Sunday magazine 17 december 2017

December 17, 2017

Star Times Bollywood:

Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Dear Zindagi’ tops 2017 charts on iTunes Page 14 FREE DISTRIBUTION

Using art to encourage youths to save GBTI 2018 Calendar Art Competition

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Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

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DECEMBER 17, 2017

Feature

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Aechmea pallida (Bromeliaceae), collected in the Murimuri basin, previously only known from the type collection in the Merume Mountains (Photo: Fabián Michelangeli)

ozens of wildlife species, which are likely new to science, have been discovered in the Kaieteur National Park (KNP) and Upper Potaro area in Guyana during a month-long expedition by a team of intrepid researchers.

Some of these species found are thought to only occur in the Guiana Shield.

These findings were among the most significant highlighted in a recent report released by World Wildlife Fund Guianas and Global Wildlife Conservation. The report is the second in a series which aims to highlight Guyana’s incredibly rich biodiversity and represents the most recent broad-based floral and faunal assessment in this unique region.

Sunday Times Magazine had previously published a general feature on the findings, but today we highlight the discovery of new plant species in the Potaro plateau.

Even though the Potaro plateau has been much bet-

ter collected than most areas of Guyana, during a quick survey, researchers were able to find at least three new species of flowering plants (one Myrsinaceae and two Melastomataceae).

Additionally, five other species had not been previously collected in Guyana and several were not known from the Park or the Potaro plateau.

Noteworthy among these new records for the Potaro plateau are two species of Bromeliaceae previously only known from the type collections (Aechmea pallida and Brochinnia cataractarum) and probably photographed only for the first time. All of the new reports for the park or the Potaro plateau were from plants collected in the upper Potaro or the upper Murimuri basin, corroborating the fact that these areas should be the target for future collecting efforts.

During the survey, 11 species of Melastomataceae found had not been collect-

ed or reported for the Park or the Potaro plateau. This represents an increase of 16.67% on the number of species in this family reported for the area.

Notably, among the collections of Melastomataceae are collections of Phainantha, a rarely collected group endemic to the Guiana shield; four species of Macrocentrum, a genus mostly restricted to the Roraima formation, one new species of Salpinga, and one new species of Boyania. The team was also able to collect three species believed to be endemic to the Potaro basin: Tococa desiliens,Graffenrieda irwinii and Clidemia charadrophylla. Other notable species of Melastomataceae restricted to the Pakaraima Mountains include Clidemia heptamera, Miconia maguirei, and Tococa aristata. Four different species of myrmecophytic Melastomataceae were collected (Clidemia heptamera, Maieta guianensis, Maieta poeppigii and Tococa aristata), and a fifth one observed (Tococa guianensis).

The research teams hope that their results will be utilised to the fullest to guide land-use planning at the national level, managers of protected areas, particularly of the Kaieteur National Park, and community members and researchers to better understand the biodiversity of this area and to plan for its management.

The survey was done in close partnership with the village of Chenapau; University of Guyana’s Departments of Biology and Agriculture, and Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences; and Protected Areas Commission.

The full report can be accessed from www.wwfguianas.org

Raveniopsis ruellioides (Rutaceae), a rarely collected plant in Guyana, usually restricted to the edges of fast moving rivers and streams (Photo: Fabián Michelangeli) Caamembeca spectabilis (Polygalaceae), found in the upper Murimuri basin in the Kaieteur National Park, is a rarely collected neotropical vine and represents only the second record for Guyana (Photo: Fabián Michelangeli)

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DECEMBER 17, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

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Feature

GBTI 2018 Calendar Art Competition

cased being assured of a bright future as she takes a firm hold on her pink piggy bank in her art piece.

Noel Sukhai, 16, of Anna Regina Multilateral School, was focused on getting his dreams accomplished by acquiring the skill of saving from an early age. Noel’s illustration was explained in the form of a short story that tells of the plight of a young orphaned girl named Cindy.

Omawattie Ramnarain,

16, of St Joseph High School, depicted in her drawing how wealth can be built by saving.

Rena Marshall, 10, of Kamarang Primary School, showed that she can develop her community through saving.

Siddarth Ramessar, 9, of Ermsville Primary School, is the youngest winner this year. He outlined in his illustration how a good education and saving can lead him to his dream

job of becoming a Professor of Visual Effects.

This is Aaron Gangadeen, 13, of Skeldon Line Path Secondary School, second time as being a GBTI Calendar Art Competition winner – special honorary mention had to be made. Aaron’s art piece showed a collection of drawings for which someone is thinking about their future plans with savings being at the heart of it all.

Aaron Gangadeen

T

he GBTI Calendar Art Competition, which was resuscitated last year, dates back 15 years ago following the aftermath of 9/11 in the US, which sent shockwaves throughout the world. What could be described as a global catastrophe, touched the hearts of many and no doubt, the hearts of bankers at GBTI. Consequently, this saw the launch of the very first Calendar Competition in 2001 which focused on the topic, “If you had a chance to make a difference in this world today, what would you do?”

This year, the competition saw an overwhelming response in excess of 127 entries of art pieces from all across the width and breadth of Guyana – from Kamarang in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region to Skeldon, Berbice.

Children ranging from nine to 17 years old submitted art pieces under the theme, “Saving; the Key to a Brighter Future”. The bank

'Sustainable Life' by Aaron Gangadeen

decided to keep the theme close to home this year with the key word being “savings” as the bank realises the value in teaching children to save at an early age, as evident with its GBTI’s Early Savers Club Account.

“We at GBTI feel that saving is a habit that must be inculcated by children so that it becomes automatic as they enter the world of work and adulthood and sees savings as an essential skill acquired for balancing life and finances. GBTI cares for our little account holders and I must reiterate that our Early Savers Club Members are offered a myriad of benefits just by being a Club Member. From having their very own Kaieteur Classic Debit Card to discounts from participating merchants across the country, summer camp, annual prize drawings and bur-

sary awards, these are just some of the benefits they enjoy…” Pamela Binda, GBTI’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager, said at the calendar’s launch event.

