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May 7, 2017

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 7, 2017

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Times Feature

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Connecting with ancestral roots

n 1902, Mahesh Ahir sailed on the Arno ship from India to British Guiana to work on the sugar plantation as an indentured labourer. Mahesh, who was 27 years old when he arrived in British Guiana, adapted to the local culture and learned the new language in that foreign land. Sadly, he never got the chance to return to his homeland. Knowing this, his descendants were prompted to trace their ancestral roots.

Rosie Rohini Prem, a Canadian born to Guyanese parents, was moved to search for her ancestors after her ‘aji’ Baichnee

In 2011, Rosie managed to get copies of immigration passes of her ancestors from the National Archives in Guyana. The immigration passes gave the name of her great grandfather, his caste, his father's name (Bhikhari) and his home address in the village of Bibipur, Thana Karimuddinpur, District Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Rosie then made three trips to India to find her relatives and ancestral village, but failed to do so. It was only after she sought the help of Faiyaz Shafique Ansari, a total stranger who eventually became her “good friend”, and a resident of Darjeeling in India, that she was able to find the village and was reunited with her long lost kin Prabhunath Yadav, Laxminia and Maturni, including cousRosie Rohini Prem (right) and relatives at the Babatpur airport in Varanasi, ins.

Uttar Pradesh When Rosie initially visited Bibipur, she said she faced nuher relatives in Bibipur. It was, after all, the fulfilment of her merous challenges. The people there long cherished dream - something she had been chasing after were not so welcoming. Despite these for a very long time. challenges, Rosie was determined in Rosie mentioned that Bibipur is a very small, remote vilher search. She recollected offering lage that is populated mostly by the people of the Ahir caste. them “pocket money for sweets” and (The Ahirs, or Aheers, are said to have ruled over different they eventually divulged informa- parts of India and Nepal.) tion about Bhikari (Mahesh’s father).

Upon her arrival in the village, a ‘havan’ ritual was perThe people told her that Bhikari’s formed in the home of Mahesh. Rosie then placed a memorial name is chanted in the Hindu ritual of plaque in memory of her great grandfather in the presence of Pind Daan. She also learned that “one her fourth generation relatives. young man in his thirties from their After much celebration in Bibipur and touring scenic sites, family had left with the British and Rosie travelled to Kolkata to visit the port where Mahesh had never returned again to his home”. embarked from in 1902.

Hearing this, Rosie felt reassured and Meeting her ancestral relatives in the village of Bibipur Rosie mentioned that “the descendants of the girmitiya (in“gained strength” that she was on the dentured) workers are aware of the hardships of their ancesright path. tors as well as their roots”. She added that her “forefathers had When Rosie and her husband finally arrived at Babatpur taken Uttar Pradesh and India in their hearts after they were (grandmother) told her stories of her ancestors from India. She was told that her great grandfather, Mahesh, and great grand- airport in India, they received a warm welcome by both her lured away to British Guiana in the name of a better life”. mother, Rampatia, were on board the Arno together. They fell “near and far relatives”. She then travelled to Bibipur, where According to her, the process of trying to find an ancestral in love and got married on arrival to British Guiana. They had she met Prabhunath Yadav, his wife Laxminia and a “senior village is not a simple search. However, with “determination three sons together. lady” named Maturni. They offered Rosie a place to stay in and God’s favour”, her prayers were answered.

Bibipur and a portion of their “I was so overwhelmed when I connected with my Indian land so that she can build a roots for the first time. This prompted me to return to the vilhome in the village. Tears lage in December 2013, this time with my sister. My journey flowed down Rosie’s cheeks has shown me that with determination and faith are integral when she finally got to meet in being successful,” Rosie expressed.

Visiting the depot in Kolkata from where her ancestors set sail

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MAY 7, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

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Times Feature

By Ashraf Dabie

W

hile history books tell the tales of the arrival and presence of Indian indentureds to British Guiana (BG), the great majority of IndoGuyanese are still unaware of their direct links to the motherland.

However, there are some families who are fortunate to have in possession immigration documents of their ancestors, which have helped them to trace their roots to ancestral villages and connect with relatives in India.

Then there are some who cherish stories of their ancestors passed down from generation to generation. One such family is the Rambhrose family.

Arriving on the last ship, the SS Ganges, in 1917 to British Guiana was Rambhrose Gopi, who was only three years old at the time of his arrival here.

Rambhrose journeyed to the New World with his mother, leaving behind a father who refused to board the ship.

Upon arrival, Rambhrose’s mother was deployed to the plantation in Albion, Corentyne, Berbice, where she worked as a midwife.

Rambhrose worked on the plantation all his life. He got married to the daughter, named Sukhia, of another Indian immigrant. Rambhrose Gopi died in 1996.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Mahadeo Rambhrose, the youngest son of Rambhrose’s six children who is currently attached to the Guyana Post Office, said he has a faint recollection of his father and grandparents. However,

Rambhrose in earlier years Rambhrose Gopi

er, but as a “watchman”.

“I am grateful to have inherited the stories, traditions and beliefs of my ancestors from India. I feel a direct connection to the historical artefacts and stories from the time of indentureship, given that it chronicles the experiences of my family,” expressed Mahadeo.

The Last Ship The SS Ganges was the last ship to bring Indian indentured labourers to British Guiana. It arrived in Georgetown on April 18, 1917 with 437 men, women and children destined for various plantations.

The ship had left India just four days

SS Ganges

the 50-year-old said he is proud of the fact that he is a direct descendant of Indian indentured labourers, who contributed to the building of our nation.

Mahadeo mentioned that he and his siblings (four sisters and one brother) grew up on the plantation, which was later called an estate, where his father worked as a labourer. Notably, his father continued to work on the estate, not as a labour-

before the Abolition Act was signed in the Indian Parliament on March 12, 1917.

After sailing from Calcutta with 124 persons, or just over a third of the labour contingent, it then docked in Madras to pick up the rest of the indentured workers before setting sail for the Caribbean.

Among the last arrivals there were 39 children, 22 of whom were boys; and of the

adults, there were 268 men and 130 women.

The largest contingent of 218 (includ-

ing their children) was contracted to 11 Demerara plantations stretching from Cane Grove to De Kinderen. The largest batch – 28 persons — went to work at Non Pareil; and just two persons, most likely a married couple, were contracted to Diamond Estate.

Nine Berbice plantations received 150 of the last arrivals, with the majority — a group of 26 — being contracted to the Port Mourant Estate; and 69 of the labourers were assigned to four estates in Essequibo.

The SS Ganges sailed on to Port-ofSpain, Trinidad, where 389 adults and 32 children disembarked. With this final stop, the transportation of Indian indentured labourers to the British colonies ceased.

Interestingly, this last group of labourers served a shortened period of indentureship. An Act in the British Parliament brought the scheme to an official end, and all indenture contracts were cancelled on January 1, 1920. (Text on ‘the last ship’ by Ryhaan Shah)

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Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 7, 2017

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Times Feature

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s we today go about our daily chores and routines, so too did the people who came before us in an era vastly different in many ways to our times. Past newspapers and gazettes are some of the earliest records of history that today are all that is left to offer us a glimpse of early Guyana.

This week, Sunday Times Magazine provides a look at a few advertisements and notices from the “Stark's Guide-book and History of British Guiana� by James Rodway and James H. Stark (1848-1926).

These ads and notices highlight how far we have come over the centuries and proffer tantalising clues and questions about lifetimes ago.

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MAY 7, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Times Women

By Indrawattie Natram

T

hrough “folk dance”, the Dharmic Swarswatti Dance Academy, located on the Essequibo Coast, has been preserving their Indian heritage.

Founder of the dance group, Sursattie Singh, said that traditional folk dance is a feature of her Indian ancestry. It is a dance genre she has been teaching and practising to keep her “Indian culture alive”.

Singh, a classical dancer for over 20 years, explained that she has been using folk dance to help build her students’ confidence and to encourage them to learn more

about their Indian heritage.

“The opportunity to express oneself and keep the culture through the medium of dance holds the benefit of keeping the culture alive. It’s a true blessing to be able to preserve and promote the culture we inherited from our ancestors,” Singh mentioned.

The professional dancer pointed out that dancing not only encourages the preservation of culture, but aids in being physically fit.

“Dancing makes you feel alive, like you’re young again. I don’t know anything else that can have that effect on you,” Singh declared.

Singh noted that classi-

Sursattie (in blue) teaching a classical dance class

cal dance is an art, because the bodily movements - such as hand gestures, facial expressions and postures – have different meanings.

She also stated that emotions expressed in classical dance are known as rasas, which literally means “juice, essence or taste”.

