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Times February 16, 2014

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A Passion for Pan Music Page 2 Mashramani Designers Prep for Page 3 Feb. 23

Mashramani exhibition at National Museum to spread awareness of cultural history Page 4

Collection highlights creative talent Page 10 Inspired by Emotion Page 21

2 Times Sunday Magazine

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February 16, 2014

Times Feature

A Passion for Pan Music P

anwave Steel Band Academy is the epitome of passion. It is fascinating to watch the band members –all youths – play the steel pan. Their passion for getting every music note on key is admirable. Most importantly, they passionately hone their talent to keep steel pan music alive.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Cary Gillis, a music teacher, member of the Parkside Steel Orchestra and steel pan instructor, stated Panwave is an after-school programme to help youths learn steel pan and also develop music literacy.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the programme targets students coming from depressed backgrounds and those who have a desire to learn steel pan but do not have access to the instru-

ments.

“I started playing steel pan at my school, President’s College. I graduated from there and went on to pursue my tertiary education. My brother, at that time, was playing steel pan and encouraged me to join Parkside, and I have not turned back since.

Steel pan has a unique sound which you cannot get electronically. Steel pan is not only about the music but also about the show and the vibes you give off. If the players cannot do that then the audience would not enjoy themselves. For students and myself, it is also a means of self-expression,” Gillis noted.

Initially, Panwave’s programme was held at St Gabriel’s Primary School, targeting the primary school children there. The aim, according to Gillis, was to preserve steel pan by teaching the youths, and this has not

Panwave band members practising on the steel pan

NEW GPC INC Marketing Associate Livasti Bhooplall (second from left) handing over the cheque to Panwave Academy members

changed.

“There was an overwhelming response from the youths, and so we then decided to expand the programme.

We have trained over 400 children from various schools.

We target anyone below the age of 18. Many of the students presently have been with the band since they were very young and have grown together as a band,” Gillis pointed out.

After completing the programme, Gillis said, the youths are encouraged to join Parkside to continue playing steel pan. They have honed their talents and can relate the theoretical aspect of music using the steel pan.

“Generally, music teaches you discipline. It keeps you focused and helps with your memory. Being focused and dedicated, students excel in their school work. Panwave practices twice a week for an hour because we do not want to engage students mentally for a long period because they are coming from a long day of school. Our programmes are fun, and the youths enjoy playing together and sharing a mutual energy and passion for steel pan,” expressed Gillis.

In 2005, Panwave had its first win in a steel pan competition, but sadly the programme went into hiatus until 2009 when it was resuscitated. Classes have been ongoing since at the Christ Church Parish on Waterloo Street.

“In March, I am hoping to start a new beginners group.

Students who have an interest in steel pan, though they may not know how to play, can join. Initially, it will be challenging, but after training it will come easily,” the instructor encouraged.

Panwave continues to play at concerts throughout the year, and competes in various steel pan competitions. Although they have not won any competitions since 2005, Gillis said they are de-

termined and prepared to take the winner’s trophy in their next competition.

Sponsorship is important for the band’s survival as the programme is free of cost. Gillis thanked its recent sponsor, New GPC Inc, for their financial support, and said the donation will be instrumental in maintaining the band.

Speaking to Sunday Magazine, a few band members expressed their appreciation for the programme because it has helped them become well-rounded individuals.

Dannika Giddings said she has been with Panwave for three years and was encouraged by her sister, who played steel pan, to learn about it. “I saw her passion and it motivated me to get into it. In learning steel pan, I get to learn all about music reading and writing and this helps me to be a well-rounded individual. I invest a lot of energy and time and I enjoy it a lot. I have a passion for it and will continue to play as long as I can.”

Darius Austin, who has been with the band for two years, was encouraged to join the steel band when a group of steel pan players visited his school. “I used to play the drum so I decided to join Panwave to learn more about music. It takes a lot of dedication to play steel pan but it is very fun and a good sweat out.

Also, steel pan has helped me to be a more responsible and focused individual.”

With Panwave for two years, Miriam Gaskin stated that she always had a passion for music, singing and playing the piano. Encouraged by her mother, Miriam decided to learn about steel pan.

“Now, I fully enjoy it. I understand a lot more about music. It is my life and I am very passionate about it. I would encourage everyone to be part of this programme, even if you may not know anything about it.”

guyanatimesgy.com

February 16, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine

3

Times Focus

T

he spectacular showcase of costumes on Mashramani day is certainly a highlight of this national celebration.

“Cultural Folklore, Celebrating 44”, this year’s Mash’ theme, is what the minds behind the costumes are working feverishly with to create their masterpieces.

Two such designers are Dorian Obermullar and Surida Nagreadi. In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the designers outlined their plans for the upcoming Mash celebrations and how they intend to create excitement on the roads.

high school, where he was designing costumes for students.

“I started costume designing in school and was very involved in the arts. After graduating from high school, I decided I want to make designing a career. I went to Burrowes School of Art and did various workshops with renowned costume designers from the Caribbean. I learnt about the basics of costumes designs and developed my skills over the years,” he recalled.

The designer’s first major costume design was “Green Dynasty” for Miss Mash International 2006. He received accolades for the design, he noted, and many were impressed with his talents as a young designDorian Obermullar Designing comes naturally for Dorian. er.

“As I garnered more experience, I kept His career in designing started while in designing creative costumes for pageantries and Mash.

A highlight of my career was competing in a designing event in Trinidad, and placing fourth out of twelve persons. I also took the opportunity to do workshops there, which really helped to sharpen my talent,” Dorian reminisced.

Although Dorian enjoys designing for adults, he prefers to create costumes for children. He disclosed that working with children is more manageable, which gives him scope to fully express himself as a designer.

“For adults’ costumes, entities usuDorian (right) on the catwalk with his model presenting one of his pieces ally do not have sufficient funds. This somewhat stifles my concepts because I cannot get to express myself the way I want to because I am confined to a strict budget.

However, with the children’s costumes it is a much smaller band and although I do not do as much, it is still grand,” he declared.

He noted that for two years he designed costumes for Diamond Secondary and they won both years. These achievements have motivated Dorian to continue to work with children.

“I have more time to focus on the floats because the children’s band is small and I do not have to design a lot of costumes. The floats are usually mythical figures, which I enjoy creating. Once I did a float themed ‘Golden Goddess of El Dorado’ and it was a winning piece,” the costume designer narrated.

This year, Dorian is designing costumes for the Department of Education, Region Four, and for various schools countrywide.

Additionally, he has designed a stunning piece for a Carib Soca Monarch competition contestant.

“I try to reflect the Mash’ theme in all my designs. This year, I am focused on the Mash’ theme on cultural folklore. My cosModel wearing one of Dorian's tumes’ concept is awakening our folklore to creative adult designs

refresh people’s memories of them. It is a very dimensional and spiritual piece,” he revealed.

Other than designing Mash costumes, Dorian is a fashion designer. He enjoys designing fashionable clothing for those who prefer a distinct look.

“My future plan is to pursue studies in designing abroad and get all the training and experience I can get. I also want to come back to Guyana too impart my knowledge to those who share my passion for designing,” Dorian declared.

Surida Nagreadi

Sharing a similar passion for designing is 24-year-old Surida Nagreadi. Surida is a costume designer and the founder of Mash band, Xcite Gy. “I have always been into designing but decided to do so professionally last year. I have been getting excellent responses from the public since I launched my Mash band last year. I love fashion, and it motivates me to be a good designer. I also love a project, and seeing the desired end results inspire me to be better,” Surida disclosed.

Surida noted her aim is to enhance the Mash fete experience. She believes Mash is a “stepping stone” for encouraging tourists into our country, which will ultimately help to develop the economy.

“I have designed costumes for those who do not mind showing extra skin and those who are a bit more conservative. Spaces are open to the public who want to join my band. We have a complete package for all those who join us. My costumes’ theme is ‘Love and Colour’ but it also relates to this

Designer Surida Nagreadi

year’s Mash theme,” she revealed.

The Mash band has four sections- the VIP section is themed “Allure”, the frontline section is “Serenity”, the backline section is “Fusion” and in the party section, persons will be wearing Xcite Gy branded t-shirts.

“My plan is to hold Mash-related events throughout the year in order to build anticipation for the celebration. The party will start mid-year with the launching of my costumes in August. Although it is a fairly new band, my aim is to make Mash an exciting experience for all,” the designer declared. (Cover photo: Surida designed this piece for those who want a more conservative look)

Dazzling pieces by Surida

4

Times Sunday Magazine

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February 16, 2014

Times Feature

Mashramani exhibition at National Museum to spread awareness of cultural history

O

n Mashramani day, Guyanese of all races converge to celebrate Guyana being a Republic. It is not just a mere fete, but a significant facet of our history.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with the National Museum, recently launched its annual Mashramani exhibition as part of a series of activities to commemorate Guyana’s 44th Republic anniversary under the theme “Cultural Folklore, Celebrating 44”.

At the launch, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, stated that the event has become one of the ministry’s traditional activities to ensure that the country’s cultural heritage is highlighted.

The exhibition showcases various aspects of Guyanese culture and the annual activities held in celebration of Mash.

Minister Anthony noted that the exhibition has been growing in its quality over the years, and if youths are not encouraged to appreciate and value the rich heritage of Guyana’s folklore, they will be lost. Therefore,

of festival that was held

by Amerindians whenever they gather to celebrate a special event. This event he said was like “Muster Many” (or Mashirimehi in Amerindian) and sounded in Arawak like Mashramani.

Steps were taken to confirm this with the help of Adrian Thomson, who was the District Commissioner of the interior and was considered an authority on Amerindian affairs.

