Sunday Magazine 9th Feb 2014

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Times February 9, 2014

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Travel to remote Chi Chi Celebrating Black History Month

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2 Times Sunday Magazine

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February 9, 2014

Times Feature

B

lack caimans are charismatic and fascinating creatures because of their impressive size and cryptic nature.

They are also an important species in many of Guyana’s freshwater ecosystems because they are the top predators. This means they eat different kinds of animals, which help to maintain the balance of nature.

The research team at Caiman House in Yupukari, North Rupununi, has been studying black caimans since 2005 in an effort to better understand their behaviours and ecological roles in the Rupununi.

The research team has caught, measured, tagged and released hundreds of black caiman to assess the size and health of the population, and they have studied black caiman nesting habits and preferred habitats.

Now, Caiman House is proud to announce a new

Measuring a black caiman to aid the research

research, conducted with e permission from the Environmental Protection Agency in collaboration with Dr Adam Rosenblatt, an American scientist, and his local Guyanese counterpart, Leanna Kalicharan, who would teach the team

new research techniques and expand the scope of the project.

Rosenblatt, who received his PhD from Florida International University in Miami, has spent many years studying American alligators, close cousins of

Preparing individual caiman for procedure

the black caiman.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Rosenblatt stated that he was prompted to begin this new research project in Guyana because of his interest in how large predators and the humans who live with them are able to co-exist. He visited Guyana for the first time in 2011 and was captivated by the generosity and hospitality of the Guyanese people and the virtually untouched wilderness that Guyana has preserved so well.

His colleague, Kalicharan, is a recent graduate of the University of Guyana and an aspiring scientist who has previously worked with the Shedd Aquarium of Chicago, Conservation International and the World Wildlife Fund in assessing fish biodiversity in the Rupununi.

Rosenblatt revealed that during this new phase of research, which will take place in February and early March, Kalicharan, him-

Adam preparing the work station for dietary investigations

self and the Caiman House research team will use a stomach pumping procedure to flush the stomachs of a number of black caiman adults to find out what they eat in the Rupununi during the dry season.

The researchers suspect that the black caiman are eating mainly fish, but they also likely eat mammals, birds, and reptiles. The study of black caiman stomach contents will enable the research team to actually quantify the proportions of different kinds of prey that make up the adult black caiman diet – at least over short time periods.

The ultimate goal of the research is to learn about the diets of black caimans so that they, and the animal species they depend on for food, can be properly protected in the Rupununi,

enabling Guyana’s freshwater ecosystems to remain healthy and thriving for the benefit of many future generations of Guyanese and foreign visitors.

The researchers’ plans include studying the diets of black caiman during the wet season as well as the dry season, and tracking the movements of black caiman using radio telemetry.

Those who are interested in the black caiman research, both Guyanese and foreign visitors, are encouraged to contact the managing director of Caiman House, Fernando Li, with any questions or to schedule a visit to learn about and participate in the black caiman research project.

For more information, visit Rupununi Learners on Facebook. (Photos by Rupununi Learners)

Inspecting collected stomach contents

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February 9, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine

3

Times Focus

R

emembering our African ancestors and their journey to redemption from slavery gives us a sense of self-identity and helps us to appreciate our roots. This is the aim of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) as it hosts a series of events in celebration of Black History Month.

February is Black History Month, which got started by a Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson, who also founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). In 1925, Woodson conceived and announced Negro History Week. The event was first celebrated during a week in February 1926 that encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

Woodson and others like him believed that truth could not be denied and that reason would prevail over prejudice.

movement focused Americans of all co- Empowerment”, lour on the subject of the contributions of will be followed African Americans to our history and cul- by a film festival. ture.

Celebrations ACDA’s series of events during this are scheduled month include informative lectures, edu- to be held in cational workshops and a food exhibition. the three The exhibition, which is being held c o u n t i e s , until February month-end, is current- and plans ly hosted in the Akwaaba Centre, lo- are afoot cated in ACDA’S compound. The theme for the ‘Sankofa’ was chosen for the exhibition because of what the Sankofa bird represents. Sankofa is derived from King Adinkera of the Akan people of West Africa. It is expressed in the Akan language as se wo were fin a wosan kofa a enki which means “it is not taboo Folding, also to go back and fetch what you called 'Djuka', stool from Suriname forgot.”

Visually and symbolically, Sankofa

Informative banner at the exhibition

The goal of started Black History Month is expressed as a mythic bird that flies was to help raise awareness of African forward while looking backward with an American's contributions to civilization. egg, symbolizing the future, in its mouth.

This paved the way opening the door Sankofa teaches us that we must go to many events, clubs and teachers de- back to our roots in order to move formanding materials to instruct their pu- ward. That is, we should reach back and pils as well as scholars and philanthro- gather the best of what our past has to pists stepping forward to endorse the teach us, so that we can achieve our full effort. potential as we move forward. Whatever Carter G. Woodson first coined Negro we have lost, forgotten, forgone or been History Week in 1925 and was intro- stripped of, can be reclaimed, revived, duced as a full month by President preserved and perpetuated.

Gerald R. Ford in 1976 and, Collaborating with the upon Woodson's death in African Heritage 1950, has continued Museum, the exhito grow into a cenbition has on distral part of African play invaluable American life and artefacts loaned substantial progfrom the museress had been um and a host made in bringing of informative more Americans banners on to appreciate the African history. celebration.

At On Feb. 15, mid–century, mayACDA would ors of cities nationbe hosting an wide issued procentrepreneurlamations noting ship workshop.

Negro History Week.

The workshop, The Black Awakening themed “Economic of the 1960s dramatically expanded the consciousness of African African drum on display Americans about the importance of black history, and the civil rights

hosting of a reparations conference that will include the Pan-African movement and Rastafarian organisations.

Additionally, ACDA plans to honour a few outstanding African Guyanese and prominent public personalities would be invited to speak about their contributions to their respective fields of work and Guyana as a whole.

A good read this month is the recently released book by philanthropist, writer and poet Eric Phillips. In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Phillips said his book, “Know Thyself A-Z”, is about self-knowledge and selfhealing.

“It is about rekindling the spirits of our ancestors, both known and unknown.

It is about Sankofa. This book is also about remembrance. The book assists in the search of self, identify and seek a better understanding of African culture,” he explained.

ACDA hopes that the celebrations planned will attract a wide cross-section of students, as well as those who are interested to learn about their history.

For more information call 225-8420 or visit ACDA on Thomas Lands.

Sankofa Bird painted on fabric

INSIDE A Passion for Spices Pg 5

Star of the Week

Pg 7

Wearable Art Pg 10

Pg 14 Ranveer Singh denies manhandling photographer

‘Inspiration can come from anywhere’ Narissa Shawh is revolutionizing henna art in Guyana Pg 21

Artistic goblets

4

Times Sunday Magazine

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February 9, 2014

Times Feature

Farmer Ramotar tells his story as he expands his Pomeroon farm

By Indrawattie Natram

A

s a small boy growing farmer Roopan Ramotar aka "Fowl Cock" has always had a passion for farming. And, after spending some quality time on the farm with his parents, this passion grew and developed into a hobby.

“Farming has always being my hobby, it is what we grew up from, and I will continue to develop farming – not as a way of earning income but as a way where people can adopt similar attitudes toward farming,” the 49-year-old Ramotar divulged in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine on his farm.

The farmer, who is also a popular contractor and businessman, said he was taught farming from his parents.

He reminisced how his parents would teach him to farm and how, amazingly, the tiny seeds would blossom into fruit one day.

He said the process of

planting has always captured his attention and taught him many lessons in his life: " Once you plant you cannot starve, there must be something to eat," her stated.

This passion for farming has prompted him to invest about US$1.5 million in his Pomeroon land.

After travelling for almost one hour via the Pomeroon River, Ramotar introduced a team of government officers and reporters to a breathtaking, organized and magnificent farm of plantains, banana and non-traditional crops.

The neat array of plants did not only catch the attention of the visitors, but the uniqueness and the management of the farm was one to take notice of as well.

Ramotar, who is the largest rice farmer on the Essequibo Coast, said he wanted to diversify from rice and to move into something that is more value added.

The farmer said he couldn't have found a better, rich

offer quality control ideas, as well as give necessary guidance, ensuring that the product meets international standards.

Before the processing can actual begin. Ramotar said his farm has to be certified, making sure that only appropriate, “human-friendly” chemicals are used.

Ramotar disclosed that the plantain chip venture would be managed by his wife Jackey Ramotar, assisted by other relatives. He has so far invested more than GUY$15 M to start the factory.

Visit

L-R: Regional Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo, Junior Minister of Agriculture Alli Baksh, Canadian volunteer Yvon Bertrand, farmer Roopan Ramotar and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture George Jervis during their visit to the farm

and fertile land than the 200 acres he had bought along the Pomeroon River.

The farmer, contractor and saw miller said he had purchased the land for agricultural purposes five years ago, but only two years ago he realized his dream.

Preparation

Farmer Roopan Ramotar displays plantains harvested from his farm

After clearing huge bushes of dense forest, Ramotar now inherits a lovely plot of 200 acres of land in the Hackney Canal Lower Pomeroon. He cultivates non traditional crops such as pumpkin, pepper, pear, oranges, cassava and tomatoes, plantains.

At the back of the farm, small ponds were erected for aqua-culture. The farmer completed private drainage and irrigation works on the land, where he enjoys a smooth flow of water.

The father of three said he has invested millions of dollars on the infrastructural aspect of his farm. At present, he has some two hun-

dred acres of suckers on the land. The plantains harvest is being sold on both local and international markets.

