Sunday Times Magazine - April 19, 2015

Sunday April 19, 2015

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Iwokrama Rainforest

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Walter Roth Museum exhibits ancient artefacts Recent donation sparks questions and offers glimpses of our early inhabitants Page 3

2 Times Sunday Magazine

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APRIL 19, 2015

Times Feature

Iwokrama Rainforest

Kufa flower

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hen people explore Guyana’s rainforest, there is much interest in the birds and other rainforest animals, but the world of plants is equally captivating.

A non-timber forest product, the Kufa is proof of Guyana’s rich flora resources.

The Kufa (Clusia grandifora) is a hemiepiphyte (a plant that spends part of its life cycle attached to a tree without harming the host tree, but later becomes rooted in the soil).

When young, they are flexible. Upon maturity

Kufa fruit

they are woody, with the plant’s body high up in the tree’s crown and many long roots reaching the ground.

However, it does not derive nutrients from the tree so it is not parasitic. It has large leaves and very attractive flowers.

The aerial roots of Kufa, often in conjunction with another hemiepiphyte, Nibbi (Heteropsis spp), and/ or the palm product Tibisiri (Mauritia flexuosa), are used commercially for wicker furniture manufacture in Guyana.

Mature aerial roots are pliable with very strong fi-

bres, and can be harvested without killing the plant.

The thick woody roots of Kufa are used for framing chairs, benches and tables.

According to the Guyana Forestry Commission, in its Code of Practice for Harvesting Kufa and Nibbi (2010), the Arawak and Carib indigenous communities in Guyana have harvested Kufa and Nibbi roots for commercial purposes since the 1930s. For those indigenous communities involved in this trade, harvesting often provides their primary source of income.

The Commission added

that over the years, the kufa and nibbi industries have undergone many changes: transformed from a family pastime to national industries, and creating jobs for many in the sector.

In order to maintain a constant supply of these two products, despite the rising demand for them, the Commission ensures these resources are managed in a sustainable manner.

It is common to see Kufa on the tourist trails of Iwokrama, and guides there will be sure to point it out.

At Iwokrama, you can retrace the footsteps of the Makushi people, wander the

Kufa in the Iwokrama rainforest

extensive trail system and discover the unforgettable flora, fauna and Amerindian history, so special to this tropical paradise.

The Iwokrama forest is an extraordinary destination for naturalists, birders and anyone seeking an authentic retreat to the jungle.

For more of the tours that Iwokrama offers, call the Iwokrama office on (592) 225-1504 to speak with Chauncy or Diana or

email tourism@iwokrama. org. Visit http://iwokramariverlodge.com or check out Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development on Facebook.

(Photos by Dr Raquel Thomas) (Cover photosBeautiful tables made with Kufa right here in Guyana and Harvesting Kufa sustainably in the Guyana rainforest (Photos by David Carlson)

Forest Resources Allocation map 2011 (Forest Resources Information Unit FRIU)

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April 19, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine

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Times Feature

Recent donation sparks questions and offers glimpses of our early inhabitants Plantation Mon Repos.

“The symbol found on the adorno was utilised over 7,000 years ago as a directional symbol used in burial practices in Barabina, where we were able to excavate human skeletal remains with the orientation of the dead towards the

The 2,000-year-old Akawaio pot

over 2,000 years. It has been established that this river, as well as some of its tributaries, was occupied by the Akawaio nation.

The ‘adorno’

A

A piece from the J J Quelch collection with the 'wavy locks' on the back

t the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology there are numerous captivating artefacts that tell of our rich indigenous past. Two such artefacts are a 2,000-yearold Akawaio vessel and an ‘adorno’.

The Akawaio pot was donated to the Walter Roth Museum in mid September 2014 by miner, Bernie Leung. Estimated to be more than 2,000 years old, Leung found the artefact in the 1970s at Marshall Falls in the Mazaruni area.

“The pot is about 2,000 years old due to its relation to what already exists.

There is no absolute date for it, and although there is a method which can be used for absolute dating, it was not excavated, so a relative date was done.

“It could have been washed down the river... we don’t know exactly where it came from… hence it cannot be considered in an archaeological context where an excavation took place by levels. Someone found it while dredging, so it had to be related to what was happening on the Mazaruni River and at that time we know that Akawaio people occupied the area,” explained Jennifer Wishart, cultural advisor at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

The circular clay pot, with indigenous designs and an earthy scent, was found in the course of mining under 30 feet of sand at the bottom of the Mazaruni River. Flecks of gold can be seen at the bottom of the pot.

Annette Arjoon-Martins, who presented the pot on behalf of Leung, explained that it was taken to Canada with Leung when he migrated in 1980, but he felt it belonged to Guyana and decided to donate it to the Walter

Roth Museum. “[The pot] is only said to be Akawaio because of the river where it was found, because we know that the Akawaio occupied it. Although this is found in the Mazaruni River, the incised and punctuated tradition [design] found on the pot is more of an Arawak tradition, yet the pot was found in an Akawaio territory,” explained Wishart.

With regard to indigenous ceramic designs, there are two types: the incised and punctuated tradition (lines and dents) and the polychrome tradition (painted ceramics). The incised and punctuated tradition was mainly used by the Akawabi (an Arawak-like) people while the polychrome was known to be used by the Cariban people.

According to Wishart, the pot may not necessarily be Akawaio, “it could have been traded or brought to that location”.

“The Akawaio moved a lot; they were known as the great long distance traders. They moved around the country from one place to the next and so the pot could have been traded, they did not necessarily make it,” Wishart suggested.

Wishart pointed out too that the Akawaio made the best graters, so it could be assumed that the pot might have been bartered for a grater.

The vessel represents the Akawabi incised and punctuate tradition, described by the late Dr Betty Meggers and Dr Clifford Evans in their publication, Archaeological Investigations in British Guiana published in 1960.

Furthermore, Quartz Island in the Mazaruni River was one of the late Dr Denis Williams’ first archaeological excavations.

Pottery recovered from this site dates to 80 BC or just

Holding significant data on the ancient indigenous culture in Guyana, the ‘adorno’, which was found with the Akawaio vessel, is an archaeological term that means “added on”.

The adorno, with “wavy hair” or “wavy locks” on the

Jennifer Wishart

back, had been described by Williams as a “fun e r ary” object. This ‘ w a v y hair/wavy A look inside the pot locks’ feature can be seen on oth- western sky,” Wishart noter funerary objects, includ- ed. ing the anthropomorphic So why then was this rattle in the Quelch collec- artefact, holding a mortution of Carib remains from ary symbol that was used

The late Dr Denis Williams

more than 7,000 years ago, found with a 2,000-year-old Akawaio vessel? According to Wishart, it is one of those things that we do because it was usually done and we forgot how it began.

“In Barabina, the Warrau were not pottery makers, so there were not making these things. The symbol represents direction here [on the adorno]. Later people were making ceramics and put locks on the back of the adorno as directional guidelines [to tell the front from the back],” she disclosed.

In Prehistoric Guiana, Williams wrote, “In direct association with the motive [a symbolic gesture] comprising wavy locks on the auciput or back of neck as a directional device in mortuary rituals, that is, to point the face of the deceased to the Land of the Death in the Western Sky.” The public, especially students, is invited to explore the Walter Roth Museum and learn about our rich heritage. For more information call 225-8486.

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Times Sunday Magazine

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April 19, 2015

Times Feature

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Part II: The Catholic Church after the departure of Bishop John Hynes

hen Bishop John Hynes handed over the administration of the Catholic Church in March 1857 to the Jesuits under the care of Fr James Etheridge, SJ, he left the colony on Oct 25.

The immediate administration was left to Etheridge and two Italians: Aloysius Emiliani from the Roman Province, and Fr Clement Negri from Naples, who arrived in March 1857, eight months ahead of the other Jesuits: James Jones, Frederick de Betham, Henry Segrave and Peter Sherlock from the English Province; another Italian, Joseph Pavarelli and a Maltese, Benedict Schembri.

The task facing Etheridge included spreading the Catholic faith to a population made up of indigenous Indian tribes, recently emancipated African slaves, the European colonialists who had enslaved them, and increasing numbers of indentured labourers arriving from different countries.

This unusual situation led to the appointment of Etheridge as bishop one year later. Jesuit rule usually forbade such an appointment except in urgent cases; the Holy See believed this was such an occasion.

Etheridge had arrived to a colony that had so far seen the establishment of five churches: the Church of the Resurrection or Procathedral in Georgetown, and churches at New Amsterdam, Malgretout, Abram Zuil (Essequibo) and Santa Rosa (Moruca River).

There was also the Ursuline Convent with its chapel, St. Rose's secondary school for girls and St. Anne's Orphanage with its accompanying school, St. Angela's.

When the remaining Jesuit priests arrived in November, Father Segrave was promptly sent to take over the mission in Barbados where there had not been a priest for the previous three or four years.

