Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

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Times November 29, 2015

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Building future team players

Page 2

Discipline, fun and healthy activities through football help develop wellrounded individuals

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

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NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Times Feature

Building future team players T

Discipline, fun and healthy activities through football help develop well-rounded individuals

he Guyana Junior Jaguars Football Academy was founded to not only develop young players, but young coaches for the future.

The Junior Jaguars Football Academy was an idea that was formulated from a company Guyanese Faizal Khan partly owns in London called 360 Sports Coaching Ltd. The Guyana arm started in January 2014 with current Golden Jaguars Vurlon Mills, Trayon Bobb, former Jaguars Troy “Bugsy” Prescott’ as well as Khan and the late great GFC Coach Peter Lashley, all coaching on the first session.

“We were also thrilled to have a special visitor, former Golden Jaguar captain Charles Lily Pollard, who came all the way from Linden just to show some support and unity to the new football venture. We had, between ourselves, looked around the Georgetown area and noticed not a lot of structured youth coaching development models around for children between five years and 12. Therefore, with a bag of three small-size footballs, kids’ sizes small bibs and colourful bright cones flown in specially from the UK, we decided to give this venture a go,” Khan recalled

Junior Jags are all smiles for their medals of achievement

It's not just about football, it's being disciplined team players

in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

From just six pupils on the first session in January 2014, Junior Jags today now enjoys tremendous support and dedicated following by football-enthusiastic children coming from as far as the East Coast and Diamond to Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground.

Coaches teach Junior Jags the importance of team work

According to Khan, the Guyana Junior Jaguars Football Academy has a “mixed age group of boys and girls from five years old to 12 and the numbers are growing fast”. In total, the Academy has 65 registered pupils.

The coaching sessions are fun, safe, and carried out every Friday and Saturday afternoons from 4pm to 5pm for boys and girls of all ability levels.

“As all the long-standing parents that invest a lot of time and energy into bringing their children along to be football coaches with us know that we take child safety extremely seriously at all of our sessions. Safety is first and foremost - the most important aspect of youth coaching and coaches’ number one priority in our eyes,” Khan noted.

The academy’s coaches are internationally qualified with years of experience in football. Coaches Vurlon Mills and Khan have completed the CONCACAF accredited GFF D-Licence coaching course, which is specifically focused on de-

veloping youth coaches.

Additionally, coaches submit police clearances to the academy’s committee before being hired.

“I myself also have the English FA Level 1 coaching badge as well as attending and attaining the certificate from the English FA on safeguarding children. We have a number of talented young coaches like Vurlon Mills (current Golden Jaguar and in my view the best coach in the Caribbean under 30 years old), we have Dellon Cadogen, first team player of GFC in the elite league, Nathaniel and Steven King also talents at GFC - to name a few,” Khan outlined.

The Junior Jaguars activities are football orientated. Khan stated that they are “drip feeding the rules, the laws as well as the techniques of football to the pupils through fun safe and high impact sessions”.

“There are lots of water breaks for the little ones and all our equipment is purchased from the UK. We are proud of the quality of sessions we are able to deliver

week in week out… After all, football all over the world plays in the sun, wind and rain. We do a warm up and are starting to introduce ‘warm downs’ into the sessions. There are fundamentals of movement techniques dropped into the sessions also, which work on handeye coordination, balance, as well as listening skills and team play drills. We will be introducing some elements of other sports in the Christmas camp we wish to run during the holidays,” Khan mentioned.

He disclosed that as a youth he learnt many of life’s lessons through football and other sports. Team play, performing under pressure, leadership, unity, selflessness, learning to lose before you can learn to win, communication skills, importance of fair play, planning ahead, eating right, resting right, power of team prayer are just a few things he appreciates about sports he has been involved with.

“Since being in Guyana a lot more over the past six years, it is apparent that

Junior Jags showcasing their skills

we in Guyana are a lessons culture. Children go to lessons before school, then go to school, then go back to lessons after school. About 13 hours of books six days a week! How are we going to have well-rounded individuals and a rounded society like this? The best universities and companies recruiting internationally, in my view, look for individuals who are smart, sport team players in and out of the office who can hold a conversation with clients around the world. What I am saying is a healthy body is a healthy mind (which is actually the Latin team slogan of the GFC originally written in 1902) and by giving our youths the chance to be active in regular sports can actually improve them academically, not the other way around,” Khan declared.

The Junior Jaguars Football Academy sessions are fun-packed developmental coaching sessions.

For more information, visit Guyana Junior Jaguars Football Academy on Facebook.

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Times Feature

O

ral storytelling has traditionally been the main vehicle for the transmission of social memory in indigenous communities of North Rupununi, here in Guyana.

It allows them to maintain their worldview and reinforce their sense of community. But the transmission by speech also makes it particularly fragile to the test of time.

Thanks to recent developments and the proliferation of information and communication technologies (ICT), new opportunities for capturing, broadcasting and safeguarding indigenous social memory have emerged.

The Pantani Blog project is aimed at interrogating the role of ICT in safeguarding and sharing indigenous social memory in a fast-changing environment.

Belgian PhD researcher currently at the Open University in the UK and Coordinator of the project Géraud de Ville explained: “I am very excited to be able to learn more and participate in sharing Amerindian culture on the Internet, through stories that have been told by Amerindian elders across generations. If you happen to visit the Rupununi re-

Brazilian border. During the hike, our guide, an elder Makushi man, shared traditional tales with us, depicting every mountain, every river and every valley we crossed. It was like being walked through an old town, with its church, its streets and its main square.”

The places de Ville saw were buzzing with memories and legends, evidence of the strength of the mutual relationship between indigenous culture and their environment.

“Of course, this is a subtle relationship, one that does not immediately spring to the eye of the foreign observer. It is without material evidence, marks or scars, because it is not based on the presence of human settlements or the extraction of natural resources. Instead, it is deeply spiritual and embraces a cosmo-centric worldview.

What appears as thousands of hectares of wild savannah, forests and mountains is in fact the result of an inter-dependency, where human beings shape their environment, and their environment shapes who they are,” de Ville noted.

The Pantani Blog project was led as part of de Ville’s PhD research, examining how ICT affects

Students in indigenous communities being taught how to use ICT to preserve their oral traditions

to record and publicise online stories of their choosing in a variety of formats such as text, images, video and sound. Géraud de Ville provided editorial and technical support for uploading and sharing stories on an online Wordpress platform named Pantani in Makushi, meaning “stories”.

“I have travelled several times to Guyana and have fallen in love with this

Pantani Blog's storytellers with editor Géraud de Ville (centre)

gion of Guyana, and go on a hike with a local guide, it is likely you will hear plenty of fascinating stories and legends on the natural environment, as it happened to me. At the end of January 2014, I travelled to the deep south of Guyana with a team of local and foreign researchers and had an opportunity to visit a place called Skull Mountain, located in the Kanuku mountain range, not far from the

the well-being of indigenous communities in the North Rupununi.

Four indigenous participants, two men and two women, with prior experience in using ICT, were recruited in May 2014 to take part in the project. Each participant was handed a Samsung digital tablet and trained on the broad principles of digital storytelling. For a year, from June 2014 to May 2015, the participants were encouraged

amazing country, in particular with its Amerindian culture. I am very excited to be able to learn more and participate in sharing Amerindian culture on the internet, through stories that have been told by Amerindian elders across generations,” expressed de Ville.

Storytellers include Abigail Buckley, Grace Albert, Kenneth Butler and Lakeram Haynes.

Buckley is from Surama village, North Rupununi.

She is an accountant at her village’s Community Tourism office.

Albert was born in a small mountainous Makushi village called Tiger Pond. Due to her studies and professional experience, she has learnt various skills such as using computers and cameras, gardening, being a radio announcer, speaking in public – all of which are instrumental in the success of the Pantani Blog project.

Butler was born in Guyana with roots in two indigenous peoples: the Arawak and the Makushi.

He considers himself as an “open-minded person, very adventurous with a deep love for wildlife and nature.”

Haynes’ childhood has taught him to love the environment dearly as it has nurtured him to be the person he is today. “Growing up, I really liked the stories told by my parents and the elders, and today I want to explore more and share with others. My vision for the future is to have our natural environment preserved/saved from the destruction it faces globally as it is the basis of our natural healthy existence,” Haynes declared.

Over the project’s duration, about 35 stories were uploaded to the blog. These stories were also uploaded on a dedicated Facebook page and shared on various indigenous group pages to maximise exposure. In addition to being the platform on which stories were published, the internet was also instrumental in the organisation of the project.

It allowed de Ville to keep an open line of communication with the participants throughout the project, despite the geographical separation, by using email exchange, as well as chatting applications such as

WhatsApp, Facebook and Skype.

The plan for Pantani Blog is to build on the experience and lessons learnt with this project. The avenues being explored include a community story-telling, transcribing, illustrating and web-publishing process – that is, taking the creative process from the individual level to the community level; web publishing in Makushi and English; the involvement of

professional writers to use Makushi stories as a platform for English language literacy and teaching writing as a craft (a focus on fables and folktales as models), and print individual stories or slim collections in English for sale to tourists in the eco-lodges.

For more information, visit Pantani on Facebook or www.pantaniblog.org to read indigenous stories.

(Information by Géraud de Ville)

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Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Times Feature Educating disabled, disadvantaged and indigenous persons is the goal of humanitarian Mark Adams, who also looks to combat suicide

T

he Special Needs for Life Guyana (SNL) was founded to foster and promote education among the disabled, particularly the deaf, through collaborative efforts with the education ministry, and to attend to grassroots needs of disadvantaged communities and the indigenous populations of Guyana.

