Pepperpot epaper 09 18 2016

â–º Centre

Samuel Maughn photo

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

Unearthing the Past - A unique exhibition stresses the importance of the Walter Roth Museum

By Subraj Singh When it was announced that the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology would be removed from its current home on Main Street and relocated to the National Museum, there was a great hue and cry from the general populace. The response to the planned relocation indicated that people are aware of the value of the Walter Roth Museum and that they understand the importance it has to the Guyanese and, further, that they know why a space containing treasures of such importance to the country deserves its own area and should not be relegated to being subsumed into

the National Museum. The Walter Roth Museum, by coincidence, has launched an exhibition that underscores its own importance and worth at a time when the subject of the relocation of the museum has not entirely disappeared from everyone else’s minds.

In fact, the exhibition – entitled “Archaeological Discoveries 1966 – 2015, Exhibition and Fair, and Amerindian Myths, Legends and Oral Traditions of Guyana, 2016” – was a multifaceted event, rich with opportunities to learn about and to appreciate both our archaeological and Amerindian heritage. The importance of the Walter Roth Museum has been

magnified because of this event, because of all it offers to the people of this country, because the event itself is one of the events designed to highlight our indigenous ancestors and, ironically, the importance of the museum is more visible than ever because this exhibition comes hot on the heels of the government’s attempt to relocate the Walter Roth Museum.

The exhibition and fair ran from September 13-16, and allowed visitors many opportunities to experience the past through the contemporary work being done by the Museum. Of course, the most obvious treat awaiting visitors who came to the exhibition was the opportunity

to see the exhibits that are in the museum itself. The shell mounds – huge mounds of leftover shellfish and other debris – that provide tons of information to archaeologists who study pre-Columbian societies in Guyana and the West Indies, the various utensils that give an idea of what life in the Amerindian villages were like, or the weapons that transport the more adventurous back into the forests of the past, and even canoes, slim and sturdy, which place the image in the mind’s eye of oneself shooting over rapids, are among the many items on exhibit within the Walter Roth Museum itself.

Well-known storyteller, Mr. Michael Khan, was also one of the special attractions at the exhibition where he ► Continued on page III

Amerindian girls in traditional clothing at the opening of the exhibition. (Ministry of Education photo)

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

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► From page II engaged the audience with his indigenous folktales and his spectacular storytelling skills. At the opening of the exhibition, for example, Mr. Khan managed to keep the audience, many of whom were schoolchildren, hooked on to his story from the moment he began to the moment the last word left his mouth.

His storytelling style is itself seems to come from the oral folk traditions that can be found in early African, Amerindian and East Indian storytelling traditions. Performance, voice and body are all integral to his particular style of storytelling and he is well aware of how to use these various elements to ensure that his audience never loses interest.

Even his choice in story is interesting and worthy of mentioning. At the exhibition’s opening, for example, he told an Amerindian folktale that was one of several types of indigenous tales – the creation myth – which told of how various aspects of the world as we know it today were created. Mr. Khan’s rendition of the story told of how the rain came to the earth when a large woman who tried to descend to our world got stuck in a hole and began to cry, and also of how death was introduced to the land when she died. Such stories are important because they can tell us of how people view their environment and society.

From the Amerindian tales, for example, such as that particular one told by Mr. Khan, the relationship between the natural environment and man is very pronounced and that is a relationship that is strongly represented in real life Amerindian culture. Stories, most unfortunately, are not

like artefacts like spears and jewellery that can be preserved in the earth and then dug up many years later to be studied. Stories rely on being passed on to survive – whether through writing or, as in the case of the early peoples, through oral traditions and retelling them to other people.

This means that if people like Mr. Khan, the storytellers in our communities, are removed or are unable to pass on these tales to other people, then the tales would cease to exist and their lessons, their morals and the characters who teach us about ourselves will all disappear from our culture and from our society.

Therefore, an exhibition such as the one held by the Walter Roth Museum, an exhibition that understood and sought to showcase how oral traditions are as important as items that are excavated and dug up, deserves much applause for attempting to preserve and present this particular aspect of the country’s intangible heritage. There is a special beauty in knowing that someone present at the exhibition, perhaps a schoolchild or one of the cameramen, listened to one of Mr. Khan’s stories and then went on to tell them to someone else and so, helped to extend, a little, the life of a Guyanese folktale.

Another aspect of the exhibition that catered to children involved the making of indigenous feather and body ornaments. Children and adults were also exposed to on methods of conserving archaeological materials, such as pottery reconstruction and the process of documentation. A site test unit was also recreated to allow persons to have a chance to access the unique opportunity to be part of an archaeologi-

Mr Michael Khan thrilled school students with his Amerindian folk tales. (Ministry of Education photo) cal dig at the back of the museum. Clearly this event was designed to inculcate a love and further understanding of archaeology and archaeological processes in the hopes of creating future Guyanese archaeologists or even to ensure that people have a more thorough appreciation of how the processes in the field works.

Also present at the opening of the exhibition, and crucial to much of the work being done by the Walter Roth Museum, was Louisa Daggers, Guyana’s first female resident archaeologist. In her presentation to the audience, she noted that archaeology is not only the study of past peoples and cultures based on the artefacts they left behind, but also that archaeology is a public service and that it enables practitioners and academics to inform the public of their past while, at the same time, enabling the public to be involved.

Daggers is also fully

aware of the importance of her field and knows that the field can address critical issues such as climate change, resource consumption, the impact of human population on species diversity and human adaptive responses to changing environments. According to Daggers, archaeology can “contribute meaningfully to policy development, tourism, and ultimately foster a sense of belongingness among Guyanese.”

Daggers has also spoken about her excitement for the University of Guyana’s new

Archaeology programme, where one can study for an Associate Degree in the field.

The university’s programme incorporates Historical Anthropology, Linguistics, Tourism and Anthropology, Biological Anthropology and other courses that contribute towards exposing students to hands-on field and lab work including GIS and data analysis.

While we can agree with Daggers when she says that Guyana lacks the proper infrastructure that supports archaeology, such as

proper policy and research facilities, there is no doubt that initiatives such as the exhibition held at the Walter Roth Museum went a long way in sensitizing the public to archaeological processes and introducing them to the artefacts, and the history behind those artefacts, which are, in fact, the public’s own history that has been unearthed and placed in front of them so they can learn from their own past in order to ensure that they are granted a solid future.

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

By Subraj Singh

Ernest Cline’s

Ready Player One

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egendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg is directing a film adaptation of Ready Player One. Is there any other greater recommendation of a book than to say that Spielberg has chosen to adapt it? Should I even keep writing in an attempt to convince you to read this book, or are you already sold? All of the film adaptations directed by

Spielberg have gone on to become well-known and well-loved movies and there is no doubt that Ready Player One will also become such a film, not only because the adaptation is being helmed by a director of Spielberg’s caliber but also because of the source material, the novel itself, which is sharp, poignant, fun, funny, and very well-written.

The novel is set in the future, in 2044, where the world is plagued by financial and social issues. Many of the people in the world in which the novel is set use the OASIS, a virtual world with elements of various current video games and multiplayer online role-playing games, as the main form of escaping the many problems that exist in their society. In fact, the OASIS is so popular and so needed, it does seem as though people spend more time in the virtual world, attached to their visors and haptic gloves, instead of the real world where real world problems exist. There is an interesting blurring between the real world and the virtual world in an attempt to show how intrinsic technology is to human existence in the near future. People even go to school in the OASIS. The main character of the book, Wade, is an overweight and awkward teenager whose use of the OASIS is a reminder of the ways in which gaming can serve as an expression of what is going on in the minds of the players (particularly how gaming, in a manner similar to reading, is also a form, if a more condemned one, of escaping one’s reality), especially when one of the first things we learn about Wade is how he has altered his avatar within the OASIS to be a better looking version of himself – thus communicating so much information about how Wade feels about himself. If we close our eyes and think of the concept: a poor, and poorly-nourished boy stuck in his poverty-stricken home is plugged into this virtual world and is able to live as an entirely other version of himself, we can begin to understand the complexity and beauty of the concept in the novel.

However, thus far, all that has been described is the main premise in which Ready Player One is set. The plot itself has to do with James Halliday, deceased creator of the OASIS, and the will he left behind which contains clues that could lead to one of the players in the OASIS amassing amazing amounts of wealth and power. Wade

(Crown Publishers, 2011) becomes the first person to solve the first clue and from then on, as we see his encounters with other players (both friends and enemies), as he learns to navigate the large and complex world that is the OASIS, as he escapes from the evil corporation that wants to kill him, and as he figures out clue after clue and moves closer to winning the game, it is impossible to not become enthralled and engrossed in the novel as it spirals, twists and turns, and leads us along on one hell of a rollicking good ride.

Wade falls in love, he overcomes his flaws and failings and he does become the great hero he is meant to be – and although this formula does seem similar, be assured that the way it is presented in Ready Player One, in the futuristic, technology-driven world created by Ernest Cline, ensures that it is a fresh and new approach, guaranteed to make you invest time and emotion, to that age-old formula readers will never be able to get enough of.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

Breaking down a Break up

Hello Everyone,

I hope this week has treated you well.

Today I would like to talk about emotional heartache, how it can affect our mental health and the ways in which one can get over a relationship. This week alone, seven persons told me they no longer have the will to live as their partner has broken up with them. This article is dedicated to all of you.

I’m sure we have all experienced the pain of a break up. Does it cause mental and physical strain? Yes. Is it the end of our overall happiness and lives? No. Are there things that can be done to make the grieving process bearable and shorter?

Yes. I believe that everything is relative. I believe it doesn’t make a difference if the relationship lasted for 15 years or 15 months- love is love and the pain of losing it is the same.

If you’ve just broken up with someone- I feel for you. You’re more than likely feeling hurt, angry, embarrassed, and revengeful – just about everything. Well I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news. The bad news is that you will feel this way for some time- maybe longer than you’ll like. The good news is that this is the normal grieving process and as the saying goes “time heals all wounds.”

Going through the pain of a break up can actually cause serious mental and physical issues. Some symptoms even mimic the signs of depression such as trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, high anxiety and loneliness, high levels of anger, low levels of concentration, and irritability.

A loss of interest in things that were once enjoyable and suicidal thoughts are also common. The symptoms are of course worsened if the individual is already suffering from a mental illness.

There are also a lot of physical issues that takes place during a break up. From what I see in most people, a break up automatically results in heavier alcohol/substance use. This right away increases chances of headaches, nausea, high blood pressure and of course addiction.

A breakup also causes a great deal of stress which very often results in weight loss or gain, high blood pressure, hair loss, skin break out etc. There is also stressed- induced cardiomyopathy, which is commonly referred to as "broken heart syndrome." This actually isn’t a joke as research shows that serious heartache can cause areas of your heart to temporarily enlarge which restricts blood from pumping normally. Extreme cases of this can result in short-term muscle failure. The good news? It’s very rare.

Studies also show that during a break up, pain synapses are actually fired off in the brain which registers as emotional and physical pain on the body. One particular study that of course interested me showed how missing an ex is the same as when a recovering cocaine addict misses his drug. When participants of the study were shown pictures of their ex, it activated the same part of the brain that is usually activated during withdrawal from a substance. This isn’t surprising as there is the common saying “love is a drug and everyone is a junkie”.

So we know the effects of heart ache, the problem is, life still has to go on. We still have to go to work, school, take care of our children or parents –whatever our regular responsibilities. And how do we do this?

The death of a relationship causes similar stages of grief that an actual death may cause.

These are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. To overcome a break-up, one typically goes through each phase. As examples, you might not want to accept that the relationship is over, you will become angry when you realise it actually might be, you may plead with your partner for it not be over, they may not accept which causes depression but after some time passes, you’ve accepted the situation and start to feel better.

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Acceptance is typically the last stage but I’d advise that it’s also needed in the first stage.

That is, you accept the hurt that you are feeling. It is normal to feel hurt, betrayed, hopeless and helpless after a break up. Allow yourself the appropriate amount of time to grieve.

