Sunday Magazine - February 3, 2019

February 3, 2019

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Year Of The Pig

2 Sunday Times Magazine

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FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Messages

T

he 2019 Chinese New Year is the year of the pig.

It symbolizes wealth and good luck. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, I wish everyone a Happy New Year along with good health, prosperity, a happy family and all the best in the New Year.

The Chinese New Year, as the most important traditional festival in China, is part and parcel of the Chinese culture. Today, the Chinese New Year is celebrated by more and more people around the world, turning into a global event.

The year 2018 marked the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up. China has been impressing the world with remarkable achievements which have brought tremendous benefits to its people, as well as contributed to the sustainable development of the world economy.

The year of 2018 witnessed the continuous development of China-Guyana friendly cooperative relations with frequent high-level visits. It has also been a productive year for the cooperation in economy, trade, health and many other areas. Our people-to-people and cultural ex-

O

changes have been flourishing, bringing the two peoples closer to each other.

2019 is the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and also a crucial year to secure a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and to realize the first centenary goal of China. 2019 is also an important year for Guyana to push forward its national development, economic diversification and improving people's livelihood.

There are great potentials and broad prospects for cooperation between our two countries. We stand ready to work with Guyana to further enhance our friendship and broaden our practical cooperation. I believe that with the concerted efforts of our two governments and peoples, we can bring our friendly cooperative relationship to a higher level.

I wish everyone a happy and auspicious year of the pig! I wish China-Guyana relations greater progress in this New Year!

n behalf of the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, I wish to extend best wishes to the Chinese community on the occasion of Chinese New Year 2019.

The ‘Year of the Pig’, which commences on February 5, 2019, would be celebrated not only by the People’s Republic of China, but also millions of Chinese descendants residing in all parts of the world, including Guyana.

The first set of Chinese arrived in Guyana 166 years ago as indentured labourers, and since then, people of Chinese origin have made indelible contributions to this ‘Land of Many Waters’.

This includes the late President of Guyana, Arthur Chung.

Over the years, Guyana and China have been able to continuously strengthen bilateral ties that were established within just two years of Guyana gaining its Republican Status. As a matter of fact, Guyana was the first English speaking country in the Caribbean to establish diplomatic relations with China.

These ties have

seen both countries benefiting from a number of cooperation agreements in all areas including infrastructure, health, energy, education and technology, etc.

With China’s economic performance being a source of inspiration to many countries, Guyana also continues to benefit from deepening relations in this regard.

Even further, the two countries also enjoy a very fruitful partnership in the area of culture. With the beauty and vibrancy of the Chinese culture being part of the Guyanese identity, there was always the call for Chinese descendants to embrace their heritage and keep the splendour of it, alive.

Today is no different, and we encourage all Guyanese to participate in the festivities and observe the traditions of entering a New Year, with fresh perspectives and renewed hope.

Best wishes for a prosperous Year of the Pig!

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FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Chinese New Year 2019

By Lakhram Bhagirat

I

t does not matter which part of the world a Guyanese is, from the moment they find out that a fellow Guyanese is going to visit their area, their first request is “bring a fry rice fuh me nah”. Without even

thinking twice, one knows exactly what type of fried rice they are craving, since it is something distinctly associated with us Guyanese.

Nowhere in the world, not even in China, can you find the perfect chicken fried rice as you would in Guyana.

It is something we are eternally grateful for - something we get to call our own.

When the Chinese arrived here in then British Guiana on January 12, 1853 on board the “Glentanner”, they brought with them, like those before them, their cul-

ture and cuisine signalling the extension of Guyana as a diverse nation with a melting pot of different cultures.

They brought their unique customs and food, but had to adapt to the harsh realities of then British Guiana.

The late Anthony Bourdain once said: “Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist

feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those from the getgo,” and that is something that is very applicable in Guyanese society and particularly with the Chinese culinary influence.

It does not matter where

you are in Guyana, one thing is certain: most of us Guyanese crave a chicken fried rice from our favourite Chinese restaurant. It is one of the most requested items from Guyana by Guyanese living overseas. A friend who works at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport once told me that on an average day they would see over one

hundred parcels of Chinese fried rice frozen, wrapped in various types of packaging, stuffed away in suitcases with destinations all across the world.

But what is it that makes the Guyanese Chinese fried rice different from the rest of the world’s? Is it the fresh ingredients or is it just the way it is prepared?

We will never know. I have had the opportunity to have

Chinese f o o d from several places within the Caribbean region and it is true that none tasted like the one I get from Bright Star Restaurant at Vreeden-Hoop on the West Coast of Demerara.

Over the years, the influence of Chinese cuisine continues to bridge the cultural divide in society between

the Chinese and other ethnic groups. The way our Chinese prepare their fried rice is a secret one would never know and while many have come close to figuring out the recipe and methods, it

is something they are yet to achieve.

For me, I am always excited to walk into the restaurant and watch in amazement as they prepare my order. From the time they

splash the wok with water to clean it, followed by the oil and veggies, I am intrigued.

It always baffles me, since I am not sure whether they steam the rice before they fry it with the veggies, but that is a secret I and most Guyanese as a matter of fact

would n e v e r know.

But my bet is, it is steamed.

Chinese fried rice is a part of our Guyanese culture. It is part of our diverse identity as a people. So grab a ‘cokes’ and some fried rice and have a hearty meal.

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Sunday Times Magazine

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FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Chinese New Year 2019

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he Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, has more than 4,000 years of history and is the longest holiday of the year. In the 21st century, the national holiday begins on the first of the Lunar Calendar and lasts until the 15th of the first month. This year it is being observed on February 05.

In China, all stores are closed during the first five days of the Spring Festival, with some not opening until the very end. People must stock up on New Year beforehand and many begin on the Laba Festival.

Kitchens will also show the first signs of Spring Festival dishes with the preparation of cured meat, salted fish and other preserved food.

