Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

Sunday

Times January 17, 2016

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A privilege to fly

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 17, 2016

Times Feature

Four pilots earn their ultimate wings

P

ilot ‘wings’, or badges, are a symbol of the hard work, training and dedication required to earn a pilot's license.

Aviation wings are issued to pilots who have achieved a certain level of proficiency or training.

Recently, four pilots at Roraima Airways were awarded their ‘wings’ after enduring rigorous training, which included night flying to remote areas in Guyana to save lives. After receiving their wings, they now take up the position as Command Pilots.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Captain Gerry Gouveia Snr, co-founder of Roraima Airways and veteran pilot, said receiving such an award is not a “right” but a “privilege”.

He urged the Command Pilots to be “truthful to self and to the authorities, to be responsible, safe and, most of all, respect their licenses.”

Gouveia also stated that the next step is for the pilots to build their experience.

The Command Pilots are the most recent group at Roraima Airways to receive their pilot badges at the Wings Commission Ceremony at Duke Lodge.

From left are Command Pilots Terrence Trapnell, Ryan Prashad, Colin Martin, Gerry Gouveia Jnr with Captains Debbie and Gerry Gouveia Snr

cense, instrument rating license and commercial pilot single engine license. He received his instrument ground instructor certification through the FAA in 2010.

He has racked up more than 1,200 hours of flight time.

Prashad has worked both in Guyana and the USA. He joined the Roraima flight squad in March 2013 and achieved the rank of Captain

Miami, Florida, where he pursued his private pilot’s license course in November 2011; and Commercial FAA pilot license training (airline single and multi-engine land instrument rated) from March 2012 to April 2012.

In May 2012, his international license was converted into a Guyana pilot’s license after returning to his homeland.

Col Larry London pins a wing on Gerry Gouveia Jnr while his parents look on

Command Pilots’ profiles

Born Feb. 2, 1985, Ryan Prashad grew up in Georgetown and attended Queen’s College from 19962002, after which he attended the Art Williams and Henry Wendt School of Aeronautics.

After graduation, he went on to further his aviation studies overseas at Vaughn College of Aeronautics in Flushing, NY; there he pursued studies for one year then moved to the Academy of Aviation, Farmingdale, NY. At Farmingdale, Prashad secured his private pilot li-

in September 2015.

Colin Martin was born Aug. 14, 1977, and grew up in Georgetown. After completing high school at age 17, he joined the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to complete his Officer Cadet training in 1995.

Appointments he held included Platoon Commander, Operations Officer and Company Commander. He resigned from the GDF as a Major in 2012, after 17 years of dedicated service.

Capt. Martin chose to do his pilot training at Dean International Flight School,

His first flight with Roraima was to Bartica as a co-pilot in June 2012.

On December 2013, he began and completed Islander training by Capt. Gouveia Snr. His first command flight with Roraima was on May 2014 to Piarco, Trinidad.

Capt. Martin has more than 600 flights, since he was employed, under his belt. He brings a wealth of experience as a senior staff member at Roraima.

One of the highlights of Martin’s job is medical evacuations (medivac). He is trained specifically in night

medivac. He is a prodigy of the late Capt. Alvin Clarke.

As a senior officer, Martin is said to be “an asset” to the flight team at Roraima.

A pilot’s journey

Captain Gerry Gouveia Jnr. is the eldest son of Captain Debbie Gouveia and Gerry Gouveia Snr. He was born in Quebec, Canada, Feb. 5, 1987.

He attended and graduated from the AQ University of Toronto with a BA in political science. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces in Infantry as a commissioned officer as well as the Air Force as a pilot for a total of eight years.

Gerry Jnr. is the holder of a Canadian and Guyanese commercial pilot license and is a certified Emergency Management Coordinator, as recognised by the Province of Ontario.

Currently, he is a Director of Roraima Airways with specific responsibility for the day-to-day operations at the Ogle Airport.

The Command Pilot is an ardent martial arts enthusiast. He also enjoys giving back to children, especially to those of the Santa Mission School, of which Roraima is the Patron. He is actively engaged in the medivac night operations of Roraima, having been under the tutelage of Capt. Clark and also his father, Capt. Gerry Snr. In an interview with this publication, Gerry Jnr. credits his family for his success.

He said that he grew up with two “extraordinary pilots as parents” who have allowed him “to witness firsthand the heroism and bravery that we are all capable of.”

“I count myself lucky to have amazing role models throughout my life. My parents and my brother have always supported me in my decisions and guided me throughout my life,” he declared.

Gerry also pointed out

that he invested time, energy, and a lot of sacrifice to become a pilot. He added that becoming a pilot is a “long and challenging process” and is just the “first step on the journey”.

“Every time I jump into the cockpit I know I am challenging fate and that I accept the responsibility for people's lives. It is a responsibility I do not take for granted.

It is why hours of study and preparation on the ground will match every hour flown in the sky. As pilots, our mistakes cost lives, so we dedicate our professional lives to ensuring we don’t make any,” he noted.

Regarding receiving his wings, Gerry said that it is “a symbol of professionalism, trust, and honour. It is a privilege that is earned through years of dedication”. He also stated that it is a tribute to all the pilots before him and he will “strive to make them proud”.

The Command Pilot pointed out that it is always his “priority to refine his craft and continuing to strive for high levels of safety and proficiency”.

“My advice to youths is to find your passion. I think the trick in life is finding your hobby and finding a way for it to earn a living. I count myself lucky to have a career where I love waking up in the morning and even when I work long hours I feel extremely satisfied and fulfilled. Get your foot in the door. Apply to the companies that do what you are passionate about. Get into the industry and learn your craft. And lastly make a plan. Research what education you will need, seek advice from people in the industry, and make a plan then stick to it,” Gerry encouraged.

A love of flying

Captain Terrence Trapnell was raised in upstate New York in a farming and manufacturing commu-

nity. In high school, he studied aviation at a technical institute and worked part time in a machine shop. He started as a professional flight instructor at age 18 and earned a 100 per cent pass rate by students at their private, instrument and commercial check-rides.

Before coming to Guyana to volunteer as field director for a humanitarian aviation organisation, Trapnell completed training at Flight Safety International, flew a turboprop in the North East Corridor, and worked a year on a cattle ranch in Australia.

In Guyana, he has organised more than 15 surgical missions and numerous medical outreach teams, including a women’s cancer screening programme, while operating an air-ambulance programme based in the Rupununi district.

He has also conducted initial test landings at ten new airstrips in remote villages of Guyana, while consulting on many more. Additionally, Capt. Trapnell helped organise the local board, and established Remote Area Medical Guyana Inc, a Guyanese nonprofit organisation.

He joined the Roraima flight team in November 2015.

The Command Pilot has been awarded by the National Aeronautics Association for outstanding achievement to public benefit flying. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot license and is a certified flight instructor for instrument and multi-engine airplanes.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Trapnell credits his success to “a love and a passion” for his work.

“Flight training is expensive, and building experience at entry level jobs is often not glamorous. For me it has always been about the process and getting there, much more than the product or end result. Receiving my wings is a milestone that marks a time to look forward to the next challenge,” he expressed.

He explained that “every opportunity and challenge is a chance to learn, build relationships, and develop new skills.”

His next step, after receiving his wings, is to “maintain a high level of professionalism” while he also plans to “learn and work hard to improve, while making time to give back as well.

“To youths I would say make sure you have a passion for aviation starting out, work hard, keep learning, and enjoy every part of the journey. Prepare as well for the day when you might not pass your medical. There always needs to be a backup plan in case a sudden medical condition, or other outside influence, keeps you out of the cockpit,” he advised.

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 17, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Times Feature

Mixing a hobby with a fascination, Ferlin Pedro captures amazing images of our universe

J

ust looking at the bejewelled night sky with our naked eyes astonishes us, but imagine seeing it hundreds of times better. That is what got hobbyist photographer Ferlin Pedroso so excited about astrophotography, that now he shares what he enjoys with others, through the lens.

Astrophotography is a specialised type of photography for recording images of astronomical objects and large areas of the night sky.

Pedro’s professional career is in information technology. He is currently pursuing the remaining two years of academic studies for a BA in Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London.

He was introduced to photography when he attended an event hosted by the Guyana Photographers’ informal group, organised on Facebook. Since then, Pedro has been experimenting with cameras. When he learned the basics of the camera, he began researching how to take photos of the night sky, which has always been an interest of his.

Astrophotography is a relatively new hobby for Pedro, who has always had an interest in astronomy.

His fascination with the

Great Orion Nebula

Ferlin Pedro

night sky began when he was very young. This led him to his first beginner's telescope at the age of 18.

It was a Tasco Luminova 675 x 60mm refractor telescope which he was able to purchase from ACME Photo Studio on Regent Street when it was reselling their stock of telescopes.

“I can’t put into words how amazing it felt to look through that telescope for the first time and see the craters on the moon! Before

Saturn

Sirius

I acquired my equipment, I used to simply look up and admire the grandeur of the heavens. For me, this is a great source of personal meaning and significance. There's something about contemplating the vast universe that reinforces our humanity. People often complain about how we are grossly disconnected from nature, given the advancement of technology. Although I do enjoy the use of technology, I tend to agree – I would just add that I think we should look up more often. I believe the cosmos can provide us with a sense of awe that no earthly phenomena can rival,” expressed Pedro in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

According to the photographer, looking through a telescope is one thing, but astrophotography is quite another. He said it is a very challenging field of photography; however it is entirely worth it. He disclosed that he has been into astrophotography since January 2015 – this time with a slightly more sophisticated telescope.

