Sunday times magazine sunday 21, january 2018

January 21, 2018

Star Times Bollywood:

Bipasha Basu quells pregnancy rumours again Page 14

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Kumerau Falls Page 8

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Feature

Knowing your heritage

By Dmitri Allicock

G

uyanese children, accustomed to microwave ovens, computers, fast food and cell phones, are truly fascinated by the artefacts of their culture and time. It prompts the older generations to reminisce on the changes that they have experienced, and how technology – or its absence –has affected their lives and the lives of their descendants.

So many of yesterdays comforts are now obsolete and being rapidly lost to the fog of history.

While the modern age of appliance and technology wizardry is available to Guyanese, it still remains a country of contrasting means and methods. There is nothing more fascinating for an older Guyanese to discuss or look at some of the implements and devices which were once traditionally used.

Functional household items The ‘flat iron’ The general name for the hand-held iron was the ‘flat iron’, consisting simply of a handle and a solid, flat, metal base, and named for

The flat iron

the flat ironing face used to smooth clothes. Several flat irons were heated directly by the charcoals in the coal pot. The iron was held by a thick pad, removed from the heated coals and wiped with a cloth laced with a few drops of oil, soft grease or animal fat before pressing clothing.

The charcoal iron was more expensive and generally used by tailors who fashioned some of the best suits ever made. These charcoal irons were used in the Victorian epoch, which represented an age of elaborate and elegant fashion.

cook stove is very hard to follow, and continues into the present as inexpensive iron coal pots are now made in Guyana.

The abundance of wood for charcoal making would see the coal pot dominate a significant period of Guyana’s life. The coal pot was used for cooking and baking. The pot, with glowing embers of coal was placed into a wood crafted box- oven that was lined with asbestos and zinc sheeting. When a uniform temperature was reached, this oven made some of the tastiest bread and pastries of Guyana.

T h i s method is still limited-

The coal pot The history of the Guyana’s coal pot is obscure, but the form itself indicates that the clay versions produced today evolved as copies of colonial-era l y iron coal pots, and u s e d did not enter the in outlayarchaeological ing regions record until of the country the nine'Pointer' broom and is now comteenth plemented with a vacentury. riety of other systems The hisof cooking and baking. torical relationship beThe cast iron wood tween clay and burning stove metal versions of the The cast iron wood burn-

ing stove was primarily used in the early part of the 1900s. Here again, the wood of Guyana featured extensively.

Bundles of wood and charcoal were common and conveniently sold at the market.

This stove required duct work and a chimney for the escape of the smoke. All the Demerara bauxite company houses built for their workers of Upper Demerara came equipped with this wood burning stove that was safe to use despite the open fire of the now attached kitchen.

The ‘pointer’ or ‘coconut’ broom The ‘pointer or coconut’ broom is made out of the

as the coconut. The manicole broom is used for sweeping outdoors and also serves as a deterrent by the believers of the feared spook, the mythical Guyanese old soul or witch called Ole Higue.

The resourceful coconut palm tree provides endless products and is still a vital part of Guyanese life.

The pointer broom is generally used today for sweeping outdoors in Guyana and symbolises one of the things which make Guyanese abroad feel “at home”.

Many of the Guyanese diaspora still keep a pointer broom around as keepsakes and showpieces to remind them of home and heritage.

Sewing machines

cessful chine.

Singer built the first sewing machine where the needle moved up and down rather than the side-to-side, and the needle was powered by a foot treadle.

The first sewing machines, powered by hand crank or feet peddle, were a vital part of many homes.

The ‘safe’ The ‘safe’ or kitchen cabinet was used for storage of either food stuff or kitchen essentials. Utilitarian cabinets like this were no-frills designs to simply serve its purpose.

The process of change

Evolutionary theorist, Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, or the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”

Since the Industrial Revolution, when the speed

An old Singer sewing machine

Before the advent of cheap, mass produced factory clothing, the faithful sewing machine had the daunting task of keeping Guyanese clothed.

A coal pot

stems of dried coconut leaves.

The manicole palm also provided a broom, though not as elegant

ly sucma-

Sewing machines did not go into mass production until the 1850s, when Isaac Singer built the first commercial-

of change accelerated, society has been transforming accordingly. It began with a shift from a rural, agrarian society to an urban, industrial society. That led to a whole range of changes in lifestyle, family structure, culture and values.

The computer revolution, which started around 25 years ago, sent the rate of change into its exponential rise. It is the hope that as we will adapt to the changing world that we take time out to reflect how far we have come and what may exist beyond the horizon of tomorrow.

The article aims to build appreciation within our young generation about how we have developed, so they embrace a technologically advanced age. It seeks to urge the younger generations not familiar with the gadgets mentioned in this article, to do research and try to connect with our rich Guyanese heritage.

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Feature

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uyanese in the Rupununi had a vested interest in the outcome of an NFL football game for the second week in a row, as the Jacksonville Jaguars (Florida, USA) took on the Pittsburgh Steelers (Pennsylvania, USA) last weekend. But this was not just a game; it was friendly wager between the city’s zoos that created potentially significant benefits for Rupununi wildlife and the Rupununi people.

The terms were set. If the Jaguars defeated the Steelers for a second time this year, the Pittsburgh Zoo would make a donation to the Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit, a coalition of researchers working to increase understanding and inform the management of some of Guyana’s most iconic species (including jaguars), and send the Jacksonville Zoo sandwiches from the famous Primanti Brothers.

If the Steelers won, the Jacksonville Zoo would do-

RWRU supporters in Lethem turn out to cheer on the Jaguars

nate to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium's Sea Turtle Second Program, a project that brings in sea turtles in need of urgent medical care to be rehabilitated and then released back into the wild, and throw in some locally famous fried chicken.

