Sunday Times Magazine

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Times January 24, 2016

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Local engineer builds telescope using PVC pipe

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

JANUARY 24, 2016

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Times Feature

M

ahendra Mahadeo, a Service Engineer, is said to be the first individual to have built a telescope in Guyana. What’s interesting about this project is that he built the sophisticated instrument, usually a very expensive one if you have to purchase it, using simple materials such as PVC pipe and wood glue he bought locally.

A telescope is an optical instrument designed to make distant objects appear nearer, containing an arrangement of lenses, or of curved

mirrors and lenses, by which rays of light are collected and focused and the resulting image magnified.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, the 27-year-old mentioned that his “real interest is space exploration”, which inspired him to construct the telescope.

“Telescopes are just a subset of that interest. My interest in space began when I was about six or seven years old when I saw the movie ‘Apollo 13’. Before that, I had

Mahendra’s painting, ‘The Andromeda-Milky Way Collision’ (Photo by Mahendra)

no proper idea of what the moon was, what space was or the stars. ‘Apollo 13’ changed my entire view of our world.

In that one movie I saw a rocket take humans to the moon - a world beyond our own. I was little and susceptible to influence. How could I not be inspired by something so amazing? I never looked at the sky the same again. I would always look up and wonder what else is out there,” Mahendra recalled.

Last year, Mahendra visited his uncle in Florida who took him to the Kennedy Space Center.

There, Mahendra saw the Saturn V (pronounced Saturn 5) rocket, once used to take men to the moon. It was the same rocket Mahendra saw in “Apollo 13” movie. It was truly a memorable experience for him!

“Everything about space always seems so epic; it is where my interest in telescopes comes from.

Telescopes are a means to exploring space. The first time I looked through a telescope was at age 24 when I tested the mirror of the telescope I was building. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew it was going to be amazing,” he expressed.

The space enthusiast noted that he finds telescopes “amazing because they take us to places and times that we cannot reach by any other means”. He went on to say that telescopes are machines

that are capable of harnessing something as gentle as light. Mahendra pointed out that no other scientific instrument has influenced our understanding of our place in the universe more than telescopes.

Mahendra was motivated to build a telescope since he was a second form student at St. Rose’s High School. He remembered when his class was divided into groups and each had to present research on the scientific work of a notable scientist.

“For some strange reason, I can’t even remember the scientist that my group researched, but I can remember the work that another group presented about Sir Isaac Newton. They spoke of how Galileo Galilei first used the With the telescope he made from PVC pipe, among other materials refracting telescope (which uses a lens as the primary is the most time consuming picking up fainter objects. optic) for astronomy, but Sir part of telescope making. I The optical tube will not be Isaac Newton revolutionised also travelled to the US to ap- made of PVC pipe. Instead, I the telescope design with his ply the reflective coating to plan to make a wooden frame reflecting telescope (which the mirror. In total it costs and cover it with black drill uses a mirror as the primary about GYD$65,000, which in- fabric, which should be lightoptic). For years I didn’t know cludes everything, except the er. The mount will be mowhy I remembered these plane tickets to the US,” he torised in order to track obthings. I didn’t fully under- revealed. jects as they move through stand the optical principles However, the invest- the sky due to the Earth’s roof how a mirror works better ment was worth it. Through tation. But these are all in an than a lens in a telescope, but his telescope, Mahendra evolving plan. What is cerit motivated me to find out was able to see a triple tran- tain is that I am currently more,” Mahendra stated. sit across Jupiter last year working on grinding the mirAdditionally, Mahendra where three of Jupiter’s ror,” Mahendra disclosed. was captivated by the fact moons had their shadows Notably, Mahendra that Galileo and Newton cast on to the planet at the paints when he can. He made their own telescopes.

The engineer believes that his passion for constructing things is a trait he inherited from his late grandfather.

“I still have his tools. I believe that people who are capable of bringing their ideas into real life to share them with others are very special. They are the ones who advance humanity’s intelligence. This is why it means so much to me to be able to build my telescope,” he declared.

During his final weeks at the University of Guyana, Mahendra remembered that his desire to build a telescope “grew greater and greater”.

He disclosed instead of studying for exams, he would be Mahendra looking through his telescope calculating his telescope’s specifications.

Thinking constantly same time. The next triple did a piece entitled, “The about building a telescope, transit on Jupiter will be in Andromeda-Milky Way Mahendra said he felt com- 2032. Also, Mahendra ob- Collision”, which he had pelled to do it. According to served two comets: Lovejoy, submitted to the Guyana him, what is strange is that last January, and Catalina, Visual Arts Competition and he had never looked through currently in the morning sky Exhibition in 2012. It is an a telescope at that time, but - both of which will not be astronomical prediction that knew he was capable of build- seen again in our lifetimes. in about four billion years, ing one. He did extensive reMahendra stated that our closest neighbouring galsearch on the different kinds not only was his engineer- axy, the Andromeda Galaxy, of telescopes and their princi- ing background helpful in will collide with our Milky ples of operation. the construction of his tele- Way Galaxy. When the gal“I started my job the week scope, but the making of it axies collide, they interact after I finished university. was helpful to his engineer- until eventually merging into Shortly after, I bought the ing career. He added that he one. Mahendra’s painting, a materials to start grinding my has gained a wealth of knowl- snapshot of that predicted intelescope’s primary mirror. I edge from the experience. teraction, makes the two galtook a year from starting to Now, Mahendra is building axies appear as two dancers finish. It wasn’t all telescope an even bigger one. dancing in space. making. I also had to make “It will be 10 inches in diIf you would like to learn the device I used to grind the ameter and be able to gath- more about Mahendra’s telemirror. The mirror itself took er 2.7 times more light than scope, email him at mahenfive months to grind, polish my current 6-inch telescope, dra_mahadeo@yahoo.com and figure. Mirror making hence making it capable of (Photos by Ferlin F. Pedro)

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 24, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Times Feature

C

Aerial shot of Georgetown Magistrates' Court

apturing Guyana’s beauty from the air and sharing it with others is what conservationist Annette ArjoonMartins aims to do through her Facebook page Annette & Dave Martins: “Is We Own”.

The page showcases a collection of “captioned photographs revealing the beauty and soul of Guyana’s culture and its natural bounty”.

“The fact that we were being bombarded with daily doses of negative news, while not being in denial about its existence, I felt strongly that there was another face to Guyana that persons were not aware of that needed to be highlighted. I had a few good things going for me, such as a good camera, which I had taken some photographs over the past decade during my conservation journeys. I was afforded access to the interior through the generosity of my favourite local airline, Air Services Limited.

I am also well connected

more than the usual popular tourist locations” and “exposing them to our rich indigenous cultures, stunning landscapes and unspoilt regions, some of which are accessible only by helicopters”.

According to Annette, she has flown the length and breadth of Guyana so she knows the geography of the regions fairly well. Most importantly, the time she has spent over the years on the ground in Amerindian communities with her best friend, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, has given her invaluable knowledge of both indigenous cultures and the amazing landscapes, which are found in their backyards.

Breathtaking view of Kumarao Falls' second drop

self and Dave, her husband and popular Guyanese singer, were probably “the only two people in Guyana without Facebook pages”.

She mentioned that she was “totally unaware of the magnitude of social media” and that the only reason she eventually set up a Facebook page was for “all

Annette and Dave Martins

hits overnight. For the bottlenose dolphins, it was stunning to find out how many persons were unaware that we even have dolphins in Guyana. There are actually seven species.

Some most common comments are, ‘Oh my! I never knew my country was so beautiful’ and ‘this is definitely on my list of places to visit on my next trip’. I love when I get parts of our national songs to describe some of my posts, such as ‘Oh beautiful Guyana’, so I know that what I do is working,” she explained.

Starting out with a Canon camera during her early days, Annette mentioned that she later “got

would give her info on places he has visited during the mid-century. Annette said “it’s a constant learning experience” for her.

“Now, I am super excited about editing the video footage taken with the Go Pro cameras and to post some of those, which I can guarantee will also give a totally new perspective to the same locations I captured with stills on the ground.

I count myself so very fortunate to have footage from the length and breadth of our stunning country. By this I mean literally from the furthest reaches of our country in deep south, also known as Wai Wai territory, all the way to our Coast,

Facebook, I learned of the immense reach of social media and this propelled me to start posting some photos on Is We Own Facebook page in July 2015. Plus, I have an even larger family on Facebook than I could have imagined was possible,” she recalled.

The passionate conser-

Scenic view of Hope Beach koker

Stabroek Market from Demerara River

to a certain Dave Martins of ‘Is We Own’ fame, which caused me to name our page exactly that,” Annette said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, explaining what inspired her to start the page on Facebook.

Admitting to being “technologically challenged”, Annette quipped that her-

the wrong reasons”, that is, to stay abreast of her children’s activities while they were at college.

“This was without realising that they had to accept my friend request first before I could have access to their shenanigans.

Of course they both denied my access until much later. However, being on

vationist’s intention is to bring our “country’s amazing interior to Guyanese who may not be able to afford seeing it” and for those who are coming for our 50th Independence Anniversary this year. Annette added that she is targeting “regional and international visitors to let them know our tourism menu is much

“So when I post a photograph, it’s of remote areas which are not on our tourist maps or seen in our tourism magazines and I know that I am exposing my audience to something new. Even a photograph of the same place is seen from a different perspective. A shining example of this was when my earlier post of the treelined avenue in Mabaruma and a pod of bottlenose dolphins cavorting in the Waini River got the most

fancy with two Go Pros”, which are mounted in helicopters to capture stunning videos from a bird’s eye view.