“I currently use an Orion Astrograph 10” reflector telescope. With this scope, I’ve been able to view galaxies, nebulas and star clusters. I’ve also got a DSLR camera which I attach to the telescope and capture what I see. Over time, I hope to hone my skills and equipment to produce much better photos. It takes quite a lot of patience to setup and align your equipment, since precision is key in taking great pictures of the night sky,” he explained.

He said that whenever he views celestial objects through the telescope,

he always feels a sense of awe. When he bought his first telescope, Pedro had the opportunity to share with his family something that he enjoys – observing the night sky. After his parents and siblings saw some of the planets and the moon, they began to ask questions about what they saw. They became curious. Pedro said this curiosity led to conversations - something his family rarely engaged in.

Pedro stated that although he cannot physically show everyone what he sees through the telescope (and there are things that the camera can pick up that the human eye cannot), he can share his photographs on Facebook, which are shared on other networks, to spark other conversations. The photographer believes that reflecting on the night sky brings us closer together.

“One of the best parts of what I do is witnessing the expressions on people's faces who take a look through the telescope. I often invite close friends, who may bring their friends, to come and take a look. I’ve taken the telescope to the University of Guyana campus to share with the UG astronomy club. I once took it out to the seawall and was delighted when random people approached me and asked if they could look through it, including some very young and curious roadside vendors. I’ve frankly been pleasantly surprised at the level of interest in my photographs. It just goes to show that Guyanese are interested in astronomy.

Because of this, I plan to do more public viewing sessions in the future. If I can get more people feeling good about their significance in this grand vastness we call the universe, I'd be quite pleased,” Pedro declared.

Last year August, during the planetary alignment of Jupiter and Venus, Pedro took his equipment to the Kitty seawalls for a public viewing session. This drew a lot of attention – parents

with children and roadside vendors gathered to take a look through the lens.

“I tend to focus on precision and improvement when capturing objects in deep space. There’s always room for improvement, always a different perspective of exaggerating an object to bring out detail and beauty.

During every image session, I think about how fantastic it is to be able to record what I observe and to share with my friends and family what I’ve seen. To see people’s expression after viewing my images brings a sense of accomplishment. That accomplishment is to bring the wonders of the universe to my Guyanese people. So I would like to do more public viewing sessions whenever celestial events occur during 2016. I’ve also met with the Astronomical Society of UG, extending my support and use of equipment if they find it necessary,” he said.

Pedro established a Facebook group called Amateur Astronomers of

Guyana, where people who have telescopes or who are interested in astronomy can share their interests and ideas.

The astronomy photographer hopes to interact more with the public, particularly school children. He believes the cosmos can add meaning to life in a way that is more fulfilling.

“Anyone can pursue photography. All you need is a camera to begin with – and a camera phone will do – and probably quite a bit of patience and practice. To get into astrophotography takes quite a toll on your pocket and your time. It is by far one of the most expensive hobbies to pursue and it is not intuitive in the beginning so you need to be very committed with an attitude of desiring to learn,” he advised.

For more information on Pedro’s photography, email him at ffpedrojr@gmail. com or visit Ferlin F. Pedro on Facebook. (Cover photo: Blood Moon)

Setting up equipment on the seawall

4

Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 17, 2016

Times Feature

G

uyanese-born John R. Rickford is an international academic icon who has widely and significantly contributed to the education system, locally and abroad.

He is Professor of Linguistics and J.E. Wallace Sterling Professor of the Humanities at Stanford University in California – one of the top universities in the USA. He has been at Stanford since 1980.

Rickford was born Sep. 16, 1949, to Russell Howell and Eula Sylvia Rickford (nee Wade) of Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown. He attended Stella Maris nursery school, Sacred Heart RC (Roman Catholic) primary school, and then Queen’s College for his secondary education.

Foundations of a brilliant career In

1960

Prof John R. Rickford

Rickford

se-

cured a Guyana Government Scholarship for secondary education at Queen’s College (QC). Five years later, after writing the London University General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level exams (GCE ‘O’ Levels), he received the Queen’s College prize for best results at the exams.

Two years later, in 1967, he was awarded the Wishart Memorial Prize for distinction in English at London University GCE Advanced Level exams (GCE ‘A’ Levels). While at QC, he was also editor of the QC magazine, once writing an editorial in the 1964-1965 magazine edition about the-then upcoming Independence Day. Following the successes of his secondary education, he was awarded a Fulbright/ IIE Grant for undergraduate study in the United States, and enrolled in the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) in 1968.

A “few days” after graduating from UCSC, Professor Rickford married his high school sweetheart, Angela Marshall in 1971 and they began graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

They had met in 1966 lower sixth “A” level English

Rickford with wife Angela

classes while at the Section “K” Campbellville home of their English teachers Victor and Ruby Ramraj, where the QC/Bishop’s students met for an informal exchange of ideas.

Angela became Deputy Head Girl at Bishop’s High School the following year, and John became QC Head Boy. A professor of Education at San Jose State University in California, Angela has collaborated with John on several essays and research projects.

Linguistic beginnings

At UCSC, Rickford developed an interest in linguistics. Intending to study literature there at first, he met anthropologist Roger Keesing who was working on Solomon Island Pidgin English, and got him interested in working on Guyanese Creole.

Rickford was also influenced by an article by Professor Robert Le Page in a book on Language Problems in developing countries, which, Rickford said “had a profound impact on me...and persuaded me to switch from Literature to...

Sociolinguistics.”

He received his BA with highest honours in Sociolinguistics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 1971, and his Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1979. He won a Dean's Award for distinguished teaching in 1984 and a Bing Fellowship for excellence in teaching in 1992.

But before that, 1974, Rickford was a lecturer in linguistics at the University of Guyana. In 1979, he was Assistant Dean of the Arts Faculty, then was promoted to Reader, Linguistics (intermediate between Associate and Full Professor), with tenure in 1980.

While doing fieldwork in Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (1974), Rickford was sometimes accompanied by Guyanese poet Wordsworth McAndrew,

from whom, he says, he learnt a great deal about getting people to open up and share their life histories.

Rickford’s primary research and teaching focus is sociolinguistics: the relation between linguistic variation and change and social structure. He is especially interested in the relation between language and ethnicity, social class and style, language variation and change, pidgin and Creole languages, African American Vernacular English, and the applications of linguistics to educational problems.

Authorship

He is the author of numerous scholarly articles, and author or editor of several books. He has a book, “Variation and Change in Sociolinguistics and Creole Studies: Theory and Analysis”, scheduled for publication in 2016 or 2017 from

Cambridge University Press.

His book, “Dimensions of a Creole Continuum: History, Texts, and Linguistic Analysis of Guyanese Creole” (1987) has become standard reading material for University of Guyana linguistic students.

Rickford is a consultant and contributor to the American Heritage Dictionary, and has also written articles and lectured extensively on Creole and Ebonics, language variation and teaching, among numerous other sociolinguistic areas.

He won the American Book Award in 2000 for “Spoken Soul: The Story of Black English” (2000) written with his son, Russell John Rickford.

Rickford enjoys spending quality time with his wife, children (Shiyama, Russell, Anakela, Luke) and grandchildren.

One of Rickford's books on language

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 17, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Times Women

M

argaux Wong is an international fashion and textile designer originally from Guyana. She was first introduced to textile design while in secondary school, but was introduced to the sewing machine as a young child.

For more than a decade, Wong has worked as a freelance designer. She was, in 2007, employed as the personal assistant to the late Catherine Walker, who, for many years, designed countless special pieces for the late Princess Diana, at her Chelsea, London studio.

“I studied art at President's College as one of my ten GCSE subjects. I focused on Surface Decoration. I wore my own designs while at UG pursuing a Business Management degree, as I was tired of looking like everyone else on campus. Classmates began requesting to purchase my clothing off of my back.

I was invited to showcase at the Sidewalk Cafe one Wednesday afternoon. The rest is history. I mostly enjoy textile design: tie dye, batik, hand painting, and so on. I use my textiles to produce resort wear,” Wong recalled in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

As a fashion and textile designer in Guyana, Wong’s work was deeply influenced by her Amerindian and African background. Mixed, and living in a mixed race society, encouraged the de-

Designer Margaux Wong

signer to embrace multiculturalism and multi-ethnicity as inspirations for her work and also for her life’s journey.

“My Amerindian and African ancestry have always influenced my work.

My road trips across East Africa have tremendously inspired my designs. I often travel throughout East Africa in search of raw materials and design ideas. I love the Massai influences of Kenya, and often use Massai beads in my jewellery and sometimes on clothing. I also enjoy the possibil-

The designer's jewellery are all handmade

ities that the Uganda bark cloth bring to my work. I am also inspired by the general nature of Africa and the flora of the Caribbean and Guyana,” Wong revealed.

Now living and working in Burundi, East Africa since 2009, the wife and mother of four has settled into a community that she has always longed to know personally and professionally.

Currently, Wong is designing clothing, textiles and jewellery as she absorbs inspiration from the heart of the beautiful continent of Africa. It is her love for fashion, reading and writing that has propelled her into her work with Africa Fashion Guide as their East Africa contributor.

The designer pointed out that she has a desire to produce work that is lasting and will inspire generations. She added that she does not care much for trends because her aim is to beautify inside and out.

“In everything I do, communicating the absolute importance of having faith in God is paramount to any other message,” she de-

Working with children in Burundi during a jewellery design workshop

clared.

