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Sunday January 29, 2017

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A Guyanese pastime Page 2

Making learning fun Page 5

The importance of a balanced diet

Page 9

Designing for a fashion revolution Page 10

2 Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 29, 2017

Times Feature

A Guyanese Pastime

Selling crabs at a local market

Catch of the day in Berbice - buck and sherriger crabs (Photo from http://itsalwayssunnyinguyana.blogspot.com)

By Peter Halder

C

atching crabs required a certain expertise. The job was mostly done at nights when the crab was supposed to be in its hole and not roaming around in the darkness searching for food. A few catchers just pushed their hands in the hole and grabbed the back of the crab. Others put a bright light near the hole, which caused the crab to leave and is caught. Of course the job is easy during the “crab march or mating season” when they are out in numbers. Crabs are also caught in the nets of fishermen.

Crabs in Guyana are known by the following names: hermit or soldier crab, buck crab, bunduri crab, sherriger, jumbie crab, scissors crab, square-back crab, mud crab, spider crab,

Sherriger (or sheriga) crab

flat or porcelain crab, rock crab, shield-back crab, and the white land crab.

The popular crabs are the bunduri, buck and sherriger.

The bunduri is the largest crab. Its habitat is in the North West District and the Essequibo Coast. They go on a march during the “mating season” between late August and early September, when with spring tide, they would literally cover the entire beach along the Atlantic Ocean. On the march, they are an army of closely packed creatures walking in their own peculiar gait, pincers (claws) and bodies knocking against each other and making a racket. They were once found only on the seaside or along river banks, but with their increase in numbers, they began climbing up hills, sandlots and even go into people’s back-

yards.

The bunduri is caught and shipped in barrels or straw baskets to Georgetown for sale in the main markets – Stabroek, Bourda, La Penitence and Kitty. They were sold by the strings: six on a string.

Crabs are not bought or sold dead. The claw of each was tied with a straw string and the string was then tied to nails on top the circular edge of the wooden barrel.

The customer inspected the various strings and made his or her selection. An unusual sight was the crabs trying to crawl over each other’s back to reach the top of the barrel and escape.

The bunduri was a specialty for curry crab, sometimes for crab soup with eddo, callaloo, cassava and plantain, for making “crab backs” and for boiled crab.

The second popular crab

was the buck crab. It is the one whose flesh is most used for making crab backs a popular cafe delicacy. The crab was boiled, the flesh re-

moved from the body, two claws and legs, cooked with onions, spring onions and bread crumbs and topped with a small, de-seeded red wiri wiri pepper. The back (top) was thoroughly cleaned and the cooked and seasoned flesh placed in it. Sometimes a thin slice of lemon was served to squeeze its juice over the cooked meat before eating. Crab cakes were a specialty in the good old days at Tang’s Bakery and

ter crab and lives mostly in inland lakes, trenches, and rivers. It is a great swimmer, using its flattened and fringed legs as paddles. The claws and shell (back) have sharp points at the ends. Its colours range from green, black, grey, reddish brown and scarlet. Children in Albouystown, where I grew up, caught them in the then Sussex Street trench by using a saltfish tail or the innards of a chicken as bait

Tasty bowl of crab curry

Cafe on Robb Street near Camp Street and before that at the Salvation Army cafes on Camp Street, between Charlotte and Regent Streets, and on America Street.

The buck crab came in different colours – blue, grey, purple legs. They are also called blue crabs. The underside was white. It is a land crab but spends its time on the sea beaches only during the mating season and out of the water. It digs a large hole in the sand, using its claws. It rushes into the hole when it senses danger. The hole contains a certain amount of water so its shell could remain damp.

The buck or blue crab is also used in soups, curry, to make crab backs or boiled and the flesh eaten with butter.

The other popular crab is the sherriger. It is a wa-

tied to a string. The string with the bait was let down into the trench and its movement indicated the sherriger had grabbed the bait and was trying to eat it. The string was pulled up slowly and as soon as the crab appeared clinging to the bait.

A mokra basket cover or small seine was pushed under it and the sherriger was flipped to the roadside.

Then there is the hermit or soldier crab, which is found along the coastline. It has a soft, edible back. For safety, it seeks out hard, unoccupied shell molluscs and burrow into them. As it grows larger, it finds a larger empty shell.

The pastime culture of children growing up in Guyana is unique, quaint and fun-filled.

For more interesting stories, visit https://peterhalder.wordpress.com

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JANUARY 29, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Times Feature

Guyana’s ecclesiastical stained glass windows

O

ver the centuries, stained glass windows were used predominantly in churches throughout the world, but were also found in wealthy domestic settings and public buildings such as town halls.

The purpose of stained glass windows in a church was both to enhance the beauty of their setting and to inform the viewer through narrative or symbolism.

In Guyana, this valuable aspect of our religious heritage remains intact, but not many know, or want to know, of its history. Some of these ecclesiastical stained

ship on September 27, 1818.

Gracing the centre of the eastern wall, over the altar area, is a magnificent stained-glass window depicting the Ascension (the bodily rising of Jesus into heaven). It was unveiled in 1912 in memory of one of St Andrew’s great ruling elders, Patrick Playfair Fairbain, who died in 1910.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana was founded on October 15, 1743. Even though the church, located in New Amsterdam, was established in 1743, it was not until around 1752 that the

century, the Roman Catholic Church of Ascension, located in New Amsterdam, came from humble beginnings in the year 1836. Although it faced many challenges, the church established a permanent structure that is still enjoyed today. This Roman-styled structure is 84ft by 28ft and supports a beautifully crafted ceiling.

The church boasts 50 exquisite stained glass windows.

The most notable stained glass window, which was donated and unveiled by the Mendonca family on Christmas Eve in 1925, had replaced a painting done by A section of the stained window in St Andrew's Kirk Church, Georgetown

gy saving mechanism that allows light into the building and also an admirable piece of art. In the sunlight, myriad colours are reflected through stories of Jesus’ crucifixion and ascension, among others. Consisting of two rows of six windows, the east window was donated by the McConnell family.

The plan for the St Peter’s Church, located in Leguan, Essequibo, was done by colonial civil engineer John Frederick Bourne.

The foundation stone for the present brick structure was laid in 1855. At the left of

the north-western entrance stands a detached bell tower. The windows are pointed and are filled with handsome stained glass. Imported from London, the seven windows on the apse depict the life of St Peter. Those in the nave contain flowered quarrels and roses with rich borders. This church, with its lower tiled sanctuary, massive brick work and stained windows, testify to the artistry and craftsmanship of Guyanese builders.

The All Saints Anglican Church was founded in 1839. The main section of

the building is constructed of wood with gothic arched windows topped with a tower. Queen Victoria donated $750 for the purchase of a painted glass window for the east end of the church.

This stained-glass panel to the left depicts St George and the central panel represents Jesus in his ascended glory. The right side panel shows St Patrick. Reverend George Spencer described these windows as being oneof-a-kind in Guyana, and even the Caribbean. (Text and

photos by National Trust of Guyana)

Ebenezer Lutheran Church, New Amsterdam, stained glass window depicting Jesus Christ praying in the garden of Gethsemane

glass windows date back to the early 1800s.

The 19th century Gothic Revival-style St Andrew’s Kirk Church, with the standard features such as a central nave flanked on either side by an aisle and tower with spire over the sanctuary, is reputedly the oldest ecclesiastical structure located in the city of Georgetown. It was officially opened for public wor-

first sanctuary was built.

John Mittelholzer served the church from 1878-1913.

His legacy is memorialised by the famous stained glass window with a depiction of Jesus Christ praying in the garden immediately after the Last Supper before his conviction. This popular scene identifies this as the place of prayer as Gethsemane.

Established in the 19th

Carrie Gomes depicting the ‘Ascension’ and was subsequently moved to the back of the altar.

Sir Arthur Blomfield is credited with designing the St George’s Cathedral, reputedly the world’s tallest wooden building of its time. Of the most outstanding features of the building, the stained glass windows are ranked among those which function as an ener-

Stained glass window at All Saints Anglican Church, New Amsterdam

In sunlight, a kaleidoscope of colours are reflected through stories of the Crucifixion and the Ascension, among others, at St George's Cathedral

4

Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 29, 2017

Times Feature

K

Foundation's members, children and parents giving thanks for the supplies to be distributed in the Rupununi

ids Joy Foundation works assiduously to change the life of every child by giving them a hope and a future that they so rightly deserve.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, founder of the organisation Diane Shaw said Kids Joy Foundation was started in 2010 with the objectives of providing tangible benefits (food, clothing and other ne-

cessities) to vulnerable children across Guyana; providing godly teachings to children (distributing children's bible); assisting in the advancement of children's education by providing school bags, exercise books and all stationery, among others; assisting in any other way that is beneficial to the community.

