurring while in motion). Things can happen any way (in any manner) or anyway (regardless).

One such word whose compound roots we can trace is another. It may seem like it was always one word but in fact it comes from Middle and early modern English as an other.

Around 1380 it was written in both forms but by the 16th century it was standardized as a closed compound another.

In fact, as an open compound it was also spelt a nother by some writers.

In some past English dialects this led to nother meaning a second or additional thing being referred to; this led to forms like no nother (none other)

and no notherwise (not otherwise).

These, as you can guess, are today obsolete. But remnants remain with a modern American South dialect construction a whole nother (a whole other), found too in Guyanese Creole (“That’s a “whole naddah” headache.”)

Sometimes in English, misunderstanding meanings would lead to new words: apron was originally a napron but misunderstandings led to an apron. Similarly, newt was originally an ewt but misunderstood and now accepted as a newt.

Another such victim was an ekename which in Anglo-Saxon times meant a nickname. At some point in its linguistic history it was misunderstood and incorrectly separated to leave first a nekename or neke name before being reworked and standardized by the mid-1600s as nickname.

Academics call this process metanalysis and define it as a “misdivision” or shift in the division between words in a phrase.

Today, some words are accepted in both forms; teachers and grammarians just ask that you be consistent with whichever one you use in your writing.

The words pine cone or pinecone, lamp shade or lampshade and web site or website for example, are all accepted.

20 Times Sunday Magazine

June 28, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Sunday Puzzle

The following are colloquialisms/idioms written in their literal form. Try to find all four.

Example: Restrain your multiple Equus caballus. (Hold your horses) 1. A colourless crystalline carbon existing within an uncouth environment.

2. Descending in the manner of the order of Diptera.

3. A late pop singer has departed from the premises.

4. To be delivered by metallic object that brings forth a great ringing noise. see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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June 28, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 21

Times Kids

GEOZONE

Creature Corner

Tardigrade Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

T

he tardigrade (Tardigrada) more familiarly known as the water bear or moss piglet, belongs to a class of chubby microscopic animals with eight legs and long sharp claws. Some are smoothskinned and some are armoured plated.

About half a millimetre (500 micrometres) in length, which, according to americanscientist.org, is about the size of the period at the end of this sentence, tardigrades can be found in almost every habitat on Earth.

They are able to remain alive or come back from “the dead” says the BBC, whether you “Boil them, deepfreeze them, crush them, dry them out or blast them into space.”

With some 900 known species, most feed by sucking the juices from moss, lichens and algae; others are carnivores, and will prey on other tardigrades. Their mouth contains dagger-like teeth for spearing food.

Though discovered by German pastor, Johann August Ephraim Goezelt in the late 1700s, it was Italian clergyman/scientist Lazzaro Spallanzani who discovered their abilities and named them il Tardigrado, meaning “slow-stepper”, because they moved so slowly.

According to Neil de Grasse Tyson on “Cosmos”, tardigrades have been on the earth for some half a billion years, longer than any other known animal, and as such have survived all Earth’s five mass extinctions.

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

I

n 1915, German meteorologist and geoscientist Alfred Wegener proposed his theory of continental drift.

He had observed that all along the Atlantic coasts, Africa and South America fit together like jigsaw puzzle pieces while sediments from earth’s geological ages could be found on both continents, and closely related plant families grew some 200 million years ago in India, Australia and

the Antarctic.

Wegener theorized that in the past, one previously big and continuous land mass, which he called Pangaea, broke apart and the individual pieces then drifted to their current positions.

However, because he could not suggest a cause for the drift, his theory was not considered. Fifty years later and after his death, his theory of continental drift was acknowl-

edged and, according to National Geographic, replaced by the science of plate tectonics today.

Today, we know that the continents rest on massive slabs of rock called tectonic plates. The plates are always moving and interacting in a process called plate tectonics.

Scientists think that several supercontinents like Pangaea have formed and broken up over the course of the Earth’s lifespan.

Animal Word Scramble aiacnm ___________________________ aonnadac _________________________ maup _____________________________ edre ______________________________ tpira _______________________ lgeae _______________________ rpotra _______________________ amawc _______________________ please see solution on page 23

World of Wonder

22 Times Sunday Magazine

EXPLORING THE REALMS OF HISTORY, SCIENCE, NATURE & TECHNOLOGY

Ukulele from Hawaii

Guitars

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 28, 2015

World of Wonder

Harp history The word harp is probably rooted in an Anglo-Saxon word that means “to pluck.” Harp, or “harpa,” was used to describe the triangular stringed instruments of the 13th century.

EXPLORING THE REALMS OF HISTORY, SCIENCE, NATURE & TECHNOLOGY

Instruments similar to guitars were used in ancient Egypt.

The Moors, who invaded Spain in A.D. 711, are thought to have brought the guitar from northern Africa to Europe. People played acoustic guitars until the 1930s, when electric guitars appeared on the commercial market.