Annette pointed out that this project has given her immense satisfaction because of the “awesome feedback” of those who are following her Facebook page. She added that she looks forward to people’s commentaries on her posts, such as ones from Clairmonte Griffith who

and across from Berbice all the way to Mount Roraima.

I can safely say that I have unparalleled footage, which is also a challenge because of having to find the time to edit properly. I can assure you that it’s worth the wait!” Annette declared.

For more photos on Guyana captured on land and from the air, visit Annette & Dave Martins: “Is We Own” on Facebook.

(Photos by Annette Arjoon-Martins)

4

Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 24, 2016

Times Feature

Hindu god Shakti (prowess).

The colour is also associated with bravery, protection and destruction of anything evil.

Saffron is the most sacred colour in Hinduism.

It represents “agni” or fire, which consumes all impurities. It also signifies the quest for divine light in one’s life. Additionally, it represents religious abstinence.

Green is a festive colour.

It represents life and nature.

It stabilises the mind with

A

represents the removal of poverty and replacing it with wealth (physical, material and mental).

White is the mixture of several colours and signifies purity, cleanliness, peace, knowledge and others. It is associated with goddess Saraswati, who is always depicted being garbed in white.

Blue depicts qualities of bravery, manliness, determination, stable mindedness, depth of character and

in front of the yard cannot be missed and a devout Hindu will pay his obeisance in the form of a simply bow and be reminded of his duty towards humanity similar to that of Hanuman’s service to his Lord Raama,” Aditya explained.

Usually, five males from the family would hoist the flag(s). The Pandit will chant the mantras while the flags are being planted, after which the Yagmaan will of-

Flags with pictures of dieties on them

familiar sight around our country’s religious landscape is the Jhandi or the bamboo pole carrying flags of different colours often bearing the pictures of Hindu deities.

In Hindi, flag is Jhanda or Jhandis (plural). Although appearing simple, the Hindu flags have great significance.

The flags are normally planted after the performance of a puja (Hindu rituals). According to Vedanta student Aditya Persaud, whose father is a pandit, “flags are planted at the commencement of Yagnas, after prayers to Ganga Maa (in the ocean or riverside), and in some cases on special days referred to a Parbs, such

as Shiv Raatri, Hanuman Jayanti, Raamnavmi and others. Flag on the bamboo is referred to as a Jandha, hence you will hear the term Jandhi being used to describe a puja (prayer) ceremony”.

Aditya added that the flag colours have different meanings and that colours can dramatically affect the mood, feeling and emotions of a person. Red, orange and yellow are known as warm colours that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. On the other hand, blue, purple and green are cool colours that bring calmness.

He noted that red indicates both sensuality and purity. It is the colour of

Jhandis colours (Photo by Amanda Richards)

influences of peace and happiness.

Yellow is the colour of knowledge and learning.

It symbolises happiness, peace, meditation, competence and mental development. This colour is also associated with gold, which

others. It also represents infinity. Lords Rama and Krishna are associated with blue.

Pink is associated with femininity. Maha Lakshmi is depicted with this colour, at times. It a calming colour and signifies womanhood and the importance of femininity on the planet.

The Jhandis are a representation of victory - in the sense of accomplishments or achievements. It also glorifies God and creates that connection between a man and his God. Traditionally, cotton is used to make the flag, however, today flags are made from polyester, silk and other types of fabric.

The bamboo serves as a pole to hoist the flag. This is a plant found in nature and is easily accessible.

Traditionally, it is shown to have joints all through the length of the plant and these are used to remind the Yagmaan (person conducting a puja) that there are many steps towards self-realisation and achievements of goals and objectives. Also, when a bamboo is cut, a new plant springs up from that said point, which is translated “to not let one bad situation stop you from reaching your goal.” However, some Hindus use a regular steel pole to hoist their flags (Arya Samaj).

“Flags are placed in front the yard to serve/act as a reminder of our commitments made at the time of the puja.

It reminds us of our link with God or our own divinity, as well as your selfless service to humanity. Upon leaving one’s home, the flags

other grains. This symbolises an upright human being, deeply rooted in spiritual values, filled with devotion and humility and intelligently making life choices that support a God-centered life.

The sindoor, according to Aditya, represents one’s identity. It was sindoor that Hanuman saw Seeta placing on her head and on enquiring, was told that it was a symbol of her complete loyalty and devotion to her husband, Sri Raam. Hanuman also rubbed his entire body with sindoor.

The ‘haldi’ or tumeric is a cleanser (of the body), as well as one of the roots with extremely high medicinal values. It signifies the need to keep the mind, thought, and body clean at all times.

Attar or fragrance represents removing bad odour, which can have a negative impact and distract the mind from positivity.

A silver coin signifies material wealth. Hence, it is tied on the bamboo. It also signifies that man must strive to come out of all states of poverty and enjoy the pleasures of life, but at the same time not allow it to drag you away

Jhandis are placed in front of homes

fer dhaar (offerings) in the form of milk or water (in some cases).

On the body of the Jhandi is tied a piece of cloth. This is similar in its symbolism to the cord (raksha) tied around the wrist during a pooja. It is both a cord of protection; commitment; protection against any evil temptations; commitment to eliminate evil and uphold righteousness.

There are certain items placed on a straight bamboo pole with the flag attached to the top, and planted in a hole filled with milk and

into the world of illusion or Maya. Hence, older folks say to tie it strong with just one knot (traditional).

Rice on the bamboo reminds Hindus that no one can live without grains and to always ensure they have grains/food for sustenance.

The aarti is the final offering on the flag before its hoisted. It is where the Yagmaan pays his respect to that flag, which will serve as a daily reminder towards his duties to his God, himself and the community in which he serves. (Information contributed by Aditya Persaud)

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 24, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Times Women

W

e send out kudos to all Guyanese women who are excelling locally and abroad. We recognise their hard work and determination in putting their country on the map.

This week we feature two overseas-based Guyanese women who are paving the way for youths to follow.

Lorna Welshman-Neblett has reached a pinnacle that few women of colour have attained in the fragrance industry. More than 20 years ago she launched Angel, the first Thierry Mugler perfume, in the US market. The fragrance has been flying off high-end shelves since.

Born in Georgetown, Guyana, she is committed to her homeland and the Caribbean and seeks improved health care for women in the region through the Organization for Social Health and Advancement for Guyana and the Caribbean (OSHAG/C), a New York group that focuses on treatment, follow-up and cosmetic care for breast cancer patients.

Welshman-Neblett’s career in the fragrance industry began in the late 1970s, when Elizabeth Arden established a separate fragrance company with Chloe, Burberrys and others.

Welshman-Neblett started working with Thierry Mugler Parfums (now a division of Clarins Fragrance Group) in 1993, presenting the brand to retailers, establishing a sales team and creating a strategy to bring Angel to the market.

Energised by the creativity required to bring a fragrance to market and to develop appealing packaging and descriptors, she holds,

Asha Blake

fittingly, the title of senior manager of sales and marketing administration for Groupe Clarins U.S.A., US arm of the Paris-based luxury cosmetics company. “What

advocate of community involvement, evidenced by her recognition from the City of New York and former New York City Council member Una Clarke. “I learned from an early age that working in a community and organizing with others is the best way for people to come together for a worthy cause,” she says.

In 2013, she was honoured as one of 25 Influential Black Women in Business

by The Network Journal- a black professional and small business magazine.

Asha Blake, Emmy Award Winning Journalist Asha Blake is a former

In the audio booth for America Now News, which airs on Fox network

I enjoy most about working in the industry is seeing the happiness that a fragrance brings to a consumer. It is about the person who’s wearing the fragrance—for them to smell good and feel good at the same time,” she declares.

Welshman-Neblett earned a bachelor’s degree at Washington Business Institute. She is a staunch

network anchor turned digital media mogul and media consultant to the stars.

She was born in 1961 in Guyana, the daughter of an education specialist and a teacher. Blake was raised in Toronto and later in Minnesota, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University Of Minnesota School Of

Journalism.

A five-time Emmy award winner, Blake has served as a solo anchor for national network news programs, hosted syndicated daytime programming, and co-hosted a national talk show for NBC and ABC. Over the course of a successful 20year career in television journalism, Blake conducted thousands of live interviews, covered numerous high-profile court cases, and served as a medical reporter early in her career.

Blake co-hosted the NBC national news program “Later Today” and ABC’s “World News Now”, “World News this Morning”, and “Good Morning America Sunday”, in addition to reporting for ABC’s “World News Tonight” with Peter Jennings. Blake coverage of breaking world events has put her in front of a number of world leaders, including Desmond Tutu, Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, Rosa Parks, Al Gore, as well as celebrities such as Jay Leno, Jude Law and Denzel Washington.

Blake has hosted two nationally syndicated shows: “Smart Gardening” on PBS and “Life Moments”, the nationally syndicated daytime women’s reality program that celebrated great and unbelievable moments in the lives of every kind of women. Blake has also been actively involved with many charity organizations, including serving as a celebrity ambassador for

UNICEF, volunteering for Make A Wish, and supporting Race For A Cure and Meals on Wheels. Following the 9/11 Attacks, Blake created and launched a public service website providing a free planning guide to help organize pertinent personal information in the event of an emergency.

In 2010, Blake launched her powerhouse media company, Goldenheart Media.

Headquartered in Asha’s hometown of Los Angeles, California, Goldenheart Media is a multimedia powerhouse company special-

izing in media relations, branding, corporate communications, and messaging and entertainment program development.