Mark Adams, a passionate humanitarian, wanted to make a difference so in 2004 he founded Special Needs for Life Guyana.

The organization, at Lot 743, Kilcoy Fields, Corentyne in Berbice, is funded through grants provided by the Australian, Finnish and Japanese governments.

Presently, at its Kilcoy Centre,in collaboration with the education ministry’s Region Six Department of Education Special Needs Unit,SNL is providing a three-year certifiable programme in Deaf Education and Culture to the regions’ nursery and primary heads of schools and senior masters or mistresses.

Elementary and inter-

Mark Adams (seated right) works to develop indigenous communities Special Needs for Life Guyana aims to help differentlyable individuals

mediate classes are in session under the supervision of the centre’s instructor Rosan Kumar and her team of assistants. Mrs Robertson of the Department of Education, Region Six, is the ministry’s liaison for the programme.

Additionally, through

Braille workshop held at SNL centre in Corentyne

the provision of grant funding and in tandem with local indigenous communities, SNL,is involved with the construction of learning/ training facilities in Region Nine. These facilities enable indigenous youths to boost possibilities of self-employment and income generation in the region.

In 2014 SNL, by way of funding from the Australian government’s Direct Aid Programme (DAP) in the Caribbean, refurbished the physiotherapy department of the Community Based Rehabilitation Programme, at Port Mourant Centre.

In that same year,with Japanese government ‘grassroots’ funding,SNL built and equipped its Kilcoy Centre and admin office in Corentyne.

In 2015, having met with and discussed the local needs of the Annai, Rupununi community, a tripartite effort with the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and SNL saw the Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Funding Project fund the construction of the Bina Hill Skills Training Centre.

This facility was handed over Nov 11, 2015, by the Embassy of Japan, in T&T to the NRDDB in the presence of Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Sydney Allicock.

Notably, SNL helped address the water conservation considerations of a number of communities in North Rupununi via a project funded by the Australian DAP, which provided water tanks and plumbing spares to help with rain water harvesting.

“We are also keen to promote income earning initiatives by the disabled. With micro-enterprise funding from ABILIS of Finland, small seed money for simple skills earning avenues we have been provided to worthy ones who have benefitted themselves and oth-

ers,” Adams said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

According to Adams, SNL appointed a project officer with the aim of targeting “young minds” in the primary education system in one of the leading suicide communities in Guyana the Back Bush Polder community.

This project, in collaboration with the educationministry’s Department of Education Region Six, seeks to help Grades Five and Six students in the four primary schools in this sub-region gain coping skills as well as practical instruction on resisting and combating suicidal tendencies, attitudes

and anti-social behaviours.

SNL continues to support initiatives geared towards assisting and bettering education opportunities of the disabled and disadvantaged and, in 2016, will work with two organisations in central Rupununi, which were recently recipients of grant funding to build a centre for disabled persons in Region Nine- the Lethem Special Needs Group, and improve the electricity supply and provision of water to students of St. Ignatius Secondary School via a solar grid project.

“We are currently pursuing a grant from the Australian government to alleviate the drought situ-

ation faced by indigenous communities in Southern Guyana. In 2016, we expect the Finnish government to further support our microenterprise efforts to provide small, no-interest funding to disabled and other vulnerable individuals or groups to carry on self-earning enterprises,” Adams outlined.

Notably, SNL vigorously pursues spreading American Sign Language acceptance and usage among the deaf community in Guyana, and will be disseminating this to various regions across the country in 2016 and beyond.

For more information, visit Special Needs for Life Guyana on Facebook.

Adams (right) receives a grant for SNL from the Japanese government earlier this year (Chronicle photo)

Special Needs for Life Instructional Centre

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Times Women

Elected to the NY State Senate, Guyanaborn community advocate Senator Roxanne Persaud credits her Guyanese upbringing for providing her foundation

U

S-based Guyanese Roxanne Jacqueline Persaud was elected to the New York State Senate early November 2015. Last year she was elected to the Assembly, which made her the “first

female” to represent the 59th Assembly District in Brooklyn, New York.

Born in Georgetown, Persaud, prior to migrating to the US in 1984, lived for three years in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Senator Roxanne Persaud

In the USA, she attended Pace University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education, and pursued a Master of Science – Information Systems (incomplete).

The newly elected senator is a long-time advocate for her community and an avid volunteer. Her dedication to serving her community has motivated her to serve in various capacities.

She was president of the 69th Precinct Community Council in Canarsie, member of Community Board 18 and Commissioner on the New York City Districting Commission.

In addition, she is a graduate of the NYPD Citizens Police Academy as well as the New York City Office of Emergency ManagementCommunity Emergency Response Team, member of Community Action Board of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development and Chairperson of the Neighbourhood Advisory Board – District 18. She also serves on organisations fighting domestic violence and cancer awareness.

Persaud’s dedication to community involvement and her interest in helping others stretches beyond Brooklyn. She has travelled overseas on several occasions as a volunteer on medical and social outreach programmes; Guyana included.

As NY State Senator, Persaud’s primary role is

Persaud as the 59th District Representative

Awarded for her dedication and service to youths and community development

to work on legislation that benefits all New Yorkers.

She must also advocate for the constituents of her district and ensure that the best services are received.

Additionally, she had to secure funding for capital projects, something she described as “extremely important”.

Although she never saw herself being elected as a NY State Senator, Persaud knew she would one day be in an elected office.

“I was motivated to join politics because of being involved in community activities and civic organiza-

tions and volunteering. For me, there were no major challenges being in politics in the US. In life, change is sometimes not readily accepted; however I had strong supporters across all cultures. I have been able to work with various groups despite our differences. I continued that way,” the senator revealed in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Talking about her parents’ guidance and Guyanese heritage, Persaud disclosed: “It [Guyanese upbringing] provided the foundation

for who I am. As a child I volunteered alongside an aunt, so I think I emulated her to an extent. Also, my parents always told me to make sure I am able to do anything that I ask others to do. Knowing how to do the tasks that you will assign to others is important.”

The senator’s advises youths who want to pursue a career in politics to “become involved in civic organizations in your community; become a volunteer; know the needs of your community, and become an advocate.”

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Shortlist of the Guyana Prize: Who’s Who

Kent University, as well as reader development worker.

By Petamber Persaud

T

he shortlist is out; the writers have done their job; how well, we will find out come Sunday evening. The shortlist is out; you can read many meanings in that shortlist. For now, let’s look at the writers, some of whom would be declared winners in various categories of writing offered by the Prize.

Cedric Castello

Cedric Castello, also known as Ras Fast, is at present a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and a recording artist. Previously, Ras Fast has been a private-lesson tutor, stand-up comedian, commercial artist and a professional boxer. He was at one time the curator of the Museum of African Heritage. As a child, he aspired to be both an artist and a writer, and got his first job with the Ministry of Education in a team of artists headed by George Simon. The range of his interests include athletics, anthropology, mythology and zoology.

Keisha McCammon

Keisha McCammon, formerly a journalist attached to the Stabroek News, now works as a digital producer at the Guyana Learning Channel. Born in New Amsterdam, Berbice, she was educated at New

David Dabydeen

David Dabydeen won the Guyana Prize on three occasions, all in the fiction category.

Harold Bascom

Cedric Castello

Oonya Kempadoo

Sasenarine Persaud

Maggie Harris

Amsterdam Multilateral School, President’s College and University of Guyana.

Her interests include reading, writing and watching television series.

McCammon takes her writing seriously – she was working on, and fine-tuning her shortlisted entry for years before submitting it.

er, journalist and a former columnist for the Stabroek News. Bruce is the owner of The Witness newspaper.

He was also an active member of the Theatre Guild.

He is a published author of “Thoughts”,a book of poetry and a novel called “The Hustle”.

Toronto and an Honorary Companion of the University of Guelph.

He has worked as a civil servant, science teacher, award-winning motelier, and entrepreneur. In his free time he has travelled the world, practiced taekwondo and played in league as well as Oldies International cricket tournaments, earning several trophies and medals.”

etry. He won the Guyana Prize for Literature 2006 in the Best Book of Fiction category of with his novel, “Drums of my flesh”.

He was shortlisted three times for his books “Islands Lovelier than a Vision”, “To Monkey Jungle” and “Discussing Columbus”, before winning in 2006.

Subraj Singh

Subraj Singh is a recent UG graduate with a distinction in English Literature. He had initially started university as a Biology major, but switched to Literature later.In 2014, Singh won the Walter Rodney Prize for Creative Writing (Short Story) for his entry, “Rebelle”.

Presently, Singh is deeply involved in drama, (winning awards as an actor) as a playwright and as a director.

Milton Bruce

Milton Bruce is a writ-

Stanley Niamatali

Stanley Niamatali, the youngest of thirteen children, was part of his family’s sawmilling and logging business in Guyana. He obtained his BA and MA at West Virginia University and PhD at the University of Georgia. He is a professor of English at Montgomery College, Maryland. His poetry has been published by Oberon, Full Circle, and The Caribbean Writer.

Reuben Lachmansingh

Reuben Lachmansingh is “a graduate in Biology of the University of

Oonya Kempadoo

Oonya Kempadoo’s first novel, “Buxton Spice”, was an instant success. It was on the London bestseller list throughout 1999, nominated for the 2000 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and won her the label “a Great Talent for the Twenty-First Century” by the Orange Prize judges.