The classical acoustic guitar is a six-stringed wooden instrument. It typically has a classical shape, similar to early guitars from Italy and France.

By Laurie Triefeldt

The ancient Egyptians played large (6-foot-tall) bow harps with 19 strings.

Two-thirds of a modern symphony orchestra consists of string instruments. These include violins, violas, cellos and double basses, which are usually played with a bow. Pianos and harps are also string instruments. The harp is plucked by hand. Hammers inside a piano hit hidden strings to sound the notes. Many other string instruments are plucked by hand or with a tool called a The first piano, or pianoforte,plectrum.

The piano plays was built in Italy and exhibited in 1709. Its ability to play soft and loud was an improvement over the harpsichord.

an important part in many kinds of music.

This depiction of a harp is from a mural in the tomb of a pharaoh.

Almost all pianos have steel strings.

Acoustic guitar strings were once made of catgut (animal intestines).

The modern concert harp is a difficult instrument to learn, with 47 strings and seven pedals to control.

Classical guitars are often made of rosewood or cedar.

The banjo is often played in country, folk and bluegrass music.

Modern flamenco or Spanish guitars are made of cypress and are smaller and lighter than the modern classical guitar. Most have push-pegs (like a violin) for tuning.

Banjos have four or five strings.

The bandura is a Ukrainian instrument.

Harpsichord from France c. 1670

Portuguese fish lute 19th century

The evolution of the violin The sitar, a stringed instrument of the lute family, is popular in northern India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

The word ‘sitar’ is derived from the Persian word ‘sehtar’, meaning “three-stringed.”

The instrument appears to have descended from long-necked lutes taken to India from Central Asia.

The Russian balalaika is a kind of folkmusic lute with three strings and a triangular body.

The Ancient Assyrians and Mesopotamians played an angled harp with 12 to 15 strings.

The lyre or vertical harp was very popular in Greece and Rome.

The lyre is played with one hand.

The triangular harp evolved during the Middle Ages. At this time, the pillar was added to give the strings more tension, resulting in better tone and volume.

The earliest written records of string instruments that were played with a bow date back to the 800s in Persia and China.

Rebecs came in many sizes and pitches. They often had three strings.

Viola is pronounced “vee-OH-la.”

The kemanche is an ancient Persian instrument.

The huqin (hu-ch’in) is a Chinese fiddle with the bow threaded between the strings.

The rebec arrived in Europe from the Middle East in the 12th century.

The vielle had five strings and was very popular by the Medieval period.

The viola d’amore The violin has of the 16th four strings and century had five can be traced to or six strings.

Italy in the 1500s.

guyanatimesgy.com

June 28, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 23

World Times

Pathogens found in India KFC food The Philonoist samples; food chain rejects report

Happy Families

F

ive samples from five outlets of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in Hyderabad have been found to contain harmful pathogens, salmonella and E.Coli bacteria.

The Telangana State Food Laboratory (SFL), which conducted the test on the bidding of NGO Balala Hakula Sangham, called the samples "unsafe" even as KFC rejected the findings and denied any knowledge of the samples being collected in the first place.

The report, dated June 24, filed by SFL food analyst AV Krishna Kumari states: "I am of the opinion that the samples contain E.Coli and salmonella, which are pathogens and injurious to health. It is, therefore, unsafe."

The SFL is a part of the Hyderabad-based Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM).

"We took the samples from Himayatnagar, Vidyanagar, Chikkadpally, Nacharam and ECIL X Road on June 18 and sent it to the state food laboratory the same day in packed and sealed condition in the original KFC snack box," said Anuradha Rao, president of the NGO. The US fast food giant in turn questioned the conditions under which the samples were transported for the test.

In a written statement, it said, "This alleged report is a case of false allegation.

We have no knowledge of the sample being collected from any of our stores and in what condition it has been transported for this alleged test. This is a perishable food item meant for immediate consumption."

It added, "We have not received any intimation from any authority in this re-

gard."

While the NGO sought an immediate ban on KFC products, K Balaji Raju, the designated food safety officer (DFSO) in charge of central zone of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) clarified that his department cannot take action if food samples are tested independently by an NGO. "Only when the food samples lifted by our department turns out to be positive in food safety labs for any contamination, it can result in an action against the defaulter from our side," he said.

On its part, KFC claimed that it maintains the highest standards of hygiene.

"There is no possibility of any microbial development in our food, which is freshly cooked at 170 degrees Celsius," the KFC spokesperson said. (TOI)

Q: What is the difference between a crocodile, alligator and caiman?

The devil is in the details.

Actually, the first difference is that the caiman and the alligator belong to the family of alligatoridae, while the crocodile belongs to the crocodylidae family, all of the order crocodylia (or crocodilia). Separate but related, albeit distantly.

Among the alligator and the caiman, the differences include the absence of a bony septum between the nostrils of the caiman, and its overlapping scales.

Caiman are also said to have sharper and longer teeth.

Jaw shape, teeth placement and showing, different tolerance for salt water and sense organ placement on the body are the other general differences (not all differences are cast in stone though) between alligatoridae and crocodylidae.