Fr. Negri was sent to New Amsterdam, Fr. De Bethem to Abraham Zuil and Fr. Favarelli to Malgretout. Fr. Etheridge kept Frs. Jones, Sherlock, Schembri and Emiliani in Georgetown to assist him.

Emiliani took charge of the convent and its schools, as well as the out-stations on the East Coast Demerara as far as Mahaica.

Early in 1858, Fr. Sherlock became ill and had to return to England. Fr. Woollet, S.J replaced him towards the end of the year.

Sacred Heart Church, opened 1861. It was destroyed by a 2004 fire during Christmas morning mass, 143 years after an official opening during Christmas midnight mass

Working among the Portuguese immigrants, Frs. Emilliani and Schembri, who learnt to speak their language, oversaw an increase in church attendance. A plot of land was then purchased in Main Street through the

The resting place of Bishop John Hinds at St Finbarr’s Cemetery, Cork, Ireland. A bishop’s mitre is carved in relief over now almost indecipherable Latin writing on its headstone (Photo courtesy Barry Keane of the Friends of St Finbarr’s Cemetery group, Cork, Ireland)

help of wealthy Portuguese businessman Manuel Fernandez, and a new church dedicated to the Sacred Heart was built.

The Christmas midnight mass of 1861, celebrated

by Fr Benedict Schembri, marked the official opening of the new church, though its solemn blessing had to wait until June 2, 1862 when Bishop Etheridge returned from his five months convalescence.

Etheridge had been stricken with fever and had returned to England in Nov 1861.

Fr Schembri’s work however, aroused antagonisms and even hostility not only from anti-Catholic sections of Guyanese society but also from elements within the church. On June 23, 1865, he left Guiana to work in Brazil.

His place at Sacred Heart was taken by Joseph Baldini, who had joined the Guiana mission in 1860.

On May 1, 1866, a Catholic Grammar school for boys was opened in the Brickdam presbytery. The school would be moved first to Main Street in Nov 1866 then to Waterloo Street in Jan 1868. In 1871, it returned to the Brickdam presbytery.

At around 1897, it was moved to the present site of St Mary’s school in Brickdam then to its present site in 1907 where, on Nov 13, 1907, it was given the name St Stanislaus College.

On April 21, 1868, the foundation stone was laid for a cathedral on Brickdam.

Built entirely of greenheart and crabwood, the decorated Gothic structure would dominate the Georgetown skyline when it opened six years later on Aug 30, 1874.

Establishing the Church beyond the city

In 1877 the Church of St John the Baptist, in Plaisance, was opened by Fr Casati who would later establish the boys' orphanage there.

Prof M N Menezes writes in her article ‘The Madeiran Portuguese and the Establishment of the Catholic Church in British Guiana: 1835-1898’, that as the railway extended from Plaisance to Mahaica between the 1840s and 1860s, temporary "church stations" mushroomed along the coast.

Fr Schembri, who had returned to British Guiana in Oct 1874, and after a period working at the newly

built Brickdam Cathedral, moved to Meadowbank where there was also a large Portuguese community.

Here he built another church that was opened by the bishop on Dec 12, 1876.

The Our Lady of the Mount, patroness of Madeira, was the chosen patroness. The Nossa Senhora do Monta church at Meadowbank, its religious statues and artefacts were destroyed in a May 1939 fire.

In the early 1830s, according to the history of the Jesuits in Guyana, the Arawaks of Moruca had made an appeal for a priest; Bishop Hynes welcomed this invitation and arranged to visit Moruca. (To be continued)

Brickdam Cathedral, completed 1874. It was destroyed by fire in 1913

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April 19, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 5

Times Women

Roxanne Baldeo remembers the lessons of charity her beloved mother taught her, and honours her the only way she knows how

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Students happily pose with their backpacks (Photo by Guyana Foundation)

arlier this week the charitable organisation Guyana Foundation distributed backpacks and vital school supplies to children in the Blairmont/Ithaca area, on the West Bank of Berbice, in honour of Shanti Prashad.

The project was funded by her daughter, Roxanne.

Shanti Prashad was a

enabling her to be the generous, kind, hardworking, and nurturing woman she has been remembered as.

She lived the first few years of her life in Matthew’s Ridge, however, because of the lack of schools and other resources in the region, she and her two older siblings were sent to Better Hope, East Coast of Demerara

Roxanne (left) and her mom

daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, mentor, teacher -- and a role that she valued most of all; a grandmother.

She fought cancer bravely, but sadly, passed away late last year. Now she is remembered for her selflessness and determination.

Born in 1956 in Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, Shanti was the third of nine children. She spent much of her life helping her parents with her younger siblings,

to live with their paternal grandparents.

Shanti had a passion for life, a contagious sense of humour; and drive, which are some of the many things people admired about her.

Coming from a poor family, she always wanted to better herself. Inspired by her aunts, who were teachers, she decided to attend Cyril Potter College of Education after graduating from Cummings Lodge Secondary

School. She started her career teaching Lusignan Primary School then moved to Vryheid’s Lust Primary School.

She remained at Vryheid’s Lust until she and her family migrated to the United States in 1990.

In the U.S., she decided to continue on the same career path and enrolled into York College for her bachelor’s degree in education. She both worked and attended college fulltime to complete this degree. She then went on to complete two master degree programmes from Queens College and Adelphi University, respectively. At the age of 53, Shanti decided to go back to school to become certified so that she would be able to become an assistant principal. It was during the latter part of this venture that she became ill.

In mid-2010, Shanti was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. Even though the prognosis was bleak, she made a decision to stay positive, hold steadfast to her faith in God and fight this disease. Sadly, after fighting for more than four years, she passed away December 2014.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Roxanne Baldeo, Shanti’s only daughter, talked about the attributes that made her a mother such a notable woman.

“My mom was a hard working woman, a woman of integrity, a jovial person, kind hearted, and a woman of God who read her bible and prayed daily. There was so much that my mom has taught me through her words and actions.

She has showed me that with hard work and determination, you can achieve your dreams.

"I’ve seen her work fulltime and go to school to better provide for her family.

There were times when she was the sole breadwinner and worked extra hours to make ends meet. She has encouraged me to always believe in myself, to have a voice, and not allow anyone take advantage of me.

She’s taught me to maintain a positive attitude, despite the situation. Throughout her illness, I saw her optimism.

I also saw how she was determined to maintain her role as a matriarch and pro-

tector of her family, even though she felt weak and helpless at times. She has inspired me to maintain a sense of gratitude, and to always help or give back whenever I can. My mom and I were close, and we had many heart-to-heart conversations.

She offered a few pieces of advice: to always be kind; offer an encouraging word because you don’t know what struggles people have; pray whenever I feel alone, frustrated, or sad and know that God is listening; and to never hold malice or bear a grudge, because life is too short,” Roxanne recalled.

According to the Guyana Foundation on its Facebook page, because of her life’s work in this area, and her belief that education could change the course of someone’s life and have a profound, positive impact on future generations, Shanti’s family asked the foundation to conduct a project locally that will assist young students with their educational endeavours.

The Foundation’s contact in the Blairmont/Ithaca area, Mr Kishun, advised that some students had some difficulty keeping up with their classmates. This he said was partly because of a lack of resources to participate fully in classroom activities.

The late Shanti Prashad

Consequently, the Foundation decided to put together a back-to-school package to distribute among 50 children - 25 from Blairmont Primary and 25 from Ithaca Primary - who were identified by the head teachers of the respective schools. Each child received a backpack with a package inside containing necessary school supplies, including a drawing book, exercise books, pencils, eraser, glue stick, ruler and pencil sharpeners.

The students were very excited and grateful for the items they received, while the teachers were optimistic that with the handover of these items there will be improvement in the students' grades.

For more information on the activities held in honour of Shanti Prashad, go to Guyana Foundation on Facebook.

6 Times Sunday Magazine

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April 19, 2015

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Eon K Stephens (left) and Petamber Persaud at the live book launch

By Petamber Persaud

“Conjunction” was the

title given to Guyana’s first live television book launch.

Book launches are usual-

ly confined to one area, mostly indoors – between four walls; sometimes, and at a

later date and time, a few book launches may pierce those confines if reported on by the media.

“Conjunction”’ was successful for the duration of the show, hinting at numerous benefits to be realized, opening all manner of possibilities; augmenting the possible, all auguring well for the future. So based on the above, the decision is that the engaging title of the programme “Conjunction” will work for similar activities in

Instant feedback and due process – what an optimum tool for television!