“Although we mainly work with children across

Making children happy is the aim of Kids Joy Foundation

Guyana, we were fortunate enough to be given items from Food for the Poor (Kids Joy is a registered member with them). We receive items like farming tools, rice, beans, youth and adult clothing, household items, personal care items for womenand much more, so everyone benefits,” Shaw outlined.

Shaw, a Trinidadian, disclosed that she grew up “very poor”. She recalled how her parents laboured to send her to school. Shaw revealed that she did not have any school bags, books or even shoes to attend secondary school.

But she was resilient, which paid off as she graduated and went on to earnher degree in Trinidad. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters.

“This hardship in my own life inspired me to help children pursue their education.

I married a Guyanese. When I moved here in 2010, I saw many children who didnot have much to go to school and I remembered my days, so I asked God to help me to help them. I am not rich, but God answered my prayer and many people started to donate so I can give back to others,” the humanitarian expressed.

Thus far, the Foundation held “Back to School” drives for children in Haslington, East Coast Demerara; assisted two orphans from

Berbice; distributed clothing and school supplies to children in Mabura; supplied school supplies for 71 children in Moshabo; donated food, bedsheets, blankets, baby clothes, towels, clothes, shampoo and much more to the Haslington community; distributed food, personal care products, household products, children school shoes and clothes to a church in Brickdam; donated a sewing machine to the LBI Secondary School, two sewing machines to a church in Haslington and another to a single mother of four children in Georgetown. These are just a few donations by the Foundation over the years.

Kids Joy Foundation will be making its next donation in February 2017 to children in the Pomeroon district.

Shaw said they were able to secure food items, but still need children clothing. She is urging kind-hearted individuals and companies to donate to this worthy cause.

Shaw and her team will also be venturing into other far-flung areas of Guyana to help less fortunate children. She said she was invited to visit six schools in South Rupununi in August 2017.

Additionally, the Foundation will be doing another school drive for over 400 children.

“I would like to express heartfelt thanks to our contributors: Food for the Poor,

Members of the organisation having fun with children at one of its past events

Massy, Silvie’s Variety Store, GBTI, Caribbean Container Inc., Seebarran & Co, Scott’s Jewellery, Giftland OfficeMax, Banks DIH, Gizmos & Gadgets, GT&T, California Stucco Guyana Inc., and Shaw’s Investment.

The public can help by donating children clothes, toys and school supplies. They can also donate cash. We

post out receipts to contributors. Persons can drop off items at 96 Bonasika and Sheriff Street, Campbellville, Georgetown. Please call 6453933 or 225-5253 or feel free to come and visit me. Kids Joy Foundation is a registered organisation,” Shawstated.

For more information, visit Kids Joy Foundation on Facebook.

School supplies for less fortunate children

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JANUARY 29, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Times Women

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edicated to developing the art and practice of puppetry in Guyana, Faith-Ann Chester-Inniss started 592 Puppets+. Her mission is to educate, stimulate and inspire using puppetry in the fields of education, therapy, performance, and entertainment.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Faith-Ann stated that puppetry aids in teaching concepts, engages the imagination, stimulates creativity and acts as a form of therapy.

puppets was well received and I was hooked on this craft,” she recalled.

Faith-Ann noted that because puppetry in its infancy stage in Guyana, 592 Puppets+ covers the whole range of puppetry development from training and mentoring persons to design and construction of puppets.

“Being a trained teacher, I have a compelling desire for out-of-the-box creativity and unconventional teaching methods. Consequently, I founded a puppetry club at my place of employment. My puppets are fully part of my

world in which I am allowed to bring life to an inanimate object. I am mostly lost in my performances, where I am no longer seen on stage, since my puppets have taken over, literally. Therefore, feedback is of utmost importance from persons who have witnessed the performances. Many have confessed to be spellbound by the performances, as they watched with dropped jaws and utter silence. At a recent performance, a patron excitedly exclaimed,‘It was so real, it's scary!’ she revealed.

Faith-Ann said that Faith-Ann Chester-Inniss

New York,” she disclosed.

Apart from working with her beloved puppets, FaithAnn’s “hobby business” is called Blaque Majick, where shedesigns and marketsreversible clutch purses, skirts, accessories and other items for women.

In 2016, she completed formal training in animation theatre in Morro Reuter, Brazil. Now she is poised to put her training in creating a space for an animation theatre in Guyana, one which would allow her to formally train and men-

A theatrical performance with puppets

“My desire to bring inanimate objects to life started at a very young age. I sat on the floor and drew cartoons.

I flipped the pages and they moved. By the age of 16, I earned my Diploma in Cartooning from the U.S.A. However, I needed something more, something tangible, something I can touch, move around, and manipulate. This compelling interest eventually gave birth to Talking Handz in 2006 in Canada where I was exposed to puppetry books and resources. My first performance with the use of sock

lessons on a regular basis,” she explained.

Faith-Ann has facilitated workshops for church volunteers in the use of puppetry as an educational tool in the classroom. Additionally, her puppets have been assisting in a bible teaching project for children ages 4 through 15 at Brazo's workshop in the Tiger Bay area.

“Being the sole performer to an audience, my puppets take me to a realm of imagination, fantasy and exploration. It is essential that I enjoy the world I am in while performing – a

Using puppets as a teaching tool

many adults recounted that watching a puppetry performance takes them back to childhood of playing with toys and the use of their “childlike imagination”. She added that for children, “itis like watching Sesame Street on television”.

“I even witnessed children cry out for more of the performance.My puppets (whether sock, hand or finger) have caught the attention of persons, during my live performances in Guyana, Canada, Jamaica, and most recently, Christmas performances in

Having fun with puppets

tor adults and children to use puppetry to educate, stimulate, and inspire.

If you are you interested in purchasing puppets, booking a performance for your institution (school,

church, workplace), learning the art of puppetry, making and manipulating puppets, volunteering and mentoring in puppetry, contact 592 Puppets+ on Facebook or call 592-656-5271

6 Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 29, 2017

Times Book World The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

A glimpse at cinema in Guyana

By Petamber Persaud

The Strand de Luxe cinema before it became a church hall

(The following article was first published in the 2004-2005 issue of The Guyana Annual magazine that was started in 1915 and published under the title The Chronicle Christmas Annual. I have the presented the article as it was published way back then. A follow-up is warranted.)

T

he birth of the cinematographic art at the turn of the 19th century was another indication of man’s quest to express himself using both art and science. The development of the cinema industry in Guyana did not lag far behind the growth of the film industry worldwide.

However, the decline of cinema in Guyana was due to complacency, lack of foresight and an unstable sociopolitical climate.

In 1920s, the Gaiety Cinema opened in the heart of the city of Georgetown, heralding the cinematographic art that was to fascinate hundreds of thousands of viewers; entertaining and educating – creating a platform for dialogue, thereby building social cohesion.

That landmark, which went up in flames in 1926,

was situated in the compound of the Catholic Presbytery on Brickdam, Georgetown.

Those were the days of the silent movies: the Charlie-Chaplinpantomime.

Although the first cinema was short-lived, the show went on at about seven other cinemas throughout the country, inflaming the imagination of more and more Guyanese.

By 1931 there were 10 such ‘magic’ houses spread over the three counties of Guyana: Camp Street, Georgetown; Buxton, on the East Coast of Demerara; New Amsterdam, Berbice; Adelphi, Rose Hall and Number 79 Village, Corentyne, Berbice; Diamond, on the East Bank of Demerara; Mackenzie, Upper Demerara River; Uitvlugt, on the West Coast of Demerara and Henrietta, on the Essequibo Coast.

In 1932, three more cinemas were erected: two in Georgetown and one, the Rajmahal, at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara.

By 1934, there were 16 cinemas in Guyana. So in less than fifteen years, there was a rapid expansion of the cinema industry in Guyana.

And why not? The cinema is a mass media. A medium with the particular function of building social cohesion because it provided that platform for dialogue – re-enacting the story, doing an autopsy on the whole production; all of which lent itself to freedom of expression and the ventilation of ideas, and so helped to decrease friction in society.

Apart from the main purpose of entertainment and escapism, it offered intellectual stimulation, equipping you with tools of engagement. It also offered solutions to existing social ills.

The cinematographic art was larger than life, greater than pettiness, bigger than the barriers that divided the building into sections. And always portrayed that good will overcome evil.

Now for a flashback: The beginning of the film industry, though clouded in controversy, was silent, starting with silent motion pictures. Sound effects were developed in 1926, and soon afterwards travelled to Guyana.