It is Wong’s desire to help to influence and support a sustainable fashion industry in Africa. She envisions an era where African designers and textile industry are not only internationally recognised, but are able to compete on an international scale and make a substantial contribution to the global fashion industry. She endeavours to contribute towards the realisation of this vision.

For youths who want to follow in a similar path she advises, “Aspiring designers or artists should grow their skills in whatever way possible. It is important for an innovator to be able to produce something from nothing. Look at what is in your hand and create!

This is preparation for the real world of design where being able to think on one's feet is crucial if one is to succeed. The late CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs said that creativity is just connecting things.

So make a habit of observing your environment and begin connecting!”

For more information on

Stylish hand-dyed cotton by Wong

the designer, visit Margaux

Wong on Facebook.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 17, 2016

Times Book World

Emerging from 2015 The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Part II

By Petamber Persaud

T

he 2015 National Drama Festival (NDF) was another remarkable adventure in the world of Guyanese theatrical arts and Guyanese literature in 2015 (more emphasis needs to be place on the contribution of the NDF to Guyanese literature). The adventure was adjourned in December with the awards ceremony; the adventure continues in 2016.

For some,the journey for the 2015 National Drama Festival started long before the year had begun. During the year, the National

School of Theatre Arts and Drama visited different regions of the country, staging workshops and offering personalized mentoring to emerging drama enthusiasts.

Later,the drama fervour intensified with the submission of entries. There were more than forty entries, of which 23 plays were shortlisted for the preliminary round where they were judged by a panel and observed by an audience.

At the end of each play, the panel of judges made comments commending the good areas like stage-worthiness, dramatic quality and technical competence, and making recommen-

ColletteJones-Chin

the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture. Digicel generously sponsored the complete festival.

For the literary leaning of the festival, I will list just the names of the plays and their authors.

Subraj Singh

dations where there were shortcomings.

Almost all recommendations were heeded,evident in later productions of said plays. The preliminary round was the testing ground to shortlist plays going through to the final round.

For the first time, the National Drama Festival was run by the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama. It was also the first time that the School Drama Festival was incorporated into the national festival.

This national festival was a collaboration between the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, and the Unit of Allied Arts; both entities falling under

“Laugh of the marble”

by Subraj Singh “Daddy’s pet”, “Seven deadly sins” and “Colour of race 2” by Sonia Yarde “Kabakuri’s children” by Colette Jones-Chin “Puzzle me” by Joshua Griffith and Tamara Rodney “Some other nights” by Nicolas Singh “Trapped” by Mark Luke Edwards “Hope” by Kasha Joe “Obeah business” by Adolph Christian “Poison” by Runasi Perry “White house on black street” by Clinton Duncan “Dance for love” by Kijana Lewis “Crack jokes” by Odessa Primus “Bitter milk” by Beverley Cyrus “Sandra’s sorrel” by Francis QuaminaFarrier “A new beginning” by Timolyn Barclay “Playing chess with a blind man” byRae Wiltshire “I will survive” byKelwin Gittens “Our Story” by Khemraj Rambharose “Her Story 2” byMelinda Primo-Solomon “Milk money” by Vanessa Hinds

Sonia Yarde

“Red”by Ayanna Wadell “I refuse to abuse” byLisa Hamilton “The road to freedom” by Kelton Jennings “New tales of ole Higue”

by Joshua Griffith

to watch in 2016 and onwards as they add to the various phases and stages of Guyanese theatre; theatre that gave us the likes of Norman Cameron, Sheik Sadeek, Rajkumari Singh, Frank Pilgrim, Michael Gilkes, Francis Quamina Farrier, Bertram Charles, Ian Valz, Harold Bascom and Paloma Mohamed among so many others.

These are the writers that will entertain us and challenge us.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com What’s happening: “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature”

by Petamber Persaud is now available at Austin’s Bookstore and the National Library.

These are the writers

Francis Quamina Farrier

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 17, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Heritage

I

n the early Dutch period of Guyana’s history, mail communication with the outside world was unreliable. Mail during this period was late and sporadic, and all mail had to be read by the “commandeur” who administrated the colony for the Dutch West India Company.

The DWI Company did not want company information being divulged, hence the need for such intrusion

of privacy.

After all outgoing and incoming mail were “screened”, the commander passed those to be delivered on to the Secretary.While no postage fee was charged, the Secretary would often charge his own delivery fee for important correspondences.

According to “The Post Office in British Guiana before 1860” by James Rodway

(1890),before a postal service was established, government proclamations were sent around in canoes under the charge of colony slaves; the managers orproprietors signing their names to show that the publication had been exhibited. In Berbice,proclamations were read at certain places, the inhabitants being called together by beat of drum.

Later, as English set-

General Post Office and Telecommunications Centre, or GPO. The first regular air mail service was introduced by the post office in September 1929

tlers arrived on the colony, private English correspondences were sent by private ships to the West Indian islands as a “packet service”.

This arrangement was interrupted with the introduction of the first postmaster.

Postal service

The first postal service was established in British Guiana in 1782 when France took over the colony. This service saw letters required to be delivered within four days after their arrival. In January 1783, Adrian Lonco was appointed the first Postmaster for Demerara.

Four men were recruited to assist Postmaster Lonco in their delivery – for a fee of five stivers (a stiver had a value of one-sixth of a shilling, or one-twentieth of a guilder)per letter.

Rodway notes that the first messenger went along the West Coast, the second to the East Coast and Courabana; the third up the West Bank as far as Harmensteyn, and the last up the East Bank to Land of Canaan.

In Essequibo, 2 shillings (a shilling was one-twentieth of a pound) were charged for the delivery of letters, and one-half shilling was for letters to Europe. Berbice saw mail being delivered every two months.

When the Dutch regained the territories in

Governor Charles Wooley lays the foundation stone for the construction of the GPO, Feb. 27, 1950

An attempt was made in 1793 to establish a local postal service by Attorneyat-Law J. C De LaCoste.

According to Rodway, Coste owned and established the first printing office on the colony, and published the pioneer newspaper of Demerara on November 1, 1793.

De La Coste implemented a policy that all subscribers to his newspaper would be entitled to have their letters delivered free of charge; for those who were not subscribers, 10 stivers were charged for the delivery of each mail.

The service ran for two years: the mail carriers

According to the Guyana Post Office website, in 1865 the post office was housed in the lower flat of the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Societies Building. In 1914 the old Hotel Tower was purchased and converted into the post office.

The colony’s postal service remained there until the great fire in February 1945. Temporary accommodation was found at the Regent Hotel but this was also destroyed by fire in 1947.

From then, until the construction of the new post office,a makeshift office was set up at Avon House

Berbice Race Course, New Amsterdam, Berbice, British Guiana n.d.

Fort Wellington Post Office, West Coast Berbice. There are more than 60 main post offices and several postal agencies throughout the country

Grand Stands Demerara Turf Club, British Guiana n.d.

1784, the system was discontinued and reverted to the previous Dutch system.

The postal service was abolished in 1784, until 1795.

In 1791 the Court of Policy resolved that a subsidy be paid to provide a mail service to Berbice.

During the 1793 –1795 war with France, mails were received and sent via Barbados, and a vessel was chartered by the colony as a Packetboat.However, when the Batavian Republic was established, all communication with the British colonies was cut off.

would leave Stabroek every Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon, returning two days afterwards.

The post office

In 1796, when the British gained control of the colonies, it was considered necessary for the government to have a proper postal service. They established the first post office at Stabroek where it remained until 1834 when it was moved to the new Public Buildings until 1857.

in Main Street, the Town Hall’s basement and the Fire Brigade’s annex.

Then on August 11, 1952, then-Governor Sir Charles Wooley, on invitation of then-Postmaster General K.I.R. Kirkpatrick, declared open the newly built General Post Office and Telecommunications Centre at its current Robb Street location.

The post office, formerly part of the traditional public service, became a public corporation on January 1, 1977.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 17, 2016

Times Travel & Tourism

S

iparuta is a quiet village in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) neighbouring Orealla. It takes approximately one hour by boat from Orealla to Siparuta.

Located on the Corentyne River, overlooking Suriname, the village is described as “peaceful and simple�.

Siparuta and Orealla are governed by a joint village council. (Photos by Kennard Pillay on Flickr)

A home in Siparuta on the bank of the Corentyne River

Sand hill in Siparuta

Approaching the village (Photo by Diana Rambarran)

The village's welcome sign

Boat landing

Some of the houses in the village

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 17, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

DASH Diet named best diet for sixth year in a row T

he Best Overall Diet for 2016, is the DASH eating plan for the sixth year in a row, receiving an overall score of 4.1 out of 5 from the annual US News and World Report. The panel ranged in experts specialising in diet, nutrition, obesity, food psychology, diabetes and heart disease.

Known as the Dietary Approach to Stopping Hypertension, the plan was originally designed to help control high blood pressure, focus on a healthy pattern of eating which includes lots of vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

The DASH eating plan has been proven to lower blood pressure in just 14 days, even without lowering sodium intake. Best response came in people whose blood pressure was only moderately high, including those with prehypertension.

For people with more severe hypertension, who may not be able to eliminate medication, the DASH diet can help improve response to medication, and help lower blood pressure.

The DASH diet can also help lower cholesterol, and with weight loss and exercise, can reduce insulin resistance and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

“The popularity of the DASH diet is fantastic, simply because the DASH diet is basically a healthy eating plan that is user-friendly and even provides menu plans that you can tailor,” Australian nutritionist Kristen Beck told news.com.au “The focus of the DASH diet is eating healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy, while limiting or removing those we’ve grown to love like calorie and fat-laden sweets and red meat.”