The novel was translated into French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese and Hebrew. Her second novel, “Tide Running”, won the Casa de las Americas Literary Prize of Cuba.“All Decent Animals” is her third novel. Born in Golden Grove, Guyana, she regards islands of the Caribbean as her workspace.

Cyril Dabydeen

Cyril Dabydeen is a prolific writer of prose and po-

Janice Shinebourne

Janice Shinebourne is the first woman writer to have won the Prize.

Her novel “Timepiece” won the Guyana Prize for Literature in its inaugural year,1987. Her other novels are “The Last English Plantation”, “Chinese Women” and “The Last Ship”.Shinebourne,born in Berbice, moved to the UK in 1970.

Maggie Harris

In 2000, Harris’ book of poems, “Limbolands”, won the Guyana Prize for Literature. Her other books include “From Berbice to Broadstairs”, “Foreday Morning” and “60 Years of Loving”. Born in New Amsterdam, she moved to the UK in 1971 where she became involved in the literary and artistic scene wearing many hats:freelance writer and arts practitioner, a creative writing teacher at

Harold Bascom is a three-time winner of the Prize, all in the category of drama. Bascom is a playwright and artist.He is also the author of the novel, ‘’Apata”.

Sasenarine Persaud

Sasenarine Persaud is a poet, essayist and novelist. Persaud is the author of ten books. He was shortlisted six times for the Prize (1998 – “A Surf of Sparrows’ Songs”; 2000 – “Canada Geese and Apple Chatney”; 2002 – “The Hungry Sailor”; 2010 – “In a Boston Night”; 2012 – “Lantana Strangling Ixora”; 2014 – “Love in a time of Technology”) The award ceremony for the 2014 edition of the Guyana Prize for Literature would be held Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com What’s happening: GEMS Theatre Productions will be staging “Expressions 3”– poetry and prose performances – at the Theatre Guild, Playhouse in Kingston on Thursday Dec. 3, 2015, with a show at 1.30pm for schools and at 6.30pm for general audience. For further information,tel: 2260240/53557;Cell: 624-8694

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Heritage

L

ong before the arrival of the Europeans who began sugar and rice cultivation on a large scale in Guyana, many indigenous Guyanese had already moved beyond the huntergatherer existence and had developed farms.

Raised coastal farming

The indigenous once possessed permanent agriculture along Guyana’s coastal plain that provided for their communities and for trade.

Like the Dutch, who are hailed for their innovative drainage and irrigation systems that prevent flooding on the low coastlands where fertile soils make ideal agricultural lands, early indigenous people invented their own drainage and irrigation systems that allowed them to cultivate their own permanent crops.

According to Stéphen Rostain in his book, “Islands in the Rainforest: Landscape Management in Pre-Columbian Amazonia”, seasonally flooded lands were cultivated in western Guyana where parallel “groups of elongated raised

fields are arranged perpendicularly or in chevron patterns along rivers”, seemingly mainly for irrigation.

Rostain writes that in Guyana, the first raised fields were constructed by “Mabaruma groups”; these fields were “small and quadrangular.”

Janette Forte in her book, “About Guyanese Amerindians” (1996) points out that raised fields are located in clusters behind Fort Nassau in the Berbice River area “and, reportedly, in the Canje River”.

Cultivation on the coastlands, she writes, was done on mounds made of heaped up soil, raised above the reach of the tides.

In 2011, University of Guyana’s Amerindian Research Unit, in collaboration with a team from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Florida, discovered a 5,000 year-old “large-scale settled farming” site on a place called on Dubulay Ranch, along the Berbice River.

A variety of large platforms of L-shaped, S-shaped

and linear-shaped mounds were also discovered along with pottery, which suggest to the scientists that human occupation goes back to around 3320-2760 BC. Indigenous people were seemingly not all huntergatherers, but had chosen to settle in the area for permanent habitation, growing their crops and, with evidence that there could have been a number of fish ponds in the area, developing other food resources.

According to a University of Guyana newsletter, one of the earliest records of the Berbice River area is a map created by the Spanish that demarcates an area called the Provence of the Arawaks.A document, which accompanies the map, states that in the 1540s, Arawaks from the Provence sailed to the island of Margarita and took with them more than 50 tonnes of cassava flour.

Slash and burn

Also known as shifting cultivation, this farming technique is one of the more familiar to most non-indigenous persons.

The small family farms which provide most of the basic foodstuffs (such as cassava and rice) for the people of Aishalton are out on the edge of the forests. The farm areas are rotated regularly to allow trees to grow back and the soil to recover. Clearing a new farm is hard work, cutting down trees, letting them dry enough to burn the leaves and small branches where they fell, then a couple of months later cutting the trunks into liftable sections which can be stacked and burnt (Photo and photo text by James Broscombe, 2009; jmbroscombe.blogspot.com)

It involves cutting then burning forested areas for cultivation, using the ashes to also aid in fertilising the soil. When soil fertility is exhausted or when weeds become uncontrollable, the groups then moved on to another area to begin the process over once more.

Men were usually responsible for cutting and burning while women and girls looked after the planting and maintenance of the crops. Harvesting was a communal activity.

Cultivation

Whether they lived on the coast or further inland, cassava was a major crop for early indigenous Guyanese and remains so in many of their communities today.

The Strand, New Amsterdam, Berbice n.d.

Typical Demerara houses, British Guiana, circa 1908

Cassava, notes Forte, can grow just as well under poor soil conditions, though good drainage is essential.

In the highlands the crop is usually grown at the foot of mountains near to creeks, while along the low-lying coast, in areas like Moruka, it is cultivated on sandy islands or on slightly higher ground.

Other crops grown on these farms could include sweet potatoes, yams, corn, peppers, pineapples, peanuts, plantains and papaws.

Crop diversity is not always a practice, though a field full of cassava usually means a field with a variety of cassava types.

Farm types

Forte notes in her book

that there are three “basic categories” of farms: “house garden”, “kitchen garden” or “dooryard garden”, which are not far from home.

Further away from the home however, there are those “cut in primary or secondary forest growth”, while even further are the “nature farms” which, she says, are “places where edible plants [were] propagated by birds or animals, or maybe by long-forgotten ancestors…”

Households can have more than one type of farm at any given time, and crops are grown in varying stages of production among the farms, meaning that there is always access to a variety of foods for meals, she explains.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Times Travel & Tourism

N

appi Village, in Region Nine, is a small Amerindian community in the southern end of the north Rupununi savannahs, 20 miles from Lethem. Though the community is small, the village itself spreads out across the savannahs.

Nearby Nappi is scenic Maipaima, whose forests teem with plants and animals.

Both Nappi and Maipaima creeks flow with crystal clear waters. Surrounded by dense forest, the creeks are oases for tourists who want to relax and enjoy a refreshing bath after exploring the area. (Cover photo: Water gushes through ancient rocks at Nappi creek Photo by Julie de Carvalho)

Boulders at Maipaima creek

Jungle surrounds Nappi creek

Nappi creek (Photo by Julie de Carvalho)

Clear water flows through Nappi creek

Maipaima creek (Photo by Julie de Carvalho)

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

E

ven if we all ate the same meal, everyone would metabolise it differently, according to a new study that suggests that there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all dietary advice.

Rather, diets should be tailored to an individual’s gut microbiome, or combination of gut bacteria, Israeli scientists said. The microbiome is the community of trillions of bacteria living inside the human body, wielding a powerful but poorly understood effect on human health.

The glycaemic index is used by doctors and nutritionists to develop healthy diets based on how different foods affect glucose levels in the blood. But the study, published today in Cell,

the Weizmann Institute of Science.

The team found that an individual’s gut bacteria was a key factor influencing whether a food delivers a long, slow rise in blood sugar, or a short, sharp spike.

In the first part of the study, 800 volunteers — some healthy, some with pre-diabetes — were hooked up with devices that continually monitored their blood sugar levels, and equipped with an app to record their every move and meal.

Over one week, this revealed dramatic differences in each person’s blood sugar response to different foods.

“The first very big surprise and striking finding that we had was the very vast variability we saw in people’s response to identi-

What is the glycaemic index (GI)?

The glycaemic index scale ranks carbohydrate foods based on their effect on glucose levels in the blood over a period of two hours.

Carbohydrate foods are compared gram for gram against glucose or white bread, which have a GI score of 100.

High-GI foods such as baked potato with a score more than 70 break down quickly, causing a spike in blood glucose levels.

Low GI foods, such as oats, lentils, beans and nuts, release with a score of 55 or less release glucose gradually into the blood. shows different people can have a very different glycaemic response to a food.

“If my and your response to the same food are opposite then by definition a similar diet cannot be effective for both of us,” said co-author Dr Elan Elinav, from the Immunology Department at

cal meals,” said researcher Eran Segal of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.

“We would expect that in average people, their blood sugar would spike more on ice-cream than rice,” Dr Elinav said.”What we found in this really large cohort is that some people did exact-

ly that but others did exactly the opposite. “They were not responsive to ice-cream at all, and actually close to 70 per cent of the study population did not even spike on icecream.”

At the same time, researchers took blood and sampled each individual’s gut bacteria, looking not only at the makeup of their gut bacteria but also the functional profile of the microbiome.