Rasa connotes an ancient concept in Indian arts about the aesthetic flavour of any visual, literary or musical work, that evokes an emotion or feeling in the reader or audience, but that cannot be described.

Singh recalled her journey as a dancer, which began years ago at the Reliance Mandir. She remembered being inspired by notable Guyanese dancer, Premie Naipaul, to pursue dance. Initially, Singh’s parents were not too keen on her pursuing dance as a career, but seeing their daughter’s passion for the art form encouraged their support.

“My journey in dancing began at age ten. Little did I know that one day dance would become my life and the springboard for my other interests. My journey thus far has been both rewarding and humbling,” Singh expressed.Singh recollected “freezing up” during her first performance on stage. But instead of allowing that moment of stage fright to deter her, Singh

used it as a propeller to always be better in every performance. Today, that determination she passes on to her students. She even gave up a lucrative job to dedicate more time teaching dance for free. Singh currently teaches over 30 youths, including children.

In 2003, Singh started Annie Dance Troupe, which was later renamed Dharmic Swarswattie Dance Academy. Her classes are taught at the Anna Regina Kendra. Notably, Singh designs all her dancers’ costumes for stage shows.

The dance group also represents the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha at various cultural shows in Region Two. “Dancing can be challenging, but also rewarding. It requires commitment and hard work.

However, seeing how dance helps youths to

be fit and disciplined h a s encouraged me to keep teaching. My advice to those pursuing dance is to stay focus and keep doing what you love,” Singh encouraged.

Swarsawattie Dance Troupe performing at the Diwali Nagar in Essequibo

6 Sunday Times Magazine

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MAY 7, 2017

Times Book World The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

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xtract of interview with Dr Vindhya Vasini Persaud, Guyana, March 2017. Dr Persaud is a rights and cultural activist, dramatist, choreographer and television producer, among other ‘rumals’ she wears.

PP: Magazine production is precarious business.

In spite of and despite that, magazine production continues mainly because the magazine plays an important role in dissemination of information and entertainment, falling, as it were, between the dailies and the book.

Of the hundreds of magazine produced in Guyana, there is only one that is still around and surviving, and I am proud of The Guyana Annual, of which I am now the editor. This magazine is celebrating its centenary – 100 years of existence!

I said earlier that magazine production is a pre-

carious business. Editing a magazine is very demanding task. Why have you taken on this demanding task of editing a magazine when you are involved in so many other demanding projects?

VP: Thank for giving me the opportunity of looking back 100 years after the end of indentureship to talk about a magazine that is very close to my heart.

About ten years ago, the publisher of this magazine, Horizons, asked me if I would be willing to make time to put together enough articles of interest to capture snapshots of the past, to laud the accomplishments of present day generation and to project into the future. I was intrigued and I also realised that, as you rightly said, the magazine has a special place in the world. The good thing about the magazine is that it allows you to use a lot of

Dr Vindhya Vasini Persaud

pictures, and as you know pictures capture so much and can relate so much, so the magazine allows you to blend words with images.

One of the things I was interested in when we were

talking about the magazine was it must be appealing to all, all peoples of all ages, all different generations and we wanted it to be free, to be distributed free of cost, so it can get into as many homes as possible. Also, in Guyana, enough of our own history is not dealt with in a way that it ought to be dealt with – we are not preserving all the facts, all the statistics, all the stories…

So I wanted to bridge that gap and bridge it in an interesting way that it is relevant to today’s generation, gives nostalgia to the older generation and pretty much gives the world an idea of Guyana’s history and culture.

So that’s the genesis of the Horizons magazine.

One other thing I wanted to do with the magazine was to highlight unsung heroes.

PP: This is the tenth year for the magazine, congratulations!

What are some of the more important issues you have explored in this magazine?

VP: Thanks. Well Petamber, we have a team of young writers from across the country who are going into the field interviewing people getting the real stories, real images, real artefacts and so on, highlighting the unsung stories of achievement. This is an Indian heritage magazine and one of the things I feel strongly about if you talk about social cohesion then it must be genuine in what it wants to achieve. Much

would be achieved if we understand what our ancestors really experienced and what they were ‘given’ in today’s world.

History is very critical to any country, teaching us where our people came from and what they went through and how they survived. And they managed to retain and maintain certain tradition and culture without having anything, sometimes without a penny to their name. So I think we should be proud of our ancestors and forebearers whether they came through slavery or indentureship. And having been given all of that, we should ask ourselves what have we done with it, have we lost it, have we protected it. Guyana’s culture it is a melting of all the contribution of all the people who came and that’s what made Guyana’s cultural land-

Horizons is doing.

I would love to see aside from this been an Indian heritage magazine that comes out around Indian Arrival Day or Arrival Day as we call it. I would love to see others come up with similar magazines.

PP: There are a few.

VP: I know they are a few, but we need to have more because children in school need to focus on Guyanese history some more.

PP: We have a rich and varied history.

VP: Yes. Young people and students need to have material which they would read and gain information.

So although Horizons is an annual magazine and its content limited, I think it is making and important contribution to education and to Guyana.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or

Horizon's cover in 2013

scape so beautiful. And we should not look at anyone who is trying to preserve his/her culture with suspicion; understand and respect it.

PP: I agree; we need to understand where we came from, what we have and what we will do with what we have, and importantly, how we are going to pass on that legacy for succeeding generations.

VP: This is what

email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com What’s Happening: It is here – a new book, “Guyanese Writers of Indian Ancestry” commemorates the centennial end to indentureship and (Indian) Arrival Day. It is available at Austin’s Book Service and directly from the author. The book will soon be at other locations, including the National Library, hotels and airports.

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MAY 7, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Heritage

S

tate House, once known as Government House, has been the official residence of several colonial governors and Guyanese presidents over the years.

It is said to have had its origins in the 1820s, when the building was originally owned by William Percy Austin, the first Anglican Bishop of Guyana.

Ordinances were passed in 1852 and 1863 allowing the purchase of the property to establish an official residence for the governor of what was then British Guiana.

After independence, the country’s first president, Arthur Chung chose State House as his official residence in the 1970s.

It would be decades later, in the 1990s, that the building was again used by a sitting president when the fourth president, Cheddi Jagan, chose the building for his official residence.

It remains the official presidential residence today.

With a lush, green landscape and treelined driveway, State House is located from Main Street at the front to Carmichael Street along New Market Street. It has over the years undergone several additions and changes.

The original building faced Carmichael Street but by 1894, its main entrance was on Main Street.

The building is often described as the house with its 100 windows, and is said to have once been called “The Grande Dame of Main Street� for its graceful interior and exterior wooden architectural elements and design, some of which are credited to Caesar Castellani, an architect known for designing several buildings in Guyana.

State House. (Photo courtesy National Trust of Guyana)

State House dining room where meetings are sometimes conducted Detail showing grand columns in State House. (Photo courtesy National Trust of Guyana)

Detail of decorative ceiling in the State House dining room. (Photo courtesy National Trust of Guyana)

East Indian Market, Plantation Farm, East Bank Demerara n.d

Typical range (logie) housing indentured immigrants

Living room area at State House. (Photo courtesy National Trust of Guyana)

8 Sunday Times Magazine

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MAY 7, 2017

Times Travel & Tourism

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Scenic creek in Rockstone (Photo by Kester Clarke)

Rockstone Landing (Photo by Deon Thomas)

Rockstone is an ideal adventure for nature lovers

View of the Essequibo river from Rockstone

he community of Rockstone, tucked away in the heart of Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), is a scenic tourist destination with its flowing creeks, lush forest and welcoming residents.

Rockstone is situated on the right bank of the Essequibo river, approximately 22 kilometres or 14 miles away from Linden.

Upon arriving at this remote farming community, tourists are greeted by the friendly people living there.

But the ultimate experience begins on the trail to the community. When travelling to Rockstone by road, which is highly recommended because of the adventure the trip offers, tourists get a chance to admire the flora and fauna of the area. Venturing further into the community, an amazing view of the mighty Essequibo river can be seen just off the Rockstone Landing. Visitors to the community are welcomed to stay at the Arawana Lodge, an accommodating guesthouse - one of the prides of the community. For nature lovers, camping outside the Rockstone Landing is idyllic.

In Rockstone, tours of the picturesque community, nature walks and river trips via canoes are provided by trained and knowledgeable tour guides. A trip to Gluck Island is the ultimate adventure for families. Notably, the community is a birding paradise, with several species of birds inhabiting the area.

Rockstone is also known to be the home of the world's largest fresh water fish, the Arapaima.