Further, conjunction was borrowed from a poem by Martin Carter to which he expanded on in the following way: ‘[t]he word “and” is very important to my way of thinking, that is to say, something and something, not something and then something else…’

Finally, conjunction was an input from my formative days surrounded by Hindi influences, referencing one of the most enriching prayers: Tumhi ho mata pita tumhi ho… - “You are my mother and also my father…”

The show started after the generic preamble, with the moderator talking about the greatest gift – reading, and the guest and author, Eon Stephens*, responding with the following: “…Reading is very important, and in this day and age, parents need to encourage their children to read and love reading. I will agree with you that it is the perfect gift to give to a child, even an infant…”

After the opening remarks, the three books, “Mommy loves me before I go to school”; “Daddy loves me, this I know that’s why I love him so”, and “Grandma loves me, this I know that’s why I appreciate her so” were introduced while telephone

his work…

4)…I’d like to commend both of you for what you’re doing because men have a role to play in society… against all the negative influences, these books are welcomed…

5)…one of the things we need to understand is a child honours whatever is in a book…It would be a privilege for me to buy one of those books and support one of our own writers….

“Conjunction”, Guyana’s first live television book launch, was adjourned with the following words: “…this is not the end; we could continue this conversation by making contact…with each other.”

Although ‘conjunction’ is a novel idea and a first for Guyana, the cost for the complete production was personally funded. The support when the idea was first marketed was overwhelming, but the financial pledges fizzled out into empty boasts.

Making the nation more literate, a fundamental for a citizen to survive in a community, is treated with little respect. I shudder to think how we would be able to handle the deluge of information during this silly season without proper comprehension skills.

However, “Conjunction” has already rolled the dice,

The books launched on the premiere of “Conjunction”

future.

What’s in a name? First and foremost, I was driven to form a link between the producer of words/ ideas/ books and consumer of words/ ideas/ books, a link not unlike the function of a conjunction joining words, phrases and clauses while being recognizable, familiar and yet formal.

Conjunction was caught between and betwixt the names of my other two television programmes, “Oral Tradition” and “Between the Lines”, in that this new name must, like its senior relatives, form a nexus among writer and reader, writer and writer, reader and reader, while extending the conversation a bit further by inviting and encouraging instant feedback.

calls were entertained.

Here are some of the comments: 1) …’it is nice to see Guyanese writers coming out and expressing themselves this way…I am happy to hear the books are about the family and not just childcentred…

2)…I like what is being said about reading to the foetus, you see I’m pregnant and I can relate to these books…

3)…I’d like to commend my young brother for presenting these morals to society…usually men are not in the forefront of child rearing and so forth…as men we should take our rightful place…I wish you much success; a writer is not finish until there is a response to

the ball is now in the public domain and there is no turning back. This new form of launching books will become the norm in time to come.

(Photos from the Facebook page of Eon K Stephens) *Eon Stephens believes that children are a blessing from God [and] he has been working with children and youth for more than fifteen years…. He is the CEO/founder of Professional Youth Alliance Guyana and Children and Youth Support Initiative New York. He holds a master’s degree in counselling and psychology.

(Taken from his FB page)

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

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April 19, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 7

Times Heritage

Guyanese Folklore

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pirits, emanating from the human corpse and ultimately finding a resting place in the tree, field, forest or bush, are known collectively as forest spirits or bush spirits.

According to Walter Roth in, “An Inquiry into the Animism and Folk-Lore of the Guiana Indians”, certain bush spirits may arise from the dead bodies of animals and birds, and may even develop spontaneously.

In Guyana, they are called differently among the various tribes: Yawahu (Arawak), Hebo or Hebu (Warrau), Yurokon (Carib), and Immawari (Akawai).

Each tribe seems to exhibit variations in the ideas held as to the form, shape, and peculiarities assumed by its respective Bush Spirits.

For the Arawak’s Yawahus there are the Tukuyuhas, the Konoko variety of which are spoken of by the Akawai as Arai-dai or Dai-Dai, and by others as "bush devils" or “bush dai-dai”.

They are described as hairy people, having so much hair that one cannot see their faces. They live underground in the forest as men or women.

With no bows and arrows, these spirits are accustomed to fighting only with their limbs, so that when an Indian has been attacked and returns home, where he is sure to die shortly after, no marks would be found on his body.

Indigenous Indians at home circa 1900s (Stark's Guide-book and History of British Guiana)

Sometimes the Konoko-(Tu) kuyuha will not even allow the victim to return alive, but will eat him, causing him to disappear totally; friends and relatives never see any further signs of him. The attack may be made at any time, day or night.

Now, because these beings have no bows, or rather what bows they have are broken, the old-time Arawak people used to

The Essequibo extension railway (n.d.)

Wharf in Georgetown (n.d.)

call them Shimarabu-akaradáni (lit., bows-broken), and when returning home from a hunting or trading expedition, would sing out that name before reaching their houses, with the view of preventing these undesirable spirits making an entry.

The Mansinskiri (Arawak), or Maihisikiri (Warrau) is a particular yawahu wandering about the bush and in and among the trees of which the native women, subsequent to certain regular occasions, have to be especially careful.

Such spirits

can assume the identical material appearance of their real husbands or lovers, but should the women yield to their solicitations, they will surely die in a few days.

On the other hand, provided the woman is shrewd enough, she can invariably tell whether she is dealing with the real man or not— she has only to look at the left foot; in the case of a spirit wooer, this is always minus the big toe.

They are very shrewd; can bring the dead to life, and render themselves invisible; may occasionally do kindnesses to people, but generally prefer mischief, though this may be due to the Indians' own fault.

They cause all the mishaps and

accidents of daily life—damage crops, raise disputes, bring death and sickness, produce transformations; they are excellent hunters Bush spirits may be zoomorphic—able to change into animals, as tigers (jaguars) or goatsuckers. They can be recognized by sound or by smell.

Speaking generally, the spirits of the forest can be recognized, even when invisible, by means of the whistling sound that they make.

"The first night after leaving Peaimah [Mazaruni River] we heard a long, loud, and most melancholy whistle, proceeding from the direction of the depths of the forest, at which some of the men exclaimed, in an awed tone of voice, 'The Didi' [Dai-dai]. Two or three times the whistle was repeated, sounding like that made by a human being, beginning in a high key, and dying slowly and gradually away in a low one" (Bro, 87).

The Pomeroon Arawaks have the idea that bush spirits may also be recognized through the sense of smell. Certain plants, to toadstools of a bad odour, and to everything that is capable of imparting dread to them is considered of this evil spirit.

With very rare exceptions, as the Mansinskiri, bush spirits are said to shrink from exposure to sunlight or firelight, from hearing their names called, or particulars of their origin talked about.

This idea explains why an indigenous Indian would almost invariably refuse to tell these spirit-legends in the daytime, when he might be heard by the particular spirit spoken about and subsequently be mysteriously punished.

8 Times Sunday Magazine

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April 19, 2015

Times Travel & Tourism

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tabali is a small community in the Mazaruni River, a short distance by boat from Bartica.

Known for its tranquillity, Itabali’s trails are perfect for a cool and relaxing walk while enjoying the fresh, sweet air of nature. It is a close-knit community with a growing populace and commercial area.

The Mazaruni River flows past the Itabali landing - an area buzzing with an influx of visitors.

(Photos by Marco Basir)

Scenic view of a section of the Mazaruni River

View of Itabali from the river (Photo by TomDiTOm on Flickr)

Serene Itabali community

Ferry in Teperu, Itabali

Puruni trail, Itabali

Boat landing

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April 19, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

How to know if “natural” is really good for you

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ith the global obesity epidemic, many are returning (or turning) to what are called “natural” foods --not “altered” to appear natural, but truly natural foods.

But how are consumers to recognise what these natural foods are when many foods labelled natural often mean their manufacturer uses the term loosely?

According to Cynthia Sass’s, article in Time Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have a legal definition for the term natural.

As a result, the FDA allows its use if a product doesn’t contain added co-

lour, artificial flavours, or synthetic substances -- but without a definitive definition of “natural”, some foods fall into a grey area and can actually be harmful.

One of the most significant advice nutritionists offer is the simplest: if you can go to the market or store and buy all the ingredients on its label and prepare it yourself (but you prefer to save time and someone else has made it for you), it is a natural product.

However, one caveat is that many natural products often contain too much sugar. The plan therefore is to ensure the label does not say “added sugar” -- what the

manufacturer adds to the natural product’s own sugar content.

In her article, Sass notes that if you see sugar grams listed on the Nutrition Facts panel, but no sweeteners appear in the ingredient list, you know that no sugar was added.

But if you see any terms like: brown sugar, cane sugar, evaporated cane juice, coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup, molasses, brown rice syrup, agave, or date sugar -- it means sugar was added. In fact manufactures may even use combinations of these ingredients in one product.

The American Heart

Association recommends that women and men limit their daily intake of added sugar to six and nine teaspoons, respectively. Every four grams equals one teaspoon.

Refined grains may also be misleading. Natural foods may advertise as healthy but contain refined grains.

Gluten-free crackers made with white rice flour may contain refined starch, and vegan cookies made with organic but refined, wheat flour may sound healthy but are still made with “refined, wheat flour.”

