Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

Sunday May 31, 2015

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2 Times Sunday Magazine

MAY 31, 2015

Times Feature

By Isahak Basir, CCH

A

nna and Regina were the names of two sisters, of a British family, who both drowned in the present main canal under the high bridge located at Anna Regina in Region Two, Essequibo Coast.

That tragic event, which occurred in early 1820, caused the owners of the sugar estate to replace the town’s Dutch name with Anna Regina, in memory of their two dead daughters.

The canal in which the two sisters drowned was

and Chappels.

With the end of slavery, a British company,called Glasgow Brookes, took over several sugar estates, including Vreed-en-Hoop and Anna Regina. Some of the torch bearers of the early 20th century were Magarell Reliance, the Blackmans and Bowens and Davis’ of Bush Lot, the Narines of Lima, Neamat Ali, Omar Khan, Reberios and Ramsaroop Maharaj of Danielstown.

Neamat Ali served at the Medical Hospital at Plantation Farm on the

The Anglican Church

about 120 meters from their home; the logies were far away. It was only when they did not return for over a day that their parents began to search for them.

They were buried in a family cemetery presently occupied by Neamat A. Ali known as ‘Dispenser Ali’ and his cousin Azeez Bacchus.

Anna Regina was one of several sugar plantations occupied and developed by the Dutch colony, but was later occupied by the British in 1805. It is located midsection of the Essequibo Coast and is a transit point for indigenous communities, the North West district and gold mining regions.

It was also the gateway to the Pomeroon River, since there wasn’t any road to Charity up to 1908.

This 30-mile inland journey was managed by the Pearsons, Wongs, Austins

High Bridge at Anna Regina

West Coast of Demerara.

By 1925, Dispenser Ali purchased the abandoned cemetery, which had the remains of several British families, and occupied a building in the same vicinity where he then established a semi-dispensary/pharmacy building.

It became the premier point for medical attention such as dental extractions, dislocated limbs and treatment of tropical illnesses such as malaria and typhoid.

His drug store was like a museum, with several shelves of colourful bottles containing medicines, since tablets and capsules were non-existent at that time.

One large five-gallon glass bottle contained a cure for many illnesses, and patients had to provide their own bottles.

One memorable period

was during World War II when medicine was scarce and Dispenser Ali concocted a mixture of locally grown bitters and "breml" salt to supplement anaesthetics for tooth extraction.

The relics of colonial rule and its tragedies in Anna Regina are still visible: the Anna Regina high bridge; Essequibo’s tallest chimney; the 1834 Damon Monument; the police station and the 147-year-old Anglican Church, which are all episodes of the past.

The 147-year-old Anglican Church was first located in La Belle Alliance, where it burned down in 1834.

The vestiges of colonialism saw the necessity for a land settlement consistent of a refugee camp, which housed more than 90 families abandoned by the closure of the sugar estate.

In 1948, the first secondary school was established in Anna Regina, opposite the police station, which was the recreational hall of the Anglican Church. It was named Essequibo Education Institute, and offered lessons for junior and senior Cambridge students to have final matriculation.

Anna Regina was declared a town in August1990 by the late president Desmond Hoyte, but saw an unprecedented development in all aspects of human needs under the previous PPP/C administration.

At the imposing Town Hall, a visitor can collect brochures of the town as well as have the courtesy of signing the Visitor’s Book. The population of the township exceeds 20,000 and comprises eight villages spanning an area of eight miles.

A strange set of huge concrete koker frames attract visitors who stand on the high bridge,looking out to the Atlantic Ocean. Like plantations Andrews and Charity, Anna Regina was prone to flooding since the main drainage canal was originally one of two creeks that drained the five-mile wide Tapakuma Lake.

These ‘kokers’ are now a huge submerged pump, used to prevent flooding in Anna Regina. (Photos by Marco Basir)

Aerial view of the town

One of the creeks now a drainage canal

The Chimney described as 'Essequibo's tallest'

Anna Regina Police Station

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May 31, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine

3

Times Feature

A journey into the culinary arts Local chef describes “one of the best” journeys of his life

P

armeshwar Persaud described his childhood in Wakenaam Island, Essequibo as a “simple one”. However, his life now is anything but “simple”, working as a chef for one of the finest restaurants in Guyana.

Born to a family of four, Parmeshwar always had a passion for cooking, as he would often assist his family in preparing healthy meals.

“I became a chef simply because I fell in love with cooking. I started cooking from a very young age. I am the third of four siblings with hardworking middleclass parents who both had their jobs; the children had to chip in. I chose the culinary arts because I realized I was gifted with a talent.

Well, like any other talent, it was raw and needed to be conditioned. With the support from my family, I pursued studies in home economics and hospitality,

where my favourite class was cooking,” Persaud recalled in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Now, Persaud holds a successful career as a chef at Pegasus Hotel for more than three years and describes his journey as “one of the best”. He added that while the job can be demanding, especially when there is a standard to maintain, which can call for long hours working double shifts, working as a chef will always be his “first choice”.

“I always put my best effort in anything I do. Being a chef was my first choice. I was actually a work attachment at Pegasus and I was hired within six months.

You have to love what you do for it to be successful, and that is what I live by each day,” Persaud noted.

The Carnegie School of Home Economics is where Persaud first learnt to cook

some of the delectable meals he now prepares for local and international guests.

“I studied at Carnegie for two years, and I can say it is the finest exposure anyone can have locally, as it teaches one all the basics, pros and cons of home economics.

It is a school anyone should be enrolled into if they are serious about a career in the culinary arts,” he declared.

Persaud, 23, remains committed to transferring his knowledge to others and encourages other professionals to do the same.

“Growing up on a small island and then having to move to the capital, I really wanted to give it my best shot and that I did. I love to cook. I adore the smell of different ingredients as it intoxicates me as I mix them.

I love the sounds when I’m cooking. I push myself to invent new things and not only to rely on what I was taught. That’s what makes

you grow as an individual in my line of work. I love also that food can be prepared in so many different ways.

There are endless possibilities in my career; I never get bored,” Persaud disclosed.

The chef aspires to learn and grow as a professional and aims to one day own a business.

“I love the fact that in the culinary world, chefs work in a team, and I love being part of that. I adore the attire, which serves not only as a protection but identification of our profession.

Chefs serve a purpose in the social grid as we are respected and trusted to prepare meals for the dear ones of many. I am grateful that I have been given this talent and I will continue to flourish in its path, God willing.

However, I am still young in this world and I look forward to opportunities to discover, grow and learn to the best of my ability,” he stat-

ed.

Parmeshwar Persaud

The Carnegie School of Home Economics was founded in 1933 on a grant donated by the Carnegie Trustees and an additional grant

from the UK. According to the CSHE website, government assumed full responsibility for the school in 1937.

Up to 1958, it was known as the Carnegie Trade School.

A sweet treat at Victoria Honey House

W

Showcasing the products in the Honey House

hat started off as a mangrove protection scheme in 2011 soon became a fully operational ‘honey house’ in 2012, offering the best honey and honey-based products in Guyana.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Carlotta De Jesus, proprietor of the house, said she and her husband started keeping bees in the mangrove “as a form

of protection for the mangrove forest” in Victoria, East Coast Demerara.

De Jesus thought that if the bees were kept in the mangrove forest, persons would be reluctant to venture in and destroy the mangrove. The determination and preservation ideas of De Jesus paid off as individuals were soon deterred from destroying the mangrove.

De Jesus’ efforts to pro-

tect vulnerable coastlines from wave action, prevent coastal erosion, and keep the soil together would later turn into a thriving business venture and tourist attraction, as the small host of bees grew into a swarm of hard working honey makers at the Victoria Honey House.