However, in the traditional sense, the Laba Festival of the lunar December (January 13th, 2019) marks the beginning of the Spring Festival.

Memorial ceremonies are held on this day to pray to ancestors and gods (such as door gods) for fortune and a successful harvest.

Though paganist in nature, the festival has become integrated into religions such as Daoism and Buddhism.

The main food for this festival is the Laba porridge. It includes seven types of grains, such as red bean, red dates and husked rice. There are many different myths regarding this porridge, but all teach the lesson of being grateful and not taking what you have for granted.

In addition, the Laba menu includes Laba tofu, noodles and wheat kernel rice. It is also said that eating ice on this day will prevent any stomachaches for the year.

Kicking off the main festivities is the Little Year on January 28th, with the Spring Festival officially beginning February 5th (February 4th is New Year's Eve) and ending with the Lantern Festival on February 19th. The Spring Festival is long and has specific activities and traditions for each day. As usual, they vary between regions. Here is a short summary of what may be

on the schedule.

Year of the Pig

The Pig is the twelfth of all zodiac animals.

According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived at his party. The pig was late because he overslept. Another story says that a wolf destroyed his house. He had to rebuild his home before he could set off. When he arrived, he was the last one and could only take twelfth place.

The Pig is also associated with the Earthly Branch and the hours 9–11 in the night. In terms of yin and yang, the Pig is yin. In Chinese culture, pigs are the symbol of wealth. Their chubby faces and big ears are signs of fortune as well.

Pigs might not stand out in a crowd. But they are very realistic. Others may be all talk and no action. Pigs are the opposite. Though not wasteful spenders, they will let themselves enjoy life.

They love entertainment and will occasionally treat themselves. They are a bit materialistic, but this

is motivation for them to work hard. Being able to hold solid objects in their hands gives them security.

They are energetic and are always enthusiastic, even for boring jobs. If given the chance, they will take positions of power and status. They believe that only those people have the

right to speak, and that’s what they want.

Pigs are gentle and rarely lose their temper.

Even when they do, it’s never a dramatic commotion. They’ll always try to compromise and settle things quickly. Because their goal in life is for everyone to live in harmony, they are suitable for careers related to charity and fundraisers.

They are also very tolerant and understanding.

If someone makes a mistake, they’ll try to help the person fix it. They are patient and want the best for everyone. This makes them great teachers and coaches.

If Pigs are interested in business, they should be braver. Take some risks in investments but to an extent. After some small obstacles, the road to wealth would be smooth. Real estate is a good option for these Pigs.

Pigs mostly have a great build and a resilient body. They are always spirited as if they will never run out of energy. Their natural health is something Pigs are proud of.

But sometimes they can be overconfident and overlook some minor symptoms. If

neglected for too long, even the smallest things can become grave.

In addition, Pigs lead very busy lives. Even if they don’t feel tired, they should still remember to take breaks. Seasonal changes have an effect on Pigs’ health too. They may be at risk for respiratory diseases. Unhealthy diets can lead to diabetes, high cholesterol and heart problems too.

Pigs are never one to give in to difficulties. This is a positive trait in the workplace, but might not be here. For good health, Pigs must learn to take small illnesses seriously and get regular checkups.

The Spring Festival is a time of celebration. It’s to welcome the New Year with a smile and let the fortune and happiness continue on. At the same time, the Spring Festival involves sombre ceremonies to wish for a good harvest.

Strict rules and restrictions go without saying.

During this time people are encouraged to not say negative words, do not break ceramics or glass, do not sweep or clean, do not demand debt payment, avoid taking medicine and avoid fighting and crying.

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FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Chinese New Year 2019

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his year, China and Guyana are celebrating 47 years of diplomatic relations – a milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries. Guyana was the first English-speaking country in the Caribbean to establish diplomatic ties with China in 1972, resulting in the establishment of an embassy in the capital Beijing.

China is the second largest trading partner of Latin America and the Caribbean, which is also a major destination for outbound Chinese investment, second only to Asia. Total China-Latin America trade increased from US$17 billion in 2002 to almost US$262 billion in 2014 and was valued at

US$257 billion in 2017. In 2015, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) President set a goal of total China-Latin America trade reaching US$500 billion in 10 years.

China’s imports from Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to about US$126 billion in 2017, accounting for seven per cent of China’s overall imports; China’s exports to the region amounted to US$131 billion, accounting

for 5.7 per cent of China’s total exports.

China’s diplomatic overtures in Latin America underpin China’s economic activities and help it to institutionalise its engagement in the region and garner support in international fora. Some analysts argue that China’s activities in the region reflect a global strategy to reduce US dominance, although they do not aim to challenge the United States directly or militarily.

China’s diplomatic efforts include being an observer at the Organisation of American States, a member of the Inter-American Development Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank, and an active par-

ticipant in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. A 2016 PRC policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean stated that China sought to strengthen cooperation on the basis of “equality and mutual benefit” in several key areas, including exchanges and dialogues, trade and investment, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and technological innovation.

Despite this being the 47th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Guyana and China, the relationship between the two countries began as early as 1853. Chinese citizens from Guangdong province migrated to Guyana (then British Guiana), to assist with alleviating labour shortages across the country. Many of the descendants of these immigrants became influential members of Guyanese society, such that

in 1970, Arthur Chung, a man of Chinese descent, was appointed as Guyana’s first President. He was the first ethnic Chinese to be Head of State of a non-Asian country.

Over the years, the relationship between the two countries has continued to grow and strengthen in the fields of transportation, infrastructure, information technology, health and security. Guyana has benefited significantly from increased

Chinese investment and the trade volume between both countries has tripled within the last decade.

The recent discovery of oil serves to complement the country’s core industries, including forestry, mining, energy, agriculture, construction and manufactured goods. All of these assets continue to make Guyana a lucrative investment destination for Chinese companies.

The two nations remain further committed to a series of wide-ranging initiatives through the China-CELAC Forum, the principal vehicle for China-Caribbean cooperation.