Vegetables over chips; and fruit, nuts, and dark chocolate over sweet treats

are your whole food options to maximize the quality and

nutritional value of your overall diet.

Most Misleading Food Labels

1. Fat free. This is a notoriously misleading label. They sometimes contain nearly as many calories as full-fat versions.

“Just because it says it’s fat-free, doesn’t mean you get a free ride,” Bonnie Taub-Dix, nutrition expert and author of “Read It, Before You Eat It” tells Health.com.

“Packages could say it’s fat free, but be loaded with sugar, and sugar-free products could be loaded with fat.” Check the label for calorie content, and compare it to the full-fat version.

2.

Multigrain. Whole

grains, (which include popcorn, brown rice, and oatmeal), have more fibre and other nutrients than those that have been refined, a process that strips away the healthiest portions of the grain.

Look for the words whole grain or 100 per cent whole wheat. It’s not enough if it says multigrain or made with whole grain.

And don’t go by colour alone: Some darker breads or crackers have caramel colouring and are no healthier than highly refined white breads.

3. No sugar added.

Foods, including fruit, milk, cereals, and vegetables naturally contain sugar. So although these products may not have added sugar they still may contain natural sugars.

No sugar added products still may contain added ingredients like maltodextrin, a carbohydrate. Carbohydrates, which can be simple sugars or more complex starches, raise blood sugar.

No sugar added doesn’t mean a product is calorie or carbohydrate-free.

4. Sugar free. Sugar free doesn’t mean a product has fewer calories than the regular version; it may have more.

Sugar-free products have less than 0.5 grams of sugars per serving, but they still contain calories and carbohydrates from other sources.

These products often contain sugar alcohols, which are lower in calories. Common sugar alcohols are mannitol, xylitol, or sorbitol. Sugar alcohols can cause diarrhoea so

don’t consume a lot in one sitting.

5. Zero trans fat. Trans fat is bad for your heart, and the ideal intake is zero. But products that say “0 trans fat on it, it isn’t actually at zero,” says Stephan Gardner, director of litigation at the Centre of Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).

Check for words on the ingredient list like hydrogenated oils and shortening, which mean trans fat is still present.

6. Made with real fruit.

Products that claim to be made with real fruit may not contain very much at all, or none of the type pictured on the box. While companies must list the amount of nutrients they contain, such as fat and cholesterol, they do not have to disclose the percentage of ingredients such

as fruits and whole grain, according to CSPI. 7. Lightly sweetened.

Although the FDA has definitions for terms like reduced sugar, no added sugar, and sugar free, companies sometimes come up with marketing lingo that is, well, just made up.

One of those terms is lightly sweetened, which isn’t defined by the FDA. 8. Cholesterol free.

Cholesterol free doesn’t mean, literally, no cholesterol. Cholesterol-free products must contain less than 2 mg per serving, while low-cholesterol products contain 20 mg or less per serving.

Foods that say reduced or less cholesterol need to have at least 25 per cent less than comparable products.

9. Two per cent milk.

What most people don’t realize is that whole milk contains only 3.25 per cent fat.

So 2 per cent milk contain less fat than regular milk, but not that much. It isn’t technically considered low fat; only 1 per cent milk and fat free (also called skim milk, which has less than 0.5 per cent fat) meet that standard.

10. Light. A food label may say a product, such as olive oil, is light, but manufacturers have been known to use the term to refer to the flavour rather than the ingredients.

“The flavour might be lighter, but you aren’t saving one calorie,” says Taub-Dix. “The wording on light products can be confusing for consumers, but it is important to read the nutritional facts.”

10 Times Sunday Magazine

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April 19, 2015

Times Fashion

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elebrating women with the most stunning collection thus far in his designing career, Dwight Beaton aims to become one of Guyana’s most applauded designers.

“My newest collection ‘Skin’ is a line that sets out to make each woman feel good about herself, inside out. It’s a collection that focuses not only on helping wom-

en to be the centre of attention but also to build self-esteem, allowing her to feel comfortable in her own skin, knowing she's special and has all abilities to conquer the world. This was the true inspiration behind the creation of ‘Skin’,” explained the designer in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Beaton is a passionate, young

designer who discovered his talent at a tender age. He never doubted that his passion for fashion was more than just a phase, and embraced it as his calling.

Born and raised in Bartica to a single mother who always supported his dreams of being a designer, 21-year-old Beaton got his first taste in the spotlight

when placed third in Bartica's first designer quest with his line ‘Trendsetter’.

The competition motivated the designer to continue to pursue his passion for fashion. His most notable work was designing chic pieces for contestants of the Miss Bartica Regatta 2014.

“I see no stop signs in my path and I’m going full throttle

as I see no room for error. I never take ‘no’ as my final answer.

With God as my refuge, success is definite. I’m proud to present to you ‘Skin’, which embraces the woman you are and the villain within,” declared Beaton.

For more information on this collection, contact the designer on 693-2873. (Photos by Alden Marslow)

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April 19, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 11

12 Times Sunday Magazine

April 19, 2015

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April 19, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 13

Star Times Bollywood Arundhati is an Indian film actress and model who has appeared in Tamil and Kannada films. Arundathi made her acting debut in the Kannada film “Kolminchu” (2010). Later in 2010, she debuted in the Tamil film industry in “Veluthu Kattu”.

The actress is yet to make her Bollywood debut.

14 Times Sunday Magazine

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APRIL 19, 2015

Times Bollywood/Hollywood

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t seems Bollywood actor and IPL team owner Preity Zinta has moved on in life after her break-up with businessman Ness Wadia.

In an interview to Mumbai Mirror, she's admitted to being in a new relationship.

“Yes, I'm in a relationship with someone nice. Finally, I have time for myself as the cricket doesn't need me physically,” Preity said.

This is her first statement of this kind in the media after she filed a case against former boyfriend Wadia in which she accused him of assaulting her. On being asked whether it is difficult to work with Ness Wadia after that traumatic episode, she says, “I know when to move on.”

Lately, Preity's been making frequent trips to Los Angeles where her rumoured friend is said to be based. At another point in her interview she says, “I've reached closure with Ness. My glass is always full, never half empty and will remain that way.”

(Hindustan Times)

eyoncé has quickly shut down those rumours that she's pregnant with a second baby - by showcasing her flat, toned stomach on holi-

day.

The singer displayed the snaps, which see her wearing a crocheted swimsuit while on holiday in Hawaii. Not only that but the star flaunted a new piece of swimwear every day for a week.

The pair were enjoying a romantic week-long break as Solange looked after their daughter Blue Ivy. Beyoncé sparked rumours she is expecting her second child with husband Jay-Z after posting an image of a baby bump sculpted out of sand, but her former Destiny's Child bandmate has played down the speculation saying it's a silly conclusion to jump to.

She said: "First of all, if you look at the picture, the baby bump is probably where her knees probably really are... Just stop it, stop it." (Glamour)

Abhishek Bachchan writing ‘Happy New Year’ sequel?

F

ilmmaker Farah Khan says actor Abhishek Bachchan

has taken on the "responsibility" of writing a possible sequel of her hit heist com-

edy “Happy New Year”.

She says that after the success of “Happy New Year”, Abhishek, who played a key role in the ensemble cast film, was pressuring the filmmaker to make a sequel. So, she entrusted him with the job of the sequel's story.

"Abhishek Bachchan is writing for ‘Happy New Year’ sequel. He has taken the responsibility now," Farah quipped here on Monday during the screening of the film “Margarita With A Straw”.

"If I will like the script, then we would make the sequel," she added.

Further, on being asked about her role in the sequel, she said: "I would be directing it."

“Happy New Year” that released around Diwali last year, featured Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Boman Irani and Vivaan Shah, apart from Sonu Sood and Abhishek. (IANS)

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hris Brown posted on Instagram a first photo of him with his daughter Royalty on Thursday, April 16. In the image, he sports matching red hooded jumper with the 10-month-old little girl, who sits in his lap. He captioned

the photo, "God has blessed me with my twin #Royalty," as he confirmed that the little brunette is his daughter.

In addition to the said photo, Brown uploaded another close-up photo which features Royalty wearing long-sleeve striped shirt,

flaunting her curly hair.

This confirms reports that the R&B star is a father of a child although he previously declined to give response when being asked about the issue.

A source said that the "No Air" singer wanted to spend more time with his daughter. Brown has reportedly asked his baby mama, model Nia Amey, to move to Los Angeles because it is the only way Brown can see his daughter everyday. "He asked Nia to move to L.A. with their daughter and he'll foot the bill for housing," the source said. "He's not romantically involved with Nia, but we're told he genuinely wants a meaningful relationship with Royalty. He's saying he'd like to see her every day.”