The first thing friends do is try to push you to go out after a break-up but it’s okay to sit at home and cry, scream or whatever you feel you need to do.

Secondly, it is advised that you keep your distance from your ex. Cutting all communication is very difficult but usually the best approach.

Reinvent yourself and your surroundings. In the movies, after a breakup, we always see a transformation – this could be a haircut or new wardrobe. This isn’t to make the story line more exciting. There are actual studies that show a change, especially a physical one, signifies a new beginning and helps one to go into the acceptance phase faster.

Having said that, the next step would be to remove any trigger. We all tend to have little teddy bears or pictures around that remind us of our relationship. I’m not saying you have to throw everything away but put it up in a box in the cupboard for now- you don’t need to watch them every day.

Reflect well and accurately on your relationship. This is very important, especially in Guyana I think. People stay together or they want their relationship to work for all the wrong reasons. They might feel there is no one else left to meet or that they don’t want to see their ex with someone else. Reflecting on what you had and whether it’s what you really needed will be a big help. Remind yourself daily of the reality of the situation- especially if it was an unhealthy relationship.

It might sound childish but remember their bad traits. Don’t focus on the good. What did they do to annoy, anger, hurt or frustrate you? Maybe they were always late or rude to you for no reason. Feeling better already aren’t you? J A common saying I hear is “the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.” Completely inappropriate I know, but I didn’t make it up! This is called a rebound relationship and in my opinion it’s a bad idea. It feels better and exciting yes but it’s just masking the pain of the previous relationship. If the rebound ends quickly and badly, one then has to technically emotionally deal with 2 break ups now instead of one. Remain single until you have gotten over the first breakup.

Finally, get out and do new things. You have all the time now to discover yourself and things you might like. You also need a good support system around you right now.

I asked a few of my colleagues about their last breakup – how long they took to overcome the pain, what they did to do so etc. Here is what one had to say.

“I was with my last boyfriend for 3 years and it took me 5 months to fully get over him- where nothing bothers me. I had cut off all contact, unfollowed him on social media and thought of all his bad traits often. What helped me was new activities that I liked such as reading, adult colouring and going out more with my friends. If I had to cry, I let it out and then went back on with my day- I chose not to lie down and mope all day. I reminded myself that I didn’t deserve the treatment I was getting and that I could do better.”

Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@ gmail.com. Also please remember when you can come see me.

Georgetown Public Hospital :Monday- Friday – 8am- 12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings - Mondays 4:15 Good mental health group meetings- Wednesdays 4:15 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

Ensure you get value for your money

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he motto of the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) is "Value for money". The motto has a very wide interpretation and means not only that you should have your money's worth from a purchase but that the consumer should compare prices and quality of various sellers before buying an item.

It also means that one should buy locally produced goods once they compare favourably in price and quality with foreign imports, since by supporting local industry, employment would be created as well as more wealth would be generated in Guyana to the ultimate benefit of consumers.

An example of the first meaning of the motto is when one buys a consumer durable such as a washing machine or toaster. Some sellers do not give any warranty or they would give a warranty for a month, which, from our experience they rarely fully honour. The Law prescribes

that if no warranty is given, then a six-month warranty becomes automatic.

To avoid the six-month warranty, some sellers would give a month's warranty. The established firms, though their prices may be a bit higher than the various "fly-bynight" sellers, usually give a year's warranty, and have trained technicians to carry spare-parts and have vehicles to move the item to be repaired. Over the years, we have had complaints from consumers who had bought items from these less-than-reputable sellers, and it is only by threat of the Law and bringing the Consumer Commission into the complaint that some justice is secured for the consumer.

In buying electronic equipment and consumer durables, consumers are enjoined to be very clear on the conditions of sale and always demand a written warranty.

When making purchases, it is very advisable that the consumer does some "window-shopping" to compare

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

CONSUMER

CONCERNS:

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prices and quality. For example, last week-end, in the Georgetown markets, limes were being sold at six or seven for $100 to 20 for the same $100. Plantains went from $50 a pound to $100. Small tomatoes which are just coming into season were going at $80 to $120 a pound. Despite such steep variations in prices, some consumers continue to buy at the expensive prices forgetting the old and very factual adage "a dollar

saved is a dollar earned."

One should also take advantage of the discount or sale days which the supermarkets offer and give your patronage to those supermarkets which generally sell at a cheaper rate than others. A simple example is a wellknown supermarket in Stabroek Square which persists in selling Golden Harvest bread at $280 a loaf while just over the road at the Banks DIH outlet, the same loaf, and probably fresher, sells for $20 less.

Always buy the locally-produced goods, once they match the imports in price and quality. In fact, local consumers have to be reminded that some local products are the best in the world. For example, Guyana rums are the best in the world; yet some consumers would buy inferior foreign rums at higher prices!

The pasta products, sweets and curry powders produced by E. B. Beharry have the highest ISO ratings, that is, International Standards ratings, and they sell at very reasonable prices, certainly better prices than any imported equivalent.

Their products have to be at highest International Standards since they export to developed countries and if they are not up to standard, they are rejected at port.

Similar to E B Beharry, the products of Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL) and Banks DIH are ISO rated.

The biscuits produced by Banks DIH could not be bettered anywhere. Their beers compare with the best and Banks Beer is the permanent preference of most experienced beer-drinkers. Both Banks and DDL produce International brands of aerated drinks such as Pepsi and Coca-Cola and their own brand-name drinks match the international standards. Topco fruit juices contain real fruit juice and are not merely concentrates as in all the imported "juices." DDL vinegar is fermented and of the highest standard and should be distinguished from cheaper and unhealthy acetic acid mixtures which often pass off as vinegar.

The margarine, soap and yogurt produced by Sterling Products could match any imported equivalents. Indeed, Sterling margarine is produced by a unique process and is certainly the best margarine on the local market.

One could never go wrong if one is guided by the motto "Value for your money."

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

VII

Seduced and dumped - How the Indian Labour Ordinance worked against a woman who sued her fiancĂŠ for breaking their engagement to marry another woman

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N 1968, Shirley Kallicharran, a descendant of Indian immigrants, sued immigrant Ramdeen Thakurdeen for breach of promise and seduction.

She failed because the Indian Labour Ordinance, passed for the benefit of immigrants, did not impose a liability on an infant in the sense of making him liable in an action for breach of promise of marriage.

The action was dismissed by Justice Arthur Chung.

The plaintiff and the defendant were both descendants of Indian Immigrants. The former was 22 years old at the date of her trial and the latter was born on the January 4, 1949. The plaintiff claimed that on the December 26, 1966 she and the defendant had agreed to marry, but that the latter repudiated that agreement on March 27, 1967. She also claimed that the day before, that is, March 26, he had seduced her.

In the result, she filed the present action claiming damages for breach of promise and seduction. Counsel for the defendant submitted that neither action was maintainable.

It was held that, as regard the action for seduction, the person seduced could not institute proceedings.

It was also held that although the Indian Labour Ordinance empowered the male and female descendants of an immigrant to marry after the ages of fifteen and fourteen years, respectively , without parental consent , under the general law an infant would not ordinarily be liable for any breach of contract which had been entered into before attaining the age of 21, and, accordingly, the defendant would not be liable for a breach of the marriage agreement.

Ashton Chase represented the plaintiff while K. Zaman Alim represented the defendant.

The plaintiff claimed damages in excess of the sum of $500 for the breach of promise to marry, the said breach being by repudiation by the defendant at Stanleytown, West Bank, Demerara, in Guyana.

At the trial the following facts were agreed on:1.

The defendant was born on the 4th day of June, 1949 as per his birth certificate. The plaintiff was twenty-two years old.

2.

The defendant, having courted the plaintiff from March 1966, promised to marry her in June, 1966, and again in consideration therefor the plaintiff on both occasions agreed to marry the defendant.

3.

Both the plaintiff and the defendant were Hindus and agreed to marry according to Hindu rites to be followed by registration of the marriage.

4.

The defendant subsequently repudiated both of the above promises and refused to marry the plaintiff.

5.

The defendant lawfully married another lady in April, 1967.

6.

The grandparents of both the plaintiff and the defendant came from India to this country as immigrants under the immigration fund.

7.

The defendant seduced the plaintiff in March, 1967.

Counsel for the defendant submitted that on those facts the action should be dismissed since :(a) The defendant, being an infant, cannot be sued for breach of promise of marriage. (b) An action for seduction cannot be brought by the plaintiff.

By George Barclay

With regards to the claim for seduction, counsel for the plaintiff agreef that no action was maintainable but the Court could take into account the fact that the plaintiff was seduced when awarding damages to the claim for breach of promise of marriage.

As to the claim for breach of promise of marriage , he submitted that the plaintiff became sui juris at the age of 15 years under the Indian Labour Ordinance, Chapter 104. In other words, he may marry after attaining the age of 16.

He stated that under s.3 of the Marriage Ordinance, Chapter 164, consent of the parents was necessary if the party was under 21 years of age; the parties were immigrants and agreed to marry according to Hindu rites to be followed by registration of the marriage.

Under ss. 137 and 138, the defendant had the capacity to marry without the consent of his parents. In those circumstances, he should be treated as an adult and therefore can be sued on an action for breach of promise of marriage.

Even though the Indian Labour Ordinance gave an immigrant the right to marry without the consent of his or her parents it did not make him an adult so as to make him liable in an action for breach of promise of marriage.

In the circumstances, the Judge was of the opinion that the Indian Labour Ordinance was passed for the benefit of immigrants and does not impose a liability on an infant in the sense of making him liable in an action for breach of promise of marriage.

The action was thus dismissed.

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

Women who snore

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ecause all definitions state that dentistry is a division of medicine, snoring falls within this sphere and dentists are even the leading designers of devices to combat sleep apnea which is associated with snoring. Now, snoring in women is a sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension and a risk for growth retardation of the fetus, according to a new study reported in CHEST, the journal of the American College of Chest physicians.

Hypertension disorders during pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal death in the United States and Great Britain and are important causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality.

The cause of these disorders is unknown.

Because snoring is common in pregnancy, investigators in Sweden studied more than 500 pregnant women to

see what effect snoring had on their health, but according to Karl Franklin, MD, and colleagues at the Umea University Hospital in Sweden, no one has investigated whether snoring is associated with hypersensitive disorders of pregnancy. Snoring is a sign of increased upper airway resistance and obstructive sleep apnea (temporary pause in breathing) and known to be associated with arterial hypertension and coronary artery disease.

Investigators looked into the snoring-related occurrence of pre-emclampsia, a toxemia of pregnancy characterized by hypertension, proteinuria (excessive serum proteins), and edema (a buildup of fluids in body tissues), as well as daytime sleepiness, and infant outcome. The study included a questionnaire that women completed on the day of their delivery with the involve-

ment of their husband or partner. It also included analyzing Apagar scores that reflected the infant’s heart rate, respiratory effect, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and colour-all measured shortly after birth. Snoring increased during pregnancy. By the third trimester, 24 percent of the women reported that they had begun snoring or increased their level of snoring.

Twenty-three percent said that their snoring had become habitual during the last week before delivery. Habitual snoring was described as snoring every night or almost every night. Sleep apnea was observed in 11 percent of habitual snores compared with 2 percent of the nonfrequent snorers. The habitual snorers also had a more pronounced weight increase during pregnancy. Fourteen percent of the women who snored habitually had pregnancy –induced hypertension

as compared with 6 percent of the non-frequent snorers.

Ten percent of the women who habitually snored met the definition of pre-eclampsia with hypertension and proteinuria compared with 4 percent of the nonfrequent snorers.

Daytime sleepiness increasingly grew among all women during pregnancy, and no marked differences were observed between the habitual snorers and nonfrequent snorers. Daytime sleepiness started earlier in pregnancy than did snoring.

Edema of the face, hands, legs or feet occurred in 52 percent of the habitual snorers compared with 30 percent for others.

