Sunday Magazine 17th Nov 2013

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november 17, 2013

Times Feature

After more than a century and a half, Providence Primary continues striving

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ogether we strive, together we achieve.” For more than 150 years, the Providence Primary School is guided by this motto and has produced many notable professionals who are significantly contributing to various areas in society, both locally and internationally.

Located on the East Bank of Demerara, the school’s wider community is Herstelling. The Nursery School, situated in Farm, is a feeder school to Providence Primary.

The distinguished individuals who graduated from Providence Primary include Dr Suresh Narine, who is a world-renowned scientist and professor, and currently teaches and conducts his research at the University of Alberta. He is also a director of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology at the University of Guyana

Former student of Providence Primary School, Dr Suresh Narine

Rodwell Simon,standing among his achievers, is one of the notable teachers at the school who has contributed to its continuous success at the Grade Six Assessment exams

and was recently appointed to the board of directors of Canadian oil and gas exploration company, CGX. Narine’s academic career includes numerous awards,

Vishagan Ratnaswamy is also a notable former student

including the prestigious Growing Alberta Leadership Award for Innovation, received in 2005 for pioneering the development of technology to produce polyurethanes from vegetable oils among many other accomplishments.

Additionally, Professor Narine was awarded the Guyana/Canada Special Achievement Award in 2007. In 2011, he received an award from Guyana for his contributions to science and technology in Canada and for his contributions in this field towards the development of Guyana.

Another outstanding individual who graduated from Providence Primary is Vishagan Ratnaswamy. He

is a New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) graduate who did groundbreaking research in granular science and won a fellowship to pursue a Doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech).

He also holds a Master’s and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from NJIT.

History

The earliest available record of the school dates back to 1861 when it was known as the St. Matthew’s Parish School with an enrolment of 106 pupils and Rev. J.W. Retsul as manager.

In 1903, the school was known as St. Matthew’s Anglican School and the rector of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church Rev. A.D. Pryce was the manager.

W.L. Isaacs was the head teacher with a staff of five.

It was an all-age school with an enrolment of 158 pupils with an average attendance of 117. Classes were from Prep to Standard 6 and maintained by dual control of Ministry of Education and the Anglican Church.

The building was a one flat structure until 1956.

During that year it was renovated and extended by the Ministry of Education- the bottom flat and the northern section accommodating office and staff room were constructed.

In 1962, the approximate enrolment was 1,200 with a head teacher and a staff of 28.

Some of the early head teachers, in succession, were J. Dennison, F.H. Russell, M. Goliah and N. McKenzie (during the period of 1952-1962). Some of the later head teachers were S. Singh, Beryl Gregory, Albert Sukhdeo, Harripaul Shivcharran and Alan Ramlall.

In 1980, with its name now Providence Primary, the school was adopted by Guyoil Company Limited.

During the period 19801988, the company made significant inputs such as maintenance and construc-

tion work to building, furniture and compound, provision and maintenance of water facilities, donation of agriculture tools, monetary donations, work study opportunities to students and employment, eradication of termite from building and negotiating for professional guards following a state of breakages and thefts at the school.

In 1998, the enrolment was 583 pupils with a staff of 16. The school operated, and still does, under the name of Providence Primary School with classes from Grades One to Nine.

On September 30, 1999, Primary Education Improvement (P.E.I.P) undertook the task of renovating the school building. Renovated work was completed by Bacchus Construction, contractor, on March l, 2000. The renovated school building was handed over to the Department of Education, Region Four on March 1, 2000. Students took full possession of the renovated building on March 6, 2000, and classes continued as normal.

The official handing over ceremony of the renovated school building took place on October 16, 2000.

Renovated work done on the building and environment included extension of the building in a north/south

painting of entire building, fencing, and new furniture (desks, benches, teachers, tables and chairs, cupboard and chalkboards), and grilling windows where there were none.

Top Achievers

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Patsy Gentle,

Headmistress Patsy Gentle

present headmistress, serving in that capacity for the past five years, mentioned that the school has been consistent over the years in producing top achievers. Currently, the school enjoys an above average pass rate at the Grade Six Assessment.

“Under my administration, I hope to achieve better passes. But in order for us to do this parents need to get more involved in their children’s education. They need

Providence Primary before September 29, 1999

Providence Primary School today

direction with an upper and lower flat. Additionally, two new stairways were affixed to the southern side of the building. Improved water facilities and complete fencing of school compound, gates and clear front drain of the school were all done. Works also included

to get more involved in PTAs and our monthly parent conferencing,” she pleaded.

Currently, the school has 15 teachers and 324 students. It provides classes from Grades One to Nine – also known as Primary Top – and Grade Six are feverishly preparing for upcoming examinations.

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november 17, 2013

Times Sunday Magazine

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Times Focus

November 18 will be 35 years since the Jonestown massacre. The late journalist Neville Annibourne was one of the few survivors of that fateful day, and documented his experience.

His reputed wife, Verna Cummings, who could not locate his entire story, kindly submitted to Guyana Times Sunday Magazine an excerpt of Annibourne’s account of the events that occurred on that tragic day. n November 17, 1978, I was employed as an Information Officer at the Ministry of Information. And on that very day was assigned by the-then Chief Information Officer, the late Victor Forsythe, to cover U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan’s visit to Guyana. He was here to investigate claims that his constituents were abused at the People’s Temple (Jonestown) located in the north-west district of Port Kaituma.

I left immediately for Pegasus Hotel where I met the congressman along with

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Aerial view of Jonestown 1978

concerned relatives, foreign journalists and two lawyers attached to the People’s Temple.

At the time congressman Ryan was trying to make contact by telephone with the head of the People’s Temple, the reverend Jim Jones, with a view to getting his permission to enter the temple.

With permission granted, the congressman, his party and I boarded an aircraft at the (Cheddi Jagan International) Airport and departed for Port Kaituma.

On arrival at Port Kaituma the pilot, before landing, circled the airstrip twice to make sure that it was free from obstacles.

We touched down about 1:00 p.m. and were met at the airstrip by some members of the cult who took the congressman and his party by a tractor to the temple, some six miles from the airstrip, to meet with Jim Jones.

On arrival, they were met and welcomed by Jim Jones’ wife who, when asked why her husband did not come to meet the congressman and his party, said that he was sick. The visiting group was then escorted to the auditorium where they were accommodated.

Later that same afternoon Jim Jones met the congressman and party and apol-

Bodies being placed in caskets

The late Neville Annibourne

ogized for not being able to greet them earlier. The congressman then informed Jim Jones about the purpose of his visit and that was to investigate complaints about abuses meted out to members of the cult who were also his constituents.

Jones denied all the allegations made against him and said that he was not “preventing anyone from leaving. They are all free to leave anytime they so desire.”

In the evening the temple members staged a concert for the congressman and party. However, at the end of the concert Jones instructed all the concerned relatives and the journalists to leave the commune because they were not allowed to stay there overnight.

Only the congressman, his secretary, the U.S. deputy ambassador to Guyana and I were allowed to allowed to remain.

The next day the cerned relatives and journalists returned. Jones was reluctant to be interviewed by the journalist but was convinced to do so after his lawyers had told him that it would be good for the outside world to know his side of the story.

After the interview, which lasted for half an hour, the party was taken on a tour of the day care centre for kids. On moving around they were approached by some commune members who expressed their desire to leave the temple with the congressman.

At the conclusion of the tour the party returned to the auditorium where the congressman told Jones that he was approached by some members asking to take them along with him when he was leaving. Jones again said that if they wanted to leave they were free to go.

During this period the deputy ambassador was getting in touch with his embassy in Georgetown by radiophone requesting that they send in two aircrafts in order to transport the defecting cult members.

As we were getting on to the truck to return to the airstrip at around 3:00 p.m., the congressman, who was on his way to the truck, was attacked by a knife-wielding cult member who was restrained but not before he had inflicted a cut on the congressman’s neck.

On arrival at the airstrip the deputy ambassador and I left to find the administrator of Port Kaituma to inform him what had taken place at Jonestown and for him to send in the police to carry out an investigation.

When we returned to the airstrip the planes had arrived and the defectors were first onboard the planes after being frisked for concealed weapons. I also boarded the plane with the defectors to put down my bag but as I was out of the plane I heard a strange sound as if someone was pelting the plane but didn’t immediately realise it was the sound of bullets hitting the plane. Patricia Park, who was standing at the door of the plane, got her head blown off.

Captain Spence, who was the pilot, started shouting at those of us who were in the plane to get down on the floor because some cult members were shooting at the plane. At the same time he was trying to get the plane off the ground but to no avail because the tires of the plane had been punctured by the bullets during the shooting.

The shooting died down for a while and I decided to look through one of the plane’s windows when I saw cult members in a tractor trailer with guns. The shooting started all over again, I immediately hit the floor.

When the shooting finally stopped

INSIDE Providing Healthcare to Those in Need Pg 4 The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Non-Guyanese writings of Pg 6 Guyana Rupununi Music & Arts Festival Pg 7 Katrina says photos with Ranbir was ‘a private moment’ Pg 14

Teaching the Art of JewelleryMaking Pg 21

Jim Jones

I looked through the window again and I saw the tractor driving away with the cult members.

I went to the cockpit where Captain Spence was and I asked him to lean forward his seat so that I could gain access to the door so as to exit the plane. As I hit the ground I ran straight to the passengers’ shed, which was about 100 yards from the plane.

While there I noticed people lying on the ground including the congressman, but at the time I didn’t know I was looking at dead persons who had been shot by the cult members.”

In his interviews with the media just after, Annibourne disclosed that he was so traumatised on that day that it took him about four days before he could write his story.

According to Verna Cummings, Annibourne had much to be thankful for and lived a fruitful and active life. He died in his sleep in April 2013 at age 82.

He had served under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) as a returning officer and was the general secretary of the Progressive Youth Organisation, the party’s youth arm. He was also a second lieutenant of the Guyana People’s Militia in 1982 and rose to the rank of captain.

His stint as a journalist began at 17, when he became a correspondent for the Chronicle newspaper, and a full-time staff reporter in the early 1950s. He also wrote for Russian and Hungarian news agencies. Sometime around 1972, he became an information officer at the Guyana Information Service (GIS). Annibourne graduated from the University of Guyana with a diploma in public communications in 1979. (Photos of Jonestown by Captain Gerry Gouveia)

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Times Sunday Magazine

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november 17, 2013

Times Feature

Toronto-based Chartered Accountant with practice experience in finance, taxation, strategic, corporate and governance issues and management skills obtained both as a sole professional practitioner and as senior staff in a number of entities including multinational corporations, bank, government and non government not-for-profit organisations.

