Sunday Times Magazine 25 February 2018

February 25, 2018

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FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Feature

O

ur East Indian ancestors came to British Guiana in 1838, bringing with them their culture, customs and religions.

Consequently, our ancestors built mandirs and mosques to fulfil congregational worship.

Located in Ankerville, Corentyne, Berbice, deep in the canfields, is an ancient mandir (only the top is visible). The Ankerville residents explained that this mandir was built by the first batch of East Indians who came to Guyana. One villager recalled her grandparents told her the British took care of the mandir,

cleaning the surroundings and lime-washing the lingam (representation of Lord Shiva), which was housed in the mandir. Legend has it that when parsad is offered at the mandir, an alligator, with a gold ‘galihaar’ (necklace), comes out and eats the offering.

Bath Estate, West Berbice, boasts another longstanding mandir. This mandir is said to be over 100 years old and was built by our East Indian ancestors, who also lived on the plantation. It housed logies, schools, hospitals and the masters’ living quarters. The lingam, which is

Versailles Hindu temple circa 1900s

Mandir located at Bath Backdam

in the mandir, was said to be the size of an egg when the mandir was first built.

Today, it has increased in size. Villagers have recognised the value of this mandir and have maintained it throughout the years.

Additional works were done at the mandir and a shed was built.

Another age-old mandir, which dates back to indentureship times, is located in Bath backdam. This mandir is very small and houses a lingam. Some villagers offer their prayers at the mandir when they are passing daily to go about their work.

Around 1920, a group of Hindus living in Versailles approached the Versailles

Sugar Estate management for a plot of land to build a temple. Versailles Plantation had bought the Malgre Tout Plantation, which was established in the 1800s, and operated it as a sugar estate well into the 1900s. However, by 1920, the factory was in ruins, so the request was granted and a wooden structure with a mud floor was built on the abandoned Malgre Tout Plantation. At the same time, a tall conical shaped concrete structure called a Shivala (temple of Lord Shiva) was constructed from the bricks of the abandoned Malgre Tout Sugar Estate. It was plastered with cement, painted in white and a stone lingam was placed nearby, surrounded by a jasmine hedge where devotees threw ‘dhar’ early in the morning to Lord Shiva. The main temple was painted

in a dark maroon colour, while the inside was whitewashed with lime given by the Versailles Estate management.

The Versailles Shivala was one of three such structures built in the colony - the other two were located on the East Coast of Demerara and West Coast of Berbice – and were all designed by the same architect who hailed from Lucknow, India. However, the chief builder supervising the construction was a holy man from Varanasi (Benares), in India, fondly called ‘Banana Sadhu’.

The name was given since he brought bananas from the local growers as far as Canal No. 1 and rewarded every person with one banana for each brick brought to the construction site.

When the bananas ran out, legend has it, he carefully collected the bricks, record-

ed the names of those who brought them and ensured that the person received their allotted share of bananas.

Several sacred trees to the Hindus were planted at the same mandir: the papal (peepal) tree, bael tree, neem tree, several types of mango trees, kowa (jack fruit), jack nut (katahar) and bread fruit.

The first official priest, at the ‘matya’, was Pandit Loknauth from Lucknow, India. He arrived to the colony in the early 1900s and was assigned to Plantation Versailles.

Years have passed, but the places of worship built by our ancestors still remain as sanctuaries for many and as a testimony to their faith in the ‘supreme’ (God) during their years of hardship. (Excerpts from story by Deomattie Seeram)

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FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

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Feature

Holi is also celebrated in grand style on the Lawns of the Indian Cultural Center in Bel Air Georgetown

A

lthough the people of Guyana represent many religions and cultural traditions, religious holidays tend to bring communities together. Christians, Hindus and Muslims are eager to share their religious and cultural festivals with neighbours and friends. Celebrating Phagwah is no exception.

This occasion in Guyana is characterised by the gathering of friends, families and even strangers.

Over the years, Guyanese and visitors have been given more options to celebrate this occasion. As is customary, temple mem-

bers engage in chowtal singing leading up to the festive period .While many attend the many Melas which are held at various Mandirs, large numbers flock to various venues to participate in the colourful traditions.

An abundance of water, colourful powder and abeer are usually available at the various events, to guarantee patrons have the time of their lives.

Holi is also traditionally celebrated in grand style on the Lawns of the Indian Cultural Center in Bel Air Georgetown. Guests there are usually entertained by songs and dance

performances by a number of groups. As is customary, the programme hosted by the High Commission of India will have in attendance persons from the Diplomatic corps, Members of Parliament and the Head of State.

In addition, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic hosted their Rang Rasiya, Phagwah Mela and Bazaar 2018 on February 24th at Dharmic Kendra in Prashad Nagar.

While guests flocked for the spectacular entertainment, the event also featured a delectable array of foods and treats .

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Sunday Times Magazine

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FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Feature

Holi is a community’s exuberant expression of joy to welcome the warmth of spring. In a refl ection of nature’s abundance, Hindus celebrate with bursts of colour, camaraderie and shared abandon. It begins on Purnima, full moon day, in the Hindu month of Phalguni (February/March) and lasts for as long as 16 days.

How does the festival start?

Many communities create a central bonfire on the night before Holi, starting with kindling and logs and adding organic debris as they clean up their property. The fire symbolizes the torching of negative or troublesome experiences and memories. An effigy of Holika, a demoness personifying negativity, is consigned to the flames, and freshly harvested barley and oats are offered. The embers are collected to light sacred fires, and the ashes are used to mark

When does the colour fun begin?

On the day of Holi, people celebrate by playing, dancing and running in the streets.

Water pistols are filled with colored water and squirted on family, friends and strangers alike. Dye powders and water balloons are a big part of the play. The wise wear old clothes, usually white, in anticipation of the mess! Virtually anything goes, including ribald humor, practical jokes and sexual teasing—all excused with the saying, “Don’t mind, it’s Holi!”

(Hindi: Bura na mano, Holi hai.)

Etiquette on Holi requires that one accept all overtures with an open heart, burying grievances to begin relationships afresh. People of all walks of life mingle and greet, applying vermilion on each other’s foreheads in an uninhibited exchange of goodwill.

What are the delicacies of this festival?

Special sweet and savory treats including mathri, puran poli and vadai are made. In India many communities make a, cooling drink, called thandai, made of purified water, sugar, seeds of watermelon, muskmelon and lotus, along with nuts,cardamom, fennel, white pepper, saffron and rose petals.

Tidbits About Holi

Love, positive values and goodness are celebrated on Holi. Their triumphs over divisiveness and negative forces have been reinforced in legends, such as that of Holika and her brother Prahlad. The famous king Hiranyakashipu had earned a boon that made him virtually indestructible.

Blinded by this power, he thought he was God, the only being worthy of worship. His young son Prahlad was devoted to Lord Vishnu and refused to obey his father.

Infuriated, the king devised the cruellest punishments. In one attempt, Prahlad’s evil aunt Holika, who possessed the power to withstand fi re, tricked him into climbing a burning pyre with her. Prahlad’s love for true Divinity protected him from the flames. Holika burned while Prahlad lived. The bonfire of Holi is symbolic of this victory of good over evil.