Infants born to mothers who were habitual snorers more frequently had lower birth weight and lower Apgar scores, a finding researchers described as “novel.” More than seven percent of mothers who were habitual snorers delivered an infant with growth retardation at birth compared with 2.6 percent among nonhabitual snorers.

After adjusting for weight, age, and smoking habits, snoring remained a significant predictor of growth retardation. In addition to snoring, smoking is also

Dr. BERTRAND R. STUART, DDS. found to be an independent predictor of growth retardation. An Apgar score of less than seven was more common in infants born to habitual snorers as compared with infants born to occasional or nonsnorers.

For example, 12.4 percent of infants of habitual snorers were given an Apgar test at one minute after delivery had scores of less than seven compared with 3.6 percent of the infants of nonfrequent snorers who were given the Apgar test one minute after delivery. Statistically, the percentage differences were even greater when the test was administered five minutes after delivery, but less frequent for both habitual snorers and infrequent snorers.

All the subjects who snored habitually and had pre-eclampsia started to snore before any sign of hypertension or proteinuria was present and the habitual snoring was related to sleep apneas and this includes that nocturnal upper airway ob-

struction may contribute top the development of pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-emclampsia.

The experiment concludes that it is possible that pregnant women are especially vulnerable to increases in upper airway resistance, as breathing may also be restricted by an increase in the abdominal pressure affecting the diaphragm.

Respiratory sleep studies, including the treatment of sleep apnea in women with pre-eclampsia, are desirable and may answer the question of whether there is an etiologic link between increased upper airway resistance and pre-emclampsia.

Though dentists are in a position to identify and treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea, the above study may not have much impact on a typical daily practice as many women avoid dental treatment during pregnancy or do not comprehend the relationship between dental care and sleep apnea.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

‘Forgotten’ areas of Sophia without water, electricity - But regularization may bring relief

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By Telesha Ramnarine ASIC amenities that the average Guyanese enjoy, such as water and electricity, can be considered luxuries for another group, such as those residents in North Pattensen and North Sophia, Block ‘R’ Extension, among other Sophia communities.

One the greatest disadvantage of these communities is that they do not fall under the the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and so they cannot receive any services that are offered by the municipality.

Residents would therefore have to foot the bill for every service, including garbage disposal, which costs as much as $500 each week.

But they have had to live with these and other ill conditions as they are so often reminded that they are just squatters. The communities were not started as structured or regularized areas and so the residents have to fend for themselves in every instance.

But good news for them, President David Granger has already signaled his interest in having these communities upgraded to the point that they can be handed over to the M&CC and thus benefit from many of its services. And works have started. But it will be a long process.

And the length of time its taking is somewhat understandable too, because internal and external works must be done by several agencies. And it’s not always an easy task to get everyone to cooperate at the same time, and to get them to act with urgency.

Firstly, there needs to be an understanding of what exists in the communities, such as the number of households as compared with the proposed infrastructure. This is where the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) comes in.

And then a relocation plan would become necessary as chaos would result if people are displaced with nowhere to go. This is where the Ministry of Communities may be able to assist.

After the excess would have been taken out, so to speak, how to care for those households remaining in the area must next be looked at. And then, how would finance be garnered to look after them?

After this ‘infrastructural audit’ is conducted, then the M&CC might be able to come on board as guardians of the communities to ensure that taxes are paid and services are rendered.

In the meantime, though, several projects have gotten underway due to the efforts of residents.

NEGLECTED Only three of the eight communities in Constituency Five fall under the umbrage of the M&CC, namely Bel Air, Turkeyen, and Liliendaal. The others are North Pattenson, North

Constituency Five Councilor Akeem Peter meets with some residents Sophia, B Field, A Field, Plum Park, and Farmer’s Field.

In those hard hit areas mentioned earlier, theft of electricity and water have become major concerns for the authorities.

Constituency Five Councillor Akeem Peter describes the situation this way: “Some of the residents are out of options, so they will have to borrow without giving back to supply that need.” Not to say he is condoning these acts, but this is simply the reality in some parts of Sophia.

“Water isn’t a reality in certain areas. Even water in your yard is an issue. Living in the 21st century, in 2016, you would expect that these things would no longer have to be protested for, lobbied for, that they would be somewhat basic necessities.

“But what we have found is that some of the areas have been neglected over the years. Not only neglected, but some of them forgotten,” Peter expressed in an interview with ► Continued on page X

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

‘Forgotten’ areas of Sophia ... ► From page IX the Chronicle.

The major utility companies have said they are not going to service these areas because they are not yet regularized. “So you can’t really blame the companies, neither can you blame the residents for needing these things. As a municipality, we have to find ways of serving these people even if it means coming up with ingenious ideas,” said the councillor.

And no one knows this better than Akeem, for he grew up in Sophia and often joined the long lines for water. He knows about leaving your home to go fetch water from a street or more away. And although these instances have become rarer, they still do exist.

On one of his visits, he can never forget the 69-year-old pensioner he saw in a well bringing up water. “It’s an image that I will never forget because I was thinking this could be my grandmother or my mother.”

STIGMA Councillor Peter believes that good infrastructure is not all that is needed in the Sophia communities. Residents must change certain conduct that contributes to the stigma attached to Sophia.

“We have been known for things associated with crime, violence, neglect, teenage pregnancies and abortion.

Within my tenure and even after, I would like to see the tide change for Sophia.

“It’s not only about bringing good infrastructure, but it’s changing the people who live within them. It should not only be to have good roads and streets, a playground, good drainage; the residents should reflect that development. So we should see a decline in crime and all the other ills. We should see the emergence of family life; young professionals coming out of Sophia.

“You should no longer be ashamed to mention that you are from Sophia because of that stigma attached to the area. It is said that light dispels darkness. And Sophia has been dark for too long, so I see myself as a light trying to dispel the darkness there. And I would hope that any leader that comes after me would see the same thing. A lot of times we focus on people from the outside coming to give us solutions, but I say to you now that the solutions are right in the communities,” said the Councillor.

Some communities in Constituency Five do not benefit from the services of M&CC

A 69-year-old pensioner fetches water

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

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Scarlet Tip condition on pineapples

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n Guyana, the main pineapple producing areas are located in Pomeroon- Supenaam; Essequibo Islands-West Demerara and Demerara Mahaica.

Between 2013 and 2015 local farmers produced approximately 72,791 metric tons (MT) of pineapples. Montserrat is the main variety grown.

Other varieties cultivated in small quantities are Sugar Loaf, Smooth Cayenne, and Tiger Head.

Pineapples grow well on a wide range of soils. Some pineapples are grown on the upland sandy soils, but most of the commercially grown pineapples are on riverine silt loams, clay loams and clay high in organic matter that have benefitted from improved drainage and water control systems.

Best growth is achieved on well-drained, fertile, sandy loam soils with a pH range of 4.5-5.5.

But, even with its firm exterior, crown and hard leaves, pineapples, like other crops, are susceptible to pest and diseases. One such disease is the scarlet tip. Evidence supports that the presence of a virus causes pineapple plants to be infected with the “scarlet tip” disease.

There are two pests that are likely to transmit this virus. It is believed that the pineapple mealybug (Dysmicoccus brevipes) whilst feeding diffuses the virus via saliva onto the plant. And, nematodes, (microscopic worms) have also been reported to be involved in the development of the condition, but this is yet to be confirmed.

The Montserrat variety is most susceptible to this condition in Guyana. The symptoms can be described in four stages.

During the first two stages

the leaves discolour transitioning from green to pink and then to red or bronze.

The tip of the leave changes from pink to yellow and the leaf curls downwards.

The plant begins to wilt.

The leaves, and essentially the entire plant, go through a horrifying process of withering during the third and fourth stages. Fruits produced from infected plants are usually reduced in size, malformed with fibrous, corky and sour flesh.

Detecting the “scarlet tip” disease in the early stage may be difficult.

Even after plants have been infected with the virus the scarlet symptom may take a period before visibility. The timespan varies depending upon a number of factors including the nutrient status of the plant; the number of mealybugs feeding on the plant; frequency of feeding of mealybugs on the plant; plant age; and prevailing weather conditions.

However, plants of any age have been observed to be affected by “scarlet tip,” but those that have reached 12 to 15 months seem to succumb to the condition more readily than younger or older plants.

Unfortunately, Guyana’s weather conditions seem favourable for the development of “scarlet tip”. During hot or sunny conditions the disease symptoms appear most enhanced. With the onset of rains and cooler conditions, some plants may recover from the symptoms.

As a control measure the farmer needs to burn all disease stricken plants as soon as they are spotted in the field. Further, the careful selection of planting materials is required. For instance: Mother plants, from which materials are selected should be green in colour; free from rots and

gums; and definitely free from mealybugs.

It is important that planting materials selected should be treated to promote healthy plant growth. The treatment process includes the trimming of old dry tissues that will form roots; and apply a solution of Basudin 0.05% or Malathion 0.1% before planting. The planting material should remain in the solution for about 20 minutes. Following which the planting material should be inverted and allowed to drain.

Planting can begin the following day.

Diseased pineapples

A field of healthy pineapple plants

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

Emerging Artist

Lynda Fung

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n an attempt to highlight some o f G u y a n a ’s emerging talent, particularly from our premier art institution the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, I decided to extend my platform so that the public could be better acquainted with future Guyanese art practitioners. This week’s feature highlights Lynda Fung, a young artist whose works are predominantly textile designs and sculptures.

Dominique Hunter: Tell me about yourself.

Lynda Fung: I’m a 23-year-old artist whose major is textile design and minor is sculpture. My major task, which is the bed, is based on fertility.

The top of the bed illustrates the story of fertility in its entirety. The three [supporting] posts were carved to show the three stages of pregnancy (the first, second and third trimesters). The bed sheet was done in such a way

that you could see the fetus through the torso of the woman. I chose the oval shaped bed so that you get a sense of eternity and earth tones were used so that the viewer would Lynda Fung

get the feeling of nature.

I chose the topic of fertility after being inspired by seeing pregnant women ► Continued

on page XIII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

XIII

► From page XII walking the streets and thinking that without fertility we as humans would not exist. So that was one of the reasons why I was motivated to create a piece that would help people to appreciate fertility in its entirety.

DH: What prompted your decision to join the art school?

LH: From an early age I was always drawn to making things with my hands and being creative. After I wrote Art for CSEC, I wanted to further my studies in the art school. It was my tutor who told me about the E.R. Burrowes School of Art. DH: How would you describe your journey in the art school?

LH: It was challenging. At first I felt as if I was lost especially being new in the school. There were a variety of things that I was not conscious of and it was overwhelming. But you have to keep your head on and just look towards achieving your goals. Thinking positively is the way to go because thinking with a negative mindset would force you to give up and I’ve seen that in a lot of cases with my batch. If you’re not strong-willed then you will give up. You have to learn to trust your tutors and let them inspire you.

DH: Why textile design and sculpture?

Fung’s major task for her examination exhibition was a mixed media bed that featured a combination of textile design and sculptural techniques LH: Those were my two strongest subjects and those were the areas I was encouraged to go into. After having experience in all the subject areas I was told that I should choose something I loved the most and wouldn’t get bored with easily. Most of my pieces are functional art pieces or things that you would use day to day. This way people could appreciate art more. [Usually] most art pieces are expensive but with functional pieces you’re able to advertise more. You can relate to them more and get to see them as something everyone could afford [regardless] of their status.

DH: Were you inspired by anything in particular?

A textile design produced by Lynda Fung

LH: I was inspired by both of my tutors, Ms. Volda Ramsammy and Ms. Josefa Valz. Sculpture is deep and

to think about all the work you have to do and the techniques involved I guess that is what led me to choosing it as a minor subject.

DH: What’s the plan for you now that you’ve finished Burrowes?

LH: I would like to further my studies in Trinidad & Tobago.

Lynda Fung along with eight other students (all female) exhibited their art works at the recently concluded examination exhibition at the Umana Yana, as part of the requirements for graduation from the E.R. Burrowes School of Art. The graduation ceremony for the budding artists will be held later in the year.