The seven art pieces were adjudged winners by three judges from the Guyana Women Artists Association. The winners are: Rasheed Franklin, 16, of Christ Church Secondary, is a talented individual, which is somewhat inborn. His father is a well-known artist who painted the leatherback turtle monument in Kingston, Georgetown, just opposite the Umana Yana – a monument enshrined in the National Trust of Guyana. Rasheed’s drawing depicted an appreciation for finance.

Azalyah Exeter, 10, of Marian Academy, show-

Rasheed Franklin

Noel Sukhai

Siddarth Ramessar

'Appreciation for Finance' by Rasheed Franklin

'Dreams Accomplished' by Noel Sukhai

'Assured of a Bright Future'

by Azalyah Exeter

'A Good Education' by Siddarth Ramessar Azalyah Exeter

Omawattie Ramnarain

'Financial Literacy Initiative' by Omawattie Ramnarain

Rena Marshall

'Financial Security' by Rena Marshall

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Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 17, 2017

Feature A Christmas Tradition Explained

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n romantic Christmas movies when couples are under the mistletoe they are compelled to share a kiss. This tradition, though mostly popular in the US, is becoming part of our local culture too. But why do we kiss under the mistletoe?

Kissing under sprigs of mistletoe is a well-known holiday tradition, but this little plant’s history as a symbolic herb dates back thousands of years. Many ancient cultures prized mistletoe for its healing properties. The Greeks were known to use it as a cure for everything from menstrual cramps to spleen disorders, and the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder noted it could be used as a balm against epilepsy, ulcers and poisons. The plant’s romantic overtones most likely started with the Celtic Druids of the 1st century A.D. Because mistletoe could

blossom even during the frozen winter, the Druids came to view it as a sacred symbol of vivacity, and they administered it to humans and animals alike in the hope of restoring fertility.

Another famous chapter in mistletoe folklore comes from Norse mythology. As the story goes, when the god Odin’s son Baldur was prophesied to die, his mother Frigg, the goddess of love, went to all the animals and plants of the natural world to secure an oath that they would not harm him. But Frigg neglected to consult with the unassuming mistletoe, so the scheming god Loki made an arrow from the plant and saw that it was used to kill the otherwise invincible Baldur. According to one sunnier version of the myth, the gods were able to resurrect Baldur from the dead. Delighted, Frigg then declared mistletoe a symbol

of love and vowed to plant a kiss on all those who passed beneath it.

Mistletoe’s associations with fertility and vitality continued through the Middle Ages, and by the 18th century it had become widely incorporated into Christmas celebrations.

Just how it made the jump from sacred herb to holiday decoration remains up for debate, but the kissing tradition appears to have first caught on among servants in England before spreading to the middle classes. As part of the early custom, men were allowed to steal a kiss from any woman caught standing under the mistletoe, and refusing was viewed as bad luck. Yet another tradition instructed the merrymakers to pluck a single berry from the mistletoe with each kiss, and to stop smooching once they were all gone.

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 17, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

By Ashraf Dabie

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popular adage states: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” For young actress Jemima Holmes this saying has been her inspiration as she pushes forward in her pursuits of a career in theatre, not only locally but on the international stage.

For this 19-year-old, her love for the performing arts began years ago as a result of her early exposure to theatre. A mother and daughter tradition has taken Holmes to local annual comedy production, “The Link Show”, for as long as she can remember. Consequently, her interest in drama grew stronger, which propelled her on stage.

Her experience in dancing at Church and compiling stacks of poems during her pastime, the young actress received her long awaited debut during her secondary education at Queen’s College.

In 2012, Holmes, along with a group of friends, was given an unexpected opportunity of representing their school at the first annual National Drama Festival. This experience, despite it being a major challenge, was a learning adventure for the young actress, which probably paved the way for the successes she enjoyed the years that followed.

A mere two years later, the determined artiste tried her hand at the very platform once again, and this time came closer to the prize, having gained two nominations at the National Drama Festival in 2014.

Shortly after, Holmes decided to take on theatre arts as one of her CSEC subjects, a decision that set her on the path of becoming the award-winning actress she is today.

Holmes was awarded her first ‘Best Actress’ title at Bishops’ High School during her first year of Sixth Form. This was when Holmes took on the lead female role in the American farce, “Rumors”, as part of the school’s annual Inter-house Drama Competition. Her crowd-raving performance not only earned her the coveted title, but with the support of a power-packed cast, the production was adjudged the winning ensemble at that competition.

The year 2015 was definitely a fulfilling one for the young actress as she recorded yet another milestone after placing among the top 10 performers across the region at the first ever sitting of Performing Arts (Drama) at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

Several public appearances and noteworthy performances lat-

er, Holmes, after high school, was eager to make it big on her own, with the Nation Drama Festival being her most fitting opportunity.

Subsequently, she entered her debut production, “Tenement Yard”, and as a product of her writing and directing, the 19-year-old won herself the Best Actress award in the Debutant Category, proving that determination is the key to realising goals.

“I'd like to think that I'm just a simple person, but whenever I turn any space into a stage that changes. When I decided to enter the Drama Festival last year, it was all for the kicks. It was my first time writing on my own. It was a truly humbling experience and I learned so much in such a short time,” Holmes said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

This year the young actress returned to the stage to defend her title, and that she did.

Even after accomplishing one of her biggest goals and doing so twice in a row, the 19-year-old stated: “Winning this award two years in a row is more of a shock than anything else. I never expected to get an award. I hope yes, but I always try never to expect it.”

Holmes added that winning this year's award required “the hardest work” she has ever invested.

Jemima Holmes

“This was because I was no longer in a space where I was with my school friends and I wasn't the one directing. However, I always try to leave my heart on the stage, and so far it has always worked well for me. I don't know for sure what I'll be doing in the future but I hope it's something drama re-

lated. I desperately want to study theatre on an international level, but that plan is on hold for now.