The established farmer said he is also planting coconut trees, and he is projecting within the next two years he can produce more than ten million water nuts with a target reaching forty coconuts per tree per month.

Plans for the farm

The farmer said that he is looking to make his produce value-added, noting that he is presently looking at opening a spanking new water coconut bottling facility. He said the company will be owned by himself and a friend, with whom he intends to make a partnership.

The farmer explained that he is trying to eliminate water borne diseases, and is heading into a traditional way of farming, hence keeping proper records on a day to day basis.

He explained it is his vision for his produce to go

from the field into the factory, package or bottle then head for the market (local or international). He said he is presently providing employment for about 25 persons who work daily on his farm.

The farmer said too that since his farm is located along the beautiful Pomeroon River, he is also hoping to invest in a "canopy" walkway through it, where persons outside of Essequibo can visit and enjoy the scenery, and spend a day on the farm.

Ramotar said he noticed too that the plantains on the lower market are selling cheaply, and as such he is not making much profit. However he is thinking of processing the plantain chips. The chips will be under the "Rooster" brand plantain chips.

Technical assistance

In developing his vision of processing the plantain produced on his farm into crisp plantain chips, Ramotar is presently getting technical assistance from two Canadian volunteers.

The two specialists, John Mc Donald and Yvon Bertrand, with some 34 years experience in food inspection and food processing, will help Ramotar make his dreams of the "Rooster" plantain chips a reality. The two volunteers are responsible for helping the farmer set up his factory,

Ramotar's farm was recently visited by Alli Baksh, minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture George Jervis.

Baksh, while visiting the farm, said he was impressed with the model of the farm, and encouraged large farmers to follow similar practices.

Baksh said he is proud of the farmer, explaining that Ramotar’s farm is "dual purpose, in that it has different enterprises, ranging from non traditional farming to aqua culture.”

Baksh called the farmer very innovative, and congratulated him from moving from "just farm produce" to value added.

Major challenges

Ramotar outlined price fluctuations on the market as one of the major challenges facing farmers. He also noted that experienced farmers need to come forward and share their experiences with farmer like himself, thereby encouraging motivation.

The farmer declared that he is pledging two acres of his plot to the Ministry of Agriculture, National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) or the University of Guyana, to use his farm to conduct experiments and research. He said students from the tertiary institution can visit and conduct investigations as well as scientific tests anytime.

A section of Roopan Ramotar's farm along the Lower Pomeroon River

guyanatimesgy.com

February 9, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 5

Times Women

C

Spice girl, Shari Rodrigues

ontinuing a legacy of spicing up foods, Shari Rodrigues is focused on creating a name for herself while immortalizing her late father’s passion for spices.

In an interview with >>> Guyana Times Sunday Magazine <<<, Shari said her late father was the owner of Guyana’s popular spice business, Ricks and Sari.

Now, her aim is to continue that legacy by making the spice business her own.

“I have my own line of spices, Spice It Up. I try not to create a competition with Ricks and Sari but to carry on the legacy my father left.

Since I was small, I was al-

ways helping out at the factory or with the business.

Now the business is managed by my stepmom and brothers. My stepmom is my inspiration because she was determined to keep our business going and even developed it over the years. She also motivated me to follow my dream of creating my own line of spices,” Shari explained.

The spice girl stated that her grandfather started the business selling coffee, curry powder and black pepper under a tree. The business flourished and moved from vending under a tree to a massive factory, which was eventually managed by

Shari’s father.

“Now I have my own factory in Canada, which my uncle helps me with. He has the biggest West Indian market in Canada, selling Jamaican-inspired spices and sauces. My uncle is my mentor, as I look to him on how to be a successful entrepreneur. I know my father is proud of me for carrying on the business,” she expressed.

Shari was 18 when she lost her father. After his death she decided to migrate to the U.S., where she is a citizen, to explore career opportunities available to her. At age 21, she landed a job as a flight attendant, strictly for military flights.

Although she enjoyed travelling the world, Shari’s love for Guyana made her quit her job to return to carry on her father’s business.

“I was one of the passengers in the Caribbean Airlines plane which crashed in 2011. For some reason, I viewed it as a sign to stay in Guyana, and the experience really motivated me to follow my dreams. The crash happened in July 2011, and in August I started my spice business,” Shari recalled.

The entrepreneur, who now has a food business and a line of spices, mentioned that achieving her goals required determination, dedication and resilience.

“Yes I had certain props in life but that did not mean I had everything on a silver platter. I had to work really hard and tough it out to achieve my goals. Now I have a food business, operated with my fiancé, and I am now revamping the labelling of my spices to get it on the international market. I also want to expand and prepare more health conscious meals especially for diabetics. I love the spice business, a passion my father shared, and now I am determined to carry on my family’s legacy,” she declared.

A few of Shari's spices

6 Times Sunday Magazine

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February 9, 2014

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

S

lade Hopkinson was a man of many parts: New Amsterdam, Berbice, Georgetown, Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and North America; parts of the world in which he lived and left his inimitable imprint.

Parts he played in the world as head teacher, university lecturer, journalist, poet, actor, playwright and painter.

And that’s only part of the story; he also played a part in producing the Caribbean first sci-fi writer, Nalo Hopkinson.

Hopkinson would have played a more meaningful part in the arts and literature of Guyana if the country had proper dialysis treatment to offer him while he was here during the late 1960s. But we are mindful if his brief teaching stint at

the University of Guyana and his contribution to literature. And the government of the day showed its appreciation by facilitating the publishing of some of his work.

During this short sojourn in his homeland, he found himself caught up in two informal groups – one discussing politics and the other literature. The latter group included Milton Vishnu Williams, the Carter brothers - Martin and Jerome, Ivan Van Sertima, Wilson Harris and Sydney Singh, surveyor, writer and critic.

A political creature, the blurb of “Snowscape with Signature”, describes him as a “pre-eminent recorder of 20th century Caribbean upheaval”. In a note to the poem, “Guyana: Freedom Year”, he writes, “In the year 1962, all letters sent out by government depart-

ments in the then colony of British Guiana were stamped with the slogan “Freedom Year”, in anticipation of the achievement of independence.”

Abdur-Rahman Slade Hopkinson was born in New Amsterdam, Berbice, in the year 1934. His father, Leonard, was a well known barrister and his mother, Neibert, was a nurse and staunch Roman Catholic.

Perhaps, it was this religious leaning that accounted for Slade Hopkinson going to St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School, Camp Street and Brickdam, and for him being more studious than athletic as Jerome Carter opined.

Hopkinson later attended St. Stanislaus College for a short time.

After his father died, Hopkinson moved with his mother to Barbados in

Abdhur Rahman Slade Hopkinson

1947. He completed his secondary school education at Harrison College. In 1952, he won an open scholarship to the University College of the West Indies in Jamaica where he gained a B. A. and a Dip. Ed. He played an active role in the university theatre, leaving an indelible mark on the drama fraternity with his remarkable performance in ‘Lear’.

While in Jamaica, he met his wife, Freda, worked as a teacher, newspaper editor and information officer for the government of that country.

Hopkinson started writing at university.

According to Mervyn Morris, Hopkinson was “already a serious poet” when they met in the early fifties. “The Four and other poems”, his first collection, was published in Barbados in 1954. Two years later, his poetry was featured in Edna Manley’s ‘Focus’ which was quite an

achievement in those days.

His poems found their way into other significant outlets like Bim, Caribbean Quarterly, Caribbean Voices, The Gleaner, Breaklight, Savacou, Commonwealth Poems of Today and New Voices of the Commonwealth.

In 1962, he moved to Trinidad with his wife and first child where he joined Derek Walcott’s Trinidad Theatre Workshop. As his wont, wherever he went, he left a greater mark on the society with his acting. This time it was playing the celebrated Corporal Lestrade in Walcott’s “Dream on Monkey Mountain”.

It was during the sixties, he became a Muslim, reflected in his later writing.

Wanting to do something meaningful in drama for the region, Hopkinson founded the Caribbean Theatre Guild in 1970, but increasing kidney failure truncated

his theatrical endeavours.

Back in Guyana, he tried to beat the odds in order to give back something more tangible to the society that spawned him. According to Ingrid Fung, during the midseventies, he had to abort a theatre workshop for teachers he was running.

Despite his failing health, he managed to put together two collections of poems, “The Madwoman of Papine” and “The Friend”.

Both books were published by Curriculum Development Centre, Ministry of Education & Social Development in 1976.

In 1977, he was appointed Vice-Consul of Guyana to Canada, a country of where he eventually became a citizen.

His plays include “Sala” and “The Long Vacation”. His short story, “Marcus Aurelius and the Transatlantic Baakoo” was published in the Faber Book of Modern Caribbean Short Stories.

Slade Hopkinson died in 1993, the same year his collection of poems, “Snowscape with Signature” was published. A man of many parts, he left his signature everywhere he went.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com What’s happening: • Coming soon the first reprint of “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature” will be available from the author at the above contacts, Austin’s Book Service (2267350) and at the National Library (226-2690).

guyanatimesgy.com

February 9, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 7

Times Feature

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Dr Zulfikar Bux

Star of the week

Emergency Specialist

By Vahnu Manikchand

H

is patriotism and genuine love for the field, for the care of people, are the fuel which burns the fire within Dr Zulfikar Bux. At the age of 29, he is currently Guyana's first emergency specialist and head of the Emergency and Accident Ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, a job which he is very much passionate about.

Growing up in West Berbice, Bux attended New Amsterdam Multilateral School; during those years he developed a love for cricket and eventually became the captain for the school's team. He initially decided to take up the game professionally; however his father, and destiny, had other plans for him.