Two weeks ago, the Jacksonville Zoo made a sim-

ilar wager with the Buffalo Zoo, and it paid off. Would Rupununi wildlife benefit for the second week in a row?

In a high-scoring affair, the Jaguars took down the favourite Steelers 45 42. Thanks to four rushing touchdowns (including three by star RB Leonard Fournette) and a late TD

RWRU's human-caiman conflict team members show their support for the Jaguars.

This project is supported by additional funding from the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens through the Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission of Guyana

Kanuku Mountains’ rangers cheering on the Jaguars for the second week in a row at the Protected Areas Commission office in Lethem

pass from QB Blake Bortles to FB Tommy Bohannon, the Jaguars were able to outlast the Steelers and advance to the conference championship game. In what ended up being a back-and-forth game that went right down to the wire, the Jaguars got enough big plays down the stretch to the put the game away, and ultimately secure another contribution to research and conservation in Guyana.

Dr Matt Hallett, founder of the Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit (RWRU), said: “The Jags performance this week more closely resembled their wild mascot… they stealthy and methodically moved the ball down the field before unleashing surgical scoring strikes with deadly precision.

It was fun to watch. The Jaguar (Panthera onca) is known for its ability to stalk very close to its prey before making a kill with a single leap and

crushing bite.”

Asked about how this resembled a back-and-forth game that went down to the final seconds, Hallett added, “Every tough opponent refuses to go down without a fight, but the king of the jungle has the strength and endurance to overpower and subdue prey that are double or triple their size.”

For the second week in a row, American football will be benefitting wildlife in Guyana. "When wildlife wins, everyone wins," said the Jacksonville Zoo said in a news release following the game.

On receiving another donation as a result of a friendly wager over football, Hallett shared, “We are honoured to be the beneficiaries of effort… and we are even more thrilled that both zoos have seized the opportunity provided by such a popular sporting event to raise

awareness and direct contributions to wildlife conservation.”

The Jacksonville Jaguars will take on the New England Patriots (Massachusetts, USA) at Foxboro Stadium in the AFC Conference Championship game today at 3:05 PM EST. No word yet on whether the New England Aquarium or Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo has stepped up for another friendly wager for the sake of conservation.

Follow the Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit on Facebook, rupununiwildlife on Instagram, @RupWildlife on Twitter, or subscribe to their Rupununi Wildlife channel on YouTube. (By JJ Vitale, Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens; Tracy Gray, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium; Matt Hallett, Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit)

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Feature

Guyana - A diverse culinary mecca

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epperpot, garlic pork, cassava bread, cookup rice and a wide array of curries are among the many offerings which characterise the unique culinary landscape of Guyana, and indeed visitors and locals alike can attest to lure of the mouth-watering options available.

A few months ago, a group of Canadian media representatives and travel agents spent three days in Guyana on a familiarisation tour, as tourism officials continue to enhance their drive to attract more Canadians to the destination. The visiting team comprised of owner and CEO of Roraima Travel, Syed Rayman; publisher of the Caribbean Graphic Newspaper, Tony McWatt; travel agent, Shararazad Hack-Gill; and one of Canada’s top food stylists, Nathan Fong.

Guyana is attractive for

Pepperpot is a Guyanese favourite, and many regional and international tourists as well

many reasons: the rich culture, amazing wildlife, pristine beauty and its unique tourism offerings. With the amalgamation of the six cul-

tures, undoubtedly the cuisine would stand apart from other destinations.

While Guyana’s appeal was unquestionable, with

offerings such as Kaieteur Falls and the Essequibo, it was the view of Fong, one of Canada’s culinary ambassadors, that Guyana has a bright future in food tourism.

In an interview in November, immediately fol-

notice of relevant authorities. In fact, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) partners with restaurants annually to host the Guyana Restaurant Week, which is a culinary celebration of restaurants and eateries in Guyana. During the designated period, participating restaurants offer an exclusive menu at a significantly reduced price; this in turn gives visitors and local foodies an opportunity to enjoy “specialty prix fixe menus from skilled local chefs”.

To further showcase Guyana’s culinary offerings and to stimulate the taste buds, several local publications educate the public and provide a guide to the many dining establishments in Guyana.

According to the World Food Travel Association, while there are many definitions of what “food tourism” is, the term has been simplified into the following: “The pursuit and enjoyment of unique and memorable food

Flavours of India can be enjoyed right here in Guyana (Photo from Guyana Restaurant Week Facebook page)

lowing his trip to Guyana, Fong shared his perspective with local representatives, which was publicised by the Guyana Tourism Authority.

“I think Guyana’s tourism has great potential; their culture and culinary background varies. Seeing the vast richness of their cultural background - the Chinese, East Indians, African - it’s a melting pot of cuisines,” he expressed.

The fact that Guyana’s cuisine can be a major selling point of the destination has not escaped the

and drink experiences, both far and near.”

This definition suggests that while we may not be aware of it, we are all “food travelers” by the mere act of going to a special restaurant, grocery store or eating out at our favourite place; which is even more evident by the overwhelming response to Restaurant Week over the years. The fact that visitors to our beautiful country can be attracted by our culinary diversity and offerings is another bonus.

Seeing its success, obvi-

ously there are numerous economic benefits of promoting food tourism.

The World Food Travel Association adds that a more engaged food and drink tourism strategy will be beneficial in many ways, including more visitor arrivals, more sales (rooms/airplane seats/ restaurant meals/wine/beer/ car rentals/and much more), more media coverage, a new competitive advantage or unique selling proposition (that is, unique food and drink), more tax revenue to government authorities, increased community awareness about tourism in general and increased community pride about, and awareness of, the area's food and drink resources.