A one-size-fits-all approach to dieting is essentially wrong. For instance, one woman in the study repeatedly High blood experienced a spike in blood sugar after eating tomatoes, which would generally be considered a low-fat, sugar is danger- nutritious food. ous because it tive at the individual level, Sydney University Glycemic daily life.” can lead to diabetes, obesity, heart prob- Algorithm predicts individual’s but the third phase of our Index Research Service, said study was an interventional it was well known that indilems and other complicaglycaemic response study in which we put our- viduals would respond diftions, including eye, kidney and nerve disease.

Using all this data, the selves to the test,” Dr Elinav ferently to different foods, because the response was Many diets aim to keep group developed an algo- said.

When they pitted the alinfluenced by factors such blood sugar low by incor- rithm to predict an individgorithm against the tailored as exercise and sleep and porating fruits, vegetables ual’s glycaemic response to and complex carbohydrates a food, based on factors such advice of experienced dieti- stress.

However, she said, this like brown rice and whole as their microbiome, daily cians, in a group of people grains, while avoiding re- activity, blood parameters with pre-diabetes, the algo- day-to-day variation within fined sugars and goods made such as cholesterol, and food rithm proved better at de- an individual did average vising a diet that would im- out over time to the estabwith white flour. content.

But those recommendaWhen they applied this prove these at-risk people’s lished glycaemia index values for foods, and pointed tions don’t work for every- algorithm to a separate blood sugar profile.

“What was interesting out that the study only folone, and often, overweight group of 100 people who had people are blamed for eating participated in the week- was that some of the food in- lowed individuals for one too much or not sticking to a long monitoring, they found gredients that were includ- week.

Dr Elinav said there are healthy lifestyle. the algorithm accurately ed in some of these people’s Elinav said the study “re- predicted what each individ- good diets were included in now plans to extend the ally enlightened us on how ual’s blood glucose response other people’s bad diets, so study and see if the algoit was completely individu- rithm-tailored diet held up inaccurate we all were about would be to each meal. against gold standard diaone of the most basic con“This told us that we had alised,” he said.

Commenting on the betes diets over longer pericepts of our existence, which a very useful tool that could is what we eat and how we utilise this huge amount of study, Professor Jennie ods of time. integrate nutrition into our data to do something predic- Brand-Miller, director of the

10 Sunday Times Magazine

NOVEMBER 29, 2015

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Times Fashion

P

rolific veteran designer Sonia Noel continues to create chic pieces for the fashion-conscious, and her new designs for the festive season are no exception. Evoking the holidays, they aim to make you the belle of the ball.

“Lace is always sexy. The new lace kaftan The designs featured this week are a preview tops are specially designed for the holiday of Noel’s seasonal offerings. season. Pair these tops with a slip dress, For more info, call 609-8388 or 694-1620. shorts or leggings and you will certainly be a (Models: Rea and Nkechi. Photographer Kellon head turner,” Noel relates in an interview with Ferrier) Sunday Times Magazine.

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NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

R

obert Ri'chard is an American television and film actor. He has been acting professionally since the age of 13.

Ri'chard has starred in the Nickelodeon sitcom “Cousin Skeeter”. He played Samuel on “Touched By An Angel”, a troubled teen in prison for shooting a man. His breakout role was in the TV adaptation of Anne Rice's novel, “The Feast of All Saints”. He appeared in the movie “Light It Up” along with R&B star Usher. Ri'chard was more recently seen in the lead role in the 2015 American drama film “Chocolate City”.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Times Hollywood

A

crew working with Taylor Swift on her new music video has responded to allegations that they breached the terms of their shooting permit while filming at Bethells Beach in New Zealand.

Kiwi production company Cherokee Films recently issued a statement in attempt to resolve bad blood with conservationists and locals who were concerned with endangered dotterel birds nesting there.

The company defended Swift, saying as quoted

by Stuff.co.nz, “Taylor Swift and her management team were in no way at fault and did not do anything that violated permits or ordinances.” They went on defending themselves, noting that this wasn’t their first time filming at the beach.

“Cherokee Films has a long history of responsible film shoots across Auckland, including Bethells Beach, where we have filmed many times,” they continued. “Our shoots have always been with the guidance and support of the relevant local authority - most recently Screen Auckland and Parks

D

rake doesn’t mind doing the chores for Adele. So, he wouldn’t mind making that “Hotline Bling” remix with the British songbird really happen, would he?

During “Drake Night” at a recent Raptors game in his hometown of Toronto, Drake told reporters that he’d “do anything with Adele.”

He said, “I’d literally go to Adele’s house right now and do laundry for her.”

His comments were made in response to Adele’s recent interview in which she declared that she’s a huge fan of the Canadian rapper and expressed desire to jump on an official remix of his latest smash.

“I really want us to do an

- and landowners.”

They also claimed that their filming location was nowhere close to the dotterels’ nesting spot. “At all times the film crew adhered to the Dotterel protocol in guidelines provided about the dotterel nesting sites, and at no time were the film crew close to that habitat,” they said. “No Dotterel were harmed.”

The company then offered a donation to the dotterel breeding program. “In acknowledgement of the concern this has added to those in charge of protecting local dotterel population Cherokee Films will make a donation to the breeding

official remix.

I love Drake. I love Drake so much. I even got the coat that’s in the video - I got it delivered the other day, I ordered it.

The red one,” Adele said in a chat with etalk. She went on revealing that she even played the song and danced to it while celebrating the release of her own hit “Hello”.

“I had a drink like three weeks ago [with] my best friends - in fact, it was to celebrate ‘Hello’. And I was off my face because I don’t really drink anymore, and they’ve got video of me danc-

program as we support your concerns,” they added.

Previously, some conservationists including Waitakere Ranges Local Board chair Sandra Coney publicly called out Swift after some pictures emerged online showing many trucks at Bethells Beach while she’s only allowed to bring two vehicles there. They’re afraid that the filming would affect the rare birds.

“We are trying to minimize vehicles on beaches for good reasons but at Bethells there are baby dotterels. We have developed a dotterel management plan as there is a heap of filming out there, and we welcome it as economic activity that should leave no footprint, but Taylor’s lot did not respect the environment or the conditions of their consent,” Coney said in a statement posted on her Facebook page earlier this week.

For now, there’s no official word on which song the video was shot for, though there’s been rumor claiming Swift is releasing “Out of the Woods” as the next single off her “1989” album. (AceShowbiz)

ing to it on a coffee table as well,” she shared.

Drizzy seemed to love the idea of them doing a collaboration. After Adele’s interview was published, he posted on Instagram an animated picture of him and the 27-year-old blonde on their phones. “Me and my main ting just coolin,” he captioned it. (AceShowbiz)

R

oyal mom Princess Kate is backing a bid to ensure more mothers and babies get the best critical care help in the hospital where she had her children.

Kate, 33, is throwing her regal influence behind a fund for the children’s intensive care unit at the hospital where she gave birth to Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

She hopes money can be raised to expand and improve the unit at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, West London.

“The thought of your child in an intensive care unit is harrowing for any parent,” Kate said in a statement. “The commitment to expand and transform the Children’s Intensive Care Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital will vitally guarantee more space to treat more children and support more families.

“As someone who was so brilliantly cared for by St. Mary’s, I am delighted to support [the appeal], and commend the important work of all those involved in the project.”

Kate gave birth to George in July 2013 and Charlotte on May 2 this year at the private Lindo Wing of the hospital. (PEOPLE)

O

ne Direction is releasing “Inifinity” as the next single off their newest album, “Made in the A.M.”. The group’s Liam Payne made the announcement in a Twitter post he sent out on Thursday, November 26.

“Infinity is the next single off #MadeInTheAM!” so he wrote. The track is the third single to be lifted off the boys’ fifth studio installment, following “Drag Me Down” and “Perfect” which both peaked inside the top 10 of Billboard Hot 100.

Written by Jamie Scott, John Ryan and

Julian Bunetta, the song was previously dropped as a promotional single. The British/Irish boyband performed it live for the first time during their recent visit to BBC’s “Live Lounge”. A music video is expected to arrive soon.

“MITAM” came out on November 13 as the foursome’s parting gift before they go on a lengthy hiatus next year. It’s currently sitting at No. 2 on Billboard 200 behind Justin Bieber’s “Purpose” which was released on the same day. (AceShowbiz)

L

ess than two months after Paul Walker’s daughter Meadow Walker sued Porsche AG for the actor’s wrongful death, his father Paul William Walker III filed a lawsuit against the car company for the same case. According to documents obtained by PEOPLE, Paul William also alleged that the Porsche Carrera GT lacked particular safety features.

Similar to the lawsuit Meadow brought against the German-based automobile company, Paul William stated that the car missed security features including a stability control system, side-door reinforcements and a breakaway fuel line which could have stopped the car from catching on fire

after serious accident.

According to police investigation, speeding between 80 and 90 MPH was the cause of the actor’s fatal accident. In contrast, the lawsuit claimed that if there were no such defects “in the Porsche Carrera GT, Paul Walker would be alive today.”

Earlier this month, the car company responded to Meadow’s similar wrongful death lawsuit. The company refused to take the blame. In the counter lawsuit, the company stated, “Mr. Walker’s voluntary assumption of the risk should bar the plaintiff’s recovery or, in the alternative, should reduce the plaintiff’s right to recovery from PCNA in an amount equivalent to Mr. Walker’s fault.”

Furthermore, the company believed that the car “was misused and improperly maintained, and that the misuse and improper maintenance proximately caused or contributed to the incident and to Mr. Walker’s death.” (AceShowbiz)

Chris Hemsworth settles parents debts

C

hris Hemsworth is a role model for his younger brother Liam Hemsworth. In a recent interview with Independent to talk about his new film “The Dressmaker”, Liam revealed one of Chris’ acts which made him look up to his elder brother.