In at number two was the MIND diet, a combination of DASH and the Mediterranean, emphasising on more fish, olives and nuts.

“Of all the diets listed, I would agree that the DASH diet is the best because of its simple focus on healthy eating, as well as some really well-designed plans and structure to keep you on track,” Ms Beck said.

The DASH Diet weight-loss solution rules

Have three meals and two to three snacks every day. Deprivation does not lead to weight loss.

Make colourful vegetables the centre of your meal. They are bulky, filling and healthy while low in calories.

Add lean protein-rich foods to make a meal that satisfies and won’t leave you hungry and hour later.

Dairy foods that are low-fat or nonfat boost protein intake and help quench hunger.

Add fresh fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth the healthy way.

Nuts and seeds make fun snacks that love your heart and help you lose weight.

Watch your waistline shrink. You are improving your health as you lose weight with these healthy rules.

As for those looking for a quick fix, this year the panel included a category for ‘Best Fast Weight-Loss Diet.’ The experts revealed the Biggest Loser eating plan and the HMR Program as having the fastest results.

The Biggest Loser plan focuses on six weeks of healthy food and regular exercise, while the HMR program focuses on weight loss and keeping it off through meal replacements and added fruits, vegetables and physical activity.

Meal replacements for weight loss are often slammed as being unsustainable, but chief medical officer at the HMR program insists the program is easy to stick to and provides long-term results.

“A common misconception is that losing weight quickly is not healthy, not sustainable, and will just lead to future weight regain,” Carol Addy wrote in a release. But she says, to the contrary, “numerous clinical studies demonstrate that following a lifestyle change program which promotes fast initial weight loss can result in better long-term success”.

“Fast weight loss isn’t something I recommend, UNLESS you are really ready for long-term change,” Ms Beck added.

Here’s how the other categories stacked up: Best Diets Overall: 1. DASH Diet; 2. MIND Diet; 3. TLC Diet Best Weight-Loss Diet: 1. Weight Watchers Diet; 2. HMR Program; 3. Biggest Loser Diet

Best Commercial Diet Plan: 1. Mayo Clinic Diet; 2. Weight Watchers Diet; 3. Jenny Craig Diet Best Diabetes Diet: 1. The Fertility Diet; 2. Biggest Loser Diet; 3. DASH Diet Best Diet for Healthy Eating: 1. DASH Diet; 2. TLC Diet; 3.

Mediterranean Diet Best Fast Weight-Loss Diet: 1. Biggest Loser Diet; 2. HMR Program; 3. Atkins Diet Best Heart-Healthy Diet: 1. Ornish Diet; 2. TLC Diet; 3. DASH Diet Best Plant-based Diet: 1. Mediterranean Diet; 2. The Flexitarian Diet; 3. Ornish Diet Easiest Diet to Follow: 1. MIND Diet; 2.

The Fertility Diet; 3. Weight Watchers Diet

New Dietary Guidelines crack down on sugar but not red meat

T

he Obama administration has released its much-anticipated update to the Dietary Guidelines.

The guidelines, which are revised every five years, are based on evolving nutrition science and serve as the government’s official advice on what to eat.

Americans are being told to limit sugar to no more than 10 per cent of daily calories.

Over the past five years, a growing body of evidence has linked high levels of sugar consumption to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, even among Americans who are not overweight or obese.

Much of the dietary advice included in the new guidelines will sound very familiar and remains unchanged from 2010. For instance, there’s a focus on consuming more fruits and vegetables, more fibre and whole grains, and less salt.

Top administration officials within the U.S. departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, who were tasked with writing the guidelines, decided not to include some of the recommendations made by a Dietary Guidelines advisory panel that reviewed the latest nutrition science.

For instance, the advisory committee had recommended including sustainability as a factor in making food choices.

But administration officials nixed that idea.

The committee had also advised telling Americans to cut back on red and processed meats. But that recommendation sparked a vigorous challenge from the meat industry, and the final dietary guidelines do not include any specific advice to cut back on these sources of protein.

The recommendation “was certainly controversial,” says Tom Brenna, a nutrition professor at Cornell University and member of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.

“The red and processed meat recommendation, I think, has morphed a bit into a different kind of message,” Brenna tells us. “A little bit like turning a coin over, in a sense, where if you eat less red meat, one is eating more of other protein foods.”

Instead, the guidelines emphasize a “shift towards other protein foods” — including more nuts and seeds and about

8 ounces of seafood per week, based on a 2,000-calorie-aday diet.

“The message to eat more seafood, legumes and other protein foods really does mean substitute those for red meat,” Brenna says. “So I think the message is more or less there, it’s just not as clear.”

That message to cut the red meat should have been stated more directly, says Barry Popkin, a nutrition researcher at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. “I am disappointed that the USDA once again is cutting out recommendations to truly limit red meat intake,” he tells NPR’s The Salt in an email.

10 Sunday Times Magazine

JANUARY 17, 2016

Times Fashion

T

his year, get a statement look from Sonia Noel Designs. The designer’s chic, bespoke pieces are sure to make you look your best at any occasion.

Noel’s poncho tops, flowing skirts, harem pants and versatile scarves, which can be converted to tops, are making waves in the fashion industry.

The Guyanese designer offers comfortable, elegant, sexy designer pieces, which have been applauded by international fashion icons.

For more info call 226-6554 or 609-8388. (Pieces modeled by TCM Models. Photos by Donn Thompson in Long Island, USA)

guyanatimesgy.com

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JANUARY 17, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

K

atheryn Elizabeth "Katy" Hudson, born October 25, 1984 and known professionally as Katy Perry, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist. After singing in church during her childhood, she pursued a career in gospel music as a teenager. She signed with Red Hill Records and released her debut studio album Katy Hudson in 2001, which was commercially unsuccessful. She moved to Los Angeles the following year to venture into secular music after Red Hill ceased operations. After being dropped

by The Island Def Jam Music Group and Columbia Records, Katy signed a recording contract with Capitol Records in April 2007. She rose to fame in 2008 with the release of the singles "I Kissed a Girl" and "Hot n Cold". Her third album, Teenage Dream (2010), ventured into disco, and contained the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping singles "California Gurls", "Teenage Dream", "Firework", "E.T.", and "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" as well as the number-three single "The One That Got Away". The album became the first by a female artist to produce five number-one Billboard Hot 100 songs, and the second overall after Michael Jackson's album "Bad". The singer is known for an idiosyncratic and fun-based sense of personal fashion that incorporates bright colours and foodbased themes. She has received many awards, including four Guinness World Records, and has been included in the Forbes list of "TopEarning Women In Music" (2011–15). Katy has supported various charitable organisations and causes during her career. She has contributed to organisations aimed at improving the lives and welfare of children in particular. In 2013 she was officially named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 17, 2016

Times Hollywood

Jessica Alba shares selfie with ‘supernatural being’

J

C

éline Dion has cancelled her concerts in Las Vegas following the death of her husband René Angélil.

“With heavy hearts, we regret to inform you that Celine performances Saturday, Jan. 16 and Sunday, Jan. 17 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace have been cancelled,” a statement read on Dion’s website.

Angélil, who guided his wife’s career as her manager and mentor, died on Thursday. “Rene Angelil, 73, passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer,” his rep confirmed to PEOPLE. Dion, 47, has tentatively scheduled her return to The Colosseum on February 23. “All of us at AEG and at Caesars Palace have Celine and her children in our thoughts and prayers,” the statement added. (People)

essica Alba may have just experienced an event that commonly happens in horror movies. The “Fantastic Four” actress shared on Instagram and Facebook a photo that shows herself standing in a room where the camera caught what is believed to be a supernatural being.

The photo does not only feature the actress’ flawless face, but also a spectral figure. Just above Alba’s shoulder, you can see the blurry, transparent, dark-eyed figure. “I have no idea what that is, freaky,” Alba captioned the photo complete with a shocked-face emoji.

Though it just appears to be the reflecting light that bounces off a polished wooden door, a lot of fans speculated about what the figure really was and some of them even shared their spooky experiences and frightening stories.

Most of them suggested that the figure was a ghost. One Facebook user noted, “It’s a ghost, I catch things on my camera all the time mostly orbs but this is a full on spirit I would be freaking out lol.” Meanwhile, an Instagram user wrote, “I really think you captured a ghost on camera. Totally creepy but it’s because you are such a light being. They sometimes follow the light so they can go up.” (AceShowbiz)

Boy crashes Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris’ dinner date

Lady GaGa dedicates first Oscar nomination to survivors of sexual assault

W

hen the list of 2016 Academy Award Nominations was unveiled on Thursday, January 11, people learned that Lady GaGa had just landed her first Oscar nomination. Following the announcement, the “Poker Face” singer took to social media to express her gratitude while also stating that the nomination would be dedicated to survivors of sexual assault.

While her win at the Golden Globes was for her performance on “American Horror Story: Hotel”, the Oscar nod is for music. GaGa and songwriter Diane Warren were nominated for Best Original Song for “Till It Happens to You” from “The Hunting Ground”, a documentary about sexual assault and rape crimes on college campuses in the U.S. The “Bad Romance” hitmaker uploaded on Instagram and Twiter a photo of a piece of paper which read, “This nomination lends a voice to so many victims and their families around the world. Thank you to The Academy for recognizing the movement of people who have come together for this film & song in the name of sexual assault. Myself and Diane are simply honored to represent the voices of so many survivors.”