After investigations could not confirm or deny that the Arawak word for festival was ‘Mashramani’, and in keeping with Fiedtkou’s interpretation, it was decid-

Exhibit depicting prominent figures in Mash celebrations

it is the aim of the exhibition to keep our cultural heritage alive.

“This exhibition helps to propagate the unique history that Guyana possesses.

I encourage persons, especially school children, to visit the exhibition which will give them an insight into the local artefacts,” Minister Anthony said.

History

The Jaycees of Linden, since Guyana became inde-

Committee about bringing the event to Georgetown.

Approval was also given by the-then President Forbes Burnham for Mash' to be a national event for the Republic celebration.

Mash' activities were rotated in Linden, Berbice and Georgetown but due to sponsorship, the costume bands’ contest remained in Georgetown.

This year’s exhibition is open to the public at the National Museum until March 6.

Activities

Mash activities continue with a steel band competition on Feb 16 at the

pendent in 1966, had been arranging and organizing an Independence Carnival in Mackenzie. With the advent of Guyana becoming a Republic in February 1970, the Jaycees of Linden, under its president Nobreiga, formed a Jaycees Republic Celebrations Committee.

Basil Butcher was selected as chairman but due to his subsequent selection to tour Australia with the West Indies Cricket Team, Jim Blackman was appoint-

Information about Mash celebrationswe over the years ed as the deputy to carry on.

A broad-based committee such as Wordsworth McAndrew, Arthur Seymour, and Adrian Thompson, began the organization of the carnivals activities.

The search for a name to replace ‘carnival’ began, and it was suggested by Butcher that an Amerindian name be chosen. Several individuals, including Allan Fiedtkou, an Amerindian, were contacted. Fiedtkou held discussions with his grandfather who explained a type

ed that the festival could be called Mashramani.

On February 23, 1970, Mashramani was a huge success, with people drawn from all regions of Guyana to Linden welcoming Guyana's status as a republic with more than three days of frolic and fun.

After witnessing the massive crowds and level of competition, David Singh, a government official, held discussions with the Jaycees

Costumes on display at the current exhibition

National Cultural Centre.

On Feb 19-21 a series of steel band concerts would be held in the Botanical Gardens, Stabroek Market and at the seawall band stand.

The Flag Raising Ceremony would be held Feb 23 at the Parliament Buildings. On Feb 26, a Republic lecture series workshop would be held at Umana Yana. There would also be a folk concert on Feb 28 at the National Cultural Centre.

guyanatimesgy.com

February 16, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 5

Times Women

S

Three actresses spice up local theatre

tage fright is not an option for local acting group, the Drama Queens. Loving the spotlight and the adrenaline that comes with acting in front of a huge audience, the ‘queens’ of drama are bringing something different to theatre in Guyana.

Three years ago, notable actresses Lloyda Nicholas, Leslyn Fraser and Tashandra Inniss decided to

was in Errol John’s "Moon on a rainbow Shawl" where I played a prostitute named Mavis. But because I was so green, I felt I did no justice to ‘Mavis’. Give me that script now and Mavis would come alive!” Tashandra recalled.

Although acting comes naturally, Tashandra, an actor for six years, has seized every opportunity to develop herself. She has received

The Drama Queens. From left are Tashandra, Leslyn and Lloyda

Lloyda performing a dramatic scene

form the group.

“It was not planned or discussed, just three friends referring to themselves as ‘Drama Queens’ because of our own personal issues that we were going through. Since three of us lived for the stage, we saw it fit to start our own production company, and since then it has been nothing short of drama,” Tashandra

training at the Carifesta Acting Workshop, is an active member of Theatre Guild Workshop and is currently a student at the National School of Theatre.

A playwright and director, Tashandra has written and directed “A Darker Side” for last year’s Drama Festival. In 2012, she wrote her first play “Till Death”, which won in the ‘Open

stated she has been acting for more than 28 years and loves every moment on stage.

“My mother always thought I was very dramatic as a child, so when she heard that Harold Bascom was doing an August holiday workshop on acting, she sent me and I fell in love with it. I was only 10 years old at the time,” she recalled.

Leslyn’s debut was in the play “Old Firewood”, written and directed by Harold Bascom.

Drama queen Lloyda Nicholas recalled when she was 7 years old, her mother took her to see “Moon on a Rainbow Shawl” at Theatre Guild. She reminisced that she was entranced by the world created onstage, and knew at that moment acting was her calling.

In addition to acting, Lloyda is also a spoken word artist.

The 'queens' during a scene at a recent drama production

revealed to Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Together, the dramatists successfully produced their debut show “Love & Madness” last year. It was a “raunchy” production that highlighted different relationship issues.

“Acting was never something I dreamt of doing, but I wanted to challenge myself to be bold. My first role

Short Plays’ category at the National Drama Festival Awards.

“With the friends I have, I am constantly reminded of how talented I am; but with every character I do, I try my best to portray it as if it were me sitting in the audience and judging myself,” she pointed out.

Speaking with another drama queen, Leslyn Fraser

In preparing to go on stage, Lloyda disclosed she does a breathing exercise to calm her as she reviews her script.

“But when I step on stage it is like a light comes on inside me, and the character I am portraying takes over.

To be an actor you have to be willing to learn with each production you are in.

You have to be willing to go through the process of putting off yourself and putting on and growing into becoming the character. You have to be committed to what you are doing and be disciplined.

Generally, while you are in a production your whole life is consumed by it,” noted the actress.

Lloyda is currently in the process of completing two new plays.

The Drama Queens are excited about their upcoming second production, “7 Deadly Sins”.

“Since we’re all passionate about the arts, we would like to see our company prosper in this aspect. We have no intention of biting off more than we can chew but just enough to keep Drama Queens alive,” Tashandra declared.

6 Times Sunday Magazine

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February 16, 2014

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Black History Month

By Petamber Persaud Part II

(Extract of a conversation with Ras Leon Saul and I-Mykal, Georgetown, Guyana, 2013. Ras Saul is a cultural activist, playwright and television presenter; I-Mykal is a musician.)

PP Let’s go back to the influences on Bob’s message.

How important was the influence of Haile Selassie?

Ras Saul Pivotal. The sign of Haile Selassie on earth was a signal that it was time for the uprising – the spiritual uprising, one of the natural mystics....

PP “Uprising”

is

the

name of one of Bob’s albums which included “Redemption song”. But first Haile Selassie.

am – so Bob Marley was able to bring alive the spirit of the most high.

Ras Saul H a i l e Selassie was the essence...

I-Mykal On another note – I don’t think there is any world leader who is more widely known than Bob Marley. That’s how powerful the man’s music is.

I-Mykal The Soul, the foundation. When you hear Bob speak about the philosophy that holds one man superior to another, you hear the words of his Majesty; those are his Majesty’s words.

It was a like a genetic transformation and Bob took this to the world – nothing can beat the foundation of the truth.

Ras Saul Bob had the ability to bring God to you as a living person. Yes, Jah is I-ni-versal but he was also personal – I and I. I am the I

Ras Saul And I must confess that it is Bob’s music that wake I and I up, mek I-man sight Rastafari. Bob’s music opened I head and then I made a move to Marcus Garvey’s philosophy which led I to King Rastafari.

I-Mykal Yes, when you start to listen to Bob’s music, it teaches you to research.

And to find the great people he’s talking about for in those

PP Relevant Ras Saul Bob the revolutionary is an important consideration because he is more relevant now than then because as a prophet he is being endorsed by time pass – what he sang about has being manifested.

PP Yes, he was called a prophet, a Rasta prophet

I-Mykal

Ras Leon Saul

people, in their teachings, lay your strength. He was saying look to your people....

people like Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer contributed to Bob’s strength – we must see this as a body of people like in a game of basketball where Michael Jordon scores but what actually happened all the other players helped to make that goal possible. So in everything we must not exclude the things that help build the structure. And our people do this over and over again; we concentrate on the dominant and take away from other aspects which will in the long run break that very structure.

A kingdom divided among itself shall not stand.

PP He was able to connect to the people...

I-Mykal T h r o u g h music it was easy.

And symbols are very effective when seen – the first symbols all Jamaican singers focus on are mainly Marcus Garvey and Haile Selassie.

So Bob come and build pillars around them because no matter the pressures of the world if you believe in their philosophy, you cannot be moved.

And again, Bob said one thing when you are hit with music you feel no pain.

Ras Saul Another aspect of Bob that people overlook is Bob the father. Bob had eleven children, albeit with several mothers, but Bob the family man was not just a personal family man, he was a family man for the community and for the whole world.

That man was an influence on his children especially Ziggy, Stephen, Junior...Yes, Bob was an ordinary man but he was more than that, for me, he was an angel.

I-Mykal Positive.

And we must not forget when Bob came into this civilisation at that time the people that stood with Bob were also important to the movement;

PP Good point. Very often we see the people on the stage, in front the camera, we see the performer but behind the scene there is a whole world of activities propping up the front person.

On the subject of props - we also need a society that supports the artistes, a cultural consciousness in society.

Ras Saul C o m i n g back to Bob - Bob’s effectiveness was being a revolutionary, an activist, a militant man – get up , stand up, Africa unite – the point is that Bob gave a purpose to his music, Bob’s music caused a whole revolution that is still continuing thirty/forty years later his music is still fresh as ever...

I-Mykal He was not only a Rasta prophet, he is everyone prophet because even those that do not accept his teaching, will have to live with it....

PP Sort of endorsing the point you made about Bob being the father of the community, he was for everyone...

Ras Saul So many people he has influenced.

Look how many different artistes have sung Bob’s music – black, white, rich, poor...

PP And he wrote songs for other people including white singers....

I-Mykal So there again – Bob’s music was not about people it was about condition of the people Ras Saul He dealt with issues I-Mykal P o s i t i v e .

Bob music is global music.

