Sunday Magazine

Sunday June 7, 2015

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2 Times Sunday Magazine

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June 7, 2015

Times Feature

Dusk and birds at a canal on the West Coast of Demerara

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Black and white shot of man walking along the beach

Under a tree at Kastev, West Coast Demerara, Guyana

The starry sky at DeWillem, West Coast Demerara, Guyana

rofessional photographer Saajid Husani enjoys capturing, through his camera lens, memorable moments of people and nature. He believes that it requires an artistic mind to capture beauty through the lens. In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine Saajid shares his tips on capturing life in the most beautiful of ways.

Sunday Magazine: What sparked your interest in photography?

Saajid Husani: It began in 2013 when I saw a Facebook friend had a very unique profile picture. I started doing some research and realized I can create similar images. The more photos I took the more I got addicted to it, the more I wanted to create something unique.

Sunday Magazine: Is photography a hobby, passion or career?

Saajid Husani: It started off as a hobby and then I got into doing paid jobs. I won’t say I have a passion for it, but would say I have a determination to get better and to keep trying and improving what I do already.

Sunday Magazine: What do you like photographing?

Saajid Husani: I love photographing people and the ordinary scenes that people pass hastily, forgetting to stop and breathe and enjoy what is around them.

Sunday Magazine: What is your focus when you want to capture something?

Saajid Husani: My primary focus is getting something that stands out, something that the ordinary person doesn’t see. There isn’t a single thing that I focus on; I pay attention to lighting, composition, and posture and expressions of people in my photography.

Sunday Magazine: Is good

Photographer Saajid Husani

photography dependent on a good camera or an artistic mind?

Saajid Husani: A good camera does indeed yield better images, but one needs to learn to use it properly. A high-end camera is just as good as an amateur camera; however, it depends on how you use it and to have the artistic mind to see what is possible and what you can do to create something that’s unique.

Sunday Magazine: Any projects you are currently working on?

Saajid Husani: I’m currently working on some surreal photographs, but that’ll be a surprise when I’m finished with them.

Check out my page on Facebook, SH Photography & Designs, for recent and upcoming photos.

Sunday Magazine: Do you consider photography as an art?

Saajid Husani: Photography is an art especially when photographing people. There is so much you can do to add and take away

from a scene to give it a different feel or view. You can add extra lighting, you can take away lighting, you can add filters to your lens; you can change the colours. It is your choice.

I’ve been criticized that what I do sometimes isn’t photography because I take it bit too far, but all I do is create something that pleases my eye. It all starts off with my camera and flashes and then I head into editing to create what I originally saw. Some may argue once I head into those territories it’s no longer photography, but photography played an important role in capturing my base image.

My view is simply that my images are evolving to my eye. On the other hand, with landscapes, there is some enhancing that I do that my camera isn’t capable of doing. However, I retain what is there and try to bring back what the scene was or should be.

Sunday Magazine: What are your plans concerning your photography career?

Saajid Husani: Getting more into high-end type of photo shoots.

I would also like to travel, capturing the beauty of wherever I visit.

Sunday Magazine: What are the challenges of being a photographer and how do you overcome them?

Saajid Husani: Criticism was my challenge. There will be some that like what you do and some that will not.Constructive criticism I welcome with open arms, but I’ve learnt that some people have closed minds and there is nothing I can do to change it.

Instead of dwelling on the bad reviews, I choose to move forward and continue to do what I like to do. (Cover photo: Evening shot of Georgetown)

guyanatimesgy.com

June 7, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine

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Times Feature

Colonel Charles Hutson, co-founder of the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School, talks about his lifelong dedication to improving Guyana’s aviation industry

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eronautical engineer Colonel Charles Hutson believes “necessity is the mother of invention” and out of ‘necessity’ he co-founded the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School.

Since its conception, the school’s mission is to provide lucrative opportunities within the aviation industry - ultimately developing it. Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School was conceived by Capt. Malcolm Chan-a-Sue, an aviation pioneer, and Hutson. It became operational in 1993.

The school was named after the pioneers of aviation in Guyana - Art Williams (Arthur James

do so, one had to prepare a disposition, which outlines all the procedures that will govern everything in the AMO. As part of the AMO, a training institution is required and that is how the school was established,” Hutson recalled in an interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

In 2006, the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School was nominated as the school of Caricom by the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS). In that same year, the school became the first tertiary institution in Caricom to have ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems Standards. The Trinidad

Capt Malcolm Chan-a-Sue (left) and Col Charles Hutson

Williams) and Harry Wendt (Herman Edgar Wendt).

Both were pilot-mechanics who, in the early 1930s, laid the foundation for aviation in Guyana and by so doing, opened up much of the country’s interior for the first time.

“When I decided I was going to remain in Guyana to help pull together the aviation industry, there was a need to establish an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO). To

and Tobago Bureau of Standards certified the school on July 24, 2006.

Additionally, the school is accredited and certified by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, CASSOS, the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Suriname and the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority.

The school is also approved under the rules and regulations of the International

Civil Aviation Organisation Document 7192, Part D1.

Hutson pointed out that the school’s policy is to ensure meeting the regulatory and statutory requirements of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, customer satisfaction, employee development, environmental protection and safe training practices.

Growing up on Great Troolie Island in the Essequibo River, three miles east of the mainland Essequibo Coast, Hutson reminisced being fascinated with the amphibian planes that would land there.

“At a very tender age I expressed to my parents I wanted to become an engineer because of my fascination with planes and helicopters. I joined the aviation industry in 1961.

I have studied helicopters in France. In the US, UK, Brazil and Canada, I studied engineering and various plane types,” he recalled.

The engineer disclosed that he never attended high school, but went straight from primary school to the Government Technical Institute where he spent four years studying mechanical engineering.

Hutson stated he was successful because of his extensive reading. Additionally, he credits his unwavering dedication, and never allowing anything to distract him, for his success.

He revealed that when he came to Georgetown, at the age of 15, he did not know how to ride a bicycle. Hutson counts himself fortunate because he received much needed help from various individuals something he is very grateful for.

“Part of my roots, and the background from which I came from, I was taught

Aerial view of the hangar where the school is located

Students learning the basics of engineering at the school

to extend help to those who need it. I never looked at self only and so I never thought about going abroad to pursue a career.

I wanted to remain here to do my part in developing the industry and helping others to be successful in aviation. Being abroad, I observed how extremely bright Guyanese are, especially when they are provided with opportunities. As a result, I wanted to provide the opportunities for persons to excel in the aviation field and that is why the school was started,” Hutson noted.

Currently the head of training, Hutson stated that the school’s pro-

gramme is very extensive and recognised internationally.

Last year, the institution collaborated with the University of Guyana for the establishment of a degree programme in aircraft maintenance engineering. After completing three years of theoretical and practical training at the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School, the partners are planning to have students complete a degree programme at the university.

“For youths, in any area of life, you need to decide what your passion is and pursue it. Don’t be selfish;

share your knowledge with others. Most importantly, you must be disciplined,” Hutson advised.

Located in the Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services Ltd.’s hangar, Ogle International Airport, the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School is a non-governmental organisation committed to developing aircraft engineering skills and technical expertise essential to the development and safety of air transport within Guyana, the Caribbean community and the world at large.

Visit www.aesguyana. net for more information on the school.

4

Times Sunday Magazine

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June 7, 2015

Times Feature

T

he Bright Horizons Family Home, a nonprofit organisation, provides support and loving care for abandoned or abused children.

The home, located in Kuru Kururu, provides a shelter for children of all ages. Children depend on Bright Horizons for clothing, food, shelter, medical care, and education.

Until recently, Bright Horizons Family Home was operated by Joseph Livan and his wife, Doreen. Sadly, Doreen passed away in December 2012, but Joseph continues the work of taking care of the children. Joseph is the head of a six-person Board responsible for the home.

Children at the home are educated at various schools, but this was not always the case. In the past, before they received the help and funding, they were receiving the minimal amount of education. Depending on the school, they have specific uniforms they must wear, which was an additional cost.

In addition, transportation to school is by bus or taxi; drivers often exploited the children by overcharging them. Successful in raising money, the home bought a bus. It is used to ferry the children to school, into the city for medical appoint-

Some of the children with loving supporters of the home

ments, and provides fair and low-cost transportation to village children to help pay for gas and maintain the bus.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, long-time resident, Sharon, who was taken into the home as a child, said she is very grateful to the Livans for providing a home for her.

Now an adult, she continues to live at the home where she volunteers her time to the children there.

“Joseph and the late Doreen Livan were always

fond of children and providing for them. The home was established in 1997. We now have eight girls and nine boys from five years, who came into the home as babies, to teenagers. They are from different backgrounds.

Some were on the streets, abandoned and abused. At the home, we show them love, and provide the best we can. They all attend school in Kuru Kururu: nursery, primary and secondary. We also bring them up in the way of a Christian and teach

them responsibility. I’m very grateful to the Livans for taking me into their loving home. That’s why I decided

dren, recalled that his wife was an ardent churchgoer and loved children. Opening a home for children was her lifelong dream.

“She was a strong Christian.

I wasn’t.

However, I later became a Christian. My wife was a Sunday school teacher and the children loved to be with her. When our church called us into fulltime service, we were placed in Haruni and were given a children’s home to run. I guess it was our calling due to our love for children, regardless of their race. We didn’t have children of our own so being among them brought happiness to our lives. One day we were coming from a meeting and my wife told me she had a vision to open a children’s home in Kuru Kururu and this we did. Many of our children who came to us as babies are now adults. These have migrated and gone on to great things,” Joseph reminisced.

viduals and organisations, and effervescent U.S. donor, Frank Ashe.

“We are currently having 25 children that are supported by our donors. If we can get some more dedicated monthly sponsors, we can take up to 20 to 30 more children off the streets. Please consider joining us as a monthly donor. There is so much to do at the home. We call this a family home and not an orphanage. We don’t like the word ‘orphanage’ or ‘stepchild’ -- they are family.

These children are not up for adoption. They all consider themselves as brothers and sisters and they stay at the ‘home’ until they are the age and decide themselves that they can leave on their own time schedule. Thanks again to our donors they are all in school (with their proper uniforms) and doing well.