In March 1930, the London, Georgetown only cinema, installed sound equipment. On Sunday

At a time the lone opened cinema in the country, Astor today

April 6, 1930, the first ‘talkies’ was exhibited. That film was “Broadway Scandals” from Columbia Studio and it was the talk of the town, like a scandal.

This was definitely responsible for the expansion of the cinema industry in the city.

Soon Metro in Middle Street, Cummingsburg, opened. The Metro later became Empire, which unfortunately/ fortunately is now a shopping centre, selling televisions, VCRs and DVDs. The Astor, opened in the 1940s, is functioning; trying to stay alive by featuring such recent box-office hits like Spiderman 2...

The centre of the city, with a denser concentration of the population, seemed to be the best location for the erection of cinemas. Metropole sprung up two blocks from Astor, and

Liberty which was recently demolished after the building proved to be unsuited for a Chinese food and entertainment enterprise.

This for me was a sad time because I lived in the area and had intimate trysts with the house through its many phases.

Then there was Hollywood in Kitty, where my father related how one could gain admission with an egg in his days. Back then, Hollywoodbore the distinction of being the first exhibition house to offer cinemascope. But, alas, this cinema is now a church – a fair exchange perhaps; both filling a social need.

This expansion of the cinema industry in Guyana was due to a number of factors and additional novelties.

In 1952, Cinemascope (wide screen) was introduced to replace the small screen. Three-dimensional shows added excitement.

Then English subtitles were added to Indian films, which encouraged a greater follow-

rectors, fostering a craving fan club and massive crowd support.

Significantly, the cinema was used as a concert hall and cultural centre, with Astor and Metropole labelled the hottest spots. Persons still talk about the live performances of the Platters, Sparrow, Ben E King, Cat Calloway, Mohamed Rafi, Mukesh, Mana Dey, Hari O Sharon, Shankuntala Devi, the Brazilian Trio Irakitan and our own Sam Chase.

Those were the days of uniformed ushers treating patrons with great respect.

Those were the days when special music was played on Fridays.

Another major factor was the Censorship Board along with cinema managers ensuring good, wholesome films were available for the demanding and knowledgeable consumers.

At one time there were about 13 distribution companies with the big studio names in the film industry having local offices here. Names like MGM,

Gaiety cinema in its heyday

Strand de Luxe, two blocks further down the road.

Strand de Luxe opened in the 1950s with “Sayonara”, starring Marlon Brando.

This cinema lived up to the de Luxe in its name; always a luxury showpiece, and is presently equipped with sense-surround and Dolby sounds...

But the local industry was expanding, moving again out of the city.

The Olympic, where admission was cheaper than other exhibition sites, was located in Lombard Street and bore the unenviable distinction of having no roof.

The Capital, just out of the capital of the country, was found in La Penitence Street, Albouystown. The Rialto, later to be called Doreen, was on Vlissengen Road, Newtown.

Doreen was burnt in 1963 and replaced by

ing, catering for a people who had already lost its language. Colour came on the scene, and was definitely a crowd pleaser.

Added to these improvements was the fact that movies were marketed with a passion. There were advanced billings, posters, flyers and billboards everywhere. There were film pamphlets, and loudspeakers enticing all and sundry, especially persons in rural areas where the cinema was the only healthy form of entertainment.

Radio programmes like the “Strand Bandstand”, presented by Vic Insanally, whetted the appetite of movie fans. Film magazines like the “Filmfare” of Bollywood, which provided information on the film making industry and the rise and fall of actors, highlighted the importance of producers and di-

United Artists, Paramount, Universal, Rank, Ginata…

Local organisations like the Film Distributors Association and Berbice Cinema Owners Association were formed to safeguard the industry, but too soon the decline set in.

As the 1990s approached, the industry diminished, dropping from 50 to 20 cinemas. Another 10 went. It was ludicrous and sad to see the newspaper guide shouting for help. NO SHOW week in, week out until that particular cinema was no more…

Gone were names like Atlantis, Novelty, Apollo, Monarch, Rajmahal, Vijay, Regal, Gem, Melanie, Palm Tree, Kaydonna, Regaland Radio City…

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

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JANUARY 29, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Heritage

An interesting bit of history

M

r. R. O. H. Spence, Chief Clerk of the Department of Lands and Mines, Georgetown, writes to the Editors under date 31st May, 1911, as follows: — Anent the statement by Mr. Luke M. Hill, in his interesting paper on “The Nomenclature of Georgetown,” published in No. 1, Volume I, New Series of Timehri, January, 1911, to the effect that Mr. Thomas Cuming, the former proprietor of Cumingsburg or Plantation La Bourgade, made a free gift to the town of the plots of land known as the Militia Parade Ground, and the Promenade Gardens, at the time this estate was laid out by him in streets and lots in 1807, I would crave your indulgence to state the following facts which may be of assistance to the historian in years to come, which came to my knowledge a few years ago, in the course of official investigations with regard to what is now known as the Promenade Gardens to the north of Middle street and the Parade Ground to the south of Middle street, between Carmichael street and Waterloo street : — The old portion of the Promenade Gardens consisting of ten lots and the

Parade Ground also consisting of ten lots all lying immediately adjacent to Middle street, were originally known as the “Parade Ground,” and in 1848, as can be seen on reference to C. R. Player's General Plan of Georgetown of that year founded on Hilhouse's chart of 1824, the Government Observatory stood in the centre of the ten lots to the south of Middle street, that is, in the open space now called the Parade Ground.

Major General Hugh Lyle Carmichael, acting Governor of Demerara and Essequibo, informed the Court of Policy, on the 30th October, 1812, that he had “thought proper to accept the proposal of the Honourable Thomas Cuming to grant the occupancy of sixteen lots (in the Cumingsburg District and shown on the General Charts, sub-numbers 116 to 123 and 144 to 151 inclusive) as a place for parade, and if it should be thought proper afterwards for certain consideration, for public buildings, and that he had directed the land to be converted into a Parade Ground and would pay for it out of the King's Chest.”

Mr. Thomas Cuming died at Elgin, Scotland, a short time after this and his

Cricketers on the Georgetown Parade Ground. From: George W Bennett. An illustrated history of British Guiana. Georgetown [Guyana]: printed by L McDermott, 1866 [FCO Historical Collection F2371 BEN]

Will dated 5th November, 1812, was deposited and proved in the Registrar's Office, Georgetown, on the 26th June, 1813. No mention whatever is made in this Will of the “Parade Ground.”

Four more adjacent lots were evidently added to the sixteen above referred to, and on the 11th April, 1817, Charles Wilday (who was also Clerk to the Court of Policy at the time), special attorney of the heirs of Thomas Cuming, deceased, appeared before A. Dalzell and H. Halket, CounsellorCommissaries of the Honourable Court of Criminal and Civil Justice of the Colony of Demerary and Essequibo and “declared to cede, transport and in full and free property, to make over to, and on behalf of the Colony of Demerary twenty lots of land, situate in Cumingsburg District known,

the transferring and placing the square of lots in Cumingsburg, lately purchased by the Colony, in the name and under the control of the Board, on condition that the town should bear the expense of draining and improving it, the whole to form a Parade Ground and Public Walks, and it was resolved — “To give over all right and title to the said twenty Lots in payment of the sum of 900 (9,000 ?) guilders by the Board (half the original cost) and on condition that the Board will carry into effect the proposed laying out the said square into a Parade Ground or Public Promenade.”

It does not appear that the 9,000 guilders were ever paid by the Board of Police to the Colony, as at a meeting of the Town Council held on the 5th November, 1850, the Mayor said the question was, had they

A section of Georgetown along the Demerara River in 1932

The Bandstand, Promenade Gardens (1911)

Water Street, Georgetown, looking east, British Guiana

Sub Nos. 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, and 152, being all that parcel of land called “Carmichael Square”.

Acknowledging to be fully paid and satisfied for the same, engaging to warrant the said property free, from all claims whatsoever, according to law” In April, 1818, the Board of Police, which at that time took the place of our present Town Council, requested the Court of Policy to give the necessary orders for

ever got a transport for the land? He knew that no part of the money had ever been paid.

I could add further particulars but the foregoing, I think, proves conclusively that Mr. Thomas Cuming did not " make a free gift to the town of the plots of land known as the Militia Parade Ground and Promenade Gardens.” (Source: Timehri: the journal of the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society of British Guiana by Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society (Georgetown, Guyana) Published 1911)

8 Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 29, 2017

Times Travel & Tourism

M

A spectacular view of the mountain landscape

onkey Mountain is known for its pristine beauty and lush green, mountainous landscape. It is one of the villages in Region Eight in the vicinity of the magnificent Pakaraima Mountain that borders Guyana and Brazil. It can be accessed by road or air, and is also home to scenic interior savannah.