Top to bottom: gharial, caiman, alligator and crocodile

Other differences are not so easy to state. Though there is a stereotype that crocodiles are more aggressive, temperament and behaviours vary between species in both families. While some alligators are bigger than some crocodiles, they can be smaller than other crocodiles.

There are said to be 14 species in the crocodylidae family, and two in the alligatoridae family. In fact there are three groups of families in the crocodylia order (alligatoridae, crocodylidae and gavialidae, the latter comprising the gharial and false gharial.)

One fascinating fact is that according to scientists, crocodylia are the closest living relatives of birds.

In Tanzania 50 people ‘own entire district’

Animal Word Scramble Answer caiman anaconda

puma deer

tapir eagle

parrot macaw

Brain Teaser Answer 1. A diamond in the rough - A term referring to someone with good character, but lacking social grace.

2. Dropping like flies - This means to lose attention or become bored easily. It can also mean for a large number of people to get sick very rapidly.

3. Elvis has left the building - It was an announcement made at the end of Elvis' concerts to get fans to leave. It is now used when a major event has ended.

4. Saved by the bell - Now used when someone is in trouble, and is saved by an unrelated cause.

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

A

new report on land ownership in the country of Tanzania has detailed shocking details of land grabbing, with at least half of one district reportedly being owned by only 50 individuals.

The report by the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) says that more than 64.7 per cent of Tanzanians own land without formal documentation, with most of the land falling in the hands of people described as “grabbers”.

The land held by such people, according to the report, is often owned in the name of public interests, especially investment concessions.

Speaking during the launch of the report Thursday in Dar es Salaam, LHRC Head of Corporate

and Government Watch, Flaviana Charles, said that land grabbing was increasingly becoming widespread in the country.

We looked at areas with big investments and noted a corresponding increase in cases of human rights violations,’’ said Ms Charles as she pinpointed Kilosa District in Morogoro Region, where she revealed that about half of the land was in the hands of not more than 50 individuals.

“Rich people own the land and this has brought conflicts due to shortage of farming and grazing land for the common citizens,’’ said Ms Charles as she alluded to the report indicating that commercial pressure and poor land governance acquisitions were among the factors fuelling

conflicts.

The report indicates that obtaining land titles deeds has remained a huge challenge for most Tanzanians whereby lack information on how land is acquired, and insecurity in villages have almost become the norm.

According to the report, at least 17 million Tanzanians still lack certificates for either customary or government rights of occupancy in about 15 regions which were earmarked for research by the LHRC. Most of the country’s arable land - about 75 per cent - was found to have been occupied by either local residents, investment companies or other institutions including government agencies, the report further revealed. (The Citizen)

24

Times Sunday Magazine

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June 28, 2015

Fun Times

Archie

ARIES

Your easygoing manner (March 21- and natural charm will put June 28) you in the spotlight. An evening out with friends will help you unwind and put your troubles out of mind. Avoid lending or borrowing.

You may not be aware of TAURUS the strong influence that you (April 20have on others. You will be May 20) admired for your determination and willingness to fight for the underdog. Your popularity will grow.

GEMINI If you are dissatisfied with (May 21- your life, check out interests June 20) that you find appealing. A change at home or work will motivate you to try to do your best.

CANCER (June 28July 22)

Dilbert

Your sociable mood will make you want to be around those who share your background and appreciate your special talents. Your liveliness and sense of fun will ensure a wonderful time.

LEO Keep busy with physi(July 23- cal challenges and activities.

Aug. 22) Home improvements, gardening or a nature walk will help to dispel the anxiety and frustration you have been dealing with lately.

A friend or colleague will VIRGO ask you for advice with a per(Aug. 23sonal problem. Your expeSept. 22) rience and patience will be needed to find a resolution that satisfies everyone.

LIBRA Don’t let anyone take ad(Sept. 23- vantage of you. Being easygoOct. 23) ing is commendable, but you will become frustrated if you are taken for granted. Don’t be afraid to say no.

Peanuts

SCORPIO Being too forthcoming (Oct. 24- with your opinions will lead Nov. 22) to trouble. If you don’t want to cause a rift in a happy relationship, keep your opinions a secret.

Emotional matters will be SAGITTARIUS overwhelming.

A frank dis(Nov. 23cussion with whomever you Dec. 21) are having issues with is the best way to clear the air. Be direct and honest for best results.

Calvin and Hobbes

CAPRICORN Take your time before (Dec. 22- you make a hasty decision.

Jan. 19) You will be overly sensitive and will take other people’s problems on as your own. Be aware of what is best for you.

AQUARIUS Don’t be hesitant to let (Jan. 20- others know what you are Feb. 19) thinking. Those who come to you for help or advice will appreciate your innovative suggestions and solutions.

PISCES Someone from your past (Feb. 20- will come to mind or back into March 20) your life. Becoming too chummy with a colleague will jeopardize your position. Someone will try to use your words against you.