(TO BE CONTINUED) Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s happening: Coming soon the first reprint of “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature”; will be available from the author at the above contacts; Austin’s Book Service (226-7350) and at the National Library (2262690).

guyanatimesgy.com

February 16, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 7

Times Feature

Star of the week

'Tin city voices' poster

T

he screening of four Guyanese films in the U.S., at the upcoming, prestigious arts event CaFA, is expected to be a showcase of imaginative talent.

Films scheduled for screening are “The Seawall”, “Beached”, “Tin City Voices” and “Rebecca’s Story”.

“The Seawall”, by U.S.-based Guyanese filmmaker Mason Richards, is a narrative short film shot entirely on location in Georgetown and centers around Marjorie, a Guyanese woman, as she prepares for her 10-year old grandson’s move to America to be with his mother.

Struggling with loneliness, and abandonment, Marjorie sacrifices her happiness for her grandson’s future. The film debuted at the Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner in 2011.

“Beached”, a 2012 film by Guyanese Kojo McPherson, tells of Nyoike (‘Nyo’) who, in an attempt to get back into the rhythm of his life, returns to his bar after spreading the ashes of his wife, Hope, on the Georgetown seawall.

Still reeling from the loss he is not in a hospitable mood when his long-time friend and photographer, Fargus, shows up uninvited. Fargus fails to engage Nyo and leaves a picture he had taken of Nyo and Hope on the counter.

Nyo’s wedding ring and the picture are all that he has left of his wife.

“Tin City Voices”, by Elijah Marchand, is a documentary filmed in Guyana last year. It is a story of survival in a slum. Marchand explores a shantytown in Georgetown with the purpose of finding hope among the struggles of an unnoticed population. The film is based on the story of an abused woman, a pregnant mother, and a man struggling to find redemption for his violent life. Their stories do not intersect but run parallel. The film uncovers the psychological environment that confines each of the characters. As Elijah searches, camera in hand, through alleys that form the puzzle pieces of the ghetto, he takes his audience through a stirring story of rebirth and forgiveness among despair and violence.

“Rebecca’s Story”, a 2014 film by youths of the Guyanese group Witness Project, is a dramatic short film of an orphaned young reader who yearns to escape from her grandmother’s punitive custody. It gets more interesting when a sudden visit from a neighbour reveals a better way out.

For more information on CaFA and the films, visit cinecaribes.com

A

lexander Arjoon is a national squash player who has represented Guyana at both junior and senior levels. As a junior, he was part of a win streak of seven consecutive junior Caribbean titles, capturing two individual Caribbean titles of his own. In 2013, he led the national senior team to their first Caribbean Senior title since 1996. His accomplishments include multiple junior national squash titles in every age group, as well as three consecutive senior national titles over the past three years. He currently attends Franklin and Marshall College in the United States and represents their squash team, which is ranked sixth in that country. Squash has been a huge part of Alexander’s life, and it has not only taken him to different parts of the world and fostered many cherished relationships, but in the process, he has seen benefits of hard work and commitment. As a young athlete, he has developed a passion for the game of squash, and as he matures he is becoming aware of the range of opportunities, direct and indirect, that the sport offers. After a significant improvement in his game over the past few years, he is keen to explore competing on the professional squash circuit. Fortunately, he has been blessed with world class coach Gavin Jones; a relentless fitness trainer Kezqweyah Yisrael, and the unconditional support of his family. He feels that he would be wasting the opportunity of a lifetime to represent his country at the highest level if he does not pursue his passion towards a professional squash career. Consequently, in 2014 he plans to launch his professional career by competing in a series of upcoming tournaments in Australia. This would be highly productive for him because this series of consecutive tournaments in Australia, over two months, at a high level, would be an opportunity to gain significant points and experience on the professional circuit.

8 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

February 16, 2014

Times Kids Page Creature Corner

Did you know?

S

alps (Salpidae) are mostly transparent, barrel-shaped, freeswimming tunicates (organisms enclosed in a ‘tunic’, with openings at each end) that pump water through their gelatinous bodies. Thus, they move and feed at the same time, straining the water through internal feeding filters.

Salps are common in equatorial, temperate, and cold seas, where they can be seen at the surface, singly or in long, chain colonies. Some species are only a few millimetres long, while others can grow as large as 10 inches.

Chained salps grow into long strings that live in social harmony.

Communicating via electrical signals, they synchronize their swimming and move swiftly through sea currents.

A

t first glance, salps may look as primitive as jellyfish, but they are close marine ancestors of fish and vertebrates. Salps have a heart, gills, and even a rudimentary placenta.

They are also called salpa.

(Plural salpae or salpas) Salps are harmless plankton eaters but as populous blooms, they can wreak havoc. Sometimes, their sheer gelatinous mass can shut down a nuclear power plant and destroy fishing nets.

A salp chain in the ocean off the San Diego, California, U.S.A. coast

MAZE DAZE

Help the puppy find its way home through the maze The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

please see solution on page 22

Colouring Fun

FUN FACTS

S

nakes have lived on our planet for more than 120 million years.

There are about 3,000 different types of snakes alive today.

Snakes have no eyelids.

A snake can grow new teeth to replace broken ones.

Baby snakes have an egg tooth on their snout to cut slits in their leathery eggshells. A few hours after

SNAKES hatching, the egg tooth drops out.

The largest snake to have ever lived on earth is known as Titanoboa ("titanic boa”) which is said to have been about 40 feet long. It lived in the South American jungle some 60 million years ago.

guyanatimesgy.com

February 16, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 9

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By Laurie Triefeldt

PART THREE OF FOUR — COLLECT ALL FOUR AND MAKE A GIANT POSTER

SOME SERIOUS ACHIEVERS

A love of learning In the years before and after the Civil War, a formal education was not available to most AfricanAmericans. This limited their occupational horizons and their salaries. Despite these obstacles, a small number of bright and talented African-Americans were able to obtain an education and make major contributions to their communities and the world.

Many African-Americans have helped shape our world. Humanitarians, educators, scientists, inventors, writers, doctors and adventurers, all of these men and women overcame racial barriers and achieved amazing and wonderful things!

Two of the most famous early African-American scientists were Benjamin Banneker and George Washington Carver.

Banneker was a free black man from Maryland. Self-taught, he wrote several successful almanacs.

In 1891, Carver became the first black student to attend and graduate from the Iowa State College of Agriculture. He also became that school’s first black teacher.

A few great men Thomas Jennings (1791-1856) is the first known African-American to hold a patent. The 1821 patent was for a dry-cleaning process. He used the money from his invention to fund abolitionist causes.

Norbert Rillieux (1806-1894) was educated in France. After returning to the U.S., he developed and patented an evaporator for refining sugar. This technique is still used today in the sugar industry and in the making of soap and other products.

Elijah McCoy (1844-1929) was born in Canada and educated in Scotland. He settled in Detroit, Mich., and invented a steam engine lubricator. During his lifetime he acquired a total of 57 patents.

Daniel Hale Williams (1856-1931) founded Provident Hospital in Chicago in 1891. In 1893, he performed one of the first successful open-heart surgeries.

Tyson has a gift for explaining challenging scientific theories. He is a popular TV Neil deGrasse and radio sciTyson (1958- ) is ence expert. a famous astrophys- He has also icist, educator and served as a presidential author. adviser.

Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806) is celebrated as the first African-American man of science. He was an astronomer, farmer, mathematician, publisher, author and surveyor who overcame the racial prejudices of his times and championed the rights of African-Americans.

George Washington Carver (c. 18641943) was born into slavery, but surpassed all odds and managed to get an education.

He made his mark on the world as a scientist, chemist, botanist, inventor, educator and humanitarian.

Carver invented hundreds of products using the peanut and other plants. He created dyes, plastics and gasoline (just to name a few).

Charles Henry Turner (1867-1923) made important advances in the study of animal behavior. Working with honeybees and other insects, he developed techniques for studying how invertebrates (animals without backbones) learn.

Many of his techniques are still used.

Dr. Charles R. Drew (1904-1950) was a physician, researcher, teacher and mentor.

Drew played a key role in developing blood plasma processing and storage techniques, paving the way for blood banks and transfusions. His work has saved hundreds of thousands of lives.

Carver worked to improve the lot of his fellow human; he rarely patented or profited from his products and inventions.

A few great women Rebecca Cole (1846-1922) graduated from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1867 and became the second black woman ever to graduate from medical school.

Bessie Coleman was the first black woman aviator.

Bessie Coleman (1892-1926)

Shirley Ann Jackson (1946- ) is the first black woman to earn a doctorate from MIT and the first black woman to head the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Mae Jemison (1956- ) became the first African-American woman in space when she blasted off aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.

Mae Jemison

10 Times Sunday Magazine

February 16, 2014

Times Fashion

A

flurry of emerging young designers, equipped with a keen sense for fashion, were the highlight at one of Guyana’s premiere fashion events, Guyana Fashion Week (GFW).

The gala event, held last year, provided a catwalk for all creative and youthful designers to showcase their stylish collections.

Three designers who received accolades from GFW’s CEO Sonia Noel were Ashanti Nelson, Keisha Pilgrim and Lushana Walters. Their skills in fabric designing, leather and painted t-shirts, were applauded by veteran designers, both local and international.

The three designers, who are graduates of Burrowes School of Arts, displayed their collections under the ‘Courts/Fly Jamaica Showcase’. The showcase was well-received by critics, and the designers commended for their ingenious designs.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Lushana Walters stated that her GFW experience was remarkable. “I got a chance to showcase my talent in designing and also got a chance to view professional designer work which helped to gave me confidence in my work. I also had the privilege to talk with a few designers who gave me helpful tips and advice about designing.

I hope, in the future, to have my own fashion show one day,” she relayed.