With China becoming an increasingly more influential partner in the region, it stands to reason that its partnership with Guyana will continue to be one of strategic importance.

While enjoying deep diplomatic relations, China and Guyana hold similar views and have consistently echoed and supported each other’s positions, be they on key international issues such as UN reform, climate change, sustainable development, regional integration and cooperation between China

and the Caribbean. Over the years, the strong, comprehensive programme of bilateral cooperation has resulted in Guyana benefiting from the services of Chinese medical doctors and technicians, the donation of equipment to the health sector, the educational work of the Confucius Institute, the support given to the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service, infrastructural support for the expansion and renovation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the widening of the East Coast Demerara Public Road, and the donation of vehicles and other equipment to the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.

Latin America is driving faster on the path toward deeper involvement in and with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), this time with the Caribbean on board.

The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road were launched in 2013 with routes from China through Asia and linking to Europe and Africa.

But Latin America soon indicated interest, as did several other regions.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

FEBRUARY 3, 2019

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Chinese New Year 2019

The Great Wall of China

T

ogether with European and Arabian architecture, ancient Chinese architecture is an important component of the world architectural system. During its long development, it gradually formed into a style which featured timberwork combining stone carving, rammed earth construction, bucket arch buildings and many other techniques. Industrious Chinese laboring people created many architectural miracles such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.

The most significant characteristic is the use of timber framework.

Paintings and carvings were added to the architectural work to make it more beautiful and attractive. Ancient Chinese buildings have a long history which can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (16th century BC - 771 BC). It has its own principles of structure and layout. Through the long development, many wonders have been created by industrious and clever laboring people.

Ancient architectural miracles are innumerable ranging from Great Wall, White Horse Temple, Mogao Caves to Summer Palace and Forbidden City.

Ancient Chinese architecture is mainly timberwork. Wooden posts, beams, lintels and joists make up the framework of a house. Walls serve as the separation of rooms without bearing the weight of the whole house, which is unique to China. As a famous saying goes, 'Chinese houses will still stand when their walls collapse.' The specialty of wood requires antisepsis methods to be adopted, thus develops into Chinese own architectural painting decoration.

Colored glaze roofs, windows with exquisite applique design and beautiful flower patterns on wooden pillars reflect the high-level of the craftsmen's handicraft and their rich imagination.

The layout of a courtyard complex is also unique to China. The main structure is located on the central axis of a court while less-important structures are located to the left and right. The whole layout is symmetrical. Compared with European architectural style which is open and shut, a courtyard is like a hand scroll of painting which should be unfolded little by little. The scenery is different in each courtyard. Even in moving several steps within the court yard, you will be surprised at the changing of prospects. Likewise from the interior of the buildings the view from no two windows is the same.

(China Travel Guide)

The Forbidden City

The Temple of Heaven

Summer Palace

Mogao Caves

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FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Chinese New Year 2019

T

raditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) arose through a lengthy historical process. The Chinese ancestors’ evolving understanding of medical science is revealed in ancient records concerning deities, sages, shamans, instinct, human interaction, and physical labour. TCM does not have a single root; rather it represents the synthesis of numerous elements and disciplines.

Ancient Chinese legends contain many stories about the invention of medicine by legendary figures such as Suirenshi, Fuxi, Shennong, and the Yellow Emperor. These stories do not record actual incidents. Rather, they represent the experience of ancient clans and tribes over the ages, as they struggled against disease and developed therapeutic methods and medicinal remedies. Such legends offer numerous clues to the development of medicine throughout China, and also reflect the traditional Chinese veneration of ancestors and sages.

Shennong and the 100 herbs

Traditionally Chinese remedies include various types of mal, vegetable, and mineral substances. However, the majority are made

from plant products. As a result, the traditional Chinese term for medical remedies and their application as bencao (herbal medicine).

Most C h i n e s e medical classics concerning the theory and clinical applica-

tion of traditional remedies use the term bencao in their titles.

According to one of China’s most popular legends, Shennong, the Chinese god of medicine and farming, originated traditional Chinese medicine when he personally tested 100 herbs, of which 70 were poisonous, on himself in a day. Shennong is another name of the Yan Emperor, on of the legendary ancestors of the Chinese people.

Primitive human society had very limited productive capability. Humanity had not yet learned to cultivate and propagate agricultural crops and relied entirely on hunting and gathering for survival. People lived in caves, eating raw meat and whatever wild fruit, seeds, and roots they could find to allay their hunger.

There were many opportunities for them to accidentally consume poisonous plants, resulting in purging, unconsciousness, or even death. Through a long process of trial and error, humanity’s ancestors gradually learned to distinguish the

the nine types of needles used in Chinese acupuncture: chanzhen (ploughshare needle), yuanzhen (round needle), tizhen (arrowhead needle), fengzhen (sharp-edged needle), haozhen (fine needle), changzhen (long needle) and dazhen (large needle).

For thousands of years, Fuxi has been honoured as the originator of acupuncture.

From the stone age well into the bronze age, stone tools played a paramount role in human society. Bianshi stones were one of humanity’s earliest surgical instruments.

Bianshi stones were slender implements with a sharp tip or blade, used primarily to lance abscesses and drain pus and blood.

They may also have been used to therapeutically stimulate specific points on the body in an early version of acupuncture. As therapeutic methods developed, Bianshi stones evolved into knives and needles. Bianshi stones continued to be used for several thousand years after the

ani-

effects and uses of various plants. They determined which were poisonous, which were edible, and which had therapeutic applications. For instance, they discovered that rhubarb causes diarrhea, melon stalks induce vomiting, and ginger relieves nausea. As humanity learned to utilize various plants to achieve specific effects, the science of herbal medicine was born.

The legend of Shennong testing herbs upon himself in a metaphor for the Chinese ancestors’ long process of discovering the properties of medicinal herbs. As their store of practical experience increased over the ages, herbal medicine progressed from occasional, intuitive applications to a comprehensive and scientific system, culminating in the compilation of the fundamental health treatise.