Warren, who has been nominated seven times before in the same category, acknowledged GaGa after knowing that their names showed up in the list of the awards’ nominees.

“When I called her and played her the song, it was more of a somber ballad, but she really made it epic,” Warren said of GaGa. “She made it hers and took it to another level by arranging the shit out of it and singing the shit out of it.”

In the same category, Warren and GaGa face Sam Smith and Jimmy Napes among others. Smith and Napes were nominated for “Writing’s On the Wall” from “Spectre”.

(AceShowbiz)

Nicki Minaj shocks fans with cake inspired by her butt

T

he butt-centric artwork of Nicki Minaj’s single “Anaconda” is really iconic to the point that someone made a birthday cake inspired by the raptress’ bum. Minaj shared with her 45.1 million followers on Instagram on Thursday, January 14 a picture of the chocolate cake.

“How did the cake taste?” so Minaj wrote alongside the picture. Minaj’s CDs appeared around the birthday cake that looked like Minaj’s back and ample derriere. It also featured pink icing which looked like underwear. The words written on the back part read, “Happy Birthday Rafael!!!”

Minaj’s followers had mixed feelings after they saw the picture. User @satie_girl commented, “thts inapropriat.” Another user @bang_bang_cx harshly wrote, “Like yo fake implant a** booty.” User @_dhruvii__

who was seemingly disgusted by the cake wrote, “Booty cake hahha yuck.” (AceShowbiz)

Ciara's National Anthem performance at CFP game sparks outrage

T

aylor Swift and Calvin Harris were spotted having a romantic dinner on Tuesday, January 12. In a picture posted on Instagram by user @rickywselby, the two were joined by a boy who focused on the menu book. Who is he?

That boy is a fan who couldn’t help asking the couple for a photo when he learned that they’re at the restaurant. Both Taylor and Calvin smiled at the camera while

the boy read the menu.

Alongside the picture, he joked, “Awesome dinner with mom and dad.”

Many fans quickly reacted to the picture of the couple with the boy.

Some of them jokingly claimed themselves to be a part of the couple’s family. User @andwerunnbro commented, “tell mom to text me.” Similarly, user @rrosecole joked, “I need to hear this story are you actually having dinner with my parents or are

you just taking a picture with em?” Another user @ fightsongswift even asked the boy, “CAN I BE YOUR BROTHER OMG.” Taylor and Calvin have been dating since 2015.

The two made first public appearance as a couple at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards. They spent time together during recent holiday season including having an outdoor adventurous Christmas celebration and celebrating New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas.

(AceShowbiz)

C

iara's performance at the College Football Playoff Championship on Monday, January 11 was flawless, but not everyone was a fan of it.

The singer, who beautifully belted out the National Anthem before the game between the Clemson Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide, caused quite a stir on Twitter thanks to the dress she was wearing.

During the Monday game, CiCi took the stage in Glendale, Arizona in a sparkling white dress with flowing cape and plunging neckline that flaunted her cleavage. Some Twitter users deemed the outfit too racy for such event.

"Dear Ciara. You're stunning. But this is a National Championship Game. Kids are watching. Cover up," said Bonnie Bernstein, who hosts "Campus Insiders", in a tweet.

Another Twitter user agreed, "Appropriate,

fair tweet. The dress was inappropriate.

Her voice was more than enough. Why distract w/nudity?"

H

JANUARY 17, 2016

imanshu Soni is an Indian actor. He is known for his roles in television series “Dwarkadheesh” and “Parvarish”. Soni made his debut as a main lead actor in the mythological series “Buddha”. Currently, he is seen in the series “Neeli Chatri Wale” which airs on Zee TV. He has appeared in movies such as “What’s Your Raashi” and “Victory”. Soni received the Zee Reshty award in 2013 for Favorite Male Actor and the Bharat Ratna Ambedkar Award for Best Performance in “Buddha”.

guyanatimesgy.com

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Star Times Bollywood

14 Sunday Times Magazine

JANUARY 17, 2016

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Times Bollywood

Kangana Ranaut recalls Sunjay Kapur: ‘Karisma being ‘physically abused’ married me for my money’

O

ver the last few years, Kangana Ranaut has made headlines with her brave and bold statements while interacting with the media. This has also ensured that she has won many a hearts among the audience. But her recent revelation has left many stunned.

Recently, Kangana did the honors during the launch of veteran journalist Barkha Dutt's book, “The Unquiet Land”. At the event, while talking to the media, Kangana said that she was once physically abused by a man. But she refused to go into details.

"It was a very difficult and very harsh time.

I was physically abused. I don't have to go to details," she said, also adding that the abuser was a person from the film industry.

But after some prodding from Barkha, the actress did divulge some details. "This man who was my father's age hit me hard on my head when I was 17. I started bleeding. I took out my sandal and hit his head hard and he started to bleed too. I lodged an FIR against the man."

Kangana also added, "I felt trapped. You feel people might help you. But there are no free lunches. But when you are going you fall for it."

(Times of India)

Sanjay Dutt will be a free man on February 25

S

anjay Dutt will be out of Yerwada jail on February 25 after serving the fiveyear term after being convicted for his involvement in 1993 serial blasts. The actor has got the remission of more than eight months for his ‘good conduct’ and the work hours he contributed to in the jail.

A press statement issued by actor’s publicity agency has clarified the matter and confirmed the date of his release. HT was the first to report about the date of the ac-

tor’s release and him getting remission of 105 days.

The statement stated, “Dutt, who has been serving the remainder of his five-year term in Yerwada will finish his term on February 25th, contrary to the media reports that have been stating various dates of his release.”

Sanjay Dutt got fullest remission despite controversy over ‘misusing’ leaves on furlough and parole. “There were reports of misuse of the exemption given under furlough and parole to the actor. But, according to us, he had taken the leaves he was entitled to,” said a home department official.

The actor has spent three-and-half years in jail, including the period spent as an undertrial. Dutt was convicted for illegal possession of an automatic assault rifle, a part of cache of arms and ammunition that landed ahead of 1993 Mumbai serial blasts in which 257 people were killed.

Meanwhile, a petition was filed in the Bombay High Court on January 7 seeking restrain Dutt’s early release. Pradeep Bhalekar, the petitioner, alleges that Dutt is getting a favour and there are 27,740 others prisoners in the state who deserve to be released on the same ground. The petition would come up for hearing next week, he said. (Hindustan Times)

Katrina Kaif: ‘Everyone has a perception of you’

E

ven at a time when visibility is considered paramount for Bollywood actors, and most of them don’t shy away from sharing aspects of their personal lives with their fans, especially on social media, Katrina Kaif prefers maintaining an air of mystery around her.

However, the actor admits that even though she is perceived to be reserved, that’s not how she is in real life, and with people who are close to her.

“Everyone has a perception of you.

Yes, I am quite guarded in public. Being a Cancerian, and a person who has always been quite sensitive, I naturally guard myself in public. But if you were to come and see me in my real life, you would know that I’m the exact opposite,” she says.

Katrina believes that she is not the only one who prefers keeping a low profile. “In fact, it’s a natural instinct for a lot of women, especially in this profession. In front of the world, your instinct is to be guarded, but in front of the people you are close to,

you can show your true side,” says Katrina.

While Katrina has played a variety of roles in her 13-year-long career, she says that she lets go of her character once the film is over.

“At times, parts of the characters remain with you as an actor, and they also tend to teach you things. But inherently, I’m quite connected with what I am on the inside, and I don’t think I will lose that ability to a character. You could adapt yourself on the sets and in workshops. But that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m going to take it away with me. Once the film is over, I genuinely feel that it’s done with. I leave that chapter behind. You definitely try and learn from experience though,” she says.

Currently, Katrina is so busy promoting her next that she hasn’t even realised that the new year has started. “It doesn’t feel like a new year because I don’t feel like I have had my Christmas holidays this year,” she quipped. (Hindustan Times)

A

tor Karisma Kapoor married Sunjay Kapur for his money and "in a calculated and clinical manner", sponged off his family to pursue a lavish lifestyle, the Delhi-based industrialist has claimed in a fresh divorce petition filed in the Bandra family court.

The petition suggests that Karisma married Sunjay on the rebound in 2003 after her break-up with Abhishek Bachchan, and portrays her as the culprit in the troubled 11-year-long marriage with Sunjay.

"The respondent [Karisma] has failed not only as a wife and daughter-in-law, but also as a mother," it states. The estranged couple have two children, Samaira and Kiaan, whose custody is at the centre of the court battle.

Sunjay has claimed that Karisma used the young kids as "pawns" and didn't let the Kapur family meet them frequently in her bid to claim more money. She even "cruelly deprived" Sunjay's ailing father access to Samaira and Kiaan, and he passed away six

months after "pining for them".

Karisma's lawyer, Kranti Sathe, on Thursday termed Sunjay's accusations atrocious and false. "We will tell the court that he is causing great harm to the children's welfare by spreading false stories. We don't want trial by media," Sathe said.

Sunjay alleges that the Bollywood star did not comply with consent terms of their separation, and has "extracted" substantial amount of money from him.

He also said when he refused to accept her conditions she blocked him from meeting their children. The businessman, who heads Sona Koyo Steering Systems Ltd, has also claimed that Karisma chose her career over him and stayed in Mumbai "despite his pleading for her to join him in Delhi".