“We had started producing a small amount of honey in 2012, which was sold to tourists on the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project’s tours of the mangrove. As we expanded, we saw the need for a honey house - a hygienic facility to extract, bottle and market the honey and [by extension] other local product[s] produced in the community,” she explained.

Consequently, the Victoria Honey House was established.

De Jesus’ interest in beekeeping began way beyond her ‘mangrove protection scheme’ in 2009 and is evident in her work and training. She is currently a trained beekeeper, an executive member of the Guyana Apiculture Society, and a tour guide with the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project.

An average day for De Jesus is quiet but long, “When harvesting honey you need to start early in the mornings and [you] finish late in the evenings… ordinary days at the honey house is quiet unless [we] have a tour in the community…[then] persons would come in a crowd to shop.”

The honey produced by

apiaries in Cove and John, and Victoria, villages on the East Coast of Demerara, is now sold at the Victoria Honey House to members of the community and

tourists. It can also be uplifted at small outlets like Lilly's Café in Kingston, Georgetown.

For more information on the Victoria Honey House

call 256-0215, 690-0053 or 641-9426. The Honey House staff is available to conduct bee removal for those with unwanted bees in their homes or communities.

Carlotta’s daughter (left) also helps her with making the products

4

Times Sunday Magazine

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MAY 31, 2015

Times Feature

Suresh Narine and the end of oil T

he question of what happens after we squeeze the last drop of oil from the last oil rig lurks always at the back of the minds of not just oil producers, but anyone who has thought about what powers their cell phones, cars, and homes.

High hopes are pinned on solar energy, but while this technology evolves, others, less well publicised, are also evolving. And at the forefront of petroleum substitution technology is Prof Suresh Narine, the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence joint laureate in Science & Technology for 2015.

Prof Narine, a jovial, gregarious man, as willing to talk about cricket and politics as alternative energy, was born in Guyana, in the small rural village of Herstelling. After attending Queens College in Georgetown, he went to school in Canada, where he studied physics and chemistry.

He realized early on that his love for science had to be balanced with a need to make a living, so he was always attracted to the practical uses of science. His PhD was in food science

Prof Suresh Narine delivering his acceptance remarks at the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards ceremony in Port of Spain, in April 2015

and material physics at the University of Guelph.

His great departure from orthodoxy there was that “I convinced by PhD supervisors to let me take a materials physics approach to understanding foods, in particular lipids”. This paid off in 21 publications in peerreviewed journals by the time he had concluded his Ph D, in just two-and-a-half years.

Such achievements ensured he was offered a job with M&M Mars, the global food company, even be-

fore graduation. “At Mars, I learned that when the world of science is wedded to the world of commerce, amazing things can happen and have pivotal impacts on people’s lives,” he says. “I think I ceased to be a purely fundamental scientist from this time onwards.”

He thereafter was recruited to the University of Alberta, Canada, where he continued his career as a Professor from the age of 27. By this time, his prowess as a researcher had grown, and he was a sought-after

scientist, researcher and commercial agent who had formed rare links between academe and industry.

He was working on commercially viable research in the areas of zero-trans fat/ lowered saturated fat shortenings, margarines and confections; polyurethane foams, elastomers and plastics from canola oil, and lubricants from vegetable oils.

But like many Caribbean people, in the midst of his success, his heart yearned for home, and that yearning changed his life in 2005. “I returned to Guyana to assist after there had been a series of devastating floods,” he says. “And I was challenged by (then) President Bharat Jagdeo. He said ‘what have you done for your country which has prepared you for the success you now enjoy’?”

In response, Prof Narine

evance to the Caribbean is in “lipid derived biomaterials”. These are materials that have traditionally been made by petroleum by-products, like plastics and polymers.

His approach sounds simple enough: “Five to 700 million years ago, photosynthetic materials from plants were buried in the earth’s crust. Now, millions of years later, we are harvesting that material as petroleum. But why wait 700 million years?

Let us take biomaterials and figure out the chemistry and physics and turn it into those materials today. And we have seen a remarkable amount of success in this approach.”

This technology does have the potential to change the world, and in addition to the plant being constructed in Guyana, others are being

needs to exploit the vast resources of land and fresh water available in Guyana, Suriname and Belize if it is to address the serious issue of food scarcity and security in the Caribbean.

“In my own efforts in Guyana,” says Prof Narine, “I have seen first first-hand how important a tool science and technology can be in leap-frogging the developmental process. I firmly believe that our region’s science and technology portfolio should be heavily focused on technology transfer and the harnessing of S&T for development and wellbeing of our people. Much more needs to be done in integrating the UWI, the University of Guyana, Anton de Kom University, University of Technology in Jamaica, and UTT.” Notwithstanding his suc-

(Left to right) Sir Shridath Ramphal, Prof Suresh Narine, and Chairman of ANSA McAL, A.Norman Sabga in Port of Spain in April 2015

(Left to right) Suresh Narine with the Guyana head of the Caribbean Awards for Excellence Country Nominating Committee Dr Seeta Shah Roath, and Dr Paloma Mohamed- Martin, an Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence laureate

took over the Institute of Applied Science (IAST), which had fallen into dilapidation. By sheer will power and persistence, he managed to outfit the laboratory, recruit staff, and engage in research with commercial potential. And he has succeeded. The IAST and sections of the Guyana government now uses biodiesel made by an IAST programme to power government vehicles.

The institute has projects for using waste biomass from the milling of rice and sugar cane, to create brickets to burn as fuel, which preserves forests. And the IAST is working on projects, which will find a substitute for toxic mercury in the gold extraction process, as well as producing food products like breakfast cereals from local produce and construction materials from agriculture and forestry fibres and plastics.

In fact, the IAST is currently building a factory to commercially produce breakfast cereal and nutrition bars, with funding from the Government of Guyana.

One of his main areas of research of special rel-

constructed in the United States and Indonesia, with others planned for Malaysia, Canada and Israel.

However, despite his success as a scientist, Prof Narine believes that there are limits to science.

“Science without the arts would lead to tremendously barren and desolate lives… for scientists, a lack of appreciation of the arts would create a life without joy...I believe great scientists and artists are made not born.

So mentorship is central to fully developing our young people….and first of all, young people need mentors who believe in them…

I am a great believer in the Pygmalion effect.”

This need for nurturing human potential is of special concern to him.

His acceptance speech at the Caribbean Awards for Excellence Ceremony in 2015 contained an impassioned plea for Caribbean unity not as an emotional necessity, but as a pragmatic necessity. The islands are small, and by themselves cannot generate the critical mass necessary for success.

The only way to survive is by cohesion, and the region

cess in the Caribbean, Prof Narine’s accomplishments go much further. He is also responsible for a number of international researchto-application initiatives in India, Malaysia, Brazil and Israel. He is presently director of the centre for biomaterials research at Trent University, Senior NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Lipid Derived Biomaterials, and Ontario Research Chair in Green Chemistry and Engineering Prof Suresh Narine joins 26 other laureates in Science, Arts, Public and Civic work, and Entrepreneurship who have been awarded with the Caribbean Awards for Excellence prize since its inception in 2005.

A brief bio-video and interview with him can be found on the Caribbean Awards YouTube channel (ANSCAFE), and an autobiographical essay can be found in the publication, The Excellent Decade.

Further information about the Caribbean Awards can be found at www.ansacaribbeanawards.com and on Facebook. (Article courtesy Caribbean Awards for Excellence.)

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May 31, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 5

Times Women

Jennifer Bisram

Emmy-Nominated Journalist of Guyanese Heritage J

ennifer Bisram is a TV reporter for WSVN, CH7 in Miami, Fl. Before her move to Miami, she worked at WOFL, the FOX affiliate in Orlando, Fl. At FOX Orlando, the reporter was one of the station’s main journalists who covered the controversial Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman case. Her extensive and exclusive reporting earned her a segment there called "The 10 P.M. Interview".