The village is inhabited by the Patamona and the

Macushi indigenous groups, and is equipped with a police outpost, schools and other modern-day facilities while rich in its indigenous culture. Residents live in traditional houses and still practice their invaluable Amerindian way of life. (Photos by Marco Basir) (Cover photos: Panoramic view of Monkey Mountain and Aerial view of Monkey Mountain)

School in the village

The police outpost

The welcome sign upon entering the village

Thatched-roof homes

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 29, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

C

utting through the myriad of diet plans and trendy eating regimes, the human body needs a balanced, healthy eating plan to keep functioning properly.

This helps ensure that our bodies have enough nutrition to grow and build; repair and heal; reproduce successfully; repel illnesses and infections, and avoid weight-related health problems.

Eating a variety of foods can also reduce the risk of getting conditions including heart disease, stroke, some cancers, diabetes and osteoporosis.

The foods we need to eat can be divided into five separate groups: Fruit and vegetables (Includes fresh, frozen, juiced, dried or tinned fruit and vegetables).

Starchy foods (Includes bread, rice, pasta and potatoes) Meat, fish, eggs and beans (Includes fresh meat, fresh and tinned fish, eggs, nuts and pulses) Milk and dairy foods

(Includes milk, cheese and yoghurt) Foods containing fat and sugar (Includes cakes, biscuits and fizzy drinks) The reason we need a diet drawn from all of the groups is that they all deliver different, but vital, nutritional benefits to our bodies.

Fruit and vegetables are one of our main sources of vitamins and minerals, which the body needs to perform a variety of functions well.

Its main nutritional benefits derive from vitamins, minerals and fibre. For instance, vitamin A helps to strengthen our immune system, B vitamins help us process energy from food, vitamin D helps us maintain healthy teeth and bones, and vitamin C helps to keep cells and tissues healthy.

Fruit and vegetables (eaten with the skin on) also contain high amounts of fibre which help to maintain a healthy gut and digestive system. We should consume at least five portions daily.

Starchy foods, also known as carbohydrates, are where we get most of our

The Eatwell Guide 2016

energy from. Our bodies con-

vert these foods into glucose

B

ell peppers are fruits: Scientists define fruit as the part of a plant that develops from a flower and has seeds. So that means bell peppers – along with squash, cucumbers, and pumpkins – are fruits.

Bananas are berries: A true berry is a fruit that develops from a single flower and a single ovary. The ovary is the female part of a flower. That means grapes, kiwis, and even bananas are berries.

Tomatoes are fruits and vegetables: Tomatoes are fruits, but according to US law, they're vegetables. Here's the story: In the 1800s, New York’s port taxed vegetables but not fruits. An importer wanting to cut costs went to court saying his tomatoes were fruits. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court, which ruled that, in “common language,” produce often served with meats or fish is a vegetable.

So, the man had to pay tomato tax.

Apples are cousins of roses: Apples

are a good source of fibre and vitamin C. As you take a bite of one, do you notice a sweet smell? Apples, pears, cherries, and plums are just some of the fruits that come from the same family tree as the rose.

Tiny carrots aren’t really 'babies': Those cute little bagged carrots in the grocery store aren’t baby vegetables.

They’re cut from full-grown varieties that are sweeter and thinner than traditional carrots. (Source: WebMD)

which is used as energy either immediately or stored for later use.

Carbohydrates also contain fibre (especially wholegrain), and iron which we need to make red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. We also benefit from the vitamins and minerals found as well.

A third of everything we eat daily should include carbohydrates.

Meat fish, eggs and pulses provide us with significant amounts of protein and vitamins and minerals.

Protein is essentially a building block of the body.

Everything from our hair, muscles, nerves, skin and nails needs protein to build and repair itself.

We should be eating two to three portions every day (one portion is an egg or a serving of meat/fish the size of a deck of cards).

Also high in protein are dairy products, and they are also great providers of calcium. The most common mineral in the body, calcium is needed for functions including helping blood to clot, and to build bones and teeth.

Eat two to three portions (one portion is a small pot of yoghurt or glass of milk) each day.

Fortunately, the fatty and sugary group, the foods that we find the most irresistible, also have a role to play, in moderation. Fat transports the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K around the body. It also cushions and protects the internal organs.

Sugar is another food that gives us energy, whether it's the naturally occurring fructose sugars in fruit or sucrose in table sugar.

But, "other sources of carbohydrate, for example starchy foods, are a better choice for the nutrients they provide", says Lydia Kelly, a special-

ist registered dietician who works for the UK NHS. But while a small amount of sugary foods each day is acceptable, she warns, "eating sugar too frequently may increase risk of tooth decay.

Weight gain may also occur if sugar in the diet provides more energy than we are using up".

Eat no more than one portion (two biscuits or a small chocolate bar, for instance) daily.

So, how can we squeeze eating such a wide range of foods into one day? Kelly advises: "Try to base meals on starchy carbohydrates such as bread, pasta or potatoes. Include a range of different fruit and vegetables in your diet and try to have at least one to two portions with every meal. Including a moderate serving of protein-containing food is also important. Then choose adequate calcium sources, aiming for three portions of low-fat dairy or dairy alternatives daily."

And many dieticians agree there's no such thing as a 'superfood'. The overall balance of the diet is what really matters, and guides such as the Eatwell Plate can be helpful. No single food will provide all the nutrients we really need. And neither can one meal, but a good diet should include a wide range of foods from each of the different food groups.

Fluids are also vital to help our bodies perform their functions effectively, and the best fluid of all is water. Two-thirds of a healthy human body is actually made up of water. It's necessary to help our blood carry nutrients and waste around the body and to help the chemical reactions that occur in our cells. (Source: BBC Science)

10 Sunday Times Magazine Times Fashion

R

yan Berkley is resourceful in finding contemporary ways of incorporating everyday life in his fashionable collections.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Berkley, born October 28, 1988, recalled growing up in a home where he always heard the sound of a sewing machine working.

“When I was nine years old I took on art as a form of expression, always drawing and colouring at school where I would usually outshine the other students at sewing and designing. It was not an overnight transformation, but a uniqueness of my skills that flows from deep within my being, coupled with creativity, which at times seems to rushout like water from a fountain. It took time, hard work and perseverance to make this happen. The myriad of shows which I involved myself in helped to develop my skills and widen my vision. Thanks to God that every time there is a new show I am stronger and much more confident,” the designer expressed.

In 2010, Berkley made his debut in the local fashion industry as a contestant on a local television show where he amazed his audience with his unique sense of style.

With just a year’s experience in fashion, the designer was able to create his own clothing line for the prestigious fashion event Designer/Stylist Portfolio, founded by veteran designer Sonia Noel.

Berkley attended E. R. Burrowes School of Art where he graduated at the top of his class. His major textile design and textile construction. He then went onto study fashion designing (part one and two).

“As a young fashion designer, I intend to broaden the mind-set of Guyanese so that fashion may become a lifestyle in Guyana. I would also like to encourage my people, young or old, to open their minds to the uprising of new, refreshing fashion and to support the local fashion designers,” he declared.

For more information on the designs, visit Ryan Berkeley Designs on Facebook.

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Sunday Times Magazine 11

Times Hollywood

Nick Cannon reveals he was Paula Patton accuses Robin Thicke of domestic abuse ‘shot down’ by Beyonce

N

ick Cannon proves he's been a longtime fan of Beyonce Knowles in his latest Instagram post. For Thursday, January 26 edition of #TBT, the host/musician shared on the social media a throwback picture showing him looking excited when meeting Beyonce

about two decades ago, when she was still a part of Destiny's Child.

In the photo, Nick was seen wearing an orangeand-blue jacket with matching hat while shaking hands with Bey, who donned a crop top underneath a black jacket. In the caption, the "America's Got Talent" host

jokingly admitted that he always had a crush on the "Formation" hitmaker and that he used to stalk her and her then-bandmates. #TBT Even in the 90's I was always shootin my shot!!! @Beyonce was looking at me like 'Little Boy Please!!'” he wrote. "In my teenage days I used to stalk Destiny's Child! LOL Poppa Knowles was not feeling me at all!!"

Nick has been sharing star-studded photos for #TBT these past few weeks.

Earlier this month, he posted on Instagram a picture of him posing with his exgirlfriend Kim Kardashian, her former boss Paris Hilton and rapper Lil' Kim during a party. At the same bash taking place in 2006, he also got to hang out with Kim's now-husband Kanye West and take a photo with him.