Coinciding with the advent of spring, the festival symbolises growth and fertility of the land for many Indians.

Some Jains and Sikhs also partake in the festivities. The vibrant pigments used were traditionally made of ground vermillion, turmeric and neem, but synthetic pigments are common now.

How did the frolicking with colour originate?

Legend has it that Krishna noticed one day how much lighter Radha’s complexion was than His own. His mother playfully suggested that He smear Radha’s cheeks with color to make Her look like Him, which Krishna did. The strongwilled Radha gleefully retaliated, and a merry chaos ensued.

Another legend has it that Krishna celebrated this festival with His friends and the gopis. They danced and frolicked, filling the air with colour in a joyous welcome of spring.

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FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

A

festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and a celebration of the arrival of spring and harvests to come.

It’s the festival of colors, emotions, and happiness.

And what better way to express yourself than with the vibrant colors of the rainbow?

The central ritual of Holi is the throwing and applying of colored water and powders on friends and family, which gives the holiday its common name “Festival of Colors.” Come Holi, and the country is painted in mesmerizing hues of blues, yellows, magentas, greens, violets, and more. Clouds of colors dancing in the wind

lar colors are the brightest — blue, yellow, red, purple, pink, and green — there are colors that are conspicuously absent, traditionally. These include black and white.

Though white symbolises a sense of purity, it is also a color of mourning. Widows in India, unlike in their western counterparts, retire to a white-only dress code.

And while black is considered ugly, evil, and undesirable, it is relied upon heavily to ward off evil, as is evident in the ceremony of putting a black dot on a new-born baby’s face to ward off the evil eye.

During the early days, the “gulal” colors of Holi

in India wear red most often at their wedding since it symbolizes fertility, love, beauty, and, most importantly, is a sign of a married woman. It is considered custom in the ways of Hinduism to wear red powder-Kumkum on the peak of their forehead. Most often considered the prerogative of a married woman, a red dot is worn between the eyebrows to symbolize blissful matrimony.

Yellow is yet another important color in the Indian psyche. Yellow is almost synonymous with turmeric, an ingredient of great importance at auspicious functions across religions. It is perhaps revered more so bethough diverse, speak the language of its people, from the red and ochre walls of village huts to the pristine white of the Taj Mahal.

Color, art, and culture in

carry the message of love and happiness across walls, neighbors, and hearts.

Brightly colored powders are the mainstay of Holi, during which men, women, and children carry powders and liquid colors to throw and smear on the clothes and faces of neighbors and relatives. While dry powder colors are called “gulal,” colors mixed with water are called “rang.” Tables with bags of colors are lined up as neighbors and family await the others to enter the grounds. It’s a day to celebrate and let go — loud music, local brews, and funfilled chatter are all essential elements of the celebrations.

Holi is the day when you will see streets and homes doused in almost every color imaginable. Each color has significance, religious or otherwise. And there is a color for almost every occasion, moment, or celebration. Each color symbolizes a force in life, and thus color and life are inseparable.

While the most popu-

were made at home using flowers of the tree, otherwise called the “Flame of the Forest.” The flowers, once plucked, were dried in the sun and then ground to a fine dust. The powdered dust, once mixed in water, gave way to the most brilliant hue of saffron-red. The saffron-red pigment and colored powdered talc called “aabir” were the mainstay at Holi celebrations, long before the chemical colors of today.

Squirting colored water, throwing colored water balloons, and throwing fistfuls of powdered colors at friends, family, and even strangers is not considered out of place or offensive, and is in fact a part of the festival. Children and teenagers line up at strategic vantage points, armed with buckets of colored water and little water balloons, waiting to attack unassuming passers-by.

Every color means something special in the Indian psyche. Red, for instance, is a mark of matrimony; brides

cause of its medicinal use right from the ancient times.

Turmeric is used even today for the treatment of inflammatory and digestive disorders.

Other colors that tease the skies on Holi include blue, the color of the revered god in Hinduism, Lord Krishna. Green symbolizes new beginnings, harvest, and fertility, and is also the sacred color of the Muslim community in India.

Saffron is often associated with Hinduism, piety, and strength.

Today, keeping pace with technological advance, the primary colors used initially have been supplemented by metallic colors and various unimaginable shades and mixtures. But the spirit of the festival remains the same. It cuts across all classes, castes, and religions and brings people together. Together, they celebrate the onset of spring by filling their day and life with the colors of joy, prosperity, happiness, and peace.

The colors of India,

the subcontinent have surpassed all odds and continue to hold the country together in a spell binding tryst of hues. Holi is a festival celebrated in great revelry and

belief, where citizens of the country paint the skies and their surroundings in the magnificent colours of joy. (excerpts from zeenews.india.com, timesofindia.com)

6 Sunday Times Magazine

FEBRUARY 25, 2018

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Feature

Radha and Krishna

B y M aureen R ampertab

“H

oli aai rey, kanhai rang chhalkey suna dey jara bansuri…..”

Songs, dances and colours as the celebrations of the spring festival of Holi, life blessings flowing from open doors of heaven, unseen, filled the temples and home of devotees. Lord Krishna, the dark skinned God, the flute player, from whose enchanted lips flowed the sweetest of music, touching the hearts of mortal beings in kingdoms and villages as his story of Holi is told and retold in songs and dances, the heart and soul of worship.

But on this beautiful day, one devotee’s heart was not filled with happiness, and she could hear not the music from his flute. Radha sat by the stream in the forest, alone and sad. Today she won’t be dancing to the drums and playing with the colours for her Krishna was not with her.

“Oh, where are you my Krishna?” she cried softly.

From the beginning of her life, she had sung the praises of Lord Krishna, day and night, in reverence of her deep love and devotion and in her pure heart had lived a dream: that she could be betrothed to someone like her God. Last Spring, on the

day of Holi, the music of the flute that only she could hear, had led her to meet her earthly Krishna.

But, just a few months after their marriage, he had left for a far off land so he could bring back for her, riches. He wanted his bride to be like a queen and the temples must have marble floors for her bare feet to dance.

How could her Krishna not know, she wondered, that she could be a queen without riches; that his love was worth more than precious stones, and when her feet danced for the Gods, the dust felt like marble. She closed her eyes and whispered a prayer, “Please Lord, send my Krishna back to me.”

“Radha,” her mother called to her, “Will you come now? It’s time for your offerings at the temple.”

Radha splashed some water on her face and rose, smoothing back the long black tresses from her face, sadness glinting in her brown eyes.

“He will come back,” her mother gently assured her, “for how long can he stay without his Radha?”

She smiled, just a little, for those comforting words and made her way to the temple as the festivities continued with shared delicacies, laughter and gaiety. She had

danced all night, last Holi to her Krishna’s music, unspoken words of sublime love in God’s home.

Night came, the tempo of the drums and festivities began to slow, and Radha still hadn’t heard the flute. She would stay in the temple, all night until he came.

Her eyes closed, her mind lost in the vast universe of prayers where peace sailed on silent wings.

Then, as the night became quiet, in her mind, from somewhere far for she heard him call her name, “Radha.”

Her eyes flew open and she rose swiftly to her feet and looked around expectantly, but there was no one.

She breathed deeply, the ache in her heart bringing tears to her eyes, and then she heard the flute – softly as though coming from far way, growing more distinct.