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About International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Celebrating 30 years of ICC, countries around the globe celebrated this year under the theme ‘Fighting for Trash Free Seas.’

On Saturday September 17, 2016, Ocean

Conservancy, the global organization behind the International Coastal Clean-up mobilized people all over the world to remove trash from their beaches, oceans and water ways and to identify the types and sources of waste. The Clean-up also raised awareness

to the tides of trash that is washed up yearly that affect human lives, livelihood and ocean dwellers. The tally of this year’s results is not yet in but let’s take a look at what came in from last year’s Coastal Clean-up.

2015 findings

During the 2015 Coastal Clean-up, more than 18 million pounds of trash were collected by approximately 800,000 volunteers around the globe.

Why should we care?

Marine litter is a big problem globally. We depend on aquatic life and water and aquatic life depend on us.

Littering and adding wastes to our water or even land affects this process. It all works in a cycle. Trash in our water ways affect the health of humans, wildlife and livelihood.

It threatens recreation and tourism which contributes to brining in income for our country.

It also affects shipping and water transportation.

What can we do to help? * Promote good policies. * Be responsible for the rubbish you generate - dispose your garbage properly. If you are on a boat take your rubbish back on land for proper disposal. * Practice Reducing, Reusing and Recycling * Choose reusable items over disposal. * Ta l k t o y o u r family and friends about the importance of proper waste management. * Take part in the annual International Coastal Cleanup.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

Take action The National body responsible for the coordination of Guyana’s Coastal Cleanup is the Caribbean Youth Environment Network, Guyana Chapter (CYEN) along with the Environmental Protection Agency under the Ministry of Natural Resources. Let’s com-

mend all the volunteers from government, NGOs, Private groups and civil society who worked together yesterday, to contribute to the global effort of preventing a great deal of trash from entering our oceans. Let’s all make an effort to tell others of how important it is to dispose of trash so that it never ends up in our oceans!

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

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KIDS ACTIVITY

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

Celebrating Indigenous Art in Indigenous Heritage Month

By Subraj Singh While the Walter Roth Museum was hosting an archaeological exhibition, at the same time another equally important exhibition was being held at the Castellani House last week.

The exhibition is entitled “Homage to Denis Williams – An Exhibition of Artworks

by Indigenous Artists.” Denis Williams is one of those iconic Guyanese whom we wish, time and time again, could be honoured in some way that is truly befitting such an important figure in

Guyanese history and culture.

Such is the importance of Denis Williams that he is a central figure not only at Castellani House’s art exhibition but also at the Walter Roth Museum’s Archaeological exhibition.

The Walter Roth exhibition has ended, but the one at Castellani House runs until October 15.

The curators are keen to let the public know that “Homage to Denis Williams” was the most appropriate title for the exhibition because Mr. Williams, among other things, was “a pioneer Archaeologist and Anthropologist” who founded the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology 50 years ago and that the Museum itself was “the precursor for several prominent Cultural Institutions in Guyana – The E.R. Burrowes School of Art (1975), The Museum of African Heritage (1985) and the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House (1993).” Williams was also a lecturer in art, a writer, an artist himself, and an academic.

The exhibition itself is as interesting as its namesake and, in truth, it is quite a wonder to behold. Neatly laid out in the halls and rooms of Castellani house are an assortment of Amerindian art – every possible type of craft and artwork created by the indigenous peoples can be found at the exhibition.

And, as interesting as the art itself, are the artists. Take, for example, Mr. Guy Fredericks from Region Nine. He practices the craft of creating balata figurines – making tiny animals (parrots, monkeys, macaws, turtles, manatees, caimans, anteaters, etc.), all of which are brilliantly coloured and exquisitely detailed. The craft, Mr. Fred-

ericks says, is something that is a part of his family and he was encouraged by his father to pursue it. He is quick to point out that making balata figurines is a difficult and time-consuming process and that even after days of working on a piece, it is often disappointing to be paid a minimal and unfair sum for many, many hours of work. He is of the opinion that making balata figures is something that cannot be taught in a classroom and that only people who pursue it on their own accord, people with a natural love for making things, will be truly successful at that art form.

One of the most interesting things about the exhibition at Castellani House is that some of the balata craftsmen are working alongside the figurines, creating new figures from scratch (complete with pots of boiling water and lumps of dried balata) as the public watches on. This is being done, according to the craftsman, so that people would get a better understanding of how complex and difficult it is to make such figurines, which would then enable the public

to better appreciate the balata crafts.

Another interesting craftsperson at the exhibition is Maria from Annai who specializes in using tibisiri straw and cotton to make everything from handbags to baskets and ornaments, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Also of interest is Sameera Hernandez from St. Ignatius who used her tortoiseshell spindle at the exhibition to demonstrate to the public the process of spinning cotton into fabric.

The crafts section of the exhibition also included colourful headdresses, dyed shirts and other handmade pieces of clothing and jewellery made entirely from natural products such as cotton, shells, beads and straw. Also on display were arrows and bows and countless pieces of ornaments and figurines, and many other new and innovative works inspired by Amerindian life and culture.

The artwork that was showcased came from a range of artists, including Oswald Hussein, Roland Taylor, George Simon, Des► Continued

on page XVII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

► From page XVI mond Alli, Edward Clenkien, Nigel Butler, Victor Captain, Ana Correia-Bevaun, Anil Roberts, Devina Deputron and others. Of course, nature was one of the dominant themes in the paintings and sculptures that were at the exhibition.

This should not be surprising since it is well known that the connection between the Amerindians and the natural world is a unique one and for nature to manifest itself – as trees and flowers, jaguars, fishes, birds and rivers – in indigenous art is something that is always expected and inevitable and yet, this knowing of what to expect never diminishes the experience of viewing the work of such artists since they always manages to present well-known concepts in new, fresh and diverse ways.

The spiritual aspect was also heavily present in many of the works as many of them sought to present the Animism aspect of ancient Amerindian religion, especially in conjunction with the other dominant theme of the environment. There is a nice juxtaposition in the exhibition that can be seen when one thinks of modern artists, creating works that seek to represent ancient concepts from Amerindian ideology and beliefs, by using modern techniques and catering to a modern audience.

In some ways, if one wishes to read that much into the process of creating art and the putting on of an exhibition such as this one, it is almost as if the exhibition itself is a subtle mirror of the current indigenous way of life itself – caught up in a modern world, with modern expectations, while, at the core, holding on to the ancient beliefs and traditions, passed down from generation to generation, that are often threatened by modernity. If anything, the exhibition shows that the past can coexist with the present, in some ways, and that, in fact, one can be used to bolster and emphasize the lessons of the other.

At the entrance to Castellani House, on a small plaque, and written in even smaller script, is a line which reads “Safeguarding and Promoting Our Heritage.” It is something that is sure to be passed over by many people who go into the building, but as one views the exhibition of Indigenous Art and then exits the building only to run into such a quote, the relevance and importance of cultural institutions like Castellani House become all the more pronounced and it becomes possible to say that with this exhibition, the institution has indeed tried to safeguard and promote a vital aspect of our nation’s heritage.

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

Exercise may reduce alcohol-related cancer risk (Reuters Health) Getting regular moderate or vigorous exercise may offset some of the potentially lethal health effects of regular alcohol consumption, a new study suggests.

Researchers con firmed an increased risk of death from alcohol-related cancers as well as death from all causes among those who drank more than just occasionally, compared to people who

never imbibed. But the elevated risk diminished or disappeared if drinkers exercised regularly.

“Alcohol is the most commonly consumed psychotropic drug that, in contrast to most other

drugs, is socially and culturally acceptable,” said senior author Emmanuel Stamatakis, an associate professor of exercise, health and physical activity at the University of Sydney in Australia.

“Alcohol consumption is high, and there are no signs that this will change,” he told Reuters Health by email. “We need to find ways to reduce some of the health risks associated with drinking.”

Nearly 90 percent of Americans report drinking alcohol during their lifetimes, and more than half of adults say they have consumed alcohol in the past month, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than half of American adults also get no exercise, according to CDC. Previous studies have linked alcohol use with increased risk for certain cancers, as well as heart disease, liver disease and several mental health conditions, the study team writes in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. However, there is little research investigating whether positive health behaviors, such as physical activity or diet, might offset the long-term risks of alcohol use.

The researchers analyzed data on 36,000 men and women over age 40 who took part in the annual Health Survey for England or the Scottish Health Survey in the 1990s and 2000s.

Participants were grouped into six categories: Never consumed alcohol, ex-drinker, occasional drinker, or drinks more than occasionally but within

current guidelines (less than 14 standard UK drink units - equivalent to 8 standard U.S. drinks - per week for women and less than 21 UK units or 12 U.S. standard drinks for men). The final two categories were “hazardous” drinking (14 to 35 UK units per week for women or 21 to 49 units for men) and “harmful” drinking (any more than "hazardous").

Researchers also categorized weekly exercise in terms of metabolic equivalents of task (METs), a measure of energy expended. An average of 7.5 METhours per week, for example, translates roughly to a little over two hours of brisk walking at 3 miles per hour.

After adjusting for other factors including age, race, sex, weight, social class, smoking and other diseases, researchers found that people drinking within guidelines and getting little or no exercise were 16 percent more likely than people who never drank to die of any cause during the course of the study, and 47 percent more likely to die of cancer. “Hazardous” drinkers had similar risks as those within guidelines, and “harmful” drinking carried a 58 percent higher risk of death from all causes and an 87 percent higher risk of death from cancer.

At 7.5 MET-hours per week, people drinking within guidelines had about the same risk of all-cause mortality as those who never drank and 11 percent higher risk of cancer death.

Hazardous drinkers had 18 percent higher risk of all-cause mortality and 9 percent higher

risk of cancer death.

With 15 MET-hours of exercise per week, drinkers within guidelines had 10 percent to 20 percent lower risk of death compared to never-drinkers, and even harmful drinkers had about the same risk of death from cancer as never-drinkers and just 13 percent higher risk of all-cause mortality.

At all exercise levels, “harmful” drinking still carried significantly elevated death risk.

Benefits of exercise include reduced inflammation and improved immunity, the study team writes, while alcohol has the opposite effect.

“There are few things that make humans look better, feel better, be more productive and live a longer and better quality life,” Stamatakis said. “For people who don’t do any physical activity, starting with 10-minute walks every week and building to 30 minutes per day is a great first step.”

“This study suggests what science tells us broadly with respect to alcohol and exercise,” said Tim Naimi, an associate professor at Boston University, who was not involved with the research.

“At the end of the day, the less people drink, the better,” he said. “And the more people exercise, the better.”

“This is about re d u c i n g t h e c o n sequences,” Naimi added. “Unlike our genes, which we can’t control, we can make better choices about exercise and drinking that can improve our health in the long run.”

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

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The eccentric Rebecca Low - national squash player, musician, coach and valedictorian

By Daniel Haynes At the age of 16, aspiring pediatrician Rebecca Low might just be one of the busiest teenagers around, and if she isn’t, well quite frankly she’s very close.

That is what happens when you mix, drive, determination, good work ethic and a will to always be better.

She is an accomplished squash player, violinist, pianist, squash coach and the latest valedictorian of Marian Academy.

Rebecca Ashley Low was born October 25, 1999 and is the younger of two sisters.

From an early age, Rebecca was always a bundle of energy and recalls having the drive to try different things.

“I was always energetic and adventurous since then and there wasn’t much I didn’t like to try,” stated Low. It was that adventurous spirit that pushed her at the age of six to start playing the piano and she hasn’t stopped since.

At age eight, she picked up the game of squash and, as is the case with many athletes, at first it was just for the sake of playing.

However, seriousness came three years later when she decided that this was something that she really

wanted to do.

The decision was easy for Rebecca. She had just finished the Grade Six Assessment examination and could now settle down and devote more time to the sport.