(AceShowbiz)

T

he custody battle between Paula Patton and Robin Thicke just gets nastier. The 41-yearold actress has been granted temporary restraining order against the "Blurred Lines" hitmaker. He is not allowed to go near his child or his exwife as she is being investigated by the DCFS for "emotional abuse."

In her declaration filed in support of her domestic violence restraining order, Paula reveals that during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2013, she and Robin got into a fight and Robin hit her with a closed fist to her upper body and then pushed her onto the ground.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Robin threatened multiple times to "bash my…head in."

The fight reached its climax, when Paula was filming "Warcraft" in February 2013. At the time, Robin and Julian came to stay with her

and she told her then-hubby that he was supposed to take care of their son.

Paula also claims that Robin had a serious cocaine problem and he cheated on her while he was on tour in 2013. She allegedly heard him having sex with another woman.

A source close to Robin responds to Paula's allegations, saying, "If these multi-

year-old allegations were true, why is she only raising them now in the midst of a custody dispute where she's the only one violating the judge by denying Robin access to the boy?"

Robin believes Paula tried to alienate Julian from him by making "emotional abuse" allegation against him. (AceShowbiz)

Selena Gomez, Weeknd ‘look very happy’ together

S

elena Gomez and the Weeknd have made their romance known.

The couple rented out Hollywood & Highland’s Dave & Buster’s venue in Los Angeles, and stayed until 3 a.m. after arriving together at 11 p.m.

“They looked very happy. They had a blast with their friends,” a source tells PEOPLE about the pair, who were spotted holding hands.

Gomez, 24, was dressed in an oversized denim jacket, black crop top and wideleg dungarees while the Weeknd (né Abel Tesfaye) opted for a “Starboy” long

Chris Brown's Lamborghini in horrific crash

C

hris Brown's Lamborghini Aventador was totally destroyed in an apparent horrific car crash earlier this week. According to a new TMZ report, the 27-year-old singer's luxury sports car was found

wrecked in Beverly Hills without a soul behind the wheel on early January 24.

The old Lambo, which retails for US$400,000$500,000, is still registered to the "Back to Sleep" hitmaker, but cops have no idea who was driving it.

They told the news outlet that it was a single crash and the car was abandoned when they arrived on scene.

Reports suggested that the one responsible for trashing the Lambo might be one of Chris Brown's friends, as he is said to usually let them drive it.

But the ex-boyfriend of Rihanna allegedly didn't know that his car was being driven by anyone on the night of the crash.

Chris Brown doesn't seem to be bothered with his luxury car being totally wrecked, though. The "Fine

by Me" singer has been taking to Instagram in the last few days to share a bunch of photos promoting his Black Pyramid clothing line. (AceShowbiz)

sleeve, black pants and gold jacket.

Joining them at the funfilled event were French Montana and Jaden Smith.

The pair were photographed leaving together in his Bentley.

Romance rumors were first fueled earlier this month when Gomez and

the Weeknd were spotted having a romantic dinner at celebrity hotspot Giorgio Baldi, where they were pictured smooching throughout the evening.

It’s the first romance for the “Party Monster” hitmaker since he and ex-girlfriend Bella Hadid split in November after a year and a

half together.

Gomez — who recently took a career hiatus to seek treatment for emotional complications stemming from her lupus diagnosis — last had a high-profile on-again, off-again relationship with Justin Bieber.

(PEOPLE)

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Sunday Times Magazine 13

14 Sunday Times Magazine

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Times Bollywood

Amitabh Bachchan Bollywood praises SRK in ‘Raees’ filmmaker attacked E M clipsing the era of male leads, playing the conventional good characters, superstar Shah Rukh Khan got curiosity levels soaring high with “Raees”.

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan recently took to Twitter to applaud SRK’s performance.

He said: “Congratulations Shahrukh ..RAEES ..loved your anger in it !!”

Shah Rukh has lived the character on celluloid, as he plays the layered personality of Raees, who is less of a gangster and more of an impresario, garnering reverence, love and fear, with utmost ease and perfection.

The film has proved true to fans’ expectations and was a box office hit on its first day.

(ANI)

embers of the Karni Sena allegedly attacked filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansalion Friday and vandalised the sets of his upcoming movie “Padmavati” in Jaipur.

The members accused the makers of the film for

ple owing allegiance to the Rajput youth outfit reached Jaigarh Fort on Friday morning and disrupted the shooting.

“We had learnt that a few intimate scenes between Alauddin Khalji and Padmini were part of the

ganized between us and the filmmakers. As of now, Bhansali has assured us that there are no intimate scenes in the film. But we won’t tolerate the distortion of history and will only be assured after seeing the film,” said Kalvi.

“distorting history”.

“We have learnt that the filmmakers are portraying the film as a love story between Alauddin Khilji and Padmini, which is a blatant distortion of history. That is why we stopped the shooting and told the makers that we won’t let them continue unless they make changes,” said Narayan Divrala, district president, KarniSena.

Large numbers of peo-

film and it is completely unacceptable for us. On Friday morning, when members of Karni Sena went to the Jaigarh Fort, an argument happened and some people associated with the shooting party opened fire on air which accelerated the tension,” alleged Lokendra Singh Kalvi, founder, Karni Sena.

“Later after the police came in, a meeting was or-

Kalvi added that the outfit will further protest if historical facts are distorted in the film.

The movie, which is being directed by Bhansali, stars Ranveer Singh, ShahidKapoor and Deepika Padukone playing Alauddin Khilji, Rawal Ratan Singh and Rani Padmini.

(Hindustan Times)

Anushka Sharma: ‘I’m not dying for a Hollywood project right now’

W

ith two box office hits last year, “Sultan” and “Ae Dil Mushkil”, one upcoming film with Shah Rukh Khan and her own production, “Phillauri”, actress Anushka Sharma said she is in a happy place. Even when other Indian heroines such as Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone are making a mark in American films and TV, Anushka said she is in no hurry to head in that direction.

“I’m not actively working towards anything like that, and I feel things just happen. If something great comes up, I will give it a thought, but I’m not dying for it at the moment.

“One can start working in any kind of cinema whether it’s Hollywood or

Korean films or even regional cinema. It’s about what interests you and where work takes you to do interesting roles and parts to play, which will define your ability as an actor. And that’s the only reason why I would

sign any film, irrespective of where I am signing it,” she stated.

However, Anushka praises her fellow actresses Priyanka and Deepika who are wooing fans worldwide.

Anushka said their achievements are “real huge steps” for Indian representation on the international scene.

“It shows the popularity of Indian actors around the world.

Hats off to the girls because it’s not easy to just completely shift and go somewhere else, and start fresh with such zeal. It’s something that they are handling so well and I have a lot of respect for what they are doing.” (Hindustan Times)

Karan Johar: ‘Kaabil is Hrithik’s best performance’

D

irector Karan Johar cannot stop raving about HrithikRoshan’s performance in the recently-released film, “Kaabil”.

The 44-year-old director took to Twitter to congratu-

late Hrithik for his act as a blind man driven to avenge the murder of his wife in the Sanjay Gupta-directed movie.

He also wrote that as a helmer it was a treat for him to watch the actor put

his best foot forward, only reflecting his growth with time.

The “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” director had worked with Hrithik in his 2001 film, “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”. (PTI)

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Sunday Times Magazine

15

Times Trends

Trending Now

Star of the week

T

he ‘90s trend is back. Chokers are the accessory of the moment, and it looks like very expensive neck-stranglers are happening in menswear for 2017.

Between Paris, London, New York, and Milan, chokers for men were showcased in

Double the choker for a goth-inspired outfit A chunky choker paired with a suit is an ideal work wear

all shapes, sizes, and colours: collars, bandanas, chains, and more.

Of course, trends have no gender these days, which is what makes chokers so versatile and, in turn, extends their shelf life in your closet.

Louis Vuitton choker looks chic with this statement outfit

Signature accessory for this outfit is a studded choker

D

If you're the type of guy who likes to wear shirts unbottoned, then this wrap around choker is perfect for your style

A bandana choker looks fashionable with stripes

wain Bowen, known popularly as Mix Master Tony, developed a love for music from an early age. Tony was just 11 years old when he started singing in church. Most times he would use his family's living room as his training ground for vocal practice. Not only was he good at singing, his potential extended to even writing music, poetry and also playing on the keyboard. At age 13,Dwain met the late Dorian Massay, a mentor who told him that he wanted to leave him a legacy. Not knowing then what he meant or what it was, Dwain gladly agreed to learn how to ‘count beats’ using Virtual Dj. Since 2007, Dwain continues to amaze his fans with his mixing and turntable improvement skills, innovative production and musical versatility. With his exposure on the entertainment scene, Dwain has since proven time and time again that he would always be a force to be reckoned with. His love for music shines through everything he does, from his solo projects, collaborations, mixtapes and live shows. The 22-year-old plans to be a fulltime producer and DJ by age 25. For more information, visit Mix Master Tony on Facebook. (Photo by Daniel Sears, New Age Photography)

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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Times Art

Inspired by the belief that “this world is but a canvas to our imagination”, Charles del Valenzuela demonstrates an extraordinary aptitude for art

P

opularly known as Charlie, artist Charles del Valenzuela hails from Wauna, Region One, where he attended the North West Secondary School.