The other designers shared Walters’ sentiment and expressed their appreciation for the platform they were given at GFW. (Photos by Donn Thompson)

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February 16, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

N

icholas Hoult, born December 7, 1989, is an English actor and model. He is famous for his roles in “About a Boy” (2002), “A Single Man” (2009), “X-Men: First Class” (2011), “Warm Bodies” (2013), “Jack the Giant Slayer” (2013), and for playing Tony Stonem in the teen drama series “Skins” (2007–2008). He made his professional debut in the 1996 film “Intimate Relations” (at the age of 7), and worked mainly in television, until the success of “About a Boy”, in which he played Marcus. Hoult was nominated for a Walkers Home Grown Talent Award and won the Monte Carlo TV Festival Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for his role in “Skins”. Hoult appears in the newest “X-Men” film, “X-Men: Days of Future Past”, which is set to be released this year.

12 Times Sunday Magazine

February 16, 2014

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February 16, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 13

14 Times Sunday Magazine

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February 16, 2014

Times Bollywood

Preity Zinta: 'I am not going bankrupt'

P

reity Zinta has denied that she is facing bankruptcy.

The actress-turned-businesswoman rubbished reports that suggested she is looking to "lease out" her flat to pay off her debts.

Responding to the speculation about her financial position, she said: "Where did this come from? I am amazed at how off-the-mark the report is. It is a thousand per cent untrue.

"By the grace of god, I'm most comfortably able to look after myself financially. It is not only untrue, it's extremely irritating to read such fabrications about oneself."

The 39-year-old, who is co-owner of Kings XI Punjab IPL team, said the rumours are baseless.

"There is so much drama in that story. Bechari (poor) Preity. She has to

vacate her mahal (palace) and live in a jhopdi (shanty) because the cruel creditors are breaking down her door.

"I wish people would look for their

B

ollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is supposed to be relaxing at home because of his injury, is in Malaysia for his concert ‘Temptation Reloaded’.

Despite injury, pain and wounds, SRK is all set to rehearse and then perform in Malaysia. Shah Rukh Khan tweeted, “Malaysia. Temptations on!!

Little nervous to do rehearsals & dancing. But the art is more important than the artist.”

Shah Rukh will be performing with his co-stars Rani Mukherji and Madhuri Dixit for his Malaysian fans.

Apart from the big stars, our very own desi rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh will also be performing along with the team.

“On way to Malaysia for Temptations. Little in pain but between Madhuri rani yo yo arijit and the team we will entertain u well…,” tweeted SRK while leaving for Malaysia.

K

atrina Kaif has said it is tough to look perfect all the time as an actress.

The “Dhoom 3” star has repeatedly topped the world's sexiest actress polls.

Speaking to IANS, she explained: "It is tough in a way. You are a human being at the end of the day and everyone has his or her good days and bad days.

"I think the hardest thing is the hours spent in hair and makeup every day. It is time-consuming, but it can be fun when you are working with a new team."

Kaif, who was recently confirmed as an ambassador for L'Oreal Paris, added that "there is more to beauty than just the physical appearance".

"I feel it is important not to get overly obsessed and overly carried away with just the physical aspect.

There is more to beauty than just the physical appearance. You are also a complete person and a woman should have an identity beyond just the way she looks."

Offering her own tips for good health, she said: "Start with a good diet and healthy food. This is important for the body. You need to see that the products that you use are of the best quality, you have to make sure you are protecting your skin with a sun screen, using good shampoo and conditioner on your hair because that is something that we don't take seriously."

The actress, who recently

afternoon soap opera scripts somewhere else. There is no such drama happening in my life," she said.

"I am not going bankrupt, guys. If anything, I see a bankruptcy of another kind in desperate news like reports like these."

Zinta won success as an actress starring in films such as “Dil Chahta Hai” with Aamir Khan and “Kal Ho Naa Ho” which starred Shah Rukh Khan.

The actress earlier slammed reports that she faced arrest for non-payments of writers' fees to Abbas Tyrewala.

She most recently embarked on her first home production “Ishqk in Paris”, however the film was plagued with setbacks and failed to release. (Digital Spy)

Shah Rukh Khan has not been resting at all after he got injured on the sets of his upcoming film ‘Happy New Year’.

Some equipment had fallen on the actor. Due to which, SRK was forced to take a break from the sets and relax at his residence.

However, Shah Rukh Khan has been going about with his commitments as usual. The actor was seen attending the wedding of businessman Gaurav Sharma and his bride Heena at Udaipur.

Leaning heavily on his crutch, pictures of the actor mingling with guests at the reception were floating on the internet.

After which, Shah Rukh also made an appearance at Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s youngest daughter Ahana and Vaibhav Vora’s reception at a five star hotel recently. (Indian Express)

H

played a gymnast in the action drama “Dhoom 3”, previously said that the dance sequences in the film were physically challenging.

"For me every film is special.

In ‘Dhoom 3’, whether it was the acrobats or songs, they interested me at that time," she explained.

"The kind of roles which I am doing is what I am happy with, you go through different phases where you are looking for different things."

Kaif is currently shooting “Bang Bang” with Hrithik Roshan.

(Digital Spy)

is one-man show, “Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai”, is what convinced Anupam Kher that he could help those going through a crisis to believe in themselves and in a brighter future.

"I started doing the play when I was struggling to overcome facial paralysis and bankruptcy. Instead of letting my problems get the better of me, I went on stage and laughed them off. Every performance has been liberating and uplifting. It's changed not only my life but my perception of life," asserts the actor, explaining his decision to turn into a life coach.

Over three days, from March 8 to 10, Anupam will conduct specially designed classes aimed at helping one discover that “the best thing about you is you”, which incidentally is also the title of his book.

Anupam has given motivational speeches at universities and business schools and recalls addressing a group of 60 investment bankers in Malaysia. "I asked them when was the last time they said 'I love you' to their partner. The answers were prompt. But when I wondered when they had said the magical words to their parents there was pindrop silence. So then I made them call up their parents’ right then and 50 per cent broke down and promised to keep making these calls," he reminisces.

He will give some pep talk now to a group no bigger than 15 members over five sessions.

"When Ranbir (Kapoor) attended a master class at my school he told me that as an actor he found laughing most difficult. In 30 seconds I taught him how to laugh. I hope I can teach others to do the same," he says.

(Mumbai Mirror)

P

riyanka Chopra is happy to be in Bollywood at a time when women performers are doing much more in films than just being a pretty face.

The 31-year-old actress, who now has a budding international music career, says it is great to see strong roles being written for women in the industry, which is often blamed for being maledominated. Priyanka thinks she has finally managed to strike a balance between big budget commercial fares and roles that do justice to her as an actor.

"I think it is really good time for female actors in Bollywood. We get to do so much... Parts are being written for us. I am very fortunate that roles are being written for me where I can do much more than just being a pretty face," the former Miss World told PTI in an interview.

"Yes, you have to do films like that also (being a pretty

S

alman Khan is expected to film a sequel to his 2011 hit “Bodyguard”.

The actor starred opposite Kareena Kapoor in the highest-grossing Hindi film of that year.

"I want to get the plot first. Once we crack the plot,

face). But, it is great to have the ability to have so much going on for you," she adds.

Priyanka had two releases last year -- the superhit “Krrish 3” and “Zanjeer” remake which did not do that well.

She is looking forward to her first release this year with “Gunday”. In the Yash Raj Film, Priyanka plays the role of a glamorous cabaret dancer Nandita in the Kolkata of 1970s.

Priyanka is all set to begin shooting for the next schedule of “Mary Kom”- the Sanjay Leela Bhansali produced biopic on the Olympian. The film is being directed by Oumang Kumar. The actress considers it one of the toughest roles in her career.

"I have to train with every schedule. The next schedule will begin in about 10 days. It is definitely something that has taken a big toll on me. It is a film I hope I can pull off. I hope it changes a lot of things."

Other than Mary Kom, the actress has signed up for Zoya Akhtar's untitled film.

Priyanka, who suffered the death of her father Dr Ashok Chopra in June last year, says she immersed herself in work to cope up with the tragedy.

"I don't think you can ever get over it... But it (work) was a way of dealing with it. I don't know how else to deal with it because it just threw me off a lot and shook me tremendously. The best way for me to have dealt with it was to go to work." (Mid-Day)

we will start working on the script.

So far, I haven't come across anything that can live up to the expectations of Bhai's fans," producer Atul Agnihotri told Box Office India.

The project also starred Essex-born model Hazel Keech, who later appeared on Khan's show “Bigg Boss”.

Work on “Bodyguard 2” is expected to commence after the release of Agnihotri's current project “O Teri”.

"It has turned out very well," he said of the project.

"The trailer has been accepted and praised by everyone.

Now wait for the songs to be aired. I'm sure the excitement for the film is only going to grow." (Digital Spy)

guyanatimesgy.com

February 16, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine

15

Times Healthy Living

Obesity prevention: the key to non-communicable disease control CONTINUED FROM JAN 26

Intervention Options

To impact NCDs through obesity prevention, efforts must start with ensuring that more healthy foods are made available and affordable so that individuals and communities can exercise their right to healthier choices. The access to healthy foods and the consumption of those foods must be part of one plan and strategy, not separately.

Unfortunately, the tradition has been for food availability to be the remit of the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade by facilitating the achievement of quantitative food production and food import goals. On the other hand, the health and nutritional aspects of consumption have been addressed by the Ministry of Health, and even so the focus has been on curative rather than the preventive approach to health and nutrition.

The continuous link between agriculture, food, nutrition and health has been absent from the developmental plans. The resulting effect is that one sector (e.g. agriculture) may boast their success in achieving a particular goal but this often has a deleterious effect on another sector (e.g. health).