What I'm sure of is putting myself out there more, not just with plays but my poems. And I know for sure that the next Drama Festival, I'm coming with more determination than ever,” Holmes declared.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

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DECEMBER 17, 2017

Literary Corner

Preserving our literary heritage by Petamber Persaud

‘J

‘Junta: The Coup is On’ - A novel by Ken Puddicombe

unta…’ is more than a novel merely about a bloodless coup, executed by the military in a seemingly flawless plan headed by General Septimus Ignatius Marks, wrenching power from the legitimately elected government, as it goes beyond the coup into the machinations of the junta to hold onto to power, at whatever cost, pitting its machinery of manufactured fear and military decisiveness backed by a gang of mercenaries/thugs, headed by The Reverend a merciless criminal, carrying out the dictates - doing the dirty work - of the army acting under direct instruction of Captain Stevenson, against tiny groups of people seeking the return to civilian rule and the restoration of democracy, a group consisting of students of a university led by Melanie Sanderson, the pugnacious editor of a newspaper, Clarence Baptiste, and a reformist priest, Father Bert, as it goes beyond the junta birthed in the wake of the coup as General Marks is supplanted by his protégé, now General Glen Stevenson. All of the above is set against the backdrop of Hurricane David which adds little to the suspense of the plot, but was a major

land in the Caribbean bearing many similarities to Guyana as people, places and events are invoked in the forms of Ricky Singh, Jim Jones, Rabbi Washington, Father Darke etc, even CARD (Crucial Action for the Restoration of Democracy) is not dissimilar to GUARD. Saint Anglia was a ‘peaceful place’ - sugar plantation economy thriving first on enslaved labour and then indentured labour - until after independence when the ugly head of racism, class and social injustice brought divisions to the surface in a way forcing everyone to take a side – a side for or against injustice.

The novel is divided into fourteen chapters with the first and second chapters introducing all the major characters while the next two chapters focused on the coup, accounting for one third of the book, and remaining pages deal with the junta’s struggle to hold on to power and subsequent supplanting of the leader from within.

The novel opens with the beginning of a coup as Marcus Jacobson, descendant of the planter class, returns to his place of birth to take up tenure of professor of history at the local university where the impetu-

sort of summed up in what Reverend Bert said, “No one is ever totally bad as no one is ever totally good.”

This seemingly intriguing story is diluted by the interjection of more twenty back stories of major and minor characters, created by the author who, it seems, is obliged to make them all rounded characters.

Quite interesting is the author’s use of smoking as a motif - almost every character is a smoker, lending to the adages ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire’ and ‘if you play with fire, you get burned’ as the reader finds out that many persons get burnt.

Interestingly too, the author accomplishes his own coup (de grace) by treating the reader to beautiful descriptive prose, impressive

characterisations, the overt and covert activities of a newspaper and the interesting history of coups and the politics of the Caribbean.

“Junta: the Coup is On” is a welcomed addition to a short list of Guyanese and Caribbean political thrillers.

Responses to this author please telephone 226-0065 of email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com What’s happening: Over GYD$1,000,000 in prize money up for grabs in the 2018 issue of The Guyana Annual. New closing date for entries to the various competitions is January 15, 2018. For further information go to The Guyana Annual on Facebook or email: theguyanaannual@gmail.com

Ken Puddicombe

As the junta headed by General Marks attempts to consolidate it stranglehold on power, it is met with opposition from various individuals and groups even as Professor Jacobson turns his back several times on invitations and promptings

when a protest march exposes the junta for what it really is – an evil to society.

That evil is finally defeated but that is not the end of the story. The end of the novel is sort of tame (as is the beginning) with Professor Jacobson finally

Do Not Stare At Me Do not stare at me from your window, lady do not stare and wonder where I came from Born in this city was I, lady, hearing the beetles at six o'clock and the noisy cocks in the morning when your hands rumple the bed sheet and night is locked up the wardrobe.

My hands are full of lines like your breast with veins, lady So do not stare and wonder where I came from My hands are full of lines like your breast with veins, lady and one must rear, while one must suckle life...

Do not stare at me from your window, lady.

Stare at the wagon of prisoners!

Stare at the hearse passing by your gate!

Stare at the slums in the south of the city!

Stare hard and reason, lady, where I came from and where I go.

My hand is full of lines like your breast with veins, lady, and one must rear, while one must suckle life.

player in further pauperising the less fortunate while sparing the rich and fortunate few.

This political/romance thriller is set in Saint Anglia, an imaginary is-

ous protagonist, Melanie Sanderson, former lover of Captain Stevenson and daughter of an ex-Premier who was kicked out of office because he was white, is a student.

mainly by Melanie to support the fight for the restoration of democracy. The resistance to the junta is answered with brute force damaging limbs and property, leading to bloodshed

Notice to Readers

leaving the island and with Melanie Sanderson declaring that she may eventually recommence the relationship with Stevenson who is now General and new leader of the junta. All of this is

If you have a poem and/or short story you would like to publish on our Literary Corner page, please email to guyanatimes@gmail.com. Kindly include your correct name and a contact number in your email. If you have any questions, please call 223-7230 or 223-7231.

Bare Night Without Comfort In a bare night without comfort stood like an infant hearing a drum: Shadows and green grass spinning but clutched at a world without nearing Like dark ball rising from nothing hurling curse at me and full of scorn: Bare night without comfort stood like an infant hearing a drum.

Poems by Martin Carter

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 17, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

I

View of Bourda Market from the north-eastern corner

n the late 19th century, the decision was made for the construction of a market that would stand the test of time in order to accommodate the increasing number of vendors in Georgetown; that market has survived to this very day.

While little official information appears available about the history of Bourda Market, previous unofficial research relates that Bourda market was originally built in 1880, and was soon reconstructed in 1902 to accommodate a growing number of vendors and consumers.

The market got its name from the famous colonial, Joseph Bourda, who was also the proprietor of the Vlissengen Plantation, and was one of the many colonials who found their final resting place in the Bourda cemetery which is opposite the market.

A place now neglected and overgrown with bush.

The actual Bourda market borders on the north and south by Robb and Regent Streets respectively, and on the east and west by Orange Walk and Bourda Street. The market has a long history that goes back to the 1870s when mention was just made of the Bourda market in the City Council’s minutes book.

The area in which the market is situated seems from very early in its history to have been where people gather to vend their produce on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. From this humble beginning the area later developed into a marketing centre.

Beginnings

According to Schulder Griffith, who was Clerk of Markets at the time of the study, vendors who normally occupied the Stabroek area came down to the Bourda area to do business after the construction of the Stabroek market began. As early as 1878, a shed was erected to accommodate the increase of vendors that now occupied the Bourda area. The Bourda Market was declared a temporary market in 1880.