Despite achieving passing marks for Queens College in her exams, a Marian Academy baby by heart, Rebecca decided that she would continue her educational journey at Marian.

Her active participation in Squash picked up when at the tender age of 12, she broke into the Guyana Junior Squash Team-an accomplishment she is proud of to this date.

Her first outing on the international stage was in Jamaica at the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships in 2012. She has competed every year since, with her most recent outing being Guyana’s recent win in the Cayman Islands. Despite finishing fifth individually against her age group champion, she helped in Guyana’s continued dominance to 12 straight CASA titles.

According to Rebecca, Squash has afforded her the opportunity to travel, something that she loves so much.

“I’ve represented Guyana in

Rebecca during a match in the Cayman Islands

Jamaica, Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the Cayman Islands; and I can’t describe the feeling to wear your country’s colours,” she stated.

This year was one that found her balancing her athletics and academics even more, since she had to write the CSEC exams offered by the Caribbean Examinations Council.

She attempted 13 subjects and came out in August with ten Grade Ones and three Grade Twos, graduating fifth form with the distinction of Valedictorian.

“I’ve always believed in working hard to achieve a goal and it’s dependent on you because you have to remember how many people are counting on you to succeed.”

However, the road has not been all sunshine and roses and there were times when Squash seemed to get the better of her.

“I always put pressure on myself to do well since I know what has been invested in me; and sometimes the pressure gets to me.”

The pressure that comes with sports is something that others find it hard to see, and for Rebecca, working hard has led to some of the “grow-

ing moments” in her life.

“For me I’ve grown so much stronger since playing squash, and I’ve found that I don’t need to walk into a match with so much pressure; it’s about having fun and just doing my best and if I gave a 100 and didn’t win alright, that’s fine.”

Currently, she is on the way to getting her level two coaching certificate, in an effort to give back to the sport and will be coaching young children on Saturdays. In addition to being a student of the game, she knows that some view Squash as being a “Rich man’s game”.

“I know that Squash is expensive, because gear is expensive and we can’t change the opinions of persons but it’s about bringing exposure to the game so that persons can see that it is hard work playing and training,” she stated. “Persons don’t see when we’re up early training while they are sleeping, and we’re pushing in all this hard work.”

For Rebecca, life is a bit simpler now since she has had more free time since starting Sixth Form at Marian. She is able to study more freely as well as train more regularly. Following her drive for more, she’s taking on the SAT exam in October

Rebecca playing the violin

Rebecca Low in order to pursue studying in the United States and chase her squash and her dream of becoming a pediatrician.

“Ultimately I’m going to come home and live; I can’t see myself living anywhere else, but I want to experience the most of life right now and travel,” she laughed.

It seems as if right now she has it all figured out, and one cannot help but feel that with her drive, determination and will to always strive for more, the ball of irrepressible energy that is Rebecca Ashley Low will accomplish everything she has set out to do.

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

Work hard and always be genuine - Britanny Singh, the new Miss India Guyana

Story: Tamica Garnett Photos: Samuel Maughn

Brittany Singh was just six years old when she entered her first pageant - Little Miss Herstelling Nursery - and won, and ignited her dream to one day win at the national level and represent Guyana on the big stage.

Fast forward thirteen years later and she is about to live that fantasy. She is set to represent Guyana at the Miss India World Wide Pageant next month in New Jersey after winning the local crown three Sundays ago.

Singh is scheduled to travel to the US later this week ahead of her participation at the October 3 international pageant where she will be vying with over 20 other beauties from across the globe for the revered Miss India World Wide title.

With just 13 days of preparation, Singh along with two other young ladies - Tahirih Boodhoo and Abigail Mohabir contended for the local crown, and when all the dust settled, a surprised and tearful Singh was crowned the winner.

“I was beyond surprised but I knew with all my hard work and praying I would have been successful. I remembered back stage I was saying to myself that the only thing missing from my outfit is the crown!”

The former Business School Valedictorian dedicated her win to her late mother, who had always wanted to be there to see her win a national pageant, always believing that her Brittany could.

“Throughout the years she was alive and even now after her death all I ever want to do is to make her proud.

“When my mother was alive, she always encouraged to model and dance. She supported me in my every wish and desire.”

Singh was just twelve years old when she lost mom. She was able to pull through thanks to a great support system of mother figures who all helped to craft her into the beautiful young lady she is today.

“After she died I was battling depression, constantly, I was fighting within myself to be happy. There's no one that could replace my mother; however I have a beautiful and loving stepmom, whom is practically my best friend. I also have many mother figures in my life - my primary school teacher, who proudly calls me her daughter and accepts me as her own; my godmother who is very supportive in the things I embarked on; and I can’t forget all my amazing aunts. I believe all their support has made me into the young woman I am today.”

And what a gorgeous, adventurous young lady she is, one who does not back down from challenges, or shy away from criticism. In fact, these are traits that did her well following her Miss India Guyana win as many were not pleased that she was awarded the win. Some even personally reached out to harass her. But she was not to be daunted, taking it all in stride, believing it to be all a part of the pageant life.

“I believe in every competition there will be some drama, demeaning comments and gossips; but everyone had their own favourites.

I do believe that I deserved the crown! Besides, the score sheets were opened to the public and I saw for myself how and why I was crowned, where I fell down, which areas I need to work on,” Singh explained.

Following Singh’s crowning many believed that she was not the most competent of the delegates based on Coronation day. However the Miss India Guyana Organization reminded that the pageant was looking for the most all-rounded delegate, and pointed out that the contestants were being judged based on their preliminary activities as well.

In the interest of fairness, the organization posted the score sheet for the pageant online, but this still did not deter persons from also harassing executives of the organization.

Most of the spectators particularly based their opinions on how the girls performed during the final question segment of the pageant. But the Organization further explained that if persons really looked at the question, Ms. Singh actually had

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

the answer closest to what the judges were looking for, despite the fact that Boodhoo, had a more extensive answer.

“The question was asking for what they can carry to the international stage not what they would ask the patrons to do when they come to Guyana. As a panel, the judges sat down at the beginning and decided upon the question and the answer we were looking for. Ms Boodhoo’s was articulate, since she is seasoned, but she didn't directly answer the question.

Nonetheless, she still scored more point than Brittany in that segment,” said franchise holder, Uma Bux. The final question at the centre of the controversy read: "My heritage, my home: As an Indian woman, how would you showcase this on the International stage?"

Singh, who stumbled through the question at first, said she would do this through dancing, and would do whatever else she could to showcase Guyana’s culture, it’s beauty and

natural resources.

She said she could do this because “I know my heritage.

I know my home.”

In the end Singh scored 931 points, while Boodhoo had 899, and Mohabir finished with 714 points, after being judged in six categories. Boodhoo had missed out on crucial points in the preliminary judging after she had missed one of the activities, despite knowing it was important to attend.

A confident Singh however said it’s all water under the bridge and despite the controversy, she remains friends with the other two contestants and she is now focused on ensuring she puts her best foot out there when she steps on that stage to represent Guyana.

She is currently under around the clock training, seven days a week, which was necessary given the short preparation time.

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Her preparation includes fitness training with Genesis Fitness, Pageantry training with Derek Moore, Public Speech training with NCN’s Paul Moore, makeup training with Tenisha Garnett and Talent Training with Euphoria dance group founder James Lomonga and the Kathak dancer Kenrick Cheeks.

As she heads to the international stage, she hopes to be a beacon to other young women out there who may think that they can’t for whatever reason. She implores them to reach for the stars “Nothing is impossible; you can dream and it can come true. Just be true to yourself, believe and work hard, always be genuine. Nothing is impossible once you put your mind to it.

“With the amazing support of the Miss India Guyana Organization, my friends, and family I will get through this and come out shining!”

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

‘It just happened and I love it’ - Mark Kazim explains how he “stumbled” upon a career in theatre and why he is now one of its leading advocates

By Telesha Ramnarine Mark Kazim never had drama or theatre on his mind, but after “stumbling” upon it in 2008, as a result of being bored and wanting to try something new, he now finds that his life would be empty without it.

In fact, he is so engrossed in the field that he is now being used by the National Drama Festival (NDF) to mentor anyone who is interested in drama.

And he has become so good that he has already won the “Best Mentor” award from the NDF. Kazim attended Smyth Street Nursery, Ketley Primary and West Demerara Secondary Schools. After leaving the University of Guyana with a Degree in Computer Science, he chose not to follow any professions in this field.

Instead, he went right into sales and marketing.

His first job was at the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation and then he moved to the National Communications Network (NCN), where he remains to date.

“Back then, that was the thing to do; you had to get involved with technology,” he said in an interview a few days ago.

In 2008, though, he wanted something new to do with the extra time he

Mark has perfected the role of a Chinese man living in Guyana. (Troy Parboo photo)

had on hand and so decided to follow up the advertisement that was in the newspapers from the Ministry of Culture inviting persons to sign up for drama classes in time for Carifesta.

“They had drama courses, lighting, stage designs, stage settings, directing, acting, sound; everything to do with theatre. They had a workshop so I thought of doing directing as I felt I could be a good director.”

That class was full though, and so Mark took s o m e o n e ’s a d v i c e a n d signed up for acting instead. Little did he know what was in store for him.

The class was tutored by veteran entertainer Henry Rodney, who, out of a class of 150, chose Mark and about 12 others to form the Henry Rodney Drama Group. His first play was Makantali at Carifesta X. “It all started there. I stumbled upon this career; it just happened and I love it. I don’t know what I would be doing without it.

I think it’s molded me in ways I never thought possible. Drama and theatre helps you become a rounded person. The things you learn from it you can use in any aspect of your life, no matter which field you get in,” he stated.

So far, Mark has participated in plays like Virtue, Till ah find a place, For better for Worse, Shango and the Golden Scheme, Imprisoned, Playing Chess with a Blind Man, Nothing to Laugh About, the Link Show, Snapped, WomanIn-Law, Miramy, 83 Million Gees, A Jasmine For a Gardener, Choices, Into the Night, A Bitter Lime (To be Released), Merundoi, Ah Different Kinda Thing, Bare Rickaticks, and Uncensored, among others.

He is also part of the Reactors group which has become very popular on E1, thanks to E-Networks.

Mark is enjoying this aspect of his life so much that he plans to drop everything else and focus on this. “I am considering making this my only career. I think of it as a career. I have two careers but I want to make this the only thing I do very soon.”

But Mark is concerned that entertainers do not benefit much from their talent in Guyana, one reason due to pirates. “We just don’t want to entertain but we want to be paid for it.

For instance, right now, our shows are put on DVDs and

Mark Kazim sold without our knowledge. So we plan on stopping that. We are going to try different things so that we can make something for our talent and not just the pirates.”

Mark also believes that the government can come on board to assist the local entertainers. “A lot of Guyanese don’t respect their own. The thing about Guyanese entertainers is that we have raw talent; we don’t have people to shape us and mold us into becoming good actors. What we have is what we have.

We need a concentrated programme backed by the government to package our entertainment.”

In fact, it is his desire to be remembered as someone who helped make a difference and who paved the way for betterment for those entertainers who may come after him.

An aspiring director, he also plans to pursue a drama school since mentoring has become his passion.

Mark has advice for

people who do not really know what they want to do with their lives. “I think we don’t know what we’re actually capable of until we try something. I have friends who don’t know what they want to do with the rest of their lives and I don’t find it strange because I think if you don’t leap out there and see what you’re good at, then how would you know? So I think that’s what happened with me. I had no idea. I just tried something new and it worked.

“I want to reach out to the people who think that they want to do something with their lives. I’m saying just go for it. If you want do it, don’t let anybody stop you. Of course if it’s illegal, no. But if you want to do something with your life, if you have a passion for something, go after it; be positive about it. Don’t kill your own dreams. You don’t know what you have a passion for unless you’ve tried a few things.”

Mark has performed in some of the top local plays

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

Is it a bird?

A plane?

Smartphone sent into sky for record attempt (Reuters) A smartphone attached to a balloon took to the skies on Monday in an attempt to set a record for the highest livestream from such a device.