The organisation has added that its decade of experience in the food tourism industry has led to the conclusion that approximately 25 per cent of visitors’ spending can be attributed to food and drink while traveling.

This percentage, the World Food Travel Association noted, tends to be higher in more expensive destinations and lower in less expensive destinations.

Alluding to the importance of food tourism in the Global Report on Food Tourism, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) also noted that the main aim of the study is to highlight the economic, social and promotional importance of gastronomy in the development of local and national economies and its impact in the tourism and travel industry.

“The growth and resilience of the Food Tourism segment has become increasingly evident in recent years, as destinations and businesses have become aware of the positive benefits not only in tourism development, but also in the value chain of gastronomy as part of the national or local economy,” UNWTO concluded.

Given Guyana’s rich potential to become a prime ‘food destination’, it is a definite and welcomed possibility that this country can harness the power to stand out in the region and attract more visitors.

A plate of hot cook-up rice is another favourite meal in Guyana

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Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

F

or local tour operator and Managing Director of Rainforest Tours, Frank Singh, 2017 ended on a high note, which also signalled that 2018 was going to be a great year for tourism promotion in Guyana.

Late last year, Rainforest Tours hosted a Familiarisation Trip (FAM) for several members of Los Exploradores Hiking Club of Rio Claro, South Trinidad. According to Singh, the ‘buzz’ created by the Trinidadian media about Guyana was phenomenal and a step in the right direction.

FAM Trips are by no means new to Guyana, and over the years, several tour companies, in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, have hosted quite a number of these events, which have resulted in numerous international features and documentaries.

Singh further explained

that the push behind the initiative was to explore avenues for heightened collaboration in the interest of eco-tourism promotion in the two countries.

“The team from Los Exploradores was given the opportunity to visit Kaieteur and to get a firsthand look at the product.

The Tourism Minister of Trinidad bought into it,” Singh proudly explained to Sunday Times Magazine, while he happily announced that several other groups have already visited since the initial FAM in September 2017. He mentioned that this was a direct result of the marketing efforts in Trinidad.

While there are many benefits of such exposure, the Managing Director emphasized that Guyana will continue to stand out with its unique tourism offerings, including aspects of eco, sustainable and adventure tourism.

One member of the

FAM group, and journalist attached to the Trinidad Guardian, Shastri Boodan narrated his adventures in an article. An excerpt on Kaieteur Falls read: “The fog-like mist splits sunlight to create what seems to be one of the longest lasting rainbows on a sunny day.”

Singh explained that both Guyana and Kaieteur Falls were marketed, as he provided details of the marketing drive.

The first group to visit Guyana immediately following the FAM Trip here was a team of scientists, who came in November 2017.

Alluding to upcoming initiatives, Singh revealed that his company will soon introduce weekend tours to Suriname, which will be affordable and will guarantee that participants have an enriching and rewarding experience.

“This will be an all-inclusive package, which

Members of the first tour to visit Guyana after the initial FAM Trip

Frank Singh (second from right), Managing Director of Rainforest Tours, and members of the FAM group while in Georgetown

The group at Kaieteur Falls

will see our guests benefiting from one cover price for transportation, accommodation and meals,” he said.

Additionally, he stated that Rainforest Tours collaborates with the

Government of Guyana and the private sector to host four safari excursions in Guyana annually: the North Pakaraima Mountain Safari; South Rupununi Safari; Bartica

Safari; and the Sand Safari to Moraikobai, which was launched in February 2017. These events continue to attract local, regional and international participants every year.

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Travel and Tourism

Kumerau Falls

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Breathtaking view of the Falls (Photo by George Bailey)

umerau Falls is one of Guyana's many beautiful and uncharted waterfalls. It is located on the Kurupung River a few miles before it meets the Mazaruni River in Region Seven, one of the major tributaries of the Essequibo River.

Fishing enthusiasts may find fishing near or at Kumerau Falls very exhilarating. This could be one of the best fishing or outdoors adventure locations in the region.

Aerial view of Kumerau (Photo by George Bailey)

Yurong Paru

T

he journey to the quaint, remote Makushi village of Yurong Paru may seem daunting to most, but to the ardent adventurer, the destination is well worth the long trek deep into the Pakaraima Mountains.

The community is part of the Karasabai sub-district, located in South Pakaraimas, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and is accessible by land.

Scenic view of a section of the village (Photo by Deon K Johnson)

With a population of approximately 375, the main source of income is derived from subsistence farming and cattle rearing - primary products sold are meat (beef and pork) and cassava. Although small, the village is equipped with a primary school, health hut and teachers quarters.

Hospitality of residents is one of the commanding attributes of Yurong Paru – a village of simple joys.

A child from the village with a warishi on his back

The Falls is located in the vicinity of the Kurupung mountain (Photo by Nicholas Chuckasang)

View of Kumerau Falls from the abandoned upper Mazaruni road (Photo by Nicholas Chuckasang)

Children relaxing under the village's famous mango tree

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Sunday Times Magazine 9

Health

Surprising Foods That Can Help Your Thyroid

T

hyroid issues are a very common problem for women. If you have been feeling sluggish lately, your thyroid may be to blame. If you think you have a thyroid problem, you may notice improvements by simply adjusting your diet. Make sure you’re eating foods rich in nutrients that specifically help improve your thyroid health. Check out these five surprising foods that can give your thyroid a boost. If symptoms persist, you should go see a doctor and get your thyroid checked.