During her stint at WOFL, Jennifer also covered sports, politics, featured events and the everyday news-makers. The powerful storyteller has of-

Jennifer reporting on TV

Sonia Godding-Togobo

Guyanese documentarian, director, filmmaker

S

Sonia Godding-Togobo

onia Godding-Togobo is a Guyanese-born documentarian, director and filmmaker, currently based in the UK. First migrating to Canada at age two, Sonia graduated from Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School in Ontario.

Sonia has worked in broadcast television for the last decade with broadcast credits in Canada and England.

She has also produced short films in both Haiti and Ghana.

In 2001, after graduating from Humber’s Film and Television program, Sonia went on to work in numerous post production houses before settling at Nelvana North America’s largest animation distributor.

While at Nelvana, she independently worked on short films, music videos and documentaries.

Favouring the latter, Sonia worked her way up to associate editor on CBC’s "A Deathly Silence" and WTSN Profile series, before moving

on to Canada’s pioneering music channel – MuchMusic in 2003. There, she edited a variety of the channel’s programs, including an hour special on the crisis in Darfur with George Stroumboulopoulos, and the Sri Lanka and Indonesia tsunamis.

In 2005, Sonia worked on SunTV’s Echo – the channel’s premiere multi-ethnic biography series that highlighted diverse trailblazing Torontionians. In 2006, she crossed the big pond and moved to London where she worked in entertainment and factual programming for a variety of production companies and networks including Channel 4 and BBC. In 2007, she shot and edited her first documentary “We Had a Dream”, in Accra, Ghana. Later that year, she also shot her second film, "Adopted ID", about a transracially adopted Canadian who returns to Haiti in search of her biological family. This is Sonia’s first feature length documentary, which was released in 2011.

Sonia is also the co-founder of SunStar Worldwide – a media and personal development company. (www.guyanesegirlsrock.com)

ten been credited by viewers for telling people stories that touched their lives.

Jennifer moved to Central Florida from the Big Apple. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Guyanese parents, Jennifer began her career when she was only 15 years-old, writing poetry in her bedroom and by the following year several of her poems were published in the Anthology of Poetry for Young Americans. It was then that she decided to

take her writing to higher heights. She started interning at local newspapers to get experience and exposure.

Her first newspaper internship was at The Chief Civil Service Newspaper at age 16 and by her freshman year at college she penned pieces at some of the city’s largest newspapers like NY Newsday and the NY Amsterdam News.

Jennifer, “nosy by nature”, as she often refers to why she opted for reporting, channelled into television right after graduating from the City University of New York’s Queens College.

She began her reporting role at News55 on Long Island and quickly moved on to the News12 Network (Connecticut, New Jersey and Westchester) – where she reported for nearly five years.

The Emmy-nominated journalist also worked for the CW affiliate in NYC, PIX11 News, as a reporter and assignment editor; the Food Network as a producer and NY1 News as a writer.

With more than a decade dedicated to news, in addi-

Jennifer Bisram

tion to covering the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, the Orlando Magic and Dwight Howard trade, the 2012 presidential election and polling problems in Central Florida, she’s covered stories of sorts like the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Miracle on the Hudson, Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, NY Giants Super Bowl XLII victory and the MTV Video Music Awards.

Jennifer is always looking for a great story to tell. (www.guyanesegirlsrock. com)

6 Times Sunday Magazine

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MAY 31, 2015

Times Book World

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Book Review: “The Small Fortune of Dorothea Q” by Sharon Maas

By Petamber Persaud

“…freedom and happiness come with letting go.

It’s clinging that makes us miserable: clinging to things, and ideas, and our own little selves.” “The Small Fortune of Dorothea Q” by Sharon Maas (Page 476)

T

he expansive novel, “The Small Fortune of Dorothea Q”, ends with the above-quoted moral, and with a dénouement that would leave the reader nodding with approval.

The abovementioned principle encapsulates the novel, which is about three generations of women – a grandmother, a mother and a granddaughter waiting to exhale, to offload a burden, to ‘sort out some unresolved matters, end their cold war’ and make peace, while doing battle among themselves with a hardness of pride eating away at their relationships.

Balance is brought to bear during the resolution of that cold war with the inclusion of men who are peripheral characters but who are wise, solid, and sober, acting as touchstones to the

Author Sharon Maas

women.

Closure comes about when the granddaughter plays her hand after making “a connection to the line of ancestry” that went before her, as she views the grandmother’s photographic album, which was an aid to unfolding the family’s history.

A history that is tortuous, shifting between countries and timelines (thirties to the sixties), where old colonial Guyana and modern England meet, where the old school and new school meet, where it was like “walking the intriguing tightrope between rebellion and conformity.”

The novel opens at Gatwick Airport, London, as the mother (Rika) and the granddaughter (Inky) wait to receive from Guyana the wheelchair-bound grandmother (Dorothea) after a thirty-year breakdown in the relationship, in which Rika runs away from home in Guyana, arriving in London with a daughter (Inky), to eke out an unimpressive existence.

If the above quote encapsulates the novel, then the unfolding drama is one protracted game set in motion by Dorothea who, in her old age, wants to hold on to memories to extend her involvement in the lives of her siblings and grandchildren.

The centre of that game is a tiny scrap of paper – a stamp. The stamp, nicknamed, ‘The Quint’ -not unlike the famous Guyana one-cent black on magenta -is now a priceless fam-

ily heirloom worth millions of pounds sterling, which if sold, would save mother and granddaughter from hardship.

The stamp holds the centre of the story and the ‘owner’ of the stamp holds centre stage. The grandmother ensures the game is played according to her rules. Moreover, she enjoys the games, saying, “only boring people get bored. Interesting people make their own entertainment.”She did just that throughout the story resulting in intrigue and entertainment for all.

Apart from the intrigue and entertainment, “The Small Fortune of Dorothea Q”, is a lesson in the value of books and the art of reading.

Rika meets Rajan (in Guyana) for the first time while he was reading. When he meets her eye, “Rika smiled, to show him that

she, too, liked reading…

Rika felt a warm closeness with Rajan. She well understood the draw of a book over the mundane tasks of daily life…She was not usually the type to speak first, and never started conversations. But there was something about this boy and his absorption in the book…

He stopped speaking then, suddenly. Maybe he wanted her to go, was waiting to get back to his book – she knew the feeling…a finger between the pages acting as bookmark… [a few pages later] he nurtured her with books.”

On another occasion, when Rika finally works out that she wants to be a librarian, “that meant she could work in the most hallowed building in Georgetown, the Public Free Library, surrounded by the most precious objects life had to offer. She could pair people up with books, change their lives with literature. What could be better? ‘ The novel’s major theme is dealing with the elderly.

It also deals with language and with the treatment of race.

“The Small Fortune of Dorothea Q” is a polished piece of literature where all pieces of writing meaningful fiction fall into place, building the story to a captivating denouement.

It is crafted in a delicate way to excite, educate and entertain; all these elements were affected by sustained suspense, and it was this suspense that lent pace to the novel - a steady sort of canter that almost won the novel the blockbuster title “page turner.”

Credit goes to the author who, for almost 500 pages, manages to the hold the reader’s interest by engaging the reader in intrigue after intrigue of the women and men in their lives, and their relation to the stamp.

This revolving intrigue after intrigue sustains the suspense to the end.

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

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MAY 31, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 7

Times Heritage

Horse Racing Clubs in the City A

ccording to Henry Kirke in his publication, “Twenty-Five Years in British Guiana” (1898), a regular race club was established Sept 28, 1829 when the first meeting was held at Colony House, presided over by Sir Benjamin D’Urban, then governor. It was called the D’Urban Race Club.

