Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

Sunday

Times November 8, 2015

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The Festival of Lights Page 7

2 Sunday Times Magazine

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NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Times Feature

By Ian Craddock

G

uyana has been known for its amazing interior of savannah, jungle, mountains, river and waterfalls by an adventurous group of tourists for a few years, but a new gang has recently discovered that Guyana can offer the perfect location for them (TV production companies).

There are a vast number of shows that offer the viewer adventure, natural history, survival and other insight into some of the most remote places of the world and Guyana ticks all these boxes for a series producer researching places to film a new show.

But, you don’t just pick a place off the map and go!

However minimalist the show may appear, there is a lot of work behind the scenes to make it happen and that

starts with getting permission. You cannot just turn up in any country with 100 pelicases [watertight protector cases] of kit and start filming. You need permits from the government, permission from the people or villages that own the land, from various environmental agencies and of course from the people that appear on camera.

For television companies that often can only confirm their plans at the last moment, lengthy bureaucracy can be a killer and would literally make them move to a new country. The delivery date of the show to the broadcaster is key and everything works back from that, no matter the issues.

They approach a “fixer” (TV lingo) in the country to help support the shoot.

Bushmasters has provided this service for a wide range of shows, some for

a just a week, others for eight months. A production company needs several things from any fixer: clearly a great knowledge of the country and resources available for the show they have in mind; an ability to enable the shoot prior to arrival and whilst in country, to ensure everything goes according to schedule; a full crew can cost up to US$25,000 a day so delays are a no no; obviously you need to be able to do what the show is about no point advising on a survival show if you can’t light a fire in your own backyard; and in the Western world governed by endless rules, health and safety and litigation you need to tick all the correct boxes with skills, qualifications, licences, insurances, and so on.

But the key requirement is to get the bureaucracy and permits in place to let the team get to country in

Monty Halls, left, and Leo Houlding in knee-high black waters in Guyana for their new show 'Lost Worlds'

free process with minimal This happened in March costs is just what a produc- 2014 when I literally retion company want, and ceived an email saying, given most spend hundreds “Martin suggested I get in of thousands of dollars in touch about a TV shoot.”

Guyana during a shoot, it’s Martin and I had worked good for the country on a shoot in Belize called too.Let alone the “Celebrity Alone in the positive PR world- Wild”. He’s a great guy who’s wide when the show intrigued by Guyana. Fast airs on TV. forward three years and a A d d i t i o n a l l y , new show he was working on TV world is small, had major problems. When many of its people the country they were due freelance and they to film in became a no go at move from produc- the last moment. With three tion to production weeks’ notice the whole proand everyone seems duction switched to a focus to know each oth- in Guyana on Martin’s iner, or knows a man structions. And it was all who does, so word shot in 3D! spreads.

The show for Discovery On several occa- Channel is called “Cavemen” sions we have had and it follows two amazing contact from compa- people to remote places in nies making shows the world.

Halls with Fernando Li, right, from that often starts Leo Houlding is a world the Caiman House in the Rupununi with, “I know blah renowned climber, who examining a black caiman blah who filmed in many believe to be the best Guyana last year climber ever. A true 21st the first place. and he said it was awesome century Spiderman. And if Guyana understands and simple and now we want that wasn’t enough, he’s also this and makes life easy for to make a show there……” decided to start jumping off a production company. Film word of mouth is critical. the things he climbs, so has permits are straightforward and issued swiftly by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). A simple application process involves basic information on the shoot and the requirement for written permission from the areas where the filming is taking place and an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agreement if required. The permit is issued swiftly, often within days. The GTA then goes onto support the shoot, with TV crew details sent to Ministry of Home Affairs (now Ministry of Public Security) for visas and kit list to the Revenue Authority for duty exemption certificates.

A 3D camera worth US$250,000 may attract up to 40 percent duty, a sum any TV company would balk at and just go elsewhere. So given it is in country for a specific job for a short period, the Revenue Authority can issue an exemption, if supported by the film permit. It sounds easy and obDaredevils hanging from a vious, but many countries helicopter in remote Guyana jungle do not do this. A hassle

become an accomplished skydiver. Recently, he threw his gear out of a chartered plane with parachutes he bought off ebay, and then jumped from the plane down the wall of a mountain thousands of feet tall, then climbed the wall for the first time, then jumped off it again – in Antarctica!

His partner was Monty Halls. A former officer in the British Royal Marines Commando, Monty is a zoologist who has made many wildlife shows around the world. He has a particular enthusiasm for some of the most dangerous creatures on the planet. His day job is literally spent swimming with great white sharks!!

In Guyana, the concept was for these two crazy men to explore the jungle and waterfalls of the interior, to skydive from helicopters, climb trees with Harpy Eagles, rappel down 800-footwaterfalls, then climb back up again and, of course, to get lifted out of the jungle, on a long rope Scaling a vertical rockface by a waterfall

hanging from a helicopter, all with three weeks planning…easy!

Well in Guyana it was easy, even though many of these things had not been done before. Air Services Limited brought an instructor helicopter pilot in from the US to fly the skydive, rappel and long line extractions. The Guyana Defence Force was great in supporting the helicopter scenes, especially with the skydiving elements. The Civil Aviation Authority moved swiftly with GDF backing to authorize everything. The villages of Yupukari, Surama and Puraima Mission were brilliant in their support and enthusiasm and providing the critical local staff and expertise.

And of course, the GTA facilitated everything - licences, permits, duty exemptions, visas and much more.

The shoot was awesome; 18-hour work days in the jungle, flying plane to plane film scenes over Mt Roraima, shifting anentire crew into the middle of nowhere by helicopter, Spiderman climbing a never before attempted 800-foot waterfalls, Monty wrestling black caiman and all of it captured in 3D. The show was released to Discovery in September.

As per film permit requirements, a copy will then be released to Guyana to be aired on local TV. Stand by for an amazing adventure show, filmed right here. And make sure you have some 3D specs, it’s truly awesome! (Article first appeared in Explore Guyana 2015 magazine, with permission from Ian Craddock to publish)

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NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine

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Times Feature

A

Years of experience, arduous journeys and a love for the environment; Graham Watkins reminisces

uthor Graham Watkins is a Guyanese-born British biologist who grew up in Trinidad and Wales.

He has spent much of his adult life working in tropical South America, and has more than 20 years of experience working in biodiversity research, wildlife and fisheries management, environmental management, and sustainability.

Graham was once executive director of the Charles Darwin Foundation in the Galapagos Islands from 2005 to 2008, and worked for the Iwokrama International Centre from 1998 until 2004;he was director general of Iwokrama from 2003 to 2004.

He is presently a principal environmental specialist with the InterAmerican Development Bank in Washington DC where he has worked since 2010. Graham has a PhD in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and a first degree in Zoology from Oxford University.

“I lived in Guyana from 1996 until 2004 before I came back in 2009 to begin writing the book, ‘Rupununi: Rediscovering a Lost World’. The Rupununi itself and the people who live there inspired me to write the book. The Rupununi is one of the most extraordinary places in the world,” Watkins declared in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Watkins and awardwinning photographers Pete Oxford and Renee Bish (featured last week) created an engaging and colourful portrait of the Rupununi in their collaboration “Rupununi: Rediscovering a

Hugging an otter in the Rupununi

Graham Watkins

Lost World” (2010) - the first book of its kind on Guyana when it was launched.

“Preparation required arduous field trips for photography and long months of research. Once the photographs had been taken and the research was completed, the writing needed editing and many revisions, photographs had to be edited and processed, and then the book had to be designed. It took months until it all came together,” Watkins recalled.

“All in all it was a huge but highly rewarding effort for everyone involved, and we, the authors, are very grateful to everyone who directly and indirectly helped,” he expressed. “ R u p u n u n i : Rediscovering a Lost World” hopes to inspire con-

The book's cover

servation agencies to continue their work to protect the global environment.

It is also a “reminder that we need to be ever vigilant if we are to overcome the threats that confront humanity, so that we can bequeath to our children a lasting legacy”.

Watkins and four others worked directly on the book for a couple of years, but its production benefitted from the support of more than 150 people and more than 30 organisations.

According to conservation.org, the informative text and accompanying photographs detail the geology, biodiversity, and people; provide an understanding of the values of the area, and underline compelling reasons to ensure the conservation of this unique place in a rapidly changing world.

Guyana's northern Rupununi is described as one of the last great wilderness areas on the planet and a biological treasure trove, with a level of species richness on par with that of western Amazonia.

Since the 17th century, when Sir Walter Raleigh was convinced that the Rupununi was the location of the mythical El Dorado, this remarkable area has captured the imaginations of explorers and naturalists.