Cocoa Powder Your thyroid needs zinc in order to function properly.

Zinc helps your body produce thyroid hormones that keep it healthy. Make sure you are getting 30 to 40 milligrams of zinc in your daily diet. You can do this with a number of different foods such as spinach, chickpeas, cashews, and lean ground beef. Surprisingly enough, even natural cocoa powder contains almost three milligrams of zinc per serving. Try mixing cocoa powder into your snacks or dessert for a delicious and healthy indulgence.

Cabbage If you have an overactive thyroid and need to slow it down, goitrogenic foods should be incorporated into your diet. Iodine is used to speed up a slow thyroid, but goitrogenic foods block iodine from affecting your thyroid and slow it down. Cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, dark leafy greens, and other root vegetables are popular goitrogenic foods. Add one or more servings of these foods into your meals for noticeable improvement.

Pumpkin Spice The main spices found in a pumpkin spice mix – ginger and cinnamon – are helpful thyroid regulators. Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory which is good for your whole body, and ginger contains zinc, potassium, and magnesium which are all important nutrients for your thyroid. Just make sure you’re eating these spices in their purest form instead of indulging in artificially flavored pumpkin spice items.

Health News

Sunflower Seeds Brazil Nuts Sunflowers seeds contain tyrosine which is an amino acid that Selenium is an important mineral for optimal thyroid function. regulates thyroid hormones in your body. Snack on some seeds Conveniently, Brazil nuts are loaded with selenium. In fact, just a during the day, or blend them into a smoothie to enjoy their few nuts can do the trick and provide your daily recommended powerful thyroid benefits. amount of selenium.

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nce you've scheduled the surgery, you might wonder what to eat after tooth extraction. And as you might expect, soft foods are ideal during the first few days of recovery.

S

What to Eat

Eat: Ice Cream Unless you have particularly sensitive teeth, ice cream tops of the list of what to eat after tooth extraction. It's cool and soft, so you can eat it comfortably even when your mouth is tender.

Because ice cream is cold, it can help minimize any natural swelling that occurs in the mouth.

Choose your ice cream with care, though. Soft ice cream is ideal right after surgery, since it doesn't require as much jaw muscle to eat. You'll also want to avoid any mix-ins or solid sprinkles along the top of the ice cream. Remember to pick a cup over a cone so you don’t have to chew.

Eat: Cool Soup Pureed, lukewarm or cool soups are also great to eat after a tooth's removal. Soup is not only easy to eat after your surgery, but it also contains plenty of nutrients and, in some cases, protein, to help the muscles in your face feel better. To avoid any discomfort, make sure the soup is as smooth as possible before you eat it. A few small pieces of cooked vegetables or pasta in the soup should be manageable, but you want to avoid anything that will require a lot of chewing.

Eat: Smoothies One of the best ways to enjoy fruits after you've had a tooth pulled is in smoothie form. Blend the fruits with some yogurt to add protein, calcium and probiotics to the drink. Adding yogurt or a similar type of dairy to the smoothie also helps it become less acidic, and less likely to irritate tender gums as a result.

Eat: Scrambled Eggs As long as they aren't too hot, scrambled eggs are another good pick following a tooth extraction. They're gentle, high in protein and don't require much effort in the way of chewing when eating them.

The black arrow points to the air streaks (in black) in the soft tissue area

What not to Eat

Avoid: Spicy and Acidic Foods You may love adding a dab of hot sauce to the things you eat during the day, but after you have a tooth removed, the best thing to do is put the bottle down and play it "cool." If you've ever felt the burn of a hot pepper, you know that spicy foods can irritate your gums and mouth. And because outside irritation is the last thing you want while your mouth is healing, it's best to wait until your dentist gives you the all-clear before enjoying your favorite spices.

Like spicy foods, acidic foods can irritate your mouth after a tooth extraction and should be avoided just the same.

Avoid: Crunchy Snacks During the first week after your tooth is pulled, steer clear of crunch snacks, even those that may be cold or otherwise forgiving. Not only are they difficult to eat when your mouth is sore, but there's also the chance they'll break off and bits of them will get stuck in the socket. Stick to soft foods until your dentist tells you otherwise.

Straws and Other Concerns

As the U.S. National Library of Medicine notes, using a straw right after you have a tooth pulled causes a sucking motion that can increase your risk for developing dry socket. To minimize your risk for these complications, it's best to take small sips of cool beverages after surgery, without a straw.

To keep your mouth in good shape, it's usually OK to start brushing again the night after your extraction. But be as gentle as possible, sticking with a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid brushing near the area of the extraction. (www.colgate.com)

tifling a sneeze by clamping your nose and mouth shut can cause serious physical damage, doctors are warning.

A 34-year-old man in England was treated for rupturing his throat while trying to stop a high-force sneeze.

With nowhere to escape, the pressure ripped through the soft tissue, and although rare and unusual, they say others should be aware of the danger.

Trapping a sneeze could also damage the ears or even rupture a brain aneurysm, they warn in journal BMJ Case Reports.

The man said he felt a "popping" sensation in his neck when it happened and then immediately experienced pain and difficulty swallowing and speaking.

When the doctors checked him over they found he had swelling and

tenderness around his throat and neck.

An X-ray revealed air escaping from his windpipe into the soft tissue of his neck through the rupture.

The man had to be fed by a tube for the next seven days to allow time for the tissues to heal.

After spending a week in hospital, the man was sent home and made a full recovery.

Doctors said: "Halting a sneeze via blocking nostrils and mouth is a dangerous manoeuvre and should be avoided."

Sneezes can spread diseases, so although it is good to "let them out", make sure you catch them in a tissue, say experts.