They have a limited amount of school, play and church clothes. These children are very smart and they have

The boys’ residence, which is opposite the girls’

to stay here to offer my service, because this is the only home I know and so I will continue to be here,” Sharon explained.

The home, according to Sharon, welcomes support from kind-hearted individuals in areas such as monetary donations, school and medical supplies.

Joseph Livan, one of the founders, who is lovingly called “daddy” by the chil-

For those who reached the age of 18 and do not have anywhere to go, Joseph noted he has extra land where the home is located, for them to remain there to build and farm. Some have done so already and are very grateful for the love and provisions given to them by the Family Home.

The home is currently funded by different indi-

the hope of a bright future. I thank God every day for the wonderful things He provides for us all,” Ashe declared.

For more information, visit Bright Horizons Family Home Non-Profit Organization for Abandoned Children on Facebook, or website www.thefamilyhome.org, or email: flashe@ comcast.net

The building that houses the girls at Bright Horizons Family Home

guyanatimesgy.com

June 7, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 5

Times Women

Vidushi Persaud is determined to break down beliefs and taboos concerning women in male-oriented fields Guyana Times Sunday Magazine spoke with the local attorney-at-law and award-winning shooter about her aims.

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unday Magazine: What are your academic qualifications?

Vidushi Persaud: I attended Stella Maris Primary School, where on the basis of performance at the National Common Entrance Exams, I was offered a place at President’s College but opted for Queen’s College.

I left Queen’s College after being awarded the prestigious Doodnauth Hetram Shield for Best Academic Achievement by a Fifth Form Student in Arts Stream for subjects at the CXC Examination written in the same year. I attended the University of Guyana where I secured my LL.B. and in 2001, I graduated with my Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad & Tobago.

I am currently an Attorneyat-Law in private practice in my family Firm, Persaud & Associates.

Sunday Magazine: What prompted you to learn how to shoot?

Vidushi Persaud: Anyone who has known me for any length of time knows how radical a change this is for me. Now I don’t think of myself as a “gun-nut”. I still can’t discuss the minutiae of calibres and makes and models, and I’m not sure I want to. Frankly,

Vidushi, with coach Ryan, holding a trophy for second place at a sport shooting competition in Suriname

a lot of that just bores me.

However, in the space of about four years, I have gone from thinking that banning guns sounded like a good idea to thinking shooting is a woman’s right! And this is all because of my boyfriend and Guyana’s number one hand-gun shooter, Ryan McKinnon.

Sunday Magazine: Were you ever discriminat-

ed for being in sport shooting?

Vidushi Persaud: Over the years, I have heard a number of gentlemen commenting and reprimanding Ryan and saying he “has broken the cardinal rule of allowing a girlfriend or wife shoot or learn to shoot”. I am just happy to be able to participate in a sport traditionally dominated by men and

Appearing with her father and senior Attorney-at-Law, Vidyanand Persaud, before the Caribbean Court of Justice

do not often think off my gender in relation to competitions.

Due to all the constraints placed on sport shooting in Guyana and the fact that firearm handling and more so sport shooting is stereotyped as something male oriented, the sport is assumed to be male dominated, it is always difficult as a female to fit in comfortably here as opposed to other countries where they fully support and encourage their female shooters. In the other countries I have visited in the region, like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Suriname, it is amazing how they empower their women and recognise the designated Ladies Category.

Sunday Magazine: What was your parents’ reaction to your interest in sport shooting?

Vidushi Persaud: I am very fortunate to have the best and most supportive parents ever: Vidyanand and Dia Persaud. They have always encouraged me and my two sisters to do the positive things that interest us.

They are aware that Ryan has taught me and that all safety rules are always

Vidushi Persaud

observed and that this is sport shooting. Unlike other sports, shooting sports do not require you to be 6ft tall or have superhuman strength. Many of the skills can be learnt and tuned with practice.

Sunday Magazine: What are your plans for your shooting career?

Vidushi Persaud: I hope to continue my training with Ryan and work on my weak areas, especially those that were more evident during my recent Suriname match, so that my level can be raised and we

can be better prepared for the international circuits. I will continue with my personal training coach and his advice, which has brought me so far and I am thankful for his constant support and encouragement. I would like to change the perception of the Guyanese public to understand a woman competitive shooter. It is hoped that we can educate and encourage more women about firearm usage, safety and promote women’s shooting interest and participation in the competitive shooting sports.

6 Times Sunday Magazine

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June 7, 2015

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Burt Award for Caribbean Literature winner

Part II of III

By Petamber Persaud

(Extract of an interview with Imam Baksh, Georgetown, Guyana, May 2015, just after he received first prize in the Burt Award for Caribbean Literature.

The Burt Award is a recent literary award. It is designed to benefit literature in the Caribbean by hosting writers’ workshops, handsomely rewarding the best writing for young adults in the region. It also provides new

material for readers and educators, and work for publishers, booksellers and educators. The award ensures manuscripts are published

by Caribbean publishers, and books printed in the thousands are distributed in the Caribbean and wider society.)

PP Earlier you talked about reading and how essential it is to read, to read what you want to write because nothing is wrong with imitating the masters as it were. Two issues: what

were you reading meaning the type of literature you were interested in, and, did your reading influence your writing?

IB I was always attracted to stories that explored things. So one of the first sets of books I had as a child and that I treasured most were the books that tell you how a child lives in other countries like Malaysia and how they would tap rubber.

There was another one about how they used to round up sheep on his father’s farm in New Zeeland. These things

attracted me. There was a whole new world out there that I know little or nothing about. Then there was a series of books about two brothers who used to go the South Seas or the Amazon, or the Congo….catching gorillas or giant iguanas. I couldn’t do these things but they were doing them for me, so those books I treasured.

Along the way, I discovered I was attracted to the fantastic – things that bent reality or broke reality. And this is very innocent – you find it in chil-

dren stories all the time. We read fairy tales and there is magic; Cinderella and there is magic, Pinocchio – magic. All those children stories are filled with magic.

Magic is motivating. And the monster and the beast like the beast in “Beauty and the Beast”. Or the dragon. And you would have to fight these beasts/monsters/ dragons. And just the idea of fighting these monsters was fun.

PP One of the biggest attractions right now is the Harry Potter series…

IB The Harry Potter series is a good example – there are the mentors and monsters and witches and wizards etc. When I was ten or eleven, I discovered Stephen King. My mother though he would drive me crazy, she said it would poison my mind.

I also started reading about the same time, military and spy thrillers like Alistair McLean; these were fast-paced stuff. It was something looked down on, what people called pulp fiction, no serious thoughts in them but I found them absolutely interesting and enjoyable.

From Stephen King, I branched out into writers like Neil Gaiman – he wrote comic books at first. I love comics: the superheroes – Superman, Batman. And then there were other creations that were not superheroes like the fantasies.

PP All this while you were developing as a writer because you were able to tell what worked or what did not work in a story.

IB Like analysing the work?

PP Yes thing that IB One helped was that I ended up a UG and considering teaching as a career, so I did a degree in English and I learned a lot by way of

studying English Literature where I read a whole lot of books that I would not normally read. As I said before I am attracted to the action oriented stories – so here I was in a classroom setting reading “The Colour Purple” or “Their eyes were watching god”; stories without too much fight scenes, focusing on the realities of life… but I still enjoyed those books, although I would not have picked those books up on my own. In the middle of all that, you go back and study the critics all the way Aristotle to the Russian to Jacques Derrida the deconstructionist …

PP Post-modernist…

IB And you see certain things in literature are cyclical – one generation emphasizes reality, the following generation says no, reality is too plain, let’s dress it up and then the next generation says you’ve gone too far, let’s go back to reality... so there are these ups and downs …

PP …moving in cycles not unlike the trend in fashion…I am glad you raised this point because this is happening in all art forms where the ‘artists’ are going back to ancient times and traditions imitating and merging with contemporary trends.

Lots of categories wherein to work. What’s your particular area or areas of interest in writing?

IB I’ve always been a fan of mythology and futurist stuff, which seems like the two ends of a spectrum.

A lot of time I write and try to bring the two ends together where you will see mythological characters popping up in some form in the future time because they are so enduring, lasting through the ages. If you look at ancient stories like Ram and Seeta or Anancy or the Roman and Greek Gods of Jupiter or Zeus and their many children and the different ways they come into conflict with each other. So I put some of that stuff into this book because I love the action and drama from mythology and bring everything forward into the future ….

PP Now let’s look at your book, ‘Children of the Spider’, against all that we’ve discussed so far….

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com (TO BE CONTINUED)

guyanatimesgy.com

June 7, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 7

Times Heritage

The Place of the Seven Ponds The Arthur Chung T Convention Centre

he Place of the Seven Ponds, known also as the ‘Place of Heroes, the Seven Ponds’ or ‘Seven Ponds’, lies south of the central avenue in the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown.

As its name suggests, it consists of seven small ponds: six trapezoidal and surrounding a central monument, which stands in a circular and seventh pond.

It was constructed in 1969 as the burial site of then recently independent Guyana’s first Governor-General, Mahaica-born Sir David Rose.

It would later accommodate other eminent Guyanese such as presidents Arthur Chung and Desmond Hoyte, and national poet Martin Carter.

The graves lie north of the monument.

The late Sir David Rose

F

ormerly known as the Guyana International Convention Centre (GICC), located in Liliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara, the centre was recently renamed the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, in honour of Guyana’s first president, Arthur Chung.

On Feb 16, 2006, the People’s Republic of China presented the ultra-modern GICC to Guyana, after a request by the government of Guyana in 2002. The paperwork was inked in January 2003, during a state visit by State Counsellor of China, Madame Wu Yi. The People's Republic of China had granted the

European quarters, Demerara Bauxite Co., British Guiana n.d.

Estate Manager's House, British Guiana n.d.

funds, which amounted to approximately US$ 8M, for its construction. The centre comprises a main conference hall with a seating capacity of 372, five smaller conference rooms, a business centre and a restaurant.

Arthur Chung was

born Jan 10, 1918 at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara.