His volunteer services with charitable groups include being a founding member and managing director of Plasticos Charities Foundation which provides

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Guyana. In my profession I meet a lot of people especially those in the medical field who express their interest in reaching out to third world countries to assist medically. My wife Pamela and I suggest to them to come to Guyana. In 1998, a team came, fell in love with the country and, since then, continues to contribute to the medical field in Guyana.

Our work is recognised by many notable individuals locally, regionally and especially in Canada. Our organisation brings resources to those that need,” he point-

Food fair fundraiser event held in May in Canada

he Guyana Burn and Healthcare Charitable F o u n d a t i o n (GBHCF), also known as Caribbean North Charitable Foundation, is a medical charitable foundation that supplies Guyanese hospitals with equipment and education to better meet the needs of people in mainly Guyana and the Caribbean region.

The foundation identifies projects based on need then develops, funds, implements and evaluates programmes.

It is committed to providing humanitarian aid to unserviced and under-serviced parts of the world without bias.

Founded by Harry Harakh and his wife Pamela, along with Desmond DeBarros, the foundation was established in 1998 in response to the lack of adequate medical care for burn victims in Guyana and the Caribbean. Since then, the foundation has raised money and equipment in Canada

to create the Guyana Burn Care Unit, the first of its kind in the Caribbean where patients can receive proper medical attention and skin reconstruction.

The organisation is also involved with non-burn related healthcare. It has developed a programme to educate Guyanese nurses on neonatal care for at-risk newborns in accordance with the Canadian Paediatric Society’s standards. The GBHCF has also sent medical equipment such as beds, mattresses, IV pumps and ECG machines, among other vital supplies, to hospitals in Guyana.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, overseas-based Guyanese co-founder Harry Harakh said the foundation exists to save, improve and empower lives, and effectively meet the needs of all those in medical need in the Caribbean and especially in Guyana.

A recent donation of medical supplies made by the organisation to GPHC

He added that GBHCU is committed to provide humanitarian aid without bias or discrimination as a non-partisan, non-political organisation. Harakh also mentioned that there is kindness and compassion in everything they do via the foundation as they save and empower lives.

Harakh (MBA, CA) is a

education and reconstructive surgery in developing countries. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of York Central Hospital, and on several of its committees, resources, quality, strategic, community relations and performance management. Harakh is also a long-time member and contributor to Guyana Christian Charities and a member of the York District Health Council- long-term care redirection committee.

“We have many doctors who are eager to contribute their medical expertise in

ed out.

The foundation, according to Harakh, has also contributed significantly to a children’s project in collaboration with Vic Insanally of the Tina Insanally Foundation.

Through GBHCF, a donation of music equipment was made to the foundation. GBHCF has also vitally supported to the Cheshire Home in Mahaica and the John Bosco Orphanage.

In 2012, GBHCF held a concert fundraiser in Toronto for the Burn and Healthcare Unit at the

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The proceeds, netting over US$10,000, benefitted the Georgetown Hospital.

On May 5, 2013, GBHCF held a successful annual brunch and was able to raise more than US$5000 for the Guyana Burn Care Unit and the Tina Insanally Foundation.

Recently, the organisation also held, as part of its ongoing education of nurses and doctors at GPHC, training in prenatal and burn care leading up to online examinations for Caribbean accreditation. Training was done by overseas-based Guyanese Vernie Ally (RN, BS, SCM), a certified instructor in neonatal resuscitation, and Dr. Peter Akai, also a Guyanese, a PHD specialist in wound care and infectious disease.

Dr. Akai met with doctors and nurses at the Burn Care Unit which the organisation facilitated over 10 years ago. GBHCF, on this visit, also reviewed the needs assessments of the public hospital.

On November 14, a graduation ceremony was held for 19 nurses who successfully completed the course in Foetal Health Surveillance in Labour at GPHC in collaboration with GBHCF. “We are looking at opportunities to diversify and so we’re going to be exploring to maximise our input to Tina Insanally Foundation, Cheshire Home and other institutions. My motivation is to not allow anything to deter me from giving back despite challenges,” Harakh declared. “Also, medical equipment is generously donated by GBHCF major partner, the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.”

For more information on the organisation visit Guyana Burn & Health Care Charitable Foundation on Facebook.

Harry and Pamela Harakh

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november 17, 2013

Times Sunday Magazine 5

Times Women

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ward-winning writer and actress, Pauline Melville has over the years been celebrated as an “original writer” and continues to amaze many with her talent of producing notable literary works.

She was born in Guyana in 1948 to an English mother and a Guyanese father.

She is of mixed European and Amerindian ancestry and is currently based in London, England.

Melville has worked as an actress, appearing in films such as “Mona Lisa” and British television programmes including the BBC Television comedy series “The Young Ones”.

Her first book, “ShapeShifter” (1990), a collection of short stories, won the Commonwealth Writers Prize (Overall Winner, Best First Book) and the Guardian Fiction Prize. The book consists of a number of short stories dealing with postcolonial

life in the Caribbean, notably in her native Guyana, as well as of some stories set in London. Many of her characters, most of them displaced people from former colonies struggling to come to terms with a new life in Britain, attempt to find an identity, to reconcile their past and to escape from the restlessness

hinted at in the title.

The writer’s first novel, “The Ventriloquist's Tale” (1997), won the Whitbread First Novel Award and was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction. In it she explores the nature of fiction and storytelling and writes about the impact of European colonisers on Guyanese Amerindians

Melville reading from "Eating Air" at a recent book reading event

years or so. “I thought I needed the widest possible experience of real life. Later I discovered that other writers were just sitting at home making it all up.”

She added, “I am too critical of my own work to be proud of it. But I am always hugely proud of the book I am just about to write – when it is in my head, before

"Shape-shifter" book cover

"The Migration of Ghosts" cover

through the story of a brother and sister.

Her collection of stories “The Migration of Ghosts” (1998) is a book of complex layered tales of physical and emotional displacement.

Another celebrated novel is “Eating Air” (2009).

In an interview with Financial Times (2010), the write said she knew she wanted to be a writer at age 5 when she realised she was something of a detached observer but did not get round to writing for another 30

it turns out to be just another book. Being a writer is like being a window-cleaner in a house or a castle where the windows are obscured by dirt and grime. Writing is like cleaning the windows so that people can see a view of the world they have never seen before.”

Melville writes with authority, warmth, and

humour about individuals caught in the cross currents of cultural and racial change. In addition to writing entertaining stories that display a keen social awareness, Melville is also an accomplished poet and scriptwriter, a comedienne, and a trained psychologist.

British Indian novelist and essayist Sir Ahmed Salman Rushdie said of Melville: “Pauline Melville writes with an unusually dispassionate lushness that is both intellectual and sensual … I believe her to be one of the few genuinely original writers to emerge in recent years.”

In November 2012, Melville delivered a lecture entitled “Guyanese Literature, Magic Realism and the South American Connection” in the Edgar Mittelholzer Memorial Lecture series at the Umana Yana.

Among awards she has received for her writing is the Guyana Prize for Literature.

Melville currently lives in London.

6 Times Sunday Magazine

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november 17, 2013

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Non-Guyanese writings of Guyana

By Petamber Persaud

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ome of the more notable books on and about Guyana were written by non-Guyanese.

Fresh in our minds will be “The Sly Company of People Who Care” (2011) by Rahul Bhattacharya, which won the Hindu Literary Prize (2011); the Ondaatje Prize (2012), shortlisted for the Man Asian Literary Prize (2011) and the Commonwealth Writers' Prize (2012).

There are other significant titles that date as far back as to the 16th century: “The Discovery of Guiana” by Raleigh (1596), “Lutchmee and Dilloo” by Edward Jenkins (1877), “Canoe and Camp Life in British Guiana” by Barrington Brown (1876), “In Guiana Wilds” by James Rodway (1899), “Green Mansions”

by W. H. Hudson (1904), “Those that be in Bondage”

by A. R. F. Webber (1917).

All these books contribute to the shaping of a Guyanese literature – whether they depicted this country in a positive or indifferent manner.

Lakshmi Persaud – “For the love of my name”

There are some among

Lakshmi Persaud

us who would rather wipe a few books from our minds– like “For the love of my name” by Lakshmi Persaud.

While the author of “The Sly Company of People Who Care” lived about one year in Guyana after a short initial visit, the author of “For the love of my name” lived and visited Guyana at crucial periods in our history.

Lakshmi Persaud taught at Queen’s College, for two years – 1963 to 1964; a period of civil strife and racial upheaval. The other notable time Persaud spent in Guyana was post1992 election when democracy was restored to the country.

That post-1992 election time was also noted for riots and civil disorder. During these dates, Persaud did her research on “For the love of my name”.

“For the love of my name” is Persaud’s third novel and it is “based on Guyana and is a story built around authoritarianism in Guyana”. This book is a part of our literature.

Lloyd Searwar said at the launching of the book that Lakshmi Persaud “has in this novel come very close to writing a great Guyanese and West-Indian novel”.

Persaud has, to date, authored five novels “Butterfly in the Wind”, published by Peepal Tree Press in 1990; “Sastra”, published in 1993; “For the Love of my Name”, her third novel, was launched in December 1999 and “Raise the Lanterns High” was published by Black Amber in 2004; her most recent novel, “Daughters of Empire” was published by Peepal Tree Press.

Lakshmi Persaud was born in Tunapuna, in the village of Pasea, Trinidad.

She read for her BA (Hons) and her Ph.D. at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland and her

post-graduate diploma in education at Reading University, UK. Persaud’s contribution to literature has been recognised in various ways. In 1994, the Trinidad Guardian published the bestseller list for Caribbean books, and Persaud’s “Sastra” placed first and “Butterflies in the wind” third.

Her novels are being used as texts in Caribbean and post-colonial literature courses in a number of Universities including: Warwick, Birmingham, Goldsmiths College (London), London Metropolitan, Washington, Toronto, Puerto Rico, California (Los Angeles), Miami and Mills College (California), and The University of the West Indies. Extracts from her novels have been used in English examinations in the Caribbean from “11+” to GCSE level.

In recognition of her work, Warwick University established a “Lakshmi Persaud Research Fellowship” at its Centre for Translation and Comparative Cultural Studies.