Children and adults should be encouraged to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough and sneeze and then throw the tissues away in a bin and wash their hands to stop the spread of germs. (BBC)

10 Sunday Times Magazine Fashion

G

uyanese designer Andy Anthony Cummings recently participated in Suriname

Fashion Week and was inspired by the country’s African culture to create his latest collection of stylish

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men’s shirts.

“I have visited Suriname several times and every time I’m inspired by its rich

African culture, which continually amazes me with the effortless, timeless wearable art. My recent collection was

inspired by the African culture of Suriname, but with a Caribbean twist to it. The hand-painted designs on each shirt tell a different story. I was also inspired by the female dancers at the event.

Each dancer had designs on their dresses that sent a message to the person they were dancing for. This collection is my interpretation of those stories. I would like to say thanks to all the models who wore my designs.

Special thanks to Warda Monica, Raviq de vries and Bentik Paulus,” the designer said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Designer’s brief bio Cummings graduated from the Burrowes School of Art in 2012 with a major in Ceramics and minor in Textiles. He was awarded best graduating student and best ceramic student for his year. In that same year, he won the Guyana Model Search/Designers Portfolio, which gave him the oppor-

tunity to be fashion partner with veteran Guyanese designer Sonia Noel. Cummings was named Most Promising Young Designer of 2013.

Forever looking for newer and bigger challenges to conquer, in late 2014 the designer decided to enter “Mission Catwalk” - a regional designer competition that targets the Caribbean’s best young designers. He made inroads again when he became the first designer from Guyana to make it to the finals of the competition. Cummings was able to secure the “Most Promising Designer of the Year” title.

Now, the designer’s dreams, which he is working feverishly to make a reality, are to pursue a fashion degree from an accredited university and to work for an international fashion company with the aim of one day operating his own establishment.

For more information, email a.acummings68@yahoo.com or Andy Anthony Cummings on Facebook.

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Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Recipe of the week

Ingredients:

8 cups rice cereal 1 container (1.75 oz) rainbow mix sprinkles (about 1/3 cup) 2 tablespoons butter,

Method:

Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. Spray large bowl with cooking spray. Add cereal and 1/4 cup of the sprinkles to bowl.

Spray medium microwavable bowl with cooking spray. Add butter and marshmallows. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes or until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.

Stir in 1/2 cup of the frosting and the white vanilla baking chips.

Continue to microwave uncovered on High 30 to 60 seconds; stir until well blended.

Pour hot marshmallow mixture over cereal mixture; stir until

The 2018 Colours of the Year have been unveiled! Now, take a cut into pieces look at what shades leading industry brands are calling the stars of 1 bag (10 oz) miniature their fresh, new colour palettes. (Cont’d from last week) marshmallows ¾ cup vanilla frosting (from 16-oz container) ½ cup white vanilla baking chips

cereal is well coated. Press firmly in pan.

In small microwavable bowl, microwave remaining 1/4 cup frosting uncovered on High 5 to 10 seconds, stirring until melted and smooth. Drizzle over top of bar with fork. Sprinkle remaining sprinkles over top.

Cool at least 1 1/2 hours until firm. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Tips: Make sure to really compress the cereal bars; that will make them easier to cut. Customize this cereal bar for any holiday by using other colours of decors.

Whether you're outfitting an entire living room or dressing up the family bathroom, a bright blue hue is a perfect colour to make a bold, fun statement in any space— no matter the size. Throw this lively turquoise on any wall to create a tropical getaway in the comfort of your own home.

Greatest Cooking Tips

A good soup is made a day in advance. Let it sit in the fridge overnight, then warm it gently and all the flavours will marry beautifully.

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

Make sure the lettuce is completely dry – it helps the dressing stick for a more flavourful salad.

When making dough, freeze the butter and grate it into the dry ingredients. You'll handle the cold dough less, resulting in more tender and flaky piecrusts, biscuits, or scones.

Whether you desire a beachy escape or a rustic look, this light blue hue can match any taste.

Paired best with crisp whites and neutrals, this comfortable spruce blue is a great choice for virtually any space. Throw in some greenery to add even more freshness to the overall look.

Home Help

Before a DIY manicure, dip fingers in a bowl of mayonnaise and soak for five minutes to soften nails and cuticles.

To remove water rings on wood, rub toothpaste onto the wood with a soft cloth then wipe with a damp one.

To keep the food inside a storage bag fresher longer, when you put in food seal nearly all the way, then stick a straw in and suck air out.

Remove straw, sealing quickly. The lack of air helps leftovers and produce last longer.

If you run out of scrubbing pads, try using crumpled-up foil instead.

It works great on baked-on foods and is a good way to reuse foil.

Paired with dark wood furniture, light linens and crisp home accents, a calming blue can turn a dingy bedroom into the perfect tranquil hideaway. A perfect mix of soft green and blue, this shade is just as much versatile as it is cool and calm.

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Puzzles

Crossword

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ACROSS Squirrel away Low dice roll Advertising ploy Thick rope Squander Damp Governed Host with a book club Organic compound Skirt the issue Gide or Previn Bearings Dog days in Dijon Musical key (2 wds.)

Backbone Crackers go-with Beauty parlor special Radius neighbors Ms. Dunne Is shy of "-- vincit amor" Oil-well capper Red -Bea Arthur sitcom Pekoe packets (2 wds.)

"Dave" actor Living fence Width of a cir.