(AceShowbiz)

Kangana Ranaut: ‘I admire Ranbir Kapoor’

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ational award-winning actor Kangana Ranaut is as eager to work with actor Ranbir Kapoor as he is about teaming up with the “Fashion” actress. And she even said that she admires Ranbir’s work.

Recently, Ranbir had praised Kangana for her performance in Vikas Bahl’s “Queen” and had even expressed a desire to work with her. When asked if she’d want to work with him, Kangana said, “Sure, why not? I admire Ranbir’s work. He was one of the first ones to support ‘Queen’. If he wants to work with me, then it’s an honour for me.

Why wouldn’t I work with him?”

However, she wouldn’t compromise on her role, even if that means letting go

S of the chance to work with Ranbir. “I would love to work with him. But I would want a good role also,” the 28-year-old said.

Meanwhile, Kangana is gearing up for the release of her film, in which she plays a double role.

And one of those roles is that of a Haryanvi athlete.

And Kangy worked hard to make the character look convincing. “It was very ­ tough, especially since the character has a Haryanvi accent. I had to make the character convincing not only through my body language but also accent. ­ It was very challenging for me,” she said. (IANS)

imon Cowell spoke out again about Zayn Malik's departure from One Direction during a visit to "The Late Late Show with James Corden". The music mogul stopped by the show on Thursday night, April 16 and admitted in an interview with host James Corden that he was shocked by the 22-year-old singer's decision to leave the band.

Cowell joked to Corden that he was "about to jump off a cliff" after learning of the news.

He then revealed that he first planned to convince Malik to stay "a bit longer" in the group. "I was trying to say to him he should stay around a bit longer. But something inside him said he'd had enough," he said.

However, he later decided that he should let Malik go, thinking the "stressed" heartthrob really needed to be alone. "I saw him

in person as well - but once someone has made their mind up they are going to go," he continued. "At the same time I don't want to push him too much because he's 22 and I could see he was a bit stressed and needed some time off."

Cowell added that after he finally came to terms with Malik's exit, his priority was to make sure the rest One Direction members could deal with the heartbreaking loss too. "I dealt with it then I made sure the guys were OK - because they were shocked as well," he explained.

Following Malik's exit, One Direction will continue as a four-piece. Recently, they shared their first official photo without their former bandmate and confirmed they'd started working on their fifth album that's due out later this year. (AceShowbiz)

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April 19, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 15

16 Times Sunday Magazine

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April 19, 2015

Times Art

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Bernadette Persaud

hen artists meet a point in their artistic life where they require little or no introduction, it signals that they have reached a level of artistic maturity.

Bernadette Indira Persaud, A.A., is one of such artists.

Winning the National Award for painting in 1985 and being the first woman to do so, Persaud refused to entertain a dull moment in her artistic career, which saw her mounting six solo exhibitions and participating in more than 20

group exhibitions. Through the decades she has won many awards and recently has been bestowed the Caribbean Hall of Fame Award in Jamaica for excellence in the visual arts.

Although Persaud’s paintings have evolved over the years, their daring allegorical content continues to forge and provoke dialogue.

Her “Gentleman in the Garden” series of paintings in the 1980s have perpetuated the notion of militancy, subtly commenting on the

"Lotus in the time of the Arab Spring" (2011)

pervasive militarism under the regime of the day. This local political commentary was extended in the painting, “Gentleman Under the Sky” when militarism on the world’s stage captured her attention.

Recently, her allegorical content has evolved into a more complex configuration of spiritual, social and political undertones in her “Forest” series, which may seem very unorthodox to many.

Her tenaciously stippling brush strokes have grown shorter in her recent series of paintings as compared to the longer brush strokes in the “Bird Island”, “Gentleman in the Garden” and “Lotus” series. Every inch of Persaud’s canvases is detailed with brush strokes that could engage years of study.

In her statement, Persaud noted that she began painting seriously in the early 1980s after being forced out of her teaching career. She added that painting became an instrument that, not merely seduced but pricked and prodded the individual/collective conscience.

“The scope of my work later broadened into an investigation of not only political oppression, but cultural identity and the ephemerality of life. In retrospect it was a quest – integral to postcolonial societies – tied up with that complex of needs for creativity, original-

"In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful" (1995)

"The lotus of a hundred petals" (1988)

ity and an authentic self,” Persaud explained.

In 2014, the artist displayed a selection of applauded works (1984-2014) at Castellani, which “subsume philosophical, political, aesthetic and ecological concerns from the perspective of an artist located in a particular historical, geographical and cultural space”.

“Those works challenge, critique and subvert existing notions about our art, and, more specifically, per-

ceptions about the nature of our socio-political reality – a reality more poignantly voiced by Martin Carter: "New and old is the face of the world’s great grief, and current notions

about ‘climate change" – as seen through the lens of Hindu mythopoeics and metaphysics,” Persaud disclosed. (Information by Ohene Koama) (Cover photo: "Tree of Life II" (2010))

"A Flag on the Earth - Guyana 2001" (2001)

guyanatimesgy.com

April 19, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 17

Times Tech

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pple Inc’s head of retail, Angela Ahrendts, sent a memo to employees last week telling them that the Apple Watch isn’t going to have the campoutside-the-Apple-Store crazed launch that has become associated with the company’s products.

In the memo, obtained

by French news website iGen.gr, Ahrendts said the watch would continue to only be available online at least through the month of May, hinting at supply constraints as the company struggles to fill preorders.

“As we announced last week, due to high global interest combined with our initial supply, we are only taking orders online right now,”

Tech BYTE

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Apple Watch Gold Edition

she said in the memo. “I’ll have more updates as we get closer to in-store availability, but we expect this to continue through the month of May.” Preorders started April

Computer scientist invents world's first self-powered video camera

omputer scientist Shree K. Nayar, the T.C Chang Professor of Computer Science at Columbia Engineering, has invented the world's first fully self-powered video camera that can produce an image each second, indefinitely, of a well-lit indoor scene.

Nayar designed a pixel that not only can measure incident light (a ray of light that strikes a surface) but also convert the incident light into electric power.

"We are in the middle of a digital imaging revolution. A camera that can function as an untethered device forever without any external power supply would be incredibly useful," said Nayar, who heads the computer vision laboratory at the Columbia Engineering.

At the heart of any digital camera is an image sensor, a chip with millions of pixels.

The key enabling device in a pixel is the photodiode, which produces an electric current when exposed to light. The photodiode in a camera pixel is used in the photoconductive mode while in a solar cell it is used in the photovoltaic model.

This mechanism enables each pixel to measure the intensity of light falling on it.

Nayar, working with research engineer Daniel Sims, and consultant Mikhail Fridberg of the consultancy firm ADSP Consulting used off-the-shelf components to fabricate an image sensor with 30x40 pixels.

In Nayar's prototype camera, which is

Tech BYTE

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10, with the expectation that in-store pick-ups would begin April 24.

However, not all preorders will be shipped by next Friday, the product’s launch date, nor will the

Nayar's prototype camera

housed in a 3D printed body, each pixel's photodiode is always operated in the photovoltaic mode. When the camera is not used to capture images, it can be used to generate power for other devices, such as a phone or a watch.

According to Nayar, the image sensor could use a rechargeable battery and charge it via its harvesting capability.

"But we took an extreme approach to demonstrate that the sensor is indeed truly self-powered and used just a capacitor to store the harvested energy," he noted.

"We believe our results are a significant step forward in developing an entirely new generation of cameras that can function for a very long duration ideally, forever without being externally powered," the authors wrote.

The team is set to present its work at the international conference on computational photography at the Rice University in Houston April 24-26. (NDTV)

Chess Grandmaster faces 3-year ban for using iPod Touch to cheat

ou know your chess opponent is in trouble when he has to hit the restroom after every turn. That was Tigran Petrosian’s thinking when he accused a fellow chess player during the Dubai Open this weekend.

As it turned out, he seems to have been right: officials found an iPod in the bathroom running an app that displayed the chess moves from the game.

According to the Telegraph, the tournament director got involved after people observed that Chess Grandmaster Gaioz Nigalidze, of Georgia, was

(Image credit: Dubai Open)

partial to a particular stall for all of his emergency bathroom breaks.

A search of the stall turned up a device running

a chess app. Nigalidze apparently denied that the device belonged to him, only to be betrayed by the device itself: the device was logged into his Facebook account, according to reports.

As it happens, the World Chess Federation, also known as FIDE, recently formed an Anti-Cheating Committee. Gaioz Nigalidze seems to be a likely candidate for the committee’s review -- as it stands now, the Grandmaster is facing the possibility of a three-year ban. Repeat offenders face as much as fifteen years out of FIDE-sanctioned tournaments. (hothardware.com)

watch be immediately available for walk-in purchases.

Concerned customers have taken to Twitter and Apple forums to complain.

Almost all versions of the Apple Watch sold out within hours during online preorders. While some customers may get their devices on launch day as Ahrendts suggests in the memo, most versions now promise to ship within four to six weeks, which indicates a mid-tolate May launch.