Although an apprentice surveyor and sworn land surveyor, Chung studied in England to qualify as a barrister in 1947. He returned to Guyana and began his career in law as acting magistrate before moving on to Puisne and Appeal Court Judge in 1963.

When Guyana became a republic in 1970, Chung was elected its first president. He held the position from March 17, 1970 to Oct 6, 1980.

Arthur Chung died June 23, 2008, and was buried at Seven Ponds.

8 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

June 7, 2015

Times Travel & Tourism

M

abaruma, in northwest Guyana, was built high above the forest on an enormous hillock of green. Up there, running along the ridge, is an avenue of stately rubber trees, and a pleasing sprawl of orchards, paddocks, and tiny wooden farms.

Located in Region One (Barima/Waini), Mabaruma is approximately one and a half hour flight from Georgetown. It is also located near the Venezuela border.

One of Mabaruma’s attractions is the Kissing Rocks. The hike from the main road of Mabaruma to the Kissing Rocks takes ap-

proximately 45 minutes by foot. During this hike it's likely that you'll hear and perhaps even spot some monkeys climbing in the trees surrounding the path.

Once there you can cool down in the river.

It is said that each person of a couple would stand on one rock and lean to try to kiss their partner, if they could reach it meant that their relationship would be a successful one. There are other stories, tales and myths associated with the Kissing Rocks.

A large population of indigenous persons continue to live off the land in Mabaruma.

A dugout canoe on the river by the Kissing Rocks

Main road straddled by rubber trees

The Kissing Rocks

School monument

Boathouse on the creek

The river leaving Mabaruma on the way to Hotoquai, Hobodeia and other villages

guyanatimesgy.com

June 7, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

T

he well-known U.S. News & World Report Health in 2015 evaluated and ranked 35 diets with involvement from a panel of health experts.

The panel rated each diet on a scale of 1 to 5 on seven measures: short- and longterm weight loss, ease of following, nutrition, safety and performance as a diabetes and heart diet.

Best Diets Overall combines the panellists’ ratings in all seven categories. All categories were not equally weighted.

Short-term and long-term weight loss was combined, with long-term ratings getting twice the weight.

Why? Quick results are important after the holidays or when summer looms, but a diet's true test is whether it can be sustained for years. That's especially the case for those who are overweight or obese, losing as little as 5 per cent of body weight can dramatically reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. In addition, safety was double-counted, because no diet should be dangerous.

Now in its fifth year, Best Diets delivers the facts about 41 eating plans and ranks 35 of them on a range of levels, from their heart healthiness to their

likelihood to help you lose weight.

The Rankings

1. The U.S. government-endorsed Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) ranked at the top.

According to the U.S.

News & World Report Health website, DASH was developed to fight high blood pressure, not as an all-purpose diet.

Nevertheless, it certainly looked like an all-star to the group’s panel of experts, who gave it high

marks for its nutritional completeness, safety, ability to prevent or control diabetes, and role in supporting heart health.

Though obscure, it beat out a field full of betterknown diets.

2. Therapeutic Lifestyle

How the DASH Diet works

T

he aim of the U.S. government -endorsed diet, the DASH Diet is to prevent and lower hypertension (high blood pressure). The name DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

It is claimed that a healthy eating pattern is critical to deflating high blood pressure – and in turn could be beneficial to your waistline.

The theory behind it suggests that nutrients like po-

tassium, calcium, protein and fibre, are crucial to fending off or fighting high blood pressure.

Those on the diet however, don’t have to track each one. Just emphasize the foods we’ve always been told to eat (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy), while shunning those we’ve grown to love (calorie- and fat-laden sweets and red meat) and cutting back on salt, for good health.

The U.S. National Heart,

Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in its free PDF, notes that The DASH eating plan requires no special foods and has no hard-to-follow recipes. It simply calls for a certain number of daily servings from various food groups, which depend on the number of calories you’re allowed each day.

Your calorie level depends on your age and, especially, how active you are.

Use the chart below to estimate your daily calorie needs.

Your Daily Calorie Needs Calories Needed for Each Activity Level

For more information on the top ranked diet, visit http://health.usnews.com/best-diet/ dash-diet to download the free PDF. The DASH Diet ranked number 1 in Best Diets Overall; number 12 in Best Weight-Loss Diets; number 3 in Best Heart Diets; number 1 for Best Diets for Healthy Eating, number 1 in Best Diabetes Diets and number 7 in Easiest Diets to Follow.

A

Changes, or TLC, is a very solid diet plan created by the National Institutes of Health. It has no major weaknesses, and it’s particularly good at promoting cardiovascular health. One expert described it as a “very healthful, complete,

safe diet.” Nevertheless, it requires a “do-it-yourself” approach, in contrast to the handholding provided by some commercial diets.

3. Three diets snagged the third spot.

The Mayo Clinic Diet is the Mayo Clinic’s take on how to make healthy eating a lifelong habit. It earned especially high ratings from the experts for its nutrition and safety and as a tool against diabetes. Experts found it moderately effective for weight loss.

U.S. News & World Report Health noted that with its emphasis on fruits and vegetables, olive oil, fish and other healthy fare, the Mediterranean diet is eminently sensible. In addition, experts’ assessments of it were resoundingly positive, giving this diet an edge over many competitors.

Weight Watchers, it pointed out, is a smart, effective diet. It surpassed other commercial diet plans in multiple areas, including short- and longterm weight loss and how easy it is to follow. It’s also nutritionally sound and safe, according to experts.

Among its pluses: An emphasis on group support, lots of fruits and vegetables, and room for occasional indulgences.

Tricks for making your diet plan stick

diet is only as good as your ability to stick to it. Research has found that most plans will help you lose weight, regardless of type – low fat or low-carb, for example. What counts is whether you can stay on it long term.

With restaurant meals, dinners with friends and hot fudge sundaes to tempt you, adherence is an understandable challenge.

Here are seven tricks for making your diet stick: 1. You need support, be it from a friend, a group or even an online community.

Research suggests those who try to diet alone are most likely to fall off the wagon. That's why some plans have a formal support component.

2. A couple chips here and a few cookie nibbles there may seem harmless, but mindless munching adds up. Record everything you eat and drink in a food diary. Most of us don't realize exactly how much we consume, so making conscious notes will put each meal, snack or splurge into perspective.

3. Keep motivation high. Give yourself ample cause to stay the course.

Post encouraging notes on your mirror, keep listing

why the diet is worth it or buy a new pair of jeans in the size you're determined to reach. Don't forget to tell yourself how great you're doing every day.

4.

Avoid temptation. Throw out the saboteurs. Out with the cookies, chips, those unhealthy snacks and high-calorie juices. At the office, fill your desk drawer with healthy snacks, and pack your own well-balanced lunch each day. Avoid ordering in from fast food restaurants or those that serve high-calorie meals.

5. Don’t deprive yourself however. Diets that eliminate entire food groups or forbid the occasional splurge are likely to fail, research suggests.

If you don't indulge every once in a while, you're more likely to give in to cravings

and binge. Remember: Moderation is key.

6. Learn the difference between hunger and boredom. Sometimes eating is an attempt to satisfy your mind – not your stomach. Registered dietician Bonnie-Taub Dix, who writes for U.S. News' Eat + Run blog, suggests having a conversation with yourself: “When was the last time I ate? Am I really hungry?”

7. "Don't just judge a diet by the pounds on the scale," registered dietician Dawn Jackson Blatner says. "Monitor energy, sleep quality, mood, clothing and self-esteem.

On weeks when the scale doesn't tell you what you want, you can focus on other motivating results to keep you going." (Health US News)

10 Times Sunday Magazine Times Fashion

G

uyanese designer Sonia Noel will be launching a major fashion next week in celebration of CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month in New York. The event will feature a number of designers from the Dutch, French and English-speaking Caribbean countries and from Brooklyn, US. The event, Bridging the Gap, aims to connect vibrant Caribbean style with the wider world.

“I feel so blessed to produce an event that will provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of our designers from the French, Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean to the world.

Caribbean-American Month is the perfect time to launch an event of this nature,” Noel said in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, who is currently in the US preparing for the highly anticipated fashion event.

This week Sunday Magazine features chic piec-

es from two of the designers participating in the event.

Christine Samuel is a multi-talented award winning St. Lucian artist who has earned recognition for her impressive skills in different artistic genres. She uses her extensive artistic skills in the visual arts to produce original women’s bags that reflect vibrant Saint Lucian/Caribbean artistry and beauty.

Then there is Creative Director Kimberly Solana.

Inspired by all things musical, magical and vibrant, Solana’s pieces are a part of an intricate puzzle mirroring the past and present experiences. Born in Abilene, Texas, to St. Lucian parents, Solana was always encouraged to express herself creatively through art, which is heavily influenced by her St. Lucian heritage and her passion for Middle-Eastern dance.

For more information on the event, contact Noel on 226-3099 or email soniaenoel@gmail.com

June 7, 2015

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V

anessa Hudgens is an American actress and singer.

Hudgens rose to prominence playing Gabriella Montez in the “High School Musical” series.

She has also appeared in various films and television series for the Disney Channel. She had her feature film debut in the 2003 film “Thirteen”. Songs from the “High School Musical” films charted worldwide, with the song "Breaking Free" peaking on the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. This led to Hudgens releasing her debut album, V, in 2006. In 2009, she earned critical acclaim for her role in the film “Bandslam”. She has also appeared in the film “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” alongside Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. She later appeared in the film “Spring Breakers” (2013), alongside Selena Gomez.

Hudgens also appeared in the film “Machete Kills”. The actress played the title role in the Broadway musical “Gigi” in 2015.

guyanatimesgy.com June 7, 2015

Star Times Hollywood

Times Sunday Magazine 11

12 Times Sunday Magazine

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June 7, 2015

Times Hollywood

Justin Bieber Pleads Willow Smith’s Marc Jacobs Campaign Guilty in ATV Assault Revealed: Joins Cher As Face Of Fall 2015

W

J

ustin Bieber copped a plea in a criminal assault case involving Selena Gomez, a paparazzo and an ATV, while in Ontario, Canada last summer.