The report of the City Council of 1881 asked the Council to decide whether to make the temporary structure which was the shed to become permanent. After three and a half years of existence, the shed had become unsafe and was therefore in need of much repair. The report added that if the market was to continue permanently it would be necessary to erect a more substantial building

A section of Bourda market interior

and fence it securely. The construction of Bourda Street and drains in the area was laid out in that same year.

The 1882 estimate of the City Council shows that a sum of $651.80 was set aside for enclosing the Bourda market an area of 125 x 50 feet approximately. The estimate also includes erecting and painting the fence. In 1901, a plan was prepared of a “new iron market” for Bourda, but due to the high prices for materials in that year, the decision was made to start construction in the following year. Provision was then made in the 1902 estimates for the construction of the new market.

ing structure like its more famous sister, Stabroek Market is - people using the areas can go by the market without really noticing the clock tower. The Bourda Market clock was built by W Potts and Sons Makers of England in 1902. The clock bell is of cast bronze and weighs approximately 500 pounds. Legend has it that this bell is a commemorative bell cast for the coronation of England’s King Edward in 1902.

The market was later extended to include what was once called the Bourda Green.

The Bourda Green was paved with concrete, and vending was permitted in the 60s, but

the area was later organized and improved by requiring vendors to build stalls so as to remove their produce from off the ground. Further improvements were made as the area was provided with electricity, and stalls had to be made secure to prevent people from sleeping in them since the area that housed the Green was not enclosed.

The Bourda Green is a famous historic site because it was where the politicians in the 40s and 50s would gather to stage their political meetings. Many of them launched their political careers on that very ground. The vendors who occupied the Green were

Construction

The foundation stone of the Bourda market was laid on 12 December 1902 enclosing an area of 12,500 square feet, accommodating some 2,328 stalls. Bourda market, like Stabroek market, is enclosed with iron railing. It is a giant timber framed shed with three giant truss roves constructed of wood. A simple iron railed fence surrounds the entire structure. A clock tower was also constructed, which still exists though it is apparently not functioning.

This tower is not an impos-

Stairs leading to the clock tower

mostly from the East Coast of Demerara. The Green is now so filled to capacity that the Merriman’s Mall and an allotted space are used by vendors.

The Bourda Market is a very popular market, and is always buzzing with activity on a daily basis. Almost anything can be purchased in this market without having to go anywhere else.

While in need of repair, and in the shadow of the famous Stabroek Market, Bourda Market remains one of the most well-known and utilised traditional buildings in Georgetown.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

DECEMBER 17, 2017

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Travel & Tourism

An evening on Waikin Ranch

Front view of the shed covering the campers as seen upon entering the compound

A

working ranch with cattle and other livestock including multiple fenced pastures, vegetable fields, fruits trees, adequate water and beautiful vistas with refreshing breeze, Waikin Ranch offers relaxation and adventure.

Waikin has boundaries from the main Rupununi trail to the Ireng River on the Brazil border to the west and Pirara River.

The ranch covers almost 33,000 acres of mostly rolling savannah plains dotted with bush islands, ponds, lakes and creeks. This is the ambitious investment of businessman Victor Pires.

The windy rolling savannah plains at the ranch are particularly spectacular. There are also vistas of the Ite palm trees with a backdrop of the blue Kanuku Mountains.

This area has natural springs being a source for the wetland’s ecology. Starting from the open savannah, in March 2011 work be-

gan and soon after the planting of trees and vegetables crops, which are richly bearing fruits.

Waikin continues to develop with the intention to make the land more viable: rearing of livestock, growing of timber and other trees along with fruits and vegetables.

There has been much success already seen in the incredible increase in the amount of birds and natural life around the ranch.

Visitors can enjoy the richness and simplicity of ranch life. Picking fruits and vegetables and have them prepared for the next meal; take a walk to explore the surrounding ponds, or maybe try horse-back riding.

You can consider taking a driving tour to the nearby lakes and rivers, or go canoeing.

However you wish to spend your time, you can explore or just lay back in a hammock.

For more information, visit Waikin Ranch on Facebook or call 699-1266.

Ite Palms and Deer Creek close-by to the ranch

Rounding up cattle on the ranch

Learn how to become a vaquero or just enjoy a refreshing horseback ride through the savannah

Indulge in fresh fruits and vegetables, like this gigantic avocado, grown and harvested at Waikin

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 17, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Health

Preventing Gum Disease G

um disease is a very common condition where the gums become swollen, sore or infected.

If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and you may have bad breath.

This early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis.

If gingivitis isn't treated, a condition called periodontitis can develop. This affects more tissues that support teeth and hold them in place.

If periodontitis isn't treated, the bone in your jaw may be damaged and small spaces can open up between the gum and teeth. Your teeth can become loose and may eventually fall out.

Causes

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria.

Some bacteria in plaque are harmless, but some are harmful for the health of your gums. If you don't remove plaque from your teeth by brushing them, it builds up and irritates your gums.

This can lead to redness

with bleeding, swelling and soreness.

You should make an appointment to see your dentist if your gums are painful, swollen or if they bleed when you brush your teeth.

Complications of gum disease

If you have untreated gum disease that develops into periodontitis, it can lead to further complications, such as: • gum abscesses (painful collections of pus) • receding gums • loose teeth • loss of teeth Gum disease has also been associated with an increased risk for a number of other health conditions, including: • cardiovascular disease • lung infections • if affected during pregnancy, premature labour and having a baby with a low birth weight.

However, while people with gum disease may have an increased risk of these problems, there isn't currently any clear evidence that gum disease directly causes them.

Preventing and

Treating gum disease

Mild cases of gum disease can usually be treated by maintaining a good level of oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. You should also make sure you attend regular dental check-ups.

Avoid sugary foods and drinks as they contribute to tooth decay.

In most cases, your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to give your teeth a thorough clean and remove any hardened plaque (tartar). They'll also be able to show you how to clean your teeth effectively to help prevent plaque building up in the future.

If you have severe gum disease, you'll usually need to have further medical and dental treatment and, in some cases, surgery may need to be carried out. This will usually be performed by a specialist in gum problems (periodontics).