For the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago, the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) awarded Lakshmi with a Life Time Literary Award for her significant contribution to the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s Literature -Professor Bishnodat Persaud Ms Persaud’s most recent award was the conferral of Honorary Degree (Doctor of Letters - DLitt) by the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus.

Lakshmi Persaud’s third novel, “For the Love of My Name”

We can all share in this award as Guyanese and West Indian.

Congratulations Dr Lakshmi Persaud.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com What’s happening: • You are invited to the launch of “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature” by Petamber Persaud on Friday November 22, 2013, in the Conference Room of the

National Library, starting time 5 pm (17 hours).

• “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature” is an up-to-date guide featuring significant literary landmarks from the 16th century to the new millennium.

This 150-page book including over 100 photographs is an attempt at bringing to the fore little known facts about lesser known aspects of our literature. The big books, the big authors and the big success stories in Guyanese literature are also featured.

guyanatimesgy.com

november 17, 2013

Times Sunday Magazine 7

Times Feature Star of the week

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he first-ever Rupununi Music & Arts Festival is set to go before a live audience, February 1416, 2014. In a release, the Rupununi festival organisers say the occasion is being held for the enjoyment of traditional Amerindian music and dance, and other forms of world music such as blues, jazz and folk, along with activities specific to Amerindian culture. It is an occasion for the visitor to further experience Amerindian culture in its rich local stories and cuisine.

Five Guyanese nationals: Baroness Valerie Amos, Professor David Dabydeen, Diane McTurk of Karanambu, Sir Shridath Ramphal, and George Simon, world renowned artist and archaeologist, have agreed to support the creative initiative, which has been in the making for some two years now, and are the festival’s official patrons.

George Simon, commenting on the noteworthy occasion said, “For me, this is a significant event promoting our culture, our music, our dances, our way of life and our way of living. We want to share our traditional lifestyle with all the visitors, and we know that each one will have a rich experience by the end of the festival.”

The festival has the support and goodwill of the Guyana government, the private sector and others, the release says, adding that meetings with President Ramotar, tourism minister Irfaan Ali, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, external affairs minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Dr Frank Anthony, minister of culture youth and sport, have all been useful and productive.

The release noted that in another first, persons who have heard of the event are already contacting the organisers to take part. These include groups, bands and singers from Guyana and around the world, such as Keith Waithe (UK/Guyana), Guilherme Katsrup (Brazil), Cobo Town (Canada), Apache Indian (UK), Francis Bailey, Ras Camo, African & Tassa drummers, Surama Cultural Group (Guyana), Diabel Cissokho (UK/Senegal), and many others from across Guyana, the Caribbean, Brazil and the USA. Virgil Harding, one of the event’s coordinators, who is also a radio presenter on the Annai community Radio Paiwomak, says the region is looking forward to the event.

“This will be a totally new experience for us here in Guyana, and particularly in the Rupununi.

You will all get a chance to enjoy our beautiful traditional Amerindian culture, and I am sure that we will learn a lot from all the other performers who will be here,” Harding declares, saying too that he has begun playing music by the artistes expected to be at the event and has received much positive feedback.

The festival will be hosted on the grounds of Rock View Lodge in Annai, where accommodation will be “camping style”. Founder of Rock View, Colin Edwards expressed his excitement about holding the auspicious occasion at the lodge, saying that the event would be like no other, and he and the organisers would like it to be an annual event.

“Guyana, and especially our region, has so much to offer, and we really want visitors to walk, fish, swim, go bird watching, relax at the festival and enjoy the beauty of the Rupununi,” he says.

Organisers are also offering a five-day (ThursMon) package which includes accommodation, meals and entrance fees. They are currently in discussions with several major local, regional and international companies, corporations and embassies, among others, for sponsorship.

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Tonya Singh

onya Singh is a beauty who loves the art of dance. After graduating from Mae's Secondary, Tonya is now pursuing a diploma in public communications at the University of Guyana.

She also works as a television producer/presenter with National Communications Network. As for her dancing career, Tonya’s passion for the art form began since childhood.

Her first onstage performance, when she was about five years old, was for a fundraiser at the Herstelling Mandir. This love for dancing propelled her to develop her talent. She joined local Indian dance group Dharmic Nritya Sangh, and is also a member of the local Latin dance group Latin Heat. Through dance, Tonya is able to touch lives with positive energy. The “spiritual return” she gets when dancing is what inspires her to continue. Tonya always says that dancing frees her soul from a world that is trapped in evil. Although dancing is a vital aspect of her life, Tonya also enjoys modelling and acting, and is a masseuse. In the future, Tonya wants to pursue a career in law and to open a dance academy. (Photo by Troy Parboo)

8 Times Sunday Magazine

november 17, 2013

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Times Kids Page

Did you know?

Wood-Eating Catfish

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n 2006, a new species of armoured, wood-eating catfish (from the genus Panaque) was found in the Amazon rainforest, feeding on a fallen tree in the Santa Ana River in Peru.

The as yet unnamed species is among the dozen or so catfish species known to actually ingest wood. Other so-called sucker-mouth armoured catfish species use their unique teeth to scrape organic material from the surfaces of submerged wood.

However, wood-eating catfish are largely unable to digest wood. Only associated organic material—such as algae, microscopic plants, animals, and other debris— gets absorbed into their bodies. The wood itself passes through the fish and is expelled as waste.

There are about 700 species of catfish that survive by scraping organic material from surfaces, including wood, in the Amazon Basin. But by actually ingesting the wood, wood-eating catfish take advantage of the organic matter, microbes, and microbial by-products that reside in the spaces between wood fibres.

While the unnamed species is new to science, the fish is a familiar food to indigenous people of the Amazon, especially in Peru, who would put it in soup or barbecue it whole. (National Geographic)

The new species has teeth shaped like spoons for scooping up wood from fallen logs.

There are 4,700 freshwater fish species in South America to date, where, on average, more than 100 species per year have been discovered.

Due to the low oxygen content in the Amazon water system, there are species that supplement their water-oxygen intake by swallowing air.

Armoured catfish are unique to South America.

Colouring Fun The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

please see solution on page 22

Dot to Dot

FUN FACTS

Chemistry

Hydrogen is the most common element found in our universe.

It is the first element on the periodic table and is highly flammable.

Oxygen makes up around 21 percent of the air you breathe. It is also the most common element in the Earth’s

crust (around 47 percent) and the third most common element in the Universe (but far less than hydrogen and helium, the two most common).

Although it is still debated, it is largely recognized that the word 'chemistry' comes from an Egyptian word meaning 'earth'.

guyanatimesgy.com

november 17, 2013

Times Sunday Magazine 9 Claves

Afuchecabasa

Maracas

Cymbals

By Laurie Triefeldt

Classification

Most percussion instruments are either idiophones (instruments that vibrate when struck, shaken, plucked or scraped) or membranophones (instruments with a stretched membrane that vibrates when struck, shaken, or rubbed).

Percussion instruments can be further classified as those that produce pitch and those that do not.

Parts of a drum

The outside of a drum, not the top drumming surface or the drumhead, is called the shell. The materials used to make a drum can have a major effect on its tone and on the intensity of the sound.

Metal, clay, wood and leather all produce different sounds. The drum’s diameter and shell thickness also influence its sound.

Drumheads are usually made of calfskin or plastic. Some drums have two drumheads; others have just one.

Parts of a snare drum Throw-off Batter head (top) Disconnects the snares Hoop or rim

Lugs

Percussion instruments are thought to be the first manmade musical instruments. This family of instruments produces sound when struck with an object or the hand.

There are hundreds of percussion instruments, including scrapers, beaters, rattles, drums, cymbals and bells. Their sounds are as varied as their construction. They are most often used to keep rhythm.

Riding tom

Crash cymbal

Ride cymbal

Bodhrán Triangle

Hi-hat cymbal Crash cymbal

Bass drum

Snare drum

Guiro (scraper) Crash cymbals are smaller and thinner than ride cymbals.

Large tom

Sleigh bells

Bongos

Some famous drummers Castanets

Resonant Snares: Wires that head produce the Tension “buzz” sound rods heard from a snare drum

Gene Krupa 1909 – 1973 Jazz & big band

Buddy Rich 1917 – 1987 Jazz & band leader

Ringo Starr 1940 – The Beatles

Sheila E. 1957 – Percussionist & singer

The glockenspiel uses mallets to produce tones from metal bars. The difference between a glockenspiel and a xylophone is that the bars of a xylophone are made of wood, not metal.

Adondo

Glockenspiel

The adondo, or talking drum, is widely used in West Africa and can be used to communicate or send messages.

Riding toms add variety to the rhythm.

Right-handed rock drum kit Riding tom

Cymbals, Tambourine triangles, gongs, maracas, tambourines and hand drums are sometimes referred to as the toys in the percussion instrument family.

A Mandinka drum ensemble, played by the Mandinka people of Senegal and Gambia, consists of three drummers and their tuned drums.

Because of its shape, the timpani is also known as a kettledrum.

Mallets made of felt, leather or wood produce different tones.

Timpani are usually played in pairs or in groups of four.

Timbal

Ashiko

Tabla The tabla is from North India. It is a set of two drums played with the hands. The larger, left-hand drum is called the bayan; the smaller, right-hand drum is the dayan.

Timpani

Conga

Kutirindingo

Kutiriba

Sabaro

SOURCES: World Book Encyclopedia, World Book Inc.; www.studymode.com; http://guitaralliance.com; http://drumnuts.com; www.buckinghammusic.com

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november 17, 2013

Times Fashion

D

esigners did not fail to amaze at the recently concluded Guyana Fashion Week (GFW), which featured more than 40 fabulous collections. One such designer is Paul Burnette.

His collection, featured on the GFW runway, titled ‘Tease’, focuses on encouraging women, whether regular or plus-size, to “dress to fulfil their fantasies”.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine , the designer revealed his aim when creating his collections: “My collection ‘Tease’ was inspired by my wife, a

conservative and modest woman, and my daughter, who is the sunshine of my life. It is found that most beautiful women are troubled by the ‘low self esteem and self confidence’ syndrome. It is my dream, and the dream of most men that these women who are found to be not only pretty but the owners of terrific body types, to adorn these ones and help them express their true feelings in a way that's not only sexy but alluring.”

For more information on ‘Tease’ and other collections featured at GFW call 226-3099.

Designer Paul Burnette

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november 17, 2013

Times Sunday Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

L

ittle Mix is a British four-piece girl group formed in 2011 and consisting of members Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall.