Fuxi invents the nine acupuncture needles

Fuxi is another legendary ancestors of the Chinese people, said to be one of the originators of traditional Chinese medicine. Legend has it that Fuxi invented

end of the stone age.

The evolution of surgical instruments was closely connected to social progress and increasing productive capability.

Primitive bianshi stones were refined into stone blased and needles, which were replaced in turn by bamboo, wood, and bone and finally by bronze, iron, silver and gold.

Yi Yin invents Herbal Decoctions

Decoctions are a type of traditional Chinese remedy made by boiling various substances, primarily herbs, in water to extract their medicinal properties. Legend has it that the process of decocting herbs was investing by Yi Yin, a renowned Prime Minister said to have lived during the king Tang reign of the Shang Dynasty. Yi Yin was an excellent chef who also had a deep understanding of medicine. It is said that Yi Yin invented the first medicinal decoctions by simmering together various culinary flavourings such as cinnamon , ginger, licorice, jujube, and peony. (Excerpts

from Traditional Medicine in Chinese Culture

by Yu Youhua and Lin Qian)

8 Sunday Times Magazine

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FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Chinese New Year 2019

W

indsor Forest is a small village on the West Coast of Demerara and it is also the first village the Chinese indentured immigrants settled it. Today, the village is predominantly occupied by Indo-Guyanese with very little trace of its Chinese heritage. However there is a monument in the compound of the Windsor Forest Primary School that is dedicated to the Chinese immigrants. Windsor Forest is also the home of Guyana’s First President, Arthur Chung.

Photographer Dexter Ceres recently visited the village and took these photos.

The Chinese Commemoration Monument

The Windsor Forest Primary School

One of the Churches

One of the many Chinese Restaurant in Windsor Forest

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FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

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Chinese New Year 2019

T

he Spring Festival is a time of change and new beginnings.

Practically every activity during the Spring Festival has the purpose of removing the old and welcoming the new. Forget about the misfortunes and be ready for good luck. In addition, new clothes are auspicious and can protect you from evil spirits.

Like the New Year couplets and other deco r a tions, n e w

clothes also add to the festivity. In the past, China was an agrarian society. There was only 1 harvest per year in the north and 2-3 in the south.

Throughout the entire year, people scrimped and saved.

But during Chinese New Year, people can finally splurge and treat themselves.

Here are a few looks people would go for during the season.

10 Sunday Times Magazine

FEBRUARY 3, 2019

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Chinese New Year 2019

Jiaozi – Boiled Chinese Dumplings Jiaozi Dough 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 cups all-purpose flour Up to 1 1/4 cups cold water Filling 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry) 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper (or to taste) 1 cup ground beef (or desired meat) 3 tablespoons sesame oil 1/2 green onion (spring onion, finely minced) 1 1/2 cups Napa cabbage (finely shredded) 4 tablespoons bamboo shoots (shredded) 2 slices fresh ginger (finely minced) 1 clove garlic (peeled and finely minced) Directions Stir the salt into the flour. Slowly stir in the cold water, adding as much as is necessary to form a smooth dough. Knead the dough into a smooth ball. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

While the dough is resting, make the filling; add the soy sauce, salt, rice wine, and white pepper to the meat, stirring in only one direction. Add the remaining ingredients,

Nian Gao –New Year Cake Ingredients 16 ounces sweet rice flour (glutinous rice flour), plus a bit extra for sprinkling on the baking dish 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, or 3/4 cup vegetable oil 3 eggs 2 1/2 cups milk 1 to 1 3/4 cup sugar (depending on how sweet you like it) 1 tablespoon baking soda One can red azuki beans Directions Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-by13-inch baking dish with oil or spray with nonstick cooking

Spring Roll

should not be watery, it should be kind of sticky.

Filling 1 tbsp oil 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced 400 g / 13 oz minced meat 6 dried shiitake mushrooms soaked in boiling water OR 8 fresh 1 1/2 cups shredded carrot 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts 1 1/2 cups (packed) shredded green cabbage 1 tsp cornflour/cornstarch 1 1/2 tbsp Oyster Sauce 2 tsp soy sauce

Spring Roll Mix cornflour and water in a small bowl (for sealing the rolls). Carefully peel off one spring roll wrapper, keep the others covered under a damp tea towel. Place a very heaped spoon of filling on the bottom. Roll up halfway, fold sides in, then finish rolling. Use cornflour sludge to seal.

Heat oil and fry spring rolls for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

Spring Rolls 15 – 20 spring roll wrappers 2 tsp cornflour (for sealing rolls) 1 tbsp water (for sealing rolls) Oil for frying stirring in the same direction, and mix well.

Divide the dough into 60 pieces. Roll each piece out into a circle about 3 inches in diameter.

Place a small portion (about 1 level tablespoon) of the filling into the middle of each wrapper.

Wet the edges of the dumpling with water.

Fold the dough over the filling into a half moon shape and pinch the edges to seal. Continue with the remainder of the dumplings.

To cook, bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Add half the dumplings, giving them a gentle stir so they don’t stick together. Bring the water to a boil, and add 1/2 cup of cold water. Cover and repeat.

When the dumplings come to a boil for the third time, they are ready. Drain and remove.

If desired, they can be pan-fried at this point. spray.

Place all of the ingredients but the beans in the bowl of an electric mixer and mix at medium speed for 2 minutes. Beat for 2 more minutes at high speed.

Sprinkle the extra rice flour into the baking dish and then add half of the batter.

Spread the red adzuki beans on top. (You can mix some batter into the beans if they are too thick to spread).

Spread the other half of the batter over the red azuki beans.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a chopstick.

If it comes out clean, it is done.

Sweet and Sour Sauce Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to simmer, stirring regularly, then simmer until it thickens to taste (about 3 - 5 minutes).