Radha, joy filling her heart, ran down the temple steps, her light feet barely touching the dusty ground, all the way to the forest by the stream where she has first met him. She stopped and gasped in disbelief, for he was not there but someone else. The stranger was not dark skinned with long curly hair and princely looks.

“This not my Krishna, why did I hear the flute?” she whispered fearfully.

The stranger moved aside and there was her Krishna, lying by the stream, badly hurt, gasping her name. Radha ran to him, cradling his head in her lap.

“What happened? Why are you this way?”

“The riches he had sought for you,” the stranger said, “was stolen on his way home by deadly thieves but the promise he had made to you to return home gave him the strength to stay alive, so he could see you, again.”

“I did not want riches,” she said through tears, “Just your love, just to be close, to hear your voice, to listen to your music.”

“I did not know how rich love can be,” he said weakly, “I won’t leave ever again.”

“Your prayers have been answered, Radha” said the stranger, “For in your heart lives pure, love and devotion.”

Radha looked up and across the stream; she saw a most wonderful illusion of the Lord, himself.

He had brought her Krishna home to her.

She broke into uncontrollable tears, as he smiled, bestowing upon her divine blessings.

That night in the temple, she danced in celebration of Holi, a dance of the Gods for the immortal Lord and her mortal companion, Krishna.

Keep love in your heart Hate rips your soul apart.

Life without love is like a smiling flower at dawn but dies at noon.

Let love grow in your soul like a tree without love we die in sins of misery.

We greet people and part so soon Our empty vain words and promises kill them time and time again Like a lighting struck into the secret veins of their hearts our words are like wells without water.

It’s a fictive truth we honour the dead more than the living most dead folks are more famous at death than when they are alive; Why buy a suit for your dad or mom when they are dead?

Why buy them a casket when they die?

While they live and die in a shack and you live in your big mansions?

Why not love them when they are alive and give them the best.

I have seen hatred hidden In our elegant attires, I have seen crooked smiles veiled in facial blurbs I have seen vanities of lies veiled in truths that’s deceit.

Why chat with your FB friends when they are gone ?Or only if you need their help you chat?

Friendship is a divine eternal bond that will never be broken Let love and forgiveness grow rapidly like the sea waves in our hearts; then our souls shall rejoice into the Kingdom of God from eternity to eternity.

By Gideon Cecil Notice to Readers

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

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FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

H

olika Dahan or the burning of Holika will take place across Guyana on the night before the Phagwah celebrations. The festival of Holi gets its name from this very ritual of Holika Dahan. The phrase Holika Dahan literally means burning Holika.

The day when Holika is burnt is also known as Choti Holi or small Holi. The people create a bonfire on this day and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Story of Holika

Once there was a demon king named Hiranyakashipu who was against the worship of Gods. Hiranyakashipu had a boon that he would

ly. Thus, the evil was destroyed and faith of the people on God was restored.

Tradition of Holika Dahan

It is stated in the Vedas that one day before the Holikotsav a sacred fire was burnt and specific mantras to ward off evil were recited during the burning ritual. The fire was burnt with the objective to destroy the demonic forces. Some texts also mention a different version of Holika Dahan. According the texts, the parched cereals and grains are collectively called 'Holka' in Sanskrit. It is believed that the word Holi or Holika is derived from Holka or grains. These parched grains were used to perform 'hawana' or sacred

The Burning of Holika in Guyana

neither be killed by a human nor an animal, neither at night nor at day, neither in his house nor outside, neither by any arms nor ammunition. After he received this boon, Hiranyakashipu became arrogant and started believing that he was invincible. He started treating everyone cruelly and banned the worship of Gods and Goddesses in his kingdom. Hiranyakashipu had a son named Prahlad. Prahlad was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu tortured him in every way so that he would stop worshipping Lord Vishnu. But Prahlad was adamant. So, as a last resort Hiranyakashipu summoned his sister Holika to kill Prahlad.

Holika had a boon that she would never be harmed by fire.

So, Holika took Prahlad on her lap and sat on a burning pyre.

As she committed an act so sinful, her boon became unfruitful. She was consumed by the fire and Prahlad came out safe-

fire . The sacred ash obtained from this fire ritual was known as the Bhumi Hari. This ash was smeared on the forehead of the person participating in the ritual to keep away evil spirits. Till date, this ritual of offering food grains to the bonfire is followed. Significance Of Holika Dahan The preparations of Holika Dahan start 40 days before the festival.

People gather twigs, logs, dry leaves etc. Then on the night of Phalgun Purnima, the bonfire is set alight amidst chanting of the Rakshogana mantras which help to ward off evil spirits. Next morning the ashes of the fire are collected and smeared on the body before taking a bath. The burning of Holika signifies the triumph of good over evil and that the bad forces around you can never win if you have a strong will.

Holika represents the negative forces which get burnt against the strong will of human which is denoted by Prahlad.

F

amilies across the country are in preparation mode for the highly anticipated Phagwah/ Holi 2018 festivities. While the occasion is marked by many traditions, this celebration also includes the preparation, and consumption, of traditional foods including; sweet rice, pera, polourie and much more. There are many well established eateries in Guyana which make these delectable goodies for sale and they are quite popular around this time. This would be ideal if you are on the go. However, there are many traditionalists, like myself, who count the days leading up to this cherished holiday anticipating the great food to come and wishing that I could grow a second stomach for that day.

As far back as I can remember, Phagwah has been an exciting occasion to cook up some best-loved family recipes, to connect with friends and family and revel in the colourful traditions associated with occasion.

A

typical

very early in the

Sweet Treats Guyanese morning, mixfamily would ing and chopcelebrate all the local tra- ping and measuring the inditions and holidays, and gredients for all the goodies Phagwah was no exception to come later that day. She and while my family were would rise before anyone primarily Christian, the tra- else and I would be quick ditions of this holiday were on her heels, as the gratembraced nonetheless. ing of the coconut would be My earliest memories of my alarm clock. For me, this Phagwah involved seeing my sound held the promise of grandmother in the kitchen sweet Gujiyas to come. Of

Gujiyas

course I did not know the names of these delicacies then, the only thing that resonated with me were the smells and the mouth-watering flavours.

Preparation of the sweet treats could last for hours! At times I could tell that my grandmother grew weary, but she kept baking and frying well past lunch time, never disappointing the eager mouths waiting. Another fond memory was helping her to roll the pera into their delicious mounds (most ended up in my mouth). It was also customary to make sweet rice at this time and the smells of the boiling sweetened rice, garnished with nuts, sultanas, and cardamom would waft through the house making everyone feel happy. While I enjoyed being Grandmother’s helper, the other children would be busy smearing colours on each other's faces. When the preparation was over, I would watch as she lovingly placed small parcels of the treats in special packages to give to the neighbours.

Those days have long past, but the tradition of preparing the family’s sweet treats continues. These days, my mother in law has taken up where my grandmother left off. It has now become a tradition to travel to her home, in Soesdyke, the night before to assist in the preparation process. The smells emanating from her kitchen still bring back fond childhood memories of the cornucopia of flavours during Phagwah time. Most of the day is still taken up in the kitchen but I still enjoy the process and the opportunity it provides to carry on the Phagwah traditions.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

FEBRUARY 25, 2018

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Travel and Tourism

A view of the majestic River which leads to the village of Moraikobai (Samuel Maughn photos)

Mahaicony River (Flicr)

T

he Maraikobai community is located some 95 miles up the Mahaicony River and is home to 1000 residents.