Urbana 11 Mexican buddy Markets Large movie ape Duo -- Vanilli Blueprints Lots and lots Bat's navigational system NASA counterpart Remain loyal Beach toys Modernized Warrior princess "Kon-Tiki" craft Heads' opposite Condo buyer, maybe Ice crystal deposit Brand of spandex High-IQ group Overview Brought on board Leafy vegetable Castle part Misgiving

89 Vagabonds

90 Opinion

92 Travel on powder

93 "-- Some Lovin'"

94 Clothes horse

95 Jamie Lee's mom

96 Like amber

98 Be optimistic

99 Dark line on Mars

100 Small gulls

101 Respectable

102 Tunnel blaster

103 Made bales

104 Just manage (2 wds.)

105 South Seas wear

106 Quick raid

107 Windshield device

108 Raul's brother

109 "-- Accomp'ny Me"

111 Map feature

113 Felt under par

115 Important decades

119 St. Francis' home

121 "The Zoo Story" penner

123 Aquamarine's mineral

125 Baseball great Mel

126 Try to catch

127 Downward trend

129 Less noble

131 It makes scents

133 Prods along

134 Company avoider

135 Betel nut source

136 Cash, casually

137 Facetious tribute

138 Player's rep

139 WXY phone buttons

140 Before due DOWN

1 Wield a broom Likes and dislikes

2

3 Purplish flower

4 Sault -- Marie

5 Mint or cumin

6 Arbor

7 Fine cigar

8 Vaquero's rope

9 Result

10 Watches carefully

11 Treeless region

12 Sled piece

13 Bygone

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 33 35 37 39 41 44 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 59 60

Debussy subject Ben Jonson works Good friend -- -- of the action Coffee -Secures a contract Codgers' queries Mushrooms Chopin's instrument Electrical connectors It merged with Exxon Brackish Fixes a manuscript Enthusiasm, plus Archaeological sites Supplements Cheap horologe Beethoven's "Fur --" Poe's middle name Retail giant Emulates Galen Generous one Beyond banal Jibe with Hang -- -- (turn) Monsieur's shout Ferocious bear

62 Moon position

63 Clan leader

64 Hardens, as cement

67 Monotonous hum

68 Acts worried

69 Ms. Zellweger

71 Ignited

73 Alpine region

74 Fixed the pilot

76 Gentle slope

77 Defame

78 All uncles

79 Must

80 Civil War side

81 Entice

82 Phony surfer (hyph.)

83 Loggins or Rogers

85 German industrial center

86 Barely scraping by

87 Ale portions

89 Sweethearts

90 Ms. Streisand

91 Jacques, in song

94 Empire builder

95 Leap in a tutu

97 Mademoiselle's

school

99 Sandburg et al.

100 Sioux dwelling

101 Pop

103 Most sacred

104 "H.M.S. Pinafore" lyricist

105 Mountain ranges

106 Nitpicks

107 Thoreau's pond

108 Wool coat

109 Google rival

110 Port near Kyoto

112 Queeg's ship

114 Norwegian playwright

116 Generator part

117 -- -- costs

118 Digress

120 "La -- Bonita" (Madonna song)

122 Meir contemporary

124 Glittery fabric

126 Paramedic's skill

128 Cut timber Jackie's tycoon

130

132 Burns' "-- -- Mouse" See Solution on Pg 13

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- ARGUABLE (ARGUABLE: AHR-gyoo-uh-bul: Open to dispute or question.)

Average mark 40 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 62 or more words in ARGUABLE? able abler agar ager ague algae algebra arable area argue auger

aura aural rage rale real regal rube ruble rule gable gala

gale garb garble gaur gear glare glue grab grub gruel guar

gular urea urge bagel bale baler bare barge bear beau beluga

berg blare blear blue bluer blur brag bugle bugler bulge burgle

burl laager lager large luge lure earl

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

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 21, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

China’s new biggest radio telescope to help detect alien signals

C

hina plans to amp up its ability to search for aliens, dark matter, gravitational waves and other mysteries of the universe by building the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope.

The country already hosts the world's largest radio telescope, the Five hundred meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST).

It and Puerto Rico's Arecibo Observatory are basically huge stationary dishes built into the landscape. But fully steerable radio telescopes like the Green Bank telescope in West Virginia (currently the largest of the type) can be moved and rotated to aim at specific targets.

China approved plans for the new telescope this week. It will be located in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and known as the Xingjiang Qitai 110m Radio Telescope (QTT). It will have a steerable dish 10 percent larger in diameter than that of the Green Bank observatory with the ability to cover 75 percent of the sky.

"The antenna, the world's largest, will be able to trace the origins of any signals received," Song Huagang of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said in a statement.

FAST can cover some frequencies that are lower than what QTT is able to cover,

G

oogle has long given fast-loading web pages preferential placement in search results, but for now that only happens when people search on personal computers. Starting in July, particularly slow web-

but the two huge radio telescopes will also have overlapping coverage in the range between around 150 MHz and 3 GHz. Doug Vakoch of METI International, which searches for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and develops potential messages for E.T., said this overlap is significant because it includes the so-called "water hole" of particular interest to SETI researchers.

"It's a quiet space between prominent spectral lines created by hydrogen and hydroxyl, the constituents of water that is so central to life on Earth," he explained via email. "The partially overlapping frequency range of the QTT and FAST means that the detection of a candidate signal by one telescope can be followed up immediately by the other instrument, assuming the data is being analyzed in real time."

But the value of QTT, Vakoch adds, may not be so much in its ability to search for signs of distant advanced civilizations, but in how it will contribute to unraveling other natural mysteries of the universe. During its tria testing phase, FAST already managed to discover two pulsars.

QTT isn't scheduled to go into operation until 2023. (CNET)

A

new "text bomb" affecting Apple's iPhone and Mac computers has been discovered.