She has been featured in magazines and newspapers including TIME, USA Weekend, INSTYLE Magazine, Emmy Magazine, Core Business, Ladies’ Home Journal and other media outlets.

Blake is married to former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Mark Dusbabek and has a daughter, Sasha.

(Information from www.guyanesegirlsrock.com)

Welshman-Neblett, 2013 Influential Black Women in Business Award recipient

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 24, 2016

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

S

lade Hopkinson was a man of many parts: New Amsterdam, Berbice, Georgetown, Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and North America; parts of the world in which he lived and left his inimitable imprint. Parts he played in the world as head teacher, university lecturer, journalist, poet, actor, playwright and painter.

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

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

showed its appreciation by facilitating the publishing of some of his work.

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

A political creature, the blurb of “Snowscape with Signature”, describes him as a “pre-eminent recorder of 20th century Caribbean upheaval”. In a note to the poem, “Guyana: Freedom Year”, he writes, “In the year 1962, all letters sent out by government departments in the then colony of British Guiana were stamped with the slogan “Freedom Year”, in anticipation of the achievement of independence.”

Abdur-Rahman Slade Hopkinson was born in

Abdhur Rahman Slade Hopkinson

New Amsterdam, Berbice, in the year 1934. His father, Leonard, was a well known barrister and his mother, Neibert, was a

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

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

After his father died, Hopkinson moved with his mother to Barbados in 1947.

He completed his secondary school education at Harrison College. In 1952, he won an open scholarship to the University College of the

West Indies in Jamaica where he gained a B. A. and a Dip. Ed. He played an active role in the university theatre, leaving an indelible mark on the drama fraternity with his remarkable performance in ‘Lear’.

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

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

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

In 1962, he moved to Trinidad with his wife and first child where he joined Derek Walcott’s Trinidad Theatre Workshop. As his wont, wherever he went, he left a greater mark on the society with his acting.

This time it was playing the celebrated Corporal Lestrade in Walcott’s “Dream on Monkey Mountain”.

It was during the six-

ties, he became a Muslim, reflected in his later writing.

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

Back in Guyana, he tried to beat the odds in order to give back something more tangible to the society that spawned him.

According to Ingrid Fung, during the mid-seventies, he had to abort a theatre workshop for teachers he was running.

Despite his failing health, he managed to put together two collections of poems, “The Madwoman of Papine” and “The Friend”. Both books were published by Curriculum Development Centre, Ministry of Education & Social Development in 1976.

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

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

Slade Hopkinson died in 1993, the same year his collection of poems, “Snowscape with Signature” was published.

A man of many parts, he left his signature everywhere he went.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s Happening “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature”

by Petamber Persaud is now available at Austin’s Bookstore and the National Library.

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JANUARY 24, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Heritage

O

ver the centuries, stained glass windows were used predominantly in churches throughout the world, but were also found in wealthy domestic set-

tings and public buildings such as town halls. The purpose of stained glass windows in a church was both to enhance the beauty of their setting and to inform the viewer

In sunlight, a kaleidoscope of colours are reflected through stories of the Crucifixion and the Ascension, among others, at St George's Cathedral

A section of the stained window in St Andrew's Kirk Church, Georgetown

La Penitence Public Road 1912 (Guyana Gallery)

Postcard showing St George's Cathedral 1951 (Guyana Gallery)

through narrative or symbolism. are ranked among those which function as In Guyana, this valuable aspect of our an energy saving mechanism that allows religious heritage remains intact, but not light into the building and also an admiramany know, or want to know, of its histo- ble piece of art. In the sunlight, myriad cory. Some of these ecclesiastical stained glass lours are reflected through stories of Jesus’ windows date back to the early 1800s. crucifixion and ascension, among others.

The 19th century Gothic Revival-style St Consisting of two rows of six windows, the Andrew’s Kirk Church, with the standard east window was donated by the McConnell features such as a central nave flanked on family. either side by an aisle and tower with spire The plan for the St Peter’s Church, locatover the sanctuary, is reputedly the oldest ed in Leguan, Essequibo, was done by coloecclesiastical structure located in the city of nial civil engineer John Frederick Bourne.

Georgetown. It was officially opened for pub- The foundation stone for the present brick lic worship on September 27, 1818. Gracing structure was laid in 1855. At the left of the centre of the eastern wall, over the al- the north-western entrance stands a detar area, is a magnificent stained-glass win- tached bell tower. The windows are pointed dow depicting the Ascension (the bodily ris- and are filled with handsome stained glass. ing of Jesus into heaven). It was unveiled in Imported from London, the seven windows 1912 in memory of one of St Andrew’s great on the apse depict the life of St Peter. Those ruling elders, Patrick Playfair Fairbain, who died in 1910.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana was founded on October 15, 1743. Even though the church, located in New Amsterdam, was established in 1743, it was not until around 1752 that the first sanctuary was built. John Mittelholzer served the church from 1878-1913. His legacy is memorialised by the famous stained glass window with a depiction of Jesus Christ praying in the garden immediately after the Last Supper before his conviction. This popular scene identifies this as the place of prayer as Gethsemane.

Established in the 19th Stained glass window at All Saints Anglican century, the Roman Catholic Church, New Amsterdam Church of Ascension, located in New Amsterdam, came from humble be- in the nave contain flowered quarrels and ginnings in the year 1836. Although it faced roses with rich borders. This church, with its many challenges, the church established a lower tiled sanctuary, massive brick work permanent structure that is still enjoyed to- and stained windows, testify to the artistday. This Roman-styled structure is 84ft by ry and craftsmanship of Guyanese builders.

28ft and supports a beautifully crafted ceilThe All Saints Anglican Church was ing. The church boasts 50 exquisite stained founded in 1839. The main section of the glass windows. The most notable stained building is constructed of wood with gothic glass window, which was donated and un- arched windows topped with a tower. Queen veiled by the Mendonca family on Christmas Victoria donated $750 for the purchase of Eve in 1925, had replaced a painting done a painted glass window for the east end of

by Carrie Gomes depicting the ‘Ascension’ the church. This stained-glass panel to the and was subsequently moved to the back of left depicts St George and the central panel the altar. represents Jesus in his ascended glory. The Sir Arthur Blomfield is credited with de- right side panel shows St Patrick. Reverend signing the St George’s Cathedral, reput- George Spencer described these windows as edly the world’s tallest wooden building of being one-of-a-kind in Guyana, and even the its time. Of the most outstanding features Caribbean. (Information by National Trust of the building, the stained glass windows of Guyana)

8 Sunday Times Magazine

JANUARY 24, 2016

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Times Travel & Tourism

Whitewater Falls

A cascading beauty A trip to Bartica, Essequibo, will afford you the opportunity to witness the cascading beauty, Whitewater Falls.

The waterfall is located just opposite the newly opened Aruwai Whitewater Resort, located in the Cuyuni/Mazaruni area.

Whitewater is a mesmerizing waterfall surrounded by lush forest teeming with wildlife. (Photos by Marco Basir) (Cover photo: Crystal clear water cascades through boulders)

Scenic Whitewater Falls Scenic Whitewater Falls

Water jets from the Falls

A stream meanders through rocks

Looking down the Falls

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 24, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

Things you should know about the Zika virus

T

he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned pregnant women to postpone vacation plans to Mexico, Puerto Rico and parts of Central and South America where Zika is present, because the virus has recently been linked to birth

low fever and dengue, and is spread by bites from infected Aedes mosquitos. In rare cases, the virus may be transmitted from mother to child near the time of delivery. There also has been one report of the virus possibly spreading through blood transfusion and another of it

actually become sick with symptoms such as fever, rash, joint or muscle pain, headache and red eyes. The symptoms are usually mild and last just a week or less.

Deaths are rare. The symptoms of Zika are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, which are diseas-

born with unusually small heads and brain damage.

Experts aren’t sure yet that the two are connected, but the CDC still recommends that pregnant postpone their trip to any areas affected by the virus. And, if you’re trying to get pregnant, you should talk to your doctor before making any travel arrangements to the infected countries.

4. The virus is moving quickly.

Until May 2015, the virus was mainly limited to Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. But since then, it has taken root in the Americas and is edging closer to the US. Since the mosquitos that carry Zika can

range as far north as New York, experts think the virus will become established in the states. In fact, a baby infected with the virus and diagnosed with microcephaly was born in January 2016 in Hawaii.

5. There is no vaccine or treatment yet.

You can help prevent infection by taking steps to protect yourself against mosquitoes. Treat the symptoms: get plenty of rest; drink fluids to prevent dehydration; take medicines, such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain.

Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, should be

avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of hemorrhage. If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medication.

See your healthcare provider if you develop the symptoms described above and have visited an area where Zika is present. If you have recently traveled, tell your healthcare provider when and where you traveled. Your healthcare provider may order blood tests to look for Zika or other similar viruses like dengue or chikungunya.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/zika

Jose Wesley, a Brazilian baby shown here on Dec. 23, 2015, was born with microcephaly. His mother was diagnosed with the Zika virus that researchers think may cause the birth defect. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

defects in newborn babies in Brazil.

Here are five things you need to know about the tropical infection that has experts so worried.

1. It’s transmitted primarily by mosquitoes.

The Zika virus is a tropical disease, similar to yel-

possibly spreading through sexual contact. If you have Zika, avoid mosquito bites for the first week of your illness.

2. It rarely causes serious symptoms.

According to the CDC, only about one in five people infected with the virus

es caused by other viruses spread by the same type of mosquitoes.