The singer appeared in a Canadian court via Skype in the office of his lawyer, Howard Weitzman, when he pled guilty to simple assault and careless driving.

Justin crashed his ATV into the minivan of a photographer who was taking photos of Justin and then

girlfriend Selena.

The plea was a good deal: Bieber only has to pay a $750 fine, with no jail or probation.

No one was injured in the incident and the paparazzo involved in the incident later pled guilty to trespassing. (TMZ)

‘Game of Thrones’ editor fatally mauled by lion in South Africa

T

he American tourist who was fatally mauled by a lion in Johannesburg, South Africa this week has been identi-

fied as Katherine Chappell, a 29-year-old visual effects editor who worked on “Game of Thrones” and “Captain America: The Winter

Soldier”.

According to CNN, Chappell had travelled to South Africa on a volunteer mission aimed at protecting wildlife.

She was taking photos of a pride of lions while on safari Monday at Lion Park in Gauteng province and had rolled her window down to get a better shot, against the park's rules.

As drivers in other vehicles nearby honked their horns to no avail, a lion approached Chappell's vehicle from the side, unseen by her and her driver, and leapt up to bite her through the window, CNN reports.

Chappell's driver attempted to fight the lion off unsuccessfully, and may have suffered a heart attack while doing so, according to CNN. Chappell died at the scene from wounds to her neck.

Authorities are investigating the incident, but representatives from Lion Park have said that the lion will not be euthanized. (TV Guide)

illow Smith joins Cher as one of the faces of Marc Jacob’s Fall 2015 line. The teen, (and daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith), is the second star to join Marc’s Fall 2015 roster — and she’s in good company. In fact, on May 27, Marc Jacobs unveiled the first face of the Fall 2015 line, Cher.

Marc took to Instagram to break the news, where he got a little sentimental in a lengthy message that also acknowledged his campaign models of the past, including: Victoria Beckham, Sofia Coppola, Miley Cyrus, Dakota Fanning, Jessica Lange, Kate Moss, Winona Ryder and Stephanie Seymour, among other famous faces.

How did Marc Jacobs decide on Willow to front the campaign?

“I have always preferred collaborating with the people who inspire me to give new life to the clothes we show on our runway,” the designer said in his Instagram message.

“Beauty, style and talent know no age. It is those individuals whose creativity, unique vision, and voice inspire all of us here to create and express ourselves through our medium: fashion. (Hollywood Life)

Princess Charlotte's Christening Date Announced

P

rincess Charlotte will be christened on July 5 at St Mary Magdalene Church at the Queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rev. Justin Welby, will perform the service.

According to the BBC, Welby was "delighted" to be asked to conduct the tiny royal's baptism. "It will be an extraordinary honour and privilege to help welcome the princess into the family of the church," he added.

Prince William and Kate Middleton's daughter was born May 2 at St. Mary's Hospital, and only 10 hours after that the Duchess of Cambridge departed the hospital looking gorgeous—probably because her delivery experience went very smoothly. (eOnline)

Controversy swirls over Caitlyn Jenner's ESPY Award, ESPN stands by its choice

Disney making live-action version of ‘Fantasia’

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isney's latest live-action remake will be based on the "Night on Bald Mountain" sequence from Fantasia.

The memorable section from the 1940 animated classic derives from the work of Modest Mussorgsky, and centres on spirits rising from their graves for an enchanted dance.

This expanded live-action version is being produced and written by “Dracula Untold” and “The Last Witch Hunter” alumni Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless.

“The Night on Bald Mountain” is described by The Hollywood Reporter as being similar to last year's “Sleeping Beauty” spinoff “Maleficent”.

1940's innovative “Fantasia” paired several short films with iconic classic music selections.

Disney is revamping a

T number of its classic animated movies, and has already scored hits with “Cinderella” and “Alice in Wonderland”.

Remakes in development

include “The Jungle Book”, “Pete's Dragon”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Mulan”, “Winnie the Pooh”, “The Haunted Mansion” and “Dumbo”. (Seventeen)

he world rallied around Caitlyn Jenner when she made her big debut on Monday. But not everyone is happy the former Olympian has been chosen to receive ESPN's Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs on July 15, her first major public appearance.

Tom Cruise's 20-year-old son, Connor Cruise, for one, took to Twitter Wednesday to protest ESPN's decision.

"Really?? Winning the AA award for courage??

Ashton is gonna come out

and yell PUNK'D," he said in a series of Tweets that have since been deleted.

"Don't get me wrong. Do what you feel like doing and don't let anyone stop you.

But everyone is taking this way too seriously … There are so many more important things that should be talked about … And SO MANY MORE IMPORTANT PEOPLE that actually deserve an award."

After Cruise came under fire for his comment, he defended it in another series of Tweets, saying, "Totally

twisting what I said, if you read what I said I totally support being happy and am glad she is happy."

But he isn't the only one who feels the award honouring those with "strength in the face of adversity" should have gone to someone else.

Many Twitter users also declared that Lauren Hill, a college basketball player who died this year after a battle with cancer, deserved to win the award over Jenner.

ESPN issued a statement on Wednesday, saying, "The Arthur Ashe Courage Award is meant to honor individuals whose contributions transcend sports through courageous action. Sometimes that courage is demonstrated over the course of a lifetime and sometimes it is demonstrated in a single act that shines a light on an important contemporary issue. At all times, there are many worthy candidates. This year, we are proud to honor Caitlyn Jenner embracing her identity and doing so in a public way to help move forward a constructive dialogue about progress and acceptance." (People)

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June 7, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 13

Star Times Bollywood

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nuj Sachdeva is an Indian model and actor mostly known for his role in “Sabki Laadli Bebo”, “Phir Subah Hogi”, and “Chhanchhan”. Sachdeva is currently seen in Sony TV's “Itti Si Khushi”. Before his acting career, Sachdeva worked with his father’s business of manufacturing shoes and handicrafts. Sachdeva is trained in martial arts and has a brown belt in Taekwondo.

14 Times Sunday Magazine

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Times Bollywood

Ranbir, Katrina to tie the knot in 2016?

B

e it Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Arnold Schwarzenegger or Richard Gere, Hollywood continues to cast its seasoned veterans in attractive roles. Is Bollywood doing enough?

Amitabh Bachchan, who at 72 has impressed audiences with his role of a cranky father in the highly acclaimed film "Piku", says Indian cinema is no less and has its own standing.

The 72-year-old actor himself has in the past decade, regaled his fans and more with eclectic, sometimes intense, sometimes comical roles in films like “Black”, “Cheeni Kum”, “Paa” and “Shamitabh”.

"I do not think that we need to be influenced by the trends of an alien film industry. We are the Indian film industry and we have our own standing. Whereas we appreciate the creativity and standing of Hollywood in the world of cinema, I do not think we are any less," Mr Bachchan told IANS. "Actors and greats such as Chhabi Biswas, Uttam Kumar from Bengal; Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor,

Theatrical release poster July 2011

DevAnand and Ashok Kumar from Mumbai; MGR

(M.G. Ramachandran), NTR (N.T. Rama Rao) and

Akkineni Nageshwar Rao, and several other accomplished leading men continued to play leading roles in films (even as they grew old)," he added.

"Creativity is not an FMCG (Fast-moving consumer goods) product where quantity and numbers are taken into account," said Big B, who has been lending his acting acumen and talent for telling myriad stories on the big screen for over four decades, and continues to do so with the same conviction.

It was only after decades altogether that Amitabh stepped into the Hollywood world with a cameo in The Great Gatsby, in which he portrayed Meyer Wolfsheim.

But he said no to more roles in the West.

After the stupendous success of “Piku”, which saw him playing a nagging Bengali father suffering from constipation, Amitabh will next be seen in “Wazir” as a paralysed man with a knack for chess.

“Wazir” is scheduled to hit screens September 11, this year. (NDTV)

Dance India Dance 5: The show is back with a BANG

Z

ee TV’s popular series Dance India Dance is back with its fifth season. The promo of the show has gone air and going by the looks of it, this upcoming season looks very promising.

It starts with this groovy new DID anthem that says, “Can you beat that?’

Basically, this new season presents itself in the form of the ‘Biggest Battleground of Dance’, where each participant will set a certain standard with their dancing prowess and challenge the other to #BeatThat!

Mithun Chakraborty will retain his spot as the Grandmaster of the show.

However, the panel of judges, which initially had Terrence andGeeta, will now be replaced by these

three new choreographers – Muddassar Khan, Gaiti Siddiqui and ex-DID contes-

tant Punit Pathak. The auditions have already been done and the show is offi-

B

ollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif may have finally decided to tie the knot by end of 2016.

The two stars had recently shunned speculations of their affair by finally going public, however, rumours were rife when the two moved in together.

A while back, there were rumours of Ranbir Kapoor getting married to Katrina Kaif by the end of this year.And then Katrina refuted the rumours, saying that she's not planning on walking down to the altar anytime soon.

Speaking to DNA, Ranbir went ahead and clarified matters. "Let me clear the air. Rokas happen during arranged marriages, where the two families come together and fix the match. Then the girl is

cially set to premiere June 27 this year. (Bollywood Life)

Gold Awards 2015 winners announced

I

t was a win-win day for both the leading shows of Telly land.

Karan Patel gets best actor for “Yeh Hai Mohabbatein”, while “QuboolHai” stars Karanvir Bohra and Surbhi Jyoti bag the best jodi title!

The Zee TV’s Gold Awards 2015 show was held Thursday, and while the awards show was hosted by Gauahar Khan and Jay Bhanushali, the grand event was graced by a Who’s Who of Telly world right from Divyanka Tripathi, Anita Hassanandani, Karan Patel to Karanvir Bohra, Syrbhi Jyoti, Gautam Gulati, Aamir Ali and Sanjeeda Sheikh among others.

But the ones’who became the ultimate highlight of the eve-

ning were hands down these stars from Qubool Hai and YehHaiMohabbatein.

YHM’s Raman-Ishita aka Karan and Divyanka bagged the Best Actor/Actress at Gold Awards this year. Whereas QuboolHai heartthrobs KaranvirBohra aka Aahil and Surbhi Jyoti aka Sanam were crowned as the Best Jodi.