Certain foods can also help in the prevention of gum disease. Ginger root is considered a healing herb.

With its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger pro-

motes healthy tissue in your mouth.

Eating an apple can take a while. And that’s a good thing for your mouth. The munching action spurs a cleansing action that shakes up the plaque that clings to gums and teeth. Stock up on apples, but be sure to rinse with mouthwash afterward.

Even healthy foods like apples can expose your mouth to acids.

Milk and other dairy foods such as cheese and yogurt are not only packed with bone-fortifying calcium, but also with the pro-

I M

seem to outweigh the risks," he said.

The NHS recommends pregnant women have no more than 200mg of caffeine a day two mugs of instant coffee - because too much can increase the risk of miscarriage.

This review suggests women at risk of fractures should also cut back on coffee.

For other adults, moderate caffeine intake equates to 400mg or less per day - or three to four cups of coffee - but that isn't the only drink (or food) to bear in mind.

The researchers say coffee drinkers should stick to "healthy coffees" - which avoid extra sugar, milk or cream, or a fatty snack on the side.

And they are calling for rigorous clinical trials on coffee intake to find out more about the potential benefits to health.

At present, the researchers said pinning down exactly how coffee might have a positive impact on health was "difficult" but it could be down to the effects of anti-oxidants and anti-fibrotics, which prevent or slow damage to cells in the body.

Tom Sanders, professor emeritus of nutrition and dietetics at King's College London, said coffee drinkers may be healthier people to start with - and that could skew the findings.

"Coffee is known to cause headaches in some people and it also increases the urge to go to the toilet - some people chose not to drink coffee for these reasons.

"Patients with abnormal heart rhythms are often advised to drink de-caffeinated coffee. Caffeine also acutely increases blood pressure, albeit transiently.” (BBC)

The extra saliva produced by chewing neutralizes mouth bacteria. High-fiber, stringy foods like raw spinach, celery and even cooked beans offer this benefit.

The raw onion is a potent bacteria-fighting food.

Onions have an antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, and, according to one study, completely wipes out four bacteria strains that lead to gum disease and cavities. Sliver them and toss the strips in your salad, on your sandwich and burger or in soups and stews.

Teens’ Health

Health News

oderate coffee drinking is safe, and three to four cups a day may have some health benefits, according to a large review of studies.

It found a lower risk of liver disease and some cancers in coffee drinkers, and a lower risk of dying from stroke - but researchers could not prove coffee was the cause.

Too much coffee during pregnancy could be harmful, the review confirmed.

Experts said people should not start drinking coffee for health reasons.

At the University of Southampton, researchers collected data on the impact of coffee on all aspects of the human body, taking into account more than 200 studies - most of which were observational.

Compared with non-coffee drinkers, those who drank about three cups of coffee a day appeared to reduce their risk of getting heart problems or dying from them.

The strongest benefits of coffee consumption were seen in reduced risks of liver disease, including cancer.

But Prof Paul Roderick, co-author of the study, from the faculty of medicine at University of Southampton, said the review could not say if coffee intake had made the difference.

"Factors such as age, whether people smoked or not and how much exercise they took could all have had an effect," he said.

The findings back up other recent reviews and studies of coffee drinking so, overall, his message on coffee was reassuring.

"There is a balance of risks in life, and the benefits of moderate consumption of coffee

tein casein, which research suggests reduces acid levels in the mouth. In addition, drinking milk can neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria. Note: Drinking milk with cereal or dessert doesn't have the same benefit as direct consumption after eating. No milk around?

Eat a piece of cheese instead.

It’s no secret that salad greens pack an all-around healthy punch, but they’re also especially successful at keeping mouths clean because they’re fiber-packed, meaning they require serious chewing to break down.

t's perfectly normal to sweat. Sweating plays an important health role because it helps maintain body temperature by cooling us down. When we're hot and we sweat, that moisture evaporates and cools us off a bit.

And we don't just sweat when we're hot.

It's also normal for people to sweat when they're nervous because emotions can affect the sweat glands.

Sweating is one part of puberty. When our bodies starts to change, roughly 3 million sweat glands become more active. This is especially true for glands in the armpits and groin and on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. When the sweat comes in contact with bacteria on the skin, it can produce an odor, which may be stronger in some people than others.

So how to handle sweat? Take a bath or

shower daily. If you're worried about smell, use a deodorant or a deodorant with antiperspirant (a deodorant masks odor, whereas an antiperspirant helps decrease sweating).

It can also help to wear clothes made of natural fibers, such as cotton or linen. Pads called underarm shields or dress shields can help absorb sweat and prevent embarrassing underarm stains. These pads attach to the armpit area inside a person's clothes to absorb sweat. They're sold in pharmacies and at some specialized sports stores. Some teens also keep an extra shirt in their bags/ lockers so they can change at school.

If you worry about your sweating, talk to your doctor. Sweating too much sometimes can be a sign of a medical problem. Doctors can prescribe stronger antiperspirants if they think someone needs one. (www.kidshealth.org)

10 Sunday Times Magazine

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Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Recipe of the week

Ingredients: 1 oz piece fresh ginger root, peeled and crushed Peel of a medium lime 1/3 cup fresh strained lime juice ½ cup sugar 3¾ cups boiling water 1 teaspoon active dry yeast ¼ cup lukewarm water (110°F to 115°F)

Learn how to make gift boxes so pretty, your recipients may not want to open them.

For an impressive, elegant look, stack two or three boxes together with coordinating wrap and tie them together with fancy ribbon.

Method: Starting one week ahead, combine the ginger, lime peel, lime juice and sugar in a large bowl, and pour a boiling water over. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, and let the mixture cool to room temperature.

In a small bowl or cup, sprinkle the yeast over the lukewarm water. Let stand for 2 to 3 minutes then stir to dissolve the yeast completely. Set this small bowl in a warm, draft-free place for about 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to bubble and almost double in volume. (If no bubbles develop, discard the mixture and repeat the process with fresh yeast).

Add the yeast to the ginger mixture and stir thoroughly.

Cover the bowl tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm, draft-free place. Let the mixture ferment for a week, stirring every other day. After a week it will be mildly carbonated.

Strain the ginger beer through a fine sieve and, using a funnel, pour the liquid into a 1-quart glass or ceramic bottle and cork it tightly.