Following are proposals for specific policy actions which are recommended for six key sectors to prevent obesity: agriculture, trade, education, health, the built environment, the private sector Proposed agricultural policies/activities to combat obesity/NCDs * Define national population health and food goals for the country. This should include identification of foods to be promoted through various policy and programme measures as well as foods to be "discouraged". * Integrate these goals into an overall policy and plan with roles and responsibilities for key sectors identified and spelt out. * Provide incentives that support the production, productivity, supply and con-

The Caribbean is experiencing a nutrition transition reflected in a shift in diets away from indigenous staples, locally grown fruits, vegetables, legumes, and limited foods from animals, to diets that are more varied and energy dense, consisting of foods that are more processed, more from animals, more added sugars, high in fats/oils and sodium, and often more alcohol (Photo taken from michellehenry.fr)

sumption of legumes, complex carbohydrates (indigenous roots and tubers), fruits and vegetables and low fat foods to meet the recommended national population and health goals. * Collaborate with other stakeholders (ministries of health, education, communications) to promote local fruits, vegetables and starchy roots and enable people to make healthy dietary choices. * Sustain and expand the commitment to agriculture diversification and increase production of non-traditional crops and

Three Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health

F

or nearly 25 years, research has shown that living with pets provides certain health benefits. Pets help lower blood pressure, lessen anxiety, and they boost our immunity.

Allergy Fighters

"The old thinking was that if your family had a pet, the children were more likely to become allergic to the pet. And if you came from an allergy-prone family, pets should be avoided," says researcher James E. Gern, MD, a paediatrician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

However, a growing number of studies have suggested that kids growing up in a home with "furred animals" -- whether it's a pet cat or dog, or on a farm and exposed to large animals -will have less risk of allergies and asthma, he tells WebMD. In his recent study, Gern analyzed the blood of babies immediately after birth and one year later. He was looking for evidence of an allergic reaction, immunity

changes, and for reactions to bacteria in the environment.

If a dog lived in the home, infants were less likely to show evidence of pet allergies – 19 percent vs.

33 percent. They also were less likely to have eczema, a common allergy skin condition that causes red patches and itching. In addition, they had higher levels of some immune system chemicals -- a sign of stronger immune system activation.

"Dogs are dirty animals, and this suggests that babies who have greater exposure to dirt and allergens have a stronger immune system," Gern says.

Good for Mind and Soul

Pet owners with AIDS are far less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets. "The benefit is especially pronounced when people are strongly attached to their pets," says researcher Judith Siegel, PhD. In one study, stockbrokers with high blood pressure who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did people

without pets.

People in stress mode get into a "state of disease," in which harmful chemicals like cortisol and norepinephrine can negatively affect the immune system, says Blair Justice, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Texas School of Public Health and author of “Who Gets Sick: How Beliefs, Moods, and Thoughts Affect Your Health”.

Studies show a link between these chemicals and plaque build-up in arteries, the red flag for heart disease, says Justice.

Like any enjoyable activity, playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine -nerve transmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming properties, he tells WebMD.

Good for the Heart

Heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without, according to several studies.

Male pet owners have less sign of heart disease -- lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels -- than non-owners, researchers say.

specialty foods such as organic, ethnic and those health-related. In collaboration with others, the specific nutrient content of targeted foods especially fruits and vegetables can be used in the promotional campaign, e.g. what is currently being done in Jamaica and elsewhere with bananas and coconut. * Convince farmers that there is no conflict between the sustainability of their livelihoods and producing foods that meet the nutritional goals of the population. * Establish marketing outlets, including farmers' markets in rural areas, towns and metropolitan areas to make available indigenous roots, tubers, fruits and vegetables and fish, at affordable prices. * Organize local farming communities to supply the food items to school-feeding and other food-assistance programmes.

Proposed trade policies/activities to combat obesity/NCDs * Provide domestic support to encourage the production of selected foods and agricultural products that meet the nutritional needs of the region within the limits of the de minimis provisions and Article 6.2 of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Agriculture. * Negotiate, under the WTO Doha Development Agenda and similar future arrangements, for the inclusion of special products (such as fresh fruits and vegetables, roots and tubers and legumes) to meet food security concerns and also address the problem of obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases. * Use selectively the trade measures (import duties and excise taxes) in combination with other measures such as consumer education, marketing and distribution strategies, to effectively influence the supply, prices, consumer preferences and demand for specific healthy foods. * Collaborate with local food manufacturers and agro-processors in developing specific standards for processed foods (local and imported) especially in relation to key

nutrients—sodium, sugar, fats.

Proposed education/information policies/activities to combat obesity/ NCDs * Establish school meal policies that include the development of nutritional standards and guidelines. * Discontinue the excessive use of sugar-and-fat- containing foods offered in cafeterias and by school vendors and encourage students to make healthy diet and lifestyle choices. * Base food assistance schemes on the supply of nutritious foods, such as skimmed milk as opposed to whole milk, use whole grain cereals as opposed to refined foods, etc. * Make education in nutrition and physical activity essential parts of the curriculum in schools. * Develop food-based dietary guidelines aimed at the general population and at vulnerable groups (especially infants and young children, pregnant women and the elderly). * Promote the low-cost preparation methods of delicious local cuisine. * Conduct public campaigns aimed at informing consumers about food, nutrition and consumer rights, and about the opportunities to be physically active in different settings of daily life. * Ensure appropriate marketing practices, especially in the media, for all food products in line with internationally agreed recommendations and dietary guidelines. * Promote programmes to improve consumers' understanding of product labels and characteristics which will support healthy choices. * Reduce the consumption of alcohol, by creating public awareness; providing greater protection from peer, and other, pressures and educating schoolchildren to develop responsible attitudes towards alcohol consumption. (TO BE CONTINUED)

Information excerpted from: HENRY, FJ. Obesity prevention: the key to non-communicable disease control. West Indian med. j. [online]. 2011, vol.60, n.4 [cited 2014-01-22], pp. 446-451.

16 Times Sunday Magazine

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February 16, 2014

Times Home & Cooking

Instant Beef Tenderloin Stew

C

olumns are architectural elements that can be functional and/or decorative. Structural columns give support to the other architectural elements, while decorative columns or pillars provide visually stunning accents. Structural columns can also be wrapped with a decorative material to add more appeal.

Classic columns are made of granite, marble, carved wood and even precious metals. Modern columns are usually made of cheaper materials such as concrete, and, if used for decorative purposes, PVC, treated wood or fibreglass

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 1/2 cups diced potatoes, rinsed (1/2 inch) 1 cup baby carrots 1 cup small white button mushrooms 1/3 cup chopped onion 1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1/2 cup fresh or frozen baby green peas 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 lb beef tenderloin, fat trimmed (cut in 1 1/2 inch pieces) 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 2 tablespoons dry white wine 2 tablespoons chicken broth

Method: Heat 1 tablespoon butter and the oil in a large non-stick skillet. Add potatoes, carrots and mushrooms.

Cook, partially covered and stirring occasionally, 8 minutes or until vegetables are soft when pierced and lightly browned.

Add onion; cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

Add garlic, peas and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook 1 minute until fragrant- Cover and set aside.

Heat remaining butter in another large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot and foaming.

Sprinkle meat with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and the pepper; add to skillet and cook 2 to 4 minutes, turning meat until browned on all sides.

Add to vegetables; stir to mix. Transfer to a platter.

Add wine and broth to skillet and boil 10 seconds. Pour over stew and serve.

Serves 4

Marshmallow Treats

Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter

4 cups miniature marshmallows 5 cups crisp rice cereal

Method: Melt margarine in large sauce pan over low heat.

Add marshmallows and stir until melted and wellblended. Cook 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat.

Add cereal. Stir until well coated.

Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly and firmly in buttered 13 x 9 inch pan.

Cut into 2 x 2 inch squares when cool.

Makes 24 squares

Greatest Cooking Tips Instead of putting a cold pan on the stove, then adding oil, turning on the head and waiting for it to get warm, start with an empty pan on the stove. The pan will get warmer as you prep your ingredients, making it the perfect temperature for your food (and cooks faster.)

For vegetable soups, always sauté the veggies before you add the stock or the water. This method enriches the taste by allowing the flavours to blend, and reduces cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes.

Keep leftover cooked pasta in the refrigerator for up to three days. When it’s time to reheat, simply put it in a colander and then place it directly into boiling water for one minute.

Home Help

Incorporating columns to the exterior of your home can make its curb appeal more attractive, and doesn’t have to break the bank

Lay down squares of self-adhesive vinyl tile on the floor of your sink cabinets so that liquids stored within, or an occasional leak, won’t damage the cabinet material over time.

Freshen sinks by popping two fizzy indigestion tablets and 250ml of vinegar down the plug hole.

Dry wet shoes more quickly by putting crumpled balls of newspaper inside them.

If you keep your freezer in the shed or garage, polish the outside with wax to stop damp, rust and mould.

guyanatimesgy.com

February 16, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 17

Times Sunday Puzzle

John, Paul, George, and Ringo all enter a race, but there is nobody at the finish line to judge the ending. When the judge finally shows up to award the prize for coming in first, these are the statements the four of them make: John: I was neither first nor last.

Paul: I did not finish last.

George: I won the race!

Ringo: I came in last.

The judge starts to hand George the prize, when Yoko, who was watching the race, says, "Exactly one of these four is lying."

To whom should the judge grant the prize? see solution on page 22

see solution on page 22

see solution on page 22

18 Times Sunday Magazine

February 16, 2014

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Times Creative Writing

The Woman with Two Skins Nigerian Folktale

E

yamba I. of Calabar was a very powerful king. He fought and conquered all the surrounding countries, killing all the old men and women, but the able-bodied men and girls he caught and brought back as slaves, and they worked on the farms until they died.