One of the aims of Watkins’ book is to reintroduce the Rupununi to the

world at large, allowing readers to rediscover an extraordinary “lost world”.

“Through the book I want readers to know that the Rupununi is not just a special place in Guyana but that it is a global treasure worthy of worldwide attention and that the Rupununi needs to be cared for and looked after,” Watkins noted.

Notably, the book’s foreword was written by HRH The Prince of Wales, in which the prince mentioned that he visited the

North Rupununi in 2000, acknowledging the significance of Watkins’ book.

“Dr Watkins described the ground-breaking work of the Iwokrama and the wider communities of the Rupununi in ecology, conservation, culture and economy. He also examines the threats to their well-being and, most importantly, the alliances they are forming for their continued sustainability and protection.

The tough challenges facing the North Rupununi are emblematic of those which

Diwali is here

confront us all on a global scale. As this book explains, however, seizing the initiative requires effort and dedication. We have to remember that time is not on our side,” wrote Prince Charles.

Watkins revealed that he has been back to Guyana several times since writing the book – and given that it is his country of birth, he is positive he will return often in the future. “ R u p u n u n i : Rediscovering a Lost World” is available at Iwokrama offices in Guyana.

Little earthen lamps decorate the homes and streets, Busy hands in the kitchen, preparing delicious sweetmeats Fireworks go up in the air, It’s that time of the year-Diwali is here!

Colourful rangolis add to the festival’s beauty, Many throng the temples to worship Maha Laxmi Families and friends celebrate and spread the cheer, It’s that time of the year-Diwali is here!

The aroma of incense sticks lingers all day, Charity is given in every little way The tassa drumming adds to the joyous atmosphere, It’s that time of the year-Diwali is here!

All celebrate as good conquers the bad, It’s the festival of lights; the time to be pure and glad Illuminating the darkest night of the year, It’s that time of the year-Diwali is here!

Cindya Khellawan

4

Sunday Times Magazine

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NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Times Feature Theatrical poster

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romising to thrill audiences, upcoming serial “WHO?” is bringing something different to local television.

Based on a tale of betrayal, greed and deceit, the serial promises to have viewers on the edge of their seats. It’s a nail-biting, riveting series that will have you engrossed in its plot.

The concept of “WHO?” is credited to 17-year-old Kendra Massiah who describes herself as a “proud African young lady growing up to be an independent

entrepreneur”. Massiah is also the founder of Greates Entertainment.

“I enjoy being occupied with theatre arts, which inspires me. I have to credit God for his guidance in coming up with the concept of the series. I also wanted to make a difference and create a unique experience, but it just wasn't coming to me so – and this will sound weird – I asked God to give me a billionaire idea. I don't know if its coincidence or what, but the idea of creating this serial came to

mind,” Massiah disclosed in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Massiah mentioned that her aim is to make Guyana proud and to showcase to the wider world how talented Guyanese are. She also wants to offer something fresh to local television, hence the creation of “WHO?” When talking to Massiah and her cast, one would be amazed to find out that majority of them are youths.

Although they may not have substantial experience in

Cast and production team of the drama serial, 'WHO'

drama/theatre, with dedication and determination Massiah and her team will soon amaze their audience.

“When someone wants something really bad... it’s their dream, it’s their goal... they will walk at the end of the world to make it happen. And what I’m doing is what I truly love, so I’ll be the most determined person ever to make this production successful,” Massiah declared.

A new comedy act

T

here’s a new trio that will surely make you laugh.

Damian Jagroop, John Balkarran and Steve Utam – “Cool Boyz” – as they are more popularly known, have become some of Guyana’s most hilarious comedians from Berbice.

The idea to create episodes of laughter based on local culture is credited to Damian Jagroop. Cool Boyz debut video was posted on Facebook in July 2014. Since then, the boys have become very popular, garnering fans countrywide.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Damian said he and Steve are neighbours who grew up together.

They attend the same church, as does John. When Damian came up with the idea of producing series of comedy based on everyday life, he approached Steve and John and they readily accepted to be part of the production.

“WHO?” is scheduled to air on local television in April 2016. So far, there are more than 17 cast members, with some young as 15 years old.

“It's your dream, live it.

Have motivation. If I can do it then other youths can do it too. You're never too small or immature to do something. If you want to learn to swim at the age of seven then have your parents teach you. Nothing is impos-

sible; you have to make it possible. All the haters and people who make you feel like you can't do anything, let them leave with their jaws dropped and smile in their faces after you have proven them wrong. That’s motivation right there!” the young entrepreneur encouraged.

For more information on the series, visit WHO? On Facebook.

Local trio brings out Guyanese humour

“I made short funny videos in 2014 by myself and got a lot of views on Facebook. It all happened when my parents had to fly out the country for a month.

I invited Steve and John to sleep over. While I was making the videos, I decided to include them too and its history from then on,” Damian recalled.

Damian revealed scripts are not written; he thinks of something funny, forms an idea, relates it to the boys and the plot is made up as they go. The boys just get into character. The series is based on “Guyanese jokes” told to them by others, or from observation of people.

“We don’t really write. We just sit and discuss ideas and act that out. I am a professional camera person and have trained the boys how to video and so on. So right now we’re handling all aspects of the production. However, later on we hope to get a special camera person,” Damian mentioned.

Damian is self-employed, John works fulltime and Steve (known by his character Pakaloo) attends school. The boys keep regular contact with each other, meeting up after work and school to plan and produce their next video.

“So far anywhere we go we have awesome feedback. Some places we go we might find someone who Damian, Steve, and John are the 'Cool Boyz' may not like us, but we have majority of fans so that don’t bother us. We also have the support of our fami- take their acts countrywide and become successful actors/comedilies, which we are truly grateful for,” Damian noted. ans. To find out more about DVDs and videos, visit CoolBoyz-TV So what’s next for the Cool Boyz? They hope to on Facebook.

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Times Women

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manda Sohan was born in the heart of New York City, but never lost sight of her heritage. The moral values taught by her Guyanese parents guided her along a path of becoming a successful author.

Amanda has an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.

She has been working since she was 17 and has more than 20 years of experience as an executive assistant.

Currently, she is employed with Brookfield Financial in the US as an office manager as well as executive assistant to the two partners of the firm.

children and have parents who are governed by a strict West Indian culture and mentality. Of course, as I grew older I learned to appreciate a lot of the values and traits that my parents instilled in me, but it is the turmoil of the balance that made me who I am and I appreciate that. I wouldn't want it any other way,” Amanda disclosed in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Her parents are originally from Tain Settlement, Berbice. They are still alive and well and are strong believers in education and independence.

The author said her parents always told

"The Slipper" book cover

While growing up, with one foot steeped in the strict cultural boundaries her parents held dear and the other rooted in modern teenage American angst, reading and writing became the main medium for Amanda’s journey toward freedom.

“My parents raised my sister, Rowena, and I in a very stringent household, so I grew up quite restless and rebellious. It's very hard to be an American, interact with other American

her to be prepared, to educate herself and, while it is nice to sometime depend on others, it should never be a necessity and that she should be self-sufficient at all times. According to Amanda, what she was taught is something she “will take to the grave”.

Amanda is a self-published author and has released “Love in Black And White”, an urban poetry book for adults; her third adult novel entitled “HIM”,

and more recently “The Slipper”.

“With lovable characters like Meetu, Neetu and Vishnu, in ‘The slipper’ a serious situation is infused with a great deal of warmth, colour and humour. What happens when a headstrong teenage girl falls in love with an unsuitable suitor? What becomes of her future when her strict parents desire another path? And what ensues years later when Meetu’s past catches up to her future? As the reader, one is led to believe that you have all of the answers, but the storyline is anything but standard and the ending will leave you shaking your head in wonder and clutching your growing heart,” the author narrates.

Amanda recalled she came up with the storyline for “The Slipper” when a friend of her sister’s came up with a contest that required the contestant to write a story spoofing an Indian movie. Amanda said she loves the Bollywood movie “Dhadkan”. A scene in the movie shows actor Sunil Shetty shaking his old, torn slipper while explaining his poor circumstances.

“Something in me clicked remembering that scene and I thought I could spoof an entire story out of that one scene. Lo and behold ‘The Slipper’ was born. Once I started writing the story, I had no idea where it was going to go. When you hear writers exclaim that the story wrote itself, they’re not kidding. I can absolutely attest to that statement. The entire story spilled out of me word by word, sentence by sentence so rapidly I could hardly keep up. When the story was completed all that was left to do was correct the spelling and grammar.