Liam told the news outlet that after working in the film industry, the “Thor” actor called their father and told him to look at his bank account.

The actor transferred a sum of money to his father’s account to pay off his family’s debts. At that time, his father was touched by his son’s kind gestures.

“He [his father] called

my brother Chris back and said: ‘I don’t know how to feel. Since I left home I have had debts and I thought I’d be paying them off until I died and have this weight hanging over me, and now to have them completely cleared,’ “ Liam recalled.

“They are so happy now and able to spend more

time with us,” the 25-year-old actor said of his parents. “I would love to be able to do something for my parents like that.”

His elder brother aside, Liam opened up about why he’s interested to star in “The Dressmaker”. “I had spent the last couple of years working in America and I lived in America for the past six years and I was looking for a project that would take me back to Australia,” he explained, adding, “This script came along and the character really reminded me of my grandfather, Keith.”

(AceShowbiz)

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NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Star Times Bollywood

S

onakshi Sinha is an Indian actress, model and singer. The daughter of actors Shatrughan and Poonam, Sonakshi began her career in film as a costume designer. She made her acting debut as Salman Khan's leading lady in the highly successful actiondrama “Dabangg” (2010), for which she won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. The actress has played the romantic interest of male protagonists in several top-grossing action-dramas, including “Rowdy Rathore” (2012), “Son of Sardaar” (2012), “Dabangg 2” (2012) and “Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty” (2014), though she was criticised for taking up roles that offered her limited scope. She received critical praise for her portrayal of a woman suffering from tuberculosis in the romantic drama “Lootera” (2013), for which she was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress in 2013. In November 2015, Sonakshi makes her singing debut with her hit single “Ishqohlic”.

14 Sunday Times Magazine

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NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Times Bollywood

Hurt Deepika says Ranbir’s wedding joke was taken seriously A S

eems like Bollywood actors cannot get away with saying anything and it doesn’t matter if they are serious or merely kidding.

Actor Deepika Padukone says she was really hurt when her comment about Ranbir Kapoor’s marriage, which went viral on social media, was taken out of context.

In a recent interview, the 29-year-old was quoted saying, “Ranbir can’t get married ‘til I allow it.”

However, the “Tamasha” co-stars later clarified the statement and explained that their statement was taken out of context.

Ranbir said that Deepika said it in jest, adding: “They had asked me when will I marry? Then they saw Deepika, like she is my mom, and asked her what she feels about it.”

He also said that sometimes people just read the headlines and not the actual material inside.

Deepika revealed that she was hurt when she read the report and the comments

like “How can she say this”, “What does she think of herself.” (Hindustan Times)

ctor Emraan Hashmi, who was once tagged as Bollywood's “serial kisser”, says censorship of films in India seems like it's "going to the dark ages".

"I feel that it's going back to the dark ages. We're not taking steps forward," Emraan said at the launch of a single "Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon", starring him and Esha Gupta.

"Our society is evolving, the kind of cinema we're exposed to these days...There are international films, Hollywood films on television... All that is progressing, but we're making sure that Bollywood regresses. I feel it's very detrimental for our industry.

"If you have a law for censorship, you should give an A-certificate to that kind of film (with any questionable content), but don't snip out things for the sake of snipping it out. I don't understand that logic," he added.

The “Murder” star responded to a question regarding the Central Board of Film Certification's decision to shorten a kissing scene in the James Bond film “Spectre”.

Emraan said his much-anticipated biopic “Azhar” will also have kissing scenes, but he hopes it doesn't run into issues with the censor board.

"We'll get to know when my film eventu-

ally goes for censorship... there will obviously be a debate on it. But before that, numerous films are going to release. So hopefully, it (the policies) will be revised in the next couple of months and we get into some kind of a positive reform," he added. (TOI)

Hairstylist burns Bipasha Woman commits suicide after Basu face, arms husband criticises Aamir Khan

B

ipasha Basu had a freak accident while on a shoot recently, thanks to a clumsy hair stylist.

The “Raaz” actor tweeted about how a very clumsy and inattentive hair design-

er dropped hot hair tongs on her, causing multiple burns on her face and arms. She posted pictures with her tweet.

She wrote, “Started my day of shoot with multiple burns on my face and hands

by a hairstylist. She dropped the tong on me and did not even flinch.”

However, the tweet or the pictures are not available on the social networking site anymore.

Later, she posted a separate photo on Instagram on Thursday where she is holding a mirror against her face to protect herself as a different hair designer is attending to her. She captioned this photo as, “Post this careless accident, see my way of protecting myself from the mighty tong! Am well and working. Scars will take a while to go. FYI this is not the same styl-

ist.”

The actor, who is currently featured in the horror show “Darr Sabko Lagta Hai”, is rumoured to be dating actor Karan Singh Grover. (Hindustan Times)

Saif Ali Khan to work in Indian adaptation of ‘Chef’

B

ollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is all set to play the lead in the Hindi remake of Hollywood flick “Chef”, which is written, produced and directed by Jon Favreau.

“I’m delighted to see ‘Chef’ get an Indian remake. I’m excited to see how this personal film translates to the Indian culture. The themes of food, music and family should resonate well,” Favreau said in a statement. He also featured as the protagonist in the film.

The original “Chef” starred Robert Downey Jr, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson and Dustin Hoffman.

In India, the remake will be produced

by Abundantia Entertainment, Eros International and Alumbra Entertainment.

“Ever since I first saw ‘Chef’, I knew that this film had to be made in India. Charming relationships, a feel-good story and a unique journey of self-discovery make Chef the ideal film to bring alive in an Indian context.

I’m also delighted that one of the finest actors in our country, Saif Ali Khan, will helm the title role in the Hindi version,” he added.

Production house Abundantia Entertainment, founded by Vikram Malhotra (former chief operating officer of Viacom18 Motion Pictures), acquired the remake rights from Favreau’s company Fairview Entertainment and went on to partner with Eros International.

Eros International will distribute the

A

dispute with her husband over remarks

by Bollywood actor Aamir Khan saw a woman committing suicide by consuming poison, her family members claimed.

Police said they are investigating the alleged suicide by one Sonam Pandey

and the claims by her family members that she took the extreme step as she was distressed by her husband's comments mocking Khan.

"Sonam Pandey and her husband Mayank were talking about newspaper reports about Khan's statement yesterday morning. My son

desi version worldwide. The work on the Hindi remake has begun and a script that will adapt the story to the Indian palate, keeping the flavour of the film intact, is already underway.

“Chef” is based on a professional chef, who quits his job at a popular Los Angeles restaurant after refusing to compromise his creative integrity to its controlling owner, and launches a

poked fun at Sonam, saying what kind of man is the Bollywood star, who wants to settle abroad on the advice of his wife," said Mayank's father, RP Pandey. Angered by her husband's criticism of Khan, Sonam ran upstairs and locked herself inside a room, he added.

"After a while, she started screaming and, when Mayank went to her help, he found her vomiting. It appears she consumed some poisonous substance.

Sonam was rushed to the hospital, where she died later, Pandey said. When contacted, Kotwali police station inspector Praful Shrivastava said they were "investigating the matter and will proceed accordingly".

Khan had touched off a storm with his remarks earlier this week that his wife Kiran Rao had asked him whether they could settle abroad given the incidents of intolerance in the country. (Huffington Post)

food truck with his friend and son. (IANS)

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NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine

15

Times Trends

Trending Now

Star of the week

It seems A-list celebrities just can't get enough of the two-piece trend of late. Donning the trouser suit in a variety of styles, shapes and shades, Hollywood megastars provide inspiration for your next chic look.

A burgundy suit paired with the perfect heels is a chic ensemble

Actress Anne Hathaway goes all white and right in her fitted trouser suit

Emma Watson adds a little flirtiness to the smoking suit with a pop of hot pink and a silver box clutch

Zendaya looks smart and sexy in this gorgeous tailored powder blue suit

R

oshan Ali, born June 11, 1997, is a young actor and entrepreneur who attended School of the Nations.

Thankful for his successes, Ali likes to give back, which he does on a regular basis to the less fortunate. The young entrepreneur always “sees the bright side of every situation” and believes that “without hard work nothing comes knocking on your front door and that if you truly want something you have to work for it”. Soon, Ali will be seen in the highly anticipated local drama/mystery series, “WHO”, in which he plays the intriguing character Saajid Zyphrah.

If you want to add a little sexiness to a trouser suit flash a bit of midriff like singer Lorde

Victoria Beckham knows how to rock an eye-catching trouser suit

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Times Art

E

dward Rupert Burrowes was a renowned artist, art teacher (1903 – 1966) and founder of the Working People’s Art Class (WPAC).

He is popularly known as the ‘Father of Guyanese art’.

Well-known local artist Stanley Greaves has stated of Burrowes: “...the picture that emerges of Burrowes was really that of an intellectual who used art to express his feelings and thoughts about aspects of his life and experiences. In his way he was doing what A.J. Seymour was doing in literature.”

Greaves noted that at the end of Burrowes’ career, persons often wondered what would have become of him had he elected to pursue occupations other than that of artist and teacher.