The Huawei Honor 8 phone was attached to a weather balloon also carrying a camera and other equipment, and set off from the SSC Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden. The balloon was expected to burst at an altitude of 30,000 meters (98,425 ft) with the device then making its way back down by parachute.

Peter Lundkvist of Huawei Technologies Sweden said the balloon reached 18,421 meters before bursting.

"Hopefully, Guinness (World Records) will accept this as a world record in highest smartphone livestreaming," he said.

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Seeking escape from home, Kansas man robs bank, goes straight to jail (Reuters) A Kansas man robbed a bank last week in order to go to jail and avoid his wife, court documents showed.

Lawrence John Ripple, 70, told his wife following a fight on Friday that "he'd rather be in jail than at home."

After writing a note stating that he had a gun and wanted money, Ripple walked to a bank in Kansas City, Kansas, and handed it to the teller.

The teller gave him nearly $3,000. Instead of making a hasty getaway from the Brotherhood Bank and Trust branch, Ripple took a seat in the lobby and admitted to a security guard that he was the suspect. He was taken into custody.

The money was returned to the bank. The cause of

Ripple's fight with his wife was not detailed in the court documents and no lawyer was listed for him.

Ripple was no longer at the Wyandotte County Detention Center in Kansas City, Kansas, on Wednesday, according to the center's website. A spokesman for the Wyandotte County Sheriff's office said he was moved to a federal facility in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Efforts to reach Ripple's wife were not immediately successful.

Lawrence John Ripple, 70, is shown Wyandotte County Detention Center in City, Kansas, U.S. released on September Courtesy Wyandotte County Detention Handout via REUTERS

in this Kansas 7, 2016.

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At gamers' meet in Tokyo, absent Nintendo is talk of the town (Reuters) This week's Tokyo Game Show is one of the world's biggest draws for gamers and developers, but the talk amid the virtual reality headsets and robot arms is of the industry giant that never turns up: Nintendo Co Ltd. The Japanese firm, conservative and rarely unpredictable, has twice caught the industry by surprise in recent weeks: first, with Pokemon GO, a wildly successful augmented reality smartphone game, and, earlier this month, by stealing the show at Apple Inc's iPhone 7 launch in San Francisco.

There, Nintendo's best-known game creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, announced the firm's first on-the-go game starring the popular Super Mario character.

It was a rare public splash, and gamers in Tokyo read Miyamoto's guest Apple appearance as a sign that executives in Nintendo's spartan offices in Kyoto might finally be catching up with the zeitgeist - tapping a treasure trove of popular characters and consumers' love of smartphones.

"There's a huge saturation of mobiles, there are billions (of dollars) being made in mobile gaming ... and Nintendo has realized that," said Benjamin Outram, a researcher at Keio University, who was demonstrating virtual reality goggles and a vibrating digital immersion suit at the Tokyo event. "Nintendo is an entertainment company so will go in whatever direction they can entertain."

Super Mario's short hop to Apple devices is a big leap for Nintendo, unshackling the much-loved moustachioed cartoon plumber from the Japanese company's dogged resistance to the mobile world.

Nintendo has long held out against offering its games for mobile devices, preferring to keep them coupled to its Wii console business. But Wii sales have slowed - from over 100 million devices in its first five years to just 13 million in the past five - and Nintendo is finally acknowledging that mobiles matter.

"They held their own kind of Nintendo world and did not want to corrupt their own characters and brands and trademarks by allowing their products or characters to be utilized on other platforms," said Gavin Parry, managing director at Parry International Trading in Hong Kong. "The internal philosophy is changing and opening up."

Nintendo declined to comment for this article.

"GAMING DEITY" Gamers and game developers say Miyamoto, 63 and often dubbed the "Walt Disney of video games", is key to Nintendo's shift.

"Miyamoto is not a conventional game maker, he wants to create family entertainment," said Hirokazu Hamamura, a director at Japanese publisher Kadokawa Dwango and a gaming commentator who often meets Miyamoto.

"Mario is the jewel in Nintendo's crown, so if they are letting him out it means they are serious."

Miyamoto, a modest corporate man - who in the United States would likely command superstar status - has described himself as the first non-computer programmer game creator.

"Even people at Sony and Microsoft look up to Miyamoto as gaming deity," said Hamamura.

Responsible for Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong and other popular video game characters, as well as the Wii, Miya-

moto started out as a puppet maker, and moved on to early designs of Donkey Kong and Mario sketched on paper that he handed to computer engineers, according to media interviews.

He joined Nintendo, which has its roots making playing cards in 19th century Kyoto, in 1977, as the company shifted

from making toys to video games.

When computer gaming in cafes, malls and arcades - think Pong and Space Invaders - gave way to more solitary games often played on a bedroom desktop or console, Miyamoto has said he became concerned that gamers were turning into anti-social "zombies".

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Ukraine hands back stolen paintings to Dutch museum (Reuters) Kiev authorities handed over to the Netherlands on Friday five masterpieces stolen

from a Dutch museum in 2005 and recovered in Ukraine earlier this year.

The paintings - part of a group of 24 works valued at 10 million euros when they went missing

in 2005 - were said in December to have been discovered in a villa in a pro-Russian separatist controlled area of eastern Ukraine.

Dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, they will now head back to Westfries Museum in Hoorn, north of Amsterdam, from where they first disappeared when thieves hid in the building before closing time and disabled the alarm system before

making off with the artworks.

"I can't wait to see these beautiful objects of art back in the place where they belong," Westfries Museum director Ad Geerdink said at a handover ceremony at the Dutch embassy in Kiev.

"It will feel like some of our lost sons finally come home."

The Dutch foreign ministry listed the five paintings as Jacob Waben's "Vrouw Wereld"

(Lady World) and "Terugkeer van Jefta" (The Return of Jephta), "Keukenstuk" (Kitchen Scene)

by Floris van Schooten, Hendrick Boogaert's "Boerenbruiloft" (A Peasant Wedding) and "Nieuwstraat in Hoorn" (New Street in Hoorn) by Izaak Ouwater.

"It's still not clear where the other paintings are and how long it will take to recover them," it said in a statement.

Security guards are seen during a ceremony to mark the return of paintings that were stolen from the Netherlands' Westfries Museum in 2005 and discovered in Ukraine earlier in 2016, in Kiev, Ukraine, September 16, 2016. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

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Final 15 chosen for

‘The Spotlight’

T

By Tamica Garnett he fifteen finalists in the E-Networks/REDD Entertainment talent show “The Spotlight” were finally introduced to the public earlier this week at the company’s Giftland Mall location.

The show will feature an interesting mix of contestants who will definitely have many tuning in to at least see what the first episode will be like when it airs come October 5 at 8pm on E-Networks.

The cast comprises a number of individual and group acts, and includes dance groups “Now U C Me” and ‘Euphoria” as well as contortionist Robert Wall, 10-year-old break dancer

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016 Asiraf Mohammed, and speed painter Winston Alexander.

There are bands “Behold the Jury” and “Safe,” which include a violinist. And then there are the singer, eight to be exact. Of the group, opera singer Kimberly Samuels will definitely stand out in this competition and not just because of her unusual choice of genre, but because of her talent. She is a serious contender for the lucrative $2.5 million cash prize.

Also in the singing category are Shamar Ramsammy, newly minted Emancipation queen Delisha Wright, Bolloywood singer Lutchman Singh, singer/songwriter Ronald Chan Yen, and singer/musician Trevaun Selman.

Apart from Samuels, several of the singers’ performances showed that there needs to be a return of shows like the GTT Jingle and Song competition, because Guyana is still brimming with a lot of unbelievably talented singers, who, with the right backing, can really go places.

Wright’s vocal had a stunning, and uncanny parallel to that of former American Idol contestant, Jennifer Hutson, even as she belted out a few lines from Andra Day’s “Rise ► Contiuned on page XXIX

Kimberly Samuels

Asiraf Mohammed

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016 ► From page XXVIII Up”. Singing Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” was a seamless song choice and voice combination for Trevaun Selman.

So serious is the rivalry among the singers that in a competition twist an additional three contestants will be given a chance to earn their way back into the competition. In a preliminary round set for September 27, singers Rogeria Michael, Conor Holder and Jamal La Rose will battle it out for a singular “wild card” spot up for grabs.

Though Michael was not on hand for a demonstration on Tuesday, La Rose and hip-hop/R&B singer Holder were, and La Rose’s performance left it hard to believe that he was not already automatically through in this competition. But then again the show could only have so many finalists and of course in the end there will still be only one.

La Rose did a cover of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me” that left you craving more of this dude’s

Ronald Chan Yen

Trevaun Selman

voice. He will definitely be one that will be a favourite among the ladies.

The singers vying for the wild card will be decided upon based on public appeal, with a voting process set take place on social media to decide the lucky winner. The three were each selected by a separate judge, and will now be coached by that judge as they prepare to compete for this prized wild card.

Michael finds herself paired with former Miss India World Wide winner Alana Seebarran. Holder is going to be trained

by Russel Lancaster, while musician and Director of Music Unlimited Guyana, Christian Sobers, will take on the challenging of getting La Rose up to scratch to take on this wild card challenge.

Outside of the singers, if his Tuesday’s demonstration was anything to go by, young Asiraf will definitely be one that will win over the hearts of the judges and viewers with his cuteness and amazing skills for such a young age.

Hailing from the West Coast of Demerara, the Saraswat Primary School student is ready to face this competition head

XXIX on, and is not nervous about being the small fish among all these adult contestants “I’m not nervous, I love what I do.” He said. The petite youngster has been dancing since he was four years old, but only recently started it seriously a few months ago.

“I started dancing when I was four but it started out as a career when I was ten years old, only about a couple months, ‘bout six months I trained.”

If these contestants keep improving their skills as the competition continues, the judges will definitely have a tall task in coming to that final winner. Lancaster believes this talent at this competition shows that Guyana is ready to make it on the big stage.

“I know that Guyana has talent; there is no doubt that we are a talented people. I just don’t think we’ve been given the opportunity to let the world see what we’ve got available. And I think at this point we’ve gotten to the stage where we are now in a position to present ourselves to the world,” he said.

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The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Natural Brushes

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

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here is no better way to explain the simplest way of cleaning natural hair brushes, so I've chosen this week to adapt the same principles written in an article I read. There are other local soaps I use to substitute for a brush cleaner, oil soaps like Coconut Oil Soap or Crabwood Oil Soap works well on natural haired brushes as well.

It's also best to squeeze excess water using fingertips to ensure that it's completely clean; rinse and repeat. The more the bristles lather, the cleaner the brush.

Microfiber towels are perfect for drying brushes, and they're commonly available at supermarkets like Nigel's (where you can also find the local soaps), or at gas stations, since they also work well on cars.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE You’ve probably heard how important it is to clean your makeup brushes regularly. But did you know that brushes with natural bristles (such as goat, squirrel, or fitch) should be treated differently than their synthetic counterparts? Though natural brushes normally shed when you first use them, with proper maintenance, you can minimize shedding and help your brushes stay soft and supple for years to come. Keep reading for a rundown on the best way to clean and care for your natural brushes.

BETWEEN MAKEUP APPLICATIONS Washing your natural brushes too frequently can damage their delicate bristles. Keep them clean and conditioned between uses with these tips: 1. Wipe off any excess product onto a microfiber towel.

Fine, natural hair is not very porous, so it should release pigment easily.

2. Spot clean with a no-rinse spray cleanser, such as BeautySoClean Conditioning Brush Spray. This step is crucial if you’re a makeup artist or have oily, acne-prone skin.

BeautySoClean uses food-grade alcohol to gently sanitize your brush and emollients to keep the hairs soft between washings.