The area is accessible both by river and land; logging and small scale agriculture are the primary economic activities here. In an effort to promote domestic tourism and to increase the opportunity of experiencing indigenous culture and history, Rainforest Tours has coordinated the Maraikobai Safari which is now in its second year.

“I would term Moraikobai a home away from home. We are (a) very quiet, peaceful people, and somebody has something to offer to you. The hospitality, I can say, is very nice.�

Toshao Colin Adrian According to the Safari Coordinator Frank Singh the Maraikobai off road village safari kicked off on February 23rd and will end today, Sunday 25th.

The Pakaraima Mountain Safari Club, Rainforest Tours, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Sonic Hunters Motorcycle Club, are collaborating to host the safari expedition for 2018.

The Maraikobai offroad safari offers the

Mahaicony creek

unique opportunity to explore what is the only Arawak village in Region 5 (DemeraraMahaica). Back in 2016, a team including representatives from from the Guyana Tourism Authority, Rainforest Tours, Wilderness Explorers, and birding Expert Leon Moore ventured to the community on a fact finding mission to gauge the tourism potential of the area.

According to Coordinators, the journey from Georgetown to Moraikobai through the sand trail begins at the Linden/highway junction and allows participants the chance to enjoy an adventurous ride and amazing scenery along the way. Frank Singh also pointed out that the overland trek (the trail) presents an opportunity for tourists to experience a different atmosphere from that of the Rupununi Safaris.

Another option for accessing the community is to enjoy a two-hour boat ride down the calm Mahaicony River, connecting to the Francois Creek, which then leads visitors straight to the landing at Moraikobai.

Moraikobai’s very special delicacy is the tocuma worm.

There are plans to construct an ecotourism lodge which would introduce community-based tourism in the village. Visitors to the community can expect spectacular sightseeing, including the possibilities of seeing the elusive Giant Anteater. There are also other exciting activities, like fishing, canoeing, and bird watching while experiencing the lifestyle of the villagers. During the safari, villagers will demonstrate how cassava bread, pepper-pot and craft items are made.

Villagers pose with members of the visiting team during the visit in 2016.

Cultural performance by members of the Arawak Community

Grating Cassava: the ladies in the village thrilling onlookers with their cassava grating skills

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FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Health

W

hether your goal is to lose weight, cut back on sugar or glow with health, it is best to steer clear of processed foods and pack recipes with healthy fats, lean protein and slow-release carbs, as well as a mix of vegetarian and vegan recipes throughout the week. As a result, you can expect to cut down on added sugar, lose excess

pounds and increase your energy, all while improving your digestion and supporting your immune system too.

Ready to take it to the next level? Try these six simple ways to supercharge your daily diet.

1) Go green Swap one of your regular cuppas for green tea.

Loaded with protective poly-

phenols, it is said to have a positive effect on your brain and body.

2) Boost good gut bacteria Add a 75g portion of fermented foods, like kimchi and sauerkraut, to your daily diet as they supply gutfriendly bacteria - vital for healthy digestion and supporting your immune system. Not a fan? Try including whole bio-yogurt daily and swap your standard loaf for sourdough instead.

cancers and even flu.

4) Spice it up Add flavoursome herbs and spices like chilli, ginger and garlic to your meals.

They aid blood flow and are thermogenic, which means they boost your metabolism.

5) Snack smarter Snacks can form part

of a healthy, balanced eating plan but choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables or even a thumb–sized piece of cheese. If you opt for unsalted nuts, pistachios are a great choice as they’re lower in fat and calories than most other nuts.

6) Sit down and savour Eat mindfully when you have time to sit and savour, not while you're walking or standing at the fridge. Make food a celebration and give it the time and attention it deserves - you'll enjoy it a lot more too! (goodfoodwebsite@ bbc.com)

3) Add vitamin D If you don't always have the chance to get out in the sunshine, boost your intake of vitamin D-rich foods like oily fish, full fat dairy and eggs. We need vitamin D for strong bones and teeth but also to build our resistance against certain diseases including heart disease, some

How to get a good night's sleep

E

ating well is good for your mental as well as your physical health. But which foods are particularly important to keep your grey matter happy and healthy?

According to BBC’s Associate Nutritionist, Jo Lewin whether you want to optimise your nutrition during exam season or simply want to stay sharp in your next work meeting, paying attention to your diet can really pay off.

When you're studying for finals, good nutrition often slides way down on the priority list. It's easy to get into the habit of glugging coffee and gobbling take-out pizza, b e cause you don't want to waste time on food preparation. But, actually, good nutrition should be part of your study plan because it's going to help you ace those tests!

known to reduce levels of a compound called homocysteine in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk of stroke, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Pumpkin seeds

May help enhance memory and boost mood. Richer in zinc than many other seeds, pumpkin seeds supply this valuable mineral which is vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills. These lit-

D

o you struggle to get a good night's rest?

Nutritional therapist Kerry Torrens explains how a few diet changes can make all the difference.

• Swap sugary cereal for a wholegrain alternative topped with milk and a sliced banana.

• Choose protein foods that are rich in an amino acid called tryptophan. This helps boost the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.

Chicken and turkey, milk and dairy, nuts and seeds are all good choices.

• Combine these with rice, pasta or potatoes to help the body get the most benefits from tryptophan. Try a chicken and noodle stir-fry or similar. Aim to eat your main meal earlier in the evening - the act

of eating pushes up the body’s core temperature and this can disrupt sleep so eat your evening meal at least 4 hours before retiring for the day. Last thing, a glass of warm milk with a cracker or oatcake can be useful.

• Reduce your caffeine intake gradually. Try decaffeinated coffee or caffeine-free drinks like red bush tea. Have your last caffeine-containing drink no later than lunchtime.

• Build relaxation and exercise into the day to help manage stress.

• Avoid using a computer late in the evening as the light from the screen can have a stimulatory effect.

Wholegrains

These may help improve concentration and focus. Like everything else in your body, the brain cannot work without energy. The ability to concentrate and focus comes from an adequate, steady supply of energy - in the form of glucose in our blood to the brain.

Oily fish

This may help promote healthy brain function. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be made by the body which means they must be obtained through diet. The most effective omega-3 fats occur naturally in oily fish in the form of EPA and DHA.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes may help prevent free radical damage. There is good evidence to suggest that lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, could help protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. Favour cooked tomatoes and enjoy with a little olive oil to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Eggs

May help delay brain shrinkage. Certain B vitamins - B6, B12 and folic acid - are

tle seeds are also full of stress-busting magnesium, B vitamins and tryptophan, the precursor to the good mood chemical serotonin.

Broccoli

May help improve brainpower. Broccoli is great source of vitamin K, which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower. Researchers have reported that because broccoli is high in compounds called glucosinolates, it can slow the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which we need for the central nervous system to perform properly and to keep our brains and our memories sharp. Low levels of acetylcholine are associated with Alzheimer's.