Apart from its exciting adventures, tourists flock to the community annually for the Rockstone Fish Festival, a fun-filled nature event hosted by the Rockstone Tourism Association and the Guyana Tourism Authority. The festival is usually held for two days in October. Patrons participate in exciting activities such as fishing, cooking, roasting, scaling and deboning competitions, nature walks, river tours and camping.

For nature lovers and those seeking a getaway from the ‘concrete jungle’, Rockstone is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.

(Photos and information by Utamu Belle)

Enjoy a tour of Rockstone in a canoe

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MAY 7, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

I

f you ever feel guilty about reaching for a glass of wine every now and then, don't, because one scientist is adamant that wine can actually give our brains more of a workout than doing a math equation — which sounds like more than enough reason to drink it as far as we're concerned.

According to The Times, neuroscientist Dr. Gordon Shepherd, from the Yale School of Medicine says that drinking wine engag-

es more working parts of the brain than any other human activity.

In Dr. Shepherd's book, “Neuroenology: How The Brain Creates The Taste of Wine”, he states that the process of swirling a glass of wine in our mouths, and the tongue muscles and taste receptors that this triggers, engages more of the brain than listening to music or even solving a math problem.

Dr. Shepherd states: "The taste is not in the

wine; the taste is created by the brain of the wine taster.

"The molecules in wine don't have taste or flavor, but when they stimulate our brains, the brain creates flavorthe same way it creates color."

So next time you reach for the bottle, take the time to swirl that wine in your mouth a little bit and you're basically taking your brain to the gym. (www.goodhousekeeping. com)

How healthy is green tea, really? who frequently drink unsweetened green tea are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease later in life. That said, many of these population studies are specific to region and genetics. For example: Studies conducted in Taiwan and Japan, where green tea is consumed regularly and consistently, may have a genetic predisposition to the positive effects of green tea. Regardless, population studies conducted in the U.S. and abroad consistently link drinking unsweetened versions of any type of tea as an alternative to sugary beverages with improved heart-health and reduced risk of developing other types of chronic diseases — especially ones related to obesity — so keep on chugging!

Claim #6: Green tea is anti-aging.

The truth: Green tea's antioxidants also do their "dirty work" by scavenging for freeradicals in the cells of your body, protecting and preventing damage to tissues (like skin!). But just as no single food or beverage can cure cancer, so too can green tea

dressings, which can be loaded with sugar.

Claim #8: Green tea is caffeine-free.

The truth: Not always, but some versions are. Many people who find coffeedrinking to be a bit too much of a jolt may tolerate the lower caffeine content of tea much better (one cup of home-brewed coffee is about 100mg of caffeine; tea is between 25-50mg, depending on type and brew strength). If you're tea-totaling before you hit the hay, look for versions that are clearly labeled "caffeine free" on the front of the pack, or check Nutrition Facts labels closely for 0mg caffeine per serving.

All of that being said: The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest caffeinating at around 300-400mg per day from coffee and tea to reduce risk of cognitive decline, boost memory and improve energy — so for those who aren't as sensitive to the jolt, don't be afraid to drink up.

Claim #9: Green tea is calming.

The truth: This depends on your definition of "calm." Green tea is a source of the Green tea leaves

L

et’s debunk the most common myths — and exposing some important truths — about green tea's best attri-

butes.

Claim #1: Drinking green tea burns belly fat.

The truth: Sadly, this one's super-false.

Any time you change your diet to start a new plan in which you burn more energy than you consume, you'll likely "burn" off some additional fat mass (for many of us, that's stored around the tummy area, so you may notice a little tightening-up!). That said, no one food or drink can "spot train" any body parts! Keep in mind that green tea beverages (like sugary lattes, sparkling green teas with added sugar, and green tea "flavored" drinks) are often still sugary beverages, which has been linked both to weight gain over time (specifically, abdominal fat), so just make sure that you're choosing versions with "0g" of sugar and "0 calories" per serving.

Claim #2: Green tea boosts metabolism.

The truth: While a few small-scale studies have linked an increased metabolic rate to drinking green tea (when sipping about four caffeinated cups per day!), the only truly variable factor in your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is increasing your lean body mass, a.k.a. building muscle. That's why strength training is key to keeping your metabolism up for the long-term, and crucial to bone, muscle and immune function, which ultimately helps to support metabolism over time. The only real, tried-andtrue way drinking green tea will help boost your metabolism? By helping you wake up to get to the gym.

Claim #3: Green tea can help you lose weight.

The truth: If you're a regular soda, juice, energy-drink or sweetened-coffee-and-tea drinker and you switch to unsweetened green tea: Absolutely! That's because the number one source of added sugar (and therefore, added calories) is from sugarsweetened beverages, so opting for a calorie-free alternative is always best. But if you're already sipping on water flavored with fresh fruit, sparkling water, unsweetened coffee and tea, or the occasional diet beverage, then chances are you'll have to do more than simply switch up your hydration habits to lose weight for the long-term.

Claim #4: Green tea reduces risk of cancer.

The truth: The antioxidant-compounds found in green tea have certainly been touted with cancer-fighting properties — and research supports this in full! But plantbased diets are always linked to a reduced risk of cancer — plus other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Among the myriad of benefits to eating tons o' veggies (and drinking unsweetened tea), plants are chock-full of polyphenolic compounds, a type of antioxidant that reduces risk of chronic disease by improving cellular function of tissues, leaving less "room" for cancer cells to develop. So if you're not a green tea lover, never fear! Choosing coffee as an alternative, or simply loading up on veggie and fruit-based meals and snacks, can help to reduce chronic disease risk when consumed consistently.

Claim #5: Green tea prevents heart disease.

The truth: In population studies, people

not behave like Botox in a bottle. According to the experts in the GH Health, Beauty and Environmental Labs: "Green tea catechins may help protect skin from UV damage, but more research needs to be done with longer studies to show the benefits of topically applying green tea extract.

Claim #7: Green tea helps to lower blood sugar.

The truth: If you're drinking unsweetened versions, then again, it's certainly a blood sugar-lowering beverage! But lately, green tea has been used as an ingredient in everything from sugary juices, "tonics" and "elixirs" to frozen yogurt, pasta sauce and

amino acid, L-theanine, a compound that's linked to alertness and mood-enhancement. Research has linked L-theanine consumption to reduced anxiety and improved focus — but if you're drinking caffeinecontaining green tea (and you're sensitive to caffeine), you may not find guzzling the green stuff to be all that soothing. This one's highly based on personal tolerance, so if you know you're easily ruffled by caffeine of your favorite beverages, you may want to avoid the caffeinated varieties of all tea and coffee beverages in the afternoon through bedtime. (www.goodhousekeeping.com)

10 Sunday Times Magazine Times Fashion

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orane Sears, owner and designer at Sears Styles, has become one of the more prominent local designers since her showing at the Women in Business 2017 Expo.

Sears Styles is a homebased operated business that retails unique pieces for children and adults.

It specialises in evening and ‘summer’ dresses, African wear, and school uniforms – just to name a few.

Women in Business Expo is organised by the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts in collaboration with the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development.

MAY 7, 2017

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MAY 7, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

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athalie Emmanuel, born March 2, 1989, is an English actress. Emmanuel began her acting career appearing in theatre in the late 1990s, accruing roles in various West End productions such as the musical “The Lion King”. In 2006, she began her on-screen career by starring as Sasha Valentine in soap opera “Hollyoaks”, after which she appeared in various British television series until her debut film appearance in “Twenty8k”. Emmanuel gained public recognition by starring as Missandei in the fantasy series “Game of Thrones”, before achieving international fame with supporting roles in action films “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” (2015), “Furious 7” (2015) and its sequel, “The Fate of the Furious” (2017). FHM magazine ranked Emmanuel as 99th in their 100 Sexiest Women of 2013, and 75th in their Sexiest Women of 2015. In 2015, she also appeared in the April issue of InStyle and GQ magazines.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

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MAY 7, 2017

Times Hollywood

K

aty Perry has been criticised by followers on Instagram because of a photo she posted after attending the Met Gala.

She shared a photo of the cover of the New York Times, which featured Katy at the fashion event.

But it was a second photo on the image of the newspaper that upset many followers.

The cover showed an image of a French policeman who had been set on fire during recent protests in Paris.

Katy shared the photo with the caption: "All the

news that's fit to print."

But many followers considered the post insensitive.

"Disgusting. Are you really so selfish Katy? Is your dress really so important that you think this is at all acceptable? I hope that police officer makes it home to his family," wrote one user.

"There's obviously much more worthy news than yours. You should have cropped the pic or whatever if you really can’t help yourself. Very insensitive of you to be honest," wrote another.

"Just lost a fan. Someone is on fire but yes let's adore the dress," said a follower.