KVB took to Instagram and shared his joy. He wrote, “And the best Jodi goes to???? Yeah, u got it right…..#saahil Thank you my #bratpacks for your love and constant support.this award would not have been possible without it.words are less to thank you…God bless you all the fans. And @thisissurbhi”.

(Bollywood Life)

G

autam Gulati, who rose to fame with his recent win in ‘Bigg Boss’, will be making his Bollywood debut with the EktaKapoor film “Azhar”.

Based on the real-life story of popular cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin, the film will have EmraanHashmi playing the title role, while Gautam will portray the character of fellow cricketer Ravi Shastri.

Gautam Gulati has already started prepping for the role, and it is being

not allowed to meet other prospective grooms. That's the idea. You guys know my situation. It's not an arranged marriage. Why would I even need a roka?"

And Kapoor Jr didn't stop at that. About the wedding date and time, he said, "There's no truth to it.

Once we decide to get married, everyone will come to know. It will be one of my biggest decisions ever, so we will announce it in a big manner. Right now, I am happy and secure with my life. There is love in my life, and when we decide to take it to the next level.

But Ranbiralso told Indian news agency IANS that since both of them are busy this year, the wedding cannot take place anytime soon. Hence, both have unanimously decided to get hitched end of 2016. (emirates247)

said that he is also watching many videos of Ravi Shastri in order to acquire his mannerisms.

On the other hand, the actor is also working on his physique to get his act as a cricketer right. We also hear that Gautam has also been practicing some of Ravi Shastri's signature moves including what was famously known as 'chapati' shots.

Few cricket lovers may be aware that Ravi Shastri shared a great rapport with Azharuddin and hence Gautam will be seen in a pivotal role in the film. Ravi Shastri, who was once a popular left arm orthodox spinner, has currently been elected as the team director for India in the upcoming tour of Bangladesh.

Directed by Anthony D'Souza, “Azhar” also stars Prachi Desai and NimratKaur in prominent roles. It is slated for a May 13, 2016release. (Bollywood hungama)

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June 7, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine

15

Times Trends

Star of the week

T

enisha Garnett has proved that with determination, anything is possible. The 20-year-old makeup artist is an entrepreneur working assiduously to get her brand on the international market. According to Tenisha, art has always been a part of her life. After posting her work on social networks and receiving overwhelming responses on the quality of her work, Tenisha decided to pursue makeup art as a career. For more than two years, she has been establishing herself locally. In 2014, she made her international debut with the Miss Earth pageant in 2014, in the Philippines, as the official makeup artist for Miss Earth Guyana, Stacy Ramcharan. Tenisha enjoys the dramatic aspect of makeup as it allows her to express her “wild, creative side”. The self-taught makeup artist’s favourite look is natural – “nothing too bright and colourful”. Owning a studio and training others in her art, Tenisha’s next goal is to have a makeup brand franchise and international clientele. Her advice to youths, “Never let anyone tell you you're too young. If you believe in yourself, along with hard work and devotion, you can do anything. You can teach yourself pretty much anything. Everything is online; you just have to read. When I first started I had to support myself and get everything done on my own, now I'm a 20-yearold business owner all of my own.”

Trending Now

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eauty on the runway this season comes in the form of seriously smoky shadow, vivid red lips and strokes of brilliant colour.

Black liquid eyeliner went from clean and slightly flicked at Oscar de la Renta (pictured) to exaggeratedly winged-out at Saint Laurent and Cushnie et Ochs.

At Dolce&Gabbana (pictured), deep berry lipstick was diffused around the edges for a sultry, stained effect, while Zac Posen and Missoni showed bright, flirty orange-reds.

Brown shed its humdrum image and showed its versatility on the spring runways, showing up in shades of cool taupe at Donna Karan, chocolate-y bronze at Giorgio Armani (pictured) and warm sand at J. Mendel.

At Marc Jacobs (pictured), “no-makeup” makeup actually meant just that—no mascara, no foundation, nothing. At shows like Jason Wu and Tory Burch, makeup artists used pinky-nude lipstick and blush for a more “barely-there” look.

The pop art eye makeup wasn’t quite what it seemed at shows like Fendi (pictured), Dior and Peter Som, where the artists used strips of leather, satin stickers and swipes of lipstick in place of traditional eyeliner.

16 Times Sunday Magazine

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JUNE 7, 2015

Times Art

Kindred Spirits – Inspired by nature

In her art class, she tries to stimulate this freedom of expression. “At age five, 90 per cent of the children measure high in creativity, at age seven, 10 per cent measure high in

S

igrid Sandker is an Austrian visual artist who lives and works in Guyana, which has become her second home over the years. Together with Tracy Douglas and Nicholas Young, she forms part of the group exhibition “Kindred Spirits – Inspired by nature”.

Pottery and painting are Sandker’s major artistic activities.“It was here in Guyana that I was inspired to develop my love for ceramics and started doing pottery. The beau-

creativity; among adults, 2 per cent measure high in creativity. Something in our education and culture seems to blow out the candle of creativity. As a consequence, corporate train-

ers all over the globe spend millions to get CEOs to think “creatively”, whereas small kids have it by nature,” she relates.

Something to think about…

Artist Sigrid Sandker at work

ty of working with clay I find its directness, there is nothing between you and the material. Your hands knead, center and shape the clay. Painting on the other hand, which I have been practicing for many years, is more narrative; a painting can tell you a whole story or transmit messages and moods. It offers a wider range of means of expression like colours, shapes, textures etc.”

Early art education is another issue very close to her heart. She believes

that creativity is the freest form of self-expression.

Moreover, there is nothing more satisfying and fulfilling for children than to be able to express themselves openly and without constraints.The ability to be creative, to create something from personal feelings and experiences, can nurture children's emotional health. The experiences children have during their first years of life can significantly enhance the development of their creativity.

Children in art class

C

elebrating the 49th anniversary of Guyana’s independence, the National Gallery of Art, located in Castellani House, has on display a beautiful array of abstract art, paintings and sculptures by distinguished Guyanese artists.

According to statements

by Alim Hosein, Chairman of the Castellani House Management Committee, and Ohene Koama, Curator (ag), Castellani House, “the theme of ‘independence’…turns our attention to independentthinking artists whose works add a special dimension to the National Collection.”

Works by veteran artists such as Philip Moore, Carl Anderson, Stanley Greaves, George Simon, Oswald Hussein, Donald Locke, Terence Roberts, Aubrey Williams, and many others, are wonderfully exhibited at Castellani House, located at Vlissengen Road and Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

The exhibition continues to July 18, 2015. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00 hours to 17:00 hours, and Saturday from 14:00 hours to 18:00 hours.

The gallery is closed on Sundays and holidays.

Admission is free. (Photos courtesy of Castellani House)

"Where Are We Going" (1962) Michael Leila

"Choice" n.d. Grimmond

"Arawak IV" (1972) Aubrey Williams

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JUNE 7, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 17

Times Tech

Apple Inc. criticizes several tech giants for invading user privacy I n a recent speech at EPIC’s Champion of Freedom event, Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook criticized several rival companies for manipulating user data.

He said that Apple Inc. does not believe in the idea that users should compromise between security and privacy. Customers have a right to their privacy, and Apple continues to provide it to them.

Cook spoke about several prominent companies and the way they treat the data of its customers. He said many prominent tech companies are collecting anything they can find on their customers. These com-

Tech BYTE

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T

support such companies.

Although he did not specifically name any company, it was clear that he was speaking about tech giants such as Facebook Inc., and Twitter Inc.etc. These

Toronto university building to have digitally-readable façade

n interactive façade is to be wrapped around the south-east corner of a building at the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD) in Toronto. Its design is based on mapping data from the local area. Passers-by will be able to read information embedded in the façade by photographing it.

The building in question is currently the university’s main office building. It is due to be converted, however, into a multi-use work and exhibition space for students and will be known as the Rosalie Sharp Pavilion.

Designed by Bortolotto architects, the façade is aimed in part at engaging the local community. In order to create it, the city's educational art facilities have been mapped. These included galleries, museums, studios and art stores. The geographical data has been re-oriented so that it will fit on the façade, and paths drawn between the various institutions to indicate connections between them.

Spreading from the

Tech BYTE

panies hoard the user’s private information, and then seek ways to make money out of it.

The CEO criticized this approach outright, and said that Apple does not want to

paths are what Bortolotto describes as "amorphic grids," which it says suggest the reconstruction of the city through the production of art and design. This creates an intricate pattern.

The façade will be made out of aluminium panels and is mounted on a metal subframe held in place by structural steel outriggers. The pattern will be applied to it via water-jet cutting and will give it the appearance of a perforated scrim. As the pattern is not repeated at any point, it will be possible to embed information in dif-

ferent parts of the design for reading.

An accompanying mobile app that is currently being developed in collaboration with OCAD's Digital Media Research Lab will be able to recognize various patterns within the design. Due to the early stage of development, information about the app is limited, but bystanders will be able to photograph a section of the façade and have associated digital information displayed to them.

Construction is expected to begin later this year.

(Gizmag)

DARPA tests its self-steering bullets against moving targets

he U.S. Department of Defence’s DARPA (Defence Advanced Projects Research Agency) has conducted a new test of its self-steering bullets, showing off their ability to hit moving targets. The testing further demonstrates the effectiveness of the projectile, which was developed under the Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) program, with both experienced and novice shooters successfully hitting their marks.

The agency has previously revealed that its self-steering bullets make use of a real-time guidance system that tracks the chosen target, with the projectile changing path during flight to home in on its mark. Past that, DARPA is keeping quiet on how the technology actually works.

The rationale behind it, on the other hand, is rather straightf o r w a r d .

Essentially, the idea is to allow snipers to accurately hit targets at a greater DARPA has yet to reveal distance than the technology behind the would usualbullets (Image: DARPA) ly be possible, overcoming unfavourable environmental conditions to outrange hostile combatants and thereby improve troop safety.

The new tests demonstrate the projectiles' ability to routinely hit moving targets, regardless of the experience level of the shooter.

As of yet, there's no indication as to when the ammunition might make its way into the field.(Source: Gizmag)

businesses are well-known for tracking user activities and collecting data, which is then used for advertisements.