I felt I had a winner on my hands!” she remembered.

"The Slipper," written for children ages 9 to 11, though adults seem to love the story as well, is a classic tale of love and loss portrayed in a most unconventional fashion.

Outlining her plans, Sohan said: “I would love to continue as I am, working

Amanda, (right) her sister (left) and parents

and writing and eventually I hope to be able to retire and simply write books!”

Amanda is married and has one child: a 24-yearold daughter. She also has a blog, At Home with a Teacup.

“The Slipper” is available on Amazon in both Kindle and hard copy format.

Amanda Sohan

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

The Eucalyptus Garden Theatre opens

By Petamber Persaud

I

t was twilight. It was Monday, October 26, 2015.

A new chapter in the history of theatre was being written. And, as if to consecrate this new chapter, the moon, peeking out of her dark clothing and liking what she saw, smiled brightly upon the new garden theatre.

It was time for the opening of Guyana’s first circular garden theatre – the Eucalyptus Garden Theatre of the Theatre Guild Playhouse. It was a historic moment for theatre in Guyana and in the Caribbean, who favour the

proscenium over the coliseum style of stage.

Brief history of Guyanese theatre

Theatre in Guyana started in the late 18th century when the European colonizers imported this medium of entertainment as part of their need for social recreation. First there were the coffee houses then the Theatre Royal, followed by the Minor Theatre. Then there were the famous Assembly Rooms and the Philharmonic Hall in the later 19th century which encouraged an upsurge in drama and in a way gave birth to numerous dramatic enti-

ties.

There were also references to the ‘Dutch Theatre’, Chinese and Portuguese theatricals and entertainment, and the ‘non-establishment dramatic activity’ of the East Indians. The turn of the century, saw an increase of dramatic activities of East Indians, leading to the formation of the British Guiana Dramatic Society in 1936. In 2013, the Indian Commemoration Trust opened the first Garden Theatre in the country.

The most important development of theatre in Guyana was the birthing in 1957 of the Theatre Guild Playhouse on Parade Street,

At the launch

Kingston. In 2008, the building was given a new lease on life in order to stage some activities for Carifesta X. Before the restoration of the Guild, the National Cultural Centre was born in 1972 in order to host some activities for the staging of the inaugural Carifesta.

Outdoor theatre

The Guild has developed on various levels over the past seven years; the most notable is the recently established Eucalyptus Garden Theatre.

This outdoor theatre was many years in gestation, building on suggestions like a “hangout bar” to generate additional funding for the maintenance of the Guild.

There were other reasons for the birthing of such an idea.

And when the time was right, it became a reality.

That right time came when the ‘current Chair of the Theatre Guild, Dr. Paloma Mohamed, became the first woman ever to receive the highly coveted Sabga Award as the Caribbean Laureate for Excellence in Arts and Letters, 2015.

She “…used her prize and other donations to fund the theatre as a gift to the Guild and people of Guyana.

Mohamed worked closely with trustees of the Theatre Guild and with the well-respectedengineer Bert Carter who designed and built the theatre with the Rambarran Brothers. The project was managed by Vice Chair of the Guild, Malcolm DeFreitas.”

The Eucalyptus Garden Theatre is intended to be a gift that would replicate itself and keep growing “…it is an investment in the future of the arts.”

Opening night

Twilight’s last gleaming eases into evening, creating the atmosphere for the moon to bask in her glory, beaming down, blessing the stage, setting the scene. She was seeping through the leaves of the massive eucalyptus tree, lighting up their white boughs but mindful not to cast shadows, afraid to cast shadows on such a historic

moment.

Open air theatre is as old as theatre going back to the ancient theatrical traditions of Africa, Egypt, and India that were steeped in religious significances and secular beliefs. At that time there was a need to commune with the creator, the gods and nature.

That need to commune, and the curative properties of nature can be found in this new space – the Eucalyptus Garden Theatre, which is set within the “shade of three majestic and ancient eucalyptus trees... which have been growing behind the Guild for over 60 years. “ The health benefits credited to the oil of the eucalyptus are many, and favour the wellbeing of actors - their articulation and voice delivery. All of which will work well in one of the Guild’s continuing concerns to provide a space for “upcoming voices and talents and faces.”

The opening was well orchestrated - a fine balance between the necessary speeches and the performances, opening with “Unchained Melody” and “Love Letters” (Russell Lancaster and Keon Heywood). Other performances included an excerpt from the play “Creative Burial Ground”;“Blue Moon” sung by Simeon Downing, “Talking to the Moon” performed by the group, Naturale, “At last” by Charmaine Blackman, and ending with “Ave Maria” sung by Cheryl Burrowes.

This Eucalyptus Garden Theatre is versatile and child friendly, with a built-in seating of sixty five, flanked by two grass mounds and a further capacity for hundreds of chairs placedon its grounds.

This garden theatre is a new dimension in theatre and its opening augers well for the future of theatre in Guyana. (Photo credit: Theatre Guild/Neketa Forde) Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Heritage

The Festival of Lights

F

estivals contribute to the cultural tapestry of all countries.

Each festival brings with it a unique blend of customs and traditions and acts as a harbinger of good-will, peace and fraternity.

Centuries ago, Diwali was celebrated in the confines of the logies (primitive homes) in villages.

Our forebears, the indentured immigrants strove to maintain their culture and religion with whatever limited facilities were available in those times. Diyas were lovingly crafted out of mud and the radiance given off from these little lights served as a beacon of hope to them as they toiled under the most horrendous conditions.

Diwali, which literally means a row of lights, is celebrated on the 15th

day of the Hindu month of Kartik. It is the darkest night of that month and is conducive to the twinkling lights that illuminate every nook and cranny. Worship of the goddess Maha Lakshmi is the main focus of Diwali. The aspirant performs Lakshmi puja and seeks her blessing for material and spiritual fulfilment.

The festival encourages the participation of the entire family and it has long been the custom in Guyana for everyone in the home to gather in front of their Lakshmi murti at dusk chanting prayers and mantras before emerging to light their first diya.

Prior to the day itself the home and mandirs would be thoroughly cleaned and decorated in preparation for the Goddess of light,

‘Diwali renews the spirit of optimism from which a new beginning can be constructed, based on equity and noble intentions’

Sir Gordon Lethem, Governor of British Guiana, announces Germany's unconditional surrender from the balcony of the Public Buildings in Georgetown, British Guiana, on VE Day, May 8, 1945.

The Beharry Company’s float in a past motorcade

Maha Lakshmi.

The ladies of the home would in recent times design elaborate rangolis ( coloured tracings on the floor) and be absorbed in making sweet delicacies for family and friends. At this time, the household would be sanctified as vegetarian fasts are the norm.

Hindus would also abstain from alcohol. Over the last three decades the festival has gained prominence,

and features on Guyana’s list of national holidays.

Diwali has emerged from homes and mandirs and presently many commercial entities and public building are decorated with lights to welcome the goddess Maha Lakshmi.

The trend of using electric lights has increased and more persons are supplementing their diyas with these creating an aesthetically appealing look that has passersby gasping in awe.

Diyas are hardly made by individual householders, but those professionally made from clay can be purchased from stores and vendors. Novel innovations to the once simple mud diya filled with ghee and lit with a cotton wick include wax filled diyas and electrical diyas. The humble diya has certainly withstood generations and in spite of

all the new- fangled techniques it still reminds the Hindu to rekindle that inner light within and to extend to all those he or she comes in contact with The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s countrywide motorcades have become synonymous with the celebration of Diwali in Guyana. Thousands of Guyanese of every stratum of society and cultural belief throng the roads to witness the processions of beautifully decorated and illuminated vehicles depicting the theme of Diwali. In the olden days it wasn’t unusual to see horse-drawn carts gaily bedecked for the motorcade. With the advent of advanced technology, vehicles ranging from lowbed trucks to sleek cars are carefully designed with sophisticated lights and mobile parts. The Dharmic

Sabha’s motorcades are major tourist attractions.

Diwali in its many dimensions addresses questions which are not only philosophical, but also economical and social in orientation. Diwali threatens darkness in all its dimensions and influences the emergence of an illuminated society in which there exists understanding, tolerance, love and cordiality.

Societies are built and sustained on foundations such as these. Festivals like Deepavali serve to rekindle hopes and expectation, and influence society in a positive direction. Diwali renews the spirit of optimism from which a new beginning can be constructed, based on equity and noble intentions. (By Dr Vindhya V Persaud, written for Explore Guyana) (Cover: Flashback of Diwali grandeur)

8 Sunday Times Magazine

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NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Times Travel & Tourism

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icturesque Kumu Falls is right below one of the peaks of the mighty Kanuku Mountains.