"My older brother was also a cricketer so I guess the game came naturally to me and so I wanted to become a professional cricketer. But Dad was not pleased, he said there is already one cricketer in the family and there is no need for another one. So he then pushed me to towards medicine; something which has been embedded in me but I didn't recognize it."

When Bux was around 13 years, his neighbour took ill and subsequently died from low blood sugar since there were not a lot of medical professionals in the area. "Medical care then was not as great as it is now, and access was much more difficult. After my neighbour died I thought if there was someone who could have detected that his blood sugar was low then he would not have died. So from then on I’ve always wanted to help people,” he recalled.

Then Bux’s family migrated when he was 17 years old. However, he decided to remain in Guyana to study medicine because of his commitment to help people.

After writing CXC in 1999 at age 14, he went on to Sixth Form because he was too young to attend the University of Guyana (UG). He studied Pre-med Biology then went to UG to study Medicine which he completed in 2007, and at 23 years old became a certified doctor.

He began working in the paediatrics department of the GPHC for a year but became too attached to the children, which was difficult, especially when they did not make it. “There was this one kid,” he recalled, “he was a leukaemia patient and spent most of his time in the unit. The first words he said were ‘Dr Bux’ so I was very close with him, but he didn’t make it. That basically broke me down and was the end point for me in paediatrics.”

Bux’s next move was to the emergency ward, where he found his true calling in medicine. “In emergency medicine you actually get to do acute interventions and save lives, and you don’t get to see these patients back so it doesn’t really affect you much,” he revealed.

He subsequently underwent training in emergency medicine and, after studying locally, regionally and overseas for about three years, he became Guyana’s first emergency medicine specialist. Bux’s vision now is to make emergency medicine services in Guyana second to none.

His advice for young persons is to work hard.

“Whatever you want to do, just work hard and be disciplined in what you do. There are a lot of distractions in society but you have to know what you want and direct yourself to that goal.”

A

resilient athlete, Gabriella Xavier is noted as one of the Guyana National Women's Hockey Team’s most instrumental players. The hockey star started playing at age 13. Growing up among friends and family who were already playing hockey, Gabriella was drawn to the sport. The 23-year-old loves everything about hockey, especially because it is a team sport and she can share every moment on the field with her teammates. To be a good athlete, Gabriella invests her time, effort and passion.

Her hockey skills have helped her to compete in various countries, including Trinidad, Barbados, Canada, Brazil and Argentina. She plans to represent Guyana at the CAC games in Mexico later this year. Gabriella and her team are aiming to make it to the top two spots and to bring back home the winner’s trophy. While hockey is a significant part of her life, Gabriella knows that an education is equally important. She is currently completing a finance degree at the Florida International University in Miami. Her advice to youths is to have a balanced life, remain focused regardless of obstacles, and to never let anything get in the way of achieving their goals.

8 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

February 9, 2014

Times Kids Page

Did you know?

T

he cougar (Puma concolor) is also known as the mountain lion, puma, panther, â&#x20AC;&#x153;tigerâ&#x20AC;? or mountain cat or catamount, and ranges from Alaska to the southern Andes of South America. Cougars have the largest geographic range of any terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere.

The cougar is found in the mountains throughout South and North America where it inhabits rocky crags and pastures. They can also be found in a variety of habitats including forests, tropical jungle, grasslands, and even in more arid desert regions.

It is a solitary animal with the exception of the time cubs spend with their mother where they learn to hunt prey such as birds, rabbits, fish, mice as well as livestock. It is one of the most dominant and predatory animals in South America.

There are said to be four subspecies of cougar native to South America: The Eastern South American Cougar, (Puma concolor capricornensis), ranges in regions spanning from south-eastern Brazil to northern Argentina.

The Northern South American Cougar (Puma concolor concolor) can be found in areas like Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guyana.

The Southern South American Puma (Puma concolor puma) of regions like Chile and southern Argentina.

The Argentine Puma (Puma concolor cabrerae) of central South America, which lives in the western and central regions of Argentina.

P

umas are unable to roar but are able to leap distances of up to 20ft.

While 32 subspecies have been classically described, the latest genetic analyses suggest that there are six subspecies, with the Florida Panther (Puma concolor corryi) possibly being the seventh. The other two cougar or puma subspecies are the North America cougar (Puma concolor cougar) and the Costa Rican Cougar (Puma concolor costaricensis) of Central America. (panthera.org)

Northern South American Cougar

Dot to Dot 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

Colouring Fun

FUN FACTS

Y

ou can see your nose all the time but somehow your brain always ignores it.

While sleeping, one person out of every eight snores, and one in ten grinds his teeth Our fingers don't have any muscles. The muscles which move our finger joints

Body Biology are located in the palm and up in the forearm.

Even though brain processes pain signals, the brain itself actually does not feel pain.

The only part of the body that has no blood supply is the cornea in the eye. It takes in oxygen directly from the air.

guyanatimesgy.com

February 9, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 9

BLACK HISTORY MONTH PART TWO OF FOUR — COLLECT ALL FOUR AND MAKE A GIANT POSTER

By Laurie Triefeldt

Reconstruction After the Civil War and the13th, 14th and 15th Constitutional amendments were passed, slavery was abolished, and AfricanAmericans had full citizenship and the right to vote (although only men could vote at this time).

Rather than marking the beginning of a positive new era, the time between 1865 to 1877 was full of strife. In the South, several white supremacy groups like the Ku Klux Klan emerged. These people were violently against the legal equality and suffrage (the right to vote) of African-Americans.

By the end of the 19th century, the South had retaken political control of its state legislatures, passing “Jim Crow” laws at the local and state levels. These laws disenfranchised (removed voting rights) and segregated (separated) blacks. Intimidation and violence were used against AfricanAmericans who might have voted and demanded equal rights.

THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT Nearly 100 years after emancipation, African-Americans throughout the United States were still struggling against racism and discrimination.

Things were especially difficult in the Southern states, where racial segregation forced blacks to use separate public and government facilities. They could attend only “colored” schools (usually of inferior quality) and could dine only in “colored” restaurants.

Forced out of the election process and unable to serve on juries, Southern African-Americans still lacked civil rights.

Guiding lights

Two major events in 1955 helped trigger the civil rights movement: the brutal beating and death of Emmett Till and the civil disobedience of Rosa Parks.

Rosa Parks’ actions proved that one person can make a big difference.

In 1955, Rosa Parks (19132005), refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Ala., bus. Her action was against Alabama law and she was arrested, but her civil disobedience attracted attention to the civil rights cause and helped launch the movement. Martin Luther King Jr. led the Montgomery Bus Boycott following her arrest.

The civil rights movement was guided by many charismatic and brave individuals, people who led organized efforts to improve lives and overturn laws that discriminated against African-Americans.

They risked their lives in the name of freedom and equality.

Booker T. Washington (18561915) was born a slave, but became a renowned educator, author, orator and presidential adviser.

After filing a discrimination lawsuit, James Meredith (1933- ) became the first black student to enroll at the University of Mississippi.

When he arrived for class registration, violence and riots erupted. President Kennedy was forced to send federal troops to enforce the law.

Enough is enough

Malcolm X (1925-1965) was a Muslim minister, political activist and speaker. Malcolm believed that African-Americans should do whatever was needed to defend their rights, including the use of violence. After a trip to Mecca, Malcolm changed his point of view and promoted the idea that blacks and whites should try to live together in peace. He was killed in 1965 during a speech in New York City.

Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was a clergyman, activist, humanitarian and leader in the African-American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s.

His “I Have a Dream” speech is considered one of the greatest speeches in history. The Civil Rights Act was passed a year later in 1964.

Emmett Till was an AfricanAmerican teenager from Chicago. He was beaten to death while visiting Mississippi. Two white men were charged, but they were acquitted by an all-white jury. They later admitted to the murder.

Emmett Till (1941-1955) was 14 years old when he was murdered.

Rosa Parks was arrested for disobeying a Montgomery, Ala., bus law. The law required blacks to give up their seats when white people wanted to sit in them (or even the same row). The AfricanAmerican community of Montgomery protested Parks’ arrest by refusing to ride the city’s buses.

The protest lasted more than a year Montgomery bus token and only ended when the city abolished the bus law.

This boycott was the first organized mass protest by blacks in Southern history.

In the years that followed, the civil rights movement picked up momentum. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders formed organizations and staged boycotts, marches and sit-ins.

Although the protests were intended to be nonviolent, angry white mobs and law enforcement officials often used violence. Several civil rights activists were killed, including Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated in 1968.

New laws As a result of the civil rights movement, Congress passed several laws designed to eliminate discrimination based on race.

African-Americans regained the right to vote, to eat, shop, swim and live where they wished. They could also attend integrated schools.

Unfortunately, the movement did not end racism, nor did it solve the economic inequities experienced by many African-Americans.

10 Times Sunday Magazine

February 9, 2014

Times Fashion

S

ince its conception, the Guyana Fashion Week (GFW) has provided a stage for local, regional and international designers to showcase their eclectic collections. A jewellery designer from Suriname, Warda Marica was one of the regional designers who graced GFW with style.

For more than 10 years, the designer has been creating fashionable and classy jewellery. Her trademark is often a big statement piece made of silver, finished with

gemstones, stamps, plastic bags, or textiles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whatever inspires her.

Wardaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recent collection, ReCyle Ward, focuses on recycling waste materials into wearable art. Her ingenuity is shown in the way she transforms garbage into chic pieces. For her 2014 collection, she made beads from plastic bags.