They were formed exclusively for the eighth series of “The X Factor”, where they became the first group entry to win in the programme's eight-year history. Following their victory, they signed with Simon Cowell's record label Syco Records. The group subsequently signed in the United States with Columbia Records. After winning, they released their winning single, a cover of Damien Rice's “Cannonball”. In 2012, they released their debut album “DNA”. As of November 2013, the band has sold over 3 million records worldwide.

12 Times Sunday Magazine

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november 17, 2013

Times Hollywood

Rihanna, Drake spend time Miley Cyrus confirms she together in stripper club smoked pot onstage at EMAs

T

R

ihanna and Drake spent a quality time together, in a strip club. The stars ended up at V Live Gentlemen's Club in Houston on early Thursday, November 14 and splashed out around US$17,000 in cash for the dancers.

It all began with Drake visiting Rihanna on her Diamonds World Tour stop in Dallas and taking her out for dinner. She then showed up at his Houston show on Wednesday night accompanied by a friend and her assistant. Later in the wee hours of Thursday, Rihanna hit the strip joint at around 2 a.m. alone. Drake stepped in half an hour later and asked the security guard to move Rihanna to his section.

Jhonni Blaze, lead stripper at the club, told E! Online that she heard the guard asking Rihanna, "I bet you want to be sitting with Drake, right?" Rihanna reportedly smiled and said yes. Blaze also recalled the two looked like a couple, dressing alike and sitting close to each other.

Rihanna saw Blaze dancing in another section and requested her to come to her section. The singer then started whipping out some cash and slapped the stripper in the butt. Blaze described Rihanna and Drake as cool people. She even bonded with the "What Now" singer who gave her tips on dreaming big. Drake meanwhile, "was too busy throwing money," Blaze said with a laugh.

Rihanna and Drake left at around 5 a.m. in the same vehicle. Report said, Drake spent around US$12,000 that night while Rihanna forked out US$5,000. (AceShowbiz)

Sandra Bullock to receive award at 25th Palm Springs International Film Fest

S

andra Bullock will be awarded the Desert Palm Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The "Gravity" star is set to travel to the festival's 25th edition at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 4 to receive the honor alongside Matthew McConaughey.

"Sandra Bullock is the epitome of cinematic talent and versatility," PSIFF festival chairman Harold Matzner said in a statement. "In her latest and arguably most demanding role as first-time astronaut Dr. Ryan Stone in 'Gravity', Bullock faces the primal nightmare of being stranded in space with no apparent way of returning."

Matzner continued, "Throughout the entire film, her determination to

survive is masterfully portrayed To this consummate performer who continues to captivate audiences with her artistry, it is our honor to present the 2014 Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress, to Sandra Bullock."

In doing the role, Bullock had to stay inside a cube covered in thousands of LED lights to simulate the alternating glow of the sun.

"It left me closed in a box for 10 hours a day, with no one to talk to, and no life form around me," she told CNN, adding "As alienating and frustrating as it was, being as cumbersome as it was, you knew you were a part of something that no one else had done before. You just sucked it up, and as crabby as I was most days, it worked. I didn't want to be very comfortable, my character wasn't comfortable in space."

In receiving the award, Bullock is following the footsteps of such actresses as Halle Berry, Marion Cotillard and Anne Hathaway. The festival runs from January 3 to 13.

McConaughey had been announced earlier as the recipient of Desert Palm Award, Actor. (AceShowbiz)

he folks at MTV may not have been laughing after Miley Cyrus smoked pot onstage at the MTV European Music Awards in Amsterdam on Nov. 10, but the 20-year-old "Wrecking Ball" singer says the act was not pre-planned and was intended to be funny.

"I was just walking out of my room and then I was like 'Oh I have this in my bag, that will be really funny," she explained during a radio interview with U.K.'s Capital FM on Wednesday, Nov. 13, confirming that the joint was, indeed, marijuana. "And I didn't say anything to anybody. It's not that I think about that, and I don't tell anyone I'm gonna do it because then they're going to tell me no."

"Some people I think overthink stuff so much . . . that's not why I do it," the former Disney star added. "I just did it mostly be-

cause I knew the fans in Amsterdam would love it and they started going crazy when I did it."

During the EMAs, Cyrus caused quite a controversy when she took the stage to accept the award for Best Video, and started smoking a joint. MTV censored the singer's speech when the EMAs were rebroadcast in the U.S. and showed footage of the audience instead.

"It's kind of funny because after you do some-

thing like that -- everyone doesn't want to talk as much about your performances," Cyrus, who performed both her hits "We Can't Stop" and "Wrecking Ball" during the awards show, told Capital FM. "But this is one of my favorite things about coming to Europe is even though that happened, it's not like the main focus of the night.

Everyone was coming up and hitting me up about my performance and how I sound."

The former child star also told the radio show that she doesn't "care what the media says." Cyrus tweeted that same sentiment the morning after the awards show, writing, "Sometimes in life you just gotta decide to not give AF." She later added, "So much fun last night! Amsterdam, you're the dopesssst, thank you for always being so good to me." (US Magazine)

iday.

"Because Kevin is obviously about to have a baby soon, we obviously want to be with him. We also want to be with our grandparents. Everybody's at different sides of the world," Joe said. "We're going to try to figure it out."

While the boys didn't

talk about Kevin's absence, a source close to the trio did. "Kevin is focusing on his business ventures," the source told E! "As announced earlier, the band is no longer together. However, the guys had made a commitment to Telehit and wanted to keep that commitment."

(AceShowbiz)

spokesperson told US magazine, "Chris is continuing his rehab program as an outpatient and is also completing his community service in the Los Angeles area. He appreciates all of your encouragement and support."

The trip to rehab was voluntary, and, according to Brown's reps, it was to deal with personal issues. "His goal is to gain focus and insight into his past and recent behavior," read a statement at the time. "Enabling him to continue the pursuit of his life and his career from a healthier van-

tage point." Shortly after he enrolled, TMZ reported that Brown might spend up to three months in the facility.

The inpatient program began one day after Brown was released from a Washington jail following his arrest on misdemeanor assault charges in connection with an early-morning incident outside a D.C. hotel in which he was accused of punching a man in the face.

TMZ's camera caught up with Brown around midnight on Thursday outside the Hollywood nightclub Aventine just hours after his release. "I've always had God," he said in response to a shouted question about whether he found God in rehab. Getting into an SUV, Brown, wearing a brown fedora, black shirt and khakis and smoking a cigarette, didn't speak to the paparazzi, but did take a moment to kiss his on-an-off girlfriend Karrueche Tran on the cheek before departing.

(MTV)

Jonas Brothers reunite for a gig in Mexico without Kevin Jonas

A

fter confirming their disbandment back in October, Jonas Brothers made a surprising appearance at the Telehit Awards which was held in Mexico City on November 13. Two members Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas were reuniting to perform at the event, while Kevin Jonas was nowhere to be seen.

The performance is a commitment made before the band's split. Prior to taking the stage together, Joe and Nick did an interview with Telehit but didn't mention why their oldest brother wasn't joining them. They only talked about Kevin when they revealed their plans for the upcoming hol-

Justin Bieber 'so sorry' for kicking Argentina flags Chris Brown out of rehab

T

o be fair, there is probably a lot of stuff that gets thrown on stage during a typical Justin Bieber's show. Homemade drawings, flowers, photos, crumpled pieces of paper with phone numbers or Twitter handles scrawled on them, various undergarments and, perhaps, the occasional national flag.

It's that last one that got Bieber in trouble on Saturday during his gig at River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

You've probably already heard that JB had to quit the show halfway through due to pain from food poisoning, but before taking his leave, the Biebs apparently added some insult to injury.

In the latest incident on a problem-plagued outing that has come with charges of graffiti vandalism in Brazil, alleged scuffles between Bieber's security team and nightclub staffers and a reports that the singer spent time in some unsa-

vory places, a clip emerged this week that purportedly shows Justin kicking an Argentina flag during the November 9 show.

In the video, Bieber uses his foot and then his mic stand to, literally, sweep two national flags off the stage during the concert.

After heated posts from angry Argentinian fans lashing out at the singer over the international incident, Bieber issued a series of tweets apologizing for his actions.

"Heard about what is going on with me down in Argentina and I'm shocked.

I love Argentina and have had some of the best shows of my tour there," he wrote.

"People throw stuff on my stage all show and I get it to the stage hands to get off so no one got hurt. That video I saw a bra and thought it was a shirt. I'm being told by my team it was a shirt but even if it was a flag I would never do anything to disrespect Argentina or the people of Argentina or the fans.

I'm so sorry for anyone who took my actions the wrong way and I hope you can forgive this mistake."

Bieber apologized once again and reminded the people of Argentina that he had a great time performing for them and looks forward to returning in the future. "I gave my all and I know the fans did there too," he said.

"Te amo. I would never do anything to disrespect my fans. I don't like having to defend myself but this time it was needed as I mean no disrespect."

According to reports, the penalty for desecration of the Argentina flag is one to four years in prison. (MTV)

T

wo weeks after entering a rehab facility, Chris Brown checked out on Thursday in order to begin his latest round of community service commitments.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Brown, who entered the rehab in late October to reportedly deal with anger-management issues following an arrest on suspicion of assault in Washington, D.C., will complete his treatment on an outpatient basis.

The singer spent 16 days in the Malibu facility and is now working to whittle down the 1,000 hours of service he was ordered to complete in August, after prosecutors alleged he did not properly report the hours he'd originally been sentenced to in connection with his 2009 assault on thengirlfriend Rihanna.

Brown, 24, has until August 25 to put in the 125 days of work in and around the Los Angeles area. A

S

november 17, 2013

ahil Shroff is an Indian model and actor who made his Bollywood film debut in “Don 2: The King is Back”. Sahil grew up in Australia and did his masters in information technology.

He pursued management studies in Australia and worked graveyard shifts as a bouncer in the nightclubs.

He later moved to Mumbai and has been modelling fulltime. Sahil is best known as a contestant on the first season of the reality television competition “The Amazing Race Asia” (2006–2007). He took acting and voice lessons from veterans like Anupam Kher before entering the film industry. The actor has also done many TV commercials including HCL Enterprise, Tata Indica, Lux and Cadbury's Eclairs. Sahil has modeled for designers like Manish Malhotra, Vikram Phadnis, Narendra Kumar and JJ Valaya.

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Sunday Magazine 13

Star Times Bollywood

14 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

november 17, 2013

Times Bollywood

Kangna Ranaut to get Katrina says photos with Ranbir was ‘a private moment’ back to studies

A

fter tasting success with “Krrish 3”, Kangna Ranaut will be next seen in “Rajjo” which hits the silver screen tomorrow, November 15.