BI-MONTHLY BATHTIME Deep clean your natural brushes every 1-2 months with a gentle brush shampoo. We recommend Clean Apothecary Brush Shampoo, a line of solid cleansers formulated with coconut and essential oils to banish dirt, oil, makeup, and bacteria—all without stripping your brushes. (Pro tip: Clean Apothecary Brush Shampoos can also be used on synthetic brushes and sponges.) Bathe your brushes by following these steps: 1. Wet the bristles under lukewarm running water, angling downward to ensure that the metal ferrule of the brush doesn’t get wet. Water in your brush’s ferrule can eventually break down the glue holding the handle and the bristles together.

2. Swish the wet brush directly into Clean Apothecary Brush Shampoo to create a delicate lather.

3. Continue to swish the wet, foamy bristles gently in the palm of your clean hand. You’ll begin to see makeup pigment release.

4. Rinse the brush just like you did in the first step, pointing the brush tip downward under lukewarm running water.

Use your fingers to gently move the hair around to ensure that all makeup and soap has been rinsed clean.

5. Gently squeeze out any excess water and place your brush in a Brush Guard. These breathable mesh sleeves help to maintain your brush’s shape and keep bristles in like-new condition.

6. Allow your brushes to dry upside down overnight so that water doesn’t leak into the ferrule and loosen the bristles. We love the Benjabelle Brush Tree for this purpose. (The Ultimate Guide was reprinted from Beautylish. com)

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ARIES Your need for independence is heightened today when the trailblazing Aries Moon runs into rebellious Uranus. Nevertheless, your current dilemma is that you also want to take someone else's perspective into consideration now. In the final analysis, you possess the impetus to break through any restraints and freely express your desires. Fortunately, the outcome could be sweet as the cosmic lovers, Venus and Mars, are moving toward a cooperative sextile. Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful.

TAURUS You are elated with your sudden attraction to unusual people and things today. Opening your mind to fresh experiences can be fantastic as long as you don't leap without looking.

However, the trouble with love stems from complications when romantic Venus opposes unreliable Uranus, bringing unexpected new information to light. If you really think you can't live without an irresistible individual or amazing new gadget, you'll figure out what you must do to obtain your object of affection. Wake up with an idea; go to bed with satisfaction.

GEMINI You're eager to test the limits today, giving you the courage to take initiative when it comes to pursuing pleasure. Wild Uranus opposes delicious Venus in your 5th House of Play, prompting you to organize an unusual social activity, whether it's a major event or a private party for two. It doesn't matter if it's cooking in the kitchen or the bedroom; you can take the lead in so many surprisingly delightful ways that you're bound to find a willing partner.

CANCER Family relationships could be unstable or even emotionally explosive now, especially if a schedule adjustment at work interferes with domestic commitments. You may feel misunderstood or surprised by sudden changes that require rapid reactions while Venus opposes the volatile Moon-Uranus conjunction in your 10th House of Public Life. Nevertheless, an abrupt change of direction on the job can force you to take a deeper look at your needs which might lead to a reshuffling of priorities. The only person you really need to please is yourself.

LEO It's nearly impossible to suppress your desires today, so you might just choose to put them out in the open as a proactive measure. Charming Venus in your 3rd House of Communication opposes uncontainable Uranus, adding to your current impatience. Fortunately, someone may suddenly appear in your life who shows you new routes to experiencing joy.

Although you may be resistant at first, remember the difference between being pleased and being pressured by the unexpected is all a matter of your attitude.

VIRGO So many emotions flow through your awareness today that it's challenging to know which ones are the most important. It's simultaneously so exhilarating and unsettling that you will need all your wits just to manage your changing desires as electric Uranus shocks alluring Venus. Let the most outrageous ideas slip away while keeping only a few of the best ones for later. Unfortunately, an overly tense situation could escalate without warning if you remain inflexible. Staying open to the surprising twists and turns that seem to come out of nowhere sets the stage for a lovely experience.

LIBRA Big ideas about your future create high hopes for finding peace of mind. However, a disruptive Venus-Uranus opposition can destabilize a restrictive relationship, infuse a healthy one with exciting new energy or suddenly attract you to someone new. Although you may be dealing with an emotionally intense person, gentle Venus in your accommodating sign blesses you with a calming touch now. Thankfully, you're able to actively pursue what you want without appearing overly eager or desperate. Putting your heart on the line is the only way to find out what is real.

SCORPIO You may have to decide between the goodies offered by a particular relationship today and the privilege of self-determination. Thankfully, you're capable of making up your mind quickly now, so you are less likely to be willing to negotiate a compromise over your needs. An ultimatum might be presented unexpectedly and your impulsive response could trigger unwanted consequences. Slow down the discussion to increase stability and give yourself time to reevaluate the alternatives. Only you can decide the price you are willing to pay for freedom.

SAGITTARIUS You might be party to a bit of excitement today as flirtatious Venus opposes a wild Moon-Uranus conjunction in your 5th House of Love and Creativity. Fortunately, your vitality is high, yet your patience is low while macho Mars is in your extroverted sign.

But it's difficult to say what you mean without being misunderstood now that mischievous Mercury is retrograde. Although all signals are flashing green and you see yourself as the overconfident hare, you'll be more successful if you act like the slow-moving but obstinate tortoise.

CAPRICORN You could easily reveal more than you should today, especially if you are trying to bury your anger. Luckily, assertive Mars is working on your behalf now so you can relax and express your emotions without starting a war. Nevertheless, you are tempted to abandon your responsibilities and kick up your heels, which may not be such a bad idea unless you do something you will regret tomorrow. After all, there's more to life than just chasing material success.

AQUARIUS An instantaneous attraction or an unexpected emotional meltdown can rock your personal life now. In fact, your tastes may change suddenly while tantalizing Venus opposes reactionary Uranus. However, it might not be apparent whether this tempest is a passing storm or the opening volley of a more significant change. Nevertheless, once you step outside of the box and see your world in an entirely new perspective, it's difficult if not impossible to fit yourself back inside your previously cozy little world.

PISCES A heart-to-heart conversation may be exactly what you need to clear the air today. An expressive Moon Uranus conjunction opposes Venus in your 8th House of Intimacy, encouraging you to get something off your chest. But back off quickly if this conversation turns into a debate because anger can come from anywhere, and is not conducive to a peaceful resolution. It takes very little energy now to turn a minor disagreement into a communication breakdown. However, if you're lucky, an unexpected challenge in a significant relationship improves it in ways you can't imagine.

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Why it pays to be grumpy and bad-tempered Anger really prepares the body to mobilise resourses On stage he’s a loveable, floppy-haired prince charming. Off camera – well let’s just say he needs a lot of personal space. He hates being a celebrity. He resents being an actor. To his ex-girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley's friends he was apparently known as ‘Grumpelstiltskin’.

Hugh Grant may be famed for being moody and a little challenging to work with. But could a grumpy attitude be the secret to his success?

The pressure to be positive has never been greater. Cultural forces have whipped up a frenzied pursuit of happiness, spawning billion-dollar book sales, a cottage industry in self-help and plastering inspirational quotes all over the internet.

Now you can hire a happiness expert, undertake training in ‘mindfulness’, or seek inner satisfaction via an app. The US army currently trains its soldiers – over a million people – in positive psychology and optimism is taught in UK schools. Meanwhile the ‘happiness index’ has become an indicator of national wellbeing to rival GDP. The truth is, pondering the worst has some clear advantages.

Cranks may be superior negotiators, more discerning decision-makers and cut their risk of having a heart attack. Cynics can expect more stable marriages, higher earnings and longer lives – though, of course, they’ll anticipate the opposite.

Good moods on the other hand come with substantial risks – sapping your drive, dimming attention to detail and making you simultaneously gullible and selfish. Positivity is also known to encourage binge drinking, overeating and unsafe sex.

At the centre of it all is the notion our feelings are adaptive: anger, sadness and pessimism aren’t divine cruelty or sheer random bad luck – they evolved to serve useful functions and help us thrive.

Take anger. From Newton’s obsessive grudges to Beethoven’s tantrums – which sometimes came to blows – it seems as though visionary geniuses often come with extremely short tempers. There are plenty of examples to be found in Silicon Valley. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is famed for his angry outbursts and insults (such as “I’m sorry, did I take my stupid pills today?”) yet they haven’t stopped him building a $300 billion company.

For years, the link remained a mystery. Then in 2009 Matthijs Baas from the University of Amsterdam decided to investigate. He recruited a group of willing students and set to work making them angry in the name of science. Half the students were asked to recall something which had irritated them and write a short essay about it.

“This made them a bit angrier, though they weren’t quite driven to full-blown fits of rage,” he says. The other half of the group were made to feel sad.

Next the two teams were pitched against each other in a game designed to test their creativity. They had 16 minutes to think of as many ways as possible to improve education at the psychology department. As Baas expected, the angry team produced more ideas – at least to begin with. Their contributions were also more original, repeated by less than 1% of the study’s participants.

Crucially, angry volunteers were better at moments of haphazard innovation, or so-called “unstructured” thinking. Let’s say you’re challenged to think about possible uses for a brick. While a systematic thinker might suggest ten different kinds of building, it takes a less structured approach to invent a new use altogether, such as turning it into a weapon.

In essence, creativity is down to how easily your mind is diverted from one thought path and onto another. In a situation requiring fight or flight, it’s easy to see how turning into a literal “mad genius” could be life-saving.

“Anger really prepares the body to mobilise resources – it tells you that the situation you’re in is bad and gives you an energetic boost to get you out of it,” says Baas.

To understand how this works, first we need to get to grips with what’s going on in the brain. Like most emotions, anger begins in the amygdala, an almond-shaped structure responsible for detecting threats to our well-being. It’s extremely efficient – raising the alarm long before the peril enters your conscious awareness.

Then it’s up to chemical signals in the brain to get you riled up.

As the brain is flooded with adrenaline it initiates a burst of impassioned, energetic fury which lasts for several minutes. Breathing and heart rate accelerate and blood pressure skyrockets. Blood rushes into the extremities, leading to the distinctive red face and throbbing forehead veins people get when they’re annoyed.

Though it’s thought to have evolved primarily to prepare the body for physical aggression, this physiological response is known to have other benefits, boosting motivation and giving people the gall to take mental risks.

All these physiological changes are extremely helpful – as long as you get a chance to vent your anger by wrestling a lion or

screaming at co-workers. Sure, you might alienate a few people, but afterwards your blood pressure should go back to normal. Avoiding grumpiness has more serious consequences.

The notion that repressed feelings can be bad for your health is ancient. The Greek philosopher Aristotle was a firm believer in catharsis (he invented the modern meaning of the word); viewing tragic plays, he conjectured, allowed punters to experience anger, sadness and guilt in a controlled environment. By getting it all out in the open, they could purge themselves of these feelings all in one go.

His philosophy was later adopted by Sigmund Freud, who instead championed the cathartic benefits of the therapist’s couch.

Then in 2010 a team of scientists decided to take a look. They surveyed a group of 644 patients with coronary artery disease to

Beethoven was easily frustrated and would throw objects at his servants (Credit: Shizhao/Wikimedia Commons) determine their levels of anger, suppressed anger and tendency to experience distress, and followed them for between five and ten years to see what happened next.

Over the course of the study, 20% experienced a major cardiac event and 9% percent died. Initially it looked like both anger and suppressed anger increased the likelihood of having a heart attack.

But after controlling for other factors, the researchers realised anger had no impact – while suppressing it increased the chances of having a heart attack by nearly three-fold.

It’s still not known exactly why this occurs, but other studies have shown that suppressing anger can lead to chronic high blood pressure.

And not all benefits are physical: anger can help with negotiating, too. A major flashpoint for aggression is the discovery that someone does not value your interests highly enough. It involves inflicting costs – the threat of physical violence – and withdrawing benefits – loyalty, friendship, or money – to help them see their mistake.

Support for this theory comes from the faces we pull when angry. Research suggests they aren’t arbitrary movements at all, but specifically aimed at increasing our physical strength in the eyes of our opponent. Get it right and aggression can help you advance your interests and increase your status – it’s just an ancient way of bargaining.

In fact, scientists are increasingly recognising that grumpiness may be beneficial to the full range of social skills – improving language skills, memory and making us more persuasive.