“Because of the quality of his innate gifts there is no doubt that he would have excelled and that the nature of his contribution would have enjoyed wider recognition. On the other hand, the work he did to bring the meaning of art to those in-

"Indian Wedding - Going for Lah-Wah" 1962

terested, and to focus some on the production of art did function to create the beginnings

"Trees Bel-Air" 1946

"Guyana Land of Dolorous Garde" c.1951

of what Dennis Williams calls the ‘Guyana School’. In this sense the emergence of every generation artists in Guyana serves to widen and maintain his presence among us. His contribution and that of the other pioneers therefore become our living heritage.”

The E R Burrowes School of Art was established in September 1975 with the objective of providing aspiring artists with formal art training and education in an environment in which their talents could develop. The Burrowes School of Art was first housed at the Exhibition Site Sophia, but in 1976, after its accommodation became inadequate, was moved to the more spacious building which was formerly the District Doctor’s residence, in Old Road, Eccles. Subsequent moves were made to the former Lillian Dewar College building and later to Carmichael Street. In 1999 the school was moved to the former History and Arts Council building at 15 Carifesta Avenue, where it is still housed.

To quote former Principal, Keith Agard: “The purpose of this institution, therefore is not merely the preparation of students for artistic callings but also to supplement other educational institutions in Guyana by offering

to young men and women opportunities for special work that shall equip them for life’s problems and for making meaningful contributions to the development of their country through specialized areas of work.” (Photos courtesy Castellani House)

"Rice Harvesters" 1962

"Portrait" 1963

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Sunday Times Magazine 17

NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Times Tech

Tech news

Tech news

A

udi and Volkswagen are following Porsche in halting sales of models equipped with the 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now says is equipped with “defeat device” software, a new report says.

The new claims further challenge Volkswagen’s financial flexibility and competitive position and thus weaken its rating profile.

Shares of Volkswagen plunged 8.9 percent and wiped out another 3 billion euros (US$3.3 billion) off its market value.

In a press release from its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, VW said that during its internal investigation of the diesel engine controversy, it had discovered irregularities related to Carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption in approximately 800,000 vehicles.

Volkswagen may be disputing the EPA’s latest findings, but it has admitted to additional issues that go beyond diesel vehicles and affect gasoline-powered cars.

Volkswagen lost 1.67 billion euros (US$1.83 billion) in the third quarter, due to largely to recall costs, and it warned that 2015 operating profit would fall significantly.

The automaker is struggling to cope with the biggest crisis of its history following its admission in September that it had fitted 11 million vehicles with devices designed to cheat pollution tests.

Tech BYTE

A

ccording to a report written by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office in the U.S., Google and Apple, Inc. can gain remote access to smartphones and tablets with earlier variants of iOS or Android if they are court-ordered to do so.

If the device is not encrypted, access may be obtained without the owner’s permission, or knowledge.

At this present time, a court order can force Apple or Google to break into an electronic device, remotely, to get access to information. This obtained data is then available for examination by authorities.

Apple and Google have both added full-plate encryption to iOS 8 and Android 6.0.

According to the Manhattan district attorney’s office, the encryption in the newer software is by default and will prevent legal authorities from obtaining access to any evidence of crime from one’s smartphone or tablet remotely. Evidence will have to be gathered directly from the device with the owner’s permission.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office believes these technology giants should be able to gain access to possible criminal evidence if they are served with a warrant because they designed the device.

If the companies are incapable of retrieving data from a smartphone or tablet they developed then they are considered to be negligible.

The companies have been accused of creating digital safes for possible criminal evidence.

The New York district attorney’s office has written legislation that will force creators of smartphones and tablets to essentially break-in to the phone when served with a warrant.

(The Public Slate)

Tech BYTE

A

piece of Cold War memorabilia is going on sale in Hong Kong as Bonhams auctions a rare spy camera disguised as a packet of Lucky Strike cigarettes.

The high precision 16 mm stills camera was made by the Mast Development Corp in 1949 or 1950 for the US Signal Corps and is believed to be one of only two in existence.

The first is going on sale at Bonhams in Hong Kong on December 3 as part of an auction of collectible cameras, while the other is at the US Signal Corps Museum.

Smoking gear was a The spy camera was disguised as a cigarette pack and the particularly popular op- light meter as a match box tion because things like handed over to Mast Development, but pipes, matches, and lighters are natural things to handle in public. only two models were constructed.

It can carry 18 film exposures and has Cigarette packets were particularly popular with agents on both sides of the Iron a five-element F2.7 17.5mm Sonnar-type lens, a four-speed focal plane shutter, a Curtain.

The camera being made available for four-position aperture, and film advance.

The selenium light meter was built by auction has a matte-black metal body with the Quavas Corporation and also has a a chrome top plate that was concealed within a regular Lucky Strike paper ciga- metal body, but this is disguised as an Ohio Safety match box. The US Army passed on rette packet.

According to Bonhams, it was originally both camera and meter, so the prototypes developed by DeMornay-Budd Co between are all that exist.

The camera and meter are expected to 1946 and 1949, but because the company couldn’t meet specifications, the job was fetch between US$41,000 to US$65,000.

A

Scientists grow

cyborg roses

team of researchers in Sweden has grown living roses with electronic circuits in their vascular systems. The research was published last Friday in the journal Science Advances.

The team at the Laboratory for Organic Electronics at Linköping University, led by Professor Magnus Berggren, sees several possibilities in the project, including the surveillance and regulation of plant growth, and the potential to tap into photosynthesis as a means of generating power.

The team have been able to change This illustration displays the vascular system in a rose plant the hue of a rose’s plants and use the energy formed in the leaves by applying an electrical current to chlorophyll, produce green antennas or prothe system. The breakthrough follows two duce new materials. Everything occurs natyears of research and development, and urally, and we use the plants’ own very adopens new avenues for studying what hap- vanced, unique systems,” Berggren said. pens inside plants.

“As far as we know, there are no previ“Now we can really start talking about ously published research results regarding ‘power plants’ -- we can place sensors in electronics produced in plants.”

Raspberry Pi priced at US$5 to go on sale

R

aspberry Pi has been making small, affordable computers for a while now, but it’s just gone and made things even cheaper. Its latest miniature computer, the Pi Zero, will cost just US$5.

Measuring just 65mm x 30mm x 5mm, the miniature board is intended to make it even easier to provide people all around the world with their first steps into the world of coding.

The board features a Broadcom processor that can run at 1GHz and 512MB of RAM, along with a micro-SD slot, mini-HDMI to plug it into a display, and micro-USB for power.

The board runs Raspbian, and will

The brand new Raspberry Pi Zero is attached to the cover of the Christmas issue of Raspberry Pi magazine, The MagPi, for free.

happily let you use applications like Scratch, Minecraft and Sonic Pi. Or your own creations.

In the U.S., the miniature computer will be available online from Adafruit and in-store at branches of Micro Center.

Eben Upton, the founder of Raspberry Pi, writes that the company has “built several tens

of thousands of units so far, and are building more, but we expect demand to outstrip supply for the next little while.”

18 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week Ingredients

1½ kg whole chicken 2 red onions, halved, then cut into wedges, leaving the root intact 2 red peppers, deseeded and chopped into chunks 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 400g can black beans, drained and rinsed 400ml coconut milk For the jerk paste 1 red onion, chopped into large chunks 5 garlic cloves, peeled 1 scotch bonnet chilli, deseeded 3 fat green chillies, deseeded Bunch coriander, stalks roughly chopped, and leaves reserved, to serve Large bunch thyme; leaves picked Zest and juice 2 limes (save the juiced halves for the chicken) 1 tbsp honey 2 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil, plus a drizzle ½ nutmeg, grated 1 tsp ground allspice

I

t is almost every one’s favourite time of the year – for partying and/or decorating – and with seasonal trends developing each year, preparing your home is always an exciting time. Here are a few ideas, pulled from some of the most popular home interior magazines, to inspire your seasonal decorating.

Method

Make the jerk paste. Put all the ingredients in a food processor, add a good pinch of salt and blend to a fine purée, adding a splash of water if the mixture is struggling to break down.

Tie the chicken legs together if you like, and put in a large flameproof roasting tin. Pour the jerk paste and rub all over and inside the chicken.

Stuff the cavity with the juiced lime halves and cover the tray with foil.

Chill for up to 48 hrs or a minimum of 2 hrs.

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cook the chicken for 45 mins.

Take the chicken out the oven, remove the foil and carefully lift it onto a plate, pouring any juice from the cavity into the tin. Tip the onions, peppers and sweet potatoes into the tin, and season well. Toss in the tray to coat in any residual jerk paste.

Put chicken on top of the veggies and drizzle it with a little oil. Lower the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and return the roasting tin to the middle shelf, uncovered. Roast for a further 45 mins or until the vegetables are soft and the chicken is cooked through – if you have a meat thermometer, check that the temperature has reached 75C. Carefully remove the chicken from the tin, place on a plate and wrap in foil, then leave to rest.

Place the roasting tin on the hob over a medium heat. Stir in the beans and coconut milk, scraping the bottom of the tin to lift off any tasty bits. Simmer until the sauce has thickened a little, and then season to taste. If the sauce looks oily, skim the fat off the surface with a spoon.

Put the chicken back in the pan and scatter over the coriander leaves before taking to the table. Serve with rice and flatbreads.

Serves 4 – 6

An anything but traditional Christmas tree is high on the list of 2015 trends

Small is beautiful this year – small tabletop trees that is

GREATEST COOKING TIPS

M

ake and decorate sugar cookies like the pros by first making your dough at least a day before you bake since dough needs to be fully chilled before it can be cut out.