After wrapping up the promotions of her films, the actress has decided to fly to New York to pursue further studies. Kangna is not just taking a break from her jam-packed schedule but has also expressed her desire to pursue screenplay

studies during her visit to New York. Readers may be aware that Kangna had dropped out of college and now, the actress plans to fulfill her dreams as she will also be taking up sculpture making during this mini vacation.

However, Kangna Ranaut will be back for promoting her next “Queen” as the film is slated to release in February 2014.

(Hindustan Times)

A

ctress Katrina Kaif, who was angry after her holiday pictures with "rumoured" beau Ranbir Kapoor went viral in media, calls them "a private moment".

She had written a letter to the media afterwards and said she was upset, distressed and felt media invaded her privacy.

"I saw the photos and reacted from heart at that moment. I was upset, hurt, angry. I feel it was a private moment (with Ranbir)... so privacy was expected," Katrina said. "The pictures

were taken while I was on holiday by someone who, in an act of cowardice, has shot without permission and then used the pictures for commercial gain," Katrina

had written in the letter.

In the pictures, she is seen in a bikini along with Ranbir at a beach in Spain.

"Next time when you all plan to take pictures give me a notice. Red doesn't look good with white (regarding the colour of her bikini)... I will wear matching next," she added, on a lighter note.

"Nothing like this happened in nine years. I felt it was done with a mean moment. What they (media) did was right and the way I reacted was also right as that time I was hurt," Katrina said. (Times of India)

Aamir Khan wants to play Sachin Tendulkar

A

ctor Aamir Khan said on Thursday that he is a huge fan of Sachin Tendulkar and would love to play the iconic cricketer on screen.

"I would love to play Sachin on screen if it's offered to me. If I love the script, then why not. I would love to," Aamir Khan told reporters at a press conference held to launch the title song of “Dhoom 3”.

Aamir joined the press conference a little late as he had gone to watch Sachin Tendulkar in action during his 200th and final Test match being played at the Wankhede Stadium against the West Indies.

(Hindustan Times)

Kareena Kapoor: 'I'm not a snob'

K

areena Kapoor has said that she avoids publicity stunts in order to let her work speak for itself.

The actor will be seen next in Karan Johar's production “Gori Tere Pyaar Mein”.

She told The Times of India: "I don't know why people feel that I am snooty.

I am not a person who has ever given an interview on image building. I have never been that person as I am very confident of what I do.

"People do PR but I get completely foxed. I don't know how to do it. I stay away from the limelight as I think my work should speak on my behalf."

In June, she described herself as an "actor's actor" following her role in Prakash Jha's political drama “Satyagraha”.

Kapoor recently claimed that reports that she had refused to do intimate scenes for “Satyagraha” were generated by the media. (Digital Spy)

Amitabh Bachchan: 'A joy and honour to meet Robert De Niro'

A

mitabh Bachchan has said he felt privileged to interact with Robert De Niro at the THiNK festival in Goa. Bachchan was one of the speakers at the annual gathering, which De Niro attended as a special guest during his tour of India.

At the lecture entitled

The Hermit and the Emperor - Amitabh Bachchan and the Roads not Taken, the actor shared personal anecdotes about family life and his journey in film.

Writing on Twitter, Bachchan said: "Just finished my conversation at THINK..exciting and exhilarating .. and in the audi-

ence Mr Robert Di Nero !!

(Stumped for words !)"

Bachchan described it as a "moment of immense pride" to have the renowned actor attend his presentation, commenting that it was "a joy and honour to meet him".

The 71-year-old star added of his meeting with the Hollywood legend: "The presence of mine at Goa at the THINK Fest is indeed most honourable.

"This annual function and event invites the best from different walks of life to speak discuss and debate their ideas and points of view among some of the most interesting group of audiences .. AND ... in the presence of Mr Robert DeNiro, nothing gets bigger than this .. privileged to have him with us and to be able to spend some time in his presence."

(Digital Spy)

guyanatimesgy.com

november 17, 2013

Times Sunday Magazine

Times Healthy Living

Children Keeping children out of gangs and Gangs

A

ccording to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, (AACAP) gangs are groups of children, adolescents and young adults who share a common identity and are involved in wrongful or delinquent activities.

Most gang members tend to be adolescents or young adults, however, recent trends indicate that children are being recruited into gangs at a much earlier age, some when they are in elementary school.

Traditionally, gang activity has been confined to cities, but gangs are no longer just in large cities, they also exist in smaller towns and rural areas. Gangs can include people of every gender, race, culture and socioeconomic group.

Some children and adolescents are motivated to join a gang for a sense of connection or to define a new sense of who they are. Others are motivated by peer pressure, a need to protect themselves and their family, because a family member also is in a gang, or to make money.

One of the worst ef-

fects of gang membership is the exposure to violence.

Gang members may be pressured to commit a crime to become part of the gang.

Consequences of gang membership may include exposure to drugs and alcohol, age-inappropriate sexual behaviour, difficulty finding a job because of lack of education and work skills, removal from family, imprisonment and even death.

Risk factors

Risk factors that can lead children and adolescents to join a gang include: Growing up in an area with heavy gang activity A history of gang involvement in the family (family members who are current or former gang members) A history of violence in the home Too little adult supervision Unstructured free time, particularly during afterschool hours and on the weekends A lack of positive roles models and exposure to media (television, movies, music) that glorifies gang violence

Low self esteem Sense of hopelessness about the future because of limited educational or financial opportunity Underlying mentalhealth issues or behavioural disorders, such as oppositional defiance disorder (ODD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Signs of gang involvement

There are many signs that parents and guardians can use to tell if a child is involved in a gang; these include: Having unexplained money, items, or clothing Wearing clothing of all one type, style, or colour’ or changing appearance with special haircuts, tattoos or other body markings Using of hand signs, special slang or words with hidden messages, or having gang graffiti on walls or personal items Associating with known gang members Withdrawing from family, not obeying curfews, worsening attitude with adults and peers Using or possessing

drugs Carrying weapons

A parent’s role

Parents can help to decrease the risk that their child will become involved in a gang by: Closely monitoring where their child is and what they are doing Involving them in extracurricular activities such as after school programs, athletics, art; community organizations or religious groups.

Meeting their children’s friends and their parents.

Not allowing children to wear, write, or gesture any gang-associated graffiti, markings, signs, or symbols.

Educating your child

FITNESS

I

list, my workouts are longer now.

t's a familiar story: You pledge to honour a daily elliptical routine and count every last calorie. But soon, you're eating cupcakes and grabbing happy hour mojitos, thinking, ‘Oops, diet over’.

There is a better way.

Pile on the veggies

Tweak your lifestyle

Swap the all-or-nothing approach for one or two healthy switch-ups in your daily routine. "Doing this can lead to more weight loss than you ever imagined," says Marissa Lippert, RD, author of “The Cheater's Diet”.

Health Magazine talked to its readers who knocked off 10, 25, even 60 pounds with some easy tweaks.

Borrow their slim-down secrets to transform your body the real-world way.

Swap your go-to order

"I used to eat out at restaurants up to nine times a week! By cutting back to just once a week and ordering a grilled chicken salad instead of a large bowl of pasta, I've lost 20 pounds in one month."

Skip the salty aisle

"I reached my goal weight after I stopped routinely buying snacks at the

grocery store. If I wanted a bag of chips or a candy bar, I had to walk to the store to get it. That inconvenience usually made me ignore my cravings."

Get fit in five

"I try to fit in small bouts of exercise whenever possible, like doing jumping jacks or crunches during television commercials or dancing while washing dishes. This burns extra calories and keeps me from mindlessly munching in front of the TV. Now my clothes fit way better, and I’m more toned than ever."

Get fired up

"I loaded my iPod with jams that make me look forward to going to the gym.

They energize me, allowing me to pick up speed on the elliptical—and because I want to hear my entire play-

15

"By adding vegetables to the foods I love—like eating pizza topped with arugula and green peppers instead of pepperoni—I became so full so quickly that I no longer had room to eat things like chips or super-rich desserts. I said good-bye to four dress sizes!"

Don’t supersize it

"When going out for fast food, I used to get the largesize value meal. Now, I satisfy a craving by ordering just one item: a small order of fries or a six-piece box of chicken nuggets. So far, I've shaved off 16 pounds in seven weeks, and I'm on track to being thinner than my high school self for my 10-year reunion later this year."

Save room for your dessert

"I budget for the treats I love. By eating healthy snacks like carrots and hummus, I have calories to splurge on a piece of chocolate and glass of wine each night. And I've still managed to lose 20 pounds in three months."

about the potential negative consequences of gang involvement and criminal behaviour Letting your child know that gang members can end up injured, dead or in jail

Facing the Problem

If you have concerns that your child is involved in a gang, it is important to discuss it with them.

Confronting a child who is suspected of gang activity is not easy. Parents and children may fear gang retaliation. They may worry about giving up protection or money that they receive because of their child’s gang involvement. Parents may have to deal with the legal consequences of their child’s past

behaviour.

Accepting help

It is important to intervene to protect your child from drugs and violence and criminal activity. If you suspect your child is involved in gang activity, access agencies in your community for help. You can involve your child in other activities and limit unstructured time.

Juvenile Officers are familiar with gang behaviours and repeat offenders, and can tell you if your child is on dangerous path. A trained mental health professional can also help parents evaluate and treat mental health problems that may have contributed to gang involvement. (aacap.org)

16 Times Sunday Magazine

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november 17, 2013

Times Home & Cooking

I

t’s getting around to that time of the year where many have begun to realise it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming holidays when they make their homes look more festive by strategically placing Christmas decor throughout.

When performed with a measure of tasteful reservation, this can create a sense of holiday spirit while adding a touch of warmth. That said, when they are overdone, holiday decorations can be overwhelming or even gaudy.

No matter how you choose to decorate your home for the holiday season, you’d be welladvised to adhere to at least one rule of thumb: less is more.

Usually, when decorating the interior of a home, it’s best to pinpoint specific key areas, including entryway tables, shelves and staircase banisters or balusters.

Chicken and egg pies with lemon-herb potatoes Ingredients 1 brown onion, finely chopped Olive oil cooking spray 750g chicken breast mince 1 1/2 cups fresh white breadcrumbs 1 lemon, rind finely grated, juiced Method Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Lightly grease four 3/4-cup capacity Texas muffin pan holes.

P l a c e onion in a large m i c ro wave safe bowl.