(BBC Newsbeat)

K

im Kardashian and Kanye West are teaming up to create their very own kids’ clothing line.

The superstar husband and wife have collaborated on a collection called The Kids Supply which will be launched in the Kardashians’ hometown of Calabasas, California on Friday.

And they’ve apparently been getting practice in when it comes to kids’ design by creating most of the clothes worn by their children North, three, and Saint, one.

An excited Kim announced the big news via Twitter on Thursday, telling fans: “For the past few years Kanye and I have made almost all of our kids’ clothes and we have collaborated on a new kids line!

“The Kids Supply has been what we've been working on for a long time. I'm so excited about this!

“All of my friends would ask where we get our kids clothes so now they will be available! Tomorrow's drop is so sick! Just a hint...

Calabasas.”

Of course, rapper Kanye is no stranger to the world

of design – he’s already got a series of hugely successful collaborations with Adidas under his belt.

Kim, meanwhile, had a kids’ clothing line called Kardashian Kids with her sisters Kourtney and Khloe.

Kim and Kanye had teased a clothing collaboration earlier this year, when Kim took to Snapchat to share some shots of their daughter North modelling a yellow dress and jacket presumably from the collection.

She said: "Northie picked out the colours and fabric."

(Mirror)

Duchess of Cambridge takes all official portraits of her kids

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rad Pitt has opened up for the first time about his divorce from Angelina Jolie, admitting to heavy drinking and pot smoking and a lifetime of cutting himself off emotionally from others.

The 53-year-old actor told GQ Style in an extensive interview released on Wednesday that he had quit drinking, was undergoing therapy, and that he and Jolie were committed to resolving matters amicably and privately.

"I just started therapy," the "Moneyball" star said in the interview for the summer issue of GQ Style. "I love

W it. I love it. I went through two therapists to get to the right one."

Pitt said the split with Jolie, 41, had been a "huge generator for change."

"I can't remember a day since I got out of college when I wasn't boozing or had a spliff, or something...

"I'm really, really happy to be done with all of that. I mean I stopped everything except boozing when I started my family. But even this last year, you know — things I wasn't dealing with. I was boozing too much," he said.

Pitt said he loved wine, adding "truthfully I could drink a Russian under the

table with his own vodka.

I was a professional. I was good."

He said he has quit drinking, replacing alcohol with cranberry juice and fizzy water.

Regarding the divorce, Pitt said he and Jolie had decided to abandon the path of "vitriolic hatred" and work together to sort out their issues.

Pitt said he was finding solace in working creatively with his hands. "I'm making everything. I'm working with clay, plaster, rebar, wood." (Reuters)

hen it comes to family photos, the Middletons have form for keeping it in the family.

The second ever glimpse of baby Prince George was taken at family home in Berkshire

by Michael Middleton himself.

Since then, apart from the images taken at rare public appearances, Kate and Williams' adorable offspring have been captured on camera by their proud mum.

The Duchess of Cambridge has made no secret of her love of photography and last year was given honorary lifetime membership of the prestigious Royal Photographic Society in recognition of her 'talent and enthusiasm'.

While this raised a few eyebrows, Kate's enthusiasm remains undimmed and the world went all starry-eyed over her portrait of Princess Charlotte, released for the toddler's second birthday.

However, it's not just her keen interest in photography which has led to her being chief snapper.

Nor is it entirely down to her and William's desire to protect their kids.

According to Gina Jones from Bumpkins, The Baby Show’s lead experts in baby photography, there's in fact a surprising reason why Kate does all the children's pictures herself.

Normally, the Royals rely on the services of the official "Royal photographer." This was Lord Lichfield, who passed away in 2005.

Kate decided to branch out and took the first official photographs of Princess Charlotte in 2015 as well as pictures of Prince George on his first day at nursery. (Mirror)

F

S

elena Gomez and Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a. The Weeknd, have earned an approval from Selena's mother, Mandy Teefey. She commented on a photo of her daughter and the "I Feel It Coming" hitmaker that Abel posted on Instagram on Monday, May 1.

Selena and Abel made their relationship red carpet official as they attended the Met Gala as a couple.

Abel took to Instagram to share a photo taken during the event. Mandy commented on the photo, writing,

"Glowing, smiling, looking health and equal love.

Mama is happy XO." Her message was very sweet, but it attracted haters to bash the couple. Mandy later posted a lengthy message on Instagram, telling haters to stop saying nonsense. "@selenagomez @ theweeknd enjoy the ball... yes, I am happy my daughter is happy. Turning off comments because they are vile and I was so unaware how many people know these people personally. My page is not for hate, name

calling and uneducated opinions. XO," she wrote in the caption.

Selena and Abel started dating earlier this year following Abel's split from Bella Hadid last November.

It was reported that Mandy wasn't impressed with the 27-year-old singer. "Mandy has met Abel and thinks he is respectful in person, but she doesn't think he's a good influence on Selena," a source revealed, before adding that she didn't approve Abel's "dirty and drug-related lyrics." (AceShowbiz)

ollowing her self-imposed “media blackout”, Miley Cyrus has spoken for the first time in months about her relationship with fiancé Liam Hemsworth.

The couple split in 2013, as Miley revamped her image from Disney star to the girl who infamously twerked on Robin Thicke at the VMAs. They were first seen back together in January 2016.

“I needed to change so much. And changing with someone else not changing like that is too hard,” she told Billboard. “We had to re-fall for each other.”

She’s even written a new single about their relationship. It's called ‘Malibu’ and will be released on May 11. Lyrics include, “I never would’ve believed you if three years ago you told me I’d be here writing this song.”

Speaking of the track, she said: “They’re going to talk about me if I come out of a restaurant with Liam. So why not put the power back in my relationship and say, 'This is how I feel'?”

Miley, 24, also opened up to Billboard about her drug use: “This is crazy, I haven’t smoked weed in three weeks!"

"I like to surround myself with people that make me want to get better, more evolved, open,” she added. “I was noticing, it’s not the people that are stoned. I want to be super clear and sharp, because I know exactly where I want to be.”

Her new album is due for release later this year.

Since rekindling their relationship, Miley and Liam have appeared happier than ever, with Miley even getting a tattoo dedicated to him. (Glamour)

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 7, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Star Times Bollywood

V

ir Das is an Indian Bollywood actor and comedian. Vir has lived in Africa and studied in Indian Language School in Lagos, Nigeria, Shimla and Delhi.

He obtained a Bachelor's degree from Knox College in the U.S.A. in Economics & Theatre with a concentration in Performance. Vir was cast as the comic relief by winning one of the principal characters in “The Curse of King Tut's Tomb”, a Hallmark mini-series filmed in India. He can also be seen in Vipul Shah's hit movie “Namastey London” – among other hit Bollywood movies. The Indian Express dubbed him “a comedian to watch out for” and “India's Answer to Jay Leno”.

14 Sunday Times Magazine

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MAY 7, 2017

Times Bollywood

A

fter unprecedented response to Aamir Khan’s “PK”, China is welcoming the actor-producer’s latest Bollywood blockbuster “Dangal” in a record-breaking number of screens on Friday, the producers have said.

The number of screens showing the movie would be larger than all the screens put together in India.

“Dangal will release in China in over 9,000 screens -- which is the widest ever release for an Indian film in any territory,” Amrita Pandey, Vice President, Studios, Disney India - the movie’s co-producer told IANS. “We are very excited to release ‘Dangal’ in China. The film is very special and with a story which has the potential to travel the world and transcend geographies,” Pandey added.

In China, which has nearly 40,000 screens, “Dangal” will release as “Shuai Jiao Baba”, which means “Let’s Wrestle, Dad”.

It is a biopic of former Indian wrestler Mahavir Phogat who trains his daughters to become world-class wrestlers -- a story which resonated well with the Indian audience.

According to the KPMG-Ficci Indian Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2016, the screen count in India currently stands at 8,500, including single screens and multiplexes. And this low screen density is said to be one of the biggest deterrents in the growth of the Indian film industry, which produces one of the maximum number of

J

A

movies in a year.

Just last month, Aamir and “Dangal” director Nitesh Tiwari were in China to promote the film, which officially opened this year’s edition of the Beijing International Film Festival.

“They received a tremendously positive response from the audience, press and trade there,” Pandey said. (IANS)

ohn Palmer, who designed the space suits for Matt Damon-starrer “The Martian”, will be creating the same for Sushant Singh Rajput’s upcoming sci-fi movie “Chandamama Door Ke”.

The 31-year-old actor took Twitter to announce Palmer’s involvement in the project.