A grant was given to the secretary of the club for a racecourse by later Governor Henry Light in 1834. The racecourse, considered then “just outside the limits of Georgetown”, was named the D’Urban Race Course after Sir D’Urban.

Kirke described it as flat and an oval, with a one-mile and 96-yard circumference, and some sharp curves.

The “Handbook of British Guiana 1909” notes that its grandstand was erected in 1830. It is said today that the National Cultural Centre site includes the site of the grandstand.

Members of the grandstand were elected by ballot, with a life subscription of $30 in the currency of the time. Membership in the D’Urban Race Club however, was open to anyone for $5 before each race meet.

The first races at D’Urban Park are said to have beenheld Nov 3 and 4, 1829. With the exception of the years 1843-1845, races were held annually,generally in April and September.

Grandstand at the D’Urban Racecourse, British Guiana, 1911

Some winners received the Colony Cup, which was established in 1829, and the D’Urban Course Cup, established in 1852.

However, by the time of the publication of the “British Guiana Handbook 1913”,the Botanic Gardens and its director’s cottage stood “at the corner of what until quite recently was the D’Urban Race Course but is now a Park and Experimental Field under the charge of the Director of Science and Agriculture.”

The Demerara Turf Club, which, according to “The Pocket Guide to the West Indies British Guiana, British Honduras,

the Bermudas, the Spanish main, and the Panama Canal” (Algernon E. Aspinall,1919),succeeded the D’Urban Race Club, was incorporated in 1910 with its office in Water Street, Georgetown.

Its racecourse was located in Bel Air Park on lands now occupied by the Demerara Tobacco Company on Barima Avenue, and the Guyana Chronicle newspapers on Lama Avenue.

In fact, the first airplane flight to take place in Guyana took off from the Bel Air Park racecourse, once also known as the Canon Race Course, in March 1913 when George Schmidt, a

German, flew a monoplane over Georgetown.

There was a life membership fee of $100 for the club, in the currency of the time, with no annual subscription. It was one of the few places exempt from gambling laws against common game houses and public lotteries at the time.

The club held at least two horseracing meetings annually, though some say as much as four by 1924.The Bel Air racecourse saw the club often hosting races for the prince royal during the 1920s.

On Friday, Feb 2, 1966, the British queen visited Guyana and attended a special race meet at the D’Urban Park racecourse.

Horseracing in the city

The former areas of the D’Urban Park and Bel Air Park racecourses today (Google Maps)

declined by the 1970s, and no more such races were held. However, it is said that current rules governing horseracing in Guyana today still follow the Demerara Turf Club Rules of Racing 1959.

Mayor Hamilton Green, in a letter to a local newspaper, pointed out that the stretch in front of the D’Urban Park Racecourse grandstand, which represented the final two furlongs of the race, was known as the ‘homestretch’.

When this section later became a road for the expansion of the city, the new road was named Homestretch Avenue.

Plans to convert the re-

maining area into a park and playing field or civic centre have so far not been realised, and despite sporadic attempts to improve the site, it is now mainly overgrown.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that there remains some occasional and unofficial horseracing on Homestretch Avenue: early Sunday mornings, some owners of Georgetown horse carts have reportedly dangerously used the straightaway to race their horse carts.

Horseracing in Guyana is no longer as popular, but is carried on at rural racecourses amid some controversy today.

View of City Hall and Law Courts circa 1916

Back view of unknown factory building, British Guiana (1900s)

A rare glimpse of the beautifully illuminated 1763 Monument with its cascading waters(1983).

Recurrent theft of electrical and mechanical parts, because of its open access and lack of permanent security, has since left the monument to a Guyanese hero in dark silence. (Photo courtesy Lennox J. Hernandez)

8 Times Sunday Magazine

MAY 31, 2015

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Times Travel & Tourism

Explore the scenic beauty of Paruima

T

he Paruima and Panasima Falls are scenic waterfalls that flow in Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven, in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni area.

The area also offers stunning views of the Kamarang River flowing towards the border.

There are also huge rock formations between which children enjoy playing hide and seek.

Paruima Village, with a population of about 800, is said to be the only Arecuna-speaking community in Guyana.

The village hosts a place of worship, a sports ground, and a college called the Davis Indian Industrial College. (Photos

by Deon Johnson) (Cover photo - Huge rock formations in the area)

Distant view of Paruima Seven Days Adventist Church

Kamarang River leading to Venezuela

Panasima Falls Paruima Falls

The Davis Indian Industrial College

Sports ground

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MAY 31, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

What you don’t know about losing weight (Because no one would tell you)

D

reams are made of this: losing weight, feeling, and looking great. While most of us are told that losing weight can lower our risk of cancer and improve our health and energy levels in many ways,there are some things about weight loss that no one tells you when you begin your weight loss regime.

The Good

Studies show that normal-weight individuals spend less on their health care bills than overweight and obese persons do. In fact, according to one 2014 study in Michigan, USA found that annual health care costs for people who were extremely obese were 90 per cent higher than those of normal-weight individuals. Medication to control diet- related chronic diseases can eat away at your finances.

For most people, weight loss can actually protect their vision from obesity-related conditions like type 2

diabetes.A 2013 University of Georgia study, for example, found that higher body fat percentage was associated with lower levels of the antioxidants lutien and zeaxanthin in retinal tissue.

“The results indicate that adiposity may affect the nutritional state of the retina,” the authors wrote. “Such links may be one of the reasons that obesity promotes age-related degenerative conditions.”

The Bad

Many persons may attribute their feelings of depression to being overweight or obese. When they lose weight however, they discover that the feelings of depression remain. Doctors suggest that for a smaller percentage of people, their mood would not improve no matter how much weight they lose, perhaps because the weight loss doesn't address any underlying problems.

Losing weight can make you feel sexier, but your

slimmed-down body—and that newfound confidence— won't necessarily strengthen your bond with your spouse or even your friends. Why? Health.com notes that your partner or friend may worry about how your personality might change, or they may feel threatened and face insecurities about their body image compared to yours.

The Ugly

Your skin may sag. One thing many people aren't prepared for after a dramatic weight loss is the loose, sagging skin. It won't go away overnight—or perhaps ever—and it may leave you feeling disappointed with your new body. Some opt for body contouring procedures like a facelift, breast lift, or tummy tuck, but any surgery carries risks, and, in most cases, insurance would not cover these cosmetic surgeries.

Unintended Consequences

While everyone would

welcome a better pay package,unfortunately, it comes from an ugly reflection of our image-obsessed society: when you lose weight it may result in a promotion or raise at work. Studies have shown that obese people make less money than normal-weight workers, especially among women.A 2004 study published in Health Economics found that the average paycheck for an obese worker was about 2.5 per cent lower than that of a thinner employee. Dropping down to a healthy weight may get you more job offers too, according to a 2014 British study.

Incidentally, studies

have shown that physicians also treat their slimmer patients better than obese or overweight ones.

According to an article in the AMA Journal of Ethics, one study found that physicians viewed patients who were obese as less self-disciplined and more “annoying”, and reported less desire to help them than to help thinner patients.

In another study, women cited doctors as the most common source of weight bias, while men cited doctors as the second most frequent source (following

Ever heard of ‘over-fruiting’?

A

s we all know, too much of a good thing can be bad.

Recent reports say that using too much fruit in your diet may be causing more harm to your health than good.

Carolyn Brown, R.D., a nutritionist at Foodtrainers in New York City, tells Yahoo Health that although fruits can be packed with fibre and other nutrients, “the fructose in fruit is still sugar, and when we overdo it, that sugar is warmly welcomed into our fat cells.”