“Negative moods indicate we’re in a new and challenging situation and call for a more attentive, detailed and observant thinking style,” says Joseph Forgas, who has been studying how emotions affect our behaviour for nearly four decades. In line with this, research has also found that feeling slightly down enhances our awareness of social cues. Intriguingly, it also encourages people to act in a more – not less – fair way towards others.

HARSH, BUT FAIR Though happiness is often thought of as intrinsically virtuous, the emotion brings no such benefits. In one study, a group of volunteers was made to feel disgusted, sad, angry, fearful, happy, surprised or neutral and invited to play the “ultimatum game”.

In the game, the first player is given some money and asked how they’d like to divide it between themselves and another player.

Then the second player gets to decide whether or not to accept. If they agree, the money is split how the first player proposed. If not, neither player gets any money.

The ultimatum game is often used as a test of our sense of fairness by showing whether you expect to get a 50-50 share or whether you are happy for each person to be in it for themselves.

Interestingly, all negative emotions led to more rejections by the second player, which might suggest that these feelings enhance our sense of fairness and the need for everyone to be treated equally.

Reversing the set-up reveals this is not just a case of sour grapes, either. The “dictator game” has exactly the same rules except this time the second player has no say whatsoever – they simply receive whatever the first player decides not to keep. It turns out that happier participants keep more of the prize for themselves, while those in a sad mood are significantly less selfish.

“People who are feeling slightly down pay better attention to external social norms and expectations, and so they act in a fairer and just way towards others,” says Forgas.

In some situations, happiness carries far more serious risks. It’s associated with the cuddle hormone, oxytocin, which a handful of studies have shown reduces our ability to identify threats. In prehistoric times, happiness would have left our ancestors vulnerable to predators. In modern life, it prevents us paying due attention to dangers such as binge drinking, overeating and unsafe sex.

“Happiness functions like a shorthand signal that we’re safe and it’s not necessary to pay too much attention to the environment,” he says. Those in a continuous happy haze may miss important cues.

Instead, they may be over-reliant on existing knowledge – leaving them prone to serious errors of judgement.

In one study, Forgas and colleagues from the University of New South Wales, Australia, put volunteers in either a happy or sad mood by screening films in the laboratory. Then he asked them to judge the truth of urban myths, such as that power lines cause leukaemia or the CIA murdered President Kennedy. Those in a good mood were less able to think sceptically and were significantly more gullible.

Next Forgas used a first-person shooter game to test if good moods might also lead people to rely on stereotyping. As he predicted, those in a good mood were more likely to aim at targets wearing turbans.

Of all the positive emotions, optimism about the future may have the most ironic effects. Like happiness, positive fantasies about the future can be profoundly de-motivating. “People feel accomplished, they relax, and they do not invest the necessary effort to actually realise these positive fantasies and daydreams,” says Gabriele Oettingen from New York University.

Graduates who fantasise about success at work end up earning less, for instance. Patients who daydream about getting better make a slower recovery. In numerous studies, Oettingen has shown that the more wishful your thinking, the less likely any of it is to come true.

“People say ‘dream it and you will get it’ – but that’s problematic,” she says. Optimistic thoughts may also put the obese off losing weight and make smokers less likely to plan to quit.

DEFENSIVE PESSIMISM Perhaps most worryingly, Oettingen believes the risks may operate on a societal level, too. When she compared articles in the newspaper USA Today with economic performance a week or a month later, she found that the more optimistic the content, the more performance declined. Next she looked at presidential inaugural addresses – and found that more positive speeches predicted a lower employment rate and GDP in during their time in office.

Combine these unnerving findings with optimism bias – the tendency to believe you’re less at risk of things going wrong than other people – and you’re asking for trouble. Instead, you might want to consider throwing away your rose-tinted spectacles and adopting a glass half-empty outlook. “Defensive pessimism” involves employing Murphy’s Law, the cosmic inevitability that whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. By anticipating the worst, you can be prepared when it actually happens.

It works like this. Let’s say you’re giving a talk at work. All you have to do is think of the worst possible outcomes – tripping up on your way to the stage, losing the memory stick which contains your slides, computer difficulties, awkward questions (truly accomplished pessimists will be able to think of many, many more) – and hold them in your mind. Next you need to think of some solutions.

Psychologist Julie Norem from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, is an expert pessimist. “I’m a little clumsy, especially when I’m anxious, so I make sure to wear low-heeled shoes. I get there early to scope out the stage and make sure that there aren’t cords or other things to trip over. I typically have several backups for my slides: I can give the talk without them if necessary, I email a copy to the organizers, carry a copy on a flash drive, and bring my own laptop to use…” she says. Only the paranoid survive, as they say.

So the next time someone tells you to “cheer up” – why not tell them how you’re improving your sense of fairness, reducing unemployment and saving the world economy? You’ll be having the last laugh – even if it is a world-weary, cynical snort.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 18, 2016

Bollywood Movie Review: Pink (Reuters) There's a sense of foreboding in the opening titles of Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury's "Pink", as the camera follows two sets of people in their cars late at night. In one, a young man lies in the backseat, moaning in pain as blood runs down the side of his face, while his friends drive him to the hospital.

In another, three young women travel in a cab, biting their fingers and looking at each other nervously.

Those three are Meenal (Taapsee Pannu), Falak (Kirti Kulhari) and Andrea (Andrea Tariang), working women who rent a flat in New Delhi and are subjected to constant threats, intimidation and harassment from Rajvir and his friends. Meenal hits Rajvir (Angad Bedi) on the head with a glass bottle, injuring his eye.

Rajvir, the nephew of an influential politician, cannot believe he nearly lost an eye because a woman hit him. "Un ladkiyon ko nahi chhodenge" ("We won't spare those girls"), one of his friends vows.

The first half of "Pink" focuses on the three girls and their unravelling lives.

One of them is forced to take a leave of absence from a much-needed job because morphed pictures of her on a porn site are sent to her boss. Another is sent threatening messages on phone, and their amiable landlord is threatened with harm unless he evicts the girls.

That is what makes the first half of "Pink" taut the cat-and-mouse game.

But after the intermission, the scene shifts to a courtroom where Meenal is accused of attempting to murder Rajvir and all sense of foreboding is replaced by a sense of inevitability about how this film is going to pan out - with the women triumphing over the odds.

Retired lawyer Deepak

Sehgal, played by a grizzled Amitabh Bachchan, takes their case. In a twist redolent of dark irony, he stands up for their right to live the way they want to live as women, and applies his sophistry and legal expertise to getting them off. This is ironic because he is their neighbour, and one who stares at them rather creepily from his balcony. It's this very male gaze that is the hallmark of so much harassment that women suffer.

And does Bachchan ever deliver the moral goods in the second half of the film, whose purpose clearly is to talk about sexual assault, women's rights and the crucial issue of consent - a concept lost on many Indian men. The courtroom scenes serve as a plot contrivance to allow Bachchan to pontificate, often with a deadpan expression on his face. This is not a bad thing, even if the delivery is a trifle saintly.

Some of the scenes are wonderfully handled and the acting, especially by the three lead actresses, is top-notch. But the lack of attention to detail makes you wish the makers had paid some attention to how basic court procedures are handled. Sehgal calls and dismisses witnesses at will, the trial proceeds at a lightning pace and the judge decides to convict someone of a crime they haven't even been charged with. And yet, there is something to be said for Amitabh Bachchan, an irrefutable icon of Indian cinema, talking about the importance of listening and understanding a "no" from a woman. "Pink" isn't squeamish about morality either. The women in the film are in relationships, sexually active and are not ashamed to admit it. There are no attempts to "redeem" them by Bollywood standards. The men, on the other hand, exemplified by Rajvir, are one-dimension-

al and forgettable.

"Pink" is largely a triumph - a Bollywood film that talks about a burning topic and finds an entertaining way to do it. If only they had known where to stop the gimmickry and take it down a notch, it would have been a landmark film.

XXXIX

Money, roadblocks and drama; Oliver Stone's battles over 'Snowden' (Reuters) From presidents to serial killers, Oscar-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone hasn't shied away from exploring controversial figures, but he initially balked when asked to make a film about former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden.

"I didn't want to do it, I wasn't looking for trouble," Stone told Reuters.

But the 70-year-old director, known for films such as "JFK," "Natural Born Killers" and "Wall Street," said he changed his mind after he met with Snowden in Russia.

"Although I was worried about it still being boring and dull, I saw it as a dramatic thriller.

I felt like it wouldn't get an audience as a documentary-type film," Stone said.

"Snowden," out in theaters on Friday, traces Snowden's journey from a conservative CIA agent to a disillusioned NSA operative until he fled the United States in 2013 and exposed the government's mass surveillance programs of ordinary people.

He is now living in Russia and is wanted by the U.S. government on espionage charges.

Amnesty International and two other groups this week launched a campaign to have him pardoned.

Stone and Snowden met a few times in Russia and agreed that the film was going to be a dramatization. Then the film hit a wall when Stone went to studios for financing. The director declined to name which studios he had approached.

"We live in that climate - this is definitely, I believe, self-censorship," Stone said.

"I don't believe the NSA called anybody and said 'don't do this,' Who knows? But the truth is ... you either join the club or you're excluded."

Eventually, Open Road Films, a joint venture by theater chains Regal Entertainment Group and Dalian Wanda Group-owned AMC Entertainment that distributed this year's Oscar-winning journalism drama "Spotlight," stepped in to co-finance "Snowden," made for about $40 million.

The film, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Snowden and Shailene Woodley as his girlfriend Lindsay Mills, was shot mostly in Europe, with Germany providing production subsidies and becoming the stand-in for Maryland, where Snowden grew up.

Then there were issues making a story about computer coding and programmers engaging for audiences.

"You don't have violence, you don't have chases, you don't have guns. You have to really understand, try to understand the world and make it exciting," Stone said.

Stone did shoot key scenes in Washington D.C. and in Hawaii, and had Gordon-Levitt and Woodley act out a date scene in front of the White House.

"Well, if you're going to take a risk in the U.S, you might as well go the full hog, right?" the director said with a laugh.

Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt attends the premiere of the film 'Snowden' in Manhattan, New York, U.S., September 13, 2016. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly)

With Brexit in spotlight, London picks up fashion show baton (Reuters) A rainy London kicked off five days of catwalk shows on Friday, with questions over what consequences Brexit may have on Britain's apparel industry looming over fashionistas.

Picking up the runway calendar baton from New York, London hosts its first fashion week since Britain's shock vote to leave the European Union, with a mix of luxury and high street labels unveiling their spring/summer 2017 offerings to buyers and magazine editors from around the world.

A survey by the British Fashion Council (BFC) ahead of the June referendum showed that more than 90 percent of 290 designers said they wanted to remain in the bloc.

"We have a point to prove to our guests that the vote to leave the EU doesn't mean we're going to end our interna-

tional partnerships and collaborations," BFC Chief Executive Caroline Rush was quoted as saying in London's Evening Standard paper.

"People want to know if London feels different. We need to send them a clear message that London is open to outsiders and the UK is a place of business opportunity."

According to figures cited by the BFC, Britain's fashion industry contributes some 28 billion pounds ($37 billion) to the UK economy, up from 26 billion pounds in 2013.

Prime Minister Theresa May kicked off proceedings on Thursday night with a reception for fashion industry insiders at Downing Street.

"From our home grown start-ups to international fashion

houses – every business in the industry will play a major role in ensuring we make a success of Brexit," she said.

"By taking advantage of the opportunities that leaving the EU gives us and playing to our strengths as a great trading nation - we can build a fairer economy that works for all, not just the privileged few." While the September shows have usually been associated with solely womenswear, labels like Burberry will present collections both for women and men this fashion week. Burberry will also offer catwalk items immediately for purchase after its show.

Some 83 designers will showcase their lines in London, a city known for nurturing new fashion talent. Among those presenting collections on Friday were Eudon Choi, Teatum Jones and PPQ.