“Special space suit designed by John Palmer of #Martian fame for Chandamama. Can’t wait to get in it and start training @sanjaypchauhan (sic)” Sushant wrote alongside a picture of the suit’s design. (PTI)

kshay Kumar received the National Film Award for Best Actor from the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. The moment set aside over 26 years of trials and tribulations that he may have faced in Hindi cinema.

Notwithstanding the huge box-office success that most of the 49-year-old actor’s 135 films have seen, the absence of recognition in the form of awards nagged somewhere.

“Not anymore,” says a triumphant Akshay, moments after receiving Indian cinema’s most coveted honour at Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan on Wednesday evening.

Dressed in Indian attire, Akshay was accompanied by his very proud spouse, author Twinkle Khanna, and their 14-year-old son Aarav, who got as much attention as his award-winning dad.

“To finally take my last few steps towards the President of India to receive my National Award felt almost unreal,” says Akshay.

“I’ve never felt so light and so humbled at the same time.

When one works day in and day out, as I do, something like this isn’t just an honour,

K

angana Ranaut launched the 20-feet tall poster of her film “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi” recently.

Kangana, who will be seen in the role of Rani Laxmibai in the film, said she hoped that she would live up to the rebellious legacy of the famous warriorqueen.

To be directed by Krish, the film will hit the theatres on April 27 next year.

“I’m so blessed to be here.

With the blessings of Lord Shiva, we have launched it here. After coming on board

it’s a moment in time where everything makes sense. No matter how hard the journey may have been, to stand here now, in front of my family, is the cherry on this almighty cake we call life.”

The announcement of the award last month was followed by much brouhaha on social media over Akshay’s deservedness for it, especially when his films “Rustom” and “Airlift” were preferred by the jury over the popular favourite, Aamir Khan-starrer “Dangal”, and the critically acclaimed “Aligarh”.

“Nothing can taint this moment. Our country and its people deserve their voice and their opinion. Just like I

know I deserve this award.

I’ve never felt more proud of my efforts than I do today.

No amount of cyber bashing will ever change this day for me. In fact, it has been quite entertaining listening to people get their knickers in such a twist about something over which I had no control.

“But that’s also the power of your true fans. They will always want their own Idol to be honoured the most.

I will never disrespect the love people have for their favourite star. Whether they are with me or against me, I’m happy with what I’ve got and how I’ve got here,” he expressed. (Hindustan Times)

for this project, I feel like I’ve achieved something very big in my life,” said Kangana.

Laxmibai, whose maiden name was Manikarnika, was born in Varanasi in 1828 to a Brahmin family. This is why the makers decided to unveil the film’s first official poster in the city.

Kangana, who looked every inch the fiery queen on the film’s poster, hoped that people would love Manikarnika the way they have appreciated her previous roles.

“I feel that Rani of Jhansi is very relatable for women

like us. Life without respect was equivalent to death for her. I think that is something I completely identified with.”

Veteran writer V Vijendra Prasad, the writer of “Baahubali” and “Bajrangi Bhaijaan”, has teamed up with Prasoon Joshi for the script of the film.

Kangana also performed the famous ‘Ganga aarti’ with the film’s team, which also includes music composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and producer Kamal Jain.

(PTI)

S

onam Kapoor was conferred with her first ever National Award as she was presented with a ‘Special Mention’ at the 64th National Film Awards held in New Delhi.

Apart from Sonam and her rumoured boyfriend, Anand Ahuja, who was also present at the event, her father, Anil Kapoor, was seemingly beaming with joy.

Seen clicking pictures as Sonam received her award, Anil surely made for an adorable moment.

“Nothing can be bigger than this award. President Pranab Mukherjee and the Government of India have given this award to Sonam, so this day is really big and important for me, my family

and Sonam. It is a very well deserved award for ‘Neerja’,” said the 60-year-old.

“Neerja”, released last year, narrates the story of Neerja Bhanot, a Pan Am

purser, who lost her life while saving the passengers when the Pan Am was hijacked at Karachi airport on September 5, 1986. (Hindustan

Times)

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 7, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 15

Times Trends

Star of the week

M

aria Fletcher is a 19-yearold who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of youths. She graduated from Leonora Secondary School as “Best Graduate of 2015”, obtaining passes in ten subjects at the CSEC examinations. She was also a participant in the very first National Spelling Bee competition in 2008. This aspiring paediatrician plans to establish a modern paediatric clinic. Currently, Maria is one of 14 semi-finalists in the Miss World Guyana 2017 pageant. She is working tediously to make her Beauty with a Purpose campaign a complete success. The focus of her campaign for the competition is to raise awareness on the impact of cyber bullying on youths. Apart from the pageant, Maria’s interests include traveling, cooking, caring for her pet dogs and belly dancing.

Follow Maria on her journey to cop the Miss World Guyana 2017 crown at Maria Pinto Fletcher on Facebook and @iam_mariapinto on Instagram. (Photo from Miss World Guyana Org on Facebook)

Trending Now Clear backpacks

W

hether you’re catching some sun by the pool in slides before the day's festivities begin, or rocking a star-studded transparent choker, this new style trend is the edgy nod to the '90s.

Below are some favourite transparent styles, both festival-approved and if you're looking to spice up your everyday look.

Transparent 'bubble' umbrella

Clear waist belt

Transparent raincoat

'Jelly' pool sandals

Clear plastic chokers

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 7, 2017

Times Art

M

att & Annie Arts - Turning Ideas into Reality is a business started by Courtney and Aneeza Douglas, both of whom graduated from E. R. Burrowes School of Arts with diplomas in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Together, they have won five National Arts Awards and numerous art competitions. They were married in August 2013 and have a son, Lucas Myles. Courtney is currently working at Tinninben Animation Studio, and Aneeza does commissioned artworks at home.

Art plays a significant role in the lives of the Douglases. Courtney states that their “gift is from God” and they believe that “whatever they do with it is their gift back to God”. Courtney and Aneeza love what they do and, through their creations, want to share that love with their clients.

“When someone purchases a piece of art, we want them to take the love from our home to their home. We want to leave a legacy. Part of it is, ‘Don’t try to be better than anyone, try to be better than the person you were yesterday.’ Only then we can see changes in all aspects of life,” expressed Courtney.

Courtney Matt Douglas graduated from Burrowes with a diploma in Fine Arts and was awarded “Best Student in Painting, Drawing and Graphic Designs”. He is the winner of the National Coin Design Competition, which was held to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Indian immigration. Additionally, he won the National Drawing Competition 2013 with the piece of Guyana’s master batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Matt and Annie’s artworks are showcased at Dis Is De Place exhibitions held at the end of each month at the Courtyard Mall, Robb Street, Georgetown. Their craft includes leather jewellery of the finest quality.

Colouring Book illustrated

by Courtney

"Lee vs Ali"

The artist mentioned that his daily Facebook sketches (Sketch A Day) are for the benefit of his fans and to demonstrate his ingenuity and dexterity with the pen and to further develop his technique.

Courtney’s “Inspirational Arts Series” feature famous persons who inspire the rest of the world, including poets (such as Maya Angelou), sportsmen and women (such as

Muhammed Ali, Lionel Messi and others), humanitarians (Mother Theresa), civic leaders (Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King), and literary geniuses (Derek Walcott and others).

For more information, visit Matt & Annie Arts - Turning Ideas into Reality on Facebook.

Courtney and Annie with their son

"Parrot"

"Kaieteur Falls"

"Rooster"

"Toucan"

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 7, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 17

Times Tech

Apple CEO says Apple Watch helped him lose 30 pounds A pple CEO Tim Cook said during an interview on CNBC on Wednesday that the Apple Watch helped him lose weight.

"You know, the watch has been an incredible move into health, in the wellness and fitness piece," Cook told CNBC's Jim Cramer.

"For you, too?" Cramer

Tech BYTE

asked.

"Yes, for me too. I've lost 30 pounds— partly to my watch," Cook said.

Cook has always been a fit and slim guy. He wakes up at 4am every morning to hit the gym.

But Apple is lately keen to emphasize the health and fitness aspects of its wearable gadget.

GE's Alexa Lamp

I

t's been almost six months to the day since GE announced plans to pack Amazon's voice assistant Alexa into a unique-looking table lamp. Now, there’s finally an update.

Originally pitched as the C by GE lamp (the same branding as GE's low-cost Bluetooth smart bulbs), the fixture is now the C by GE Sol -- a solar nod to the lamp's eye-catching circular design.

The Sol is said to retail at US$200.

Anyone who pre-orders the Sol will get it

Tech news

Late last year, Apple refocused the marketing for the Apple Watch around health and fitness, and Apple said last quarter that the sales of its smartwatch had doubled since the year-ago quarter.

And there are rumours that the Apple Watch might go even farther into the medical world, possibly with a built-in glucose monitor.

at a 20 percent discount, bringing the price down to US$160.