So how much is too much?

Brown has these tips for you: 1. Scale back on the sweetest stuff. No fruit is off-limits, but bananas and grapes aren’t exactly weight-loss weapons. Better bets: Asian pears, strawberries, raspberries, watermelon and papaya, all of which have a low glycaemic index, a measure of how strongly a food influences your blood sugar.

2. Pass up the supersize pro-

Y

duce. Like chicken breasts and bagels, bananas and apples have doubled in size over the years, says Brown. Shop by the pound, not the piece, and choose the smallest size available.

3. Stop at two.“You can drive

our next workout could set you up for a speedier metabolism.

Your metabolism includes all the things your body does to turn food into energy and keep you going. Some people have a faster metabolism than others.

Some things that affect whether your metabolism is speedy or sluggish include things you don't control, like your age, sex, and genes. Focus instead on what really does make a difference: exercise.

Muscle cells need a lot of energy, which means they burn a lot of calories. In fact, they burn more calories than fat cells, even when you're not exercising. So the time you spend working out reaps benefits long after you stop sweating.

Exercise becomes even more important as you get older.

You naturally lose muscle mass with age, which slows down your metabolism. Working out can stop that slide.

It's simple. You need to challenge your muscles often in these two ways:

yourself crazy trying to count grams of naturally-occurring sugar,” warns Brown. Instead, limit yourself to two pieces or cups of fruit a day.

4. Take smoothies into account.

Even the green kind can contain

classmates).

Losing weight is good for you if you are overweight or obese

Despite the negatives for, and unintended consequences of, losing weight, shedding those extra pounds provides much more benefits that harm. It is important to eat right and exercise to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Visit your physician before beginning any diet and exercise regime or if you find it hard to lose weight, no matter how much you feel you may be trying.

Why you need to know what it is

up to four servings of fruit and 90 grams of sugar. If nutritional information is available, choose a smoothie with 30 or fewer grams of sugar and make that your only fruit for the day. If not, pick one made with no more than two varieties of fruit.

5. Pair with protein.The fibre in fruit helps regulate your body’s absorption of the sugar so your energy levels don’t spike and crash, but adding some fat and/or protein slows it down even more. Pair your fruit with nuts, seeds, sliced turkey or jerky.

Prevention magazine’s R.D. Ashley Koff, points out in a separate article thatfruit is “both nature’s sweetheart and nature's cleanup crew.”

However, she says, juice is not a fruit. Fruit juice is closer to drinking fruit sugar than it is to eating a fruit, which means that you have to be very careful about quantity (and quality). Just 4 ounces of juice

is a serving. In its liquid form, fruit sugar bypasses digestion, often leading to blood sugar spikes.

If your body is busy handling other sugar, or sluggish after some years of being challenged, it won’t be able to clear that sugar out of your blood as easily.

She recommends eating fruit, not drinking it. When you do drink it, cut it with water or non-starchy vegetables (remember that starchy vegetables like beets and carrots create sugar, too.)

To avoid overloading on carbohydrates, which, all at one time, overwhelm the blood and create fat, keep it to one serving of fruit— that's about the size of your fist for some fruits, but as little as one or two pieces for others like dates— per eating occasion. This means every three hours.

Fruit counts as your carb source, which means you don’t need rice, beans, bread, or sweet potato fries when you have fruit.

1. Amp up your workout. Any kind of aerobic exercise, whether you're running or doing Zumba, burns calories.

Make it more intense, and your body will burn more calories.

Try intervals. You can do them with any type of cardio.

The basic idea is to switch back and forth between higher and lower intensity. You make it really challenging, and then back down your pace, and repeat.

For example, do as many jumping jacks as you can for 1 minute, and then walk in place for 2 minutes. Repeat for 15 minutes.

2. Lift weights. Because muscle uses more calories than fat, strengthening your muscles will make you into a more efficient calorie-burning machine, even when you're at rest.

Twice a week, do one or two sets of 12 to 15 repetitions on each major muscle group (abs, biceps, glutes, quads).

You'll be doing more than just helping your metabolism.

Your heart, bones, and even your mood will benefit. It's a win all around. (WebMD)

10 Times Sunday Magazine

MAY 31, 2015

Times Fashion

For men of style

F

or men who want to go beyond stripes and plaid, designer Sonia Noel’s collection of fashionable, bespoke shirts will transform your wardrobe.

Noel’s shirts are perfect for men who value style and want to be outstanding, sexy and unique. With the subtle-

ties and details, the shirts exude elegance. They are made of cotton and linen, perfect for our tropical climate, and are available in a variety of colours.

For more information, contact the designer on 2263099.

guyanatimesgy.com

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MAY 31, 2015

hris Wood is an American actor, best known for his role as Kai Parker in the sixth season of the CW Network's television series “The Vampire Diaries”. He also previously appeared on “The Carrie Diaries” in the role of Adam Weaver. He made his film debut in a made-for-TV movie entitled “Browsers” in early 2013. He is set to star in the upcoming pilot of CW drama series “Containment”.

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Sunday Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

12 Times Sunday Magazine

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MAY 31, 2015

Times Hollywood

Demi Lovato talks candidly Chris Brown repents of his troubled past about mental illness

D

emi Lovato has revealed that she thinks it's "okay to have a mental illness".

The 22-year-old singer has been dealing with bipolar disorder for several years and has, therefore, launched her own campaign aimed at tackling the negative stigma against mental illness.

She said: "I just think mental illness is something people need to learn more about.

"I want people to know it's okay to ask for help and it's okay to have a mental illness."

Demi - who was diagnosed as bulimic, bipolar and addicted to drugs and alcohol in 2011 - explained that her father, Patrick, suffered from similar illnesses before he passed away in 2013.

She told People magazine: "I watched him live a very unfortunate life because of the lack of access to treatment."

However, the “Heart Attack” singer who's previously spent time in rehab - revealed she's doing well in her own battle against addiction and mental illness.

She said: "I'm doing really well. I'm successful, but most importantly I'm healthy

and happy, and I do not let my disease define who I am."

Demi gave special thanks to her boyfriend, Wilmer Valderrama, 35, saying he's been "so helpful". (Glamour)

Beyonce shares cute photos of daughter

B

eyonce Knowles shared a series of sweet photos from her recent trip abroad with her husband Jay-Z and their daughter Blue Ivy. The songstress posted the snaps, which were taken during the family's recent trip to Florence, Italy for pals Noam Gottesman and Bianca Duenas' wedding,

on her official website on Thursday, May 28.

In the first picture, Beyonce and Blue are seen wearing headphones on what looks like a helicopter, but it's unclear whether Jay-Z is also on board. In another snap, the mother and daughter ride a carousel in Florence's Piazza della Repubblica.

Beyonce later poses with Blue in one image as the little girl wears a floral dress with a big bow in her hair while relaxing inside their hotel room. Blue and her daddy are seen playing happily in a field in one snap and sharing a meal in another.

Other images include Beyonce and Blue smelling flowers and the 33-year-old star indulging in Margherita pizza and gelato. There is also one funny shot showing Beyonce falling asleep while leaning on Blue's car seat.

The snapshots arrived just days after Beyonce and Jay-Z drew crowd in Norway.

The couple was mobbed by enthusiastic fans as they left Tidal headquarters earlier this week. They eventually made their way out of the crowd that surrounded their vehicle. (AceShowbiz)

Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch listed for US$100M

T

he California ranch which is best known as Neverland and was owned by late international pop star Michael Jackson is up for sale. Still featuring the iconic floral clock, railroad tracks and train station, the 2,700-acre California estate is listed for US$100 million.