Spray with oil.

M i c ro wave , uncovered, on HIGH (100 percent) for 2 minutes or until tender.

Set aside for 10 minutes to cool. Add mince, 1 cup breadcrumbs, lemon rind, egg white and half the parsley to the onion. Season with pepper.

Mix well to combine.

One-third fill each muffin hole with mince mixture. Stand 1 egg up in each mince base.

Divide remaining mince mixture into 4. Press

1 egg white, lightly beaten 1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled * 750g small potatoes, halved Cranberry sauce (optional), to serve

over each egg to cover. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup breadcrumbs over pies. Lightly spray tops with oil.

Place potatoes on prepared tray. Spray with oil.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

P l a c e potatoes on top shelf in oven and pies underneath.

Bake both for 35 to 40 minutes or until potatoes are golden and pies cooked through.

Transfer potatoes to a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice and remaining parsley. Toss gently to combine. Spoon potatoes onto serving plates. Serve with pies and cranberry sauce, if using.

Easy Oreo Truffles Ingredients 1 (16 oz) package Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided 1 (8 oz) package Philadelphia Cream

You don’t want to eclipse the existing beauty of your home by overwhelming the eyes with too much glitter and gloss. For example, if your home boasts a beautiful entry door; you don’t want to hide it behind an immense, obtrusive wreath. Instead, focus on decorations that compliment your existing decor, and avoid those that will clash and conflict.

While some homeowners opt to leave their windows free and uncluttered, others see them as ideal spots of seasonal decor. Much like doors, windows offer a good opportunity for strategic decorating. For best results, work from the inside of the home.

Method Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl.

Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls,

Cheese, softened 2 (8 ounce) packages Baker's Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted about 1-inch in diameter.

Dip balls in chocolate**; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.

Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

Greatest Cooking Tips

*Place eggs in a bowl. Cover with cold water. Old eggs will float and break the surface of the water.

This is because of an air pocket that forms as eggs cool after being laid. Air enters the eggs as they age, increasing the size of the air pocket. ** How to Easily Dip Truffles: Place truffle ball in melted chocolate to coat; roll if necessary. Lift truffle from chocolate using two forks (this will allow excess chocolate to run off) before placing on wax paper.

Instead of placing a chicken on a roasting rack, cut thick slices of onion, put them in an oiled pan then place the chicken on top. The onion will absorb the chicken juices. After roasting, let the chicken rest while you make a sauce with the onions by adding a little stock or water to the pan and cooking it for about 3 minutes on high heat.

Home Help Vinegar does not stop coloured clothes from bleeding. The Good Housekeeping Research Institute tried soaking a garment in a vinegar or salt-and-water solution to stop the bleeding, but with no success. The best you can do is wash in cold water, separately or with other similar colours.

The old trick of using a raw potato to remove a stuck light bulb isn't smart; the moisture could cause the fixture to short out. Instead, unplug the lamp or turn off the power at the breaker box. Then, wearing thick gloves and eye protection, gently wiggle the bulb to loosen its base. If the bulb is still stuck, place a cloth over it and break it off, along with the filament. Then insert a rubber jar opener into the base and slowly twist counter clockwise to remove it. This may take several tries. Before replacing the bulb, wipe the empty socket with a dry cloth.

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Times Sunday Magazine 17

Times Sunday Puzzle

From wood it's made, From string it's made, It floats upon the wind.

It's made by one, It's made by many, From hands and mouths it spins.

A score without a game.

A staff not for the lame.

With seven letters tamed.

With five letters named What is it?

see solution on page 22

see solution on page 22

see solution on page 22

18 Times Sunday Magazine

November 17, 2013

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Times Sunday Magazine19

Times World

In Uzbekistan, a daughter’s antics challenge her dictator father Sorcery, poisonings and infighting pull back the curtain on politics in a country key to stability in Central Asia

I

n Uzbekistan, a dusty, repressive former Soviet republic known for rampant child labour, ancient Silk Road cities and one of the world’s worst environmental disasters, the woman known as Googoosha cuts a wide and public swath.

The eldest daughter of an aging dictator, the 41-year-old Gulnara Karimova is a glamorous fashion designer and former United Nations ambassador. She owns television and radio stations and exclusive nightclubs. She sings syrupy pop tunes and films videos with French film star Gerard Depardieu. A relentless presence on Twitter, she calls herself “poet, mezzo soprano, designer and exotic Uzbekistan beauty.” According to a leaked US diplomatic cable, she is “the single most hated person” in Uzbekistan.

Now, a very public spat involving Karimova, her father and other top officials, has opened a small window on the government’s internal dynamics, and the beginnings of a succession struggle. It’s a struggle that portends deep uncertainty in one of the most corrupt countries in the world, a former US ally that is home to half the population of all of Central Asia and a resilient Islamic insurgency.

“It’s a question of stability in Uzbekistan, which determines the stability of Central Asia,” says Scott Horton, an adjunct professor at Columbia University Law School and long-time observer of Central Asian trends. “To a large extent, what’s been happening in Afghanistan has been nothing more than a preface to the concern about Islamic radicalization of Central Asia, which is an important natural resource base for the world.”

Wedged between Afghanistan in the south, and Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, Uzbekistan is home to the ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, and the Aral Sea, a once-vibrant body of water destroyed when the rivers feeding it were diverted for cotton production. Dependent on modest oil and

gas reserves and cotton routinely harvested by young children, the country has been ruled by Islam Karimov, a former KGB chief, since the Soviet collapse.

History

Islamic radicals gained a foothold in the 1990s, as violent radicalism spilled over from Tajikistan and Afghanistan. A series of bombings and other incidents in the capital, Tashkent, were credited to various groups, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.

IMU militants fighting alongside the Taliban were routed in 2001, when US forces invaded Afghanistan following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Karimov became an ally of the US, allowing American troops to use a base in the south for Afghan war operations. However, the US and other Western allies soured on Karimov, as evidence mounted of rampant and brutal human rights abuses committed by government security forces targeting, among others, moderate Muslims. Some human rights groups documented evidence of people being boiled alive.

In 2005, government forces brutally suppressed an unauthorized demonstration in the eastern city of Andijan. Rights groups documented hundreds of deaths, and at least as many arrested. The government says only a few dozen died. The chorus of Western criticism ultimately resulted in Karimov halting US military access, kicking out many Westernfunded NGOs and slowing foreign investment to a trickle.

Gulnara’s rise

Against this backdrop, Gulnara Karimova rose in both visibility and wealth, holding ambassadorships in Spain and Switzerland, building a network of business ventures in jewellery and cosmetics and running a number of charity funds that most experts believe profited off her family connections.

A US State Department cable obtained by Wikileaks in 2005 reported that Uzbeks, in addition to

their hatred, perceived Karimova as a “robber baron.”

Earlier this year, Swedish investigative journalists pried open some of the details of Karimova’s dealings, alleging that she was

Hills, also suggested that Gulnara had little chance of succeeding their father.

In October, Karimova posted a note on her Instagram account, saying: “one part of the family (our

Uzbek President Islam Karimov gestures during a news conference in Tashkent in 2005. Karimov, a former Communist Party boss who has led Uzbekistan since the 1991 Soviet collapse, is one of the most repressive leaders of former Soviet Union countries

personally involved in negotiating bribes paid by Scandinavian telecommunications giant TeliaSonera to gain access to the Uzbek cell phone market. Karimova has denied the allegations. Other investigations are reportedly ongoing in Switzerland and France.

In July, after Karimova was recalled from Geneva, observers speculated that her father’s allies wanted to rein in her public lifestyle. A businessman who is a close ally of Karimova was later arrested in Tashkent.

The family feud, meanwhile, burst into the open in September when Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva, Karimova’s younger sister and the permanent Uzbek representative at the UN cultural and educational agency (UNESCO) in Paris, told the BBC that she hadn’t spoken with her sister in 12 years.

Karimova-Tillayeva, who reportedly owns a multimillion-dollar mansion in Geneva and Beverly

father) 'provides', but the other destroys and is friends with sorcerers.”

Last week, Uzbek authorities abruptly closed down four TV stations linked to Karimova, which she later confirmed on her Twitter account. News reports said her holding company’s bank accounts had also been frozen.

More reports emerge

One lurid account of Karimov’s inner circle – published last week on a web site by an exiled opposition figure – said that Karimova had openly embarrassed the powerful head of the country’s security agency over the arrest of a cousin.

The report, which could not be independently verified, includes details of Karimov throwing an ashtray at his security chief, yelling at several top ministers and slapping his daughter.

After that report, Karimova appeared to compare her father

to Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, and herself to Stalin’s doomed sons, quoting a line in a recent Russian TV miniseries: “Comrade Stalin has been, and is … and he is my father! And he will remain so until I die.”

Two days later, she alleged she was the target of an assassination plot, tweeting: "Already (they) tried to poison me, heavy metals like mercury… by the will of God, I have not been brought down, although I am still getting treatment.”

Expert watchers of Central Asian politics say the spat highlights the struggle over what will happen once Karimov leaves office or dies. He is believed to suffer from diabetes, and lacks a unified base of support among the clans that control different parts of the country and economy.

One veteran analyst, who asked to remain unnamed so as not to jeopardize access to top Uzbek officials, said Karimov was worried about who would succeed him, and the fight between Gulnara and the security chief might foreshadow the infighting that happens before Karimov’s term ends next December.

Another possible explanation, says Alexander Cooley, a political science professor at Barnard College, is that the multiple criminal investigations in Europe have worried President Karimov ahead of the expiration of his term.

“It’s possible that that this singular, despotic ruler is so incensed at her for opening up her vulnerabilities, these investigations, that he’s pretty much ready to throw her under the bus, and teach her a lesson,” he says.

“This will sorted out before the term expires and not afterwards… it’s no one interest to have a prolonged uncertainty or instability, whatever it is the plan will be hatched before the term is up,” he says. (From, ‘King Lear on the Silk Road? In Uzbekistan, a daughter’s antics challenge her dictator father’ by Mike Eckel, Correspondent.

November 6, 2013. Christian Science Monitor)

20 Times Sunday Magazine

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Times Tech

Key Features: 43 percent thinner bezel, 20 percent thinner overall Much lighter - just 1 lb A7 processor (64 bit) and the M7 motion coprocessor Twice the performance of the previous generation (and 8X the original iPad) Faster Wi-Fi with 'MIMO' antennas 5MP rear-facing camera Dual microphones for better audio capture 10 hour battery life The Pitch: "iPad Air weighs less than half a kilo, and it’s 20 percent thinner. But even though it’s extremely light, it has a refined aluminium unibody enclosure that feels solid and durable in your

Tech Byte

A

hand."