As their marriage fell apart, she tried to portray him as a substance abuser, an alcoholic and a cheating husband. She used her PR machinery to show him and his family in poor light even as she had an affair, the petition alleges. (Times of India)

Indian films fail to reach the final stage of Oscars

I

ndian regional films “Court,” “Jalam”, “RangiTaranga” and “Nachom-ia Kumpasar”, which were vying for a spot in different categories of the upcoming 88th Academy Awards, couldn’t make it to the nominations list of this year’s Oscars.

The nominees for the 88th Academy Awards were announced Jan. 14 by the Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, actor John Krasinski and filmmakers Guillermo del Toro and Ang Lee. While filmmaker Chaitanya Tamhane’s debut Marathi film “Court” was earlier out of the Best Foreign Language Film category of the prestigious awards gala losing its battle against films like “Embrace of the Serpent” (Colombia), “A War” (Denmark), “Mustang” (France), “Son of Saul” (Hungary), and “Theeb” (Jordan), hopes were high from “Jalam”, “RangiTaranga” and “Nachom-ia Kumpasar”, which were competing in categories including Best Original Song and Best Original Score.

However, none of them were able to make it to the Oscar nominations. (IANS)

Akshay Kumar: ‘Hate any kind of nation-bashing in films’

A

ctor Akshay Kumar says he detests nation-bashing in films. “It’s (Airlift) not about a nation, it’s about saving people. I hate any kind of nation-bashing in films. I don’t like it,” the actor told the media while promoting his forthcoming film “Airlift”. Directed by Raja Krishna Menon, “Airlift” also stars “The Lunchbox” fame Nimrat Kaur.

Akshay plays a character who had a cru-

cial role in the evacuation of Kuwait-based Indians during the Iraq-Kuwait war in 1990. The story of the film is from the point of view of Akshay’s character who helped Indians get airlifted from Kuwait.

Air India entered into Guinness Book of World Records for the civil airline that had evacuated the most people till date. Akshay said the pilots of Air India were the biggest heroes. “Hats off to them,” he added. (IANS)

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JANUARY 17, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine

15

Times Trends

Trending Now

Y

ou’re off to a radiant start in 2016.

Hair trends so far have included hair tattoos, glitter roots, and even the dude-friendly trend of glitter beards.

Now things are getting a little more luminous on the hair front thanks to glow-in-the-

A more dramatic look

Star of the week

dark hair dye. Although it has been around, it’s only recently people have been obsessed with the full spectrum of colours from pastel streaks to dreamy “betta fish hair” to ultradramatic “sand art hair.”

French-braided example really shows off the colours

Surida Nagreadi

A Glowing Disney-inspired locks is simply divine

Your inspired rainbow hair look for 2016

There is also temporary hair colour available that’ll glow under black light and will wash off after you’re finished showing it off

You’re looking at lightsaber hair inspired by Star Wars

little known fact about popular radio broadcaster Surida Nagreadi, a soothing voice on Radio Guyana Inc. 89.5 FM in Georgetown, 89.3 FM in Essequibo and 89.7 in Berbice, is that she was once a very creative designer. Still having a “fire” for designing, Surida doesn’t get time to design anymore due to her dedication to being radio manager and host at Radio Guyana Inc. Surida, since childhood, knew she had a future in media/broadcasting because of her personality, but didn’t know in what form. Her dream job is becoming a lawyer, and even though she not so close to achieving it, Surida is happy with her present profession, which is just as exciting because she’s a natural at it. Now that she’s in the media world, the popular broadcaster, who has garnered quite a flurry of fans, doesn’t picture herself anywhere else. For Surida, the most exciting part of being a broadcaster is “thinking instantaneously of quick things to say and making it sound interesting”. Though being a broadcaster comes naturally, Surida still spends time practicing by talking to herself, which she said has helped her to become a “better speaker”. She works on her pronunciations; develops tones and tries to get over her public speaking fears. Surida is originally from Venezuela, but now resides in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. In the future, Surida sees herself branching off into television production while building management and marketing skills. The eloquent broadcaster’s advice for youths is that they must pursue what they believe in; be passionate about life and the things they want to achieve and to never allow one negative criticism to “de-motivate” them. She urges youths to always remember that the success of their ventures depends on their lifestyle, so they must be cognizant of their actions. She believes that though we often make wrong decisions, it’s how we learn that helps.

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 17, 2016

Times Art

Kwesi Archer

K

wesi Archer is a young artist with a passion for creating art as “unique and attractive” as he can.

“I started drawing from a young age, but I wasn’t serious about it until 2010. I attended St. Rose’s High where I did art for CXC. I also attended and graduated from the Burrowes School of Art. Even with the art education I gained from these two institutions, I still spend my days learning about different areas and techniques in art,” Archer said in an interview with SundayTimes Magazine.

He said there were a “collection of things” that inspired him to pursue art – the biggest being the New York International Auto Show, and comic book superheroes. Now, he is inspired by nature, friends and topics he is passionate about; he revealed that his dream is “to see the art in Guyana flourish.”

“At this moment we are just a small flame and we have a lot more creative fuel to be a great torch in the Caribbean,” the artist declared.

He also stated that he enjoys drawing, and as such the pencil and paper are his “good friends”.

His topic of choice is the human body, and hedraws both male and female, but drifts to the female mostly.

“Women are more fun to draw, especially in fragments. Capture almost any part of the female body and you can find the potential of a great piece.I am still finding my ‘style’ in art, but I see myself drifting to abstract art and portraits. What I can definitely say is that my style would be my thought process.

One of his first landscape drawings

Artist Kwesi Archer

"Determination"

When starting a creative piece I look to make something as unique and attractive as I can, whether through lines, colours, shapes and so on,” he noted.

According to Archer, his achievements are few because he is a relatively new artist, but they are “important” to him. His most recent and notable achievement was being awarded second place at the 10th National Biennial Drawing Competition for his piece “The Yellow Girl”, which is his first artwork to be displayed at Castellani House.

Notably, the artist has been part of various art projects around Georgetown and nearby communi-

ties. He has also done many murals around the city and co-directed the Witness Project (an arts-based initiative working to create a template for changing cultures of violence against women and children) short film, “Rebecca’s Story”.

“Art is enjoyable to many people for many reasons, but to me it’s about capturing or creating a moment, emotion, or feeling through my art. This is every second spent on the piece. Every line reminds me of the day that I did it and why I did it. I also enjoy the moment when someone sees my art piece for the first time or when they tell me stories about it. Interacting with art in general is enjoyable to

me,” expressed the artist.

Currently, Archer and a few of his Burrowes School of Art classmates are looking for blank spaces or businesses that would sponsor a mural to add art and beauty to various areas around the country.

Heplans on improvinghis drawings and graphic design skills and developing skills in illustration and comic art.

“To young artists, my advice is to believe in yourself and your work. You may not be the legendary artist Picasso or applauded Guyanese artist Michael Griffith, but with practice, research and belief that your work could be leaving persons awestruck and longing for more, will help you to want to be the best you can be,” he encouraged.

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JANUARY 17, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine 17

Times Tech

iPhone 7 rumours fallout

Hundreds of thousands sign petition against dropping headphone jack W

hile Apple hasn’t yet announced that it will drop the traditional connector — and will probably provide a converter if it does —customers

Tech news

F

are already angry.

A petition against Apple’s supposed plan to drop the headphone jack from the next iPhone has been signed by nearly 250,000 people

But Apple hasn’t even yet announced that it will drop the connector, and the idea is based off potentially false reports from the company’s supply chain that claim it

S

users” to spend money replacing their headphones, the change will lead to damage to the planet.

“Not only will this force iPhone users to dole out additional cash to replace their hi-fi headphones, it will singlehandedly create mountains of electronic waste — that likely won't get re-

cycled,” the petition notes.

“According to the United Nations, up to 90 per cent of the world's electronic waste is illegally traded or dumped each year.”

Apple has made no comment on the rumours about its headphone jack. (The Independent UK)

Old Internet Explorer loses support

or anyone still using older versions of Internet Explorer or Windows XP Embedded SP3: It's time to move on.

That's the message from Microsoft, which on Jan. 12 ceased support for not just the embedded operating system – although expensive "extended support" contracts are still available for two more years – as well as also older versions of its aging IE browser.

"Only the most current version of Internet Explorer available for a supported operating system will receive technical supports and security updates," Microsoft says. "Internet Explorer 11 is the last version of Internet Explorer, and will continue to receive security updates, compatibility fixes, and technical support on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10."

It's tough to know exactly how many devices are still running Windows XP Embedded SP3 – or earlier. Originally released in 2002, it has been installed

Tech BYTE

will use the Lightning port that is used for charging instead.

That hasn’t stopped widespread anger about the move, which the petition claims will “screw consumers and the planet”.

The petition on consumer site Sum of Us claims that as well as “forcing iPhone

on numerous types of stand-alone systems – including ATMs, kiosks and point-of-sale devices – that many organizations do not update on a frequent basis.

Likewise, it's tough to know how many people now use a version of IE that is no longer getting patches. Related estimates vary anywhere from 100 million to 300 million.

NetMarketShare, which tracks browser usage, estimates that as of December 2015, 47 percent of all browser users employ IE. It says more than half of all IE users were already on version 11, while 3 percent were using the newer Edge browser that began shipping with Windows 10.

The second most-popular Microsoft browser, however, remains IE 8, which was released in 2009, followed by IE 9, which was released in 2011. Both are no longer getting patched, yet have known vulnerabilities.