About 30 minutes south of Lethem is the beautiful Amerindian village of Kumu, made up of traditional homes widely spread out over the savannahs, with the Kanuku Mountains looming behind.

With a 4x4 vehicle, visitors can drive a rough path nearly to Kumu Creek and a trailhead in the Kanuku

foothills. From there, a quick walk leads to Kumu Creek and a large opening where the village has built a hammock shelter for those who wish to spend the night.

Visitors can take a rest on the large granite rocks strewn around the waterfall, stand under the cascading water for a stimulating water massage, or take a refreshing dip in the pool below the falls. (Photos

by Girendra Persaud. Cover photo by Krysta Bisnauth)

Rocks at the foot of Kumu

Above the Falls

Pathway to the waterfalls

Refreshing water flows from between the boulders

Scenic location in the vicinity of the Falls

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

W

hen you or your children don’t feel well this flu season, experts say it’s important to keep proper perspective. With serious illnesses like Ebola in news headlines, it may be more concerning than usual.

“Despite these concerns, most physicians would give the same basic recommendations for when you can treat your flu at home and when you should seek med-

duce a fever with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Antihistamines and decongestants can help you breathe easier when you’re congested.

You also should drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest, says Russ Kino, MD, medical director of emergency services at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

breathing chest or stomach pain, dizziness or light-headedness, severe vomiting These red flags are the same for adults and children. However, with children, seek emergency medical treatment if their lips or skin appear bluish; they can’t wake up or interact with you; they have a high fever with a rash.

What’s considered a high fever varies with age. “Children tolerate high fevers better than adults, but 102 is a significant fever, especially for adults,” Dr. Bergen said.

If you’ve taken fever reducers and your fever doesn’t break, you need to call your doctor, Bergen says. It could be a sign that you may need medical treatment.

More reasons to go to the doctor for Flu

Computer generated image of influenza virus

ical attention,” Randy Bergen, MD, paediatric infectious disease consultant and clinical lead of the flu vaccine program for Kaiser Permanente in Northern California told everydayhealth. com.

Symptoms associated with the flu commonly last about a week and can be eased with home treatment. For instance, you can re-

When to seek medical attention

There are times when the flu can lead to serious complications, and medical attention is necessary. So, how do you know when you should see your doctor for the flu?

These signs may indicate that your body may not be able to fight off the flu on its own: Difficulty

Dehydration also needs medical attention. “Signs that you’re getting dehydrated include urinating less frequently than normal, feeling thirsty, and having trouble keeping fluids down,” Bergen informed. If you can’t replenish fluids by drinking more, you may need to be given fluids intravenously.

Also go to the doctor or the ER for the flu if you seemed to be getting better, but find that your symptoms are returning. If your fever and cough roar back worse than before, you need to seek medical attention.

People who have asthma, diabetes, HIV, AIDS, cancer, or another chronic condition, those over 65, and women who are pregnant should seek treatment sooner than

Cold or flu?

T

an otherwise healthy person, Dr. Kino says. “If you have a weakened immune system, you have to be more concerned than the average person,” he explains.

Your doctor may even be able to treat you over the phone, Bergen says. If the flu has been reported in your area and your doctor believes that’s what you have, he or she may prescribe antiviral flu drugs.

If taken early on, these drugs may shorten its course.

Avoiding Flu complications

You don’t want to let the flu

get out of hand because it can lead to serious complications. The biggest concern is pneumonia, a serious threat especially for the elderly and those who have other health conditions.

The flu can also lead to bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections. If you have asthma and get the flu, you may experience more serious attacks. If you have congestive heart failure, the flu can worsen your condition.

Remember that your chances of getting the flu are a lot lower if you get a flu vaccine.

What Is the Flu? Influenza, more commonly known as "the flu," is a viral infection of the respiratory tract that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes lungs.

Outbreaks of flu tend to happen annually, at about the same time every year. However, each outbreak may be caused by a different subtype or strain of the virus.

For most people, a bout of flu is an unpleasant but short-lived illness.

For others, however, flu can pose serious health risks, particularly if complications such as pneumonia develop.

The best way to avoid getting the flu, everydayhealth notes, is to get an annual flu vaccination, encourage the people you live and work with to do likewise, stay away from people who are sick, and wash your hands frequently.

The flu spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, propelling droplets of liquid into the air that either land on another person's mouth or nose or are inhaled into a person's lungs.

The flu may also spread through direct contact with an infected person's nasal secretions, or by touching an object with flu virus on it, then touching one's mouth or nose.

Symptoms of flu typically start within one to four days of infection. An infected adult may be contagious from one day before symptoms start to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may continue to be contagious for longer than 7 days.

Given how easily the flu is transmitted, staying home while sick and keeping sick children home are important ways to reduce the spread of the flu.

he flu is not a 'bad cold'. Colds and flu share some of the same symptoms (cough, sore throat), but are caused by different viruses. Flu can be much more serious than a cold.

There are around 200 viruses that cause colds and just three that cause flu. There are many strains of these flu viruses, and the vaccine changes every year to protect against the most common ones.

Colds cause more nasal problems, such

as blocked nose, than flu. Fever, fatigue and muscle aches are more likely and more severe with flu.

If you're generally fit and healthy, you can usually manage the symptoms of a cold or flu yourself without seeing a doctor. Look after yourself by resting, drinking non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration and avoiding strenuous activity. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can relieve aches and pains.

10 Sunday Times Magazine

NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Times Fashion

E

xuding elegance, comfort and class, Sonia Noel’s bespoke designs are perfect for any casual or formal occasion.

The designs featured this week were showcased at the prestigious Bridging The Gap Fashion Showcase, launched in celebration of Caribbean Month in New York. The prestigious fashion event’s aim is to show the world the talents emanating from the Caribbean.

Noel’s designs were paired with bags by designer Christine Samuel from St Lucia.

For more information on these comfortable and chic designs, call (592) 609-8388.

guyanatimesgy.com

R

NOVEMBER 8, 2015

ichard Lamar Hawk, better known by his stage name Silentรณ, is an American hip hop and R&B recording artist. He is best known for his debut single "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)", which peaked at Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The young singer stated that his stage name, Silentรณ, is based on how quiet he is.

"Less talking, more action. Silentรณ," he stated in an interview. On October 15, 2015, he released the single "All About You" via SoundCloud. Silentรณ's influences include Justin Bieber, Usher, Future, Linkin Park and Gorillaz.

Silentรณ guyanatimesgy.com

Star Times Hollywood

Sunday Times Magazine 11

12 Sunday Times Magazine

NOVEMBER 8, 2015

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NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Star Times Bollywood

S

andeepa Dhar is an Indian actress who made her acting debut in the 2010 Hindi film “Isi Life Mein”. For her performance in the film, she was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut, Star Screen Award for Most Promising Newcomer and Stardust Award for Superstar of Tomorrow. Sandeepa did a cameo in “Dabangg 2”, which stars Salman Khan in the leading role. She is currently playing the female lead in an international musical called "West Side Story" produced by the Australian Dance Theatre.

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Times Bollywood/Hollywood

Bieber wants to change Bollywood stands up for Justin ‘self-centered attitude’ Shah Rukh Khan over J 'intolerance' remark W hile Shah Rukh Khan is being targeted by certain politicians, Bollywood seems to stand strong by him.

Shah Rukh Khan on Monday said there was "nothing worse than religious intolerance and that it would take India to the Dark Ages".

Amidst all the hate storms blowing against Shah Rukh Khan, National Award winning filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar came up in sup-

port of him and said that blaming the Bollywood superstar like this is wrong.

"Whoever has said this, is his personal view. I think blaming Shah Rukh Khan

like this is wrong. The nation loves him and he is a big superstar," Bhandarkar told ANI. Even Kerala film personalities backed Shah Rukh Khan in the row over his comment on growing intolerance in the country.

Filmmakers who have returned their awards to protest impediments to freedom of speech and growing intolerance in India include names like director Dibakar Banerjee, documentary filmmakers Anand Pathwardhan and Nishtha Jain, among others.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan said he will not be returning his Padma Shri or other honours. In an interview, the "Chennai Express" star said: "The country is becoming increasingly intolerant. Respect those who returned government awards, but (I) won't return mine."

(Mid-Day)

ustin Bieber is back with new music and new attitude. The 21-year-old singer who is gearing up to release his new album "Purpose" on November 14 talks about living a high life and the problems that come with it in the cover story of Billboard magazine's latest edition.