3. The bigger concern is birth defects.

Areas where Zika is spreading quickly have also seen a sharp increase in a birth defect called microcephaly, in which babies are

The Zika virus is spread by bites from infected Aedes mosquitos

Home cooking main ingredient in healthier diet

A

s studies show people who frequently cook meals at home eat healthier and consume fewer calories than those who cook less, social eating – or eating out – is gaining increasing popularity.

To scientists, it’s an unhealthy trend.

“When people cook most of their meals at home, they consume fewer carbohydrates, less sugar and less fat than those who cook less or not at all – even if they are not trying to lose weight,” says Julia A. Wolfson, MPP, a CLF-Lerner Fellow at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, and lead author of a 2014 study.

The study’s findings also suggest that those who frequently cooked at home – sixto-seven nights a week – also consumed fewer calories on the occasions when they ate out.

Nutrition

Restaurants, both fast food and otherwise, are known to be notoriously high in calories, sugars, fats, sodium and carbohydrates, and it is also likely they may contain low nutritional content. Even the healthier, low-cal options can contain a very high level of sugars and fats.

Processed foods, frequently served in restaurants or available in premade meals from the grocery store, tend to be high in sodium, fat and added sugars. According to the BBC, the World Health Organization recommends greatly reducing the intake of processed foods.

Eating at home, on the other hand, allows you to cut out what you may deem unnecessary in your diet. You’re in control of the food you cook and the food you consume.

Appropriate portions

Restaurants are notorious for their extreme portion sizes, which may contrib-

ute to the vast overeating culture and obesity issue. In fact, a study conducted by the International Journal of Obesity found that providing nutrition labels on standard menus had little effect on food selection.

Preparing meals at home gives you the ability to exercise portion control and help curb the temptation of overeating.

Food safety

According to the U.S. CDC, foodborne illnesses (also known as food poisoning) affect 1 in 6 Americans every year.

Cooking at home will give you the peace of mind you need in knowing you have the freshest ingredients, and you can rest assured knowing your food has been stored and cooked at the correct temperatures.

Increase knowledge of food Food is much more than just something that tastes good and fills up your stomach.

What you eat can heal, cause sickness, or even inflict pain.

Cooking your own meals can teach you what foods are high or low in certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It will even boost your creativity as you learn to combine nutritious foods to satisfy your palate.

Builds healthy habits Cooking at home can jump-start your healthy lifestyle. By discovering healthy recipes, learning about food, creating and sticking to a meal plan, you and your family can be inspired to living a healthy, fit life.

When most restaurants would use butter or oils with transfats, you can cook at home with non-fat cooking spray or healthy vegetable oils such as olive oil.

In addition, at home you can substitute unhealthy ingredients for alternatives. For instance, the American Heart Association

recommends substituting one cup of fat-free milk with one tablespoon of vegetable oil for one cup of whole milk.

Saves money Eating dinner out is expensive. It is a lot more cost-effective to purchase groceries than ordering take out every night. While there is much controversy as to whether an individual meal is cheaper made cooking inhome than eating out, with nutritional intake and serving size accounted for, you will save a lot more money by eating in. This money-saving strategy will improve your finances and cut down on your stress levels.

A healthier diet

According to Michael Pollan, author of ““The Omnivore’s Dilemma”, poor people who still cook (at home) have healthier diets than rich people who don’t.

In explaining in an interview with the Boston Globe how cooking and health are so closely linked, he notes: “If you cook, you’re not going to have French fries every day.

Homemade French fries are delicious, but they’re such a pain to make. There are things

built into the process of cooking that guard against those very tempting, but ultimately not very healthy, foods. You don’t even have to worry about what you’re cooking because you will naturally gravitate toward simple things. You will not make a lot of junk food.”

He disagrees with those who suggest cooking at home is expensive, and says that instead, cooking is economical.

“There’s still a lot of healthy food in regular markets as long as you shop the periphery and avoid the processed foods. It is more time-consuming. We have dropped the amount of time we spend on cooking by about a half an hour since 1965. I think it’s important to look at what you’re doing with that half-hour and whether it’s more valuable to you,” he points out.

While most home-cooked meals will generally be better than those you can buy, making healthy options is still important. Avoid recipes that use a lot of fat, sugar, and starches. Choose fresh foods with lots of fruits and vegetables, and make sure to include variety in your diet.

10 Sunday Times Magazine

JANUARY 24, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Fashion

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esigner Randy Madray has added yet another chic collection to his portfolio, which has garnered much attention by fashion elites.

The collection Roses debuted in Guyana in November 2015 at StrutLive The Runway. Notably, the collection was featured

by Nirvana Magazine based in Jamaica and several blogs, receiving amazing reviews. It was also a star feature at the recently held Renaissance Red show in St. Kitts.

“The collection is very clean-cut with rose appliqués. It gives a sense of classy sexiness for any woman who wants to feel powerful and look great doing so,” described the designer.

Popular faces draped in stylish pieces from the collection are Miss Universe Jamaica Kaci Fennell, who placed in the top 5 of Miss Universe 2014, and Miss World Guyana Lisa Punch at the Miss World Auction.

Madray hopes to showcase his collections on major international runways across the world and to create an exceptional international brand and name for himself. He believes that fashion is art and art is expression and he intends to continue to express himself through the art of fashion.

For more information, visit Randy Madray Clothing on Facebook.

(Photos by Froylan Flowers and 55 Photography)

Designer Randy Madray with a model wearing a piece from his Roses collection

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 24, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

P

eter Gene Hernandez, born October 8, 1985, professionally known by his stage name Bruno Mars, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and choreographer. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, by a family of musicians, Hernandez began making music at a young age and performed in various musical venues in his hometown throughout his childhood. He graduated from high school and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a musical career. He produced songs for other artists, co-founding the production team The Smeezingtons. Hernandez had an unsuccessful stint with Motown Records, but then signed with Atlantic in 2009. He became recognized as a solo artist after lending his vocals to the songs "Nothin' on You" by B.o.B, and "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy, which were international successes, and for which he cowrote. His debut studio album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010), was anchored by the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping singles "Just the Way You Are" and "Grenade", as well as the number-five single "The Lazy Song".

His second album, Unorthodox Jukebox, released in 2012, peaked at number one in the United States. The album spawned the international singles "Locked Out of Heaven", "When I Was Your Man" and "Treasure". The singer has received numerous awards and nominations, including two Grammy Awards and was named one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world in 2011.

In December 2013, he was named "Artist of the Year" by Billboard and ranked number one on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Throughout his singing career, he has sold over 100 million singles and albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Hernandez has landed five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 since his career launched in 2010, faster than any male singer since Elvis Presley.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 24, 2016

Times Hollywood

Mariah Carey, James Denise Richards claims Charlie Sheen Packer engaged after threatened to kill her, daughters dating for 8 months D

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ames Packer has put a ring on it. Mariah Carey is reportedly engaged to her billionaire boyfriend, just eight months after they started dating. This will be a third marriage for both the R&B diva and the Australian businessman.

While the couple hasn’t confirmed the happy news, TMZ has learned details of the romantic moment. The

E

minem’s sister-inlaw Dawn Scott was found dead on Tuesday, January 19 in a Detroit trailer park. Police confirmed that Dawn died after “an apparent heroin overdose.”

“She was found slumped over in bed and unresponsive,” Mayor James Fouts of Warren, Michigan said. “It’s suspected to be drug use, possibly heroin.” Dawn, who died at her age of 41, is the twin sister of Eminem’s ex-

site reports that James got down on one knee and proposed to Mariah in front of her close friends during a private dinner at Eleven Madison Park, NYC on Thursday night, January 21.

According to E! News, he proposed to her with a 35-carat diamond ring. No wedding date is set just yet.

A source gushes about the couple, “They fell head

wife Kimberly Anne Scott.

Dawn is also the biological mother of Eminem and Kim’s adopted daughter Alaina.

Kimberly was shocked and she couldn’t hide her grief. Shortly after getting the sad news, she posted a heartfelt message for her late twin sister. “Dawn was my sweet, beautiful sister who lost her way. I kept a light lit for her hoping she’d find her way back to me,” she wrote.

over heels in love with one another. It’s crazy how perfect they are together, they both know it and couldn’t be happier.” The insider adds, “As soon as their friendship turned romantic, they have wanted to spend every moment together.”

“They have a connection that is unparalleled; it’s been a very beautiful experience for them both. If you spend even five minutes with them, you can’t help but believe in true love,” the source further claims.

Of why their relationship works so well, the source says, “They are just very cute together, they like doing sweet things for one another. They want to make each other happy.”

Mariah Carey was previously married to Tommy Mottola and Nick Cannon.

She has two children, 4-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe, with Nick.

(AceShowbiz)

“I miss her and love her more than anything I could ever say. I wish she was here so I could hug her and tell her I love her.”

On Wednesday, January 20, Kim posted a sweet note on a funeral home’s tribute wall. “Half of me is gone and I will never feel whole again.

She made me laugh and kept me on my toes. She was the best sister and friend in the world and I will miss her until we are together again,” so read the note. (AceShowbiz)

enise Richards said her ex Charlie Sheen threatened to kill her and their daughters.

According to TMZ, Denise petitioned a judge to force Charlie to pay $1.2 million toward the purchase of a new home after he cut off her and their kids and evicted them from their home.

Denise alleged in her court papers that Charlie promised he would give her and their kids a home if they moved next to him in a house he purchased in Mulholland Estates. She claimed Charlie evicted her and their kids from the house last September and he hadn’t provided new accommodations for them.