Furthermore, he disapproved of the “free” services, which are available at the cost of people’s personal information. He said customers may approve of these services, but their privacy is much more valuable, and should not be sold off to advertising. He strongly believes that one day customers will realize it for themselves.

The CEO also criticized government’s attempts to gain access into people’s devices. The government wants to have a backdoor

Tech news

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access to their encrypted data. Cook said that such methods will weaken the security (data encryption), allowing other parties to use them to hack into devices.

He compared this to a

Pong, Doom enter first video game Hall of Fame

ong and Doom have been inducted into the first Video Game Hall of Fame.

The project to find influential games that deserved to be in the Hall of Fame was begun in February by The Strong - a US museum of play.

Tetris, Super Mario Bros, Pac-Man, and World of Warcraft were also chosen to feature in an exhibit of iconic games.

Angry Birds and Minecraft were nominated but did not make the final list.

The museum invited people to nominate games played on PCs, consoles, hand-held gadgets, phones or in arcades.

The winners span three decades of gaming from Pong, first released in 1972, to World of Warcraft, which debuted in late 2004.

Pong was chosen because it launched the entire games industry, said the museum in a statement, revealing the six entrants in its Hall of Fame. It acknowledged that it was not the first electronic game but was the first to get "wide-scale public attention".

Other games were chosen for becom-

Tech news

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scenario where a person hides the key of his house under a doormat, even though he only intends the government authorities to use the key; it will also be available to thieves as well.

(Business Finance News)

ing cultural icons (Tetris), making games a mass-market phenomenon (Pac-Man) and changing the way games were made (Doom).

World of Warcraft was chosen, said the museum, because of its longevity and the way it has brought millions of players together into one game world.

The winners were whittled down from a long list of 15 that was picked by an internal panel of academics, journalists and game experts recruited by The Strong. Their decisions were based on a game's longevity, influence, geographical reach and iconic status.

The museum now plans to feature the winning games, the other nominees and many others in a permanent exhibition.

The other nine nominees included Legend of Zelda, Space Invaders, the Oregon Trail and Pokémon. Nominees for the 2016 inductees to the hall of fame are now being accepted.

Based in Rochester, New York, The Strong was founded in 1968 by Margaret Woodbury Strong a collector of toys, dolls and other play paraphernalia.(BBC News)

Google Street View takes you under the sea

s described in a new blog posted Thursday, Google has posted new Street View imagery of more than 40 underwater spots around the world, including the American Samoa in the South Pacific Ocean and Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, as well as deep sea dives in Bali, the Bahamas and the Great Barrier Reef. The views reveal the beauty of whales, fish and other creatures under the sea as well as coral reefs, shipwrecks and other areas to explore.

Posted in time for World Oceans Day on June 8, the images are also a way to focus on the harm being done to our oceans and the attempts to preserve the undersea world.

"Home to the majority of life on Earth, the ocean acts as its life support system, controlling everything from our weather and rainfall to the oxygen we breathe," Google said in its blog. "Yet despite the ocean's

Screenshot of Google Street View of fish in Crystal Bay, Bali

vital importance, the ocean is changing at a rapid rate due to climate change, pollution, and overfishing, making it one of the most serious environmental issues we face today."

To foster a greater awareness of the sea, Google created the images in partnership with the XL Catlin Seaview Survey, NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the Chagos Conservation Trust, all of which are dedicated to studying the oceans and educating

people about the hazards they face.

As with all Street View images, you can zoom in or out and move the cursor in any direction to get a panoramic view of your subject.

Ultimately, Google plans to publish more Street View images of the ocean's depths as a way for people to explore it and understand the changes that the undersea world is undergoing and will undergo over the coming years.(Source:CNET)

18 Times Sunday Magazine

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JUNE 7, 2015

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

Scotch pies

Ingredients

When things like neutral colour schemes and plain furniture won’t work for you, here are some ideas to make your home rock…

For the filling 600g/1lb 5oz mutton mince ¼ tsp. ground mace ¼ tsp. nutmeg 5 tbsp. gravy or stock

Salt and white pepper For the hot water crust pastry ½ tsp. salt 120g/4¼oz lard 360g/12½oz plain flour 1 egg yolk, beaten, for glaze

Go bold when you go with colour in your kitchen

Method

Whether or not you need a mosquito net, draping a canopy bed is a dramatic statement in the bedroom.

Don’t have a canopy bed? Suspend the material from the ceiling

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6 and line a baking tray with baking parchment.

Cut four strips of greaseproof paper, about 5cm/2in deep and 25cm/10in long, to wrap around the pies. You’ll also need four pieces of cook’s string to secure the paper.

For the filling, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and season generously with salt and white pepper. Work the liquid into the meat, divide into four portions and mould into balls. Refrigerate while you make the pastry.

To make the pastry, heat 160ml/5½fl oz. of water, salt and lard in a saucepan until just boiling. Meanwhile, put the flour in a mixing bowl. Pour the hot liquid onto the flour and mix together with a spoon. Once cool enough to handle, tip onto a floured surface and knead until you have a smooth dough.

Working as quickly as you can, cut off a quarter of the pastry and set aside. Divide the remaining dough into four equally sized

balls. Roll out each ball to an 18cm/7in circle, about 5mm/¼in thick. Roll out the remaining pastry and cut out four circular lids, 10cm/4in in diameter.

Place a ball of filling on each large circle of pastry. Gather the pastry around the meat and bring up the sides to form the shape of a pork pie. Keep stretching the pastry so it comes above the meat by around 2cm/1¾in.

Dampen the edges of the pies with water and press the lids on top of the filling. Seal the edges together using your fingers. Wrap a strip of greaseproof paper around each pie and secure with string to make sure the pie holds its shape when cooking. (This is much easier if you have someone to help you.)

Put the pies on the baking tray and cut a steam hole in the centre of each. Brush with beaten egg yolk and transfer to the fridge to rest for 30 minutes.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until goldenbrown. Serve hot.

Makes 4 pies

GREATEST KITCHEN TIPS

I

f you find your dish is too spicy while cooking, add shredded carrots or cubed or shredded potatoes to temper the spicy taste. The sugar in them helps to tone down the heat while their porous texture may absorb some of the spice.

Although approximate marinating times can vary depending upon acidity of marinate and thickness of the cut, ideal marinating time for fish and shrimp is a minimum of 15 minutes and a maximum of 30. Chicken should be marinated for at least 30 minutes and at most 6 hours. Marinating time for beef, pork and mutton is a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 12 hours. Remember, always marinate in the refrigerator to avoid the growth of bacteria.

G While many persons think of their grillwork or railings simply as practical home features, decorative iron or woodwork can bring glamour into your home

HOME HELP

uests on their way, no brass cleaner to brighten up your now-dull accessories? Shine brass using a dab of Worcestershire sauce or ketchup. Squeeze the condiment onto a cloth, rub the item, then rinse with water and dry with a towel.

Painted walls used by your child as a canvas? Mist the walls with hairspray and wipe immediately to remove coloured markers. For crayonstains, scrub with a toothpaste-covered toothbrush, or gently massage with baking soda and a damp microfiber cloth.

Freshen the toilet bowl with effervescent tablets (denture or antacid) in between scourings. Drop two in the water, let soak for at least 20 minutes, then brush and flush. A can of cola dumped in for one hour also does the trick. The phosphoric acid in this mixture removes rust rings and other mineral deposits.

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JUNE 7, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

Getting Your Young Child to Behave on an Airplane A letter shunned: Lipogram

By Grammar G

N

obody wants to be ‘that parent.’ You know, the one with the kid who screams, kicks the seat in front of her, and throws a temper tantrum that lasts the entire flight.

Fortunately, parenting. com offers some steps you can take to avoid a colossal meltdown at 10,000 feet.

Begin preparing your child to fly in an airplane early. Read books about flying, watch video clips of planes taking off and land-

as much rest as possible in the day or two before your trip, and is well fed before you arrive at the airport.

Pack your carry-on bag wisely. Take plenty of snacks, small toys, and books with you. Consider allowing your child to watch a movie or play with an electronic device If your child is likely to have some difficulties on the plane, use a reward system to promote good behaviour. It could be as sim-

A

lipogram is the deliberate avoidance of a letter in the alphabet in written passages of texts -even an entire work.

Of course it can be very easy to avoid using z, x or q for a while in your paragraph. But if you were to try excluding the most common letter in the English alphabet (e), while using all the other letters at least once (not compulsory in lipogram texts though) -- you could be a while.

Nevertheless, novels have been written completely lipogrammatic, such as the 50,000-(e-less)-word “Gadsby” (1939) by Ernest Vincent Wright, as well as the 300 -plus-page

“La Dispartion” (1969) by Georges Perec, which was translated into English as “The Void” by Gilbert Adair, also without an e anywhere in the novel.

Perec later wrote the short story “Les Revenues” in 1972 and this time avoided every vowel except the e vowel . Ian Monk would then translate it into English (1996) doing the very same thing.

A famous lipogram is one from author A. Ross Eckler, Jr. who rewrote the old nursery rhyme “Mary had a little lamb” six times, each time omitting some letter (S, then A, H, T, and E), then omitting B, F, G, O, U, V, W, and

Y (and of course those not in the original either).

Here’s how the nursery rhyme goes when he only used half of the alphabet (A, C, D, E, H, I, L, M, N, P, R, S, and T): Maria had a little sheep As pale as rime* its hair And all the places Maria came The sheep did tail her there In Maria's class it came at last A sheep can't enter there It made the children clap their hands A sheep in class, that's rare * frost, or ice

Story Time

ing, and look at pictures of airplane cabins.

Explain the rules well in advance. Talk about the importance of sitting quietlyand waiting patiently. Explain and discuss why it’s impolite to yell or squirm on a plane.Talk about the rules in airports too. Repeat the rules regularly in the days and weeks leading up to your trip.

Make your security screening go as smoothly as possible by reviewing the latest air travel rules in advance. Explain the security process as best as possible to your child as well.