Let the beer ferment at room temperature for an additional 3 or 4 days, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Serve the ginger beer in chilled tumblers, with or without ice cubes.

Greatest Cooking Tips When baking with grain-free flours like coconut and almond, separate the eggs and whip the whites to soft peaks. It makes notoriously heavy flours light and cakelike.

Freeze fresh ginger and grate as needed. It will stay fresh for months.

Spritz your cheese grater with nonstick spray or rub a little oil before using it to make shredding—and cleaning— easier.

Add dried fruit to oatmeal before you add the milk or water. The fruit will cook and plump up slightly, adding a juicier, more intense taste.

Glitter snowflakes add a touch of sparkle to gifts.

Jingle bells are festive and can be easily attached using ribbon and string.

Greenery adds great dimension and texture to the top of any gift! If giving the gift right away, you can even use fresh greenery for a special touch.

Home Help

The best way to clean a dish sponge, mix 3/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water and soak the sponge for five minutes, then rinse.

Use the tag on fitted sheets. If you've ever struggled putting the fitted sheet on your mattress, listen up: the corner with the tag always goes on the bottom right side of your mattress.

Use foil as a scrub brush. When in a pinch, you can use foil to help you around the house for much more than food storage. You can ball it up and use it as a dish scrubber, but it can also polish silver, protect pie crust from being burnt, and more.

An adorable alternative to a traditional gift tag is to use a photo of the recipient. There’s no confusion about which gift goes to who, and it makes it feel so personalized.

Embellishments are the best way to dress up a present! No matter what you’re gift wrap theme may be there are endless options to choose from.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

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Puzzles

Crossword

1

6 11

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21

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101

ACROSS Heeded the alarm (2 wds.)

Joyful shout Embankment Latin dance music Rodeo venue Nostalgic fashion Hacking Legal documents Allen and Flintstone "Lusitania" sinker (hyph.)

Tree with pods Mercator's tome Adjust slightly (hyph.)

Tribal emblem Mucky Chef's term (2 wds.)

Nabbing Turns up Two tablets, maybe Gross Like a bairn Ethical Border state Show host Negative sort Big black dogs Most washed out Big party Tenet Family member Sparkling Meyers of "Kate & Allie" View from Giza RN assistants Whetstone Fizzle Scatters CARQUEST rival Corduroy ridges Stoop down Convertible couch (2 wds.)

Summer hangout Raucous laughs Socially inept Dispose of Cartoon dwelling Newlywed title Jeweler's weight Follett and Howard Salad veggie Gave a leg up "-- -- no idea!"

Prince Charles' sister Stag attender Frat bash (2 wds.)

Shinto or Zen (abbr.)

Roquefort hue Sheet candy "Nutcracker" garb Mongkut portrayer Space traveler Light-bulb unit Award for bravery Float ingredient Cling Prejudice Promo tapes Pharaoh's textile

102 Holiday quaffs 104 Skyrockets

105 Boot liner

106 Luxury fur

109 Soldiers in gray

110 Ouija alternative

111 Dry up

115 GP group

116 Nessie's hideout 117 Stogie

118 Tiny crack

119 Skilled force

121 After-swim need

123 Waits patiently

125 Rocky Mountain range

126 Curved moldings

127 On the left, at sea

128 Wildlife refuges

129 Acts worried

130 Brain messenger

131 Coral ridges

132 "Crazy Legs" Hirsch

133 Hagar's pooch

DOWN

1 Large fishhooks

2 Sen. Hatch

3 -- Marie of pop 4 Beneath the waves

5 Diversion

6 Squeezed dry

7 Goddess of youth

8 Prefix meaning "ear"

9 Work by Handel

10 Washington's river

11 Adds brandy

12 Reason to cram

13 "Old" London theatre

14 Bewitches

15 Self-absorption

16 Move in the breeze

17 "But is it --?"

18 Fragrant flower

19 Hunt down

20 Mineral analysis

30 One, to Conchita

32 Util. bill

34 Investigates anew

37 Urban dwelling

38 Mortgage, e.g.

39 "-- cost you"

41 Mike of "Wayne's World"

42 FedEx trucks

43 Appellation

44 Hoople's mutterings

45 Racer -- Andretti 46 Precipice

47 Uttered loudly

48 Moon goddess

50 Fluffy quilt

51 Malodorous critter

52 Lingerie item

54 Looked the joint over

55 It may be upset (2 wds.)

56 Swabbies

58 Old length measure

59 Vietnam neighbor

60 Price increase

63 Electrical unit

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65

66 68

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We, in Le Havre Exercise power -- nova Johnnycake Team of oxen Plummets What's cooking Wrestler -- Hogan Ski slope bump About, datewise In the lead Kramden or Bellamy Patella site Alpha followers Shop for clothes (2 wds.)

Debussy music Poet -- Thomas Fast, for a conductor Gym pads Praise Village Cote sounds Lure Search for Disguise items Plaque, perhaps Pizza style "Road" star (2 wds.)

100 Like denim

101 Thrashes or lashes

103 Honey source 104 Rip 105 Honor society letter

106 Little Richard's hometown 107 Sketch

108 Auto-safety advocate 110 Slants

111 Full of back talk

112 Lombardi of coaching

113 Calculator key 114 Minimum

116 -- -majeste

117 Witty Bennett - 118 Damsel rescuer

120 Step on the gas 122 Misfortune

124 SSW or NE Solution on Pg 13

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- EXTRINSIC (EXTRINSIC: ek-STRIN-sik: Not part of or belonging to a thing; extraneous.)

Average mark 49 words Time limit 60 minutes

exist exit xeric tern tier tine tinier tire trice tries trine rein rent resin rest rice rinse rise risen rite icier iciest

incest incise incite inciter inert insect insert inset inter irenic iris neritic nest next nice nicer nicest nisei nitric nixes scent sect

sent since sine sire siren site snit stein stern stir cent cire cist cistern cite cities citrine crest cretin cries

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s," such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed.

3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. For example, if "bake" is used, "baked" or "bakes" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

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DECEMBER 17, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

Tech news

“M

'Meghan Markle', 'fidget spinners' top UK Google search

eghan Markle�, fiancee to Prince Harry, has been revealed by Google as the top most searched term in the UK for 2017.