With a small speaker and microphone setup in its base, the Sol is basically an Amazon Echo Dot with two rings of light growing out of its head. You can ask the lamp to stream some music, give you a weather update, set a timer, tell you a joke, or access any of the more than 10,000 skills in Alexa's database. You can also ask it to dim the light up and down, or to switch it between yellowy soft white and bluish-white daylight tones. GE said that you can pair visual light cues with everyday tasks -- light that mimics the hands of a clock when you ask the time, for instance.

Another tidbit: the C by GE smart bulbs will soon be adding compatibility with both Alexa and Apple HomeKit this summer.

The addition of HomeKit support means that you'll be able to control them alongside other HomeKit-compatible gadgets in Apple's Home app for iOS, or control them using Siri voice commands.

A spokesperson said that GE was "proud to launch Sol with Amazon Alexa," though they added that, "in the future, it could be expanded to other voice services."

GE now expects the Sol to ship this September from Amazon.com and from CbyGE.com. Preorders are live now.

(CNET)

Cook

Tech news

how

the Apple Watch helped

Google Docs users hit by phishing scam

Facebook nears two billion monthly users

G

F

explained

him personally lose weight: “Because it motivates you, and it constantly gives you feedback, it constantly gives you rewards. And this makes a difference over time. And I'm getting calls and letters from so many people where the watch has made a difference in their life. And this is why we are in business.

We're in business to help people achieve their objectives, to empower them to do great things.”

You can't argue with results. "You're looking good," Cramer told Cook. (Business Insider)

acebook's profits have jumped in the first three months of the year, as the social network closes in on two billion users, according to its latest results.

The number of people using Facebook each month increased to 1.94 billion, of which nearly 1.3 billion use it daily, the company said.

The US tech giant reported profits of just over US$3bn (£2.4bn) in the first quarter, a 76% rise year-on-year.

However, it warned that growth in ad revenues would slow down.

The company has also come under sustained pressure in recent weeks over its handling of hate speech, child abuse and

self-harm on the social network.

On Wednesday, Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg announced it was hiring 3,000 extra people to moderate content on the site.

A quarter of the world's population now uses Facebook every month, with most of the new users coming from outside of Europe and North America.

Speaking after the results, Mr Zuckerberg said the size of its user base gave Facebook an opportunity to expand the site's role, moving into TV, health care and politics.

"With that foundation our next focus will be building community," he said.

"There's a lot to do there." (BBC)

oogle says it has stopped a phishing email that reached about a million of its users.

The scam claimed to come from Google Docs - a service that allows people to share and edit documents online.

Users, who clicked a link and followed instructions, risked giving the hackers access to their email accounts.

Google said it had stopped the attack "within approximately one hour", including through "removing fake pages and applications".

"While contact information was accessed and used by the campaign, our investigations show that no other data was exposed," Google said in an updated statement.

"There's no further action users need to take regarding this event; users who want to review third party apps connected to their account can visit Google Security Checkup."

During the attack, users were sent a deceptive invitation to edit a Google Doc, with

a subject line stating a contact "has shared a document on Google Docs with you".

The email address hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh@mailinator[.]com was also copied in to the message; Mailinator, a free email service provider has denied any involvement.

If users clicked on the "Open in Docs" button in the email, they were then taken to a real Google-hosted page and asked to allow a seemingly real service, called "Google Docs", to access their email account data.

By granting permission, users unwittingly allowed hackers to potentially access to their email account, contacts and online documents.

The malware then e-mailed everyone in the victim's contacts list in order to spread itself.

"This is a very serious situation for anybody who is infected because the victims have their accounts controlled by a malicious party," Justin Cappos, a cyber security professor at NYU, told Reuters.

18 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 7, 2017

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

By Jehan Powell

Coconut Pasta

Ingredients

¾ lb pasta 1 tsp olive oil 1 red bell pepper cut into thin strips 1 carrot, julienned 1 tsp crushed ginger 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

A

sacred animal in some cultures, the elephant is said to symbolise good luck, wisdom and protection of the home. With that in mind, it’s no wonder why elephant motifs are so popular in home decor.

Here are some simple ways to use elephants in your decor.

1 13oz can coconut milk 2 chicken bouillon (omit to make dish vegan) ¼ tsp black pepper ¼ tsp red pepper flakes Salt to taste 3 scallion, thinly sliced Avocado (optional)

Method

Cook pasta according to directions on the package.

While the pasta cooks, in a wide pot over medium fire heat oil. When oil is hot, add red bell pepper, carrot, ginger and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Add coconut milk, chicken bouillon, black pepper, red pepper flakes and bring to a boil. Cook until coconut milk thickens, about 5 minutes.

Add cooked and drained pasta and salt to taste then toss to coat. Cook for an additional minute.

Remove from heat and add fresh chopped scallion.

Serve with sliced avocado. (www. jehancancook.com)

Intertwined trunks signify love and friendship. Instead of using overwhelming decor, incorporate simple pieces like these cute salt and pepper shakers

T In feng shui — the ancient Chinese art of placement — the position of the elephant’s trunk is significant: a trunk pointed upward represents a showering of good fortune – like this elegant table top accessory

o avoid masala from sticking to the pan, use sufficient oil.

Adding a little water to a pan of bacon would not only keep it from splattering fat as it cooks and you would get better cooked bacon on the stovetop.

For good gravies, fry the ground masala in reduced flame, so that it retains its colour and taste.

Store raisins in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for much longer. Pour very hot water over them if they have hardened; after that drain them immediately, and spread on a paper towel to dry.

Potatoes soaked in salt water for 20 minutes will bake more rapidly.

Don't salt meat before you cook it. The salt forces the juices out and impedes browning. Instead, salt meat halfway through cooking, then taste when the meat is done and adjust the salt as needed.

T A trunk pointed downward accumulates energy. These elephant parade window shades add a colourful hue to this room

Greatest Cooking Tips

Home Help

o remove turmeric stains, wash the stained clothes or kitchen linen immediately in cool water and soap. Dry in the sun and the stain will fade to a very pale pink. Wash the article again and the stain will be gone.

Cut a lemon in half, squeeze juice into a small bowl of water, add both lemon halves and place in the microwave for five minutes. The fresh scent eliminates cooking odours, and condensation from the steam loosens random splatters that have hardened. Wipe away the loose stains with a damp cloth.

Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar to clean chrome and stainlesssteel fixtures, and to remove scum, grime and mildew from your bathtub, tile or shower curtain.

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 7, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

Child Safety Principles Every Parent Needs to Know

w

(Continued from last week)

M

JOKES

ike and Rob were on the roof laying tile when a sudden gust of wind came and knocked down their ladder.

"I have an idea," said Mike. "We'll throw you down, and then you can pick up the ladder."

"What, do you think I'm stupid? I have an idea. I'll shine my flashlight, and you can climb down on the beam of light."

"What, do you think I'm stupid? You'll just turn off the flashlight when I'm halfway there."

B

ob was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary. His wife was really upset.

She told him: "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in 6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE THERE!!”

The next morning he got up early and left for work.

When his wife woke up, she looked out the window and sure enough there was a box gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway.

Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, brought the box back in the house.

She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale.

Bob has been missing since Friday.

A

police officer in a small town stopped a motorist who was speeding down Main Street.

“But officer,” the man began, “I can explain.”

“Just be quiet,” snapped the officer. “I'm going to let you cool your heels in jail until the chief gets back.”

“But, officer, I just wanted to say...” the man continued.

“And I said to keep quiet! You're going to jail!” shouted the officer.

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

“Don't count on it,” answered the fellow in the cell. “I'm the groom.”

A

farm boy accidentally overturned his wagonload of corn. The farmer who lived nearby heard the noise and yelled over to the boy, "Hey Willis, forget your troubles! Come in and visit with us. I'll help you get the wagon up later."

"That's mighty nice of you," Willis answered, "but I don't think Pa would like me to."

"Aw come on boy," the farmer insisted.

"Well okay," the boy finally agreed, and added, "but Pa won't like it."

After a hearty dinner, Willis thanked his host. "I feel a lot better now, but I know Pa is going to be real upset."

"Don't be foolish!" the neighbour said with a smile. "By the way, where is he?"

"Under the wagon," Willis answered.

A

wealthy man decided to go on a safari in Africa. He took his faithful pet dachshund along for company. One day, the dachshund starts chasing butterflies and before long the dachshund discovers that he is lost.

So wandering about he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the obvious intention of having him for lunch. The dachshund thinks, "OK, I'm in deep trouble now!" Then he noticed some bones on the ground close by, and immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat.