However, in order to further develop his artistic talent, Valenzuela left Wauna about four years ago to attend the E. R. Burrowes School of Art, where he majored in painting and pursued a minor in manual graphic design. His studies at the art institutionalso included learning about sculpting, leather craft, textile design and construction, among others.

In an interview with

"Untitled II"

Sunday Times Magazine, Valenzuela said he credits his father, who would design signboards by hand for communities in Region One, for his innate artistic ability.

“Since childhood, I developed a passion for it. I was always drawing and painting. I had my first experience with paint on the day I wrote visual art at CXC. I have such a profound love for art. The beauty of art inspires me mostly. Art is a part of me. Also, music contributes a lot to my inspired when painting,” he added.

Although Valenzuela appreciates all aspects of art, his preference is abstract

painting. The artist believes that abstract paintings can stir emotions, creatively inspire, and add a greater level of depth to an entire room simply through the use of colour, shape, and texture.

Besides music, Valenzuela noted that abstract art is among the purest forms of expression, as it allows him the freedom to communicate feelings and emotions.

Working tediously to improve his artistic flair, the 21-year-old artist mentioned his aim is to make “every artwork better than the last one”.

“Usually, I would not have a concept in mind when I start to paint, but during

Charles del Valenzuela

the process ideas flow, and I am always amazed at the end results.I paint the images I may have seen in a dream or look at nature for inspiration,” he pointed out.

Known for his colourful paintings, Valenzuela explained that his aim in using a kaleidoscope of colours is to “stir up happiness in people” when they meditate on his work.

Valenzuela pointed out that “drawing is what all artists must know and do”, which he does artistically on t-shirts. Also, he enjoys doing figure and portrait drawings.

“Art keeps me on the right path. For me, art is life. It is at every corner you turn. That is why my advice to young artists is if your desire is to become an artist, by all means, satisfy your desire. Give that urge of wanting to be an artist a fighting chance,” the artist encouraged.

Valenzuela, who works as a bartender, plans on building a career in art. At the moment, he does com-

''Unbroken bond"

missioned artwork, which serves as a part time job for him. He disclosed that it is tough to become a fulltime artist in Guyana as there is hardly any market for local artists. Valenzuela noted

that there is a need for the promotion of all artists and not just a selected few.

For more information on the artist, call 659-4792 or visit Charlie's art on Facebook.

Artwork inspired by nature

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Sunday Times Magazine 17

Times Tech

A

n Artificial Intelligence research group backed by some of the biggest names in tech announced Thursday that another giant was joining its project.

Partnership on AI wrote in a blog post that Apple would become a founding member. Apple will now work alongside original founding members Amazon, DeepMind/ Google, Facebook, IBM, and Microsoft in a high-profile display of cooperation

Tech news

T

among companies that can often be heated rivals.

“Diversity of thought across the organization is crucial to ensure that we effectively explore and address the influences of AI on people and society, provide guidance on AI best practices, and seek to advance the public’s understanding of AI,” says the blog post. “We are committed to having balanced representation at the leadership, executive, and operations levels.”

The original members

announced the formation of the group last September with the goal of ensuring that AI research doesn’t go completely haywire and wipe out humanity. Or, as they put it, to “address opportunities and challenges with AI technologies to benefit people and society.”

Apple will be represented on the partnership’s board by Tom Gruber, head of advanced development for Siri. Gruber was a cofounder of Siri, which was acquired

by Apple in 2010.

Tesla sues ex-autopilot chief for stealing company secrets

A Tesla Model X self-parks in a recent demo video (Tesla)

esla is suing its former Autopilot director, claiming he took confidential, proprietary information about its self-driving technology and destroyed evidence to cover his tracks, according to a lawsuit filed in Santa Clara Superior Court.

The suit alleges Sterling Anderson also attempted to recruit at least a dozen employees, in violation of his contract, all in an attempt to create a competing autonomous vehicle startup called "Aurora." Also named in the suit is Google's former selfdriving director Chris Urmson, Anderson's partner in the venture.

Furthermore, Anderson "downloaded hundreds of gigabytes of Tesla confidential and proprietary information to his per-

sonal Toshiba hard drive," the document states. He then allegedly hacked the timestamps on his laptop and secure-erased certain files to conceal the theft, it adds.

“As for the company-issued iPhone that contained perhaps the most damning evidence of Anderson's unlawful solicitation ofTesla employees -- he wiped that altogether,” Tesla alleges.

In a statement, Aurora replied that “Tesla's meritless lawsuit reveals both a startling paranoia and an unhealthy fear of competition. This abuse of the legal system is a malicious attempt to stifle a competitor and destroy personal reputations. Aurora looks forward to disproving these false allegations in court and to building a successful self-driving business.” (Source: Endgadget)

Tech BYTE

US Army's hoverbike takes flight

W

hat started as crazy DIY project in an Australian backyard six years ago has now blossomed into a cutting-edge aircraft for the US Army.

After teaming up the US Department of Defence, inventor Chris Malloy, a mechanical engineer, has seen a military version of his little baby take flight, with officials hoping to use it for autonomous resupply mis-

sions to create an “Amazon on the battlefield.”

From various previous iterations, the latest version of the oversized quadcopter might now have a suitably militarized moniker, joint tactical aerial resupply vehicle (JTARV), but is still known affectionately as a hoverbike, even in the US Army's press release.

In its current form the prototype is able carry 300 lb (136 kg), though army researchers are hoping to extend this to 800 lb (362 kg) and extending the range up to 125 miles (200 km),by way of a hybrid propulsion system which could one day have it flying along at altitudes of thousands of feet and speeds of 60 mph (96 km/h).

Fisher Price hopes to get kids biking

Thousands banned for hacking Pokémon

T

he Pokémon Company has dropped the ban hammer on nearly 6,000 Pokémon Sun and Moon players, according to an update on Serbii, the de facto place for all things Pokémon. All of the bans were dealt out to players who possessed altered save data.

“This ban prevents them from using Game Sync, entering in Rating Battles and

Battle Competitions, and participating in Global Missions,” the update states.

“Altered save data” refers to hacked Pokémon that were either not supposed to be in the game, or were added through unconventional means. Uploading modded Pokémon breaks the user agreement, and thus, puts guilty trainers at risk of bans like this one.

Basically, the ban prevents players from using much of the game’s online functionality. When banned users try to enter any of these modes, they are blocked by an error code. The Pokémon Company also said this first wave of bans will not be the last. Any user with altered save data is subject to facing the same ban without warning. (Source: DigitalTrends)

The 2017 Smart Cycle connects wirelessly to a docked tablet or living room TV over Bluetooth and runs app-based learning games (Credit: Mattel)

M

attel's Fisher-Price brand has updated its Smart Cycle physical learning arcade system for modern tech-loving toddlers.

Originally released in 2007, the first version of the Smart Cycle made use of basic VCR and TV inputs, and was designed to take preschoolers through pedal-driven learning adventures in the company of onscreen characters, including Nick Jr.Dora the Explorer, Hot Wheels and Barbie, who would guide cycling students through appropriate level spelling, problem-solving,

creativity and math edutainment lessons.

The 2017 model gets kids using the handlebars, joystick and pedals to advance gameplay and launches with four companion apps that “introduce a rich kindergarten-readiness curriculum that progresses as the child pedals.”

The Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle will be available in the latter half of 2017 for a suggested retail price of US$149.99, and sure looks like a fun way to get your youngsters fit in both mind and body – without leaving the house.

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JANUARY 29, 2017

Times Home & Cooking

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Recipe of the Week

Ingredients

U

tilitarian and commercial concrete would not usually bring to mind home décor, but as trends come and go, concrete décor is one of the 2017 trends in home interior designs. From sinks to floors to candleholders, concrete is having its 15 minutes of fame. Is it for you?