According to the “Starship Troopers” actress, she had to pay US$15,000 a month for a rental and has spent more than US$105,000 on the rental.

The court documents also detailed Charlie’s bizarre behavior towards his children.

According to Denise, her ex called his daughter Lola, 10, and yelled, “I’m going to kill

you and I’m going to kill your mom.”

In 2013, Charlie allegedly sent his daughter text messages which read, “Have a merry Xmas with your loser [expletive] mom ... your dad is a rock star genius ...” He also insulted Denise’s acting skill, saying, “Bitch couldn’t act hot in a fire or wet in a pool.”

Charlie’s lawyer tells the site that Denise is waging “a desperate attempt to get more money.” According to his lawyer, the former “Anger Management” star has already paid his ex al-

most US$20 million, including $660,000 tax free money every year for the last nine years.

Charlie’s lawyer adds, “In addition to what Charlie has been paying Denise, he also pays for school, all expenses and it’s still not enough for her. He intends to fight this and believes he will prevail.”

Denise’s rep, meanwhile, says, “Denise is fighting for her children. This has nothing to do with her, the money is for her kids. This is about him providing for the children as he agreed to do.”

(AceShowbiz)

L

il Wayne is clearly done feuding with Birdman. After publicly reuniting on the stage during a concert at LIV nightclub in Miami over the weekend, the two were pictured clocking a studio time with Yo Gotti on Wednesday night, January 20.

Wayne stands between the two rappers in the photo shared on Instagram

by Birdman, who captioned it, “Studio flow #yo Gotti #YMCMB4LIFE #richgang #cmg #lifestyle #STUNNAMAN #mula #Blatt.”

However, Wayne seemingly still has some unfinished business with

Birdman. As it’s previously reported, the US$51 million lawsuit he filed against the 46-year-old rap mogul following the indefinite delay of his “Tha Carter V” album last year is still active.

Sources told TMZ that

Wayne still wanted the money he claimed Birdman owed him and he “isn’t softening on his main demands.” The sources additionally noted that there’s still no talk of a settlement.

(AceShowbiz)

Judge dismisses Pennsylvania woman’s lawsuit against Bill Cosby

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U.S. federal judge on Thursday dismissed a defamation lawsuit brought by a Pennsylvania woman against Bill Cosby, which contended the comedian smeared her character when he accused her of lying in claiming he had sexually assaulted her in the 1980s.

Renita Hill, 48, had claimed she was defamed her when the comedian and his representatives called her a liar and extortionist as he defended himself after she went public in 2014 with allegations of decades-old sexual misconduct.

Hill, a Pittsburgh resident, sued in October over three comments made by Cosby and his representatives. The three statements in question “do not support a claim for defamation as defined by Pennsylvania law,” U.S. District Judge Arthur

Schwab said in his dismissal ruling, court documents showed.

Hill’s attorneys have said Cosby mentored her when she was a young woman, and paid for her education at Temple University and Spelman College. They said he also arranged meetings in Atlantic City, New York and Denver, where he sexually as-

saulted her.

Hill’s first public accusation of sexual assault came in a 2014 interview with a Pittsburgh TV station. Her lawsuit concerned statements Cosby and his representatives made in response to that interview.

Schwab said the remarks were protected under free speech rights, and that Hill did not prove the comments harmed her. Cosby’s attorneys welcomed the judge’s decision in a statement and said they hoped it would influence the outcome of other pending lawsuits.

“The Court found opinionated speech by a defendant’s attorney is protected and not actionable as defamatory,” the attorneys said. “It is our hope that courts in other jurisdictions with similar matters will respond in like manner.” (Reuters)

T

JANUARY 24, 2016

aapsee Pannu, born August 1, 1987, is an Indian model, director and actress who mainly works in the South Indian film industry, though she has also appeared in Bollywood films. Pannu was a software engineer before pursuing modelling, which eventually led to acting. Appearing in several commercials, she won Pantaloons Femina Miss Fresh Face and Safi Femina Miss Beautiful Skin, during her modelling days. Pannu made her acting debut in 2010 in the romantic-musical “Jhummandi Naadam”. Her next release was “Aadukalam” (2011), Pannu’s debut Tamil film that went on to win several National Film awards. The actress is currently working on a few Tamil and Telugu films, and has signed her first Hindi project. In 2014 she was awarded Most Enthusiastic Performer-Female Award at the Edison Awards for her performance in Tamil film “Arrambam” (2013). In 2015, she starred in the critically and commercially successful film “Baby”.

guyanatimesgy.com

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Star Times Bollywood

14 Sunday Times Magazine

JANUARY 24, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Bollywood

Nitin Mukesh draws Farhan Akhtar gearing Neil attention to elephants' plight up for his music single

F

arhan Akhtar who is still basking praises for his performance in his recent release, “Wazir”, is currently on a break. The actor, known to be a multi-talented personality, has taken a break to focus on music singles he has written.

Farhan, who has held concerts in the past, is very keen to compose the singles and release them. The actor wants to concentrate and work on various concepts and is putting all his thoughts together to kick start work on this.

A

Delhi court sought a reply from Delhi police on a criminal complaint against Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan and a TV channel after the two actors were allegedly shown wearing shoes on the set of a temple (“Bigg Boss 9”).

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate V.K. Gautam asked Delhi Police to file an action taken report on the complaint filed by Gaurav Gulati, who sought action against the two actors on charges of hurting religious feelings.

As developing singles is time consuming, Farhan wants to put all his ideas together and wants to give complete attention on the subject.

Music singles, also being a relatively new concept for the audience, would create immense excitement and curiosity among them.

Farhan has a huge fan base as a singer. He recently sang for “Wazir” with Amitabh Bachchan has been occupied with the prep work of his forthcoming film, “Rock On 2”. (TOI)

The court listed the matter for February 12 for further hearing.

The lawyer told the court that he noticed on a YouTube post dated December 15, 2015 that the actors wore shoes on the sets of a Kali temple while shooting for a reality TV show. An idol of goddess Kali was seen in the backdrop, he said.

The plea also sought action against the producer and director of the reality show and the TV channel. (IANS)

A

ctor Neil Nitin Mukesh has drawn attention towards the plight of abused elephants, which are used for tourist joyrides.

In his new campaign for animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, Neil is wounded and bruised with an ankus, a sharp iron hook used to prod elephants - near his face.

The tagline next to it reads: "Try to Relate to Their Fate: Elephants Used for Joy Rides

Are Abused."

Talking about it, the actor said in a statement: "Let's bring enrichment into the lives of elephants by pledging never to use elephants for joyrides. A fleeting moment of amusement means a lifetime of suffering for these gentle mammals whose spirit is broken through the ruthless torture caused by the ankus and chains."

Neil was last seen on the silver screen in the 2016 film “Wazir”. (IANS)

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 24, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine

15

Times Trends

Trending Now

Star of the week

Must-have gadgets for 2016

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hese must-have gadgets have created quite a stir in the tech world recently. Some have deemed them crazy and/or genius. What do you think? Are these yay or nay for 2016?

The OMbra is a sports bra with adjustable straps and removable padding for a comfortable fit, but there’s also a little black box that tracks your performance. After each workout it syncs up with a smartphone app to give a detailed output of things like distance covered, heart rate, calories burned, breathing rhythm, and more. It hits the market later this year and will cost US$150.

This peculiar, crescentshaped gadget is designed to help you get a good night’s sleep. The Cheero Sleepion employs a triple-pronged assault on your senses with a speaker system that plays soothing sounds, a ceramic aromatherapy diffuser that emits relaxing smells, and a light that can flicker like a candle. You can get one by pledging US$190 on www.kickstarter.com

Wondering what’s in the fridge? You could always stick a camera in there that snaps a photo every time the door is opened and then take a look on your phone. That’s the idea behind Smarter’s Fridge Cam which will cost US$100.

Are you constantly leaving your umbrella behind? Maybe it’s time you got yourself a Bluetooth umbrella that connects to your smartphone and alerts you if you move more than 30 feet away from it. The Davek is a compact telescopic umbrella with a solid steel shaft, constructed of a mix of aluminum and fiberglass that’s built to last.

It had better, because it costs an eyebrow-raising US$125, which is enough to buy a lot of low tech umbrellas.

Immersit is a set of hydraulic feet you can fit onto your couch with clever tech inside that can read the content you’re watching, be it a game or a movie, and trigger appropriate motions.

G

udakesh Motie is a popular name in Guyana's youth cricket history, having represented the country at the Under-15 and Under-19 levels for several years. When he started as a national player in 2007 at the tender age of 12, Motie was barely above the height of the stumps. Now at 20, the left-arm spinner is a towering figure, measuring close to six feet. The former West Indies Under-19 selectee has been a bright prospect ever since his induction at the Albion Community Centre, and late last year, he was drafted into the senior Guyana team. He immediately made an impact, claiming 34 wickets from the first five matches of the PCL Four-day competition. Motie is currently the leading wicket-taker in that competition, which is set to resume next month. He also made his List A debut for Guyana Jaguars this year, also claiming wickets in a demonstration of his adaptability to the various formats of the game. (Photo by Marceano Narine. Text by Avenash Ramzan)

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 24, 2016

Times Art

– Saddened by reports of suicide, Tammy Walker aims to help people find therapy in art

F

rom a very young age, Guyanese artist Tammy Walker developed a love for art, colouring and crafting. That ‘passion’ propelled her to pursue studies in art, and now Tammy is well on her way to leave an indelible mark as one of Guyana’s most notable artists.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Tammy mentioned that her “skill for painting came naturally”. As time went by, Tammy continually honed her artistic talent.