Sweet and Sour Sauce 2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch 2 tbsp water ½ cup apple cider vinegar 1/3 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste) 2 tbsp ketchup 2 tsp soy sauce Instructions Filling Heat oil in a skillet or wok over high heat.

Add garlic, stir quickly, then add meat. Cook, breaking it up as you go. Add carrot, bean sprouts, cabbage and mushrooms. Cook for 3 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Add cornflour, soy sauce and Oyster sauce, cook for 1 minute until the liquid is gone. The Filling

Longevity Noodles Ingredients 8 cups water 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 pound dried thin egg noodles or spaghetti Sauce 3 cups chicken broth or stock 1 tablespoon soy sauce or to taste 1 teaspoon sesame oil 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 4 teaspoons water White or black pepper to taste For Poached Eggs, Optional 2 eggs, lightly beaten Garnish: 3 green onions (spring onions, finely chopped) Directions Bring the salted water to a boil and parboil the noodles, using chopsticks to separate them.

Rinse the noodles repeatedly in cold water and

drain thoroughly. Divide the noodles equally among soup bowls.

Bring the broth or stock to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and pepper.

Give the cornstarch and water a quick re-stir and stir it in.

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the beaten egg, pouring it slowly through the tines of a fork and stirring rapidly in one direction for about 1 minute.

P o u r the hot b r o t h over the noodles.

Garnish with the chopped ham and green onion.

To Include Poached Eggs: Use the wok to poach the eggs.

The poached eggs are placed on the noodles and the sauce is poured over. Garnish with the green onion and the sliced ham as in the recipe above.

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FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Feature

Lomarsh Roopnarine

I

f you are unfamiliar with rural Guyana, particularly in the Corentyne, and happen to be traveling in this region you will find one unique c h ara cteristic

that is probably absent elsewhere in Guyana and the Caribbean. You will find groups of young men around eighteen to thirty years old hanging out in a semi-circle on one or both sides of the public road.

It is customary for young men, and sometimes older

men, to form groups on the parapets of the main public road on the Corentyne in the early mornings and evenings to discuss all sorts of events that happen in the village, in Guyana and in the international community. If a cricket match is being played between the West Indies and England,

if someone is having an affair, or if a young lady is sexually available, the discussion can go on late into the night with selective whispering occasioned by a sudden burst of laughter.

The gathering of these young men is more than just about hanging out, more than idle talk and speculation. It is an opportunity for them to discuss what is not said in their homes, what has not been allowed in their schools, temples, churches. It is also an opportunity for them to unlearn what they have learned, to learn about what they were not allowed to learn such as sex, dirty jokes, foul language, and the challenges of a budding masculinity.

The roadside hangout is a sanctuary, a rite of passage in the absence of formal private dwellings for unemployed, perverse, progressive, inexperienced young men. One white American visitor to the Corentyne described this daily gathering of young men as “conversational corners of village life.� He was apparently confused as to why so many young men would rather hang out on the side of the road than attend his evening pastoral preaching.

No one is entirely sure where this tradition of young men hanging out on the roadside mornings and evenings comes from since it is uncommon in urban Guyana and in other Caribbean islands. In these latter places, the gathering tends to occur in the homes, shops, churches, bars, parks, abandoned buildings and at the marketplace. It appears that the custom of young men hanging out on the roadside started during the indentured period, supposedly a tradition transferred from rural India to British Guiana in the nineteenth century.

Interestingly, too, is that the structure of the road and tropical climate dictate why and when the grouping occurs. Unlike most roads in the Caribbean, the road in the Corentyne does not have significant feeder roads, so the main public road is wide enough to facilitate all sorts of activity from general traffic that includes motored vehicles, bicycles, donkey carts, pedestrians, peddlers, and, yes, conversational corners.

The tropical heat allows for grouping to occur in the cooler mornings and evenings, although, grouping can occur at any time when quarrels and fights happen

in the village.

What makes this tradition even more intriguing is that it has survived police surveillance, but with the introduction of television in the early 1990s the tradition has been fading slowly as the younger generation has become victims of excessive TV watching.

Real conversations are being replaced by fictional TV

characters. I am not sure if roadside hang-outs will continue in rural Guyana.

We cannot, however, nonchalantly downplay the significance and importance of roadside hang-outs to village life replete with limited social services. Roadside hang-outs have empowered, especially impoverished village denizens, to deal with the exigency of

village life. The closing down of the sugar estates along the Corentyne might very well provide fodder for the longevity of roadside hang-outs insofar as to cohere and co-exist in an environment where rural stability and happiness have become elusive goals. (lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums. edu)

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FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Puzzles

ACROSS

1 Jewelry box

6 British dandy

10 Great destruction

15 Exploding stars

20 Nader or Bellamy

21 Zahn or Abdul

22 Quested of "A Passage

to India"

23 Get used to

24 "The Zoo Story" penner

25 Place to wed

26 Town -

27 Detect

28 Livelihoods (2 wds.)

30 Fortune (2 wds.)

32 More idle

33 Thoughts

35 Lampreys

36 Subsides

39 Windhoek's cont.

40 Footed vase

41 Shoe-wiping place

42 Drops the ball

46 Lao-Tzu's "way"

47 Moonbeam

48 Bait fish

51 Movie with a posse

53 Track-meet org.

54 Parka

56 Gladly, old-style

57 Horse's ankles

59 Bass or alto

61 Lean person

62 Mesa's cousin

63 Wee parasite

64 Exxon -- spill

65 Self-defense art

67 Mr. Feliciano

68 A hundred percent

69 Big celebration

72 Shogun's capital

73 They have moons

76 Museum employees

80 NFL gains

81 "How've ya --?"