"Enough with the Justin Bieber Show. I want to veer away from the self-centered attitude," he says of moving on from his troubled past. "I'm just focused on the people who have been there since the start, on people who are taking the journey now. I want them to feel like we're doing this together."

Justin goes on sharing how difficult it could be to constantly live in the spotlight, "It might seem awesome from the outside, but I'm struggling. Certain things broke my trust with people. Situations happen that taint your mind. I started going through the motions. I felt like people were judging me all the time. I came out alive. I came out swinging. But I was close to letting [fame] completely destroy me."

Asked what he felt at the time, he shares, "Empty. Lost. Like I didn't know myself." He admits that he told himself, "You're not good enough. People hate you. You try too hard."

Justin goes on revealing that he hasn't gotten serious with another girl since split-

Lil Wayne speaks out after police raid his house

L

il Wayne took to Twitter after his house was raided by police. The rapper expressed his frustration as he wrote a cryptic message to his followers, "It's days like 2day dat make me ? everything,even myself But I guess dis is da thx I get."

"Sum times it's tough 2b tough & even tougher 2b me," Weezy continued. "I ain't sh*t but my mother, my kids & their mothers r EVERYTHING & dat I know, so on the days ? everything, I use dat as the answer 2 it all."

Rick Ross who is dealing with his own legal issues showed his support as he tweeted, "Watching @LilTunechi CMB defining career and seeing his current situation hurts my heart. Like I tell my Luv ones 'some Gsh*t gone come thru.' " Lil Wayne's property including his US$30 million art collection was seized during the Miami raid. He reportedly owed a jet-leasing company US$2 million after missing payments for two years. (AceShowbiz)

Amitabh Bachchan completes 46 years in Bollywood

W

ith his debut film “Saat Hindustani” clocking more than four decades today, megastar Amitabh Bachchan completes 46 years in the Hindi movie industry. The 73-year-old actor made his first screen appearance as a poet, hailing from Bihar, opposite Utpal Dutt, A K Hangal and ace comedian Mehmood Ali’s younger brother Anwar Ali. The “Piku” star retweeted fans’ creations including his first solo poster of “Saat Hindustani” and some rare shots from the film’s set on his micro-blogging site. The Allahabad-born actor never looked back post the success of “Saat Hindustani” and starred in films like “Anand”, “Bawarchi”, “Bombay to Goa” among others.

He also earned the tag of “angry young man” of Bollywood when he departed from light-hearted films to action-oriented. He rose to stardom with “Zanjeer”, “Deewaar” and “Sholay”, but continued his stint in love stories like “Kabhie Kabhie”, “Abhimaan” and “Chupke Chupke”.

The actor will be seen next in “Wazir” opposite Farhan Akhtar. (India)

Make Diwali safe for pets, urge Bollywood actresses

B

ollywood actresses Nargis Fakhri and Jacqueline Fernandez have urged their fans to avoid firecrackers on Diwali to provide a safe environment for pets.

Jacqueline Fernandez

posted a picture of herself posing with a cat on mircoblogging site and tweeted: "Let's make Diwali safe for our pets. Share a message & selfie with your ..." Nargis also tweeted: "y'all 2is cute @ Asli_Jacqueline (sic). Please

less or no crackers. I too get scared. I used think it was Gunshots."

Both Nargis and Jacqueline worked together in Salman Khan’s starrer “Kick”. Nargis had just an item number in the film, while Jacqueline was the female lead.

Nargis, who was also part of films like “Madras Café”, “Phata Poster Nikhla Hero” and Hollywood film “Spy”, is currently busy shooting for the biopic on former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin titled “Azhar”.

While Jacqueline was last seen in Akshay Kumar and Sidharth Malhotra starrer “Brothers”. (TOI)

ting from Selena in 2014.

Having gone through such lifestyle, the Canadian pop star says, "I wouldn't suggest being a child star. It's the toughest thing in the world." (Excerpted from AceShowbiz)

Selena Gomez: ‘Find me an Australian boyfriend’

S

elena Gomez hasn't found herself a new boyfriend since breaking up with Justin Bieber.

In an interview with a radio station on November 5, the 23-year-old singer/actress declared that she's single and would love to date an Australian guy.

"Obviously the tour has been taking up my entire life but yeah I am single and enjoying it," the "Same Old Love" songstress said. She added, "You need to find me an Australian."

Selena's declarations come just days after Justin admitted that he's "never going to stop loving her." He told Access Hollywood about their breakup, "It was really tough. I don't know if I'm over it yet. I think that I'm definitely in another place and I think we've definitely went our separate ways.

I love her and I want her to

be awesome, but there are things that remind me of her."

In a new interview with Billboard magazine, the Canadian superstar also said about his former girl-

friend, "When you love someone that much, even if something comes between you, it's a love that never really dies," adding, "I'm proud of the woman she is today."

(AceShowbiz)

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NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine

15

Times Trends

Trending Now

Star of the week

T

he fast-track to pretty party hair? A beautiful accessory of course!

See how the celebrities have taken this trend to create the coolest accessorised styles.

Selena Gomez turns heads with an oversized orchid headdress. While it’s not exactly a subtle look, Selena still looks stunning.

Kerry Washington proves that simple can be oh-so-effective with this black ribbon hair band. The star tied it in an effortless bow under her ballerina bun in a look that is pretty easy to replicate.

Thought cat ears were just for Halloween?

Think again. Nicole Richie’s lacy headband is all kinds of chic.

Toughen up your super-feminine style with a cool heavy-metal chained accessory like Kristen Stewart red carpet look.

Sporting a blunt shoulder-skimming bob, Katy Perry is rarely seen without a statement headband and this striped one is very pretty.

For a seriously statement look, choose something oversized like Rihanna’s glittering tiara worn over the top of a sleek hairstyle.

S

aajid Husani, born April 3, 1994 in Georgetown, attended West Demerara Secondary School and St. Stanislaus respectively. Husani will soon graduate from the University of Guyana with a BSc. Besides academics, Husani’s interest lies in photographing memorable moments. His love affair with the camera began as a hobby over two years ago and eventually blossomed into a career. Husani’s photography skills are continuously evolving, which has attracted much clientele. He will soon make his acting debut as the character Zaavian in the upcoming local drama serial “WHO?” and will be the personal on and off scene photographer. “I have a determination to get better and to keep trying and improving what I do already,” he declared.

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Times Art

Myrna Bernard

T

hrough her artistic paintings, Myrna Bernard captures the essence of life and passionately exhibits them for the world to see.

Bernard works in Caribbean regional administration in Georgetown and has had no formal art training beyond her years at the Bishops’ High School, Georgetown. She has, in recent years, pursued her interest in digital photography and digital art through the use of manuals and books and also online tutorials.

She is also director of human development at CARICOM Secretariat, and has extensive knowledge in the area of youth development, among other areas, having been at the Secretariat for more than 20 years.

Before joining the Secretariat, Bernard served as lecturer in Science Education, vice-principal, Administration at the Cyril Potter College of Education and lecturer in Education Management at the University of Guyana.

She holds a BSc (Hons) in Physics from the University of the West Indies, a post graduate diploma in Science Education and Master’s in Education Management from the University of Guyana.

The artist has exhibited at the Secretariat’s Annual Staff Talent Celebrations from 2006 to 2012; at the Guyana

Currently, Bernard’s artworks are on display at Castellani House, Vlissengen Road.

Admission is free.

"Closed Session" 2014

Gallery hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm on Mondays-Friday and 2:00pm to 6:00pm on Saturdays; the gallery is closed on Sundays and holidays. (Photos courtesy of Castellani House)

Untitled 2014

Women Artists’ Association’s Annual Exhibitions from 2008 to 2012 and their exhibitions in Guyana at Carifesta X in 2008 at the International Conference Centre, Turkeyen, for International Women’s Day at the Brazilian Cultural Centre in 2011, for the Year of People of African Descent at the National Museum, Georgetown in 2012, and at the IGCF in Cayenne in 2013.

She is an active member of the Methodist Church in Guyana, the Guyana Women Artists’ Association and the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central.

"Rhythm of the Soul" 2014

"She Waits" 2014

"Fusion" 2014

"Faces in the Tree" 2015

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NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine 17

Times Tech

Tech news

Tech news

A

ccording to a new report from Samsung’s home market of South Korea, the Samsung Galaxy S7 release date will arrive at some point in February 2016.

While previous rumours argued that the phone will launch in January, this new report, quoting sources from inside Samsung, says that the phone will actually launch in February.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge wireless charging In the sea of Galaxy S7 rumours, another often iterated idea is that the phone will come in two versions, one with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset - one that’s apparently being manufactured by Samsung itself and one with Samsung’s own Exynos 8890 (M1) SoC. According to this new report, both Samsung Galaxy S7 versions will support LTE Cat. 12 speeds.