The current Apple Watch retail approach allows potential customers to preview the watch and its various iterations and bands before placing a formal order online. Ahrendts said Apple could more quickly fill per-

Tech news

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products, and said feedback from customers has otherwise been “overwhelmingly positive.”

Shares of Apple have climbed 71 per cent over the last 12 months. They closed at US$126.78 Wednesday.

(MarketWatch)

Roommates jailed after fight over Android vs. Apple

pair of roommates was jailed early Friday after they reportedly fought each other when an argument that began over smartphones escalated, police said.

Tulsa police were called about 1 a.m. to the Evergreen Apartments in the 8400 block of East 25th Place to investigate a stabbing.

At the scene officers found Jiro Mendez covered

Tech news

sonalized orders that are made online.

Nevertheless, there will be more long-line blockbuster launches in Apple’s future, she said. Ahrendts assured her staff that this online-only approach isn’t a new standard for Apple

in blood with cuts to his head and body, according to a police report.

Mendez, who was described by police as intoxicated, claimed his roommate, Elias Ecevo, struck him over the head with a glass bottle and then stole his car, the report said.

Mendez said he and Ecevo had argued over which phone — the iPhone or Android — was better, police said.

Detectives later found a bloody Ecevo and another man at the apartment. Police also located Mendez's car in the area, which was covered in blood.

After both men were taken to area hospitals for treatment for injuries that were not considered lifethreatening, they were booked into the Tulsa Jail on assault with a deadly weapon complaints, jail records show. (Tulsa World)

India net neutrality row gets louder

et neutrality has taken centre stage among internet users in India on plans by some telecom companies for tiered charges for access speeds.

The net neutrality concept means telecom companies must accord equal treatment to all internet traffic, but some users want to pay more for faster speeds.

That has sparked a debate about access policy that has been splashed across newspapers in recent days.

Cyber laws expert and activist Pavan Duggal says the government cannot allow service providers to decide price in an arbitrary manner: “Common consumers will suffer. It is necessary to take proactive steps to prevent this.”

For its part, TRAI, as the telecom authority is known, issued a consultation paper on net neutrality on March 27 seeking feedback on whether regulations, currently not in place, are needed. This

brought the deluge of responses.

Union Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said: “The TRAI is undertaking a consultation on the whole issue of net neutrality. I have asked them to give me a report by the second week of May after the widest consultations possible, including online, to help the government come to an informed decision on the issue of net neutrality.”

Still, India's largest online retailer, Flipkart, ended talks with telecom service Airtel Zero on faster speeds for some applications. Following suit, other startups pulled out

of Internet.org, which is spearheaded by Facebook.

“We looked at it closely and after studying it, we realized that in long term, it can potentially lead to disruption of net neutrality, which is extremely important for us. Really after understanding the ramifications, we decided not to participate," said Mukesh Bansal, Chief Executive officer of Flipkart.

Pressure to establish net neutrality has grown.

However, any action would only follow a report from a telecom regulator panel that would be eagerly read by internet users nationwide. (CNA)

18 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

April 19, 2015

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

Making small bedrooms appealing Whether you use a small bedroom for guests, your children or yourself, it doesn’t have to be a negative issue. Planned right, a small bedroom can contain everything you want to put in it --within reason.

Oven-baked garlic and cheese potatoes Ingredients: 3 -4 large potatoes, uncooked 1 cup grated aged cheddar cheese (to taste)

4 -5 garlic cloves, crushed 1 cup milk 1 egg, beaten

Method Peel and slice potatoes to no thicker than 2-3mm.

Layer the bottom of your at least 4- 6 inches deep oven dish with 2-3 layers of potatoes.

Cover potatoes with a thick layer of grated cheese. Crush one clove of garlic over the top of the cheese, spreading out evenly.

Continue to do this 3-4 times depending on how deep your oven dish is. End with a cheese and garlic layer to finish, not potatoes.

Mix milk and egg together and pour over the top of the cheese.

Bake at 180Âş C (350Âş F)until potatoes are soft and cheese topping is browned not burnt.

Cooking time will vary depending on number of layers and thickness of potato slices. (You could cover the pan for the first 10-20 mins then uncover toward the end.)

Shelving headboards and units. Storage is always an issue with small rooms, keep it uncluttered

For a feeling of more space, try a floating bedside shelf and place lighting on the wall

GREATEST KITCHEN TIPS

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efore heating a non-stick pan, always coat it with non-stick vegetable cooking spray and never heat the pan more than 3 minutes before adding food.

Use a pastry tube and decorative tip for more than just decorating pastry, try making fancy butter pats for baked potatoes, pancakes, rolls or filling devilled eggs decoratively.

Use a steamer basket to cook potatoes for mashing (instead of boiling them). The flavour is much better and you never have to worry about your potatoes being watery.

To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

P Under-bed storage reduces the need for more furniture in a small room

HOME HELP

lace a piece of white chalk in your silver chest or jewel box to absorb moisture and help prevent tarnishing of silverware and jewellery.

Dip a new broom in hot salt water before using. This will toughen the bristles and make it last longer.

A solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 quart warm water will remove most "off" odours from plastic storage containers. Simply give them a thorough dip in the soda solution, rinse with fresh water, and dry.

Place green fruits in a perforated plastic bag. The holes will allow air to circulate while retaining the ethylene gas that fruits produce during ripening.

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 19, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

Reluctant risers

FUNNY POEMS Father

My father knows the proper way The nation should be run; He tells us children every day Just what should now be done.

He knows the way to fix the trusts, He has a simple plan; But if the furnace needs repairs, We have to hire a man.

My father, in a day or two Could land big thieves in jail; There's nothing that he cannot do, He knows no word like "fail."

"Our confidence" he would restore, Of that there is no doubt; But if there is a chair to mend, We have to send it out.

F

ew parents can say there’s never a fight to get their child up in the mornings for school or just to start their day. However, constant daily battles to wake your child up, especially for school, can point to troubles that need investigating, or the solution could simply be one of re-examining her routine.

Establish an earlier bedtime if you feel she may not be getting enough sleep. Creating a regular nighttime routine may also help. If she is not eating right and often watches TV or is online late, it may be interfering with her winding down before bedtime.

If refusing to get out of bed begins to make him late for school, then he must face logical consequences such as performing other chores or taking away the TV or his online device. There should also be rewards for his early rising --maybe making his favourite breakfast or letting him watch a little TV before he goes off to school, as he now has some time.

Should these efforts fail, it may be time to seek professional help to rule out a physical or psychological problem.

"Tit For Tat"

creatures and shared the food together.

One day the crane invited the fox to his house for din­ner.

The fox did hardly eat anything during the day, because he thought that his friend must have arranged for a good feast. But when the food was served by the crane, the fox found that it was inside a narrownecked jar, from which the fox could not lick to taste the food. He sat idly there, while the crane sucked it by inserting his long neck and beak.

After the dinner, the crane asked the fox, "Friend, how did you enjoy the dinner?"

The fox suppressed his great anger, and smilingly said, "Oh, it was really a fine dinner!"

Next day the fox invited the crane to his house for din­ner. The crane thought that he was not a fool like his friend. He would eat all the food to be

All public questions that arise, He settles on the spot; He waits not till the tumult dies, But grabs it while it's hot.

In matters of finance he can Tell Congress what to do; But, O, he finds it hard to meet His bills as they fall due.

It almost makes him sick to read The things law-makers say; Why, father's just the man they need, He never goes astray.

All wars he'd very quickly end, As fast as I can write it; But when a neighbour starts a fuss, 'Tis mother has to fight it.

In conversation father can Do many wondrous things; He's built upon a wiser plan Than presidents or kings.

He knows the ins and outs of each And every deep transaction; We look to him for theories, But look to Ma for action.

Edgar A. Guest

An Actor's Revenge

He had positioned himself stage centre.

And was giving the audience his all.

When suddenly a seat went up with a "Crash!"

And a woman walk down from the stalls.

And ignoring the audience hissing.

And the thespian's renderings too.

She crossed in front of the Footlights.

And disappeared into the Loo. And feeling decidedly slighted.

The actor waited, enraged.

And when the woman came out of the loo, He walked to the front of the stage.

Then adopting a theatrical posture.

And in a voice filled with venom and bite.

That carried its way clear up to the Gods He delivered the best of the night!

He said: "Madam-- Whilst there in the privy.

Could you hear my excellent King Lear?

You couldn't? Well I find that amazing!

For we heard you quite clearly out here!"

Richard John Scarr

Story Time

T

here lived in a forest a crane and a fox. They were good friends. They used to kill small

Reflections A Thunderstorm A moment the wild swallows like a flight Of withered gust-caught leaves, serenely high, Toss in the windrack up the muttering sky.

The leaves hang still.