82 Math subj.

83 Conforming to facts

85 Showy yellow moths

86 Farm feline

88 Eclipse

92 Reuben bread

93 Pentathlon event

94 Stein filler

95 Padlock adjunct

96 Home furnishing (2 wds.)

99 European capital

102 103 104 108 109 110 111 112 113 115 116 117 118 120 121 123 124 125 127 129 131 135 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151

Desert feature Air-lifted "Gigi" composer Curie or Antoinette Sounds gruff Untold centuries Sci-fi weapons Afore Spanish carnival Chatty starling Dude, Jamaica-style Hyundai rival Video-game name Bad-mouth Links org.

Pooch -- spumante Hall-of-Famer -- Speaker Fountain in Rome Mechanic's job, at times Amtrak's Acela (2 wds.)

Functional Diva's tunes Afterward Kremlin name Waited in line Give off, as sweat Delete a file Carve a canyon Macbeth's title Lemon peels Pub throws Large purse Tuxedo trim DOWN 1 Jam-pack 2 Comet -- -Bopp 3 Napoleon's island 4 Stints 5 Frat letter 6 Motormouth

7 Toward the edge

8 Greenhouse tray

9 Iran's language

10 Virus carrier, maybe 11 TV's -- Monk

12 Marble markings

13 Cassini of fashion

14 Toddlers' safety items (2 wds.)

15 Twangy

16 Port in Denmark

17 FedEx trucks

18 Lhasa - 19 Flower part

21 Calm

29 Angler -- Walton

31 Nerve network

34 Smite a knight

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME

TODAY'S WORD -- INALIENABLE

(INALIENABLE: in-ALE-yuh-nuh-bul: Incapable of being surrendered or transferred.)

Average mark 29 words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 41 or more words in INALIENABLE?

inane nail nene nine able alee alibi alien anile anneal label lain lanai

lane lean liable libel lien line lineal linen elan enable bail bailee bale

baleen ball banal bane bean beanie been belie bell belle biennial bile bill

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s," such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. For example, if "bake" is used, "baked" or "bakes" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

36 37 38 41 43 44 45 47 48 49 50 51 52 55 56 57 58 60 62 64 66 67 69

Depot info Judge's bench

Oaf Slap together

Foray Compete at Indy Canal of note

Pasta-sauce brand Lynx and ocelot Mooch (2 wds.)

Half of "deux" Sonnet stanza Insulation meas. (hyph.)

Indian potentate Japanese bedrolls

Many Vietnamese

Belgian river Earthenware pot

Stick around

Fuzzier

Hissed at Medicinal root Sock hop locale

70 71 74 75 77 78 79 81 84 87 89 90 91 93 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 105 106

Hubbub Baton Rouge inst.

Memory glitches Scatters Jag Woodland creature NNW opposite Conviction Meg or Nolan Rani's garment Kirk's lieutenant Foul-smelling Beauty parlor "I" problems Gossipy Barrett -- Bator Fr. ladies Bern's river Remnant Speaker's platform Tina of "30 Rock" Cartoon shrieks Subpoena

107 109 111 114 115 116 119 121 122 123 124 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 136 137 138 139

Mr. Morales Raised the hackles Mr. Spock's forte Blue-pencil Dallas cager Illinois city Finally (2 wds.)

Druid or shaman Romance et al Multiply, to amoebas Whodunit's Christie Sits down Volga language Cay "Like it -- -- ..."

Snug retreats Dylan contemporary Try to influence Commits perjury -- avis Mr. Saarinen Gravy vessel Jennifer on "WKRP" Blissful spot

See Solution on page 14

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

A

pple has restored Facebook's permission to run iPhone apps used and tested internally by the social media giant's employees.

The iPhone maker yanked Facebook's enterprise certificates after it discovered that the social network sidestepped the review process for consumer apps. Instead, Facebook went through a program that allows companies to create apps for their employees to use and test.

Facebook subsequently distributed the Facebook Research app to iPhone users, paying some people as much as $20 per month to access a user's phone and web activity for market research.

The software gave Facebook access to user data including web searches, location data and private messages.

The problems with Apple comes as Facebook slogs through a series of scandals that have called into question leadership of CEO Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg. The New York Times reported the two executives ignored warnings and deflected blame as Facebook's scandals mounted.

The social network has also faced criticism for not doing enough to protect the data privacy and security of its 2.3 billion users. Facebook reportedly giving other tech companies more access to user data than originally disclosed and suffered a software bug that exposed the photos of up to 6.8 million people to third-party app developers.

Q

A Cambridge Analytica, a UK political consultancy, also harvested the data of up to 87 million users without their permission.

Initially, Apple blocked Facebook from offering the Facebook Research app to iPhone users. It then revoked Facebook's enterprise certificates, which affected apps that employees used internally including a workplace version of Facebook and an app to hail rides.

"We have had our Enterprise Certification, which enables our internal employee applications, restored," a Facebook spokesperson said in a state-

ualcomm may be facing fire for its licensing practices, but it managed to reach an interim agreement with one previously resistant handset maker.

The company on Wednesday said Huawei, the world's secondbiggest smartphone company, has signed a short-term licensing agreement with Qualcomm. The deal, reached in Qualcomm's fiscal first quarter that ended Dec. 30, runs through the company's fiscal third quarter.

Huawei will pay Qualcomm $150 million each quarter, Qualcomm Financial Chief George Davis said during a call with

ment on Thursday. "We are in the process of getting our internal apps up and running. To be clear, this didn't have an impact on our consumer-facing services."

Facebook wasn't the only company that ran afoul of Apple's rules for developers. Apple also prevented Google from running apps used by the search giant's employees. The decision came after Google pulled its Screenwise Meter app from Apple devices. Like Facebook, Google bypassed Apple's review process for consumer apps by going through a program that lets companies distribute app internally. (CNET)

analysts about the company's financial results.

Huawei and Apple were the only two major companies still fighting with Qualcomm over its licensing terms. Reaching a deal with Huawei -- even if it's currently only interim -- alleviates some worries about the company's future in charging handset makers for using its technology.

Qualcomm continues to battle Apple in courts around the world.