The collections of jewellery are handcrafted for both women and men, and were a highlight at GFW 2013.

guyanatimesgy.com

arrie Underwood, born March 10, 1983, is an American country music singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. Underwood has since become multi-platinum selling recording artist, a winner of six Grammy Awards, sixteen Billboard Music Awards, seven American Music Awards and ten Academy of Country Music Awards, among several others. As a songwriter, she has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

Underwood is also a two-time winner of the Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year award and the first woman to win such an award twice (2009-10). Underwood was inducted into and became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. She was also inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2009. Her debut album, Some Hearts, was released in 2005.

Bolstered by the huge crossover success of the singles “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel”, it went on to become the fastest selling debut country album in Nielsen SoundScan history, the best-selling solo female debut album in country music history and the best-selling country album of the last ten years. Underwood won three Grammy Awards for the album, including Best New Artist. Described by music critics as Country Music's reigning Queen, Underwood is the only solo country artist in the 2000 decade to have a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and the first and only country artist to ever debut at number one on the Hot 100, as "Inside Your Heaven" topped the chart in 2005. She is also the female country artist with the most number one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, from 1991 to present, having 12 number one's and breaking her own Guinness Book record of ten. She plans to release a new album this year.

February 9, 2014

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Carrie Underwood

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Times Sunday Magazine 11

12 Times Sunday Magazine

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February 9, 2014

Times Hollywood

Channing Tatum: Rick Ross has a good reason ‘I'm fat and happy’ for his new 235-acre estate

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T

hink Channing Tatum, and you probably think of rippling muscles and his many topless scenes in “Magic Mike”.

Well it turns out the actor thinks he has let himself go lately - and he doesn't care.

"I'm very fat and happy right now," he told Ellen Degeneres on her talk show when she told him that everybody wants to see him shirtless.

"No, no. You definitely don't want that right now," he laughed. "Right now, what me and my wife [Jenna DewanTatum] like to call it, I am very 'fappy'."

But before you worry about never seeing Channing's rippling muscles again, fear not. He's only avoiding the gym temporarily, and for one very cute reason - he wants to spend time with his wife and adorable baby: "I've been working for two straight years, and now it's some really needed downtime with the family." (Glamour)

ick Ross is officially the proud owner of a lavish 235-acre, 109room Georgia estate, previously owned by boxing great Evander Holyfield.

MTV News learned that the deal, which has been in the works for some time, was finally closed on Tuesday and the big-time rapper has big-time plans for the space.

Aside from living there, Ross plans to use the property for his developing In a Big Way charity.

A Ross rep told MTV that the rapper’s vision is to bring inner-city youngsters to the property and let them

utilize all of the luxurious amenities like the Olympicsized swimming pool, baseball field and horse stable, in an effort to take them out of their element and bring a positive influence to their lives.

Not just anyone can take on the responsibilities of owning such a compound.

Holyfield lost the property in 2012 due to foreclosure and the upkeep on the estate is estimated to cost around $1 million a year, according to The Atlanta Constitution Journal, but if there is anyone who can make it work it's the MMG boss. (MTV)

Demi Lovato praises Selena Gomez for entering rehab

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emi Lovato has praised Selena Gomez for her 'brave' decision to enter rehab.

The former X Factor USA judge and singer, who entered rehab herself for an eating disorder, drug abuse and self-harming in December 2010, voiced her support for her fellow exDisney star.

"Selena is... I've known her for 14 years and we've been best friends. She's amazing. I love her" she told E! News.

"We're best friends but that's all of her business and I just want to let her do her thing. She's amazing, I love her."

The pair, who met on the set of Barney and Friends when they were child actors, were spotted having lunch together shortly after Selena checked out of rehab in later January.

Lovato previously told Billboard that Selena "means the world to me" as she was one of the true friends that stuck by her during her period in rehab.

The 21-year-old attended Dawn at The Meadows recovery centre in Arizona,

which treats people aged 18 to 26 years.

In December Selena announced she was cancelling

a string of tour dates "in order to be the best person [she] can be". (Glamour)

The beat goes on in Justin Bieber's absence T

he Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) has wrapped up its investigation into the allegations that Justin Bieber egged his neighbor's home and turns its findings over to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office with the recommendation that it presses vandalism charges against the 19-year-old pop star.

Bieber could end up facing either felony or misdemeanor charges, or prosecutors may reject the case and opt not to file any charges.

And the LASD is hoping it's not the latter.

"We dropped the case off to the D.A. today," Sheriff's Lt. Dave Thompson told E! News Thurdsay.

"We did a search warrant and put a lot of work into it. Of course it's up to them...I want a felony filing," he added. "The kid needs to realize he can't do this."

Thompson concluded, "Certainly we don't want [the D.A.] to reject it. We believe with the dollar amount and the evidence it deserves a felony filing."

Sheriffs' detectives raided Bieber's Calabasas home on Jan. 14. The “My World 2.0” artist's cell phone and other items were confiscated, but Bieber was not arrested.

The only person in the house who got busted at the time was his pal Lil Za, who has since been charged with felony possession of Ecstasy and Oxycontin, as well as damaging jail property for allegedly ripping a phone off the wall before he was to be released on bail.

Just over a week after the egg-gate, Bieber was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, resisting arrest and driving with an expired license in Miami, and a week after that he was charged with on count of assault in Toronto stemming from an alleged incident with a limo driver back in December.

Apparently not too fazed by his legal issues, the teen was in New York for Super Bowl parties and is now currently in Atlanta, where he partied with Sean "Diddy" Combs, Rick Ross and Jermaine Dupri at the nightclub Vanquish last night. (E! Online)

A

runoday Singh is an Indian film actor. His debut movie was “Sikandar” (2009). Singh was seen in Sudhir Mishra's “Yeh Saali Zindagi” (2011) and in Pooja Bhatt's “Jism 2” (2012). In 2010, he starred in Anil Kapoor's home production “Aisha”, an adaptation of the novel “Emma” by Jane Austen. In that same year, he appeared in Vinay Shukla's take on gender and sexuality in “Mirch” through a collage of five stories, with Raima Sen and Konkana Sharma, where he played the central character of a struggling film director. His performance in “Yeh Saali Zindagi” earned him a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 18th Screen Awards.

Arunoday Singh

guyanatimesgy.com February 9, 2014

Star Times Bollywood

Times Sunday Magazine 13

14 Times Sunday Magazine

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Times Bollywood

Warner Bros demands ‘Action Jackson’ film title change

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arner Bros has given the makers of “Action Jackson” 48 hours to change the title of their film.

The name “Action Jackson” is registered to Warner Bros who was behind the 1988 Hollywood action film that starred Carl Weathers and Sharon Stone.

Baba Films' Gordhan Tanwani, who produced the film in association with Eros International, responded to the notice saying: "I will not give up my title that easily.

"I have registered it with all the producers' associations — like IMPPA (Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association), the Guild, AMPTPP (Association of Motion Pictures and Television Programme Producers) and even the film association based out of Hyderabad.

"My film is being made in Hindi and not in English. When you register

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anveer Singh has denied taking a photographer's camera at a wedding.

According to Mid-Day, sources state Singh "chased after" and "manhandled" the photographer after taking objection to him snapping pictures of the actor holding hands with his rumoured girlfriend Deepika Padukone.

The actor's spokesperson said: "At the aforementioned private function, the person in question was surreptitiously clicking pictures of Ranveer from behind the DJ console without his consent.

"After letting this pass for a considerably long time, Ranveer started feeling uncomfortable because of this man's persistent and unwarranted intrusion. He then went up to the man and requested him to delete the pictures. At no point did he assault the person, that is a flagrant exaggeration of the incident."

Singh and Padukone, who have publicly denied that they are dating, were photographed together in New York where they were celebrating the actress's birthday.

The actor evaded questions about Padukone at a recent promotional event for “Gunday”.

The two stars have won accolades for their performances in “Ram Leela”.

(Digital Spy)

A

mitabh Bachchan will no longer serve as a brand ambassador for

Pepsi.

The actor has been associated with the cola brand for many years, but changed his view after a child asked him why he promoted the soft drink that her teacher had branded as “poison”.

Speaking at a seminar he

a title with any or all of these associations, they get their clearance from the Government of India. There is a procedure that is followed.

"The producer (in this case, I) seeks to register a title with the various associations who, in turn, inform each other about it. There is a waiting period of a month or so. During this time, if there are no objections raised, then an NOC (No Objection Certificate) is issued to the producer and the title is registered against his name.

"I have done my due diligence. I will now reply to the letter from Warner Bros' lawyers with all facts duly stated.

Obviously, Eros will be in the loop on developments. And then we will await the outcome."

The film, which will be directed by Prabhu Deva, stars Ajay Devgn in a lead role.

The title of Deva's last release was reportedly changed to “R … Rajkumar”

said: "This impression is on the mind of the people... So I stopped endorsing Pepsi, I tell this to my son Abhishek and to daughter-in-law Aishwarya also...

"If you have to endorse a product then you have to conduct your life in such a manner that it does not affect others' lives."

In an email statement to the Financial Times, Pepsi responded saying: "Amitabh Bachchan is a living legend and it is only natural for employees of any organisation to look up to the brand ambassadors. Pepsi is loved by

after objections were raised to the original title “Rambo Rajkumar”. (Times of India)

millions of Indian consumers."

A

ishwarya Rai Bachchan is to make her big screen comeback in a Mani Ratnam film.

The actress took a break from films following the birth of daughter Aaradhya two years ago.

Bachchan has worked with Mani Ratnam in several of his films, including “Iruvar”, “Guru” and “Raavan”, in which she starred alongside husband Abhishek.

The story is believed to revolve around a strong, female protagonist, and the bilingual film will also star Mahesh Babu and Nagarjuna.

Ratnam is said to be finalising locations for the shoot which will begin in July.

Abhishek Bachchan recently described his wife Aishwarya as a "super mum".