E

urope has seen a big surge in measles cases in 2017, which the World Health Organization says is a tragedy after a record low of 5,273 cases in 2016.

Cases increased four-fold, with more than 20,000 people affected and 35 deaths.

Fifteen European region countries, including

Nuts

May help protect healthy brain function.

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests that a good intake of vitamin E might help to prevent cognitive decline, particularly in the elderly. Nuts are a great source of vitamin E along with leafy green vegetables, asparagus, olives, seeds, eggs, brown rice and wholegrains.

Unvaccinated young children are at highest risk of contracting measles

the UK, had large outbreaks. Measles cases were highest in Romania, Italy and Ukraine.

People shunning vaccination is part of the problem, say experts.

Although research published 20 years ago about a possible link between the MMR vaccine and autism has been discredited, the scare it created damaged some people's trust of the vaccine. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be deadly. The MMR vaccine can prevent it.

The WHO says there have been declines in overall routine immunisation coverage, as well as consistently low coverage among some marginalised groups and interruptions in vaccine supply or underperforming disease surveillance systems.

To prevent outbreaks, WHO says 95% of the population should be immunised.

In the UK, coverage was 91.6% among young children in 2016-17.

Measles symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing and cough, sore, red eyes, a high temperature and, after a few days, a red-brown blotchy rash. A few weeks ago, Public Health England warned about measles cases in several regions of England. At the end of January 2018, there were 51 confirmed cases in the West Midlands (BBC)

10 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Feature

S

hasha Designs participated in the first ever Commonwealth Fashion Exchange programme, which saw designers and artisans from 52 commonwealth countries producing a fashion ‘look’ using principles of sustainable excellence. The design

was unveiled at a special reception at Buckingham Palace for London Fashion Week on February 19, 2018.

The design then moves to a public exhibition at Australia House, and other locations in London where the exhibition will be open to the public, it then moves to

the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit, April 2018. Later in the year, the design will be showcased at The UN House in New York for the UN General Assembly Meeting.

Shasha Designs is a ready to wear brand that creates day and night clothing

and specialises in unconventional wedding gowns. They are a blend of Guyanese and Caribbean culture, with a luxe finish. Their mission is to create quality clothing that is unique, elegant, and stylish from concept to completion. Keisha Edwards is the Owner and Creative

Director of Shasha Designs; she launched her career in fashion by participating in the Guyana Fashion Week in 2008, where her designs received rave reviews, motivating her to launch her first fashion show in 2010 under the name Fierce Expressions.

The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange, managed

by Eco-Age, and supported by The Commonwealth Fashion Council and The British Fashion Council encouraged the creation of a custom-made gown for the exhibition, using Principles of Sustainable Excellence, relating to the environment and social justice. In relation to the exchange aspect of the project, designers were required to work with artisans from other countries in order to create and design the look.

Shasha Designs was matched with Launesha Barnes from Antigua and Barbuda, and the designers ‘exchanged’ information about traditional heritage, skills, craftsmanship and culture in order to create the custom-made gown which represents fashion from the Commonwealth. Launesha supplied most of the materials used to create the garment, and she explained the cultural significance of the materials used for Antigua and Barbuda.

According to the principal designer, Keisha Edwards, she feels excited, honoured and humbled to have been selected to participate in this project and was elated to have represented Guyana at this event.

“The event at Buckingham Palace was emotional to experience. The Palace itself is gorgeous (I had to take a moment to take in the décor), and the designs from the commonwealth, showcased at the event were each unique and special. I was in the presence of the Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton), Editor in Chief of Vogue (Anna Wintour), and British model Naomi Campbell,” she explained.

Ms. Edwards happily shared her experiences, she continued, “I had a very long conversation with Princess Beatrice of York, who was intrigued by how the gown I designed merged Antiguan and Guyanese aesthetics.

We spoke at lengths about the textile aspect of the design and about the weaving which was used at the bodice of the garment and at the bottom of the dress.”

National Costume and the Indigenous peoples of both Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda, fusing elements of the Arawak tradition with Antigua’s National wear. The neck of the dress is made with Burlap and is covered with seeds from the shac shac (flamboyant) tree.

It is in the shape of a stick figure which represents one of the creatures that the Arawak shaman transforms into. The bodice is made with hand dyed Madrass, which is Antigua and Barbuda’s national fabric for their National costume. The centre of the bodice is made with palm leaves and fibres woven into a plain weave.

Shac Shac seeds, jumbie seeds and buck beads create a triangular form the front bodice of the design. The architecture of the Arawak Ajoupa (home) specifically the roof, inspired the full skirt of the dress, which is made with brown cotton and dyed burlap. The centre of the skirt is tie-dyed using onion skin and beetroot.

Buck beads were sewn on the red panels of the skirt.

Tibiseri straw (a fibre extracted from a Mauritia flexuosa found in Guyana) was woven with the palm leaves from Antigua (date palm) to create the plain weave used along the bodice of the dress as well as the front panel of the skirt.

“I chose to do weaving because unlike Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana does not have a national fabric or a traditional garment, and what is known about Guyana’s indigenous peoples is that we have nine tribes and they use a par-

ticular style of weaving when creating crafts,”

M s , Edwards explained.

She explained that the desire was to incorporate this idea into her style.

She continued, “It was an opportunity to highlight this as part of our heritage as Guyanese. The natural dyeing was something I had never done before, but since the exchange was about sustainability I wanted to use an environmentally friendly method by using onion skins and beet roots as natural dyes. Designer Sydney Francois from Guyana assisted me with this aspect of the design process. He learned this dyeing technique from Selana Gental, an Arawak.”

The Designer

Keisha has showcased collections and designs in Guyana, Haiti, Curaçao, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Washington DC, Maryland, and now, the Buckingham Palace. Her designs have

Keisha Edwards

a l s o been featured in Shabeau Magazine, Lady, Posh 592, She Caribbean Magazine and LIAT ZiNG inflight magazine.

She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from the University of Guyana and has completed a certificate program in Fabric Selection and Design Style at The New School – Parsons School of Designs in the USA. She is currently enrolled at the Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design, pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design.

In 2016, Shasha Designs received the Award for Excellence and Fashion Innovation from the Caribbean, Style and Culture Committee, Washington DC., which speaks to her drive for quality and impeccability.

The look and concept

In expounding on the creative process and the concept of the piece, the Guyanese Designer noted that the “look” was inspired

by Antigua and Barbuda’s

Shasha Designs in Buckingham Palace

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour 3 cups whole milk 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup butter 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 cup raisins

Just as clutter builds up gradually, reversing the flow takes sustained effort and there are limits to what you can achieve in a single STOP clutter session. You may make short work of the mess on a shelf, in a drawer, or on a countertop. But where do you start to tackle a whole house full of clutter? Answer: one step at a time. Use the following strategies to take your battle against disorder to a global level.