The two will face off over patents in March and over licensing in April, both on Qualcomm's home turf of San Diego, California.

Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf on Wednesday said

he's confident in the company's prospects when it comes to the ongoing litigation over its licensing practices.

"We continue to believe that over the course of 2019, we will reach a resolution on the key outstanding issues in our disputes with Apple through settlement or litigation, and we are prepared for both outcomes," Mollenkopf said Wednesday during a call with analysts.

Huawei, for its part, also facing legal battles. Just Monday, the US slapped it with 23 indictments for alleged trade secret theft and fraud.

Qualcomm is the world's

lite version of the Nintendo Switch is in the works, says a Thursday report. Nintendo is planning to offer a smaller version of the Switch hybrid console to make the gaming device more portable, according to a report from Japanese publication Nikkei. Nintendo told manufacturing partners and game developers about the plan, the publication said.

The new model will be easier to carry around, though its functionality will be limited, according to Neowin's translation of the Nikkei report. The smaller Switch device may appear in mid-2019.

This comes after October rumors that Nintendo may release an updated ver-

sion of the Switch as soon as the summer of 2019. In September, the gaming giant launched Nintendo Switch Online, a subscription service that costs $20 a year and lets users play games in multiplayer mode and gives them a library of classic titles.

Nintendo reportedly may also launch another subscription service this year.

The rumored service will reportedly target users who don't mind spending a lot of money on in-app purchases.

Nintendo didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Nikkei is the largest Japanese business newspaper and has accurately predicted the arrival of new Nintendo products before. (CNET)

biggest provider of mobile chips, and it created technology that's essential for connecting phones to cellular networks. The company derives a significant portion of its revenue from licensing those inventions to hundreds of device makers, with the fee based on the value of the phone, not the components.

Because Qualcomm owns patents related to 3G, 4G and 5G networking technology, as well as other features like software, all handset makers building a device that connects to cellular networks have to pay it a licensing fee, even if they don't use Qualcomm's chips. (CNET)

Next iPhone may swap Lightning port for USB-C, have three rear cameras

T

G

oogle+ content will start vanishing on April 2, the company said Wednesday.

The search giant planned to "sunset" the consumer side of its also-ran social network since its October admission that the personal data of up to 500,000 users was exposed between 2015 and March 2018.

Originally, Google said the service would close in August 2019, but it announced last month that the date had been moved up to April after a new bug revealed further vulnerabilities in the platform.

Now you've got an exact deadline for saving any photos or videos you put on it. At that time, the company will shut down your Google+ account and start deleting pages, photos, videos and other content.

Disappearing sooner are the

Google+ API developer tools, which lay at the heart of the security breach. They'll cease to be on March 7, Google product manager David Conway wrote in a blog post. Companies using Google+ needn't worry though, since Google will continue to support the enterprise side. (CNET)

he next iPhone may feature a handful of new hardware and tricks, particularly related to its camera setup, Bloomberg reports.

The Apple iPhone is one of the most popular and recognizable devices in the world. But after years of steady growth, Apple reported a disappointing fiscal first-quarter, and its iPhone sales of $52 billion is 15 percent lower than last year's.

Adding compelling features to the successors of the iPhone XS, XS Plus and XR may push customers to upgrade their phones, increasing Apple's sales and pulling it up from this slump.

According to Bloomberg, which cited people "familiar with the plans," the next iPhone may include three rear cameras, instead of the current two. The third camera will have a more powerful zoom, a higher resolution and a wider field of view than any camera on today's iPhones.

In addition, 2020 iPhones could have a rear 3D camera system.

(Right now, the iPhones only have a front-facing 3D camera.) With this new update, the camera could sense distance and measure depth through lasers, improving the iPhone's handling of augmented-reality apps and features.

Apple is purportedly testing out iPhones with a USB-C port as well.

Most iPhones are outfitted with Apple's proprietary Lightning port.

To change from Lightning to USB-C would be a notable move for Apple, and would increase the iPhone's compatibility with third-party accessories and Android phones. (CNET)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Bollywood/Hollywood

A

ctor Tiger Shroff, who delivered a successful film in Baaghi 2 in 2018, says he is under pressure for his forthcoming releases that include Student of The Year 2 and Baaghi 3.

“Definitely. There is pressure because I didn’t expect Baaghi 2 would do the numbers which it did so there is lot of expectations among audience for Baaghi as a franchise and not only that, I am also doing Student of The Year 2 which is a very big franchise,” Tiger said at photographer Dabboo Ratnani’s 2019 calendar launch.

“I am stepping into the shoes of three very big stars (Alia

Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra) along with my co-stars who are two new beautiful girls.

We have lot of pressure on us,” he added.

Tiger added that it is a big film and “we want the franchise to live on so, we have kept our fingers crossed.” Talking about his shooting schedule, Tiger said: “I have finished shooting of Student of The Year 2 and currently I am shooting for ‘Hrithik vs Tiger’ film.”

Apart from Student Of The Year 2 and Baaghi 3, Tiger will also be seen sharing screen space with his childhood idol actor Hrithik Roshan in a yet-

L

untitled film produced by Yash Raj Productions. Sharing his experience of working with Hrithik, he said: “It was like a dream come true moment for me. After every shot, when I see him on the monitor,I feel like I am dreaming because it has been my childhood fantasy working with him. When we do a high speed shot or an action scene then it feels amazing.” (Hindustan Times)

il Wayne is suing his former lawyer for $20 million. The rapper is suing Ronald Sweeney, an attorney who represented him from 2005 until 2018, for overcharging him during their 13 years working together, reports TMZ. According to documents obtained by the website, Wayne claims that Sweeney was charging him 10 percent for every deal he helped close, even though industry standard is 5 percent.

In addition to overcharging Wayne, the rapper also accused his former lawyer of trying to get even more money out of him. The documents claim that Sweeney, by enlisting the help of another firm, allegedly got himself an extra 23 percent from Wayne’s multimillion-dollar settlement with Cash Money Records and extra 15 percent from his settlement with Universal Music Group.