While the company declined to answer further questions about the actor's comments, a Pepsi spokesman previously told an Indian newspaper that "statements such as his can sadden employees of any organisation".

Bachchan was brand ambassador for the product for eight years.

Numerous stars have promoted the cola brand including Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor.

(Bollywood Hungama)

(Digital Spy)

Ekta Kapoor to produce love story based on gay relationship

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irector Danish Aslam, who made his directorial debut with the average film “Break Ke Baad” starring Imran Khan and Deepika Padukone, is all set to give directing another shot.

Danish is planning to give a modern twist to the classic Shakespearan tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” in his next film. But Danish is not your ordinary storyteller, as his love story will have a gay spin to it.

Balaji Motion Pictures’ head, Ekta Kapoor, is said to be producing the film.

A source said, "The script has been written by Anu Menon who last directed the Ali Zaffar-Aditi Rao Hydari starrer London, Paris, New York. Danish took an instant liking to her quirky concept and was ready to bring it on screen. The film

is likely to go on the floors in May." The source also added, "Danish has had several meetings with the head honchos at Balaji Motion Pictures who have green-lighted the project."

"The casting will be locked only at the end of March. The story revolves around two guys from warring families and a girl. One of the guys is a closet homosexual. That makes the film daringly different."

When Danish was contacted to confirm the news, he said, "Right now, I'm not authorised to talk about the project.

Please call Balaji for details. It's my film, but they are the producers so it's better that they make an official announcement." (India Today)

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February 9, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine

15

Times Healthy Living Consumer Reports: Many Soft Drinks Contain Potential Carcinogen

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ecent tests of sodas and other soft drinks

by Consumer Reports found varying levels of a potentially carcinogenic chemical in all of the samples that listed caramel colour as an ingredient. The ingredient, called 4-methylimidazole (4MeI), is a by-product of the production of certain types of caramel colour. A carcinogen is a substance or agent that can cause cancer.

Twelve brands of sodas and soft drinks from five manufacturers, including Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Goya, were tested. The full report

is online at consumerreports. org.

"We are concerned about both the levels of 4-MeI we found in many of the soft drinks tested and the variations observed among brands, especially given the widespread consumption of these types of beverages," said Dr Urvashi Rangan, a toxicologist and executive director of the Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Centre.

"There is no reason why consumers need to be exposed to this avoidable and unnecessary risk that can stem from colouring food and beverages brown."

Caramel colour is used in certain food and beverages as a colouring agent. Some types of this artificial colouring contain 4-MeI which has been recognized as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, according to Consumer Reports.

While there are no existing federal limits on the

amount of caramel colour allowed in food and beverages, products sold in California that would expose consumers to more than 29 micrograms of 4-MeI in a day are supposed to carry a warning label under the state's Proposition 65 law.

Between April and September 2013, Consumer Reports tested 81 cans and bottles of various popular brands of soft drinks purchased in stores in California and the New York metropolitan region. Twenty-nine additional samples were purchased and tested in December.

In its tests, Consumer Reports found that 12-fl. oz. single servings of two products purchased multiple times during an eightmonth period in the state of California -- Pepsi One and Malta Goya -- exceeded 29 micrograms per can or bottle.

Consumer Reports said that while this does not necessarily violate California's Prop 65, "we believe that these levels are too high,

and we have asked the California Attorney General to investigate."

PepsiCo issued a statement to Consumer Reports claiming that Proposition 65 is based on per-day exposure and not exposure per can. It also cited government consumption data that show the average amount of diet soda consumed by people who drink it is 100 millilitres a day, or less than a third of a 12-fl.oz can. For that reason, Pepsi said it believes that Pepsi One does not require cancer-risk warning labels -even if the amount of 4-MeI in a single can exceeds 29 micrograms.

According to Consumer Reports, published analysis of government data shows higher levels of daily consumption of soft drinks. It also said it found samples of Coke with average levels of 4.3 micrograms or less per serving, which is much lower than California's threshold for labelling.

"While our study is not big enough to recommend one brand over another, our

results underscore two key points: The first is that it is indeed feasible to get down to lower and almost negligible levels of 4-MeI. And the second is that federal standards are required to compel manufacturers to minimize the creation of this potential carcinogen," said Rangan.

Consumer Reports' tests also found that Coca-Cola products tested had the lowest levels of 4-MeI for products with caramel colour listed on the label. And while Whole Foods' Dr. Snap has a "natural" label, its products contained 4-MeI, and all caramel colours are considered artificial.

Consumers Reports has filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration asking the agency to set a standard for limiting the formation of 4-MeI in those caramel colours that contain it. The group is seeking labelling of specific caramel colours in the ingredient lists of food where it is added, since not all caramel colour contains 4-MeI, but consumers peo-

ple have no way of knowing.

(Europe already requires this type of labelling.) It also wants the FDA to bar products from carrying the "natural" label if they contain caramel colours.

At this point, according to Consumer Reports, the best consumers can do to avoid exposure to 4-MeI is to choose soft drinks and other foods that do not list "caramel colour" or "artificial colour" on their ingredient list.

"First and foremost, consumers can rest assured that our industry's beverages are safe," the American Beverage Association said in a statement. "Contrary to the conclusions of Consumer Reports, FDA has noted there is no reason at all for any health concerns, a position supported by regulatory agencies around the world.

However, the companies that make caramel colouring for our members' soft drinks are now producing it to contain less 4-MeI, and nationwide use of this new caramel colouring is underway." (Vending Times)

Taking vitamin D supplements provide few if any benefits

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itamin D, the sunshine vitamin, has been supplemented in foods like milk for decades to prevent rickets in people. But taking vitamin D supplements to prevent cancer, heart disease, fractures and premature death provide few if any benefits, a new review of studies says.

Vitamin D pills became popular after observation-

al studies linked its use to a reduced risk of multiple sclerosis, diabetes and breast and prostate cancers. But more rigorous randomized control trials don’t support a cause-and-effect relationship between taking the vitamin and gaining health benefits.

Now a review and analysis pooling findings from

vide more definitive answers.

The Institute of Medicine's recommendation to the Canadian and U.S. governments is for 600 IU to 800 IU of vitamin D from foods such as salmon, fortified foods or supplements, depending on age.

40 trials on the effect of vitamin D supplements concludes the pills likely provide few, if any, health benefits.

“In view of our findings, there is little justification for prescribing vitamin D supplements to prevent myocardial infarction or ischaemic heart disease, stroke or

cerebrovascular disease, cancer or fractures, or to reduce the risk of death in unselected community-dwelling individuals,” in the general population, Dr Mark Bolland, of the University of Auckland in New Zealand, and his co-authors concluded in Friday’s online issue of the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.

Critics claim certain people could still benefit from vitamin D supplements, said Glenville Jones, a biochemistry professor at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont. The scientific and medical debate about vitamin D is driven in part by differences in defining vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, Jones said. A current U.S. government-funded trial of 20,000 people should pro-

In a journal editorial on multivitamins last December, Dr. Edgar Miller, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., wrote that proponents of supplements, including vitamin D, hope the pills will over-

come poor diet or behaviour, but the latest research isn’t supporting that.

"Unfortunately, consumers continue to take supplements and it's hard to turn that ship even in the face of strong evidence from trials," Miller said in an interview.

16 Times Sunday Magazine

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February 9, 2014

Times Home & Cooking

Coconut prawns with mango mayonnaise Ingredients

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antone, an X-Rite company and the global authority, announced at the end of 2013 that PANTONE® 18-3224 Radiant Orchid, a “captivating, magical, enigmatic purple”, is the colour of the year for 2014.

Radiant Orchid for interiors. Spruce up interior spaces, says Pantone, by incorporating this eye-catching hue in paint, accent pieces and accessories

1 cup (150g) plain flour 1/2 tsp caster sugar 2 tbs coconut cream 1 egg, beaten 2 cups panko breadcrumbs 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut 36 green prawns, peeled (tails intact), Method For mango mayonnaise, place mango, lime juice and zest, mayonnaise and half the chilli in a food processor and whiz until smooth. Place in a serving dish and refrigerate until needed.

Mix flour and sugar in a bowl and season.

In another bowl, beat coconut cream and egg with a fork. In a third, mix crumbs and coconut. Dip prawns first in the flour, then the egg, then the coconut crumbs. Chill until needed.

Half-fill a deep-fryer or large heavy-based saucepan with oil and heat to 190°C (or test a cube of bread - it will turn golden in 30 seconds when oil is ready). Fry prawns, in

deveined Canola oil, to deep-fry Mango mayonnaise 1 ripe mango, flesh finely chopped Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lime, plus extra wedges to serve 1 cup (300g) whole-egg mayonnaise 1 small red chilli, seeded, finely chopped

batches, for 1-2 minutes until golden, turning if necessary. Drain on paper towel. Serve with mayonnaise, topped with remaining chilli.

Cheese and tomato muffins Ingredients

As adaptable as it is beautiful, Radiant Orchid complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a gorgeous combination when paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows

1 cup grated tasty cheese 1/2 cup marinated sun-dried tomatoes, drained, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt Method Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a 12-hole, 1/3-cup capacity non-stick muffin pan.

Make basic muffin mix: Sift flour into a large bowl. Add cheese, tomatoes and salt to flour and stir to combine. Make a well in the centre.

Combine milk, egg and butter in a jug. Pour milk mixture into the well.

Using a large metal spoon, stir until just combined (don’t over-mix).

Spoon mixture into muffin holes until three-quarters full. Bake for 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

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Basic muffin mix 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour 1 1/4 cups milk 1 egg, lightly beaten 90g butter, melted

Allow to cool in pan for 1 minute. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool. Serve.