The perils of continuing to use outdated IE is that it becomes a hack magnet for cybercriminals. (bankinfosecurity.com)

"Metal glue" could replace welding and soldering – in some applications

cientists at Boston's Northeastern University have created MesoGlue. A glue that bonds metal to metal – or to other materials – and sets at room temperature.

Usually, if you want to join two metal objects together, you either weld or solder them. Both processes involve the application of heat, however, which can damage the items (in the case of electronics), or even cause explosions (in the case of things like gas pipes).

Designed by a team led by Professor Hanchen Huang, MesoGlue is made up of microscopic nanorods that have a metal core. Some of them are coated with the element indium, and some with gallium.

When the indium and gallium on the rods come into contact, they form a liquid. The metal cores of the rods

then react with that liquid, causing it to harden into a cohesive solid. This results in a bond that reportedly matches the strength of a traditional weld or solder.

Additionally, unlike those formed by regular polymer-based glues, MesoGlue bonds are thermally and electrically conductive, they aren't adversely affected by heat, they're highly resistant to air/moisture leaks, and they require little pressure when being formed.

MesoGlue is now being commercially developed by a spin-off company of the same name. "We are working on turning this into a liquid form that will make the process just like a glue or epoxy that you would use at home," PhD student/co-inventor Paul Elliott tells Gizmag.

Diagram illustrating how the nanorods interlace and then create a liquid which is subsequently solidified (Credit: Northeastern University)

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Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

Hassleback potatoes Ingredients

4 large potatoes 4 tbsps. melted butter, olive oil, duck fat, bacon fat, coconut oil, or a mix Salt

W

hile most focus on traditional Indian décor, interior stylist Smitha Zachariah works with “a boho-chic culture fused with colonial form and formality” to create what is called Contemporary Indian style. Lifestyle blogger Anjana Rajguru features Zachariah’s work for a family in Bengaluru (Bangalore), India…

Colour, pattern and textiles are the mainstay of her designing says Rajguru

Method

Heat the oven to 425°F with a rack in the lower-middle position.

Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Alternatively, you can peel the skins off.

Cut slits in the potatoes, leaving the bottom intact: stop just before you cut through so that the slices stay connected at the bottom of the potato. Space the slices 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch apart.

You can rest the potato in a large serving spoon and use that as a guide for when to stop slicing — slice straight down and when your knife hits the edge of the spoon, stop slicing.

Brush potatoes with half the fat; arrange the potatoes in a baking dish, brush potatoes all over with butter or other fat, including the bottoms.

Sprinkle potatoes generously with salt and pepper.

Bake the potatoes for 30 minutes. At this point, the layers will start separating.

Remove the pan from the oven and brush the potatoes again with fat — you can nudge the layers apart if they're still sticking together. Make sure some of the fat drips down into the space between the slices.

Bake another 30 to 40 minutesuntil the potatoes

Pepper Optional extras: minced fresh herbs, spices, grated cheese, bread crumbs, panko crumbs are crispy on the edges and easily pierced in the middle with a paring knife.

If you're adding any extras, stuff those into the slits and sprinkle over the top 5 to 10 minutes before the end of cooking.

Total baking time is 60 to 70 minutes for average potatoes; if your potatoes are on the small side or are larger, adjust cooking time accordingly.

Serve immediately, potatoes are best straight from the oven while the edges are at their crispiest.

GREATEST COOKING TIPS

T

Her design spaces reflect her penchant for and mastery in textiles and colour

here’s nothing worse than limp herbs. Next time, trim the stems and put the parsley in a glass of water, fit a plastic bag over it, and keep in the refrigerator.

A quick stint in a dry skillet over medium heat wakes dry spices up and releases their oils, which means your paprika will taste a lot more paprika-y. Use whole spices, watch the pan like a hawk, and stir constantly until the spices are fragrant, then transfer to a plate to cool before using.

Mix something into softened butter for a unique taste.A little shallot, some chopped herbs, maybe some lemon zest or pepper – and your toast (and anything else) just got interesting.

B

Colourful palettes are her favourites, while she uses textiles to enhance the ambience

HOME HELP

oil orange peel and cloves to get rid of unpleasant smells in the kitchen.

Use a toothpick to prevent tape ends from sticking back to the roll Place a layer of waxed paper on top of kitchen cupboards to prevent grease and dust from settling. Switch out every few months to keep them clean.

Use a tension rod and shower hooks to store saucepans inside a cupboard Use hairspray on the end of your sewing thread to help it slide through the eye of your needle.

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Sunday Times Magazine19

JANUARY 17, 2016

Family Times

PARENTING

Now two and a half years after becoming a widow mom, I can function in the world with other people and actually have a good time

By Natalie Altieri

JOKES Political Correctness he following are copies off our telegrams between President Harry Truman and Gen Douglas MacArthur onthe day before the actual signing of the WWII Surrender Agreement in September 1945.

The contents of those four telegrams below are exactly as received at the end of the war - not a word has been added or deleted! “(1) Tokyo,Japan 0800-September 1, 1945 To: President Harry S Truman From: General D A MacArthur Tomorrow we meet with those yellow-bellied bastards and sign the Surrender Documents, any last minute instructions?

(2) Washington, D C 1300-September 1, 1945 To: D A MacArthur From: H S Truman Congratulations, job well done, but you must tone down your obvious dislike of the Japanese when discussing the terms of the surrender with the press, because some of your remarks are fundamentally not politically correct!

(3) Tokyo, Japan 1630-September 1, 1945 To: H S Truman From: D A MacArthur and C H Nimitz Wilco Sir, but both Chester and I are somewhat confused, exactly what does the term politically correct mean?

(4) Washington, D C 2120-September 1, 1945 To: D A MacArthur/C H Nimitz From: H S Truman Political Correctness is a doctrine, recently fostered by adelusional, illogical minority and promoted by a sick mainstream media,which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a piece of **** by the clean end!”

Now, with special thanks to the Truman Museum and Harry himself, you and Ifinally have a full understanding of what ‘POLITICAL CORRECTNESS’ reallymeans.....

T

Seniors dating he neighbours thought it was odd, but 93-yearold Morton was dating again. One Monday morning Morton woke up with a funny feeling that something important happened last night.

It was during breakfast, that Morton finally remembered what it was. He had proposed to his date Greta. But what she answered he just couldn’t seem to remember.

Morton picked up the phone and dialled. “Hi Greta”, said Morton, “I have a funny question for you, do you remember last night when I proposed?”

“Oh my gosh” gushed Greta, “I’m so glad you called, I knew I said yes to somebody but I just couldn’t recall who it was!”

T

Typo terror ill’s second Anniversary was coming up and if there was one thing that got his wife Suzy upset, it was not getting a thoughtful gift on a special occasion. Bill quizzed all his friends, co-workers, clients and anyone he happened to bump into, as to what would be a good anniversary present. He finally settled on a huge bouquet of flowers.

Not willing to trust himself to pick out the right flowers, Bill called up a local flower shop with strict instructions to deliver the biggest most beautiful bouquet of flowers first thing in the morning with the following note “Happy Anniversary, Year Number Two!” The morning of the Anniversary, Bill made sure Suzy would be the one to answer the door as he waited anxiously in the other room.

“What the hell is this all about?!” hollered Suzie angrily holding up his well thought out note – which read: “Happy Anniversary You’re Number Two!”

B

(Conclusion)

I

thought to myself, "Why couldn't he have that conventional family: mom, dad and child?" That is just not how our lives turned out.

My own father passed away when I was 18, and I always felt that my father would never be able to be with me all of the time if he were alive, but now that he has passed, he will always be with me in some way. So,

I told my son that his dad lives in the sky and in his heart.

I don't plan things out now. I often can't think past two weeks ahead, and I think it is better this way. Life will always have its ups and downs, and one must take it as it comes. That is also what being a parent is. Parents are not always in control, if ever. So, I live in the moment with my son. And when I look into his eyes, I know he is right there with me.

The Boatman

A

scholar asked a boatman to row him across the river. The journey was long and slow. The scholar was bored.

"Boatman," he called out, "Let's have a conversation."

Suggesting a topic of special interest to himself, he asked, "Have you ever studied phonetics or grammar?"

"No," said the boatman, "I've no use for those tools."

"Too bad," said the scholar, "You've wasted half your life. It's useful to know the rules."

Later, as the rickety boat crashed into a rock in the middle of the river, the boatman turned to the scholar and said, "Pardon my humble mind that to you must seem dim, but, wise man, tell me, have you

STORY TIME

Reflections ever learned to swim?"

"No," said the scholar, "I've never learned. I've immersed myself in thinking."

"In that case," said the boatman,

Courage

Courage isn't a brilliant dash, A daring deed in a moment's flash; It isn't an instantaneous thing Born of despair with a sudden spring Courage isn't a dazzling light That flashes and passes away from sight; It's a slow, unwavering, ingrained trait With the patience to work and the strength to wait.

Courage was never designed for show; It isn't a thing that can come and go; It's written in victory and defeat And every trial a man may meet.

"you've wasted all your life. Alas, the boat is sinking." (A Sufi Story from the Middle East)

By Grammar G

It's part of his hours, his days and his years, Back of his smiles and behind his tears.

Courage is more than a daring deed: It's the breath of life and a strong man's creed.

Edgar Guest

Word additions

A

cryptarithm is considered a cross between cryptograms and arithmetic problems,and is known also as verbal arithmetic.