Directions: Combine milk, sugar, butter, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract and raisins and bring to a boil on medium heat. Once sugar has completely dissolved reduce to low heat. In a sauce/frying pan, on medium heat, parch flour until lightly brown. Add milk and raisins to flour and mix until completely combined. Reduce heat to low and continue stirring mixture until thick and smooth. Remove from heat and enjoy! (recipe taken from metemgee.com) Tip • You could add cardamon or other spices to this recipe

T

he festival of colours is almost upon us! Are you ready to get soaked in Holi colours? While some run away from it, others joyfully celebrate this festival of colours with family and friends. However, as much as you enjoy playing with the vibrant colours, the chemicals that they contain can do some serious damage to your skin and hair.

Contrary to the popular notion, washing off the colours with just soap, face wash and shampoo are just not enough to remove the harmful ingredients that the vibrant Holi colours contain. We have some expert tips for you to remove not just the colour, but harmful chemicals too from your skin and hair, that too without being harsh: – Don’t use hot water to remove the colours: Contrary to popular belief, hot water does NOT help in removing Holi colours.

Instead, it solidifies the colour, making it tougher to remove. So, it is recommended that you wash off the colour with cold water instead.

– Use an antiseptic cream to prevent rashes: Rashes are one of the ugly side-effects of Holi colours. People with sensitive or acneprone skin are most vulnerable to having them. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you massage your body with an effective antiseptic cream after removing the packs and scrubs.

– Use glycerine and rose water: Folks with sensitive skin are prone to itchiness and irritation right after playing with Holi colours. To prevent this, simply

apply a mixture of rosewater and glycerine on your face after removing the packs and scrubs. Gently massage the mixture on your face for good 10 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

-Use egg yolk or curd to remove colour from your hair: Before shampooing, apply egg yolk or a mixture of methi powder and curd on your tresses and leave it on for about 45 minutes.

This will not only remove the colour and the chemicals from your hair but will also prevent it from breaking and falling.

While these tips are handy in removing the colour from your skin and hair, the best remedy is prevention. It is better to avoid colours that contain toxins and chemicals and stick to organic colours instead.

- Scrub your skin with Papaya paste: Mix papaya pulp and honey to make a paste. Add some multani mitti to this mixture. Use it to thoroughly yet gently scrub

your body. While the colours might not come off completely in the first attempt, they will definitely fade a bit. Use this paste every alternate day until the effect of colours wears off completely.

-Apply moisturiser Apply a thick layer of a good cream based moisturiser or coconut oil on all the exposed parts of the body. Doing this offers a barrier and ensures that harmful chemicals will be easily washed off. In case, the colour does not come off even after a bath, you can try rubbing lemon juice on your skin. The natural bleaching agent present in lemon helps remove the sturdy colour stains. Just, make sure that after washing it off, you follow it with plenty of moisturiser to avoid any kind of dryness.

Hang your Stuff

Pockets are great for craft supplies, toys, makeup, packaged snacks, laundry supplies, coupons, takeout menus, decks of cards and more. Wall hangers provide easy storage without taking up space.We love pockets for: Crafts supplies, toys, makeup, packaged snacks, laundry supplies, coupons, takeout menus, decks of cards

Front Door Forward

What is the most straightforward path through whole-house clutter? Use the Front Door Forward method.

Start at the front door and move to the right around the house, de-cluttering as you go. Start each session next to the last area you cleared.

Toss the Trash

The first step to getting organized is to toss or recycle useless stuff such as: Wire drycleaner hangers, old clothes ,socks with no match, old florists’ vases, broken umbrellas, last year’s holiday cards, old makeup, used notebooks, dried-up cans of paint, pens that are out of ink, dead batteries, and old spices.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Puzzles

Crossword

ACROSS

109 Zen master's poem

1 Galahad's weapon

110 Kanga and Roo creator

6 Dry, as champagne

111 Mend a heel

10 Uninhabited region

112 Nocturnal marsupial

15 Jungle pig

113 -- out (withdraw)

20 Plato's marketplace

114 Heaps kudos on

21 Spring melt

116 Cuba, to Castro

22 Light incense to

117 Brewery tank

23 Violin maker

118 Corporate ending

24 Reno rival

119 Diner special

25 High-rise unit

121 Compass dir.

26 Homer opus

122 Mi. above sea level

27 Backless slippers

124 Flat-needled tree

28 Hacienda material

125 The facts

29 Tuna habitat

126 Jai - 30 Daring

128 Do roadwork

32 Fake bullets

130 Hors d'oeuvre

34 Estimate

132 Sneezer's concern (2 wds.)

36 Veinlike deposit

136 Like good soil

37 Curds companion

138 Ekberg of films

40 Hypo units

142 Wax theatrical

41 A-Team member (2 wds.)

143 -- box

42 Sister of Helios

144 Chaucer's month 43 Moist 145 Stogie

47 Hit the buffet

146 More upscale

48 66 or I-70

147 Supermarket area

49 Letter before gamma 148 Walks unsteadily

52 Rosy glow

149 Vertical

54 "-- is me!"

150 Fairy tale

55 Moon positions

151 More than wants

57 Coffee or island

152 Rooney or Gibb

58 Paperless exams 153 Eccentric

60 Chipmunk snack

DOWN

62 Prey grabber

1 Emerging magma

63 Got along

2 Mellow, as brandy

64 Pate de -- gras

3 NASA scrub (hyph.)

65 Comes around

4 Apt to snap

66 Healthy routine

5 Gauguin's prop

68 From a distance 6 Obstructs

69 Chow mein additive

7 Viking letters 70 Encounter

8 Meat-grading org.

73 HMO staffers

9 Flip-flop 74 Intrigues 10 Disclaimer

77 Snuck a look

11 Least likely to work

81 Half of deux

12 Pork purchases

82 "Instead of" word

13 "Confound it!"

83 L. -- Hubbard 14 Diligent

84 State positively

15 Domesticated

86 Very, in teenspeak

16 Elicited a chuckle

87 Main fin

17 -- Alto, Calif.

89 Eras

18 Particular

93 Pothole filler

19 Cakes do it

94 Elisabeth of "Soapdish" 21 Candle bracket

95 Mouse catcher

31 Antarctic sea

96 Close relative 33 Performs

97 Freight deliverers

35 Ms. Thurman 100 Touch-and-go

37 Emulated Niobe

103 Admiral's jail

38 Big laugh (hyph.)

104 "-- so right!"

39 Footnote abbr. (2 wds.)

105 European boot

42 High-fashion mag

44 Furry Jedi ally Uranus

45 Became threadbare

78 Utility bill abbr.

46 Itches

79 Perfume label word

48 Descartes or Russo

80 Apply henna

49 Make public 82 Aboveboard

50 Roulette bets 85 Dell 51 Smidgen

88 Overcharge, slangily

52 Laissez- - 90 Marquis's inferiors

53 Anchor cable

91 Archaeological site

56 Prepare the laundry 92 Riverboat danger

57 Gets stuck (2 wds.)

94 JFK arrivals of yore

58 Miff

98 Faint glow 59 Gallivant

99 Kind of squad

61 Hamster's digs

100 "This is bad!" (hyph.)

63 Powdery

101 Auto-parts store

65 Fuse unit

102 Rides a bench

67 Radiator front

103 Stick around

68 Not give -- - 104 Fabric meas.

70 Beauty pack

106 Vast region

71 "Achtung Baby"

107 Fontanne's husband producer Brian

108 Nonprofit org.

72 Always, to Byron

110 Band member

75 Shrink back in fear

112 Prefix with "medic" 76 Planet before 115 Cold -- -- icicle

116 "-- take forever!"