1 tbsp. cornstarch 1 tbsp. cold water 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup cider vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 12 skinless chicken thighs

Concrete sink paired with an antique mirror mixes contemporary with traditional design

A cantilevered concrete kitchen island that seems to defy gravity. While concrete can be moulded seamlessly, it’s important to note that it is porous and needs preventative sealing

Method In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cornstarch, cold water, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger and ground black pepper. Let simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and bubbles.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Place chicken pieces in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Brush chicken with the sauce. Turn pieces over, and brush again.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Turn pieces over, and bake for another 30 minutes, until no longer pink and juices run clear. Brush with sauce every 10 minutes during cooking.

B

read keeps really well in the freezer, and there are always plenty of uses for it. Air is the enemy: Wrap that loaf in foil (sliced or unsliced) and put it in a freezer bag before storing.

Always keep lemons in the fridge.They’ll keep longer that way, so you’ll always be able to add fresh lemon juice to everything from dressings to cocktails. Plus, you can use the squeezed rinds to clean and deodorize your wooden cutting boards.

Oil, salt, roast—in that order.When roasting vegetables, toss them in oil, then season them with salt and pepper and toss again. This way, the seasoning actually sticks to your food.

A

Polished concrete kitchen floors are easy to clean and are a modern option in contemporary homes

dd a capful of mouthwash to a gallon of water and mop vinyl or tile—but not wood—floors with the mixture.

Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar to clean chrome and stainless-steel fixtures.

To remove ring around the collar, draw over the stain with a piece of white chalk. Let it soak up the grease for a few minutes, then dust off excess chalk and launder as usual.

If you don’t already have one, get a basket for your remote controls so they stop getting lost behind the couch or under cushions.

Take some olive oil and lemon juice and mix them in a 2:1 ratio. Go over your wood surfaces with it and your furniture will shine.

Pour boiling water down your drain every once in a while. This helps to push the oils from foods down the drain so that they don’t cake onto the insides of your pipes and cause clogs.

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Sunday Times Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

How social media is affecting your parenting (Continued)

JOKES

Notice The police have reported the theft of a shipment of filing cabinets, document folders and labelling machines – it’s believed to have been the work of organised crime…

Loving husband A wife is nagging her husband at the company picnic.

“Doesn’t it embarrass you that people have seen you go up to the buffet table five times?!”

“Not at all,” he replies. “I just tell them I’m filling up the plate for my lovely wife.”

The afterlife Trying to contact her dead husband, Edna goes to a psychic who tells her that her husband is looking forward to their reunion.

“Is there anything he needs?” asks Edna.

The psychic replies, “He says he’d love a pack of cigarettes.”

“Oh,” says Edna, “And did he say where I should try to send them?”

“No,” replies the psychic. “But then again, he didn’t ask for any matches.”

S

till, all these seemingly innocent posts make me wonder: What are the kids going to think about them when they're older?

“With our embrace of these incredibly powerful tools, we've been somewhat oblivious to the implications. A child's baby book used to sit on a bookshelf. Now what you post is essentially going on a billboard,” says Parents advisor Michael Rich, M.D., director of the Centre on Media and Child Health, Children's Hospital Boston.

“Before posting, it would be good to consider, 'What's it going to be like when a child at 14 comes to a post or picture, for example of when he was a toddler and stuck in a cabinet and crying, and Mom or Dad, instead of coming to his aid right away, paused to take a funny picture for Instagram.'”

In the good old days, bragging had

to be done in person, and there was a limit to who had to hear it. Now, the audience can be vast, and the brag itself elevated to an art form. Sixty-one percent of Parents' survey respondents believe parents brag too much on social media.

In addition to the outright boast about one's kids, there's also the "humblebrag," or gushing update cleverly

A Wise Counting

Modern women put on wigs, fake eyelashes, false fingernails, pounds of assorted makeup/eyeshadows/ blushes/creams, push-up bras, various enhancing pads, have plastic surgery, then complain they cannot find a “real” man.

No speeding

A police officer stops a driver speeding down the town’s main street.

“But officer,” the man says, “I can explain –” “Be quiet!” snaps the officer. “I’m going to let you cool your heels in jail until the chief gets back.”

“But officer,” pleads the driver, “I just wanted to say – ” “And I say keep quiet. You’re going to jail!” replies the officer.

A few hours later the officer looks in on the prisoner and says, “Lucky for you the chief is at his daughter’s wedding. He’ll be in a good mood when he gets back.”

“Don’t count on it” says the driver, “I am the groom.”

Fakebook World: How Social Media Is Affecting Your Parenting” by Mackenzie Dawson, Parents Magazine)

STORY TIME

The beauty dilemma

Beware the bird Harry pins a warning sign to his front door saying, “Beware of the parakeet”. A passerby sees this and says, “Excuse me, but I didn’t know parakeets could be dangerous.”

“They’re not,” says Harry. “But this one can whistle for the Rottweiler.”

designed to sound self-deprecating or dismissive. "Ugh! Can't believe we're going to have to get up at 4 tomorrow to make it to Adrienne's gymnastics competition. She won a gold medal last time, but still -- I'm going to be one tired mama!"

Of course there's a difference between posting the occasional burst of pride that would make any parent smile -- a kid's first steps, a big catch in a game, a tender moment between siblings -- and a daily barrage of updates.

There are parents who seem suspiciously like they're trying to boost their own image ("Volunteering at school again! I am THAT mom"), while others have a knack for building their children up while casually knocking other people's kids down ("Jimmy made the varsity basketball team, NOT the JV team! Woot!").

(To Be Continued) (From: “Parenting in a

E

mperor Akbar was in the habit of putting riddles and puzzles to his courtiers. He often asked questions which were strange and witty. It took much wisdom to answer these questions.

Once he asked a very strange question.

The courtiers were dumbfounded by his question.

Akbar glanced at his courtiers. As he looked, one by one the heads began to hang

low in search of an answer.

It was at this moment that Birbal entered the courtyard.

Birbal who knew the nature of the emperor quickly grasped the situation and asked, "May I know the question so that I can try for an answer".

Akbar said, "How many crows are there in this city?"

Without even a moment's thought, Birbal replied "There are fifty thousand, five hundred and eighty- nine crows, my lord".

"How can you be so sure?" asked Akbar.

Birbal said, "Make your men count, My lord. If you find more crows it means some have come to visit their relatives here. If you find less number of crows it means some have gone to visit their relatives elsewhere".

Akbar was pleased very much by Birbal's wit.

By Grammar G.

A

single paragraph from a book called “The Elements of Eloquence: How to Turn the Perfect English Phrase” once went viral. Its author, Mark Forsyth, explains more language secrets that native speakers know without knowing.

Here is a brief excerpt from his BBC feature. (Note asterisks are from Grammar G.): Over the weekend, I happened to go viral.

Or rather a single paragraph from a book I wrote called The Elements of Eloquence went viral. The guilty paragraph went like this: “Adjectives in English absolutely have to be in this order: opinion-size-age-shape-colour-origin-material-purpose Noun. So you can have a lovely little old rectangular green French silver*whittling knife. But if you mess with that word order in the slightest you’ll sound like a maniac. It’s an odd thing that every English speaker uses that list, but almost none of us could write it out.”

There are a couple of small exceptions.

Little Red Riding Hood may be perfectly ordered, but the Big Bad Wolf** seems to be breaking all the laws of linguistics. Why does Bad Big Wolf sound so very, very wrong?

Well, in fact, the Big Bad Wolf is just obeying another great linguistic law that every native English speaker knows, but doesn’t know that they know.

You are utterly familiar with the rule of ablaut reduplication. You’ve been using it all your life. It’s just that you’ve never heard of it. But if somebody said the words zag-zig, or cross-criss you would know, deep down in your loins, that they were breaking a sacred rule of language. You just wouldn’t know which one.

Reduplication in linguistics is when you repeat a word, sometimes with an altered consonant (lovey-dovey, fuddy-duddy, nittygritty), and sometimes with an altered vowel: ding-dang-dong.

If there are three words then the order

Know Thyself Know then thyself, presume not God to scan; The proper study of mankind is Man. Placed on this isthmus of a middle state, A being darkly wise and rudely great: With too much knowledge for the Sceptic side, With too much weakness for the Stoic's pride, He hangs between; in doubt to act or rest, In doubt to deem himself a God or Beast, In doubt his mind or body to prefer; Born but to die, and reasoning but to err; Alike in ignorance, his reason such Whether he thinks too little or too much: Chaos of thought and passion, all confused; Still by himself abused, or disabused; Created half to rise and half to fall; Great lord of all things, yet a prey to all; Sole judge of truth, in endless error hurled: The glory, jest, and riddle of the world!

-- Alexander Pope has to go I, A, O***.

If there are two words then the first is I and the second is either A or O. Mish-mash, chit-chat, dilly-dally, tip top, hip-hop, flip-flop, tic tac, sing song, ding dong, King Kong, ping pong.