Above the weird twilight, The hurrying centres of the storm unite And spreading with huge trunk and rolling fringe, Each wheeled upon its own tremendous hinge, Tower darkening on. And now from heaven's height, With the long roar of elmtrees swept and swayed, And pelted waters, on the vanished plain Plunges the blast. Behind the wild white flash That splits abroad the pealing thunder-crash, Over bleared fields and gardens disarrayed, Column on column comes the drenching rain.

Archibald Lampman

given to him by the fox. He also did not take much food during the day to retain good appetite, and went early in t h e evening to the fox's house.

The fox received his friend cordially and offered him soup in a plate. The crane did not know how to eat the soup from a flat plate. The fox licked the soup from his own plate in a moment, while the crane sat idly to watch the fox eating the soup.

After the dinner, the fox asked the crane, "Friend, how did you enjoy the dinner?"

The crane replied, "Oh, it was fine! I really enjoyed it."

The crane cursed the sly fox from his heart, as he served him in the same way as he had himself served the fox. The hungry crane had to return home in an angry mood. (Sai Shruthi)

By Grammar G

I

‘Governmentocracy’

n light of elections, Wordplay will look at the suffix -cracy which (along with -ism:communism, capitalism etc) is most often used when discussing systems of government.

The suffix comes into English from the Latin -cratia,in turn from Greek -kratia meaning power or rule, and -kratos which means strength and authority.

-cracy is also used when speaking of certain professions, social classes or economic interests. In denoting systems of government, words with -cracy can indicate real or imagined governments.

Let’s start with the more familiar such as aristocracy: rule by nobles, or the noble class. You should also be familiar with bureaucracy: rule by government; government officials (a class) and democracy: rule by the people.

Then there is plutocracy: rule by the wealthy, and the less well known narcokleptocracy: rule by drug lords. More specifically, it is a society ruled by “thieves” involved in the drug trade and

usually connected to politicians and the military. Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega’s regime is described as one of narcokleptocracy.

An even lesser known -cracy is pornocracy: rule by prostitutes, a 10th century era where it is said the Pope was so smitten by the wife of a Roman consul that she wielded much power and influence over his rule. It’s more politely termed Saeculum obscurum (Latin for “the Dark Age”).

Mobocracy: rule by the mob, and kakistocracy: rule by the

worst persons -- the worst persons are in power, are two other examples of systems of government.

On the other hand, there is meritocracy: rule by the most able.

Theocracy is rule by religious authorities, as is hierocracy: rule by ecclesiastics or priests. There is also gerontocracy: elderly rule and gynaecocracy: rule by women.

While you should bear in mind there is no such thing as “governmentocracy”, some forms of -cracy and -ocracy are made up more for fun, ridicule or satire.

These include adhocracy meaning a bureaucracy characterised by inconsistency and lack of planning. From ad hoc, it is also taken to mean a flexible and informal organization.

There is also Eurocracy: first meaning colonial rule by European powers, now meaning rule by EU (European Union) bureaucrats, and finally, there is foolocracy -- which really needs no explaining.

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APRIL 19, 2015

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Times Sunday Puzzle

Three boys were out hiking one day and they came across a cave. They went inside the cave for a while and when they exited, a boy was missing.

The other two went back inside the cave to look for him. On the walls were numbers in green paint that they hadn't noticed beforehand. The numbers were as follows: 4 8 20 21 10 27 36 23 22 After they wrote the numbers in a notebook, they came across a letter written in the same green paint. It read: Oh, it bothers me to write letters like this. Of how I came across this event I am not aware. However, things must be done. I have written the numbers on the walls. You must use these numbers to find my hiding spot. Good Luck. - The Missing Boy How should you find him? see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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Times Sunday Magazine 21

Times Kids

Creature Corner

Giraffe Weevil

T

he giraffe weevil (Trachelophorus giraffa) also known as the giraffenecked weevil, is a type of flying beetle native to Madagascar that gets its name from its long neck – similar to a giraffe.

One of the longest weevil species, males grow to around 2.5cm in length.

They can use their extended neck (2-3 times longer than a female’s) to fight. The female however, uses her neck to roll a leaf tube nest into which she would lay a single egg.

Another giraffe weevil can be found in New Zealand but lacks the vivid red colour of the Madagascar insect.

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.

GEOZONE

T

The Baltic States

he Baltic States lie in the northeastern region of Europe and comprise the independent countries Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea that gives the region its name.

They are bounded on the west and north by the Baltic Sea, on the east by Russia, on the southeast by Belarus, and on the southwest by Poland and an exclave of Russia (part of a country isolated from its main body and surrounded by foreign territory).

Once ruled by the USSR, the Baltic States gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Shortly after attaining independence, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania abandoned the Russian rouble in favour of new domestic currencies (the

kroon, lats, and litas, respectively).

However, in Jan 2011, the Estonia kroon was replaced by the Euro. The lats and litas were also replaced by the Euro.

The capital of Estonia is called Tallinn, while the Latvian capital city is named Riga, and Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania.

Word Jumble

please see solution on page 23

Colouring Fun

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APRIL 19, 2015

Dolphins can be found in oceans around the world, from colder northern and far southern waters to the warm tropical regions in between.

DOLPHINS

Although known as killer whales, orcas are dolphins, not whales.

By Laurie Triefeldt

Dolphins, porpoises and whales are closely related and belong to a group of mammals called cetaceans.

There are about 40 different species of dolphin.

Scientists don't always agree on classification, but DNA testing is helping with identification. Dolphins are known for their intelligence and playful antics.

Bottlenose dolphins are often seen in aquariums and zoos and are appreciated for their playful, friendly dispositions.

Dolphins have torpedo-shaped bodies with smooth, rubbery skin, perfect for moving through water quickly and easily. A layer of blubber (fat) beneath the skin helps keep the dolphin warm and stores energy reserves.

Way back when Dolphins have been revered by many cultures throughout history.

Dolphins were often described in ancient Greek mythology and were said to be messengers for Poseidon, the god of the sea.

It was not only considered bad luck to harm a dolphin in ancient Greece, it was also against the law.

Blowhole Stomach A dolphin breathes through a nostril on top of its head, called a blowhole. When underwater, Lung the dolphin closes the blowhole. Dolphins surface once or twice a minute to breathe air.

Mammals, not fish Dolphins, whales and porpoises are mammals, not fish. They feed their young with mother’s milk.

Like all mammals, dolphins have lungs and are warm-blooded, which means that their core body temperature always stays about the same, no matter what the temperature of their surroundings.

Adult bottlenose dolphins grow up to 13 feet (4 m) long and may weigh up to 600 pounds (272 kg).

A fully grown orca can grow up to 32 feet long (9.8 m) and weigh up to 11 tons (10 metric tons). They have sharp, interlocking teeth.

Each tooth measures about 3 inches long (7.6 cm).

Dorsal Fin Most dolphins have a dorsal fin, but Northern right whale dolphins and Southern right whale dolphins do not.

The dorsal fin acts like a boat keel and helps the dolphin balance when swimming.

Kidney Spine

Fluke These powerful tail fins are used to propel the animal through the water.

Melon

Intestines

Pelvis

Blubber

Liver

Vive la différence!

Dolphins, whales and porpoises have many similarities, and people often confuse the groups. Dolphins have a beaklike snout and cone-shaped teeth. Porpoises have a more rounded snout and flat or spade-shaped teeth. Baleen whales tend to be larger than their dolphin and porpoise cousins and have no teeth. Another difference between whales and dolphins is how they swim. Dolphins are very agile and like to swim fast and in groups; whales tend to be slower swimmers and often swim alone.

Orcas

These dolphins are usually found in warm, tropical waters, often within 100 miles (160 km) of land.

Many live in shallow bays and protected inlets. Bottlenose dolphins are found in many places.

They range as far north as Japan and Norway and as far south as New Zealand.

Anatomy 101

Dolphins wall fresco in the Palace of Knossos in Crete, c. 1600 B.C.

Bottlenose dolphins

Brain

Scapula Heart

Teeth Most kinds of dolphins have many teeth. Some species can have more than 200. Dolphins do not chew their food; they use their teeth only to grasp their prey, which are chiefly fish and squid.

Nasal sacs Melon

The senses

Pectoral flipper The forelimbs of a dolphin are called pectoral flippers. They are used to help the dolphin steer and control its speed.

X-rays of a dolphin's pectoral fins show bones similar to those found in a human wrist and hand.

Echolocation Dolphins use echolocation, a series of clicking sounds, to help them navigate and locate underwater objects.

The clicks are sent out through the melon, a special organ on top of the head.

When the sound hits an object, it produces an echo that reflects off the object.

By listening to the echoes, the dolphin can identify the location of an object.

In addition to having a keen sense of touch, most dolphins have excellent eyesight. Strong eye muscles allow them to change their eyes’ lens shape, which helps them see in cloudy water.