While it was previously known that the Snapdragon 820 will integrate an LTE Cat 12 modem, this is the first time we’re hearing about the Exynos 8890 being fitted with a similar radio.

In theory, LTE Cat. 12 speeds top at 600Mb/s for downloads and at 100Mb/s for uploads.

Naturally, your carrier has to support such speeds before your phone can actually reach them. (phonearena)

D

aniel Craig, who stars as the suave and debonair British spy, was offered US$5 million to be seen with the Sony Xperia Z4 in the movie. Sony offered US$18 million for marketing and promotion for the film, a figure trumped by a US$50 million bid by Samsung.

In addition, Samsung said it would pay U$5 million if Bond was seen in the movie using a Samsung smartphone.

But leaked emails from producer Barbara Broccoli revealed that neither Craig, nor ‘Spectre’ director Sam Mendes, were in favour of the multimillion dollar product placement and promotion deals because “James Bond only uses the ‘best,’ and in their minds, the Sony phone is not the ‘best.’”

That comment came in an email to Broccoli from Andrew Gumpert, president of Worldwide Business Affairs and Operations for Columbia Pictures. The conversation was one of those leaked when Sony’s emails were hacked.

The leaked email doesn’t say which phone the actor and the director would consider worthy of use by James Bond.

Tech BYTE

Tech BYTE

T

wo years ago, researchers at MIT used Wi-Fi signals to see through walls and track a person’s movements. The same team has now come up with a new technology that’s not only able to discern a person’s silhouette through walls, but can also make out different individuals.

Called RF Capture, the device works by sending and receiving wireless signals that travel through walls. When the wireless radiation encounters a human body, it’s reflected off them and the received signal is captured and analysed. The radiation used, according to the team, is quite minimal, roughly 1/10,000 of the radiation given off by a standard cell phone.

The device first makes 3D scans of the entire space to identify objects in the environment, including the people in it. When people move about in the environment, the device monitors the signals reflected off their body.

A

pple Music’s free trial only ended for early adopters less than a month ago, but CEO Tim Cook has still given us an indication of the number of people who enjoyed the service enough to keep paying for it.

Speaking at the WSJD Live event, Cook said that the service currently has 6.5 million paying customers, with another 8.5 million customers partaking in the trial.

With big plans to improve the service in the pipeline, these numbers mean that Apple Music currently has over 15 million ac-

It then stitches these reflections across time to reconstruct a person’s silhouette.

To distinguish between different people, the team trained the device to use factors like body shape and height to create specific “silhouette fingerprints” for every person.

Currently the device is reported capable of being able to trace a person’s hand as he writes in the air, through walls and closed doors. It can differentiate between 15 different individuals with a 90 percent accuracy rate.

Currently the team is in the process of commercializing the technology through a product called Emerald, designed to detect and prevent falls among the elderly. (Gizmag)

S

cientists at MIT and the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) have leveraged videogame technology to generate broadcast quality 3D video of football matches from a 2D source in real time.

The resulting video can reportedly be enjoyed with any 3D TV or virtual reality headset, and could lead to much more 3D content becoming available in the near future.

The system currently produces 3D video with a delay of approximately three tenths of a second from the original broadcast, but the researchers are currently working on

tive users, which is an increase of four million since the start of September.

There is a good chance that a good number of those 6.5 million paying customers simply forgot to cancel their Apple Music subscription, but the fact remains that the generous 3-month trial is definitely bringing in plenty of new subscribers.

Given how long Spotify has taken to get to its 20 million paying subscribers, Apple’s definitely moving in the right direction.

reducing the lag time even further.

Though no such plans have been announced, it seems plausible that such a technique could be adapted to other sports.

If the technology is commercially successful, the amount of 3D content that would suddenly become available for public consumption could be a driving factor in making 3D TV and VR technology more mainstream.

The researchers presented their new system at the Association for Computing Machinery’s Multimedia conference in Australia last week. (Gizmag)

18 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

Finding space for the work desk

I

n many homes there is often a need for a desk to rest computers, perform traditional writing tasks or for the kids to do their homework. While many homes don’t have the space to dedicate to an entire office, with some creative thinking, it should be possible to carve out a small space for all office and school work – like the following ideas...

Ingredients

Melted butter, to grease 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 small brown onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves (optional), crushed 10-12 slices wholemeal bread, crusts removed 100g shaved ham 70g (2/3 cup) coarsely grated cheddar 3 eggs 500ml (2 cups) milk

Method

Converting a small closet or bump-out into office space is a popular option among homeowners

Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush a shallow 1.5L (6-cup) capacity ovenproof dish with melted butter to grease.

Heat the oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic, if desired, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or until aromatic. Set aside to cool slightly.

Cut each bread slice in half diagonally. Arrange half the bread over the base of the prepared dish.

Top with onion mixture and the ham. Sprinkle with half the cheddar. Top with the remaining bread, overlapping slightly. Top with remaining cheddar.

Use a fork to whisk together the eggs and milk in a large jug. Pour over the bread. Set aside for 15 minutes to stand.

Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes or until golden and set. Serve.

Makes 6 servings.

GREATEST COOKING TIPS A small book case is adapted to hold two separate desk areas that don’t take up much room

G

round spices die quickly. So give them a whiff—if they don’t smell like anything, they won’t taste like anything. And if they don’t taste like anything, you’re cooking with a flavourless, brown powder.

Chicken fat is amazing, whether you’re frying onions in it, sautéing greens in it or spreading it on toast. So after eating your roast chicken dinner, drain the now-cooled liquid fat into a plastic container and store it in your freezer. (This also holds true for bacon fat.)

When a recipe calls for chocolate chips, break out a bar of chocolate instead.

Chopping your own chips creates pockets of melty chocolate throughout your cookies—some small, some large, all delicious.

I Sometimes a corner can simply do with a standout desk and chair near a window – and an office is born

HOME HELP

f your silk flowers look dull, dust then spray them with hairspray; they will stay shiny. When they get dusty again, simply blow off with a hair dryer.

Choose a light-coloured roof. Using pale shingles will reduce the solar heat your roof absorbs, reducing the need for air-conditioning.

Switching out old light bulbs for compact fluorescent could save on your electric bill. They cost a bit more than traditional bulbs, but they last 10 to 25 times longer and use power more efficiently. Only 6 per cent of the electricity sucked up by traditional bulbs (those older than 14 or 15 years) is turned into light – the rest becomes very inefficiently used heat.

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

Manners children should know by age nine (Continued)

JOKES Half It Your Way The food at the sandwich shop I frequent is good, but any deviation from the norm throws the staff.

I once told a clerk that I wanted only half a sandwich. His reply: “What am I going to do with the other half?”

A week later, when I told another clerk the same thing, she responded, “Do you want the top or the bottom?”

One each Two little boys stole a big bag of oranges from a neighbour.

They decided to go to a quiet place to share the lot equally. One of them suggested the nearby cemetery.

As they were jumping over the gate to enter the cemetery, two oranges fell out of the big bag but they didn’t bother to pick them since they had enough in the bag.

A few minutes later, a drunk on his way home from a bar passed near the cemetery gate and heard a voice saying: “One for me, one for you. One for me, one for you. One for me, one for you.”

He immediately sobered up and ran as fast as he could to a church nearby.

“Father, please come with me. Come and witness God and Satan sharing corpses at the cemetery.”

They both ran back to the cemetery gate and the voice continued: “One for me, one for you. One for me, one for you.

One for me, one for you.”

Suddenly, the voice stopped counting and said: “What about the two at the gate?”

Dress feud Jennifer’s wedding day was fast approaching. Nothing could dampen her excitement – not even her parents’ nasty divorce.

Her mother had found the perfect dress to wear, and would be the best-dressed mother-of-the-bride ever!

A week later, Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father’s new, young wife had bought the exact same dress as her mother.

Jennifer asked her father’s new young wife to exchange it, but she refused. “Absolutely not! I look like a million bucks in this dress, and I’m wearing it,” she replied.

Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, “Never mind sweetheart. I’ll get another dress. After all, it’s your special day.”

A few days later, they went shopping, and did find another gorgeous dress for her mother.

When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother, “Aren’t you going to return the other dress? You really don’t have another occasion where you could wear it.”

Her mother just smiled and replied, “Of course I do, dear. I’m wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding.”

The Seniors A married couple is traveling to visit family by car. Being seniors, after almost eleven hours on the road, they were too tired to continue and decided to get a room. They only planned to sleep for four hours and then get back on the road.