Now dubbed Sycamore Valley Ranch, the Los Olivos property still features a building that once was used by the Neverland Valley Fire Department. The spacious estate, however, has lost amusement park rides and many of its exotic animals such as elephant and Bubbles the chimp although there is currently a llama around the house.

The building has about 22 structures on it. Sitting between the estate's two lakes, the Normandy-style main house spans approximately 12,000 square feet and consists of six bedrooms and a staff quarters.

Near the main house, there are two guesthouses, one with four bedrooms and one with two bedrooms. The house also has a swimming

A

fter his involvement in a number of feuds, legal trouble, threats, and other bad stuff, Chris Brown apparently repented of his troubled behaviors. On Thursday, May 28, Chris posted a photo with a remorseful caption.

The photo showed Chris lounging on a white-andblack striped sofa by the sea with a peaceful view of open air and blue sky in the background. He wrote a lengthy note in the caption. "I'm Konfuzed, I always thought I knew the concept of love.

Fame and Money can get in the way of that," he began the caption as he addressed himself as “Konfuze”.

The 26-year-old R&B star then addressed the problems which he used to

deal with, "Most of my issues always deal with love and me being in my feelings.

Not to mention me being a dog sometimes." He said that he got the consequences from his actions, which he took based on emotional decision. "I can't speak for everyone but I can say that my actions contributed a lot to my karma. Being jealous and angry and controlling," he continued.

Being a bad boy in the past made it difficult for him to forgive himself but he admitted that he got close to God recently. He wrote, "There has been times where I looked in the mirror and hated the person I see.

I talk to God a lot now. He's given me so much and I feel like I waste his gifts becuz of

Taylor Swift concert wristband saves teenagers' lives

T

aylor Swift saved the lives of three teenagers involved in a car accident following her concert last Friday, May 22. The singer did so with the help of the wristbands given to fans attending the shows on her "1989" tour.

As reported by local news station WBRZ, the three teens were Elizabeth Dazzio, her sister Caroline and a friend. They were driving home from the second night of Swift's show in Baton Rouge, Louisiana's LSU Tiger Stadium when Dazzio fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed the vehicle.

Dazzio was unconscious while the two other girls were trapped inside the wreckage. Their cell phones

JLo wears US$25 pants on the red carpet

H

pool completed with a cabana, a barbecue area, basketball and tennis courts. A 50-seat movie theater with a private viewing balcony and a stage completed with trap doors for magic shows are also provided in the property.

Jackson bought the luxurious house for US$19.5 million from a golf course owner, William Bone, in the late 1987. Later in 2008, Thomas Barrack Jr.'s Colony Capital purchased the property for US$22.5 million.

(AceShowbiz)

my impulsive personality."

The rapper was also aware that as a public figure, his actions affected other people. "The world is full of negativity and I feel I play a part in it becuz of the choices I've made or mistakes. I tend to accept the negative or the riff raff becuz I know what it's like to be a young black 'n***a' in America. I always see the good in people even when they don't see it. I love others more than myself at times. Everything u see on the surface does not reflect what's inside," he added.

Chris concluded his note by saying that he repented of his bad behaviors and mistakes. "This is my white flag. I surrender to life and all its blessings. I refuse to be petty and attention seeking. To know me is to love me. Good Bad UGLY! Sincerely, Konfuzed," so he wrote.

Earlier this month, the "New Flame" singer apologized to Tyson Beckford for the threat he made on Twitter. He was also reported feuding with Royalty's mother Nia Guzman over child support. It appears that Chris has been exhausted by the dramas in his life and wants to start a peaceful life. (AceShowbiz)

er style doesn't cost a thing!

Jennifer Lopez stepped out in style at the Festival Mawazine Rythmes du Monde in Rabat, Morocco on Thursday, May 28.

And where did she purchase her blush culottes?

None other than Forever 21!

The "Booty" singer, 45, teamed her longsleeved, completely sheer lace top, whisper-pink bra, and ankle-strap heels with the ultra-femme "Pleated Gaucho Pants." Not only are the bottoms adorable, but they're extremely affordable, too: They retail for only US$25 at Forever21.com!

Naturally, there was plenty more to admire about Lopez's look—including her beauty choices. To complement the ensemble, the “American Idol” judge modeled a low, tousled ponytail, golden cheeks, a peach lip, and a very sultry smoky eye.

(US Magazine)

were dead, so they tried to catch the attention of drivers passing by using the wristband, which had been programmed to light up in sync to the beat of Swift's music during the concert.

A woman eventually noticed the light and pulled over to help the girls and called 911. Dazzio was rushed to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

On Thursday, May 28, Swift shared the story on Twitter and expressed gratitude that the three girls were okay. "This is unreal. I'm so happy they're okay," she wrote. (AceShowbiz)

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MAY 31, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 13

Star Times Bollywood

G

auhar Khan is an Indian model and actress. After pursuing modeling, she made her acting debut in 2009 in Yash Raj Films' “Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year”. Khan also starred in films such as the action thriller “Game” (2011), and the revenge drama “Ishaqzaade” (2012). She was also featured in a number of Bollywood hit songs. Khan is the winner of Bollywood reality show “Bigg Boss 7” in 2013. In addition to films and television, she has a starring role in the Bollywood musical, “Zangoora”. She is also recognized for her humanitarian work.

14 Times Sunday Magazine

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Times Bollywood

Dharmendra under Hrithik Roshan: ‘Dance-based medical observation films are a necessity’

A

ctor Dharmendra, 79, who was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai on May 28 after he complained about right shoulder pain and general weakness, was discharged on May 29.

Dharmendra’s wife and parliamentarian Hema Malini took to Twitter earlier on Friday to post an “update” on his health condition. She said, “He got admitted to Breach Candy to chk his blood count as he felt tired all the time & to chk his shoulder pain (sic).

“He was admitted for pain in the right shoulder and general health condi-

tion. We did various tests on him and his health otherwise is good now. He was discharged today (Friday),” said Dr Sanjay Desai, ortho-

paedic surgeon and joints replacement specialist. “His right shoulder may need some surgical intervention but nothing for now. He has some professional commitments right now and decision about the surgery will be taken at a later date,” added Dr Desai.

According to doctors from the hospital, the actor underwent an endoscopy, as the doctors suspected “internal bleeding”. Dr Sharad Shah, gastroenterologist, under whose care Dharmendra was admitted, had said that his condition was stable. (Hindustan Times)

Madhuri Dixit gets FDA notice

B

ollywood actress Madhuri Dixit seems to have landed in a soup for endorsing Maggi with the Haridwar Food and Drug Administration on May 29 serving a notice to her on the claims made in the advertisement.

The notice seeks a report from the actress within 15 days on claims made in the advertisement regarding the nutrition value of the '2-minute noodles', an official of Haridwar Food and Drug Administration said.

Maggi recently came under the scanner after samples collected by Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration, India, were reported to be containing Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG) and lead more than the permissible limits.

Nestle India was asked to withdraw a batch of the popular snack from the market by the authorities in Uttar Pradesh recently.

Dixit has been asked to explain how Maggi is good for health and the basis of making the claims.

If the actress fails to respond to the notice within the stipulated time frame, a case could be registered against her, Food Security Officer Mahimanand Joshi said.

(Times of India)

A

ctor Hrithik Roshan is happy that dancebased films are being made in the country and accepted well by audience.

Hrithik, who is considered one of the best dancers of Bollywood, feels it is good that filmmakers are exploring the dance genre to make movies.

"There are so many ways to entertain people and dance is a very powerful medium to inspire the youth and bring in physical discipline. A film based on dance is I think a necessity because we did not have this.

I am happy that people are making such films and I am glad that these films are doing well," Hrithik told PTI. "I believe that films like ‘ABCD’ are important

for motivating, encouraging the youth, teaching them the discipline of life. I think dance is one medium through which you can learn all good values to build a good character," he said.