Your schedule on the day of your flight is likely to be hectic. An overtired and hungry child is likely to be cranky. So if possible, make sure your child gets

ple as giving your child a sticker or small piece of candy every few minutes that she stays quiet.

While it’s good practice to ignore obnoxious behaviour at home, please don’t do this on a plane. If your child is yelling, throwing things, and becoming agitated, take steps to calm the situation immediately.

That may mean giving her an extra piece of candy or warning her about the privileges she’s going to lose when you arrive at your destination.

Keep in mind that an airplane serves as the “exception to the rule” when it comes to your usual discipline practices. . It’s okay to break a few of your usual rules for the sake of a peaceful flight.

Jokes I Can't Remember Just a line to say I'm living that I'm not among the dead, Though I'm getting more forgetful and mixed up in my head I got used to my arthritis to my dentures I'm resigned, I can manage my bifocals but God, I miss my mind For sometimes, I can't remember when I stand at the foot of the stairs, If I must go up for something or have I just come down from there?

And before the fridge so often my poor mind is filled with doubt, Have I just put food away, or have I come to take some out?

T

he sun c a m e out and shone down on the leafless trees that cast hardly any shadows on the pathway through the woods.

"Surely the Spring is coming," the birds said; "it must be time to wake the flowers."

The thrush, and the lark, and the linnet sang sweetly. A robin flew up from the snow, and perched upon a branch; a little ragged boy at the end of the wood stopped and listened.

"Surely the Spring is coming," he too said; "and mother will get well."

The flowers that all through the Winter had been sleeping in the ground heard the birds, but they were drowsy, and longed to sleep on. At last, the snowdrops came up and looked shiveringly about; and a primrose leaf peeped through the ground, and died of cold.

Then some violets opened their blue eyes, and, hidden beneath the tangle of the wood, listened to the twittering of the birds. The little ragged boy came by; he saw the tender flowers, and, stooping down, gathered them one by

And there's a time when it is dark with my nightcap on my head, I don't know if I'm retiring, or just getting out of bed So, if it's my turn to write you there's no need for getting sore, I may think I have written and don't want to be a bore So, remember that I love you and wish that you were near, But now it's nearly mail time So I must say goodbye, dear There I stand beside the mailbox with a face so very red, Instead of mailing you my letter I opened it instead.

Anonymous

Abort, Retry, Ignore Once upon a midnight dreary, Fingers cramped

one, and put them into a wicker put the little loaf down before her. basket that hung upon his arm.

The birds knew nothing of all this, "Dear flowers," he said, and went on singing until the ground with a sigh, as if loth to pick was covered with flowers, till the leaves them, "you will buy poor moth- had hidden the brown branches of the er some breakfast," and, tying trees, and the pathway through the them up into little bunches, he woods was all shade, save for the suncarried them to the town. shine that flecked it with light. (Mrs. All the morning he stood by W. K. Clifford) the roadside, offering his flowers to the passers-by, but no one took any notice of him; and his face grew sad and troubled. "Poor mother!" he said, longingly; and the flowers heard him, and O nott' o dolce tempo. sighed.

"Those violets are very O night, O sweet though sombre span of time!-sweet," a lady said as she All things find rest upon their journey's end-passed; the boy ran after her.

Whoso hath praised thee, well doth apprehend; "Only a penny," he said, And whoso honours thee, hath wisdom's prime. "just one penny, for mother is Our cares thou canst to quietude sublime; at home."

For dews and darkness are of peace the friend: Then the lady bought Often by thee in dreams upborne, I wend them, and carried them to From earth to heaven, where yet I hope to the beautiful house in which climb. she lived, and gave them Thou shade of Death, through whom the soul some water, touching them at length so softly that the poor violets Shuns pain and sadness hostile to the heart, forgot to long for the woods, Whom mourners find their last and sure relief! and looked gratefully up into Thou dost restore our suffering flesh to strength, her face.

Driest our tears, assuagest every smart, "Mother," said the boy, Purging the spirits of the pure from grief. "see, I have brought some bread for your breakfast. The Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni violets sent it to you," and he

and vision bleary, System manuals piled high and wasted paper on the floor, Longing for the warmth of bed sheets, Still I sat there doing spreadsheets: Having reached the bottom line, I took a floppy from the drawer.

Typing with a steady hand, I then invoked the "save" command But got instead a reprimand: It read, "Abort, Retry, Ignore?"

Was this some occult illusion?

Some maniacal type intrusion?

These were choices Solomon himself, Had never faced before.

Carefully I weighed my options...

These three seemed to be the top ones.

Clearly, I must now adopt one; choose: Abort, Retry, Ignore?

With my fingers pale

Reflections

The Defence Of Night

and trembling Slowly toward the keyboard bending, Longing for a happy ending, Hoping all would be restored Praying for some guarantee, Finally, I pressed a key.

But what on the screen did I see?

Again, "Abort, Retry, Ignore?"

I tried to catch the chips off guard I pressed again, but twice as hard, But luck was just not on the cards, I saw what I had seen before.

Now I typed in desperation Trying random combinations.

Still there came the incantation "Abort, Retry, Ignore."

There I sat, distraught, exhausted, By my own machine accosted Getting up, I turned away

And paced across the office floor.

And then I saw an awful sight A bold and blinding flash of light A lightning bolt that cut the night, And shook me to my very core.

The PC screen collapsed and died.

"OH NO! MY DATABASE!" I cried.

I heard a distant voice reply, "You'll see your spreadsheets nevermore!"

To this day, I do not know The place to which our data goes.

Perhaps it goes to heaven, Where the angels have it stored.

But as for Productivity, well, I fear this has gone straight to Hell.

And that's the tale I have to tell Your choice: Abort, Retry, Ignore.

Lucy Blades

20 Times Sunday Magazine

JUNE 7, 2015

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Times Sunday Puzzle

In each sentence below, the name of a fruit is hidden. Each of these fruits ends with the word “berry”. You won't find the word “berry” hidden there of course, but try to find the missing part of each fruit to give it its full name.

1. He looked blue in the face from too much exposure to the freezing cold outside.

2. We have a beautiful farm out in the countryside and we own a few goats, duck and one goose.

3. She got cranky when people pointed out her mistake.

4. The children are scared of his raspy voice, and stay well away from his house.

5. After a hard day's work at the farm, the horse gratefully collapsed on the straw heap.

6. Too late! The cake had turned into a black charred mass because everyone forgot about it! see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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JUNE 7, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 21

Times Kids

Creature Corner

H

andfish (of the family Brachionichthyidae) are small, often colourful bony fish with pectoral fins that look like hands. They use these modified fins to walk on the bottom of the sea floor.

The bottom-dwelling spotted handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus) (pictured) live off the southern coasts of Australia and Tasmania, and are extremely rare.

Handfish have a small lure just above their mouth, which may serve to entice prey, although its exact function is unknown. It is considered an anglerfish of the Brachionichthyidae family.

In 2009, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation of Australia (CSIRO) identified nine new species of handfish.

Only five species had been identified previously. These include the red and pink handfish.

Changes to their habitat, such as those caused by fishing, pollution, changes in the temperature of the ocean, and the introduction of invasive species, have a harmful effect on handfish populations.

The spotted handfish can be found in the Derwent River estuary in Tasmania.

Spotted handfish were common up to the 1980s but suffered a catastrophic decline since, and are now a critically endangered species.

The pattern of spots on the spotted handfish’s body is unique to each individual. It feeds by sucking in prey, including shrimps, small fish and small crustaceans.

GEOZONE

T

Anatomy of our atmosphere

he Earth’s atmosphere is made up of a mix of gases, primarily nitrogen and oxygen. It protects all life on Earth from overheating and cosmic radiation.

The atmosphere around our planet is not a single blanket of gases but is instead divided in layers. These layers vary in terms of the chemicals in them and temperature.

The first 50 miles (80 km) are sometimes called the homosphere because its gases are evenly mixed. Above this is the heterosphere where the gases are separated due to the gradual decline in gravitational force.

Within the homosphere, Earth's atmosphere is divided into layers called the troposphere, the stratosphere and the mesosphere.

The heterosphere contains the thermosphere, where artificial satellites and other spacecraft follow orbits, and the exosphere.

The troposphere, the layer closest to Earth's surface, contains some 90 per cent of our air and almost all our water vapour.

The stratosphere ends about 31 miles (50 km) above ground.

The ozone layer, which absorbs radiation, lies in this layer.

Maze Daze

The mesosphere extends to 53 miles (85 km) high. The top of the mesosphere is the coldest part of Earth's atmosphere. Most meteors burn up in the mesosphere.

The thermosphere extends from about 56 miles (90 km) to between 310 and 620 miles (500 and 1,000 km). Here, individual molecules can be heated to more than 3, 000⁰ F (1, 650⁰ C).

The exosphere represents the transition to interplanetary space.

Colouring Fun

please see solution on page 23

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

Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

22 Times Sunday Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 7, 2015

Ribbons are sewn onto the shoe, often by the dancer, so that they fit perfectly.

By Laurie Triefeldt

Nijinsky and Pavlova were famous Russian dancers.

What’s in a name?

The word ballet is derived from the Italian “ballare,” which means to dance. Ballet can refer to a production, a company or troupe of ballet dancers, or the technique of movement.

Louis XIV was the king of France from 1643 to 1715.

Even as a young boy, he loved the ballet and would practice daily.

Louis XIV, dressed to perform in a ballet

Early ballet frequently took its theatrical themes from Greek and Roman mythology.

With the support of King Louis XIV, Paris became the capital of the ballet world.

Way back when Ballet began in Italy during the Italian Renaissance (1400-1500).

The first ballet dancers were courtiers who danced to entertain their princes. When the Italian princess Catherine de Medici became queen of France in 1547, she brought ballet with her. Soon, all the nobles of Europe were learning ballet, and Italian dance masters were in high demand. Some dancers recorded the intricate steps in manuals.

By the 17th century, ballet had become so physically demanding that professional dancers began to replace the courtiers. With the support of King Louis XIV, Paris became the capital of the ballet world. Louis founded the Royal Academy of Dancing and the Royal Academy of Music. Many of the terms used in ballet have French names because so much of the dance was developed in Paris. Scholars believe Pierre Beauchamp, the dancing master of King Louis XIV, was responsible for defining and naming many of the ballet steps, including the five positions of the feet and arms.