Abraham Masri, a software developer, tweeted about the flaw which typically causes an iPhone to crash and in some cases restart.

Simply sending a message containing a link which pointed to Mr Masri's code on programming site GitHub would be enough to activate the bug - even if the recipient did not click the link itself.

Mr Masri said he "always reports bugs" before releasing them. Apple has not yet commented on the issue.

On a Mac, the bug reportedly makes the Safari browser crash, and causes other slowdowns.

But users should not be alarmed.

Security expert Graham Cluley wrote on

his blog that the bug does not present anything to be particularly worried about - it's merely very annoying.

After the link did the rounds on social media, Mr Masri removed the code from GitHub, therefore disabling the "attack" unless someone was to replicate the code elsewhere.

"I'm not going to re-upload it," he said.

"I made my point. Apple needs to take such bugs more seriously."

Bugs in Apple's software have been a recurring problem of late.

In November it apologised to its customers for a glaring password flaw which meant its latest Mac operating system could be accessed without a password.

Less serious but highly frustrating was a bug that autocorrected the letter "I" into a strange symbol. (BBC)

sites will be penalized in search results, Google said in a blog post recently.

"People want to be able to find answers to their questions as fast as possible," Google search

Crossword Solution

team members Zhiheng Wang and Doantam Phan said in the blog post.

"Studies show that people really care about the speed of a page."

Speed isn't the only factor. Slow pages that are strongly related to what people search for can still rank high in search results.

Bringing the web to phones has been a challenge for website programmers. Phones have small touch screens, limited memory, pay-by-the-megabyte data plans and often anemic processors. The web and the browsers used to reach it are gradually adapting, but often we'll use apps, not web browsers, to reach the online services we're interested in.

(CNET)

R

ights and democracy advocates are calling attention to Facebook's role in spreading misinformation again — this time in the Philippines.

The social media giant's hosting of inaccurate stories that support strongman President Rodrigo Duterte's administration has been newly spotlighted after Manila moved to shut down a local news site that had been the victim of a misinformation campaign.

In response to such

complaints, Facebook told CNBC it has taken steps to ensure the network is a safe space for people to express themselves politically. Those include new tools and technologies to prevent fake accounts, false stories, clickbait, harassment and hate speech.

"We recognize that the same tools that give people more voice can sometimes be abused, by anyone, to spread hoaxes and misinformation," a company representative said.

"We prohibit people from

setting up fake accounts and have developed improved automated systems — using machine learning and artificial intelligence — to better identify and remove them quickly."

The Philippines boasts one of the world's most active social media populations and is a crucial market for Facebook, which has an office in Manila and recently partnered with Duterte's administration on a high-speed Internet infrastructure project. (CNBC)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 21, 2018

Bollywood/Hollywood

Bipasha Basu quells pregnancy rumours again B

ollywood diva Bipasha Basu, who married TV actor Karan Singh Grover in April 2016, is tired of dismissing rumours about her pregnancy. On January 17, she took to Twitter to quell such a rumour and sounded irritated.

She wrote: “Amused yet again. I kept a bag on my lap while getting into my car and certain media ppl started my pregnancy speculation again. Guys i am not pregnant.

Kinda getting irritating. Stay calm.. it will happen only when we want it.”

Apparently, this is the second time in her nearly two years of marriage that such a rumour has started doing the rounds. In March 2017 too, the gossip mills were abuzz with her pregnancy news.

She had written then: “The curiosity about me being pregnant...is sweet and a tad annoying. I am sorry to disappoint the ppl who are so eager for this to happen.” And continued, “We are not planning to have a baby right now.When we do plan..it will be joyous news which we will share with our well wishers then.” She ended it by saying, “The constant guessing game is tiring..as am more than straightforward person.So pls

do not believe anything that gets written.

Thank you all.” (Hindustan Times)

Kim Kardashian denies naming her baby Louis Vuitton

A

nnouncing the news on her website, Kim exclaimed: "SHE'S HERE!" "Kanye and I are happy to announce the arrival of our healthy, beautiful baby girl," she wrote.

"We are incredibly grateful to our surrogate who made our dreams come true with the greatest gift one could give and to our wonderful doctors and nurses for their special care."

"North and Saint are especially thrilled to welcome their baby sister."

The buzz around baby names has already started, with many waiting with baited breath to find out what the third Kardashian-West child will be named.

Despite Kanye being quoted saying they were struggling to think of a name, fans of the star are looking for even the tiniest hint and think they've found one in one of her latest Instagram posts – a photo of a Louis Vuitton pattern.

Kim has since cleared things up revealing that he posted the LV picture to celebrate brand designer Kim Jones’ final catwalk show.

Sharing a link to an article which revealed fans believed she was naming her

daughter Louis, Kim told her followers: “NOPE! It was Kim Jones last show and wanted to snap a LV pic." (Glamour)

Pope Francis marries couple Application filed against Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty on plane 36,000ft in the air

A

n application has been filed against Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty in Mumbai's Bhoiwada court for allegedly using casteist slur against the Scheduled Castes.

They have been accused of humiliating and insulting the Scheduled Castes by using the word 'bhangi' in separate shows.

Presumably, Khan had used the word

during the promotion of his action film, while referring to his dancing skills.

Shilpa had reportedly used the word to describe how she looks at home.

The application is filed under sections 156(3) of the CrPC seeking FIR under section 295 of the IPC and section 3 (1) (s) of the SC / ST act. (Times of India)

P

ope Francis married two flight attendants on a plane 36,000 feet in the air during a flight on Thursday, January 18, the Associated Press reports.