Greatest Cooking Tips

eplace the bread crumbs in pasta dishes with finely chopped nuts for extra flavour and a shot of protein.

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

Want a more flavourful salad? Make sure the lettuce is completely dry-it helps the dressing stick.

Add about three tablespoons of milk to oatmeal when you reheat it and it will be as creamy as ever.

Likewise, the vibrant colour is sure to liven up neutrals including gray, beige and taupe.

U

Home Help

se coffee to eliminate odours in the fridge. Just place new or used coffee grounds in a bowl on a shelf. Replace them every two months for a fresh, slightly caffeinated smell.

You know that stale, musty smell that happens when you seal up a thermos for a long time? Well, you can prevent that by dropping a clove or a teaspoon of salt in there before you seal it up. When you open it next time, it will smell fresh and ready to go.

To make your own tile grout, mix equal parts Epsom Salt and dish soap. Scrub the grout and rinse clean.

To clean jewellery, line a small bowl with aluminium foil. Fill the bowl with hot water and a couple of tablespoons of powdered laundry detergent. Place the jewellery in the bowl and let it soak for a couple of minutes, then rinse and air-dry.

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February 9, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 17

Times Sunday Puzzle

I am more microscopic than microscopic; I am more minuscule than minuscule.

I am smaller than small and I am tinier than tiny.

Yet surprisingly, I am still big.

What am I? see solution on page 22

see solution on page 22

see solution on page 22

18 Times Sunday Magazine

February 9, 2014

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February 9, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine19

Times World

Renowned Japanese Composer Admits Fraud Popular video games Resident Evil and Onimusha theme music attributed to him not his

H

e was celebrated as a prolific musical genius whose compositions appeared in popular video games and the competition routine of a top figure skater in the coming Sochi Olympics. His deafness won him praise as Japan’s modern-day Beethoven.

It turns out his magnum opus was his own masquerade.

On Thursday, Japan learned that one of its most popular musical figures, Mamoru Samuragochi, 50, had staged an elaborate hoax in which someone else had secretly written his most famous compositions, and he had perhaps even faked his hearing disability.

Across a nation long captivated by Western classical music, people reacted with

Olympic figure skater Daisuke Takahashi is scheduled to use in his short program performance at the Winter Games in Sochi.

On Wednesday, Mr. Samuragochi expressed remorse for the deception, though did not reveal why he chose to come forward at that particular moment.

“Samuragochi is deeply sorry as he has betrayed fans and disappointed others,” said the written confession, released by Mr. Samuragochi’s lawyer. “He knows he could not possibly make any excuse for what he has done.”

The reason for this sudden repentance became clear on Thursday when the ghost-writer revealed himself to be Takashi Niigaki, 43, a hitherto largely un-

More shocking news

Perhaps just as shocking was Niigaki’s assertion that Samuragochi was never deaf. Mr. Niigaki said that he had regular conversations with Mr. Samuragochi, who listened to and commented on his compositions.

Mr. Niigaki said the deafness was just “an act that he was performing to the outside world.”

Repeated calls and faxes to Mr. Samuragochi’s lawyers after Mr. Niigaki’s news conference were not answered.

It was unclear exactly how Mr. Samuragochi duped the world since asserting he went deaf in the late 1990s.

No one, it seemed, suspected the one-time child music prodigy had not composed

physical disability, the loss of almost all of his hearing at age 35 because of a degenerative condition, to achieve music greatness.

In a 2007 autobiography titled “Symphony No. 1,” Mr. Samuragochi described himself as the son of an atomic bomb survivor and able to play Beethoven and Bach on the piano by age 10.

Mr. Samuragochi seemed to reach the height of his popularity last year, when Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, aired a documentary titled “Melody of the Soul: The Composer Who Lost His Hearing” that followed him as he met survivors of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan.

He regularly appeared in many major news media, including Time magazine, which quoted him in a 2001 interview as saying that the loss of hearing turned out to be “a gift from God.” “I listen to myself,” he told the magazine. “If you trust your inner sense of sound, you create something that is truer. It is like communicating from the heart.”

Fallout

The disclosure of his deception brought a wave of apologies by major Japanese news media outlets, which expressed regret about failing to uncover Mr. Samuragochi’s deceit.

“We want him to explain his behaviour,” said the Asahi Shimbun, Japan’s second-biggest-selling news-

Takashi Niigaki, Mr. Samuragochi’s ghost-writer since the 1990s, spoke at a news conference in Tokyo on Thursday

remorse, outrage and even the rare threat of a lawsuit after Mr Samuragochi’s revelations that he had hired a ghost-writer since the 1990s to compose most of his music. The anger turned to disbelief when the ghost-writer himself came forward to accuse Mr Samuragochi of faking his deafness, apparently to win public sympathy and shape the Beethoven persona.

Beginnings of his end

The scandal began on Wednesday, when Mr Samuragochi publicly confessed that someone else had written his most famous works. These include Symphony No. 1 “Hiroshima,” about the 1945 atomic bombing of his home city, which became a classical music hit in Japan; the theme music for the video games Resident Evil and Onimusha; and Sonatina for Violin, which the Japanese

known part-time lecturer at a prestigious music college in Tokyo.

Mr Niigaki said he had written more than 20 songs for Mr. Samuragochi since 1996, for which he received the equivalent of about $70,000.

He said he felt so guilty about the deception that he had threatened to go public in the past, but Mr Samuragochi had begged him not to. He said he finally could not take it anymore when he learned one of his songs would be used by the Olympic skater. He told his story to a weekly tabloid, which went on sale Thursday.

“He told me that if I didn’t write songs for him, he’d commit suicide,” Mr Niigaki told a crowded news conference. “But I could not bear the thought of skater Takahashi being seen by the world as a co-conspirator in our crime.”

his own work.

But in past interviews with the news media, Mr. Samuragochi gave an explanation that might explain why no one ever doubted his hearing loss: He said he was completely deaf in one ear, but had some hearing in the other that was assisted by a hearing aid.

The scandal has brought an abrupt fall from grace for Mr. Samuragochi, a man who looked the part of a modern-day composer with his long hair, stylish dark suits and ever-present sunglasses.

Public adoration

Much of Mr. Samuragochi’s appeal seemed to lie in his inspiring life story, especially for a country so fascinated by classical music.

The public adored Mr. Samuragochi, who appeared to have overcome a serious

Mamoru Samuragochi in Hiroshima, Japan, in December, at a performance of a symphony he had supposedly composed

paper, in a mea culpa published Thursday, “but the media must also consider our own tendency to fall for tear-jerking stories.”

The episode also shook Japan’s struggling music industry, for which Samuragochi had offered a rare respite from declining sales of classical CDs. The Hiroshima symphony sold 180,000 copies in a classical music market where sales of 10,000 constitute a hit.

The music company Nippon Columbia said in a statement that it was “appalled and deeply indignant” and would stop selling his CDs. Orchestras across Japan said they were cancelling concerts that fea-

tured Samuragochi’s music.

One, the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra, said it was considering a lawsuit to retrieve lost ticket sales, an extreme expression of anger in non-litigious Japan.

The mayor of Hiroshima also threatened to strip Mr. Samuragochi of a “citizen’s award” that the city had given him for promoting the city’s message of opposing nuclear weapons.

“We never imagined this,” the mayor, Kazumi Matsui, was quoted as telling the daily Yomiuri Shimbun. “We are aghast.”

(Source: Renowned Japanese Composer Admits Fraud, by Martin Fackler; Feb. 6, 2014; New York Times)

20 Times Sunday Magazine

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February 9, 2014

Times Tech

L

ast year the number of smartphones shipped worldwide passed 1 billion for the first time, according to IDC, a research firm.

In 2010 the four leading smartphone vendors, Nokia, Research in Motion (now BlackBerry), Apple and Samsung, represented four different operating systems. Nokia has since not only forgone its own operating system but sold its mobile-phones unit to Microsoft.

BlackBerry is no longer among the leading makers. Samsung (the biggest supplier of phones using Google’s Android operating system) and Apple are both thriving, despite disappointing results in the most recent quarter.

But the fastest growth is now in cheaper Android phones, notably in China and India. (Information provided by Global Tech)

Tech Byte

FDA approves PillCam video camera that you swallow

C

olonoscopies can be an uncomfortable procedure for patients who may already be worried about what results will be found. When the results are inconclusive, a patient's options can be limited, causing further distress. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now approved a device for use after an in-

Tech news

T

complete procedure that is minimally invasive and can achieve similar imaging results to a colonoscopy.

PillCam Colon is a pill-sized camera that is swallowed and passes through a patient's gastrointestinal tract.

Given Imaging's PillCam Colon was created specifically with the purpose of checking for colon cancer and is already commercially available in more than 80 countries. The study on which the FDA based its decision focused on identifying hyperplastic polyps and adenomas at least 6 mm in size. It found a 69 percent positive agreement between PillCam Colon results and a colonoscopy, and an 81 percent negative agreement.

A colonoscopy is the examination of a patient's bowel using a long, thin camera known as an endoscope that is inserted via the rectum. Around 750,000 incomplete colonoscopies occur each year in the US, and are more common in women due to higher incidences of previous pelvic surgery and anatomical challenges for navigation.

An incomplete colonoscopy often requires that a patient undergoes an additional procedure, such as an X-ray or

CT scan, in order to complete the colorectal examination, incurring extra costs and risks in the process.

The device itself is a pill-sized video camera measuring 12 x 33 mm (0.47 x 1.3 in) that captures colour video from both of its ends at 4 or 35 frames per second. An LED provides the necessary illumination for image capture and, once swallowed by the patient, it wirelessly relays footage to a recording device worn by the patient for approximately 10 hours.