117 Leather substitutes

120 Skimpy top

122 Action-movie name

123 Espressos with milk 124 Kin

125 Bickle in "Taxi Driver"

127 Skeptical 128 Pretense

129 A moon of Jupiter

130 Worried about

131 Measured off 132 Corrals

133 Jump over

134 Out of one's mind

135 "Garfield" pooch

137 Part of Ali Baba's command

139 Is that all -- --?

140 Diplomat's asset

141 Affected See Solution on Pg 13

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- PLENTIFUL (PLENTIFUL: PLEN-tih-ful: Abundant.)

Average mark 40 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 67 or more words in PLENTIFUL? pelt punt lint tulip fillet unit pent left lintel tulle fine unite penult lent lune tune flint unlit pile lentil lupine inept flip untie pill letup lute inlet flit until pine lien elfin input flue uplift pint lieu etui fell fluent utile pintle life null felt flute plie lift tell feint fuel pule lilt tile file full pull line till filet futile pullet lineup tine fill unfit 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

FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

Apple pushes to fix latest text bomb bug

W

ikipedia Zero will shut down across 72 countries this year, ending zerorated access to the online encyclo-

paedia.

It was an altruistic mission: Offer free access to Wikipedia for people in developing countries, without requiring mobile data to access information.

But the Wikimedia Foundation has announced it will wrap up its Wikipedia Zero program this year, ending partnerships with 97 mobile carriers in 72 countries who waived data fees to access the online encyclopedia.

Launched in 2012, the program provided zero-rated Wikipedia access to more than 800 million people in countries such as Myanmar and Nepal. But the Wikimedia Foundation says increasing data costs, a "rapidly shifting" mobile industry and "low awareness" of Wikipedia outside America and Europe had seen a drop off in the program.

"To create all the world's knowledge, we need participation from the world," the Wikimedia Foundation said in a blog post.

"However, we know that there are many

barriers to making this vision a reality, data affordability being just one."

It's not the only complicating factor for Wikipedia Zero. The push for zero-rating in developing countries has made Wikipedia's public support of net neutrality tricky in the past. The concept of net neutrality dictates all internet traffic should be treated equally and that carriers shouldn't offer cheaper or faster access to particular sites online.

The Wikimedia Foundation says Wikipedia Zero is not a commercial program and does not involve the exchange of payment or granting exclusive rights to carriers.

Still, chief culture and talent officer at the Wikimedia Foundation Gayle Karen Young told The Washington Post in 2014 the organisation had a "complicated relationship" with net neutrality.

"We believe in net neutrality in America," she said. "Partnering with telecom companies in the near term, it blurs the net neutrality line in those areas. It fulfils our overall mission, though, which is providing free knowledge." (CNET)

A

Apple device owners need to install an update to protect their devices

pple has tackled a bug that causes its devices to freeze if they encounter a specific character from the Telugu alphabet - a language native to India.

Following the glitch's discovery, pranksters had used the symbol on social media, private messages and even Uber's app to cause problems.

Apple has now issued a software update for its iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, smartwatches and TV set-top boxes. It is the latest in a series of "text bomb" flaws to affect Apple devices.

The US firm's security update refers to the latest flaw as a "memory corruption issue" triggered by "processing a maliciously

T

he S9 is the sole headliner of the Mobile World Congress trade show, with LG, Huawei and HTC among the big players holding back their best phones for later.

If last year's Mobile World Congress

T

Uber announced in 2017 that its flying taxi service will cost the same as Uber X at launch

he ride-hailing company previously said it planned to have flying taxis running in Los Angeles by 2020.

Uber still has its eyes on the skies and it looks like flying Ubers could be commercialised within five to 10 years.

Crossword Solution

CEO Dara Khosrowshahi made the prediction at an investment forum in Tokyo, according to a report in Reuters. The forum was part of his first trip to Asia as CEO. The ride-hailing company has been floating the idea of a flying taxi service since 2016, when it published a 99page white paper on "Uber Elevate," its vision for ondemand urban air transportation. The goal is to build a network of small electric aircraft called VTOLs (which stands for "vertical takeoff and landing") that will hover, take off and land vertically, working like quieter and cost-effective helicopters.

Uber has since worked with NASA on plans to have flying vehicles up and running in Los Angeles by 2020. It is not clear whether the plans for Los Angeles will be affected by Mr Khosrowshahi's comments in Tokyo. (CNET)

trade show was a Royal Rumble of phones, this year's conference is more akin to WrestleMania -- if Samsung is perennial winner Roman Reigns.

The 2017 edition of MWC faced a giant hole when Samsung opted to launch its Galaxy S8 at a later, separate event at Carnegie Hall in New York. That vacuum gave comeback kids BlackBerry and Nokia the opportunity to shine.But Samsung's back, and no one else really wants to play.

While MWC has been a nexus of discussion about future tech like 5G, virtual reality and really, really wonky network terminology, it's a must-see for any handset fanatic because that's where you're likely to see some of the biggest phones of the year.

crafted string". The issue was first reported by the developers of the Aloha mobile web browser on 12 February.

It affects Apple's Messages app as well as third-party services including Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Outlook and Gmail, but not Telegram or Skype, according to the Verge news site. The Telugu letter involved is not very common in Telugu words, but because the sound it makes is unusual it cannot be easily substituted with another character when required. Telugu itself is mostly spoken in south-eastern India, where it is the official language of the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. (BBC)

The event, which brings handset makers, wireless carriers and equipment manufacturers to Barcelona in the industry's biggest event, is like CES, but completely focused on mobile.

This year promises to be different, though, with Samsung grabbing virtually all of the attention.

Its crosstown rival, LG, has dropped its long-standing tradition of holding a big press conference to unveil its latest flagship phone, while other companies like Motorola, HTC and Huawei are keeping their own marquee devices away from the show.

It's no secret that Samsung will be releasing its Galaxy S9. (What else is it going to call its next phone?) he promotional teases have all focused on the camera, which is a smart bet given how much we care about selfies now. The question is whether Samsung will be able to get consumers excited about a phone that doesn't appear to have many significant physical changes.

But hey, if it works for Apple, why not Samsung?

To monopolize the spotlight, Samsung will hold it’s unveiling before the conference starts on February 26th, 2018. (CNET)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Bollywood/Hollywood

Justin Trudeau meets Shah Rukh and other Bollywood Stars

C

anadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accompanied by his wife Sophie and kids, Xavier and Ella, met Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Aamir Khan, R Madhavan and Anupam Kher earlier this week Justin Trudeau, who is on a week-long visit to India, met a host of Bollywood celebrities and businessmen in Mumbai on Tuesday. Trudeau, accompanied by his wife Sophie and kids, Xavier and Ella, met Shah Rukh Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Aamir Khan, R Madhavan and Anupam Kher among many Bollywood celebs.

Sporting an intricate golden sherwani, the Canadian PM impressed all with his love for India. Not just him, his family too turned up in Indian clothes -- wife Sophie wore a cream-coloured embroidered sari with matching pearl chandbali (ear rings) and maang tika (a head ornament) while his daughter wore a legenga choli and son, a churidar kurta respectively.