It’s the law, and, as with the adjectives, you knew it even if you didn’t know you knew it. And the law is so important that you just can’t have a Bad Big Wolf. *Silver the material not colour. ** Here it is size-opinion-andnoun order, and, according to the rule, should be wrong ***The vowels I, A, and O

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Times Sunday Puzzle

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farmer has five haystacks in one field and four haystacks in another. How many haystacks would he have if he combined them all in one field? see ANSWERS on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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Times Kids

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Creature Corner

GEOZONE

Pripyat: A post-apocalyptic city

T

he White Witch Moth (Thysania Agrippina) is a species of moth found in South and Central America, including Guyana, Brazil and Mexico, and has been spotted as far north as Texas and Colorado, USA. In Guyana, the white witch moth has been photographed in Iwokrama and Rewa.

Common names for the White Witch Mothinclude Birdwing Moth, Ghost Moth, Great Grey Witch Moth, Gavilana (meaning “the hawk”), Moon Moth and the Great Owlet Moth.

With a general wingspan of 12 inches (31 cm) it is considered the largest moth by wingspan. In fact, its wingspan is also longer than the Queen Alexandra Birdwingbutterfly’swingspan of 25 cm. The underside of the white witch moth is a different colour to its front and also possesses a different pattern.

Little is known of this elusive species’ habitat and lifecycle. The egg, pupa, and caterpillar of T. agrippina are unknown, as are its larval habitat or host plant. However, it has become endangered in parts of Brazil.

Colouring Fun

P

A view of the abandoned city of Pripyat, Ukraine, on March 23, 2016.

ripyat in the Ukraine is your best example of what a postapocalyptic city would look like. On April 26,1986 there was an explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant that released radioactive particles into the air, and spread over Russia and Europe. Thirty-one people died, and many suffered long term effects, such as cancer.

The town of Pripyat was ground zero of the disaster but was not evacuated until a day after the disaster, and by then

people started experiencing severe headaches and bouts of vomiting.

Residents, numbering some 50,000, were told to take immediate necessities, as they would return three days later.

They never were allowed to return.

Buildings remain, and in many cases, personal items, such as clothes and bicycles, remain where residents last left them.

The ghost town of Pripyathas been declared unsafe for human settlement for at least 24,000 years.

Help the frog through the lily pads to the water

Please see solution on page 23

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.

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Sunday Times Magazine 23

Times World

Dubai disabled centre in trouble for hosting a Kardashian students could benefit.”

The ministry is investigating why the centre hosted Kardashian without its authorization, bin Suleiman said, adding that the ministry would have rejected such a request because approval depends on “full commitment to the customs and traditions of the state.”

Dhahi Khalfan, a senior Dubai police official, signalled the beginning of official unease with the visit to the charity with two sharp tweets this week.

“We do not need A video posted on the Disabled Centre’s Facebook page the presence of Kim showed Kardashian, wearing torn jeans and a T-shirt, arriving at the charity greeted by smiling children who performed Kardashian in charia folk dance in Emirati robes and headdresses. ty centres ... charities (should) invite good uthorities in the ping at the sprawling Mall United Arab of the Emirates and attend- people, and thank God we Emirates have ing a masterclass there on have plenty of good people,” Khalfan posted, without opened an investigation into makeup. a visit by Kim Kardashian However, the Emarat elaborating.

The visit on Jan. 15 was to a Dubai government chil- Al-Youm newspaper quotdren’s charity this month ed Ministry of Community among the 36-year old ceand suggested it under- Development official Wafa lebrity’s first public appearmined local values, a state- bin Suleiman as say- ances since being robbed of owned newspaper reported. ing her visit to children at nearly $10 million worth Kardashian concluded a the Rashid Centre for the of jewels while in Paris in brief stay in the Gulf Arab Disabled was not authorized October. (Source: Arab News) emirate last weekend, shop- and “had no goal from which

A

Yoga instructor on trial in Russia for illegal ‘missionary work’

C

omputer programmer Dmitry Ugay was detained by police in St. Petersburg on October 22 while giving a talk at a festival about the philosophies

behind yoga, a discipline for achieving physical and spiritual well-being.

The 44-year-old faces a fine for allegedly conducting illegal missionary activi-

Brain Teaser Answer One. If he combines all his haystacks, they all become one big stack.

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

ty, an administrative offense under the new Yarovaya Law, a package of legal amendments intended to fight terrorism that is named after its author, lawmaker Irina Yarovaya.

Signed by President Vladimir Putin in July, the amendments include restrictions on religious groups and missionary activity that could potentially put pressure on followers outside what the government considers "traditional" religions.

The charges against Ugay are not criminal, but observers fear that a guilty verdict in the misdemeanour case against him would set a precedent for the harassment of even yoga instructors.

Ugay was detained by police officers who were reportedly acting on a complaint filed against him.

The Meduza news portal on January 9 spoke to the complainant, Nail Nasibulin. The man accused Ugay of being a missionary monk on behalf of a local Hindu centre that, he alleged, “recruits young people into the ranks of this pseudo-Hindu organization under the guise of cultural events.”

His court hearing in St. Petersburg began on January 9 but was adjourned until January 18, state legal news agency Rapsi reported.

The agency said the court has summoned the police officer who processed Ugay's detention.

China issues guidelines to preserve traditional culture

A dragon dance celebrates the temple at Foshan, China

T

he Chinese central government has issued guidelines on preserving and developing excellent traditional culture, eyeing a "marked boost" in the international influence of Chinese culture by 2025.

The guidelines, which were jointly issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and the General Office of the State Council, have been designed to preserve and carry forward various forms of traditional arts and Chinese culture, reports China People’s Daily.

The guidelines set out that by 2025, major achievements will be registered in traditional culture-related research, education, protection, inheritance, innovation and exchanges.

Specific tasks were listed in the guidelines, including protecting traditional Chinese villages, residences, historic architecture, agricultural and industrial heritage; preserving dialects; and supporting Chinese poetry, music, dance, calligraphy,

painting, historical and cultural documentaries, animation and publications.

"Cultural relics must be protected amid urbanization and development of new socialist countryside," the guideline said.

"Historically and culturally significant cities, streets, blocks and former residences of historical figures, as well as distinctive features of cities must be preserved."

The guideline warned against rendering cities identical through urban development, preferring instead to dig into each city's unique historical and cultural values.

It also called for protecting historic townships and villages, and supporting timehonoured Chinese brands.

International cultural exchanges were also emphasized. Overseas Chinese cultural centres, Confucius institutes, cultural festivals, exhibitions, book fairs, movie festivals, sports events should be harnessed to promote excellent Chinese traditional culture, according to the guidelines.

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Fun Times

Archie

ARIES Attend a seminar or (March 21- search the internet for inabout changApril 19) formation ing trends. A special outing with someone you love will bring about positive personal change.

Do something for others TAURUS and they will do something (April 20- for you. Discuss plans and May 20) possibilities. A gathering of old friends will feed your imagination and prompt you to move forward with your ideas.

An emotionally charged GEMINI situation will affect your rep(May 21utation or status if you aren’t June 20) careful. Keep your thoughts to yourself until you are certain you know exactly what you are up against.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

A chance to go on a retreat or attend a function that will inspire you is encouraged. Include someone you care about in your plans.

Love is on the rise.

Talk to an expert and get up-to-date knowledge that will help you make a worthwhile change to the way you earn your living or live your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Emotions will take charge if you aren’t careful when dealing with sensitive personal matters. Offer honesty, encouragement and understanding, and everything else will fall into place. Love conquers all.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Uncertainty and insecurity will prevail. You need to think about whether some of the influences in your life are good for you. It may be time to consider a lifestyle change.

It’s a good day to socialize, SCORPIO relax, enjoy a little pampering (Oct. 24or make plans to do something Nov. 22) with a loved one. A youngster or romantic partner will play an interesting role in the way you move forward.

Don’t let good fortune SAGITTARIUS elude you just because you (Nov. 23are too busy trying to cover Dec. 21) up a troublesome situation.

Truth is the route to peace of mind and personal accomplishment.

Calvin and Hobbes

You’ll be tempted to take CAPRICORN on too much or get involved (Dec. 22- in a situation that could Jan. 19) have legal repercussions.

Get all the facts and look for flaws.

If you take a position of AQUARIUS leadership, you will make a (Jan. 20- difference. The way you do Feb. 19) things will draw positive attention and lead to new opportunities. Negotiate on your own behalf.

Work to improve imporPISCES (Feb. 20- tant partnerships. Equality Mar. 20) and balance can be reached if you discuss matters reasonably and delegate responsibilities fairly. Make plans for a romantic evening in order to encourage compromise.