This king had two hundred wives, but none of them had borne a son to him. His subjects, seeing that he was becoming an old man, begged him to marry one of the spider's daughters, as they always had plenty of children. But when the king saw the spider's daughter he did not like her, as she was ugly, and the people said it was because her mother had had so many children at the same time.

However, in order to please his people he married the ugly girl, and placed her among his other wives, but they all complained because she was so ugly, and said she could not live with them. The king, therefore, built her a separate house for herself, where she was given food and drink the same as the other wives.

Every one jeered at her on account of her ugliness; but she was not really ugly, but beautiful, as she was born with two skins, and at her birth her mother was made to promise that she should never remove the ugly skin until a certain time arrived save only during the night, and that she must put it on again before dawn.

Now the king's head wife knew this, and was very fearful lest the king should find it out and fall in love with the spider's daughter; so she went to a Ju Ju man and offered him two hundred rods to make a potion that would make the king forget altogether that the spider's daughter was his wife.

This the Ju Ju man finally consented to do, after much haggling over the price, for three hundred and fif-

ty rods; and he made up some "medi c i n e , " which the head wife mixed with the king's food.

For some months this had the effect of making the king forget the spider's daughter, and he used to pass quite close to her without recognising her in any way. When four months had elapsed and the king had not once sent for Adiaha (for that was the name of the spider's daughter), she began to get tired, and went back to her parents.

Her father, the spider, then took her to another Ju Ju man, who, by making spells and casting lots, very soon discovered that it was the king's head wife who had made the Ju Ju and had enchanted the king so that he would not look at Adiaha. He therefore told the spider that Adiaha should give the king some medicine which he would prepare, which would make the king remember her.

He prepared the medicine, for which the spider had to pay a large sum of money; and that very day Adiaha made a small dish of food,

into which she had placed the medicine, and presented it to the king. Directly he had eaten the dish his eyes were opened and he recognised his wife and told her to come to him that very evening. So in the afternoon, being very joyful, she went down to the river and washed, and when she returned she put on her best cloth and went to the king's palace.

Directly it was dark and all the lights were out she pulled off her ugly skin, and the king saw how beautiful she was, and was very pleased with her; but when the cock crowed Adiaha pulled on her ugly skin again, and went back to her own house.

This she did for four nights running, always taking the ugly skin off in the dark, and leaving before daylight in the morning.

In course of time, to the great surprise of all the people, and particularly of the king's two hundred wives, she gave birth to a son; but what surprised them most of all was that only one son was born, whereas her mother had always had a great many children at a time, generally about fifty.

The king's head wife became more jealous than ever when Adiaha had a son; so she went again to the Ju Ju man, and by giving him a large present induced him to give her some medicine which would make the king sick and forget his son. And the medicine would then make the king go to the Ju Ju man, who would tell him that it was his son who had made him sick, as he wanted to reign instead of his father. The Ju Ju man would also tell the king that if he wanted to recover he must throw his son away into the water.

And the king, when he had taken the medicine, went to the Ju Ju man, who told him everything as had been arranged with the head wife.

But at first the king did not want to destroy his son. Then his chief subjects begged him to throw his son away, and said that perhaps in a year's time he might get another son. So the king at last agreed, and threw his son into the river, at which the mother grieved and cried bitterly.

Then the head wife went again to the Ju Ju man and got more medicine, which made the king forget Adiaha for three years, during which time she was in mourning for her son. She then returned to her father, and he got some more medicine from his Ju Ju man, which Adiaha gave to the king. And the king knew her and called her to him again, and she lived with him as before. Now the Ju Ju who had helped Adiaha's father, the spider, was a Water Ju Ju, and he was ready when the king threw his son into the water, and saved his life and took him home and kept him alive. And the boy grew up very strong. (TO BE CONTINUED)

Sonnet 116 Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments.

Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove: Oh, no! It is an ever-fixed mark.

That looks on tempests and is never shaken; it is the star to every wandering bark, whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks within his bending sickle's compass come; love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, but bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

William Shakespeare

Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rage at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height, Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Dylan Thomas

Send your creative writing to sundaymagazine@guyanatimesgy.com

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February 16, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine19

Times World

W

ednesday Feb 12 was Darwin Day: the 205th anniversary of the birth of the father of the theory of evolution. It's a scientific "holiday" that has had its evolutionary ups and downs.

Five years ago, for the bicentennial of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of his publication of "On the Origin of Species," celebration was robust, with Darwin Days proclaimed on dozens of college campuses, in museums and in the halls of government.

Wednesday, well, not so much.

The oldest known ancestor of the holiday, pushed these days by the American Humanist Assn., arose at Salem State University in Massachusetts, in 1980, which still holds a weeklong Darwin festival.

But the first event linked to the humanist community was held at Stanford University in 1995, and featured a lecture by anthropologist Donald Johanson, who discovered the early human fossil dubbed Lucy.

The association is pushing for congressional recognition of the day -- an effort that has failed twice before in the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.

It was first introduced in 2011 by California Democrat Pete Stark of the Bay Area, the first openly atheist member of Congress.

When Stark left Congress last year, Rep. Rush Holt (D-N.J.), who has a doctoral degree in physics (and is a five-time Jeopardy! champion who beat the famed Watson computer at the game) reintroduced the measure and has offered it again this year.

"Like Galileo, Newton and Einstein in the physical sciences, Darwin in the life sciences provided a new framework for thinking that led to great new understanding and eventually greatly improved the quality of life for millions of people," Holt said in his introduction of the resolution.

Charles Darwin was born on Feb. 12, 1809.

Efforts to declare a publicly recognized Darwin Day have had limited success

The resolution states that evolution "provides humanity with a logical and intellectually compelling explanation for the diversity of life on Earth" and that its validity has been "strongly supported by the modern understanding of genetics."

The resolution warns that "teaching of creationism in some public schools compromises the scientific and academic integrity of the United States' education systems."

Such language won't sit well with Science Committee member Paul Broun (R-Ga.), who has called evolution, embryology and the Big Bang theory "lies straight

On Darwin Day, Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association, took to The Blog of Huffington Post to discuss the anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth and the role of science and scientists

R

oy Speckhardt noted that this year's celebration was especially meaningful given the numerous legislative threats that the scientific community faces and what he called the lacklustre level of U.S. government funding of scientific research.

He writes: Some members of Congress continue to be antagonistic to the scientific community and unconvinced of settled science like global warming and evolution. For example, the new head of the House of Representatives' Subcommittee on the Environment, Rep. David Schweikert, has said that human-caused global warming is "folklore" and insisted the changes are "part of a natural cycle."

All the while, the budget cuts known as sequestration greatly impacted scientific and medical research over the past year, as cancer research projects were stalled and research agencies across the country were forced to award fewer

grants to federal scientists and research universities.

Things have gotten so bad that, according to an American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology survey, nearly 20 percent of scientists are considering moving oversees to get better funding for their work. This potential brain drain has drastic consequences for the American scientific community and for the American economy, as scientific innovation helps create and improve many products and services that are a mainstay of our economy.

However there is some political support for increasing scientific research, such as Rep. Rush Holt whom Speckhardt informs is introducing the Darwin Day resolution, which honours Charles Darwin and modern scientists while reaffirming the validity of the theory of evolution.

This resolution has been continuously introduced since 2011 by various representatives, and

garnered several new cosponsorships each time it was introduced.

According to Speckhardt, the Darwin Day resolution couldn't have come at a better time, not only to address Congress's tepid support of science and scientific research, but also to address many Americans' continuing uncertainty about evolution.

Reports on a new Pew poll show that one in three Americans don't believe that human beings have evolved over time, while another one-third of those surveyed believe that evolution is a natural process, and most of the remaining indicated they believe that evolution was guided by God. “...for this Darwin Day, let's honour science and the scientists who have dedicated themselves to finding out more about the physical universe we inhabit and the practical applications that derive from that knowledge,�

Speckhardt concluded.

from the pit of hell."

The measure also demands that "advancement of science be protected from those unconcerned with the adverse impacts of global warming and climate change," words that are unlikely to please the Science Committee chair, Texas Republican Lamar Smith, who doubts the human origin of climate change, or its vice chairman, conservative Rep. Dana Rohrbacher (R-Huntington Beach), who once quipped during a hearing that the cause of climate change "could be dinosaur flatulence, who knows?"

That puts some strong selection pressure against survival of the proclamation.

Public opinion about evolution, meanwhile, appears to cleave along partisan lines, according to a December poll by the Pew Research Center's Religion and Public Life Project.

While belief that "humans evolved over time" has held steady at about 60 percent since the issue last was polled in 2009, a 10 percentage point split between selfidentified Republicans and Democrats has more than doubled. Now, only 43 percent of Republicans adhere to Darwin's theory, down from 54 percent. Among Democrats, 67 percent accept the Darwinist view of the origins of life, up three points since 2009.

Despite decades-long fights over teaching creationism as part of the science curriculum in public schools, belief in evolution remains strongest among those 18-29, of whom 68 percent adhere to Darwin's theory, according to the poll.

Among the political jurisdictions that have passed proclamations this year in favour of Darwin Day are Omaha, Neb., according to the humanist association's Darwin Day website.

Universities that have publicly declared celebrations this year include the University of Southern Mississippi, which

will have its first Darwin Day confab two days late, on Friday, at its Hattiesburg campus. The College of Charleston, S.C., has a whole week dedicated to Darwin.

Eastern Illinois University also celebrates Darwin Day, as does the University of Tennessee (the state where the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial over the teaching evolution was held), Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla.; North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D.; SUNY Stony Brook in Long Island, N.Y.; the National University of Mar del Plata in Buenos Aires; and the University of the Valley in Guatemala.

No California institutions were listed, and it was unclear if any had official celebrations scheduled.

Last year, San Diego passed a Darwin Day proclamation, signed by former Mayor Bob Filner, who has since resigned over allegations of sexual harassment of staffers.