Tweeting about his meet, Trudeau wrote:

“Tonight, we celebrated stronger ties & new co-production opportunities between Bollywood and the Canadian Film Industry.

And who better to help than @iamsrk himself... Great to meet you!”

Actor-director Farhan Akhtar too was delighted to meet Trudeau. He wrote: “Was an honour & a pleasure to meet the Hon. Prime Minister of Canada, @JustinTrudeau & his lovely wife, Sophie. Sir, your leadership in the discourse for ending gender discrimination serves as constant inspiration to us all.”

Earlier Trudeau along with his family visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.

They also visited Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar.

The Trudeau’s visit has been called “usual” by veteran diplomats and criticised by a Canadian watchdog.

Caption 01: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Grégoire, daughter Ella-Grace Margaret, son Xavier James pose for a photograph with Shah Rukh Khan in Mumbai on Tuesday.(PTI)

T

here are few people that can get the usually aloof fashion crowd giggling in a state of high excitement. But then there is only one Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty was a surprise guest on Tuesday afternoon at Richard Quinn’s show, the last of London fashion week and his second ever. There was a hush as she entered the room, with the audience standing up to greet the monarch and, of course, raising their phones to get that all-important social media picture.

The Queen sat front row, of course – with a special cushion placed on her seat – beside Vogue’s editor-inchief, Anna Wintour, who in turn sat next to the monarch’s dressmaker, Angela Kelly.

Spurning this season’s front row trends such as trench coats and giant scarves, Her Majesty wore an ice-blue skirt suit, black handbag, black gloves and sensible shoes. Although the 91-year-old monarch is hardly a regular at fashion week, she looked relaxed, placing her handbag on the floor like a “frow” pro. She even shared a joke with Wintour, who wore her trademark sunglasses throughout the

Richard Quinn receives his award from the Queen.

show.

When the audience stopped gawping at the actual Queen in their presence, there was Quinn’s collection to look at. It paid homage to his special guest, after a fashion. The British-born designer, who graduated from Central Saint Martins

in 2016, is famous for outfits whose scarves cover models’ faces – à la Leigh Bowery in the 1980s – and that look was in evidence here. But the scarves were of the classic variety, the kind the Queen is known for wearing at Balmoral.(Glamour)

Sooting for Namastey England in Amritsar to begin soon

I

f you aren’t one of the hundreds of thousands who flocked to theatre this past week, boosting the ‘Black Panther’ box office to a record-setting $235 million, then here’s why you still need to see it.

Like Wonder Woman, Black Panther proves that a superhero film can be smart and funny and not just a series of special effects and stunts. It also proves that an

B

Vipul Shah will direct Namastey England starring Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra.

ollywood actor Arjun Kapoor, who is currently in the UAE celebrating his cousin Mohit Marwah’s wedding, will return to India to kick-start the shooting for Namastey England in Amritsar. The shooting will begin on Thursday and Parineeti Chopra will also join director Vipul Amrutlal Shah and team for the first schedule.

The team will later move to Ludhiana, Patiala, Dhaka, Paris, Brussels and London for the rest of it. Arjun and Parineeti reunite after their 2012 film Ishaqzaade. Apart from Namastey England, the couple will also be seen in Dibakar Banerjee’s Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar.

Shah has earlier filmed the Salman Khan-Ajay Devgn starrer London Dreams and Akshay Kumar-Katrina Kaif’s Namastey London in Chandigarh and Patiala. However, this is the first time he will be shooting in Amritsar.

The director said in a press statement, “From Amritsar, we move to Ludhiana and Patiala. We are filming at more than

75 locations spread across these three cities. Later, we’ll also be shooting in Dhaka, Paris, Brussels and finally in London. That’s how the love story progresses.”

The director added this is the perfect time to be in Punjab as the weather is neither too hot nor too cold and the crops will make for stunning visuals. “Both their characters are from Punjab and this is the first time that Arjun and Parineeti will be playing genuine lovers. Away from the camera, they are good friends and are always joking and pranking. There’s a lot of camaraderies and it’s going to be fun working with them,” he said.

“Arjun and Parineeti have been prepping for a few weeks. They have gone through dance rehearsals, costume trials, readings and now are ready for “Lights, Camera, Action! You will see a completely new Arjun and Parineeti,” Vipul added.

The film is slated to hit theatres on December 7, this year.

M

aroon 5 singer Adam Levine and Victoria's Secret model Behati Prinsloo have welcomed their second child. The couple confirmed the news via their agent to E! News, along with revealing the unique name they've chosen.

Their second daughter arrived safely and has been named Gio Grace Levine.

Adorable!

The model and her husband took to Instagram in September 2017 to unveil Behati's bump with a bathroom mirror selfie and a casual caption which simply read "ROUND 2".The pair has yet to comment on social media - the last photo Adam posted included a very pregnant Behati on Valentine's Day with a huge box of chocolates.

Behati gave birth to the couple's first child, Dusty Rose, in September 2016 and throughout both her pregnancies, Adam provided so many husband goals. (Glamour)

African American director, Ryan Coogler, with an almost entirely black cast can have total and utter crossover and international appeal, breaking any ridiculous myth that they couldn’t. Now, I can hardly wait to see a big Black Panther takeover at Oscars 2019.

So, if you haven’t seen it yet, make sure you do. (Ace Showbiz)

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Fun Times

Archie

Do whatever it takes to get along with others. Listen (March 21to what people have to say, April 19) and consider how you can compromise and meet them halfway. Amiability will ease stress.

ARIES

Attending an affable gathTAURUS ering with friends and rela(April 20- tives or a reunion will ignite May 20) old ideas and feelings that you can elaborate on in the future. Keep an open mind.

Romance is encouraged.

Limit your spending and GEMINI don't give too much to people (MAY 28- looking for handouts. Pace June 20) your spending and physical activities to suit your budget and ability.

Share your feelings and intentions. Attend a retreat or re(June 21- union that will bring you closJuly 22) er to the people who matter to you. Make love, romance and personal growth your priorities.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Go over your personal assets and figure out exactly what your financial status is. Make adjustments that will give you the highest tax breaks and allow you to live within your means.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Express your feelings and offer what you can to ease stress and to bring unity and stability to the relationships that matter to you. Don't display anger when you can offer help.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Evaluate what you have accomplished. Mixing the old with the new will help you come up with a plan that will begin a new chapter in your life.

A change will do you good.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24- What you learn when dealNov. 22) ing with people from different backgrounds or those whom you haven't seen for a long time will alter your lifestyle.

Understanding, patience SAGITTARIUS and love will conquer some (Nov. 23personal problems that Dec. 21) arise. Show compassion when dealing with loved ones and progress will be made.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Calvin and Hobbes

Start purging what is no longer needed. The peace of mind you feel will be worth the time spent rummaging through the rubble. Make time for love and romance.

Your interest in other AQUARIUS cultures and beliefs should (Jan. 20- be monitored. The grass Feb. 19) may look greener on the other side of the street, but in truth, what you already have is worth cultivating.

Love and romance are in PISCES (Feb. 20- the stars, and making plans to Mar. 20) enrich your domestic life and reach out to the ones you care about most will encourage personal growth and happiness.