To prevent your cookies from ballooning in the oven and collapsing when cool, don’t over-cream the butter, and once you’ve cut the dough into shapes, put the cookies back into the refrigerator before baking, which will also prevent the dough from spreading in the oven.

Royal icing is what gives bakery-made cookies their professional sheen. Two consistencies of royal icing, is necessary, one for each step. Firm icing for the border, and a looser one to fill or ‘flood’ in the border, which can be done by adding a touch of water to your ‘flooding’ icing.

HOME HELP This season’s colours include metallic hues beyond gold and silver, such as bronze and copper, along with jewel tones and LED lighting

* Use a piece of tape to help hang pictures. Cut tape to width of picture frame where brackets are, paste it in a straight line on the wall then bore the holes on each end. * End Popsicle spills on clothes, floors or furniture by pushing the stick end though a cupcake liner to make a drip catcher. * Soak hair brushes and combs in a mixture of 1 teaspoon baking soda and a small amount of warm water. It will help remove natural buildup. Rinse and dry.

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NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

Facing the school drop-out dilemma Part III

M

JOKES

ost students who drop out have not fully considered the consequences and typically are not prepared for what happens to them afterward.

Although they are not finished maturing physically and emotionally, these adolescents often face the challenging transition to independent living and adulthood without the benefit of adult guidance, support systems, or services.

As a result, they are more likely to face poor job prospects, experience lifelong dependence on social service systems, use illicit drugs, become involved in the juvenile justice system, and become teen parents.

Reading, writing, and math skills are the foundation for learning in all subjects. One of the most important things parents can do is help their children build these skills in their elementary school years.

If your child is not doing well or is beginning to have behavioural problems in school, monitor your child’s attendance and school performance. Periodically check in with your child’s teachers to find out how things are going.

Concentrate on your child’s goals. Instead of focusing on why he/she is unsuccessful in school, have your child identify his/her future goals; develop a list of school, home, and personal barriers to reaching those goals, and devise strategies to address the barriers.

For some students, an alternative school program is the right choice. Students who are unmotivated or have been labelled troublemakers or failures in traditional schools may thrive in smaller, more individualized settings.

STORY TIME

Reflections The evolution of education

Taking it with you

A rich man aspired to take his three million dollars to the grave. He asked his priest, doctor, and attorney to each hold 1 million until his death and to then put the money in his coffin.

In due time, the old man passed away and each of the three men stopped by the coffin to pay their respects.

Afterwards, the priest confessed that he had kept the money for the church orphanage. Then the doctor admitted that he too had misdirected the money to the local children’s hospital. The attorney was outraged at their breach of trust; for he had slipped a check in the coffin for the full amount.

You’ll get us both fired

One day an out of work mime is visiting the zoo and attempts to earn some money as a street performer.

Unfortunately, as soon as he starts to draw a crowd, a zoo keeper grabs him and drags him into his office.

The zoo keeper explains to the mime that the zoos most popular attraction, a gorilla has died suddenly and the keeper fears that attendance at the zoo will fall off. He offers the mime a job to dress up as the gorilla until they can get another one. The mime accepts.

So the next morning the mime puts on the gorilla suit and enters the cage before crowd comes. He discovers that it’s a great job. He can sleep all he wants, play and make fun of people and he draws bigger crowds than he ever did as a mime.

However, eventually the crowds tire of him and he tires of just swinging on tires. He begins to notice that the people are paying more attention to the lion in the cage next to his. Not wanting to lose the attention of his audience, he climbs to the top of his cage, crawls across a partition, and dangles from the top to the lion’s cage.

Of course, this makes the lion furious, but the crowd loves it.

At the end of the day the zoo keeper comes and gives the mime a raise for being such a good attraction. Well, this goes on for some time, the mime keeps taunting the lion, the crowds grow larger, and his salary keeps going up.

Then one terrible day when he is dangling over the furious lion he slips and falls. The mime is terrified. The lion gathers itself and prepares to pounce. The mime is so scared that he begins to run round and round the cage with the lion close behind. Finally, the mime starts screaming and yelling, ‘Help, Help me!’, but the lion is quick and pounces.

The mime soon finds himself flat on his back looking up at the angry lion and the lion says, “Shut up you idiot! Do you want to get us both fired?”

Kids Q&A

Q: What do you get when you cross poison ivy with a four-leaf clover?

A: A rash of good luck Q: Why do mother kangaroos hate rainy days?

A: Because the kids have to play inside.

Q: Why is the longest human nose on record only 11 inches long?

A: Because if it were 12 inches long it would be a foot.

Yesterday’s Door I’ve shut the door on Yesterday, Its sorrows and mistakes.

I’ve locked within its gloomy walls Past failures and heartaches.

A

beggar found a leather purse that someone had dropped in the marketplace. Opening it, he discovered that it contained 100 pieces of gold. Then he heard a merchant shout, “A reward! A reward to the one who finds my leather purse!”

Being an honest man, the beggar came forward and handed the purse to the merchant saying, “Here is your purse. May I have the reward now?”

“Reward?” scoffed the merchant, greedily counting his gold. “Why the purse I dropped had 200 pieces of gold in it. You’ve already stolen more than the reward! Go away or I’ll tell the police.”

“I’m an honest man,” said the beggar defiantly. “Let us take this matter to the court.”

In court the judge patiently listened to both sides of the story and said, “I believe you both. Justice is possible! Merchant, you stated that the purse you lost contained 200 pieces of gold. Well, that’s a considerable cost. But, the purse this beggar found had only 100 pieces of gold.

Therefore, it couldn’t be the one you lost.”

And, with that, the judge gave the purse and all the gold to the beggar. (A Jewish Folktale)

And now I throw the key away, To seek another room, And furnish it with hope and smiles And every springtime bloom.

No thought shall enter this Abode That has a hint of pain; And envy, malice and distrust Shall never entrance gain.

I’ve shut the door on Yesterday And thrown the key away Tomorrow holds no fear for me Since I have found Today.

By Anonymous

By Grammar G

I

t is at Christmas that we hear carols on the radio, in stores, or we watch Christmas carol music videos on television. How did the word carol come to be associated with Christmas?

Carol started as a nonspiritual noun and verb before having religious association. There are varying versions of its origins.

The word is said to be borrowed into Latin choraules “flute-player” originally from Greek khoraules, meaning the “flute player who accompanies the choral dance” – some say choros (“dancing in a circle”).

It was reworked in Medieval Latin as choraula “a dance to the flute”. It arrived in Old French as carole a kind of dance in a ring, accompanied by singers. Sometime in the 1300s it became “carol” in English, and meant “dance in a ring” and “joyful song”. By late 14th century it also meant “to sing”.

The noun meaning “Christmas hymn of joy” is suggested from around 1500 Its association with Christmas had begun when early Christians had previously changed popular secular songs sung during the pagan solstice celebrations (which became Christmas) to religious ones.

According to one source, in AD 129, a Roman Bishop

said that a song called “Angel’s Hymn” should be sung at a Christmas service in Rome. It wasn’t until 1410 that the earliest “Christmas carol” about Mary and Jesus meeting different people in Bethlehem was written.

However, after all things Christmas were banned in the 17th century, it was some 200 years later when, no longer forbidden, carols were revived.

20 Sunday Times Magazine

NOVEMBER 29, 2015

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Times Sunday Puzzle

The same five-letter word can be added to either the front or back, but not both, of the following words to create four new words. Can you determine which word it is?

KEY WALL GEM WASHED see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine 21

Times Kids

Creature Corner

GEOZONE

Fossils

T

he green-tailed goldenthroat hummingbird (Polytmus theresiae) can be found in Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela, and possibly Ecuador at the edges of sandy forests, or sandy savannas with scattered bushes.

Among the smallest birds in the world, it measures 3.6 to 4 inches (9 to 10 cm) in length and gathers nectar from scattered plants. It also eats small spiders and insects.

Male green-tailed goldenthroats, who establish feeding territories and are extremely territorial, are

entirely green while females are mostly green with green-speckles on their white undersides.

A hummingbird’s normal flight speed is said to be 30 mph (48 km/h), but it can reach 50 mph (80 km/h) during an escape or chase and even 63 mph (101 km/h) during a dive.

Hummingbirds are named for the low-pitched humming sound made by their wings. The sounds differ depending on how fast the hummingbird beats its wings, and each hummingbird species generates a different humming sound in flight.

Maze Daze

Dinosaur fossil. The most dinosaur fossils and the greatest variety of species have been found high in the deserts and badlands of North America, China and Argentina

W

hen an animal or other organic material like leaves or trees die, complex processes may enable their preservation within the earth.

Fossil evidence is typically preserved within sediments deposited beneath water, partly because the conditions that make fossilisation possible occur more frequently in water, and also because the majority of the Earth's surface is covered by water.

In fact, fossils derived from land, including dinosaur bones and organisms preserved within amber (fossilised tree resin) were

ultimately preserved in sediments deposited beneath wetlands, lakes, rivers and estuaries, or were swept out to sea.

Fossilisation however, can also occur on land, though to a far lesser extent, and includes (for example) specimens that have undergone mummification in the sterile atmosphere of a cave or desert.

According to discovering fossils website, the modern use of the word 'fossil' refers to the physical evidence of former life from a period of time prior to recorded human history.

Colouring Fun

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

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

digits 1 through 9.