Just as the leopard is about to leap, the dachshund exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious leopard. I wonder if there are any more around here." Hearing this, the leopard halts his attack in mid-stride, as a look of terror comes over him, and slinks away into the trees. "Whew," says the leopard. "That was close. That dachshund nearly had me."

Meanwhile, a monkey, who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So, off he goes.

But the dachshund saw him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figured that something must be up.

The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard. The leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here monkey, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine."

Now the dachshund sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back, and thinks, "What am I going to do now?" But instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet. Just when they get close enough to hear, the dachshund says, "Where's that darn monkey? I sent him off half an hour ago to bring me another leopard."

B

umps and bruises are an inescapable part of childhood. Yet a light injury is only one step away from a dangerous fracture. To help a child avoid serious injury, parents need to follow some simple rules.

Asphyxiation prevention

Ensure toys don’t contain small parts your child can tear off and try to swallow.

The diet of children under the age of 5 shouldn’t contain round-shaped solid foods, such as sliced sausage, nut kernels, hard candies, grapes, and maize.

Keep wires and cords out of your child’s reach. Move cribs, playpens, toys, and children’s furniture away from these objects.

From time to time, walk on all fours — you’ll soon notice things your child can put in their mouth.

Go to chest compression and artificial respiration courses to perform CPR if necessary.

Fire safety

Hide matches and lighters from your children. Don’t keep lighters and other fire sources that look like toys in the house.

Don’t hold a baby while cooking.

Watch irons and hair dryers, unplug them after use, and put them in a safe place.

‘W’ sitting position may increase the risk of several health issues

Cook on the back burners, and keep hot food out of a child’s reach. Turn long handles of pans away from the edge.

Reduce the time your child spends next to a hot stove, and install a protective barrier around the stove if possible.

Install a smoke alarm at home — it helps to reduce the risk of death in emergencies by half.

Poison prevention

If you suspect that your child has swallowed any dangerous substance, don’t try to induce vomiting or make the child wash down what they swallowed without consulting a doctor.

More than half of all childhood intoxications are provoked by accidental medication intake. Keep all drugs (even vitamins) out of children’s reach.

Don’t call medicine "candy" — it may provoke the child’s interest in them.

Install special locks on the cabinet doors where you keep household detergents and medicines.

Keep small electronics and gadgets that contain lithium batteries away from children. These include car alarms, clocks, remote controls, flameless candles, laser pointers, flashlights, etc.

Include in your cell phone the number of the nearest clinic or doctor to get advice in the event of poisoning or oth-

er dangerous situations.

‘W’ sitting position

‘W’ sitting is one of the most common and comfortable sitting positions for many kids. However, this position may increase the risk of several health issues. It can cause serious orthopedic problems, delays in the development of postural control and stability, and motor skills.

The best and the most effective way to prevent your kids from W-sitting is to prevent it from becoming a habit. So, anticipate it and catch it before your child starts sitting in this position.

If you do see your little ones in ‘W’ position, consistently encourage them to adjust to a different position, e.g. they can either sit with their legs straight out or both knees bent to one side. This will have a positive effect on your kids’ growth and development!

STORY TIME

A Craftsman’s Tale

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his story was told by Madonna Allicock at Surama Junction on a hot and sunny afternoon. It is the tale of a craftsman who lived long ago with his mother in the forest. Having no father or any other family member to help with money, the craftsman took it upon himself to take care of his mother’s financial needs by making crafts and selling them in the nearby village.

The craftsman collected base material – muna – with the idea to weave it into beautiful craft pieces. Having gathered enough material, he returned to his home in the forest and picked a spot where he sat to work. Every day, he would come back to the same spot, sitting down for hours, making crafts and throwing the waste or damaged material at his side. Eventually, the waste turned into a pile, which in turn got bigger and bigger. His mother, who had a farm nearby, offered her son to clean up, but the man refused, arguing that he would do it himself when the time was right.

In the meantime, a crappo (local name for the cane toad) came by the pile of waste and decided to make her home there. Every day, she would listen to the craftsman talking how much he wished he had a wife and someone to help him with the house. She then showed herself to the craftsman, and he said: “Look at you! Where did you come from?” He then went back to work. Day after day, the crappo would stare at the man. At some point, he turned and looked at the pile where he was throwing the waste and saw the crappo looking back at him.

He said again: “But look at you! Where did you come from?” After that time, the man started to regularly talk to the crappo for it was the only creature around that would listen to him.

One day, the crappo got really worried as she had not heard or seen the craftsman for a while. Her love and

willingness to help him got so intense that she changed into a beautiful young woman. She headed to the man’s house and decided to help clean up the place and cook food for him and his mother.

She also put on some of his mother’s clothes and eagerly waited for the man to return from the village and show him her new appearance. But on that day, the man did not return until late in the evening and found an empty house. The woman had waited the whole afternoon, but when the clock struck six, she began to change back into her original appearance. She then quickly hopped back to her pile of waste and started crying.

She spent the night in the waste pile and did not want to come out to see the craftsman. But when she woke up the next morning, to her surprise, she had changed again into the beautiful woman. The craftsman had just arrived to work when he heard noise coming from the pile next to him. He looked towards it and saw a beautiful woman rolling out from under the waste. He was so surprised that he could not speak for a moment. But it did not matter as their eyes met and that was enough. No words could describe the feelings they shared at that moment. The craftsman then stood up and walked towards her to help her up from the ground.

He asked her where she was from and what she was doing there without any clothes. The woman smiled and told the craftsman that she was the one who had helped him in the house the day before. She also told him about how she turned into a crappo at night and needed to spend the night in her nest.

Surprised, but happy to have found someone, the craftsman fell in love with the woman and decided to introduce this “strange woman” to his mother.

Unfortunately, his mother did not share the same feelings. She was very upset and furious with him for being with a crappo and tried to convince him to let her go. But she could not change his mind, for he was very much in love with

the woman.

One day, his mother came home early while the craftsman and the woman were still out selling his craft in the nearby village. She decided to use the opportunity of his absence to burn the pile of waste. When the craftsman and the woman returned, they could see the fire from the home. The young woman ran as fast as possible, but it was too late: the flames had destroyed her home.

She started crying and became very angry with the mother. But she kept her feelings to herself and did not say a word. She returned to the craftsman’s home and began cooking as if nothing had happened.

The woman then took some of her ears wax and put it into the older woman’s food. The craftsman’s mother took her plate outside and they all ate quietly. But suddenly the mother made a loud scream and fell to the ground. The craftsman and the woman rushed outside to assist her and realised that it was too late. Standing next to the craftsman, the woman said: “Good to be ridden of bad rubbish!” At the sound of this, he knew that the woman was behind his mother’s death, but he loved her too much that he could not resolve to quit her. They decided to leave the house, as she needed to build a new home for herself before she returned into a crappo or would die also.

The night was upon them and it was getting darker and darker, but she still had not found the right place. She began changing back into the crappo and got weaker and weaker as they went further into the forest. At one point, she was so weak that she could not go anymore, as she was dying. The craftsman looked relentlessly for the right place, but he had no luck and she died in his arms. He cried and screamed for hours.

He returned home very sad having lost both his mother and the love of his life in one day. It is said that the poor man never fell in love again. (www.pantaniblog.org)

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Times Sunday Puzzle

Add a different set of three letters to each of the following words to create a list of new words. The threeletter additions all have something in common. What are the new words and how are the three-letter additions related?

GIN EASE HEM ICE ON OPUS RILE TIC see ANSWERS on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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Sunday Times Magazine

21

Times Kids

Creature Corner

GEOZONE

Black howler monkey

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hese South American monkeys are the loudest terrestrial animal in the Western Hemisphere, and are usually the largest and most abundant primate wherever they live. Blonde at birth, males turn black as they mature, while females stay blonde their entire lives.

Black howler monkeys have a prehensile tail without hair on the bottom side, which they use for grasping during locomotion. The upper molars have sharp, shearing crests that are used in grinding leaves. They move slowly using a quadrupedal mode of locomotion and they have five-toed, grasping feet. The large hyoid bone (Adam's apple) that allows for their loud call restricts arm movement, so howler monkeys rely heavily on their tail for locomotion.

Please see solution on page 23

Black howler monkeys can be found in southern Brazil, Paraguay, eastern Bolivia, and northern Argentina.

The low and guttural sound of howler monkeys is one of the loudest calls produced by any land animal. Under certain conditions, a howler's call can be heard from about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) away. The male's call is typically louder than the female's and is produced by drawing air through a cavity in an enlarged hyoid bone in the throat, which is larger in males than in females.

These tree-dwelling herbivores mainly consume tree and vine leaves, flowers and tropical forest fruits.