To a query on when will

he make a dance-based film, he said, "I have been dancing all my life. I don't think I need to make a film on dance. Every film of mine has dance."

"People are looking forward to my dance and I am happy about it. I am going to give them the best this year. I am going to express my love, gratitude through dance. This is more magical than the technical steps," he said.

When it comes to sharing stage with an actor, Hrithik wants to dance with Shahid Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Arjun Kapoor as, according to him, they are amazing performers.

"I wish I get a chance to dance with Anil Kapoor," he added. (PTI)

Amitabh Bachchan clarifies health condition

M

egastar Amitabh Bachchan, who expounded on the feeling of pain on his blog, and ended up raising concern about his health among his fans and followers, has clarified that he is hale and hearty.

Big B makes it a point to update his fans about his personal and professional life on several virtual platforms and the cine icon says it is a sign that all's well with him.

His fans, or his “extended family” as Amitabh calls them, thought that his post on pain had a cryptic message over his deteriorating health.

But the superstar took to

his official blog to clear the confusion.

“My observations on pain the other day were a general comment. It was not in any way connected with anything to do with my condition,” Big B posted on srbachchan.tumblr.com.

The love and admiration from his fans makes the actor feel “blessed”, propelling him to clear their concerns, he said.

“The concern from all the fans is admirable and I feel blessed that they show their love and affection, but I am well and around and smiling and writing and connecting to all. This is indication enough,” he added.

The word 'slow' is not in

Amitabh's dictionary. The actor, who was seen in latest release “Piku”, has joined gym to get into the character of his “future film project”.

Meanwhile, the “Paa” actor is busy working with “Wazir”, which also features Farhan Akhtar. (IANS)

Ranbir Kapoor adopts Aamir Khan as his guru

R

anbir Kapoor believes that, apart from acting well, marketing a film in the right way is also important. He says the process is "very taxing" and there are many facets of film promotion that Bollywood is yet to understand.

Talking about why effective promotion of a film must be a priority, Ranbir says, "It is very important because you want a large audience to know that your film is releasing. The only way to

express that is through the media. But I don’t think you should overexpress yourself; there has to be a limit.

You should know the kind of communication that should be put out there."

Ranbir also feels that the process of marketing films has changed over the years. "There was a time when I used to promote a film for 25 days. But now, promotions last for only 12 days. It also depends on your stardom. I don’t think

Salman Khan needs to promote his films. Just the fact that a movie stars him makes people want to watch it," says the young actor, who insists he is a novice in the game.

While Ranbir feels that most people in Bollywood don’t "understand digital platforms well, and are still doing things that are old school", he feels that Aamir Khan has cracked the code. The young actor considers Aamir an inspiration and takes advice from him. "He understands film marketing really well. I sit with him for all my films. I ask him, ‘Aamir sir, they’re asking me to go on this reality show, should I go?’

At times, he flatly says no.

He’s very good with that," says Ranbir.

The actor also says that Aamir understands the reach of a film. "He knows how much a film needs to be promoted. Each film comes with a different plan. I have not understood that yet; so, I’m still learning from him," says Ranbir. (Hindustan Times)

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May 31, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine

15

Times Trends

Trending Now:

Star of the week

Unusual Shoes

U

sed by the most popular international fashion designers and houses, these shoes are the hottest trends right now. What made them unique and special was the range of design solutions that were applied in order to renovate the classic forms and shapes and to bring out something fresh and exquisite out of them.

Diversified Sporty Shoes The creative mixtures of sporty platforms with sandal-like forms are must-haves for many male fashion elites.

Fringed/ Furry Shoes Fringes and furry accents on shoes are probably the best examples of the versatility of this trend and design.

M

Mikel Andrews

ikel Andrews is a 21-year-old from Bartica who is known for his dance artistry. Mikel described himself as a “shy person”, but dancing and performing on stage was instrumental in helping him to overcome his reserve. Now he enthusiastically performs with a local dance group countrywide. Graduating from the National Theatre of Arts and Drama, Mikel has certainly made a name for himself in the performing arts arena. He is recognised for his talents and artistry as a performer. Recently, Mikel entered the Mr Guyana Talented Teen 2014 and although he was not able to cop the crown, he was awarded the second runner-up trophy. Notably, he used the opportunity via the competition to educate all the participating teenagers about “their inner self, creativity, social awareness and empowerment”. Not only does he dance, act, and swim, but Mikel is a philanthropist who is actively involved in community outreach programmes. His advice to youths is to “always move forward in whatever they want to pursue and to never be deterred by challenges in doing so”. He plans to pursue a career in journalism and to become an established entrepreneur. He also wants to perform on the international stage, specifically on Broadway.

Shoes with Bow Ties Just another super cute and girly detail that can be added to shoes in order to accentuate the femininity once more is the bow tie, which despite being such a small detail can make a whole lot difference in juicing up one’s look.

Shoes with Lacing Shoes with lacing design details are quite a big fashion trend right now.

16 Times Sunday Magazine

MAY 31, 2015

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Times Art

Upcoming art exhibition to encourage innovation among Guyanese art

I

t was during a discussion about art and culture in Guyana at the beautiful Pandama Retreat & Winery that a group of artists decided to join forces and work together to add a new project to the Guyanese art scene.

Nicholas Young (potter), Tracy Douglas (textile/fibre artist and painter) and Sigrid Sandker (potter and painter) share one vision – to improve the understanding and appreciation of art in society as well as to motivate (young) artists to look beyond borders and create art that is fresh and innovative.

They are ''kindred spirits'' and will show their work from June 25 onwards at Moray House Trust located at Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown. The exhibition ''Kindred Spirits – Inspired by Nature'' Guyanese artist, Nicholas Young will be patronized by the Ambassador of the and leather craft. When in his early twenEuropean Union, Robert Kopecky, who perties, Young was encouraged by a group of sonally knows and supports the artists. female potters called “LAMA Craft” to join Beginning today, Guyana Times Sunday them. This was the most significant part of Magazine will be featuring one of the exhibdiscovering his artistic enthusiasm, because iting artists each week. it was with this group he developed his potReinventing the past tery skills. through his pottery The past is reinvented with Young’s Nicholas Young was born in Georgetown, collection of clay crafts, which he marGuyana, and from early on discovered his kets under the brand Rainforest Pottery. creative talents, which included sculpturing The artist uses contemporary versions of Amerindian motifs as decorative elements and develops his own clay bodies from Guyanese kaolin and natural red clay.

The result is art that is deeply rooted in Guyanese nature and culture, and tells stories not only of its rich past but enduring present. With a rich history and tradition of craftsmanship behind him, through his work, he preserves the legacy of ancient civilizations.

One of the artist’s aims is to push local craft, and he is always thinking of new ways to promote it. For two years he served as president of the Guyana Arts & Craft Producers Association.

“I see a bottleneck when it comes to facilitating the step from graduating from art school to becoming an artist in Guyana,” Young states.

He calls on the education ministry, now responsible for what was, at the time, the culture ministry, to take steps to foster society’s understanding of the sometimes long and complicated process of creating art and craft, which must be rewarded by a fair price for the artwork.

“Adequate remuneration certainly is one of the criteria for a young art school graduate to decide for an artistic career,” Young points out.

Additionally, the artist stresses that something also has to be done to increase the visibility of contemporary artists in Guyana.

Young, who won a number of awards, has exhibited with groups and solo throughout the Caribbean, in the U.S.A, Canada, England and other parts of Europe. He won first prize in ceramics in the 2014 Visual Vase with Amerindian hieroglyph Arts Competition here in Guyana.