“I practised and I got better. I never stopped trying to be better than I was.

In my later years in high school, I began researching all the great artists I heard of. Leonardo da Vinci was at the top of my list, along with Michelangelo, Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh.

They don’t teach much about Guyanese artists in high school, so at that time I didn’t know of any that painted in Guyana. I knew Philip Moore for his outstanding 1763 Monument, and later learned of artists like Aubrey Williams, Stanley Greaves

Artist Tammy Walker

A replica of the City of El Dorado

Burrowes, which were her favourite because of them being “therapeutic” for her. She could paint and do ceramics for hours and be completely

relaxed.

Some of Tammy’s achievements as an artist are being awarded Best Graduating Student at Burrowes in

2014; being asked to paint a life-size portrait of Nelson Mandela, which is housed at the Museum of African Heritage; receiving awards and trophies from various art competitions in Guyana; and placing first at the Business Expo 2015 for her booth showcasing her art.

Tammy plans on opening an art studio and small gallery in Georgetown, where she can exhibit local artists’

preciated enough. It feels like we’re sometimes pushed aside and undervalued,” she disclosed.

As a young artist herself, Tammy advises youths to “never give up on what they’re good at” and to “never waste your gift”.

“I would also like to say that I know what it’s like to be disappointed in yourself, to feel like there is no coming back from something you might have done and/or regretted doing, to feel like you have the world on your shoulders and nothing seems to be going your way. You’re not alone. The worst thing you can do to yourself is to keep it all inside and over think it to a point where you just wish the world would stop. I’m planning on having programmes for children, teens and adults where they can let go of grief via art. Art is therapeutic in more ways

'City of El Dorado'

Tammy's portrait of Nelson Mandela unveiled at the Museum of African Heritage on July 18, 2014 in commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day

and other amazing Guyanese artists who have made a name for themselves in and out of Guyana,” the artist recalled.

At the age of 16, Tammy challenged herself to paint one of the world’s most famous paintings, the Mona Lisa, originally painted by Leonardo da Vinci. She told herself if she can paint that portrait, then she could paint any portrait.

“I took about a week and I repainted the Mona Lisa the best I could! This motivated me further to pursue studies in art. I was awarded as the Best Graduating Art Student at my high school. I decided

to further my studies at the E R Burrowes School of Art. I was there for three years and I learned a lot. I found interest in many more areas of art like ceramics, graphics, sculpture and others. I wanted to learn as much as possible. It was indeed an experience there. I even helped in the making of costumes and floats for Mashramani,” Tammy remembered.

The artist describes herself as a “realistic artist” who “enjoys painting portraits and landscapes”. She would also paint abstract pieces infrequently.

She stated that painting and ceramics are the two subjects she pursued at

'Kaieteur Falls'

Her portrait of legendary Jamaican singer, Bob Marley

work.

“Right now I am preparing for the next Guyexpo. I took part in the last one, and also in the Business Expo last year. It was more than I had hoped it would be.

Everyone showed tremendous support for what I was doing. I also want to be able to have Guyanese recognise and value the work of artists in Guyana. We have so many talented artists in every area you can think of, but I feel like art isn’t ap-

than you know. What some of us aren’t able to say with words, we can express on a canvas. It’s a way to clear your mind of all the things you have bottled up inside.

Then, one day you can look back at what you’ve created and say, ‘Yes, I got pass it’,” the artist encouraged.

Tammy’s ultimate wish is to make a difference with a paint brush and canvas.

For more information on the artist, email: tammywalkerarts@gmail.com

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 24, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine 17

Times Tech

A

transcript of court proceedings from a copyright lawsuit against Google allegedly contains reference to a deal between the Silicon Valley firms.

The alleged agreement

clined to comment.

The BBC has not been able to verify the claims independently.

Bloomberg added that the referenced document has since been removed from the web.

question regard a lawsuit

by Oracle Corp. in which the firm claims that Google used its Java software to develop Android but failed to pay for it.

Analyst firms, such as Morgan Stanley, have quot-

involves Google paying Apple a percentage of revenue - as much as 34% gained through iOS devices.

Both companies de-

"The transcript vanished without a trace from electronic court records at about 15:00," the report noted.

The court proceedings in

ed the $1bn figure in the past, but this appears to be the first time that a reference has been found in court documents.

"It's a very lucrative

Tech news

A

I

quite common for companies to pay hardware vendors fees for the placement of software and services on devices and that sometimes that may indeed be a percentage of revenue gained as a result.

Other details about how Google manages its services emerged this week - including the fact that the firm removed 780 million "bad" advertisements from its sites

last year.

By bad, Google said it was referring to ads which linked to malware, promoted fake goods or covered up website content.

In a blog post, the company said it had more than 1,000 people within its organisation responsible for weeding out these ads and that the number that had to be removed was increasing. (BBC)

Hoverboards: Amazon offers full refunds in safety backlash

US government body has said online retailer Amazon will offer full refunds to customers who bought hoverboards, after safety problems with the devices.

Refunds will be available immediately, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Electrical faults in hoverboards have been responsible for a number of fires across the United States.

The CPSC is currently investigating 13 hoverboard manufacturers over safety concerns.

Contrary to the name, hoverboards do not float but provide a wheeled form of self-balancing transport.

Previously, Amazon had stopped selling models in response to questions over their safety.

"I expect other retailers and manufacturers of hoverboards to take action and offer a full refund now to their customers as well," said CPSC chairman Elliot F Kaye in a statement.

"I also expect responsible large-volume online sellers

Tech BYTE

business to be the browser of choice on a device or the search engine on a device," Chris Green, a technology analyst at consultancy firm Lewis, told the BBC. "It really does, I think, highlight the importance that's being put on being able to own real estate and the conduits through which people access information."

However, Mr Green also noted that it was generally

in particular to stop selling these products until we have more certainty regarding their safety.”

A charging hoverboard was recently cited as the cause

of a fire that destroyed a family home in Melbourne, Australia.

In the UK in December, National Trading Standards

said that 88% of hoverboards examined by the body since October 2015 could explode or catch fire.

"The main problem that all of these other hoverboards, that you've been seeing, have is that they use very poor quality components in an effort to bring their costs down," Peter Treadway, chief executive of skateboard firm Blink, told the BBC during an interview at CES in January.

Besides fire hazards, the CPSC chairman also cited increasing reports of serious injuries to hoverboard users in falls associated with the devices.

A London teenager, aged 15, who was riding a hoverboard died in December after he was hit by a bus.

The CPSC recommends that hoverboard users keep a working fire extinguisher nearby when charging or using the devices and that they be charged only in open areas away from flammable materials.

Its investigation into a range of hoverboard makes has not yet resulted in any specific determinations about their safety, the CPSC said. (BBC)

Type with your brain: Future tech ditches keyboard

n the not-too-distant future, we could be communicating with our computers — and each other — using only our thoughts.

Scientists are already working on technology that connects the brain to electronic gadgets and two new devices unveiled this week could help usher in a future without keyboards: a wireless brainwave headset and a brain sensor that dissolves in the body after completing its job.

At the University of California San Diego, bioengineering professor Gert Cauwenberghs and his team came up with an easy way to monitor the brain. They have built the first portable, 64-channel wearable brain activity monitoring system that’s compara-

ble to state-of-the-art equipment found in research laboratories.

Cauwenberghs says the idea is to allow scientists and doctors

to check brain function or activity without implanting electrodes.

“There has been much progress in brain stimulation, but it’s very invasive,” he said. With our device, you just place it on your head.”

Cauwenberghs says the team has come up with two devices: a high-resolution 64-channel EEG monitor for research and clinical settings that attaches to the patient’s skin, and a 20-channel device that is designed for quick readings -- to check for brain damage from a concussion or stroke, for example, when time is important.

This lower-resolution device is easier to put on but can still read brainwaves just by attacking to the hair.

The device was described in a study published in IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.

The group behind the wireless EEG monitor says their neuroimaging systems could someday work with mobile sensors and smartphones to track brain states throughout the day, perhaps even boost the brain’s capabilities.

“This is going to take neuroimaging to the next level by deploying on a much larger scale,” said Mike Yu Chi, a UCSD Jacobs School alumnus and chief technology officer of the startup firm Cognionics who led the team that developed the headset used in the study. “You will be able to work in subjects’ homes. You can put this on someone driving.” (Discovery)

18 Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 24, 2016

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

Bacon, Egg and Toast Cups

Ingredients

6 slices white or whole-wheat sandwich bread

1/4 cup butter, melted 6 slices bacon, preferably thick cut 6 large eggs Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper Cooking spray

Wood as a finish or accessory.

Bringing wood into your interiors is one of the easiest and warmest of natural materials

Method Preheat oven to 375o F. Spray 6 standard muffin cups with cooking spray.

Flatten your bread and place your largest round cutter on the bread and use as a guide to cut that size hole.

Cut each round in half, then press two halves into each muffin cup, overlapping slightly and making sure bread comes up to edge of cup.

Use extra bread to patch any gaps on

bottom or sides. Brush bread with melted butter.

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium, until almost crisp. The bacon will continue to cook in the oven.

Lay 1 bacon slice in each bread cup and crack an egg over each. Season with salt and pepper. Place muffin tin on a rimmed cookie sheet to catch any bacon fat.

Bake until egg whites are just set: 20 to 25 minutes.

Serves 6 or more.

GREATEST COOKING TIPS

F

or vegetable soups, always sautĂŠ the veggies before you add the stock or the water. This method enriches the taste by allowing the flavours to blend, and reduces cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes.