It happened after the flight crew gathered at the front of the plane to take a photo with the religious leader. The couple, bride Paula Podest and groom Carlos Ciuffardi, told the pope that they had been married in a civil service in 2010 but had been unable to have a church ceremony because of the February 27, 2010, earthquake that rocked Chile.

The pope then offered to marry the LATAM flight attendants aboard the Airbus 321 and they quickly agreed. After a Vatican official drafted up an official though handwritten marriage certificate, the pope performed the first-ever airborne papal wedding, with the head of the airline as the witness.

The groom shared, "We told him that we are husband and wife, that we have two daughters and that we would have loved to receive his blessing... All of a sudden he asked us if we were married in the church, too... He liked us and he asked, 'Do you want me to marry you?' " Carlos went on gushing, "He told me it's historic, that there has never before been a pope who married someone aboard a plane."

He also revealed what the pope told them, "This is the sacrament that is missing in the world, the sacrament of marriage. May this motivate others to get the sacrament of marriage. I'll do it for this reason."

The bride was then surrounded by around 70 journalists who travel with the pope on his foreign trips. To the reporters, Paula revealed the advice that the Bishop of Rome told them, "The wedding rings shouldn't be too tight, because they'll torture you, but if they're too loose, they'll fall off. So we have to be careful." (AceShowbiz)

Twinkle Khanna takes ‘PadMan’ to Oxford University students Taylor Swift stalker allegedly threatened to kill her and her family W

riter-producer Twinkle Khanna was invited to speak at The Oxford Union, the world's most prestigious debating society.

The 43-year-old actor-turnedauthor addressed the students of the Oxford University where she also showcased her upcoming production, “PadMan”.

Based on the life of social entrepreneur and activist Arunachalam Muruganantham, who revolutionised sanitary hygiene in rural India 20 years ago, the film stars Twinkle's husband actor Akshay Kumar in the title role.

Through her address, Twinkle gave an insight into the story of the movie and how it would play an interesting role in tackling taboos and addressing stigma around menstrual hygiene “PadMan” will be the first Indian film to be screened at The Oxford Union. (Yahoo)

T

aylor Swift stalker Frank Andrew Hoover is facing new charges after prosecutors say they uncovered a new batch of creepy emails he had sent to the singer's father, Scott.

Frank, 39, reportedly threatened to kill Taylor and her family in the emails.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ that Frank sent the emails to Scott between May 2015 and October 2016.

According to the 122-page indictment, he wrote in one email, "Decided that we are going to end all the Swifts on one day because I can’t stand that virus s**t your daughter spread."

Other threatening sentences in the emails includ-

ed, "The evil family of devils: Scott, Austin, Taylor, Andrew. Sincerely, the end real son of god," "This article is not a joke and is why god is going to burn them into the desert for me," and "Go to hell, Swift." Frank allegedly also told Scott, "Enjoy the brain aneurysms and death."

Frank was arrested in November 2016 after he allegedly violated a restraining order Taylor had taken out against him by tailing her when she was in Texas.

According to police docs, Frank was following the 28-year-old songstress after her concert at a Formula 1 race in October.

The night of the show, he

allegedly followed her motorcade from the track to the airport where a private jet was waiting for Taylor and her parents. Her bodyguards told police Frank got within 25 to 50 feet of Taylor's car, and when they asked what he was doing there, he said he was there to get a pic and "possibly accompany Taylor wherever she goes."

Frank allegedly also sent emails to Taylor's dad from August 28 until October 27.

One of the creepy emails read, "Without her, I walk the earth alone forever and she'll continue to experience failed relationships that break her heart."

(AceShowbiz)

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 21, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 21, 2018

Fun Times

Archie

ARIES Work on self-improve(March 21- ment as well as helping othApril 19) ers. Your life will be enriched through interactions you have with people as innovative and enthusiastic as you. Romance is encouraged.

What you offer others will TAURUS bring interesting returns. Do (April 20- your part to help make a difMay 20) ference to your family or com-

munity. Take steps to ward off bad health and indulgent behavior.

GEMINI (May 28June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Peanuts SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

You'll have big ideas and plans, but before you decide to move forward, check the costs involved. You may want to scale down before making promises you won't be able to keep.

Hone your skills and prepare a presentation that spotlights your intelligence and desire to take on new projects.

Children, friends and relatives will play an important role in the decisions you make.

Initiate discussions if it will help clear the air between you and a loved one.

Host a family gathering or reconnect with people you haven't seen for some time.

Getting together with people from your past will be revealing and will spark your interest in something you haven't done for a long time.

Expand and explore your interests and friendships.

Take action and put your energy to good use. Look for the most efficient way to improve your life and secure your assets. Don't leave anything to chance.

Home improvements will bring you peace of mind. You cannot change what others do, but you can change the way you respond. Strive for peace, tranquility and simplicity.

Before making a move, use your intelligence to filter what is and isn't true.

Have your facts ready and face a challenge head-on.

Emotional manipulation is apparent.

Look for ways to use your

CAPRICORN talents. Putting your skills (Dec. 22- to the test will stir up interJan. 19) est. Someone will point out the

Calvin and Hobbes

flaws in your plan, and someone else will highlight the possibilities. Accept good advice and proceed.

AQUARIUS Indulgent tendencies (Jan. 20- should be avoided. Taking Feb. 19) care of your health through diet and exercise will help you gain the strength you'll require to put your plans in motion and excel.

PISCES Concentrate on personal (Feb. 20- and financial improvements.

Mar. 20) Lay out a practical plan that

will help you investigate the best way to move forward.

Combine what you enjoy doing with your professional pursuit.