It puts the royal bride-tobe ahead of "iPhone 8" and "Hurricane Irma" in the list of top search terms.

The Manchester bombing and Grenfell Tower also featured in the top 10.

The UK election featured heavily in the list of top "What is...?" queries, with people asking about a hung Parliament and the Democratic Unionist Party.

"Bitcoin" became one of the year's buzzwords and "What is Bitcoin?", "How to buy Bitcoin" and "How to mine bitcoins" all appeared on trending lists, as the crypto-currency rose in val-

ue through the year.

The online lists also reflected some of the key playground trends of 2017 - including the toy known as a "fidget spinner", which made it to number four in most searched terms, and the rise in popularity of making home-made slime, which featured in the "How to..." list.

According to Google, searches beginning in "how" increased by 150% over the last decade, hitting an alltime high in 2017.

Top trending news events included the Manchester bombing and the London Bridge attack, with the top global news trends including North Korea, the Las Vegas shooting and Catalonia's bid for independence.

"People aren't only using

Crossword Solution

Google Search to find information about the topics that matter to them. They're increasingly searching for ways to take action and find out how to do things including how to donate or volunteer in moments of crisis," said Hannah Glenny, a Google Search trends expert.

Meghan Markle also featured on the top trending "people" queries, followed

by Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, who died in February.

Donald Trump made it to only number six on the list.

In global search, the number one most searched term was "Hurricane Irma", followed by "iPhone 8" and "iPhone X" in second and third place. (BBC)

Apple's most powerful computer ever is now available for purchase

A

pple's most powerful computer ever, the iMac Pro, is now available for purchase.

The iMac Pro was announced earlier this year and packs up to 18 processor cores, a 27-inch Retina 4K display, and is the first Mac ever to support virtual reality. The iMac Pro will work with the HTC Vive virtual reality headset.

Apple says the target audience for the new iMac is professionals who need as much power as possible out of their Mac, including video editors who might want to edit 4K and

Tech news

Facebook will put ads before videos next year

F

acebook is making major changes to its advertising strategy, including putting ads before videos and requiring videos to be longer before they can have ad breaks.

The company announced in a blog post on Thursday that it would be adding six-second pre-roll ads before videos starting next year. The ads would likely be before Watch content, Facebook's TV-style show content.

"While pre-roll ads don't work well in News Feed, we think they will work well in Watch because it's a place where people visit and come back to with the intention to watch videos," Facebook product management director Maria AngelidouSmith and product manag-

even 8K video. "iMac is the most popular desktop for our pro users due to its amazing display and elegant design, so we completely re-engineered it to deliver performance far beyond what anyone thought possible in an all-in-one," said John Ternus, Apple's vice president of Hardware Engineering.

It doesn't come cheap, however. The starting price for the 8-core model is US$4,999, but it costs more than US$13,000 fully loaded. (CNBC)

Facebook will put ads before videos next year

er Abhishek Bapna wrote in the post.

Facebook will also require videos that want to include ad breaks to be at least three minutes long starting in January, with the first ad appearing at the one minute mark. Previously videos had to be a minimum of 90 seconds, and the first ad break was allowed to appear after 20 seconds. Facebook

research showed user satisfaction increased 18 percent when the ad break was later in the video, which it believes will lead to more people continuing to watch after the commercial.

The company will only allow live video ad breaks on pages with more than 50,000 followers, removing ads from people who post live videos on their profile.

"Live video publishers below this threshold also tend to have smaller audiences for their broadcasts, and therefore aren't able to garner meaningful revenue from Ad Breaks," AngelidouSmith and Bapna wrote.

"We'll continue to work jointly with our partners on testing and improving the product to deliver value."

In addition, the company said it would be rolling out changes to the News Feed to include more videos from publishers and creators that users frequently view.

Creators will also be able to share their videos with all their followers.

Sponsored videos will still also be allowed. The number of branded videos has quadrupled since the beginning of 2017, the company said.

14 Sunday Times Magazine

DECEMBER 17, 2017

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Bollywood/Hollywood

Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Dear Zindagi’ tops 2017 charts on iTunes D

A

merican multinational technology company, Apple, has recently unveiled the list of top 2017 iTunes movies in which Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Dear Zindagi” tops the charts. According to the organisation, “Dear Zindagi” bags the number one slot, followed by “Raees” at number five.

“Dear Zindagi” was co-Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment along with Dharma Productions and Hope Productions.

However, Raees was co-produced with Excel Entertainment.

Both the movies feature Shah Rukh Khan reprising very different roles and garnered critical and commercial success across online and offline platforms. “Dear Zindagi”, which emerged as the most popular film of 2017 on iTunes, also stars Alia Bhatt.

The movie was much appreciated by critics and moviegoers alike. The plot centres around Kaira (Alia Bhatt) who is a budding cinematographer in search of a perfect life. Her encounter with Dr Jehangir (Khan), an unconventional thinker, helps her gain a new perspective on life. She discovers that happiness is all about finding comfort in life’s imperfections.

On the other hand, with Shah Rukh

Khan’s “Raees”, sets in the early 80’s and 90’s in Gujarat, is a fictitious story of a man, Raees (Khan) who builds an entire empire from scratch. “Sully”, “Baahubali: The Conclusion” and “Baahubali: The Beginning” are some of the other films in the list. (ANI)

wayne "The Rock" Johnson has revealed in a new interview that he's actually considering running for President of the United States. But the thing is, instead of running for office in 2020, the multi-hyphenate star says he may do it in 2024.

The Rock, who just received a star on the Walk of Fame this week, cites his hectic schedules as the reason why he rules out running for president in 2020. The "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" actor, however, confirmed to Variety that he will "100% consider" running for office.

"I couldn't do both," he says about his rocketing career as a movie star, producer as well as the businessman behind his company, Seven Bucks Productions, which he co-owns with his longtime manager and exwife, Dany Garcia. "Realistically, as we go into 2018, when you look at my slate as we're developing and shooting into 2019 and 2020, the slate goes deep into 2021, so it feels like the realistic consideration would be 2024."