"We have made tremendous strides in increasing the number of people who are getting screened for colon cancer, starting at age 50 for the average risk individual," says Eric Hargis, CEO of US patient advocacy and support organization Colon Cancer Alliance. "Colonoscopy is the most comprehensive option, but for up to 10 percent of individuals, achieving a complete colonoscopy may not be possible. For those individuals, PillCam Colon capsule endoscopy could be an effective option to allow their gastroenterologist to complete a colon examination."

Google, EU reach agreement in antitrust case

he European Union's antitrust watchdog on Wednesday accepted "far-reaching" concessions offered by Google to settle allegations it is abusing its dominant position in Internet searches, bringing the threeyear-old case close to an end.

Google would significantly change the ways it displays some search results in Europe in favour of its competitors.

But reaching a settlement will spare the company a longer antitrust procedure that could have resulted in fines of up to 10 percent of the company's annual revenue, or about $5 billion.

EU Antitrust Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said he's "strongly convinced" the U.S. company's proposals — its third attempt to address the competition concerns — are sufficient.

"This is an important step forward," he told reporters in Brussels.

Google's proposals will now be sent to the 18 original plaintiffs for evaluation before the Commission makes a final decision in the coming months. Initial reactions from plaintiffs and consumer groups were unanimously negative, but Almunia said he was confident the deal with Google will be upheld.

Under its latest proposal, Google will commit to display results from three competitors in a similar way to its own whenever it promotes its specialized search services like Google shopping, restaurant or hotel searches. It will also label more clearly search results stemming from its own services to allow users to distinguish between natural search results and those promoted by Google.

A shopping search for a gas grill, for example, would yield two boxes of the same size and position at the top of the search results page, one showing three "Google shopping results" and immediately to the left of it three results labelled "Alternatives", according to an example provided by the Commission.

At present, only Google's own results are displayed prominently above all other search results. The changes will also be valid for search results displayed on mobile devices.

"Without preventing Google from improving its own services, it provides users with real choice between compet-

Joaquín Almunia, the European Union’s competition commissioner, who leaves his post later this year, has made the antitrust settlement with Google a top priority

ing services presented in a comparable way," Almunia said.

The results from three competing search providers would be chosen using Google's web search algorithm and, in most cases, other search services would have to pay for their placement through an auction mechanism — a solution that competitors and consumer groups alike criticized for strengthening Google's already dominant position.

The EU Commission last year threw out two sets of proposed concessions by Google because they were deemed insufficient.

"We will be making significant changes to the way Google operates in Europe," said Kent Walker, Google's general counsel. Google declined to discuss financial repercussions of the decision.

Once a settlement is reached, the concessions will be legally binding for five years across the 28-country European Union, the world's largest economy. The company, based in Mountain View, California, has a market share of about 90 percent of Internet searches in Europe, compared with around 70 percent in the U.S. "The concessions are far-reaching and have the clear

potential of restoring a level playing field with competitors, said Almunia. “No antitrust authority in the world has obtained such concessions."

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission investigated Google in a similar case last year and decided not to take action.

Google's competitors, however, were not impressed.

Internet commerce lobby group Icomp said the Commission should have given Google's competitors more time to examine and test the concessions.

"Without a third party review, Almunia risks having the wool pulled over his eyes by Google," the group said.

FairSearch, a Microsoft-led group of Google's tech competitors that includes firms like Oracle, Expedia and Tripadvisor, condemned the Commission's move as being "worse than doing nothing."

Its lawyer Thomas Vinje said the proposed commitments will "lock in discrimination and raise rivals' costs instead of solving the problem of Google's anti-competitive practices."

EU and U.S. consumer groups were unhappy about the outcome.

"The deal as outlined would give Google more power over competitors than is now the case, ultimately limiting consumer choice and driving prices higher," said Consumer Watchdog's John M. Simpson.

Europe's BEUC consumer lobby lamented the Commission apparently accepted shortcomings only to achieve a settlement before the summer.

The term of Commissioner Almunia, who put a lot of personal credibility into achieving a settlement for his highest-profile case, expires in fall.

Google has already offered several concessions to the EU. It will give content providers an opt-out from its specialized search services, without being penalized regarding its ranking in normal Google searches. Google will also remove some exclusivity requirements in agreements with publishers and make it easier to move online advertising campaigns from its services to rivals' offerings.

A separate antitrust investigation on Google's Android operating system is still ongoing, Almunia said. (The News

International)

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February 9, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 21

Times Art

Narissa Shawh is revolutionizing henna art in Guyana

T

aking the ancient tradition of henna and transforming it into modern art is what Narissa Shawh excels in.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine , Narissa discusses what inspires her in creating beautiful henna art, and how she intends to use it for self-development. “ W h i l e growing up, I always had a passion for arts and craft. My mother was a professional cake decorator, a florist, a seamstress, and a hairdresser too. So I guess it rubbed off on me a bit.

Initially, I was never really into henna because I never saw anyone who did it really good. And if it was neat, it was done with stencil and not free-hand. Then I saw a really good henna design on a friend, who is also a henna artist, and I was surprised at how lovely it looked. I was expecting her to say it was done with stencil, but to my surprise she did it freehanded. That sparked my interest. I started out doing henna for friends and family just for the fun of it and at the same time used it as an opportunity to practice and perfect the art of henna

henna artists.

“I always loved designing stuff. So since I taught myself to do henna, I applied the same techniques in

designing. People who knew of my talents ap-

Decorative candles her motivation comes from clients who commend her on creating quality and inventive work.

Narissa has revolutionized henna art in Guyana.

Now, she is focused on growing as an entrepreneur and

proached me to do henna for weddings, engagements and so on. Then was when I decided to do it professionally,” she recalled.

After honing her skills, the artist started her business, Narissa’s Henna Designs, last year.

Henna is her paint and her canvas ranges from candles to clothing. She not only designs hands but also creates beautiful handcrafted, bejewelled henna designs on candles, glassware, clothing, wood, chair cushions, teacups and mugs – the possibilities are endless.

A self-taught henna artist, Narissa now researches how she can perfect her talent, and emulates notable

Henna designs on cups and glasses

Henna design on cups & glasses

craft items and to further grow the business and get recognized in the henna art industry in Guyana,” she declared.

For more information, visit Narissa’s Henna Designs on Facebook.

Narissa also puts henna designs on clothing

Elegant henna design on hands

d e signing various craft i t e m s as well.

And I also got some ideas from other henna artists as well, which they themselves have ventured into. For me, inspiration can come from anywhere. If I see a fascinating pattern on a piece of fabric, on a building, or even everyday objects, I would imagine how it would look on someone’s hand. Sometimes I find myself browsing online for patterns done by henna artist in the industry and ideas bloom from there,” Narissa mentioned.

Deeply passionate about her art, Narissa enjoys composing concepts to create a unique design. Moreover,

an artist.

“For my business right now, I am focused on getting the word out there since I only started a year ago. With that I expect my business to grow. I also have plans to widen the marketing of my

Beautiful henna design on shopping bag

22 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

February 9, 2014

Times Heritage

A Magazine of Tangible and Intangible Heritage T

he National Trust on January 31 launched the second issue of its Heritage magazine in the Ballet Room of Cara Lodge in Georgetown. Delayed by a year due to time needed for research and difficulties in finding contributors, the magazine has been made a biennial edition.

At the launch, which was attended by several government and diplomatic representatives among others, copies signed by the culture minister were presented to authors and officials in attendance. Audience members received their free copies.

The magazine illustrates the diverse ethnicity of Guyana, with many of its features discussing various cultural and historical facets of the races that make up our country, written by several local and internationally renowned writers, researchers and experts in their respective fields.

also provides another essay on the little-known liberated Berbice Africans of 1841-1865.

Maritime history

Cover of the Heritage magazine published by the National Trust of Guyana

Culture

Sister Mary Noel Menezes is an author of several historical publications, which have gone on to receive international acclaim, and is the recipient of several academic awards.

Her short essay on the legacy and heritage of the PortugueseGuyanese also touches briefly on Jose Gomes D’Aguiar, who went on to begin the Banks DIH Guyanese and Caribbean conglomerate.

The much respected historian and University of Guyana lecturer Tota C. Mangar, also an expert in his field who has published historical books and research papers, provides an essay on the 175-year anniversary of East Indians in Guyana from its origins to its effects today.

Emeritus Professor and former University of Guyana lecturer Dr Winston McGowan, also an admired historian and author, writes of the origins and consequences of the 1763 slave rebellion in Berbice, which included a Feb 27, 1763 rebellion, spurred on he writes, by the Kofi rebellion just four days earlier.

Another well-known local writer, conservationist and businesswoman, Annette Arjoon-Martins looks at the Amerindian food staple cassava; its origins and its influence in their culture. This unique perspective into a familiar aspect of Amerindian life also includes descriptions of the cassava making process.

Author and Chinese historian Margery Kirkpatrick then provides an intimate account of the Chinese immigrant experience in her all-too-brief essay that offers a tantalising glimpse of a time of turmoil so many thousands of miles away that helped shape the history of the Chinese in Guyana.

Landmarks

Also included in the 2014 issue are features exploring our historic landmarks that include monuments, buildings and infrastructure.

National Trust chairman and University of Guyana lecturer in architecture, Lennox J Hernandez takes a look at the National Trust and its role in the preservation of historic buildings and national monu-

Dr McGowan’s feature on the 1763 rebellion

ments, revealing that to date the Trust has some 150 structures, sites and objects being considered for gazetting as national monuments.

A special article looks at the Georgetown City Hall and its place among the 69 worldwide sites that have qualified for the

Archaeology

Looking further back in time in our heritage, articles by veteran local anthropologists and archaeologists include Jennifer Wishart’s brief feature on the late Dr Denis Williams’ research into the Guyana petroglyphs.