Verdict: Writing iPad reviews is becoming increasingly absurd. Reading them, likewise. Let's face it - you already know that this is a fantastic device. It's the best iPad ever, one of the most objectively impressive too, and one of the most overwhelmingly convincing upgrades Apple has released for a long time.

For unlike in mobile phones, where Apple's stillexcellent iPhone is now fighting tooth-and-nail against the top-end Android devices for market share, the iPad still has little genuine competition at the highend.

Google, Amazon, Samsung and now even Argos and Tesco are making healthy gains in their own scrap for the cheaper, seven-inch-ish tablet space. On specs alone, many of these devices are able to match and even exceed the iPad - the Nexus 7's marketleading screen is an obvious example. But if it's apps, design, usability and overall quality, Apple was still leading the pack with the iPad 4.

The iPad Air is just icing on their victory cake.

But what icing.

Before we run away into the details of just what makes the new iPad such a success, let's throw out some caveats.

First, there is nothing fundamentally different about the way this iPad works, or what tasks it lets you complete. In case you haven't already experienced iOS 7, there's no on-screen multitasking, 'swipe'-style keyboards or widgets. The device has no TouchID fingerprint sensor, haptic feedback or wireless charging.

This is an iPad refined, not an iPad reborn.

Except, that is, unless you pick one up. The iPad Air is stunningly lighter and thinner than the iPad 4. You can now hold it in one hand just like an iPad Mini, and throw it in your bag without worrying about shoulder ache. The bezels are shrunk into proportion; the corners are still gently curved but crisp and clean. It feels like a superior physical object in every way.

The Air performs brilliantly, too. The new A7 chip is said to offer up to twice the performance of the previous generation though in truth everything performs so smoothly it's sort of hard to notice. That said, it's also clear in games like Infinity Blade III that this machine is a step up.

With a decent third-party controller, which is on the way, it would make for a serious gaming machine.

There are other component improvements. The front-facing camera is better, the M7 motion co-pro-

cess o r i s built into the machine which is handy for everything from battery life to games, and the batteries offer the same 10 hour life while b e ing 25 percent smaller. The 4G compatibility is sorted, and the Wi-Fi is now capable of speeds up to 300mb/s.

Then there's the software. With every new iPad you now get the full suite of iLife (Garageband, iPhoto, iMovie) and iWork (Pages, Keynote, Numbers) apps, and access to their online equivalents. None of these are exactly marketleading productivity tools, but they're all easy to use, beautiful and fast.

Taken together they add significant value for money to a device already blessed with thousands of stunning apps in its App Store, which needless to say is staggeringly far ahead of the competition when it comes to tablets.

All this you probably know. The surprise is that the cumulative result of these upgrades is a subtly, but

significantly different machine.

A new device - which is more mobile, more pleasing, more enjoyable and more useful that the iPad you already own.

The iPad Air is a tablet you'll want to take everywhere, which you'll want to use more at home for reading and gaming and take with you to work as a notetaking device for meetings. In short, everything you thought you'd use your iPad for, but probably never bothered to do. It's just a delight to use, and at a price that while higher than its theoretical competition, is still great value.

That this was achieved through making a large number of superficially small improvements to an already well-honed template is a testament to the company Apple has become. Yes, it would be nice to see it take a few more risks - to push their own assumptions of what an iPad is, and does. But it's also worth remembering that it's taken this long for the original vision to be realised. The result is a masterpiece - not of imagination, perhaps, but of almost everything else. (Info provided by Global Tech from Huffington Post)

Choosing the best tablet for kids

s anyone who has ever found sticky little fingerprints on their tablet will know, kids love touchscreen technology. But while you can appease them by installing apps on your device, the time will come when they will want one of their own.

With this in mind (and with Christmas fast approaching) here's the Gizmag guide to the best tablets for kids.

We'll start off by thinking about what to consider when shopping for your child's first tablet, and then look at some of our favourites. We'll be focusing on devices which would be suitable as a first tablet for four to seven-year-olds, and for easier management and additional functionality, we've limited our selection to those with Wi-Fi.

Things to consider

Durability Size, Screen and Power Operating System and Parent Controls

Apps Do you want to use it too?

With that in mind, here are the top tablets for kids

LeapPad Ultra The LeapPad Ultra is the top model of the LeapPad family. Thanks to a large seven-inch screen with a 1,024 x 600 resolution and an 8 GB internal memory, it's more like a grown-up tablet than previous toy-ish models.

The $150* LeapPad Ultra can also access the internet, but this is a managed experience through a kid-safe browser.

VTech InnoTab 3S The InnoTab 3S is the top offering from VTech.

This time a five-inch screen is order of the day, though it has just a 480 x 272 resolution and is powered by a mediocre 360 MHz CPU. Costing $100, the VTech InnoTab 3S also has the possibility to send and receive text and voice mes-

(L-R): LeapPad Ultra, nabi 2, Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids, nabi Jr, VTech InnoTab 3S, Kindle Fire HD

sages (along with photos and drawings) via Wi-Fi to the Android and iOS devices of family members if they install a VTech app. nabi Jr The nabi Jr is an Android tablet from Fuhu aimed at younger children (3-6 year olds), which has a five-inch screen with an 800 x 480 resolution.

Powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 2 A9 Dual Core processor, the $100 nabi Jr has 4 GB of internal memory and a 2 megapixel rotating camera.

nabi 2 The nabi 2 is a seveninch offering from Fuhu.

It has a 1,024 x 600 resolution and is powered by a NVIDIA Tegra 3 Duad Core processor. It boasts a 2 megapixel camera, 8 GB of internal memory and 1 GB of RAM, all of which make it one of the higher powered kids’ tablets.

While the standard nabi 2 retails for $180, special edition Disney and Nickelodeon versions packed with branded content, sell for $200. An un-

limited kids TV streaming service can be added for $2.99 per month.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids The Galaxy Tab 3 Kids is a kid-specific spin-off of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3.

Featuring brighter colours and additional child-friendly protection it looks every bit the toy, but it boasts some impressive tech inside. There's a 1.2 GHz dual core processor, 1 GB of RAM, and a 7-inch screen with a 1024 x 600 resolution.

Selling for $230, the Galaxy Tab 3 Kids also has 3 megapixel rear and 1.3 megapixel front cameras, 8 GB of internal memory, and built-in Wi-Fi. Kindle Fire HD While the Kindle Fire HD isn't a kids tablet per se, its price, the parental controls that Amazon includes in its tablets, and the optional FreeTime subscription, make it a very interesting option. Particularly if you pop it into a childsafe case for added protection.

Though adults might want to opt for the HDX version, the $140 Kindle Fire HD has more than enough under the hood to keep most kids happy. Its seven-inch screen has a 1280 x 800 resolution and a 1.5GHz dual-core processor will keep things moving quickly. (For more information check out http://www. gizmag.com/kids-tabletbuying-guide/29588/) * All prices in US dollars

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Times Sunday Magazine 21

Times Art

V

annetta Seecharran has been influencing the art and design of jewellery for nearly 20 years. She focuses on teaching professional jewellerymaking techniques in a way that is fun and accessible to beginners and those who want to pursue jewellery as a hobby or as a profession.

Born in Guyana, the London-based jewellery teacher migrated at the age of 11 with her parents to New York. She graduated in 1991 from the prestigious Parsons School of Art with a BA in Product Design.

She later earned a Masters of Fine Arts in Jewellery Design at University of New Paltz in New York State.

During her career as a jewellery designer, her work made it into the permanent art collections of The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, The Royal Pump Rooms of Leamington Spa in Warwickshire, England; Harris Museum & Art Gallery in Preston, England, and Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England.

In 1998, Seecharran set up her workshop in London where she began to build her reputation as a contemporary jeweller. She currently lectures at Central

Vannetta demonstrates fold forming, a process to create sculptural forms in jewllery making, to students

Jewellery artist Vannetta Seecharran

sures are shared.

Today, Vannetta’s work is sold and exhibited in

designers.

As a leading jeweller and with many years experience as an educator, Vannetta is passionate about teaching, and encourages her students to achieve their potential as designer/makers.

In addition to teaching pro-

Work is also done with resin to create contemporary pieces

Saint Martin’s School of Art and Design and Camberwell College of Art in London.

In 2006, she opened the Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery, based in Islington, London, which has already taught more than 1,000 individuals, many of whom subsequently began practices as makers/

fessional jewellery making techniques, there is an emphasis on developing individual design ideas. In just a few weeks, students develop a keen eye for jewellery design and begin to formulate their own ideas for jewellery making.

Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery is staffed

by highly qualified tutors who bring to the students many years of teaching experience at leading art universities in London and upto-date skills and knowledge of the art and design field.

All tutors are practising designer/makers and exhibitors of their work in the UK and other countries.

On her Facebook page, she mentions: “Courses specialise in silver and beaded jewellery making are all very hands-on, so from the beginning you will be using the tools and creating jewellery pieces. Students learn the basic techniques and skills with which they can progress to become a skilled jeweller and create beautifully designed pieces. Classes are held in a fully equipped jewellery studio in Central London with specialist equipment for students to make use of.”

In November 2009, Vannetta's first book “The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewellery Making Techniques” was published by Search Press in London and Interweave in the U.S. Her book is the ultimate guide for the experimental jeweller. It offers detailed instructions and clear photographs for working with all kinds of materials – from rubber, resin, glass, leather and paper to plastics, ceramics, textiles, and natural and found objects, these options, along with precious and non-precious metals, can all be used individually or combined in a mixed-media piece.

Preceded by a helpful introduction offering guidance on essential tools and inspirational advice for self-designed projects, the main section of her book is or-

ganised by material or media, providing details on the properties and possibilities for each as well as some inspiring examples of jewellery made using the techniques described. For the finishing touch, information on various surface textures that can be achieved for each media as well as ideas for various clasps and clo-

For more information on the artist’s work, visit www. vannettaseecharran.com or

A statement piece created at her school

leading galleries and shows across Europe and North America.

Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery on Facebook.

22 Times Sunday Magazine Times Heritage

D

The Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology building, which was once the residence of Duncan Hutson, an eminent barrister and legislator, now houses an interesting collection of artefacts and relics of Amerindian culture, and was named after an Englishman, who laid the foundation of our research into Amerindian Life and folklore.

Cara Lodge, now a hotel, was known as Woodbine House.