Ballet is a form of theatrical dance that traditionally combines the arts of dance, music, drama and set design. Ballet often tells a story and uses movement to express mood and thoughts. Some ballet dancers train for years in order to master the formal techniques and steps. An accomplished ballet dancer, or virtuoso, can make very difficult moves look elegant and easy.

The costumes Sixteenth- and 17th-century fashion dictated that women dancers wear long, heavy skirts that restricted movement. Men wore tights that allowed them to develop jumps and elaborate steps. Wearing masks was often part of the drama.

Costumes were luxuriously embroidered and decorated to showcase the wealth of the court.

In 1832, Marie Taglioni danced in a gauzelayered white tutu in “La Sylphide”. Her fairy costume left her neck and arms bare, and the fluffy skirt ended just below the knee. Daring at the time, this costume quickly became the uniform of ballerinas.

Daria Klimentová performing “Swan Lake”

Frog King from “The Nutcracker”

Hands are an expressive part of ballet and are part of the graceful line created by dancers.

Marie Taglioni (1804-1884) was born in Sweden and came from a long line of ballet dancers and choreographers.

She began training at a very young age and would go on to become one of the most celebrated ballerinas of romantic ballet. She performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London, the Théâtre de l’Académie Royale de Music of the Paris Opéra Ballet, and the Imperial Ballet of Saint Petersburg.

A ballet pointe shoe is handmade and specially designed with a hard toe at its tip.

Ballet costumes are designed to be beautiful, yet practical. They are made to be durable, comfortable and pleasing to the eye.

The fluffy net skirt often worn by ballerinas is called a tutu.

Tutus are stored on a pole to help prevent the fabric from getting crushed.

Marie is also credited with popularizing dancing “on pointe” (on the toes), which eventually became an integral part of classical ballet technique.

In the 19th century, ballet themes became more and more romantic. The stories often took place in magical kingdoms or in faraway lands. “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake” are classic ballets of this period and are still hugely popular today. St. Petersburg went on to produce some of the greatest ballet dancers in the world. Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky wowed audiences in the early 20th century, Pavlova with her poetic style, Nijinsky with his amazingly high and long leaps.

Prior to the 1700s, ballet dancers wore shoes or boots with heels.

In the mid-18th century, Marie Camargo of the Paris Opéra Ballet removed the heels from her shoes, allowing her to perform steps and leaps not seen before.

After the French Revolution, heels were rarely found on ballet shoes.

The flat-bottomed predecessor of the modern pointe shoe was tied to the foot with ribbons and had pleats under the toes.

In 1832, when Marie Taglioni first danced on pointe, her shoes were simple satin slippers. Because shoes of this time offered poor support, dancers would pad their toes for comfort and rely on the strength of their feet and ankles for support.

Dancers wear soft slippers before they wear pointe shoes. It takes years of work before a dancer is ready for pointe work. Only a skilled instructor knows when a student is ready to begin performing on pointe.

Traditionally, only female dancers perform pointe work. Students begin with simple exercises designed to increase skill and strength.

The Russian ballet In the 18th century, ballet companies began traveling from country to country, performing in theaters for the general public as well as the nobility. One of the most famous of these was the Imperial Russian Ballet of St. Petersburg.

Storytelling through dance and pantomime became an important part of ballet — spoken words went out of fashion, and the plots relied less on mythology.

The ballet shoe

Tying the ballet shoe must be done with care; a loose shoe can fall off, and a loose ribbon may trip the dancer.

Layers of burlap cushion the toe for comfort.

The drawstring helps tighten the fit of the slipper.

Reinforced leather sole

Satin fabric can be dyed to match a costume.

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JUNE 7, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 23

World Times

Three Kenyan teams win Citibank’s global mobile apps contest

U

mati Capital, Craft Silicon and Kytabu Inc were in May listed among winners of the Citibank Mobile Challenge, with each winning US $25,000 (KSh$2.5m).

The three were among 14 Kenyan software developers who made it to the finalists’ list, comprising participants from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Kytabu won in the most innovative social impact solution category, Umati Capital was recognised for having the most innovative solution in the businesses category, while Craft Silicon provided the best social commerce solution.

Kamal Budhabhati from Craft Silicon presents the Elma mobile commerce payment app during the Citi Mobile Challenge held at Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel, Nairobi, in April. Right: Tony Ndung’u presents the Kytabu app by Kytabu Inc at the same venue.

L

ocal church and security leaderships in the Upper Egyptian province of Beni Suef agreed on Thursday to evict and relocate a Coptic family whose son triggered local Muslim outrage after allegedly posting anti-Islamic Facebook posts.

Two local Muslims in Mayyana village had accused Maher Hanna, 18, a student, of posting anti-Islamic slogans on his Facebook page.

A security-sponsored reconciliation session, attended by church representatives and local Muslim families, ended Thursday with a written church apology and a decision to relocate the four-member family, which had already left

Brain Teaser Answer 1. “BLUE” - Blueberry 2. “GOOSE” - Gooseberry 3. “CRANky” - Cranberry 4. “RASPy” - Raspberry 5. “STRAW” - Strawberry 6. “BLACK” - Blackberry

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

This is not the first time that Kenyan innovations are proving successful and viable. The acquisition of M-Ledger by mobile operator Safaricom and more recently AFB’s buying of the Weza Tele application for KSh100 million are examples of successful local innovations.

Mobile penetration in the country stands at above 80 per cent, according to data from the Communications Authority of Kenya.

This means almost every Kenyan has access to a mobile phone albeit not a smart one. The rapid growth of mobile money services such as M-Pesa and Airtel Money has fur-

their homes on May 14.

Beni Suef had been the scene of similar recent feuds between Muslims and Christians over another case of online blasphemy, which resulted into the deportation of five families, who were returned home Wednesday after a reconciliation conference.

Egypt has witnessed occasional feuds between the Muslim majority and the Egyptian Coptic minority over multiple reasons ranging from inter-religious marriages to blasphemy in graffiti on church buildings.

Activists’ calls for push for freedom of expression have frequently clashed with public intolerance towards criticisms of religious figures. (Egypt Independent)

ther increased demand for mobile phones and services accessible through them.

Banks and other microfinance institutions have been at the forefront of integrating mobile technology, with each coming up with unique applications for their customers to access mobile banking services.

The global Citibank initiative is aimed at inspiring technology developers to re-imagine mobile banking and payments and to stimulate digital progress in the industry.

The win by Kenyan start-ups goes to reinforce the widespread use and popularity of mobile phones.

(Business Daily Africa)

Pope Tawadros II, leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Egypt

THE PHILONOIST

Primitive State

Q: What is the Primordial Soup Theory?

T

here are several scientific theories on how life began on Earth, one of which is the Primordial Soup Theory that generally states life began in ponds from some chemical combinations and reactions in early Earth’s atmosphere.

The Miller-Urey experiment is the name given to a group of experiments done in 1952 by scientists Stanley Miller and Harold Urey in which they sealed a mixture of water, ammonia, methane and hydrogen in a sterile flask.

The aim was to see if substances now made by living things could be formed in the conditions thought to have existed on the early Earth.

The mixture was heated to evaporate water to produce water vapour.

Electric sparks were passed through the mixture of water vapour and gases, simulating lightning. After a week, contents were analysed. Amino acids, the building blocks for proteins, were found.

The scientists published their results in 1953, and suggested it supported the theory of a ‘primordial soup’: the idea that complex chemicals needed for living things to develop could be produced naturally on the early Earth.

The term “Primordial soup”, was introduced by Soviet scientist Alexander Oparin when, in 1924, he proposed a theory of the origin of life

The Miller-Urey experiment (Source: bbc.com)

where a "primeval soup" of organic molecules could be created in oxygen

less atmosphere through the action of sunlight.

24

Times Sunday Magazine

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JUNE 7, 2015

Fun Times

Archie

ARIES

Join forces with those as (March 21- dedicated as you are to makApril 19) ing a difference. A critical remark will contain good advice and will lead to stellar results.

Children and elders will give you a new perspective TAURUS on an old problem. Listen to (April 20your intuition and back away May 20) if you are asked to be part of something that doesn't suit you.

GEMINI Clear the air, make (May 21- amends and be honest about June 20) the way you feel. Once you address bothersome issues, you can move forward with your plans free of regret.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Money matters will weigh heavy on your mind. Ask for advice before signing up for a loan or high-interest money deal. Don't be pressured into making a commitment you can't afford.

Revealing your true feelLEO ings will ensure that pairings (July 23and partnerships will blossom.

Aug. 22) Use caution when traveling. A long-awaited vacation will be more costly than anticipated.

Dilbert

Work-related gatherings VIRGO will be a good format for the (Aug. 23- ideas you have. Share your Sept. 22) thoughts with others in the industry in order to gain valuable insight.

You will feel relieved if you LIBRA shed your serious attitude (Sept. 23for a while. Good times with Oct. 23) close friends should be on your agenda. Hosting a gathering will give you a chance to make others happy.

Peanuts

Arguments over living arSCORPIO rangements will cause dis(Oct. 24Nov. 22) cord. If you cannot reach a resolution, it may be time to start hunting for new accommodations. A congenial environment will help you excel.

You are in need of some SAGITTARIUS excitement. Adventure and (Nov. 23- travel will go hand-in-hand.

Dec. 21) Plan a trip to an intriguing destination. A passionate encounter will spark your imagination.

Mixing business and plea-

CAPRICORN sure will have detrimental re(Dec. 22- sults. Keep your career and Jan. 19) home life separate to avoid

Calvin and Hobbes

unwanted controversy. An impromptu trip will yield surprising possibilities.

Romance will take center AQUARIUS stage today. You will impress (Jan. 20someone special if you take time Feb. 19)

to formulate an interesting day trip that you can enjoy together. Express your feelings and improve your personal life.

Look at your future with PISCES optimism.

Dealing with the (Feb. 20roadblocks you face will lead March 20) to bigger and better plans.

Collaborating with someone who has something innovative to contribute will pay off.