Wayne is seeking at least $20 million, according to TMZ. (Page Six)

Is Dostana 2 happening? Karan Johar addresses rumours

N

ews about the second instalment of the 2008 hit film Dostana has been doing the rounds for a while now, but it seems like the rumour mills have got it all wrong. Filmmaker Karan Johar took to his Twitter handle to clear speculations related to the film.

“For the record.....

NO ONE has been officially approached for DOSTANA 2!!!!

Some thoughts and ideas are underway but nothing official has moved,” he tweeted.

According to various media reports, Alia Bhatt had apparently been roped in to play

P

resident Trump on Thursday condemned the brutal assault on “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett in Chicago, an attack that was being investigated as a possible hate crime.

“That I can tell you is horrible. It doesn’t get worse,” Trump told reporters from the White House during an unrelated event.

Smollett told cops a pair of goons yelling “This is MAGA country” struck him early Tuesday while yelling

racist and homophobic slurs, then placed a rope around his neck. The MAGA details were reported by TMZ but have not been otherwise confirmed. He was not seriously hurt and was expected to be back performing by the weekend.

Chicago cops released surveillance footage of “potential persons of interest” in the case but have not verified all of the details of the incident as described by Smollett. (Page Six)

Crossword Solution

the lead in Dostana 2. Reports also stated that the 25-year-old

actor who made her debut with KJo’s Student of The Year 2 is

O

ffset just wants his fans to be patient. The only Migos member to not release a solo album last year recently told i-D that his record will come out when he’s ready for it to come out.

“Yes, I am releasing a solo record,” the 27-year-old told the magazine. “And no, you can’t get a title.

Nowadays, we’re drowned in a constant flow of information. You get tons of content without having to do a thing, it’s just getting to you non-stop. I want my album to come out when the time is right, and the way I see it a title is already one piece of information too many.”

He went on to explain that he feels the hunger for every little tidbit of in-

formation surrounding the release of cultural products only serves to lessen

their impact.

“I don’t want people to be projecting anything into it before the album’s even out, whether it’s their wishes or their opinions,” he said. “I take my time because I want to be sure it all makes sense.”

Offset’s still as-yet-untitled album was originally supposed to come out on the rapper’s birthday, December 14, following releases from the other Migos members, Quavo and Takeoff.

The record was delayed indefinitely shortly after news broke that Offset and wife, Cardi B, had separated, but with rumors that the two have reunited only growing in intensity, maybe the album will finally see the light of day. (Page Six)

F

ilm and television producer Ekta Kapoor is now a mother to a baby boy. According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, she welcomed her first child via surrogacy. The report states that the child was born on January 27 and is healthy.

The Kapoor household is all set to bring the little one home soon.

Just like her brother Tusshar Kapoor, Ekta has also opted for the surrogate route to embrace motherhood. The two are the children of veteran actor Jeetendra and producer

Shoba Kapoor.

Tusshar had welcomed a baby boy on June 1, 2017

also keen about working on the film.

However, KJo has cleared the air about any speculations surrounding the upcoming film.

Amidst all the confusion, he further confirmed that although no one has been approached, some ideas are being discussed.

After the success of the 2008 romantic-comedy film, fans have been eagerly awaiting a sequel. The film Dostana featured Priyanka Chopra, John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan in lead roles. Bobby Deol too was seen in a cameo in the Tarun Mansukhani directorial. (Hindustan Times)

who was named by Ekta as Laksshya. She is a doting aunt to the two-and-a-half-

year old who is often spotted with his father on playdates with other star kids like Taimur Ali Khan or at his playschool. The actor is a full-time father to the boy and juggles his parental duties amid his professional commitments.

In a special post, shared on Instagram, she revealed that she has named her son Ravie Kapoor, after her father and veteran actor Jeetendra. His original name was Ravie Kapoor, before he made his Bollywood debut. (Hindustan Times)

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

September 2, 2018

Fun Times

Archie

Keep life simple, and only offer to do what's within rea(March 21son. Use your intelligence April 19) and physical attributes to live up to your promises. A change will turn out to be better than anticipated.

ARIES

If you touch base with a TAURUS friend or relative who could (April 20- use some help, you'll get May 20) something in return. Actions will speak louder than words, so do a lot and say little.

GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)

Develop one of your ideas and share your plan with a loved one. An unexpected gift or offer will take you by surprise. Don't take too long to make a decision.

A desire to have more money shouldn't lead you to (June 21- make an unwise investment.

July 22) You are better off cutting your overhead than putting your money into a risky venture.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

A change will do you good.

Visit someone you haven't seen for some time or take a day trip with a loved one. Physical improvements will boost your ego.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Spend less time at home and more time with people who share your interests, concerns and goals. Refuse to let someone's excessive behavior cause you grief. Take better care of yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Get out and do things with people who make you laugh and spark your imagination.

The ideas you come up with will lead to a joint venture that looks promising.

Visit a friend or relative, SCORPIO and listen to what others have (Oct. 24- to offer. The information that Nov. 22) comes your way will help you avoid making a mistake.

Too much of anything SAGITTARIUS will cause a problem for you.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21) Focus on positive changes that will encourage better health, wealth and happiness. A romantic encounter will enrich your life.

Calvin and Hobbes

Avoid getting involved CAPRICORN with unpredictable individu(Dec. 22- als. Stick to what and who you Jan. 19) know best, and protect your possessions, passwords and reputation. Don't get involved in secret dealings.

A snap decision will lead AQUARIUS to regret. Slow down and (Jan. 20- consider the consequences Feb. 19) before taking action. When in doubt, take a time-out and enjoy the company of close friends or family.

Be wary of anyone boastPISCES (Feb. 20- ing or making unrealistic ofMar. 20) fers. Stick to people who offer valuable information that you can use. Your kindness will not go unnoticed.