Use leftover hot water to kill sponge germs. After boiling water for a cup of tea, pour the remaining water from the kettle over the dish sponge.

Slicing meat to grind or cook in a stir-fry can be tricky even with a sharp knife. To make it easier, place the meat in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to stiffen it up.

Before pouring milk into a pot for boiling, rub butter along the top edge and inside lip of the pot. When the milk foams up, it will stop over spilling when it hits the butter.

Choosing natural elements that make you feel at peace varies from person to person; from a water feature to a colour in nature, choose natural elements that incorporate your style

W

Natural sunlight as a design element. Natural day-lighting can make any room come alive and is one of the easiest, cheapest and most beautiful natural elements

HOME HELP

hen dusting your television or venetian blinds, use a soft cloth that has been dampened with fabric softener, this will reduce the static that attracts dust.

Another way to deal with faded or soiled Venetian blind tapes is to brighten them with white shoe polish.

Soak greasy tools in Coca-Cola. When tools and mechanical items get gummed up with oil and grease, soak them overnight in a bath of Coca-Cola. It will cut the grease and make them shine.

When you prepare corn on the cob, pasta, potatoes, or other vegetables, don’t pour the hot water down the drain. Instead, when the water has cooled, pour it directly onto a thirsty plant.

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JANUARY 24, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

New dads may Researchers find depressive increase in first experience postpartum symptoms five years of fatherhood depression

W

A

JOKES Peanuts

man visits his aunt in the nursing home. It turns out that she is taking a nap, so he just walks into the room quietly and sits down in a chair, flips through a few magazines, and munches on some peanuts sitting in a bowl on the table as he waits for her to wake up.

Eventually, the aunt wakes up, and her nephew realizes he's absentmindedly finished the entire bowl of peanuts. "I'm so sorry, auntie, I've eaten all of your peanuts!"

"That's okay, honey," the aunt replied. "After I've sucked the chocolate off, I don't care for them anyway."

T

Flying High

hree men and one woman are stranded on a boat for several days. Finally after days of hardship, a helicopter spots the people and pulls down a rope to have them climb up into it. All four people begin climbing up the rope. The pilot of the helicopter yells down at the people. "There is only enough room for three people. Somebody is going to have to let go." All the men immediately refuse to let go of the rope.

The woman bravely says, "My entire life the men in my life had had to sacrifice for me. My father had to work hard to put a roof over my head, my brother had to protect me from bullies and my husband has always been there for me. This time I am going to sacrifice for the men and I am going to let go." The men were so touched by this speech that they all clapped.

A

elcoming a new baby brings joy and challenges.

Much attention has been focused on how it's normal for new mothers to experience a wide range of emotions and to feel a little blue in the first few weeks after birth, but new research suggests that men, too, can show symptoms of postpartum depression when they enter fatherhood.

A longitudinal study published in the journal "Pediatrics" analyzed the transition to fatherhood among men who were around 25 years old when they became fathers. The study used data from 10,623 men, which came from a

The Talkative Turtle A

talkative turtle overheard two hunters say that they were planning to catch turtles the very next

Daddy’s Trick

In Memoriam

eeing her friend Sally wearing a new locket, Meg asks if there is a memento of some sort inside.

“Yes,” says Sally, “a lock of my husband’s hair.”

“But Larry’s still alive.”

“I know, but his hair is gone.”

W

Senior Lingo

enior citizens have taken to texting with gusto.

They even have their own vocabulary: BFF: Best Friend Fainted BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth CBM: Covered by Medicare LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out GGPBL: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low!

A

day. When the hunters left, the turtle asked two cranes to help him escape.

"Beautiful white birds," he said, "if you hold a long stick between your beaks, I'll close my mouth tightly in the middle of it, and then you can fly up and carry me to safety."

"Good idea," said the cranes.

"But, for the plan to succeed, you will have to keep your mouth closed tightly on the stick and you must not say a word!" The turtle agreed and biting on the middle of a stick held in the beaks of two birds, off he was carried.

When the birds were high in the air with the turtle dangling down from the stick, some people on the ground looked up at the strange sight in the sky and said, "What clever birds! They figured out how to carry a turtle!"

The proud, talkative turtle cried out, "It was my idea!" and fell tumbling down to earth. (A tale from India)

Reflections Kindness

One never knows How far a word of kindness goes; One never sees How far a smile of friendship flees.

Down, through the years, The deed forgotten reappears.

One kindly word The souls of many here has stirred.

Man goes his way And tells with every passing day, Until life's end: "Once unto me he played the friend."

We cannot say What lips are praising us to-day.

We cannot tell Whose prayers ask God to guard us well.

But kindness lives Beyond the memory of him who gives.

Edgar Albert Guest

A Dime a Dozen

hile visiting a retirement community, a man and his wife decided to do some shopping and soon became separated.

"Excuse me," the man said, approaching a clerk.

"I’m looking for my wife. She has white hair and is wearing white shoes."

Gesturing around the store, the clerk responded, "Take your pick."

S

men who lived in the same house as their children.

Symptoms of depression were higher among men who lived with their children than among fathers who did not live with their

STORY TIME

little boy greeted his grandma with a hug and said: "I'm so happy to see you, Grandma. Now maybe Daddy will do the trick he has been promising us."

"What trick's that?" she asked.

"Well," said the little boy excitedly, "I heard Daddy tell Mummy that he would climb the walls if you came to visit us again."

S

combined four waves to support a 23-year longitudinal analysis. The researchers found that depressive symptoms increased on average by 68 percent over the first five years of fatherhood for

children or men who did not have any children.

The study showed that fathers are showing increased depressive symptoms during their children's key attachment years, the first five years of life. The paper suggests that it is essential to identify at-risk fathers based on social factors. Once at-risk fathers are identified, effective interventions can be designed to improve health outcomes for the entire family.

If you are feeling down or think you may be experiencing depression symptoms, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor, who can guide you on the best course of action. (www.parenting.com)

Drawing God

kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing.

She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.

The girl replied, "I'm drawing God." The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like."

Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute."

By Grammar G

A

crostics are a fun poetic form that anyone can write. They have just a few simple rules.

To begin with, an acrostic is a poem in which the first letters of each line spell out a word or phrase.

The word or phrase can be a name, a thing, or whatever you like. When children write acrostics, they will often use their own first name, or sometimes the first name of a friend.

Usually, the first letter of each line is capitalized.

This makes it easier to see the word spelled out vertically down the page.

Acrostics are easy to write because they don’t need to rhyme, and you don’t need to worry about the rhythm of the lines. Each line can be as long or as short as you want it to be.

To create an acrostic, follow these five easy steps: 1. Decide what to write about.

2. Write your word down vertically.

3. Brainstorm words or phrases that describe your idea.

4. Place your brainstormed words or phrases on the lines that begin with the same letters.

5. Fill in the rest of the lines to create a poem.

The first step is to decide what you would like to write an acrostic poem about. You can start by writing an acrostic based on your name or on your favourite thing, whatever

that happens to be. It doesn’t matter if your favourite thing is cricket, video games, chocolate, music, pizza, movies, or anything else.

Check out this acrostic poem on candy: -Crunchy chewy -Awesome -Nice and sweet -Delightful and delicious -Yummy treat!

Here are a few things to remember as you begin writing your own acrostics: acrostics can be about anything; names are a common topic (try writing one using your best friend’s name and giving it to him or her as a gift); you can use single words, phrases, or even full sentences in your acrostic poem.

20 Sunday Times Magazine

JANUARY 24, 2016

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Times Sunday Puzzle

Mrs. Duffus would often complain when Duffus left the door to the basement open. "The cool air from the basement makes the upstairs cold; close that door, Duffus!" she would rant.

"It won't do any such thing," Duffus would reply and go on his way.

Duffus was right, but why? see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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JANUARY 24, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine 21

Times Kids

Creature Corner

GEOZONE

Rainforests Flying Snake

T

he image of airborne snakes may seem like the stuff of nightmares, but in the jungles of South and Southeast Asia it is reality.

Flying snake (Chrysopelea) is a misnomer, since, barring a strong updraft, these animals can’t actually gain altitude. They’re gliders, using the speed of free fall and contortions of their bodies to catch the air and generate lift.

Once thought to be more parachuters than gliders, recent scientific studies have revealed intricate details about how these limbless, tubeshaped creatures turn plummeting into piloting. To prepare for take-off, a flying snake will slither to the end of a branch, and dangle in a J shape. It propels itself from the branch with the lower half of its body, forms quickly into an S, and flattens to about twice its normal width, giving its normally round body

a concave C shape, which can trap air.

By undulating back and forth, the snake can actually make turns. Flying snakes are technically better gliders than their more popular mammalian equivalents, the flying squirrels.

There are five recognised species of flying snake, found from western India to the Indonesian archipelago. The smallest species reach about 2 feet (61 centimetres) in length and the largest grow to 4 feet (1.2 meters).

Flying snakes are mildly venomous snakes, but their tiny, fixed rear fangs make them harmless to humans.

Their diets are variable depending on their range, but they are known to eat rodents, lizards, frogs, birds, and bats.

The twin-barred tree snake is thought to be rare in its range, but flying snakes are otherwise quite abundant and have no special conservation status.

The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order.

Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all please see solution on page 23

digits 1 through 9.

A

rainforest is a forest near the equator (the invisible line that runs around the fattest part of the planet) that gets a lot of rain.