22 Sunday Times Magazine Rolling Stone magazine listed Hendrix as the greatest guitarist of all time.

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NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Carlos Santana (1947- )

Exploring the realms of history, science, nature and technology

By Laurie Triefeldt

Great guitars

& guitarists Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) was making history in the 1960s with his electric and experimental sound. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes Hendrix as “arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music.”

One of Hendrix’s favorite guitars was his “Black Beauty,” a 1968 Fender Stratocaster.

Did you know?

Many guitarists have named their guitars.

Willie Nelson named his “Trigger,” and Keith Richards named his “Micawber.”

Most people have their personal favorites when it comes to the greatest guitarists of all time, and discussions can become heated when opinions differ. This page takes a look at some of our favorite guitarists and their instrument of choice.

B.B. King (1925-2015) Jimmy Page (1944- ) This British musician achieved fame as the lead guitarist and founder of the rock band Led Zeppelin.

B.B. King was a wonderfully talented blues singer, songwriter and guitarist.

Over the years, King played a variety of Gibson guitars — all of them named “Lucille.”

The first Lucille was an inexpensive, small-bodied Gibson L-30 archtop.

In 2005, Gibson produced an 80th birthday model Lucille for King. This guitar was stolen in 2009, but located a few months later and returned.

For many decades, Bo Diddley (1928-2008) played the famous rectangular guitar built especially for him by Gretsch in 1958.

In 1979, the Dutch-American musician Eddie Van Halen customized his guitar with paint, a new neck, a modified pick guard and a Floyd Rose vibrato unit.

The guitar is known as both a “Frankenstrat” and the “Frankenstein.”

Mexican-American guitarist Carlos Santana and his band, Santana, wowed audiences in the ’60s and ’70s with their unique blend of Latin-infused rock, jazz, blues, salsa and African rhythms.

In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine listed Santana at No. 15 on their list of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Carlos Santana has played many kinds of guitars, but has favored signature Paul Reed Smith guitars.

Rolling Stone magazine listed Jimmy Page as No. 3 on their list of great guitarists. Among many guitars, Jimmy Page often played a double-necked 1971 Gibson EDS-1275.

Eric Clapton (1945- )

Eric Clapton is a British rock and blues musician. Considered one of the most important and influential guitarists ever, he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times. Clapton was ranked second in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of history’s 100 greatest guitarists.

Clapton played his custom Fender Stratocaster “Blackie” from about 1970 to 1985. Clapton sold it at an auction in 2004 for $959,500.

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NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Sunday Times Magazine 23

World Times

Miss Criminal 2015 prison Plus-Size Fashion academy opens in Russia beauty contest picks its winner Founder Dilyara Larina

T

he Plus Size Fashion academy has opened its doors in Moscow, Russia.

Its founder, who is also a successful plus-size model, says she is dedicating herself to promoting fuller figured women in the industry.

“There are just standard thin fashion schools but they have an absolutely different criteria, they work with thin models. So we are preparing the girls for the modelling business specifically as non-standard models. These girls want to be a part of the fashion world regardless of their size,”Dilyara

Larina, founder of plus-size academy says.

The school also offers professional training for bloggers and talent scouts in the plus-size field. Larina says she wants to help build a strong community for her models.

The courses provided by the academy cover a range of topics and provide opportunities for young women to take to the catwalk. Five students have so far enrolled.

Larina says classes will remain small to in order to give students the best chance to become an industry standard and not an exception to the rule.

Zimbabwe's 'ugliest man' 'not ugly enough'; riot ensues

A

riot broke out in Zimbabwe after the crowd at the annual Mr Ugly competition raged against the judges' choice of champion.

Maison Sere was crowned the ugliest of them all at this year's contest, beating out 35 other competitors as he flashed his toothless grin and pulled grotesque facial expressions.

The unemployed 42-yearold took the title over

William Masvinu, the reigning Mr Ugly champ since 2012.

But though judges were convinced Sere deserved the title, Masvinu and his fans went into an uproar at the ruling.

Criticisms that Sere was too handsome were hurled at the judges and the crowd at the Harare night club began getting physical, pushing and pulling at each other.

Brain Teaser Answer

The word you need is STONE. KEYSTONE STONEWALL GEMSTONE STONEWASHED

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

N

Inmate contestants during the pageant

ot all beauty contests come complete with armed guards, watch towers and barbed wire fences.But then your average pageant doesn't take place in one of the toughest women’s prisons in the world.

According to the Mirror UK, the annual Miss Criminal 2015 beauty pageant was held at the Talavera Bruce women’s

prison in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.This year's winner was Michelle Neri Rangel, 27.

Rangel has been behind bars since 2010, when she was sentenced to 39 years for robbery - with an additional six years added on for prostitution inside the prison.

The jail, inside the sprawling Bangu penitentiary centre, is Brazil's only

maximum security prison for women and holds the country's most serious female offenders.

The contest aims to boost the self-esteem of female inmates and is supported by community and church groups.

According to Brazil's Ministry of Justice, the number of imprisoned females in the country rose 567 percent from 2000 to 2014.

Turkeys dodge Thanksgiving dish

Maison Sere smiles after winning the 2015 edition of the Mr Ugly competition in Harare

No one was injured in the scuffle.

Masvinu claimed that Sere should not have been awarded the honour as he was not naturally ugly, but instead played up his missing teeth.The contest rules stipulate the judging criteria is on natural ugliness, rather than disabilities.

But Sere brushed off the comments and went on to collect his $500 winnings.

The title also secures him a spot to compete in Mr Ugly World 2017.

T

wo turkeys in Wisconsin, USA avoided a likely trip to the slaughterhouse after falling off of a truck. The truck continued driving after accidentally dropping the turkeys, and the two birds were eventually discovered by Wausau police.

After failing to capture the birds, police received help from wildlife rehabilitation group Wild Instincts.

The turkeys were identified as endangered blue slate turkeys upon their capture and were sent to live with Raptor Education Group Inc. Executive Director Marge Gibson.

“They will have Thanksgiving at our house and not in the way most turkeys experience this holiday!” Gibson wrote in a post on Facebook.

Gibson said the turkeys sustained leg injuries but are “comfortably recovering” following the crash.

“Falling off at truck on the way to

the market has [pardon] written all over it,” she said. “An accident that could have killed them turned out to be the luckiest thing that could have happened to them.”

The Philonoist

CROSSWORD

Be careful at Christmas

Q: Can someone be obsessive about giving gifts?

Y

es, one sure can.

While most of us enjoy seeing a smile on the face of someone we just gave a present to, for some, gift-giving goes beyond that.

It’s called doromania and it is a medical (psychiatry) term to describe someone who has an unusual urge or preoccupation with giving out presents – and not just at Christmas.

Such individuals show an abnormal liking for choosing and buying gifts, even when there is no clear occasion for gift-giving.

This gift giving preoccupation is no longer carried

out with good will,and reveals a complex mind-set that usually requires medical intervention.

It may often reach a point where the individual’s finances become threatened as they take on

debts, from credit cards or elsewhere, for purchasing gifts. The sufferer’s property has even been known to be forfeited due to this mania.

The word itself derives from ancient Greek doron meaning “gift”, to which the suffix – mania (used to form a word describing a compulsion or obsession; from Greek for “madness”) has been appended.

For the gift-recipients this might not be a bad thing – but if you care about the person with doromania, you can see why they may need immediate help.

24

Sunday Times Magazine

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NOVEMBER 29, 2015

Fun Times

Archie

Break out of your routine.

An impromptu journey will (March 21bring unanticipated beneApril 19) fits. Don't be afraid to take a unique approach. You'll be rewarded for your bravery.

ARIES

There are many ways TAURUS to improve your livelihood.

(April 20Check out online job postings.

May 20) Explore as many diverse possibilities as you can in order to find a perfect fit for your qualifications.

GEMINI Stick to your objective if (May 21- you want to make progress.

June 20) You will receive numerous appeals for advice or assistance, but dropping your own priorities will not result in success.

An unexpected change of plans will throw you off course (June 21temporarily, but you will find July 22) a situation offering greater potential. Be wary of someone offering a lofty promise.

CANCER

LEO Make improvements that (July 23- will bring added comfort and Aug. 22) convenience to your living space. Purge or sell items you no longer use or want in order to gain satisfaction and relief.

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Take a firm stand if the people you depend on have failed to honor a promise. Keep a close watch on your diet to ensure that you are taking proper care of your health.

Take a moment to contemLIBRA plate what's happened and (Sept. 23what you can do to benefit Oct. 23) from the aftermath. Gravitate toward anyone or anything that offers a positive alternative.

Peanuts

SCORPIO Jealousy is apparent. Be (Oct. 24- careful what you say to whom.

Nov. 22) Keep a close eye on your assets, especially when traveling. Not everyone is as honest as you are. Trust in your own devices.

Proceed with caution. Your SAGITTARIUS zest to improve your health (Nov. 23and well-being will be comDec. 21) promised if you start a rigorous routine without taking the proper steps to ensure a safe, sensible outcome.

Calvin and Hobbes

Love and romance are CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- highlighted. You will have Jan. 19) to sift through a lot of misinformation to get to the facts.

Don't believe everything you hear.

Trusted allies will be your AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- best bet to help improve an Feb. 19) important project. Be open to all suggestions, but give the benefit of the doubt to the people who have your best interests at heart.

Others will have trouPISCES (Feb. 20- ble dealing with your moodiMarch 20) ness. Try to maintain an even keel with colleagues and family members or you will have to make some heartfelt apologies.