"The Fate of the Furious" actor, who has attended both Republican and Democratic conventions, said: "I continue to watch our leaders in government, and like all Americans, I continue to be hopeful that our

leaders exhibit poise, perspective and the ability to bring our country together during these tough times -- which I don't feel our presidency is currently doing -- so that's where I'm at."

Revealing that he's currently a registered Independent, Dwayne says, "I care deeply about our country, and I care deeply about our people - especially now. Decency matters and being a decent human being matters, and character matters, and leadership matters." (AceShowbiz)

Idris Elba is in love Shahid Kapoor voted with Meghan Markle ‘Sexiest Asian Man’

B

ollywood star Shahid Kapoor has been voted the Sexiest Asian Man in the world in an annual UK poll released in London recently.

The 36-year-old popular actor of re-

A

ctress Soha Ali Khan said her struggle has been with her profession as an actor. At the launch of her maiden book “The Perils of Being Moderately Famous”, Soha was asked about the toughest chapter to write.

She said, "The toughest chapter to write was probably the one called 'Working Actor'.

cent award-winning films such as “Udta Punjab” beat competition from chart- topping British-Pakistani singer Zayn Malik, last year’s winner who came in at third this year.

Another popular Bollywood star and one of the past toppers of the list, Hrithik Roshan, is ranked second for the third year in a row in the 50 Sexiest Asian Men poll conducted by London-based weekly newspaper Eastern Eye. “I would like to thank everyone who voted for me. I am humbled by the desirable tag,” Kapoor told the newspaper.

“I believe sexy is not only to do with the physical, but as much to do with the mental perspective on life. This one is for all those fans who have loved and supported me,” he said. (PTI)

The other chapters sort of fell together in place, but really, my struggle has been with my profession as an actor, which is such an important part of my life.

"The insecurities coming along with it, comparisons that are made which are very difficult to live up to and I feel there is a very big shoe to fill. I also feel that striking the right tone with readers about my failures, insecurities and the learning step that comes across, but at the same time, not being too hard on myself, was most difficult thing for me."

Asked what prompted her to write a book, Soha said, "Earlier, I have written a couple of columns and essays, but to write 40,00050,000 words is a huge task. I wanted to write non-fiction because I don't have the imagination for creative fiction. I felt certain things about my life that I could draw from and that might be humorous."

(Times of India)

I

dris Elba recently sang the praises of Meghan Markle during a meeting with her future father-in-law, Prince Charles, at Buckingham Palace, telling him Meghan is a "beacon" for the rest of us.

According to Sky News, after introducing his own lady, Sabrina Dhowre, to the future leader of the British royal family, the award-winning actor, along with Prince Charles, spoke highly about Markle.

S

elena Gomez proves that time and space can't break her friendship with Taylor Swift. On Wednesday, December 13, the "...Ready for It?" songstress turned 28 and Selena celebrated it with the sweetest birthday message ever.

Sharing a short video of them giggling and goofing off together, the "Wolves" singer wrote along with it, "I'm glad you were born. You write all the thoughts some aren't able to articulate. (ME!) Thank you for giving a voice to this world that is authentic and inspiring. I wish some knew how big your heart actually is.. it's fierce, bold and freaking wild with light. I'm glad you protect that. Love you @taylorswift."

Taylor's other celebrity pals have also sent her birthday wishes. Karlie Kloss simply posted on Twitter, "Happy happy birthday @taylorswift13!" along with her picture with the birthday girl.

Meanwhile, her fans created a video montage to celebrate her 28th birthday.

Taylor wrote to her fans in return, "I love you guys so much. Thank you for mak-

"Meghan Markle, as a person, regardless of her color, is a role model," Prince Charles said of his soon-to-be daughter-in-law. "As a strong woman marrying into our royal family, she's going to be a role model for any woman. The point is that of course our society is one of mixed heritage and it's nice to see Meghan within the royal family."

Echoing his sentiment, Elba added that the former “Suits” actress is sure to be a "beacon" and a source of inspiration for many.

"It's great," the actor said. "And of course she's going to be a beacon and of course she's going to be someone that people look towards."

This is an exciting time for both Markle and her fiancé, Prince Harry, as they are set to wed on May 19, 2018. (BET)

ing this, what an amazing way to start my birthday." (AceShowbiz)

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DECEMBER 17, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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DECEMBER 17, 2017

Fun Times

Archie

ARIES

Information you want (March 21kept secret will be revealed April 19) if you share your plans. Put your ideas in motion to stay ahead of anyone trying to get in your way.

Emotional disillusionment

TAURUS will set in if you believe every(April 20- thing you are told. Question May 20) anything that appears suspi-

cious, especially where joint money is concerned. A partnership may need an adjustment.

GEMINI (May 28June 20)

Make special plans with someone you love. A special gesture will bring you closer to a commitment that you've been longing to make. Love and romance are highlighted.

Get involved in an event CANCER that is geared toward help(June 21- ing others. You will make July 22) a difference and learn a lot about different kinds of people.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Making travel plans, visiting friends or relatives or attending an event or activity that will be fun for all is encouraged. A little romance will lead to a positive and eventful evening.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Nurture your personal relationships to avoid an emotional scene. Fix up your space and do what you can to put a smile on the faces of younger and older relatives.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Plan a trip or share your feelings with someone special.

Offer suggestions that will result in plans to spend more time with loved ones. Make family or close friends a priority.

A change in the way you SCORPIO do things will help you decide (Oct. 24- what's most important to you.

Nov. 22) Check into alternative moneymaking options that will transform your current lifestyle.

SAGITTARIUS Listen to your emotions and (Nov. 23- follow through with your plans.

Dec. 21) Make love and romance prior-

ities, and share your feelings and intentions with someone special.

Calvin and Hobbes

Let others do whatevCAPRICORN er they want. Your concern (Dec. 22should be with matters closJan. 19) er to home that involve your personal interests. Stay focused on what's important to you.

Stick to the truth and AQUARIUS avoid an emotional confron(Jan. 20tation. Use your intellect Feb. 19) and charm to bypass being dragged into a controversy, or you will end up being accused of meddling.

PISCES Emotional matters will (Feb. 20- spin out of control if you don't Mar. 20) stop and assess the scope of an unfolding situation. Make an honest assessment before you proceed.