The equator doesn’t have seasons, because it doesn’t tilt toward or away from the sun, like the north and south parts of the Earth do. The equator is warm (more than 60 degrees Fahrenheit /16 degrees Celsius) all year round. Around 400 inches (1,016 centimeters) of rain fall on the average throughout the year.

There are rainforests in South and Central America, as well as in Africa, Asia and Australia.

This combination of warmth and rain is

exactly what plants need, so the trees can grow big and tall. The canopy (the leafy roof) of a rainforest can reach 150 feet (64 meters) high. Some extra-tall trees grow higher than the canopy — up to 250 feet (76 meters). Lower down, where less sun can reach, there is less green, but more types of plants and animals than any other place on Earth.

In Guyana, the Iwokrama forest is a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest. It is located in the geographical heart of Guyana and is home to numerous species of flora (plants) and fauna (animals) – some still to be discovered by humans.

22 Sunday Times Magazine

JANUARY 24, 2016

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JANUARY 24, 2016

Sunday Times Magazine 23

World Times

A

E

xcited UFO hunters claim to have spotted fighter jets chasing an “alien ship” - but then deciding not to shoot.

Naturally, the seasoned alien-spotters at UFO Sightings Daily claim this is proof that Earth’s military know not to mess with alien craft.

The incident, at Nova Zagora in Bulgaria, was shared by local site Portal12 - and shows a series of stills captured over the villages of Gaz and Zagortci.

Scott C Waring of UFO Sightings Daily said, “Here is an interesting incident

that occurred a few days ago in Bulgaria.

“A UFO was seen over farm land near some very tall power lines and it was being monitored by a military aircraft.

“The UFO seems to not be in any kind of hurry to move and the jet seems like it’s only there to identify the craft to those back at base.

“I don’t think any military will risk deliberately shooting at an alien craft.”

There are no reports from the government explaining what the fighter jets were actually chasing.

(Yahoo)

Brain Teaser Answer Hot air rises and cold air descends, so cool air from the basement wouldn't rise and make upstairs rooms colder.

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

n extraordinary tree frog thought to have died out more than a century ago has been rediscovered in India.

The discovery was made by renowned Indian biologist Sathyabhama Das Biju and a team of scientists, in the jungles of north-eastern India.

It is hoped the frogs might now be found across a wide area, from China to Thailand.

Studies of the frog have also led scientists to reclassify it as an entirely new genus.

The golf ball-sized frog lives in tree holes up to 6m (19ft) above ground, which may have helped it stay undiscovered.

Although other scientists have suggested it may have gone unnoticed simply because there are so few scientists working in the re-

mote region.

The height at which they live is not their only quirk, with females laying their fertilised eggs in tree holes filled with water, only to return after the tadpoles hatch, to feed them with unfertilised eggs.

Unlike most frogs, adults also eat vegetation rather than insects and larvae.

The newly uncovered frogs were first found by accident in 2007, during a search for other animals.

Mr Biju, of the University of Delhi, is known as The Frog Man in India, for discovering 89 of the country’s 350 or so frog species.

“We heard a full musical orchestra coming from the tree tops. It was magical.

Of course we had to investi-

gate,” Mr Biju said.

Using DNA analysis, Mr Biju and his colleagues have now identified the frogs as part of a new genus, meaning it has a new name.

It has changed from Polypedates jerdonii named after Thomas Jerdon, the British zoologist that collected the previously only known specimens in 1870 - to Frankixalus jerdonii, after herpetologist Franky Bossuyt - Mr Biju’s adviser when he studied at Vrije Universiteit in Brussels, Belgium.

Although the frogs have since been found in significant numbers, they are far from safe, Mr Biju warned, with tropical forests being cut down at alarming rates to make way for agriculture and human settlements. (BBC)

Reconstructing the ‘world’s biggest dinosaur’

S

“

eeing the reaction of the people is fantastic. It all makes sense - we do this because we’re interested in the science, but it all goes back to society.”

Palaeontologist Diego Pol is talking about a very special fossil specimen, a giant dinosaur he excavated in the desert of central Argentina.

This titan of the Cretaceous Period, or at least a fibreglass replica of its skeleton, has now taken up residence as an exhibit in New York’s American Museum of Natural History (AMNH).

The cast is 122ft long (37.5m) and represents a giant plant-eating titanosaur that lived in the forests of Patagonia between 100 and 95 million years ago. It may well be the biggest dinosaur yet discovered, but is so new it doesn’t yet have a formal

scientific name.

The dinosaur cast was unveiled before a packed crowd of media on 14 January. The skeleton grazes the 19ft-high (5.8m) ceilings of the museum’s Wallach Orientation Center and its head and neck stick out of the room, gazing towards the lifts.

The story behind the exhibit is told in a new BBC

One documentary presented

by Sir David Attenborough.

The story behind the monster dino specimen goes back to 2013, when a shepherd spotted the tip of a huge fossilised bone sticking out of a rock in La Flecha Farm in the desert of Central Patagonia.

Palaeontologists from the Egidio Feruglio Paleontology Museum (MEF) in Trelew set

T

wo twin strangers from Ireland -who never knew the other existed until two months ago -- recently took a DNA test to find out if they were related.

The results “absolutely surprised” the both of them, according to Niamh Geaney, who added that she and her doppelganger Irene Adams “couldn’t believe” the results.

Geaney -- who’s from Dublin, Ireland -- told ABC News today she first connected with Adams -- who’s from Sligo, Ireland -- this past November after a friend of Adams’ told her she looked like “that doppelganger girl on the news.”

Coincidentally, a friend of Adams’ brother also contacted Geaney around the same time.

“We got in touch, met up and it was absolutely surreal to see yet another one of my doppelgangers in the flesh,” said Geaney, 27. She explained that Adams, 28, is actually the third doppelganger she’s discovered so far since creating

Twin Strangers, a website and tool that uses facial recognition software to match you to a potential lookalike.

“We clicked instantly, and just like my second doppelganger, she not only looked exactly like but also acted like me,” Geaney said. “It was like watching myself. Our facial expressions are exactly the same, our eyes and nose crinkle the same way, we smile the same and she also talks with her hands just like me.”

up camp at the site and proceeded to excavate the bone.

It turned out to be a 2.4mlong femur - the largest of its type ever found.

By the end of the dig they had uncovered 223 bones belonging to seven specimens.

The example represented in New York appears to be the biggest of this batch, and bigger than its closest rival - another giant titanosaur called Argentinasaurus. But it’s difficult to say for sure, because Argentinasaurus is much less complete, and its size has to be estimated from just a few bones.

“It’s really unique to have so many bones from these large dinosaurs,” says Diego Pol. The latest discoveries come from sedimentary rocks deposited in a riverine environment 100 million years ago. (BBC)

Dozens of users commented on video of Geaney’s and Adam’s meetup, suggesting the two should get a DNA test since the both of them were from Ireland and could actually be “10th cousins or related somewhere down the line,” Geaney said.

This past December, the two went to national DNA testing center DNA Ireland, where they gave samples of their saliva.

The samples were used for three tests that determined the probability of the two being sisters, half sisters, or related at all based on lineage traced up to 20,000 years ago. There was only a 0.1 percent chance the two shared one parent.

We were shocked,” Geaney said. “We thought, ‘OK, we definitely have to have relatives from the same place somewhere down the line,’ but that wasn’t the case.”

Geaney added that she believes the test has “fascinating implications” and that the test could suggest “doppelgangers really are, in fact, a mysterious phenomenon.” (Yahoo)

24

Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 24, 2016

Fun Times

Archie

Don't take on more than you can handle. You are best (March 21off protecting against illness April 19) or injury. Slow down and do whatever it takes to get along with others. Strive to be disciplined.

ARIES

Step into the spotlight TAURUS and share your thoughts (April 20and plans. You'll draw atMay 20) tention and inspire others to get involved in your cause.

Romance will enhance your personal life.

Make a choice to get things GEMINI (May 21- done. Added discipline will June 20) help you reach your goal.

Bring about positive change.

Don't put up with someone or something that is weighing you down.

Get physical and get things done.

You will have peace of (June 21mind when your to-do list is July 22) cleared and you can spend time relaxing with someone you love.

CANCER

Dilbert

LEO Toy with the idea of mak(July 23- ing changes to your current Aug. 22) personal situation. Making a commitment or changing where or how you live will have its benefits.

You'll have plenty of options VIRGO and opportunities. Making per(Aug. 23sonal changes will be gratifySept. 22) ing and will lead to a better future. Don't limit the possibilities. Take care of responsibilities and make your move.

Stick to pastimes that LIBRA bring you joy and take your (Sept. 23mind off any problems you Oct. 23) face at home or work. A break will help you see your concerns rationally.

Peanuts

Plan something special SCORPIO with friends, relatives or the (Oct. 24one you love. A trip or a roNov. 22) mantic encounter will brighten you life and give you greater hope, confidence and optimism.

Participate in an enjoyable SAGITTARIUS event.

Avoid any person or sit(Nov. 23uation that has the potential Dec. 21) to lead to an argument. Make personal improvements and avoid criticizing others.

Calvin and Hobbes

Your intuition will guide CAPRICORN you in personal matters.

(Dec. 22Make positive changes to your Jan. 19) personal life that will impress the ones you love. Explore your interests and visit new places.

Emotions will surface.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- Don't get disgruntled if you Feb. 19) want to avoid a feud. Look at whatever situation you face with an open mind and heart.

Put more thought into the PISCES (Feb. 20- way you express your feelings March 20) and actions. Giving the wrong impression will come back to haunt you. Honesty and integrity will be your ticket to better days ahead.