Regina and Vancouver, Canada, likewise passed resolutions last year.

Proponents of an intelligent design hypothesis have struck back, urging supporters to organize their own counter- celebrations.

This year, the Discovery Institute, a non-profit think tank best known for its advocacy of intelligent design, designated University of Chicago biologist Jerry Coyne as its "censor of the year," for pushing Ball State University to declare that intelligent design would not be presented as part of a science curriculum.

The Muncie, Ind., university had weathered a months-long controversy over accusations that a physics and astronomy professor included speculation about supernatural intervention in the origin of life as part of an honours symposium called "The Boundaries of Science." (Source: On the origin of today's Darwin Day by Geoffrey Mohan; February 12, 2014, LA Times)

20 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

February 16, 2014

Times Tech

It’s official: Apple sells more computers than all Windows PCs combined A

pple’s Mac desktops and laptops may still count for a fraction of the global market for PCs, but when you tally up all the computers (iPhones, iPads, etc.) on which people actually get things done, the number of computers sold

by Apple exceeds the number of Windows-based PCs shipped worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Or as Andreessen Horowitz mobile analyst Benedict Evans put it: If you include Windows Phone, Microsoft is still ahead—but only just barely This is a pretty good illustranumbers (mostly, how many iPhones Apple is selling) to the tion of the scale of mobile: Apple limits itself only to the high number of Windows PCs sold worldwide, when these are end of the mobile market but still sells more units than the somewhat arbitrary device categories? whole PC industry.

But the counter-argument is that the tasks we used to There are two ways of looking at this: One is to say, well, conduct on PCs are now being carried out on an ever-exso what? What does it mean to compare these two very large

Tech Byte

O

University of Vienna app uses your phone for research while you sleep

ur mobile phones generally lie dormant while we're asleep, which means that millions of powerful processors are going unused for hours at a time. Samsung Austria and the University of Vienna's Faculty of Life Sciences have teamed up to try and tap the potential of all that unused processing power. Power Sleep is a new Android app that allows mobile phone users to donate the processing power of their devices to scientific research while they are asleep.

The Power Sleep app provides users with a simple alarm clock function. When the alarm is set and the user's phone is plugged in, fully charged and connected to a WiFi network, the app begins to pro-

Tech news

A

panding variety of other devices, pretty much all of them mobile. And this trend will only accelerate: What share of the world’s “computers” will Apple ship when it unveils its (still rumoured) iWatch? (Information provided by Global Tech)

cess data sent from the Similarity Matrix of Proteins (SIMAP) database. The research is focused on deciphering protein sequences in order to help with medical advancements in disciplines such as genetics and heredity, biochemistry, molecular biology and cancer research.

"In order to fight diseases like cancer and Alzheimers, we need to know how proteins are arranged," says Thomas Rattei, professor of bioinformatics at the University of Vienna. "This requires trials that need a tremendous amount of processing power. Power Sleep is a bridge between science and society. It promotes not only our research, but allows people in Austria to become part of the project and, at the same time, to do good in their

sleep."

Power Sleep is connected to the Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing (BOINC), a network that links around 60,000 PCs worldwide and harnesses their processing power for computationalbased research. The app extends the reach of BOINC to include mobile devices, which Martin Wallner, senior director of IT & Mobile at Samsung Electronics Austria, points out are not necessarily much less powerful than computers nowadays.

Gizmag’s Stu Robarts writes that he found the app itself simple and straightforward to use. Users

can set the alarm easily from the main screen, although the functionality to set multiple alarms is not available. A selection of alarm sounds is included as well as the option to set snooze duration, repeat the alarm daily and to allow the app to operate over 3G. Users can also

swipe through an information section about the project and another section details the number of hours that users have contributed to the project, which is a nice touch.

Power Sleep is free to download and available now from the Play Store. (GIZMAG)

Judge Bans Man from Internet

US judge banned a man from the internet after he posted personal ads directing nude men to his neighbour’s home.

Jason Willis, from Wisconsin in the United States, uploaded his neighbour’s details - including her picture, name and address - on Craigslist.

This led to one man showing up at her doorstep wearing only a trench coat.

“[Willis’] idea of a joke is much different to other peoples’ idea of a joke,” the woman, known only as Dawn, told Today’s TMJ4. “[The male visitor] had my full name. He knew my address. And he said, “Oh, I got it off of Craigslist.

You put an ad on there”.”

Willis, 31, accepted a plea deal of 30 months probation, during which time he will not be allowed to access the internet.

“If you want to drive drunk, you’re not allowed to drive,” Judge Allan Torhorst said. “To me, a public availability of the Internet – to use it the way he did – is unconscionable.

Everybody knows it’s wrong. He knew it was wrong. He admitted it.”

The practical joker has 30 days to disconnect from the internet or risks going to prison.

'The Day We Fight Back' Generates Nearly 100K Calls to US Congress

T

he returns are in for "The Day We Fight Back," a nationwide US rally against unfettered government spying that saw citizens, officials, activist groups, and companies take to the Internet and the streets Tuesday to demand new limits to snooping on digital communications.

In addition to a "Day We Fight Back" banner that was splashed across the homepages of sites like Google, Twitter, Tumblr, Mozilla, ThoughtWorks, Imgur, and Reddit on Feb. 11, nearly 100,000 phone calls were made by concerned citizens to their Congressional representatives, according to a spokesperson for TheDayWeFightBack.org.

The day's activities included some 96,000 calls made to members of Congress, with about 89,000 completed to either a live person or voice mail, according to Christina DiPasquale.

Some 555,000 pro-privacy emails were also sent by about 185,000 people who registered to send one on the website.

"A hundred thousand or so calls to Congress, on a single issue, in just over 24 hours, is the sort of mark that's met perhaps a handful of times a year, if that," said David Segal, executive director for Demand Progress, an organizer of the day's events. "On Tuesday we sought to make a dent, while laying a foundation for escalation. In those respects it was a tremendous success, and met every goal we'd set for it. We demonstrated that civil society organizations, hundreds of thousands of activists, and major corporations are willing to bring coordinated pressure to bear on lawmakers. We will persist, we will escalate, and we will win."

In addition to Demand Progress, key organizers of The Day We Fight Back included the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), ACLU, CREDO, and Fight for the Future.

The day of protest against electronic spying by the United States government, particularly by the National Security Agency in the last decade, was conceived as a way to commemorate the life of Internet activist Aaron Swartz. Swartz took his own life in January 2013 in the face of felony charges for downloading 4.8 million articles from JSTOR, a non-profit archive of academic journals, after tapping into the site from a computer wiring closet at MIT. Though the NSA's broad surveillance of telecommunica-

tions and Internet activity has been exposed over the years by several whistleblowers, the revelations made recently by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden sparked a new wave of outrage and concern about privacy violations.

The Day We Fight Back was centred in the U.S., but there was participation from around the world. A petition demanding privacy as a human right hosted at NecessaryAndProportionate. org received 245,000 signatures from people around the globe, DiPasquale said. On Tuesday, TheDayWeFightBack.org received about 1 million unique visitors, she added.

Meanwhile, organizers believe that the Day We Fight Back website banner was seen by as many as 37 million people, with those numbers breaking down to about 24 million views of the U.S. version of the banner and 13 million views of the international version.

Social media was also a big driver of Fight Back activity. DiPasquale said 84,000 tweets shared a link to TheDayWeFightBack.org on Tuesday and #Stopspying became a top 10 trending topic on Twitter. Organizers also tallied some 420,000 Facebook interactions pertaining to the protest, with "viral memes and discussion threads ... shared all through the day."

In addition to the online show of force, activists took to the streets in several U.S. cities to rally against a proposed NSA bill that has been roundly panned by privacy advocates and was described by former AT&T technician and whistleblower Mark Klein as "an insult."

guyanatimesgy.com

February 16, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 21

Times Art

Inspired

by Emotion

F

Artist Andrew Dos Santos

or Andrew Dos Santos, art is cathartic because through it he can express his emotions.

Developing an intrinsic love for art has propelled the artist to pursue it relentlessly, despite negative notions that art is a dead-end career.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Andrew revealed that he developed an interest in art during childhood.

This interest grew into passionately pursuing art.

Consequently, he attended Burrowes School of Art where he honed his talent and graduated with a diploma in Fine Arts.

“Growing up, I always had an interest for art. I was further inspired to chase after this dream after watching the movie “Titanic”, where I felt the character Jack’s emotions as he passionately drew a portrait of the woman he was in love with,” Andrew recalled.

Initially, the artist employed basic geometric

"Colonial Days in Guyana" (2013)

Collage done in 2011

shapes, used to create human figures, trees and other objects, but later developed his skills in using advance art techniques.

“Most of the times I am inspired by emotions; different emotions bring about different types of inspirations and ideas, and I just go with that feeling. Art makes me calm, happy; and it can even be like a puzzle sometimes waiting to be solved,” he noted.

Apart from painting,

graphics and drawing, Andrew is a sculptor who enjoys building models and teaching aids.

The artist has competed in the National Visual Arts Competition 2012 and in the Ninth National Drawing competition 2013.

Andrew has extensively exhibited his work. His most recent exhibition was at the Ninth National Drawing Exhibition 2013 held at Castellani House.

“My greatest desire is to establish my own advertising agency. As a young artist myself, I would like to advise young artists to be patient because once you dedicate your time, you will develop. Reading also plays a vital role. Additionally, learning about past artists and their work will help to develop your own creativity and individuality. Art is as serious as any other profession; a lot of sacrifices need to be made. You have to prepare to deal with criticisms.

Keep focused regardless of what other say, and follow your passion,” Andrew encouraged.