Dolphins also have very good hearing and are able to hear a wide range of lowand high-pitched sounds, including many that are beyond human hearing.

Dolphins have little or no sense of smell.

Common dolphin Common dolphins are easily identified by the distinct gray and yellowish stripes on their sides. These animals grow up to 8 feet (2.4 m) long and weigh 500 pounds (227 kg).

Common dolphins swim in large schools and are often seen in the open ocean, sometimes following ships.

Pilot whales Also called blackfish, pilot whales can grow to about 20 feet (6 m) long. These large, gray dolphins have bulging foreheads. These animals tend to prefer deeper water than most dolphins.

River dolphins These dolphins are found in brackish or freshwater rivers, lakes and estuaries of Asia and South America. Populations are very vulnerable to dam-building, entanglement in fishing nets, boat traffic and pollution.

Most river dolphins are blind or have very poor eyesight.

The Amazon river dolphin is the largest species of freshwater dolphin. This pinkish-gray dolphin feeds on crabs, shrimp and catfish.

The Chinese river dolphin, or baiji, was found only in the Yangtze River in China. This animal is thought to have become extinct around 2006.

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Times Sunday Magazine 23

World Times

K-pop stars mourn Sewol ferry victims

C

hanyeol, a member of K-pop boy band EXO, remembered the victims of theSewol ferry disaster through his Instagram on Thursday, the first anniversary of the tragedy that claimed more than 300 lives.

He posted a picture of a yellow ribbon, which symbolizes commemoration of the victims, with

a phrase: “Remember 20140416.

Sewol ferry, we will never forget.”

He is among the many singers who remembered the victims through their social networking pages.

Seohyun of Girls’ Generation, Hyeri of Girl’s Day, Siwon of Super Junior, Yoseob of BEAST, Han Seung-yeon of Kara and Jo

Kwon of 2AM also wrote their condolence messages online.

On April 16 last year, the Sewol ferry capsized en route to Jejudo Island and killed 304, mostly teenage students from Danwon High School in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, who were on a field trip. (The Korea Herald)

Poles, Czechs to sign border water agreement

T

he Polish and Czech environment ministers, Maciej Grabowski and Richard Brabec, will sign a cooperation agreement Monday on waters forming the borders between the two countries, at a meeting of Polish and Czech governments in Prague.

This agreement will replace a similar document from 1958 and put more emphasis on the protection of the waters against pollution, protection of the quality and volume of water, and anti-flood measures.

The Czech and Polish government team will be headed by the prime ministers, Bohuslav Sobotka and Ewa Kopacz. Apart from the ministers of the environment, those of the interior, defence and transport,

SUDOKU

Australian model killed fighting with IS

A

and deputy ministers for industry and agriculture, will take part in the talks.

"This meeting will be an excellent opportunity to discuss the most important issues of mutual relations, such as the development of

Brain Teaser Answer By using the numbers in combination with the letter.

Start at the beginning of the letter the boy wrote and skip the number of letters indicated in the number sequence given to get each letter in turn.

(Note that spaces do not count as letters.)

Skip 4 letters from beginning: B

Chanyeol of EXO (SM Entertainment)

Skip 8 letters: E Skip 20 letters: H Skip 21 letters: I Skip 10 letters: N Skip 27 letters: D Skip 36 letters: Y Skip 23 letters: O Skip 22 letters: U Therefore, he is hiding BEHIND YOU.

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

cross-border transport infrastructure, energy security, trade and investments and cooperation in security and defence," Sobotka said.

The previous talks of the two governments were held in Warsaw in May 2013. (Prague Post)

n Australian man has reportedly been shot dead in Syria after joining Islamic State.

According to the Otago Times, Melbourne man and former model Sharky Jama was killed in fighting after joining IS militants in the war-torn country last year, his father Dada Jama told SBS. The broadcaster says the dead man's father received a phone call on Monday informing him of the news.

According to social media, Jama had earlier been living in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, which is held by IS. SBS said Dada Jama planned to speak to the local Somali community to warn them against joining the militant group.

Earlier, the Daily Telegraph in January 2015 had written of the Australian ‘muhajir’ Sharky Jama who swapped modelling for fighting with Islamic State.

In the article, Jama described how he “dreams” of entering paradise and, in a conversation with an Australian-based Iraqi woman last month, Jama had said: “I’m not

Sharky Jama in his modelling days

Iraqi, sister, I am a muhajir from Australia living faullja, in sha allah that clears that up...”

The Philonoist

The Face of Death Q: What is the origin of the Grim Reaper?

Myths and legends that personify death have been around for millennia. Every culture in the world has its stories and concepts of death that include angels of death, harbingers of death and gods of death.

The Grim Reaper, depicted as a skeleton draped in a black cloak holding a scythe,came down through the ages from the medieval period when the plague or Black Death decimated European and Asian populations.

The use of the term “Grim Reaper” as a figurative term for death is said to have been known since 1846. The MerriamWebster dictionary states though, that the first known use of “Grim Reaper” was around 1927.

The word “grim” comes from Old English grimm meaning "fierce, cruel, savage, dire, painful". A “reaper” in the middle ages, was a harvester.

Historians and folklorists say that at the time of the plague, when bodies were often left unburied in the open, writers and painters began depicting death as a skeleton, first holding arrows, a crossbow or some other type of medieval weapon. Later, the image would be of a skeleton hold-

The Grim Reaper is shown mowing the souls of people who died due to cholera during the Balkan War of 1913-1914

ing a scythe, often hacking its way through a group of people.

The scythe was associated with harvesting crops in better times; in an agrarian society during the plague, it was a representation of the harvesting or reaping of human souls.

The black cloak, associated with death and evil for centuries, shrouded itsshadowy figure, usually revealing only the grinning skull that portrayeddeath’s voracious desire for souls.

However, another theory goes beyond mainstream history to suggest the Grim

Reaper is not a personification of death but is in fact the artist’s rendering of a true-life being at the time of the plague.

According to William Bramley, author of “The Gods of Eden”,the visit of men with “fearful faces and long scythes”, was followed immediately by a severe outbreak of plague in Brandenburg, Germany.

Bramley writes too that “Strange men in black […] were observed in other European communities carrying ‘brooms’ or ‘scythes’ or ‘swords’ that were used to sweep or knock at people’s doors. The inhabitants of these houses fell ill with plague afterwards. It is from these reports that people created the popular image of death as a skeleton, a demon, a man in a black robe carrying a scythe.”

Alien visitation or ancient astronaut theorists like Bramley point out that many people in stricken areas reported that outbreaks of the plague were caused by evil-smelling mists.

Bright lights and unusual activity in the skies frequently accompanied these mists. Sometimes, a mist was seen to be coming from rocket-like airships. Not only did these mists kill people; they killed trees and destroyed the fertility of the land.

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Fun Times

Archie

Take a break, rejuvenate and prepare for what's ahead.

(March 21Take steps to counteract any April 19) negatives in your life. Don't make excuses or feel guilty; just do what's best for you.

ARIES

You can't solve workplace issues while at home, or apTAURUS preciate leisure time with (April 20- friends or family if you are May 20) stewing about work. Find a pleasurable pastime that takes your mind off your worries.

Be wary of scam artists.

GEMINI Do your research before you (May 21invest in a risky or untried June 20) venture. Question the legitimacy of an organization that solicits donations.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

One way to ensure a happy home life is to practice compromise and diplomacy.

Sharing chores and joining forces to conquer projects will bring greater benefits to all concerned.

LEO Travel will entice you, but (July 23- before making plans, consider Aug. 22) how they will affect the people you are closest to. You don't want to face resentment when you return.

Dilbert

Enjoy a change of scenery.

VIRGO Visit a place you've never been (Aug. 23- before. Check the Internet or Sept. 22) browse through brochures in order to discover something that piques your interest.

LIBRA Spend time with someone (Sept. 23- you deem special. If you are Oct. 23) single, attend social events geared toward meeting new people; if you're in a relationship, spice up your love life.

Peanuts

Stop being so hard on SCORPIO yourself. You have plenty of (Oct. 24- supporters, so ask for help Nov. 22) if you need it. You won't win any medals by working yourself into a tizzy. Delegate menial jobs to others.

Romantic opportunities SAGITTARIUS will slip away if you are too (Nov. 23- focused on your work. Spend Dec. 21) time with someone you love, and keep your mind open to new possibilities.

Try to be more self-reliant.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- If you feel you need a change, Jan. 19) take action. Waiting for some-

Calvin and Hobbes

one else to do what you want or need is pointless. Take control and make things happen.

Don't be too forthcoming AQUARIUS with your personal details.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) If you are misunderstood or misinterpreted, your reputation will suffer. Think before you speak and avoid having to backtrack.

You will feel restless if PISCES (Feb. 20- you don't do something out of March 20) the ordinary. Volunteer your time or talents to a community event. Your services will be appreciated, and you will make new friends.