In the wild, howlers live to be between 15 to 20 years old. In human care they often reach 20 years old.

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.

T

he Central Suriname Nature Reserve was established in 1998 to link three pre-existing nature reserves named Raleighvallen, Eilerts de Haan and Tafelberg.

Through the addition of significant areas in the process, the property now forms an immense protected area covering around 11% of the national territory.

The 1,592,000 hectares are mostly comprised of primary tropical forest in westcentral Suriname, a part of the Guiana Shield within the phylogeographic limits of Amazonia.

The Reserve protects the upper watershed of the mighty Coppename River, as well as the headwaters of the Lucie, Oost, Zuid, Saramaccz, and Gran Rio rivers and covers a range of topography and ecosystems of notable conservation value due to its pristine state.

Its montane and lowland forests contain a high diversity of plant life with more than 5,000 vascular plant species collected to date. The Reserve's animals are typical of the region and include the jaguar, giant armadillo, giant river otter, tapir, sloths, eight species of primates and 400 bird species such as Harpy Eagle, Guiana Cock-Of-The-Rock, and Scarlet Macaw.

While large parts of the Guiana Shield and Amazon regions are rapidly being transformed by logging, hunting, mining and settlement, the Central Suriname Nature Reserve can still be characterised as an intact conservation of a large scale. It remains, for the most part, inaccessible, unaffected by human activity, keeping its variety of ecosystems and high diversity of plant and animal species well preserved.

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Rare 'sprites' photographed beside Southern Lights

A

n Australian photographer has captured images of rare sprites, a meteor shower and the Southern Lights - all in a single night.

Sprites - flashes of electricity - can reach the Earth's upper atmosphere, often displaying as a brilliant light.

"It's an intense electrical discharge out of the very top of a thunderstorm," photographer David Finlay told the BBC. He took photos of the "space lightning" at Kiama, 120km (75 miles) south of Sydney.

"I've been looking for them for about 15 years," he said. "I didn't know if you could see them in New South Wales."

Mr Finlay was trying to shoot the Lyrid meteor shower and Aurora Australis at the same time, focusing his camera on a thunderstorm about 120km offshore.

He later realised he had shot a "trifecta" - a sort of triple whammy made possible by ideal weather conditions for time-lapse photography.

"Usually when you get a storm it messes up all the air around it," he said. "The sky was virtually crystal clear."

It was the first time Mr Finlay has seen images of sprites in Australia using an off-theshelf DSLR camera.

Dr Brett Carter, a physicist from RMIT University, said sprites reach the ionosphere a region of the Earth's upper atmosphere.

"Historically only pilots have seen sprites and there is a very good reason for that," he said.

"They are so faint that it is very difficult to see them with the naked eye."

He said photographers can start to have an impact on the scientific understanding of the near-Earth space environment.

"We don't have a good way of measuring these things all over the world routinely," he said.

"There's actually a large movement in our field towards citizen science. That includes Aurora as well."

After ticking off one item from his photographic bucket list, Mr Finlay has set his sights on an Australian icon.

"I would really love to film the Geminids meteor shower from Uluru," he said. (BBC)

Luxury nuclear bunkers in high demand

A

mid rising global tensions and the looming threat of a nuclear North Korea, at least one businessman is experiencing a silver lining.

Ron Hubbard, owner of Atlas Survival Shelters, has

seen a major uplift in enquiries from customers interested in his underground nuclear bunkers.

Mr Hubbard, 55, said: "The news tomorrow could be the US attacks North Korea. This is the first real-

Brain Teaser Answer DECEASE MARGIN MAYHEM NOVICE APRON OCTOPUS FEBRILE SEPTIC Each of the three-letter additions is the common three-letter abbreviation for the months of the year (DEC, MAR, MAY, etc)

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

istic threat I've seen.

"There's interest all over the world right now [in nuclear shelters] and calls to our center have more than tripled on a daily basis over the past few weeks.

"The defense industry is thriving right now because of unstable relations between the US and North Korea and what Kim Jongun might be capable of - he's crazy.

The Los Angeles-based, company, which has been operating for seven years, typically builds underground in new houses that are under construction, but will also excavate a backyard to install a bunker or built into a garage.

Its shelters range from the 3/4-man underground 'Backyard Bunker' priced at US$35,900 (ÂŁ28,000), to elaborate, multi-room facilities costing more than a million dollars.

"Our designs allow for the survival of your family in any sort of disaster with the ability to live in an underground shelter complete with sleeping quarters, kitchen, restroom, storage area and our trademark undetectable escape hatch in case intruders discover your main hatch," says the Atlas website.

All shelters come with Swiss-made air-filtration, suitable for protection from nuclear, biological, and chemical agents and fallout.

Mr Hubbard said he expects to sell 1,000 nuclear shelters this year and, thanks to rising demand, he plans to open plants in 11 territories by next year, including the UK, Europe, Dubai and Australia.

(Telegraph)

Sunday Times Magazine 23

Times World

Man creates 700-metre Koran by hand A

n Egyptian school drop-out is hoping to make history after spending three years painstakingly creating what he believes to be the world's largest Koran.

Saad Mohammed's intricately decorated, handdrawn scroll is 700 me-

set a record for the largest handwritten Koran.

But in order to achieve his dream and make it into the record book, he needs some help with the cost of entering.

"This Koran is 700 metres long, and of course that's a large amount of

Nowadays, its 705 remaining pages are kept safe in Uzbekistan Another contender for the largest handwritten Koran was unveiled in Afghanistan in 2012. It is more than 2.2 metres long and 1.55 metres wide, contains 218 pages of beauti-

tres long (2,296ft) - which means, when it is unrolled, it is almost twice as tall as the 381-metre-high Empire State Building.

And up until now, Mr Mohammed, who lives in the town of Belqina, north of Cairo, has funded every centimetre of his passion project.

But he has big hopes for the scroll.

He believes the scroll is long enough to make it into the Guinness World Records, which has yet to

paper," he told Reuters TV. "I self-funded this project for the past three years - and I'm an average person. I don't have assets or anything."

fully written text and is wrapped in a leather cover created from the skins of 21 goats. The 500kg (1,100lb) holy book took five years to create, but does not appear to have been officially entered in the Guinness Book of Records No-one has claimed the record for the smallest Koran. However, in 2012 a resident in the UAE claimed their copy - at just 5.1cm long, 8cm wide and 550 pages - boasted that title to Emirates247. (BBC)

Other record-breaking Korans

The oldest Koran in the world is officially - according to the Guinness World Records - the Holy Koran Mushaf of Othman, which was created in 655 and belonged to the Caliph Othman (c.AD 588-656).

24

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Fun Times

Archie

Do something that you find relaxing and conducive to (March 21happiness. Making a physical April 19) change or spending time with someone you love will help relieve pent-up anxiety and stress.

ARIES

You have the fortitude TAURUS and insight to make things (April 20- happen. Taking short trips May 20) or sharing with someone who can shed some light on your situation will pay off.

Socialize, and enjoy GEMINI friends, children and loved (May 21- ones. A passionate encounJune 20) ter will improve your personal life, giving you a strong base on which you can build a brighter future.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Too much of anything will lead to disaster. Limit how much you spend, eat or drink. Excess won't reduce your troubles.

Don't let guilt set in and ruin a good time. Make the most of your day by surrounding yourself with the people you love and doing what you enjoy doing most.

You can have fun on a shoestring with someone you love. Taking a hike or just relaxing at home will give you time to discuss your plans and a new budget.

LIBRA You'll tend to overreact or (Sept. 23- be excessive when dealing with Oct. 23) personal partners and domestic issues or spending money. Curb your emotions before trouble sets in.

Peanuts

An idea you have or that SCORPIO (Oct. 24- someone suggests may be inNov. 22) teresting, but check out the cost involved before you advance. You'll tend to overspend, indulge and overdo.

Share your ideas with SAGITTARIUS someone who will have some(Nov. 23thing interesting to add.

Dec. 21) Collaboration will result in a long-term plan and a welcome partnership. Celebrate with someone you love.

Calvin and Hobbes

Travel may entice you, CAPRICORN but if you cannot afford a (Dec. 22- fancy trip, settle for someJan. 19) thing entertaining and within your budget. You can't buy love, so don't spend to impress.

Getting together with old AQUARIUS friends or colleagues will be (Jan. 20- enlightening. The opportuniFeb. 19) ties that transpire will have an impact on what you do or how much you earn in the future.

Err on the side of caution PISCES (Feb. 20- when dealing with someone Mar. 20) who is unpredictable, excessive or overly emotional. Let the dust settle before you take on a personal challenge.

Time is on your side.