A replica sculpture of Cuffy monument

by Dos Santos

22 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

February 16, 2014

Times Heritage

Umana Yana, African Liberation Monument Guyana is a nation that has a colourful history and is home to several cultures.

For this reason, this richness and diversity of our past, it is critical to preserve our heritage. The relevant organisation, The National Trust of Guyana, is a government enterprise whose mandate propels its commitment to the preservation and conservation of historic buildings and sites in Guyana.

Therefore we aim to enlighten the public about various events, aspects, symbols, landmarks and structures which has moulded our rich and diverse heritage. he Umana Yana which is currently one of the gazetted monuments of Guyana is a conical shaped palm thatched hut also referred to as a benab. Shaped like the Wai-Wai benabs found in Guyana's hinterland the word Umana Yana is of Wai Wai Amerindian origin meaning, “meeting place of the people.”

Constructed to host the inaugural meeting of the Non – Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference in 1972, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was charged with the erection of the building. Seeking assistance from the Department of Interior Development, an all Amerindian team of the

Wai Wai tribe led by Chief Elka, accompanied by some sixty others, was recruited for the job, although architectural drawings and plans were commissioned from architect George Henry.

Located on the lawns of the former Mariner's Club at the north eastern end of High Street and Battery

Road, next to the Pegasus Hotel, it is now a permanent and much admired part of Georgetown's scenery, often used as an exhibition and conference centre.

The structure measuring 55 feet (16.78 meters) in height with a diameter of 26.8 metres occupies an area of 460 square metres making it the

T

The Umana Yana with the African Liberation Monument (R)

Umana Yana interior

largest structure of its kind in Guyana.

Utilising traditional materials and building techniques used by their ancestors, it is made from thatched allibanna and manicole palm leaves, wallaba posts bound together with mukru, turu, and nibbi vines. Notably, nails were not used in its construction.

Completed in a mere eighty days at a cost of $26,000, on August 8, 1972, the flags of more than eighty nations fluttered proudly along the eastern edge of the Umana Yana's compound as the conference was convened.

Housed in the compound is The African Liberation Monument "in memory of all of those who have struggled and continue to struggle for freedom from Human Bondage", it was unveiled by former president Forbes Burnham on August 26, 1974.

This monument like many others across Guyana is collectively our heritage and the history from which we have all emerged. For this reason it is imperative that we ensure its continuity, although monuments or structures alone do not constitute our heritage. Our heritage is made up of both

tangible and intangible elements. These too, ought to be preserved for the benefit of the future generations.

The National Trust of Guyana, which undertakes to promote and safeguard the nation’s heritage wishes to remind citizens that preservation is a task which requires the cooperation of all Guyanese as our heritage is conserved for the enjoyment of all. We wish to encourage the community to take an active role in ensuring the long term survival of Guyana’s patrimony by exercising care and respect at all times when visiting monuments and heritage sites.

Brain Teaser Answer Stabroek Market Georgetown, BG, Circa 1947

The prize should go to Paul.

If John is lying, then George and Ringo would be telling the truth, which would mean John was not lying, so he can't be the liar.

If Paul was lying, then Ringo would also be lying, so he must be telling the truth, as well.

So we now know that neither John nor Paul finished last. If Ringo was lying, then George would have finished last, which would mean that he was lying, as well. So Ringo can't be lying.

This leaves George as our liar, so we know George did not finish first. Neither did Ringo (he finished last), nor did John (he finished neither first nor last). Therefore, Paul won the race!

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD Bel Air Park Race Course BG circa 1913

guyanatimesgy.com

February 16, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 23

Times Travel & Tourism

I

n Moruca in Region One, there is a cluster of small Amerindian villages which, during the rainy season, become islands in the savannah. One such village is Santa Rosa.

The village spreads out in the savannah wetlands along a 10-mile stretch of the Moruca River. In Santa Rosa stands the well-known Santa Rosa Mission, also known as “White Chapel on a Hill�. It serves now for more than 100 years not only as a religious building but as a significant part of the Santa Rosa community, keeping it together.

To experience rich indigenous culture, Santa Rosa is an ideal destination. (Photos by Michelle Kalamandeen. Visit Michelle Kalamandeen Photography on Facebook to see more wonderful photos of beautiful Guyana)

Enjoying a breezy stroll in canoes along the river Parking lot for canoes

Beautiful landscape Serene image of the sky's reflection in the calm river waters

Stunning sunset Meandering Moruca river flows through vast savannah

24

Times Sunday Magazine

February 16, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Last Laugh

Divorcing ourselves from dowry

By Melvin Durai

W

hen my wife, Malathi, and I tied the knot a few years ago, no one in our families mentioned dowry, though many people in our native India still practice the traditional, but illegal system of paying to have a daughter married.

I didn't demand any money, appliances or property, not because I didn't need them, but because it was against my principles to have Malathi, as well as her parents, laugh hysterically in my face. "You want dowry?

You're a writer, not a doctor. You should be giving US dowry!"

My parents-in-law did give me a gold bracelet, but that's nothing compared to what some grooms get: loads of cash, colour TVs, computers, refrigerators, ovens, washers and dryers. A few lucky men even get cars, scooters and motorcycles. While American grooms find themselves humming "Here comes the bride," Indian grooms find themselves singing, "Here comes the ride."

Friend: "How was your wedding night?"

Groom: "It was wonderful, just wonderful -- until I ran out of gas."

Friend: "Really? Was the bride disappointed?"

Groom: "I don't know. She didn't come along."

Yes, the dowry system can be a windfall for grooms and their parents, but it has a dark side, sometimes resulting in violence against brides whose families can't satisfy the demands.

Dowry was rightfully outlawed in 1961, though someone apparently forgot to tell the masses, many of whom practice dowry so openly and steadfastly that some tour-

ists are led to believe that it's REQUIRED

BY LAW. But recently, one brave bride decided to take a stand against her greedy groom, setting an example that could inspire many others to challenge the dowry system. Nisha Sharma, 21, of Delhi, had her groom, Munish Dalal, hauled off to jail after he and his parents allegedly demanded a car and about $25,000 just before the wedding.

A car and $25,000? Dalal must have thought he was on an American game show.

"Munish Dalal, this is your lucky day. To win a new car and $25,000, all you have to do is act like a piece of money-grubbing scum."

Sharma has not only become a national icon, she has received dozens of marriage offers from eligible men, many of whom are willing to settle for "just the car."

Actually, the men don't want any dowry at all; don't want to share a room with her former groom.

But Sharma, wisely, has decided not to get married for now, but to complete her education. Marriage may be a great institution, but it's a lot cheaper to get into Harvard. An educated woman can support herself -- and look for a groom who values her, not the bigscreen TV. "My message to all young girls, is to resist dowry demands," Sharma told UPI. She has already inspired at least two women to walk out on their marriages and many more may follow.

Who knows, if this continues, the dowry system may crumble.

And Munish Dalal and his ilk will just have to find another way to get a car, such as saying "I do" to a special person -- the loan officer at a bank.

Where is my paper?

The irate customer calling the newspaper offices, loudly demanded to know where her Sunday edition was.

“Ma'am,” said the employee, “today is Saturday. The Sunday paper is not delivered 'til Sunday.”

There was quite a pause on the other end of the phone, followed by a ray of recognition.

“So that's why no one was in church today.”

Observation

A lecturer teaching medicine was tutoring a class on 'Observation'. He took out a jar of yellow-coloured liquid.

"This,” he explained, "is urine. To be a doctor, you have to be observant to colour, smell, sight, and taste."

After saying this, he dipped his finger into the jar and put it into his mouth. His class watched on in amazement, most, in disgust.

But being the good students that they were, the jar was passed, and one by one, they dipped one finger into the jar and then put it into their mouth.

After the last student was done, the lecturer shook his head.

"If any of you had been observant, you would have noticed that I put my second finger into the jar and my third finger into my mouth."

Problem solved

A man solves the problem of too many visiting relatives. He borrowed money from the rich ones and loaned it to the poor ones. Now none of them come back.

Kicking myself

Bob was playing football with his local team.

He got a breakaway and headed towards the goal. He missed an easy shot to tie the game, which meant the other team won.

“I could kick myself,” he groaned, as the players came off the field.

“Don’t bother,” said the obviously irate captain, “you’d miss.”

Advice from Dad

A young boy and his dad went out fishing one fine morning. After a few quiet hours out in the boat, the boy became curious about the world around him. He looked up at his dad and asked, "How do fish breathe under water?"

His dad thought about it for a moment, then replied, "I really don't know, son."

The boy sat quietly from another moment, then turned back to his dad and asked, "How does our boat float on the water?"

Once again his dad replied, "Don’t know, son."

Pondering his thoughts again, a short while later, the boy asks "Why is the sky blue?"

Again, his dad replied. "Don’t know, son."

The inquisitive boy, worried he was annoying his father, asks this time "Dad, do you mind that I'm asking you all of these questions?"

"Of course not son." replied his dad, “How else are you ever going to learn anything?"

Satan

People were talking in their church pews. Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church. Everyone started screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate.

Soon everyone had left the church except for one elderly gentleman who sat calmly in his pew without moving, seeming oblivious to the fact that God's ultimate enemy was in his presence.

So Satan walked up to the old man and said, "Don't you know who I am?

The man replied, "Yep, sure do."

"Aren't you afraid of me?" Satan asked.

"Nope, sure ain't." said the man.

"Don't you realize I can kill you with a word?" asked Satan.

"Don't doubt it for a minute," returned the old man, in an even tone.

"Did you know that I could cause you profound, horrifying, AGONY for all eternity?" persisted Satan.

"Yep," was the calm reply.

"And you're still not afraid?" asked Satan.

"Nope," said the old man.

More than a little perturbed, Satan asked, "Well, why aren't you afraid of me?"

The man calmly replied, "Been married to your sister for 48 years."

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