The Chinese Immigrant Experience

by Margery Kirkpatrick

2014 World Monuments Watch list. From this list, sites around the world would be chosen for the World Monuments Fund which provides international recognition and access to its two-year services.

Playwright and author Paloma Mohamed then focuses on the Theatre Guild and its contribution to the theatrical arts in Guyana. The director of UG’s Centre for Communication Studies also imparts the sentiments of several established and upcoming local theatre personalities regarding the development of their art after the reopening of the renovated Theatre Guild.

Major General (ret’d) Joseph G Singh, in this the 250th anniversary of the 1763 revolution, offers little-known insight into the canals that had first been hand-cleared and excavated by slaves, and this legacy in

Guyana.

modernday shaman to interpret new archaeological finds along the Buru Buru creek near Surama.

Intangible Heritage

One of the aims of the Heritage magazine has been to highlight the tangible and intangible heritage of Guyana.

This issue also offers articles illustrating our intangible

Guyanese language.

Shammane Joseph is a historian and teacher who presents us with an account of the superstitions of descendants of murdered slaves on the Berbice River more than 200 years ago.

Legend has it a haunted log floats along the river in her ar-

Tota Mangar’s 175th anniversary of East Indian arrival

George Simon brings us upto-date on recent archaeological investigations of the middle Berbice River, and also provides the unique insight of a

heritage, such as the article by UG linguistics lecturer Alim Hosein on Guyanese language, which considers the influences of colonisation and the society that play a role in creating the

Brain Teaser Answer The word "big". It only has 3 letters and is therefore shorter in length than the words "tiny", "small", "minuscule", and "microscopic".

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

Historian Allyson Stoll, along with Rita Stoll, produces a condensed review of the vessels that once plied the busy Pomeroon River; their builders and boat-building traditions along the river.

In the final account of the issue, another historian, Estherine Adams pens the details of the historic tragedy of the vessel Glory Hallelujah in Bartica more than three decades ago where seven persons, including four children, died.

Several other features highlight Guyana’s diverse heritage and conservation efforts, along with a feature by Saskia Hart, who is an architect and also wife of current U.S. ambassador to Guyana Brent Hart.

For the history and culture buff, the recent launch of issue number two by the National Trust of Guyana is a treat, and brimful of diverse information that reveals much of the research and knowledge that has been generously provided to create the historic magazine.

If you would like a copy of the 2014 Heritage Magazine, which is free of cost, it can be uplifted from the National Trust, 94 Carmichael Street, Cummingsburg. With a limit-

The Portuguese-Guyanese account

by Sister Mary Noel Menezes

ticle, The Myth of the Seamaster. She

ed number available, call 2255071 for more information.

CROSSWORD

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February 9, 2014

Times Sunday Magazine 23

Times Travel & Tourism

Travel to remote Chi Chi

A spectacular view of the mountain

R

emotely located, Chi Chi is a nature-loversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; paradise of pristine forest, expansive rivers, multiple waterfalls during the rainy season, and towering almost straight rising mountains.

The journey begins in Imabaimadai, Region Seven. A speed boat ride from Imbaimadai Landing, along the Mazaruni River gives an ideal view of Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich biodiversity.

The ride is a scenic 45-minute trip to reach the foothills of Chi Chi Mountains, with occasional glimpses of sparsely populated and isolated communities along the way.

Atop Chi Chi Mountain, a small airstrip connects the few Amerindian communities scattered over the mountain top with the outside world. (Cover photo:The forest is often impenetrable in many areas)

Rock cliffs rise high over the densely forested foothills of Chi Chi

Breathtaking view of the mountain from a distance

Travel by boat along the river is usually the only way to travel

24

Times Sunday Magazine

February 9, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Last Laugh

Rejection Can Lead to Success

By Melvin Durai

D

id you hear the story of the University of Maryland mathematics professor who tried to write fiction? Poor guy. He was rejected more than 50 times. He should have stuck to solving complex equations, leaving the business of making up stories to authors, playwrights and presidential candidates.

For more than a decade, Manil Suri's attempts at writing produced only one minor credit, a short story published in a Bulgarianlanguage journal whose editors somehow mistook him for a writer. The Indian native couldn't get a single short story published in English, yet he had the nerve to embark on a novel. What was he thinking? Or, more precisely, what was he drinking?

Surely he must have realized, after so many rejections, that bookstores wouldn't want to give up valuable space for his writing, not even on their bathroom walls. Surely he must have realized, after so many rejections, that he'd have better luck trying to explain his complex equations to George W. Bush.

Suri: "Mr. President, I've come to the White House to explain the nu-

merical analysis of partial differential equations."

Bush: "The numerical what of what? Who sent you here? The Democrats?

Those left-wing nuts are peeved at me for pushing a tax cut."

Suri: "No, Mr. President, it wasn't the Democrats. I'm just trying to see if this is easier than writing a book."

Bush: "You're thinking of writing a book? We have something in common. I'm thinking of reading a book.

My wife, Laura, knows a lot about books. She was once a librian. I mean, liberian."

Suri: "From Liberia?"

Bush: "No, silly. From Midland, Texas. She used to work in the lie-bury. You know, that place where people lie buried in books.

She once brought a book home for me. It was long.

Took me 10 years, but I finally got through the first chapter. I still don't know what happened to Hansel and Gretel."

Suri: "They moved to Liberia."

Bush: "Oh no, they became Liberals."

It's a good thing Suri persisted in writing his novel "The Death of Vishnu," for it eventually created a bidding war among publishers, earning him an advance of $350,000 and allowing him

to immediately show support for Bush's tax cut.

Yes, the aspiring writer who endured years of rejection is now happily ascending the bestseller list, using his advanced math skills to extrapolate his royalty checks. For his next book, he'll be the one doing the rejecting.

"An advance of only $500,000? Sorry, that's way too little. My last book was translated into 42 languages and sold out within a day in Bulgaria. Simon & Schuster has offered me a cool million, as well as a Porsche, yacht, and Sony PlayStation 2."

As Suri knows, rejection may sting a little, but it's better than not trying. That's why I've always tried hard to get rejected.

I've been rejected so many times, I should be in the Guinness Book of World Rejects. I've been rejected by women, employers, editors, women, banks, credit card companies, women, newspaper syndicates, colleges, and did I mention women?

Despite all that rejection, I'm following in Manil Suri's footsteps and trying desperately to get published in Bulgaria. From him and others, I've figured out something important: Learning to handle rejection is a vital ingredient of success.

Lost Chapter in Genesis

Adam had been moping around all day in the Garden of Eden, and God finally said, "Adam, what's up with all this moping?"

Adam told God that he was lonely. God said He could fix that, no problem. In short order he could make a partner for Adam, and she would be called a "woman." God told Adam that the woman would collect his food, cook it for him, and care for all his needs and wants. She would also agree with all his decisions and not question his authority as head of the family. God also said that she would bear his offspring and and not bother him in the middle of the night if the kids woke up and started crying. She would never nag him and would admit when she was wrong. She would also freely give him love and passion whenever he needed it.

Adam said, "Wow, that's a great partner! What is this woman-person going to cost me?"

And God replied, "An arm and a leg."

Adam thought for a minute and then asked, "What can I get for a rib?"

And the rest is history.

Forgot the Keys

An elderly man had dinner at a very nice restaurant. After he finished his wine, he went to the men’s room then walked out through the bar. It was a beautiful evening, so he decided to leave his car in the parking lot and walk home.

When he arrived at his front door, he realized he didn’t have his keys, which were in his jacket pocket, which was still hanging in the restroom. He walked back to the restaurant and found his jacket in the men’s room, and realized he’d left his hat on the table.

He strolled back to the dining room to retrieve his hat, and when he got to his table, his wife asked, “Is anything wrong? You took such a long time in there.”

No School Today...Please!

As autumn approaches and summer vacation is over, a mother wakes up her son and says it's the first day of school, so get up and get ready.

He says, “Mom, I don’t want to go back. Please don't make me. I hate school!”

She says, “Don't be silly. It can't be that bad. I bet you can't even think of two reasons not to go.”

He says, “Really, I mean it! All the kids hate me. And the teachers all think I'm stupid.”

She says, “Well, those aren't really good reasons. Maybe you can try harder.”

He says, “No, I don't want to go. Give me two good reasons I should.”

She replies, “Well, first of all, you’re almost years 60 old. And second, you’re the principal.”

Funny Quotes on "Success"

Quitters never win, winners never quit. But those who never win and never quit are idiots. - David Brent Behind every successful man stands an amazed woman. - Anonymous All my life, I always wanted to be somebody. Now I see that I should have been more specific. - Jane Wagner (also attributed to Lily Tomlin)

Funny Quotes on "Money"

That money talks, I'll not deny, I heard it once: it said, 'Goodbye.' Richard Armour My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income. - Errol Flynn A study of economics usually reveals that the best time to buy anything is last year.Marty Allen

Thinking about the Future

“Mom, Dad, sit down. I have something very important to tell you,” said Samantha, upon her return home from college after graduation. “I met a guy who lives near the college that I really like and we decided we are going to get married!”

“Oh Samantha! I am so happy for you,” gushed her Mom giving her a big hug, “I hope you two will be really happy together! I can’t wait to meet him!”

“Tell us more about him” said her Dad, “does he have any money?”

“Oh Dad! Is that all you men ever think about? That was the first question he asked me about you too!”

Want to contribute to the Sunday Times magazine? Email us for possible publication at sundaymagazine@guyanatimesgy.com.

Please include legal name(s), address and a brief synopsis of your article with attached word document.