When they checked out four hours later, the desk clerk handed them a bill for $350.00. The man explodes and demands to know why the charge is so high. He told the clerk although it’s a nice hotel the rooms certainly aren’t worth $350.00 for four hours.

Then the clerk tells him that $350.00 is the ‘standard rate’.

He insisted on speaking to the manager.

The manager appears, listens to him, and then explains that the hotel has an Olympic-sized pool and a huge conference centre that were available for us to use.

“But we didn’t use them” the husband said.

“Well, they are here, and you could have,” explained the manager.

The manager went on to explain that the couple could also have taken in one of the shows for which the hotel is famous.

“We have the best entertainers from New York, Hollywood, and Las Vegas perform here,” the manager says.

“But we didn’t go to any of those shows” the husband said.

“Well, we have them, and you could have,” the manager replied.

No matter what amenity the manager mentioned, the husband replied, “But we didn’t use it!” The manager is unmoved, and eventually the husband gave up and agreed to pay.

As he didn’t have the check book, he asked his wife to write the check. She did and gave it to the manager. The manager is surprised when he looks at the check.

“But ma’am, this is made out for only $50.00.”

“That’s correct. I charged you $300.00 for sleeping with me,” she replied.

“But I didn’t” exclaimed the manager.

“Well, too bad, I was here, and you could have.”

17. Don’t stretch for things at the table, ask politely for them to be passed.

18. Don’t wipe your mouth with the back of your hand to clean off food, or wipe a runny nose that way, keep a napkin or handkerchief handy instead.

19. The correct way to use basic eating utensils at home and at a restaurant.

20. When attending certain events do not reach for food unless offered.

21. Don’t talk with a mouth full of food.

22. Don’t chew food with your mouth open.

23. Not to slouch or sprawl at the table when having a meal.

24. To say “No thank you” or “Yes please” when offered something.

25. To shake hands as a gesture of politeness when being introduced to grownups especially.

STORY TIME

Reflections Start Where You Stand Start where you stand and never mind the past; The past won’t help you in beginning new, If you have left it all behind at last Why that’s enough, you’re done with it, you’re through; This is another chapter in the book, This is another race that you have planned, Don’t give the vanished days a backwards look, Start where you stand.

O

ne day while a sage was going through a jungle, he saw two golden rams (billy goats) fighting each other.

Even though both were wounded, and blood was oozing out from their heads and bodies, they did not stop fighting and rammed at each other.

At the same time, a hungry jackal was passing by. When he saw all the blood, he started licking the blood from the ground without caring for the fighting rams.

Watching all this, the sage thought to himself, “This jackal is a fool as it has become greedy by the smell of blood. If he comes between the fighting rams, it will get rammed and get hurt himself”.

No sooner had the sage thought of it, the jackal, craving for more blood, came nearer to the fighting rams and got caught in the middle of their fight. Both the rams rammed into him by mistake. He got hit on his head, and fell down. He died instantly from the injury.

The wise indeed say: Do not close your eyes to the impending danger due to greed.

E

By Grammar G

nglish speakers use what grammarians call “figures of speech” every day when speaking as well as writing, yet many have no idea they are doing so.

Many also have no idea what is a “figure of speech” or that there are many types. In fact, in the English language there are certain figures of speech that are more often used than others.

Today we take a look at a few… The first is one of the most used (some would even suggest overused) figures of speech: the metaphor.

If you or someone else ever talk about falling in love, climbing the ladder of success or hitting the books, then you should know we use metaphors daily.

Another well-used figure of speech is a simile. You know

The world won’t care about your old defeats If you can start anew and win success; The future is your time, and time is fleet And there is much of work and strain and stress; Forget the buried woes and dead despairs, Here is a brand-new trial right at hand, The future is for him who does and dares, Start where you stand.

Old failures will not hold, old triumphs aid, To-day’s the thing, tomorrow will soon be; Get in the fight, and face it unafraid, And leave the past to ancient history.

What has been has been; yesterday is dead And by it, you are neither blessed nor banned; Take courage, man, be brave and drive ahead, Start where you stand.

Berton Braley

Well-used figures

the ones – as dumb as a doornail; light as a feather or hungry like a wolf, to name a few of the many.

Then there is hyperbole, an exaggeration for emphasis: “Whole morning you spend eating breakfast that you can’t reach to school on time.”

According to one source, the Ancients scorned its use, considering it “commonly used even by ignorant people and

peasants, which is understandable, as all people are by nature inclined to magnify or to minimize things and nobody is content to stick to what is really the case.”

However, a Roman orator once stated that hyperbole isn’t a deceitful lie but rather “an elegant surpassing of the truth.”

And last but not least, from Latin meaning “make names”, is the onomatopoeia: The cake fell, splat, onto the floor.

Some linguists suggest however that onomatopoeia is more a figure of sound rather than a figure of speech, while others insist it is a figure of sound that is actually a figure of speech.

More about that another time, enough confusing you for one day.

20 Sunday Times Magazine

NOVEMBER 8, 2015

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Times Sunday Puzzle

A number of children are standing in a circle. They are evenly spaced and the 7th child is directly opposite the 18th child.

How many children are there altogether? see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine 21

Times Kids

Creature Corner

T

Bullet ant

he Bullet ant (Paraponera clavata) is a fearsome ant species that can be found in Central and South American rainforests.

Bullet ants nest in colonies of hundreds in soil at the base of trees and would walk all the way up to the canopy to gather food.

The bullet ant gets its name from the shot of intense pain it delivers with its venom-filled sting. The recipient experiences its agonising effects for the next 12 - 24 hours.

A bullet ant can bite multiple times in a single second, which also releases a

pheromone instructing other ants to join in the attack.

On the Schmidt Sting Pain Index developed by entomologist Dr Justin Schmidt – which rates from one to four the pain caused by the stings of different hymenoptera (a group of insects that includes wasps, bees and ants) – the bullet ant tops the charts.

Some Amazonian indigenous tribes perform initiation rituals where young boys are tested by placing their hands in a glove filled with live bullet ants.

GEOZONE Mauna Kea showing undersea base and land surface

School Crossword

M

ountains are extremely high areas on land or in the ocean, formed by the slow but immense upward movement of the Earth’s crust over time.

Volcanic mountains are formed when a huge swelling of magma pushes up under the earth’s crust and the crust cracks open.

Dome mountains form when magma pushes up under the earth’s crust but doesn’t break the surface and eventually solidifies.

Fold mountains were formed by collisions that folded or buckled the land.

Fault-block mountains are distinguished by great sheer rock faces, formed when parts of a cracked tectonic plate are forced

to move up while other parts are pushed down.

Plateau mountains form as colliding tectonic plates push up the land without folding or faulting. They are then shaped by weathering and erosion.

The world's tallest mountain is Mt Everest at 29,035 feet (8,850 meters) while the tallest mountain measured from top to bottom is Mauna Kea, an inactive volcano on the island of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean.

Measured from the base, Mauna Kea stands 33,474 feet (10,203 meters) tall, though it only rises 13,796 feet (4,205 meters) above the sea.

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 please see solution on page 23

digits 1 through 9.

22 Sunday Times Magazine Early days The exact date of Francis Drake’s birth is unknown, but it is thought to be around 1540. He was born in Tavistock, Devon, England, the eldest of 12 sons born to a Protestant minister and farmer named Edmund Drake and his wife, Mary.

The apprentice About the age of 13, Francis began his sailing apprenticeship on a barque (a type of sailing vessel with three or more masts) carrying trade goods between England and France. When Francis was around 20 years old, the ship’s captain died and left the barque to Drake.

Married life Francis Drake married Mary Newman in 1569. She died 12 years later, in 1581. In 1585, Francis married Elizabeth Sydenham. Neither marriage produced children.

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Exploring the realms of history, science, nature and technology

By Laurie Triefeldt

SIR FRANCIS

DRAKE

This Elizabethan-era explorer was also an admiral in the English navy, a slave trader, a privateer and a politician. He was the second man and the first Englishman to lead a circumnavigation of the globe.

Drake’s circumnavigation of the Earth (1577–1580) miles

NORTH AMERICA

In 1568, while in port for repairs at San Juan de Ulua, near Veracruz, Mexico, Drake’s ship and five others were attacked by the Spanish, who were angered at competition by the English slave traders.

Of the six ships attacked, only Drake’s and Hawkins’ ships managed to escape. After this event, Drake had an intense dislike of the Spanish and never hesitated to attack their ships, confiscating their vessels and treasures.