Now with sealed rooms for air-conditioning, this was once the home of George Anderson Forshaw. The yard contains a sapodilla tree that was planted by the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, on a visit to the colony.

Previously the Public Free Library, the National Library was built in 1909. Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish born American industrialist and philanthropist, provided financing for the construction and furnishing of the building. The building once housed the economic science, anthropological and historical sections of the museum. In 1951, the museum was relocated to its present site and the Library took over the entire building.

The Prime Minister’s residence is an example of the mid- nineteenth century wooden architecture, with its Italianate influence; characterized by the square cupola at the top and the portico below

Preserving our heritage through pictures

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november 17, 2013

uring 1759, Jacques Salignac applied for a grant of 500 acres of land for cotton and coffee cultivation. He was granted permission by the Court of Policy. Salignac named this tract of land La Bourgade. In 1807 Thomas Cumming, a Scotsman, became the owner of the estate and renamed Plantation La Bourgade Cummingsburg, after his family, it was a town two miles in circumference and most regularly arranged.

A special feature of Cummingsburg was the provision of fresh water reservoirs. These were filled with small fish and were later planted with Victoria Amazonica and Lotus lilies by Luke M. Hill. The reservoir in Main Street was filled up and converted into a walkway in 1897. It was named the Queen Victoria Promenade by the Mayor and Town Council in honour of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee (this area is now known as Main Street Avenue). In later years other reservoirs were converted into similar walkways.

In 1864 the western part of Cummingsburg was destroyed by fire. The creation of new streets and redistribution of house lots were several of the plans undertaken to reorganize the destroyed area.

An examination of the nomenclature of this ward of the city reflects rich examples of Guyana's history. Some Streets such as Waterloo Street; named after Admiral Wellington's great battle and Victory at Waterloo against the French forces on 18 June 1815 and Carmichael Street; named in honour of General Hugh Lyle Carmichael who served as Governor 1812 - 1813 are indicative of our colonial heritage. Quamina Street (formerly Murray Street named in honour of Major General John Murray) was renamed in honour of one of Guyana's national heroes.

Other streets derived their names simply from geographic locations to buildings or places. Thomas Street derived its name from its location as the main road to Plantation Thomas. East Street because of its easterly location in this ward.

Cummings Street was formerly known as the back dam (Cummingsburg Backdam) of Plantation La Bourgade. Middle Street also derives its name because of being the middle dam of Plantation La Bourgade. Lamaha Street was so named because of its northerly direction with main drainage trench of the district; New Market Street because it led to the new market, and Church Street as it was the primary route used by citizens for access to St. Georges Church. (National Trust of Guyana website)

Brain Teaser Answer Music

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

Hand in Hand building (l) and the Georgetown Assembly Rooms (r), Georgetown, British Guiana

CROSSWORD

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Times Sunday Magazine 23

Times Travel & Tourism

A natural jacuzzi

Water cascading through the boulders

At the foothill of the Kanuku Mountains

K

umu is located about 30 minutes south of Lethem.

It is a beautiful Amerindian village of traditional houses widely spread out over the savannahs, with the Kanuku Mountains looming behind.

The setting is worth a visit in itself, but the village also provides good access to the Kanuku Mountains.

With a 4x4 vehicle, one can drive a rough path nearby to Kumu Creek and a trailhead in the Kanuku foothills.

A five-minute walk through the forest leads to Kumu Falls. The falls has a drop of about 1,520ft. The falling water and pool make a natural Jacuzzi. This area is also is the starting point for the hike up to Schomburgk’s Peak which looms overhead.

In a recent interview with the media, Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali noted that, “It is said that the Kumu Falls is a touch of ‘God’s hands on your shoulders’ because it takes away all your stress.” (Excerpted from The Bradt Travel Guide by Kirk Smock. Photos by Girendra Persaud, www.gxmediagy.com)

Enjoying a shower under the falls' pouring waters Serenity at Kumu Falls

Watery trail from the falls

24

Times Sunday Magazine

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Times Last Laugh

Important Questions on the Mars Program

By Melvin Durai

T

he Mars One Astronaut Selection Program recently asked people from all over the world to submit applications to become the first human settlers on Mars.

More than 200,000 people submitted applications, eager to make a one-way trip to the red planet. About 25 percent of the applicants were Americans, each paying a $38 application fee.

One middle-aged, divorced man from New York paid $380 to submit 10 applications, hoping to increase his chances of going. He called it a “small price to pay for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go as far away as possible from my ex-wife.”

After conducting some in-depth research on the Mars program, I decided to answer questions from readers about it.

Question: How much will the first Mars mission cost and who will pay for it?

Answer: The first mission will cost $6 billion. Organizers hope to sell broadcasting rights for shows and movies about the colonization of Mars. If that doesn’t work, they will sell naming rights to Mars. In a few years, it might be called the 5-Hour Energy planet.

Q: Before sending humans to Mars, shouldn’t they first send monkeys there?

A: They tried to do that, but couldn’t find any monkeys willing to pay the application fee.

Q: If we are called earthlings, what will people who live on Mars be called?

A: They will be called marsupials.

Q: I heard that Mars does not have a Pope yet. Do

you think I could go there and become Pope?

A: No, Mars already comes under the jurisdiction of Pope Francis. But the Vatican is accepting applications for Archbishop of Mars. The application fee is $38.

Q: What happens if I go to Mars, do not like it there and want to come back to earth?

A: The Mars program, unfortunately, does not have a return policy. The application fee will not be returned and neither will you.

Q: Is it true that people on Mars will live longer than people on Earth?

A: Yes, scientists believe that people on Mars will live 20 years longer than people on Earth, largely because they will have far less exposure, on a day-to-day basis, to Bill O’Reilly.

Q: What if the Mars rocket ends up taking me to another planet by accident?

Or worse, what if it lands on another part of earth, like North Korea. I do not think I could survive in North Korea.

A: Don’t worry. North Koreans do not bite. Unless you happen to be South Korean.

Q: I heard that Mars does not have oxygen. Will

I have to breathe another gas, like fluorine?

A: While oxygen does not exist naturally on Mars, it will be produced there (by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen) and sold at special oxygen stations. The price of oxygen will be controlled by OPEC (oxygen-producing exploitation cartel).

Q: What will people on Mars do for food and entertainment?

A: Details are still sketchy, but it’s believed that they will eat lots of Earth bars and listen to music by some guy named Bruno Earth.

Q: If I go to Mars, will I have to pay taxes there?

What will happen to my tax debt in America?

Will it be forgiven?

A: You will not have to pay taxes on Mars, at least until Mars has its own government. As for your tax debt in America, I asked an IRS agent if it will be forgiven and he responded with the Internet slang FCOT, which stands for “fat chance of that.”

Q: Is it possible that the Mars program is a total scam? Are they just trying to make money from all the application fees?

A: I checked with the FBI. They advise you to exercise caution when dealing with individuals who are eager for you to leave earth, whether it’s the Mars One organizers or the people in your will. They also warn you not to give money to a Republican organization that has been collecting millions of dollars for a space mission, calling itself MARSBOM (Movement of Americans Rallying to Send Barack Obama to Mars).

Class Genius

As a 7th grade biology teacher, I was teaching my class about the flow of blood in the body.

After my lecture, I asked the class the following: “Why is it that if I would turn upside down, my face would turn red since the blood would flow to my head, but when I stand upright my feet don’t turn red?”

I was taken aback when a boy blurted out, “That’s cuz your feet aint empty!”

Finding a Job

Bob Smith was sick of his job and was determined to find work elsewhere. But no matter how hard he tried, his reputation as someone who was not dedicated to the job, seemed to follow him around.

One day the phone rang at his office.

Although Bob did not usually pick up the phone, he picked it up and said hello.

“Hi” said the man on the line, “I have an unusual question to ask you, I’m looking into a fellow Bob Smith for a position in my company. Do you know this fellow?”

“Sure I know him”, responded Bob with a smile.

“Tell me,” asked the man. “Is he consistent with his work? Does he always show up on time?”

“Well I’ll be honest with you” Bob truthfully replied, “I’m not so consistent myself, but whenever I’m here he’s here!”

Riddles for Kids

How do you communicate with a fish?

You drop it a line What did 0 say to 8?

Nice belt!

Why was the sand wet?

Because the sea weed!

What do you call a bear with no teeth?

A gummy bear.

What do you get if you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter?

Pumpkin PI Did you hear about the red ship and the blue ship that collided?

Both crews were marooned.

Ten Things I know about you

Just then a scream came out from another room, “I did not!”

Password protect

“My memory is gone Mildred, so I changed my password to “Incorrect.” That way when I log in with the wrong password, the computer will tell me… “Your password is incorrect.”

Sincerity

Sarah, a sales associate, notices a man in the card section. When she walks by an hour later and sees him still there, she walks over to see if she can help.

“Can I help you?” she asks.

“Well I don’t know” the man responds “I’m having a problem; I can’t find anything that my wife would believe!”

Bar problem

Harry was sick and tired of being constantly badgered by his wife Barbara for spending so much time at the bar. Hoping it would help matters, Harry invited Barbara along with him.

“So what would you like?” Harry cordially asked, as she took her seat next to him. “Oh I don’t know” Barbara replied, “I guess I’ll take the same thing as you.”

“OK” said Harry and ordered two alcoholic drinks from the bartender.

Barbara barely took a sip of the drink before she started gagging “Oh my gosh!

Get me a cup of water! This stuff is horrible! How do you drink this garbage?”

“See?” said Harry “and you think I come here just to have a good time? “

Don’t be deceived

The ad in the local newspaper read: “Purebred Police Dog $25.”

Thinking that to be a great bargain, Mrs. Jones ordered the dog to be delivered.

The next day a van pulled up and left her the mangiest-looking mongrel she had ever seen.

In a rage, she telephoned the man who had placed the ad. “What do you mean by calling that mangy-mutt a purebred police dog?”

“Don’t be deceived by his looks, Ma’am,” he replied. “He works undercover.”

1) You are reading this.

2) You are human.

3) You can’t say the letter “P” without separating your lips.

4) You just attempted to do it.

6) You are laughing at yourself.

7) You have a smile on your face and you skipped No. 5.

8) You just checked to see if there is a No. 5.

9) You laugh at this because you are a fun loving person and everyone does it too.

10) You are probably going to send this to see who else falls for it.

Always someone crazier

Once in an insane asylum, an inmate screamed out, “I am George Washington!”

“How do you know?” someone else asked.

The inmate answered, “Because God told me.”

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