It’s usually in the form of a puzzle called a cryptarithm puzzle, where an arithmetic calculation has had all the digits replaced by letters of the alphabet. The aim of the solver is to decode each letter into a number to find out what digit each letter represents.

The rules are simple: Each letter corresponds to a unique digit from 0 to 9 – different letters correspond to different digits.No number in the sum has a leading 0.Each puzzle has a single unique solution.

For many such puzzles, the enciphered version spells words or perhaps a sentence. Take for example: SEND + MORE + MONEY (one of the most famous cryptarithms, created by famed puzzle writer H.E. Dudeney).

Decoded it becomes the equation: 9,567 + 1,085 = 10,652 Some cryptarithms are themed as well, such as this “colourful equation”: YELLOW + YELLOW + RED = ORANGE which yields the answer

143,329 + 143,329 + 846 = 287,504.

Another famous (and impressive) cryptarithm is SATURN + URANUS + NEPTUNE + PLUTO = PLANETS, whose answer is: 127,503 + 502,351 + 3,947,539 + 46,578 = 4,623,971 Trial and error plus logic are usually helpful (and the only way) to solve cryptarithms, but generally

you should start by searching for 0, 1 or 9 in the puzzle.

Want to try a few? Have a go at these: 1. ABCD + EFGB = EFCBH 2. FORTY + TEN + TEN = SIXTY 3. SHIRT + TSHIRT = CLOTHES (See answers on page 23)

20 Sunday Times Magazine

JANUARY 17, 2016

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Times Sunday Puzzle

John is riding his bicycle along a circular track. It takes him 2 minutes and 13 seconds to complete one lap. Without any calculator, and in less than 15 seconds, you should be able to say how long it takes John to complete 60 laps. see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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JANUARY 17, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine 21

Times Kids

Creature Corner

GEOZONE

Tapir

The Seven Seas

Tapirus kabomani

T

here are considered five tapir species in the world that live in the jungle and forest regions of South America, Central America, and Southeastern Asia.

Baird's or Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii), is native to Mexico and Central America;the Amazonian tapir (Tapirus terrestris), also known as the Brazilian or Lowland tapir, lives mainly in the jungles of northern South America.

The Mountain (or woolly) tapir (Tapirus pinchaque) inhabits the Andes Mountains of northern South America

and the Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) the only Asian tapir, is found in Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The newest and smallest of the tapir species whose "discovery" was announced by scientists in 2013, is the Kabomani tapir (Tapirus kabomani).

Known long before by locals as “the little black tapir”, it lives in forests and grasslands of the Southwest Amazon region.

There remains some contention among scientists about this as a new species however.

The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order.

Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all please see solution on page 23

digits 1 through 9.

I

Guyana’s seawall that keeps the Atlantic Ocean at bay

n various cultures at different times in history, according to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the Seven Seas has referred to bodies of water along trade routes, regional bodies of water, or exotic and faraway bodies of water.

In Greek literature, the Seven Seas were the Aegean, Adriatic, Mediterranean, Black, Red and Caspian seas, and the Persian Gulf.

In Medieval European literature, the phrase referred to the North Sea, Baltic, Atlantic, Mediterranean, Black, Red, and Arabian seas.

After Europeans 'discovered' the Americas, the concept of the Seven Seas

changed again,and referred to the Arctic, the Atlantic, the Indian, the Pacific, the Mediterranean sea, the Caribbean sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Not many people use this phrase today, but the modern Seven Seas include the Arctic, North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans.

However, our oceans are more commonly geographically divided into the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Southern (Antarctic) Oceans.

There remains no accepted technical definition of sea amongst oceanographers.

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JANUARY 17, 2016

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Sunday Times Magazine 23

World Times

Town builds shoe-shaped church to attract female worshippers

A

n English village is considering a high tech solution to the age-old nuisance of dog-fouling by, DNA testing samples of dog poo to find the owner.

The local authority in Alresford in Essex is believed to be the first parish council in the country to consider the measure.

According to The Telegraph UK, village councillors think extreme action is required to stop dogs from fouling green areas, especially near the primary school and the shopping area, when owners don’t clean up after their pets.

Previous attempts to find the culprits have failed because it tends to happen in darkness in the early hours of the morning.

Parish council chairman Frank Belgrove said there had been a lot of interest in

A

Scottish fan of Country and Western who disturbed his neighbours by blasting out Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash tunes has been jailed.

Michael O’Rourke - once

the idea when it was raised at the last meeting, because people were “fed up” with the problem.

“We have tremendous dog ownership, it’s wonderful to have so many dogs,” he said. “It’s just spoiled by a tiny minority and it seems almost impossible to find out who is doing this.”

The threat of testing is

designed to be a deterrent to villagers who might otherwise leave their dog’s mess in public areas.

It wasn’t said how the council plans on going about collecting dog DNA samples, though.

A decision on whether to introduce the measure will be made at the next full council meeting.

described as the oldest raver in his town - played classic country hits at such a high volume they could be heard down his street.

He appeared in court Monday and admitted playing his stereo so loudly

it woke up his neighbour at 1.30am.

The 56-year-old breached his antisocial behaviour order (Asbo), which bans him from playing loud music, while trying to prove to the court that he could behave himself.

He was sentenced to four months in prison, backdated to January 8.

As well as the breach of his Asbo, O’Rourke was also charged with resisting arrest and assaulting an officer.

He will appear in court again in three months’ time as a further seven charges against him have had sentencing deferred for good behaviour.

Anne Allan, local councillor for Peterhead North and Rattray, said“I think the neighbours will enjoy the peace and quiet for a couple of months.

“People should moderate their lifestyle to ensure they don’t cause a problem to themselves or their neighbours so people can live together harmoniously.”

O’Rourke, who is partially deaf, has a history of spats with neighbours over his music, and was handed a three-year Asbo in 2009.

Two years ago his stereo was seized by a sheriff in an effort to stop him playing his vast collection of vinyl.

But neighbours said that he simply switched to a CD player and kept blasting out the country classics at deafening volume.

A previous next-door neighbour said “Most weekends you would hear the stereo going. Always Country and Western music. I wasn’t sorry to see him go. He wasn’t the best of neighbours.”

Answer 1. 9567 + 1085 = 10652 2. 29,786 + 850 + 850 = 31,486 3. 84, 729 + 984729 = 1,060,458

Brain Teaser Answer 2 hours 13 minutes

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

O

fficials in the Taiwanese city of Jiayi have built a church in the shape of a giant blue high heel to appeal to female worshippers.

According to the Daily Mail, the structure is 55 feet tall, and made of 320 pieces of blue glass.

City spokesperson Zheng Rongfeng said that the church will have “100 fe-

A

uthorities say they found a 3-year-old in a diaper driving his motorized toy big wheel alongside a busy Florida highway, reports say.

Citrus County Sheriff's officials told local media outlets they were alerted by motorists who feared for the child's safety.

Deputies said several vehicles created a blockade around the boy to keep him from entering traffic.

male-oriented features”, including seats for ‘lovers’; biscuits, and cakes.

He added that the church, which is not yet attached to any particular denomination, will be perfect for “romantic photographs”.

The church is expected to open before the upcoming Chinese New Year on Feb. 8

Authorities said the child, who clad in a shirt and diaper, was in the toy vehicle's driver seat when they arrived Wednesday.

Reports say the child’s father told deputies he was in the bathroom when his son used a small chair to unlock a door and left without his knowledge. WFTS Tampa Bay reports the father said he immediately began searching for him.

24

Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 17, 2016

Fun Times

Archie

Avoid a snap decision that can affect your position or in(March 21come.

Don't let your emotions April 19) take the reins and lead to a regrettable mistake. Take a deep breath and focus on positive physical improvements.

ARIES

Take the initiative to TAURUS make things happen. Plan a (April 20trip or look for information May 20) that could help you get ahead professionally. A passionate evening will ease your stress.

You'll be tempted to have GEMINI (May 21- fun, but you must rememJune 20) ber when to draw the line.

Indulgent tendencies are present and will lead to problems that will be difficult to resolve.

Don't let fear of failure or change stand in your (June 21way.

Embrace life and disJuly 22) cover what you've been missing. You'll be enlightened and overjoyed with the improvements you make.

CANCER

Dilbert

Keep everything in order LEO and stick to what you know (July 23Aug. 22) will work. Don't be enticed by someone or something that will cause emotional uncertainty and duress. Weigh the pros and cons.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Plan a vacation, take a day trip, or attend a trade show or conference that encourages you to do things you enjoy. Don't give in to someone's guilt tactics or demands.

Be conscious of what the LIBRA people around you need and (Sept. 23want, but don't make unreaOct. 23) sonable sacrifices to appease others. Strive for changes that serve your needs as well.

Peanuts

It's a good day to take acSCORPIO tion and do things at home (Oct. 24that will make your life betNov. 22) ter and more convenient and enjoyable. The changes you bring about will encourage greater creativity. Reconnect with an old colleague.

Someone will feed you SAGITTARIUS false information. Don't take (Nov. 23action based on hearsay. Dig Dec. 21) deep and look for what's in your best interest, not what will benefit someone else.

Calvin and Hobbes

Push for something that CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- can make a difference to Jan. 19) where or how you live. Engage in short jaunts that will let you show how serious you are about getting what you want.

If you help others, your AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- good deeds will enhance your Feb. 19) reputation. There are gains to be made professionally and financially if you fine-tune what you have to offer.

Don't trust an indulgent or PISCES (Feb. 20- extravagant proposal. A pragMarch 20) matic approach to helping others will make your plans more appealing and ensure positive change.