The privateer Drake’s exploits against the Spanish were condoned by Queen Elizabeth I. To the English, Drake was a hero and legal privateer, but the Spaniards considered him an unlawful pirate. They called him “El Draque,” which means “The Dragon.”

It is rumored that King Philip II of Spain offered a reward of 20,000 ducats (about $10 million) for Drake’s life.

A second fortune In 1572, Drake was raiding the waters around the Isthmus of Panama. This was where the gold and silver of Peru was landed and moved overland to the town of Nombre de Dios where it was loaded onto Spanish galleons.

In 1573, Drake and his men captured a mule train carrying about 20 tons of silver and gold. There was so much treasure, they were forced to bury some. He returned to England with another fortune.

km

2000

CHINA

The slave trade Between 1560 and 1568, Drake was in command of a ship called the Judith. Drake and his cousin John Hawkins were involved in the slave trade, selling captives from West Africa to Spanish plantations in the New World.

2000

EUROPE

ARABIA

INDIA

AFRICA Pacific Ocean SOUTH AMERICA

Indian Ocean

Atlantic Ocean

AUSTRALIA Cape of Good Hope

How far north Drake traveled up the Pacific Coast of North America is still in dispute. He may have gone as far north as Vancouver Island in Canada.

Drake’s flagship, the Golden Hinde, was originally called the Pelican.

He renamed it in 1578.

Queen Elizabeth I knighted Drake in 1581.

Around the world After the success of the Panama Isthmus raid, Queen Elizabeth I secretly commissioned Drake with an expedition against the Spanish along the Pacific coast of the Americas. In 1577, Drake sailed with five ships, but only one managed to reach the Pacific.

A full-size replica of the Golden Hinde was built in 1973.

In the end Drake led a failed attack on Portugal in 1589. He became mayor of Plymouth in 1593, but could not stay away from the sea. Two years later, he set off on another exhibition to the Caribbean. In 1596, Drake led a failed attack on San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Drake raided Spanish ports along the west coast of South America as he made his way north. He anchored off California and called the land New Albion, claiming it for England.

He headed west across the Pacific in July 1579. He arrived back in England in September 1580. He brought spices, Spanish treasure and the fame of being the first Englishman to circumnavigate, or sail all the way around, the globe.

Drake was second in command of the English fleet against the Spanish Armada in 1588.

Sir Francis Drake died of dysentery off the coast of Panama in 1596. He was buried at sea, wearing full armor and encased in a lead-lined coffin. Treasure hunters and archaeologists continue to search for his remains.

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The Philonoist

Sunday Times Magazine 23

World Times Paris store hosts Star Wars Christmas catwalk illuminations

everybody kinda dreams of growing up and finally gets to see all the famous window displays in real life, it's amazing," described Victoria Rasbridge, a tourist from Oxford, in the United Kingdom.

According to the Telegraph, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will be released in France December 16 and December 18 in the UK.

Our purple planet Q: Is it true the Earth was once purple?

The idea of a purple world rather than the green one we know of today remains a little-known though controversial area in the study of our Earth’sbio-history.

Purple bacteria were known to dominate life on early Earth, and can survive on land and in water.Ancient microbes might have used a molecule other than chlorophyll to harness the Sun's rays; one that gave the organisms a violet hue.

Scientists like Shil DasSarma, a microbial geneticist at the University of Maryland, thinkchlorophyll appeared after another light-sensitive molecule called retinal was already present on early Earth.

Being latecomers, microbes that used chlorophyll could not compete directly with those utilizing retinal, but they survived by evolving the ability to absorb the very wavelengths retinal did not use, DasSarma said.

Researchers speculate that chlorophyll-based and retinalbased organisms coexisted for a time, but after a whilethe balance tipped in favour of chlorophyll because it is more efficient than retinal.

Retinal, today found in the plum-coloured membrane of a photosynthetic microbe called halobacteria, absorbs green light and reflects back red and violet light, the combination of which appears purple.

Chlorophyll, the main photosynthetic pigment of plants, absorbs mainly blue and red wavelengths from the Sun and reflects green ones, and it is this reflected light that gives plants their leafy colour.

The sun transmits most of its energy in the green part of the visible spectrum.

However, David Des Marais,a geochemist at NASA's Ames Research Centre in Californiawho was not involved in the research, calls the purple Earth hypothesis "interesting," but cautions against making too much of one observation.

"I'm a little cautious about looking at who's using which wavelengths of light and making conclusions about how things were like 3 or 4 billion years ago," said Des Marais.

G

aleries Lafayette department store in Paris and Disney have teamed up for a "Star Wars"-themed Christmas display.

The tribute was unveiled Wednesday with choreography, stunts, a light show and people dressed as jedis, stormtroopers and oth-

er characters from the franchise.

Crowds gathered outside the store to watch the performance which ended with fake snow falling over them.

One tourist who caught the unveiling described it as "amazing".

"I think, yeah, with all those lights it's something

Dogs survive porcupine encounter

T

wo Canadian dogs have survived a harrowing run-in with a porcupine.

Mahalo, a pit bull, was playing with his brother and another dog on his

thing,” Mazur said to the media. “They go in and they’re just sort of barbed, and they migrate and travel, and that’s the fear right now. Mahalo had quills that migrated up into her lungs

Brain Teaser Answer 22.

In half of the circle there are 11 children because 18-7 = 11.

Multiply 11x2 = 22 SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

The quills pierced Mahalo's heart and lungs

owner's farm in Craven, Saskatchewan, when the dogs ran afoul of a porcupine.

Mahalo had to be rushed to a veterinarian after the porcupine's quills pierced his heart and lungs.

Clad in a cone, he is recovering at home, but the healing process is long.

Mahalo's owner Dennis Mazur, a 39-year-old social worker, has had to take time off work to tend to the dog.

"The veterinarian said if [Mahalo] hadn't been a pit bull with all that muscle she wouldn't have survived," said Mike Gerrand, Mr Mazur's friend who organised a fundraising campaign.

Mahalo's brother, Nestah, was also hurt in the attack. Nestah was hit by dozens of quills to the face, but avoided more serious internal injuries.

The extended recovery for the dogs cost Mr Mazur thousands of dollars in medical bills, which have since been paid through crowdfunding, and lost work time.

Some of the quills have taken weeks to remove, said Mr Gerrand.

“Quills are a tricky

and into her heart, and the fact that she’s alive right now is a full miracle.”

The fate of the porcupine involved in the confrontation with the dogs is not known.

24

Sunday Times Magazine

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Fun Times

Archie

Emotional matters will be perplexing.

Don't dwell on the (March 21negative.

Focus on something April 19) more pleasurable. Research a destination that appeals to you and plan a pleasure trip.

ARIES

TAURUS Make a point to spend time (April 20- with someone you love. Your May 20) quest for success will cut into your personal relationship if you let it. Be open and honest about your feelings.

Focus on the positive.

GEMINI (May 21- Today will be a success if you June 20) refuse to let anyone deter you from your plans. You will meet someone who will advance your career.

Deal with troublesome issues before they escalate. A (June 21- frank discussion with someone July 22) you live with will lead to beneficial changes. Don't go over budget on personal expenses.

CANCER

Dilbert

LEO A casual encounter will lead to an important partnership.

(July 23Aug. 22) Work on your social skills by listening more and talking less.

You will push people away if you complain or make negative comments.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Let loved ones know they are appreciated. Emotional clashes are likely if someone feels you have been neglecting your duties. Be sure to take care of your duties and responsibilities.

Get involved in a cause LIBRA close to your heart. By help(Sept. 23ing those in need or making Oct. 23) improvements in your community you will feel better about yourself and your future prospects.

Peanuts

SCORPIO Make financial adjust(Oct. 24- ments that will counter any Nov. 22) careless spending habits.

Consult an adviser and deal with the issues before they spin out of control. Romance is encouraged.

Protect your assets. Say no SAGITTARIUS to anyone looking for a hand(Nov. 23out. You work hard and should Dec. 21) not let anyone take advantage of you. Spend time doing something you enjoy to reduce stress.

Calvin and Hobbes

Your financial matters CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- need an update. Organize and Jan. 19) prioritize your important personal papers. Seek professional advice if you are unclear about banking or insurance rules and regulations.

Focus and determination AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- will help you to get ahead, Feb. 19) but versatility will also play a role. Change will happen rapidly, and the risk of losing ground is apparent if you can't keep up.

Your energy and creativiPISCES (Feb. 20- ty will be enticing to an agenMarch 20) cy requiring your services.

Welcome new opportunities for the emotional benefit they bring, rather than financial gain. Love is highlighted.