Nicholas Young sculpting pottery

Young's use of artwork on his pieces, like this one, makes him one of Guyana's noteworthy artistic potters

Beautiful clay bowl

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MAY 31, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 17

Times Tech

Apple Inc. To Reveal “Proactive” Personal Assistant For iOS 9: Report

A

new report published by 9to5Mac has revealed that Apple is planning to change the way Spotlight search works.

9to5Mac reports that Apple Inc. is making significant changes to Siri and the search features in iOS 9. The new operating system is due to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

The company has been quietly working on a new software initiative called “Proactive,” which will use services like Siri, Contacts, Passbook, Calendar, and other third-party apps to create an enhanced Spotlight search and give users the in-

Tech BYTE

I

search.

The Spotlight search will also be connected to Apple Maps, which is expected to show users an augmented reality map with points of interest and relevant information.

formation they need as fast as possible.

According the 9to5Mac

report, the new iOS Spotlight feature has been made by collaborating with

Zagato presents the Mostro powered by Maserati

taly's annual Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este is one of the biggest automotive events of the spring season, and each year new concepts and designs come out of the show.

Italian design house Zagato has a history of coming out strong for the event, introducing designs like the Lamborghini 5-95 and Aston Martin V12 Zagato.

This year it celebrates 100 years of Maserati with the stunning Mostro powered by Maserati. The Mostro was inspired by the 1957 450 S Coupé Zagato's new car is meant as Zagato "Monster". The all-new Mostro homage to the 1957 Maserati 450 is powered by a V8 engine S Coupé Zagato "Monster" and a road car. According to Zagato, the 400-hp celebration of a working relationship with 450 S remained the world's most powerthe trident that dates back to the early ful front-engined race car into the 1990s.

1930s.

You've probably figured out that Back in 1957, Maserati commissioned “mostro” means "monster", even if you're Zagato to design coupé bodywork for the not learned in Italian. The new Zagato car 450 S race car, with the help of British shares the same race car-meets-road flair aerodynamics virtuoso Frank Costin. that underpinned the history of the origiStirling Moss challenged the field of open nal "monster". barchettas in the 450 S at Le Mans that More than just a one-off show car, the year, but an engine malfunction pushed Mostro will be produced to the tune of five him out of contention. examples. Zagato has already sold all five The car was later purchased by an to dedicated collectors, to be delivered in American buyer and transformed into a December.(Source: Gizmag)

Tech BYTE

A

Tiny MicroTug robots pull almost 2000 times their own weight

nts have a reputation as the hard workers of the animal kingdom, in part because they can lug around impressively heavy loads with respect to their size. But tiny new robots being developed at Stanford University are giving them a run for their money with the ability to pull up to 1,800 times their own weight.

The robots use a smart adhesive surface to carry many times their own weight (Credit: Karen Ladenheim/Stanford University)

A 12 g (0.4 oz.) robot is able to tow weights up to 21 kg (46 lbs.), or 1,800 times its body weight.

By making use of what's known as the van der Waals force, the same force used by ants to pull heavy loads and by geckos to climb on vertical glass walls, Stanford researchers have developed "MicroTugs" – tiny robots that, through use of a special directional adhesive, can pull nearly 2,000 times their own weight.

The robots are set to be presented later this month at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA).

The potential application for this technology for lifting heavy loads in factories or construction sites is clear. (Source: Gizmag)

It is not known when these features will show up or whether they will be seen at all. However, we are waiting for the WWDC in June, where all of the new products and features will be revealed. (Source: Bidness Etc)

developers, and will integrate native iOS apps, which will then show results in the

Tech news

S

Swatch smartwatch to go on sale But only in two countries

watch, the Swiss watchmaker known for its colourful products, will launch its smartwatch in two countries, entering a crowded space that includes tech heavyweights Apple and Google.

The watch will launch in Switzerland and another large country in next three months, Swatch CEO Nick Hayek said during a company meeting, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

Hayek didn’t offer more information on the second nation, although Swatch has payment deals with China UnionPay, a Chinese bank card group. Swatch also set up partnerships with an unnamed Swiss bank and large credit card

Tech news

D

company, according to earlier comments from Hayek.

Since announcing its smartwatch ambitions in February, Swatch has been mum on the details.

It faces a formidable competitor in Apple, which

has had strong sales of its first smartwatch since it became available in April. Google is also looking to claim a piece of the wearables market with its Android Wear software.

(Source: PC World)

Four billion people still not online

espite an increase in global Internet usage and efforts to boost international Web access, some 4 billion people remain offline.

Over the last 15 years, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has seen the number of global Internet users increase from 400 million to an expected 3.2 billion by year's end.

Along the way, however, many billions of people were left by the wayside, without access to email, texts, social media, digital maps, or even statistics about themselves.

Internet.org and Google's Project Loon are still in their infancy, but ITU announced that between 2000 and 2015, Internet penetration overall increased almost seven fold from 6.5 to 43 percent of the global population.

"These new figures not only show the rapid technological progress made to date," ITU Secretary General Houlin Zhao said in a statement. "But also help us identify those being left behind in the fast-evolving digital economy."

Mobile users are keeping pace, too, according to ITU's forecast, which suggests that, by the end of the year, there will be more than 7 billion mobile subscribers worldwide—up from fewer than 1 billion in 2000.

Global cellular penetration is set to reach 47 percent this year, while at the same time, 69 percent of the global population will reportedly be covered by 3G mobile broadband, up from 45 percent in 2011. Of the 3.4 billion people in rural areas, meanwhile, about 29 percent will be covered by 3G broadband this year, the ITU said.

"ICTs [information and communication technologies] will play an even more significant role in the post-2015 era and in achieving future sustainable development goals as the world moves faster and faster towards a digital society," said Brahima Sanou, director of the ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau.

“Our mission," he added, "is to connect everyone and to create a truly inclusive information society.” (PC Mag)

18 Times Sunday Magazine

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May 31, 2015

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

Y

Front Yard Landscapes

our front yard landscape plays a major role in how your home looks from the outside. A blooming patch of greenery as you come home can also cheer you up after a tiring day. Whether you have a large or small patch, inspire yourself with the following ideas for brightening up the front yard.

General Tso's Chicken

Ingredients: 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks 2 cups green onions, sliced 8 small dried chillies, seeds removed (bird peppers are good)

For cornstarch slurry 1⁄4 cup soy sauce, low sodium preferred 1 egg, beaten 1 cup cornstarch

For sauce 1⁄2 cup cornstarch 1⁄4 cup water 1 1⁄2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced 3⁄4 cup sugar 1⁄2 cup soy sauce 1⁄4 cup white vinegar 1⁄4 cup sherry wine or 1⁄4 cup white wine 14 1⁄2 ounces chicken broth (a can)

Flowering plants have an enormous impact on your home’s outdoor look

Method: Place sauce ingredients in a quart jar with a lid and shake to mix.

Mix cornstarch slurry in a large bowl Add all the chicken pieces and stir to coat. Using a fork remove one chicken piece at a time and let the excess mixture drip off.

Add chicken to the hot (350 degree) oil and fry until crispy.

(Only cook 7 or 8 chicken pieces at a time. You do not want to lower the temp of the oil by cooking too many at a time. You can use a simple cooking or candy thermometer to judge the temp of the oil.)

Drain on paper towels. Repeating until all chicken is fried.

In a separate wok or large skillet add a small amount of oil and heat to 400 degrees.

Add green onions and hot peppers and stir fry about 30 seconds.

Stir (or shake jar) sauce mixture, and then add to pan with onions and peppers, cook until thick.

Add chicken to sauce in wok and heat just until the chicken is hot enough for you.

The quicker you serve it, the crispier the chicken stays.

Makes eight servings.

GREATEST KITCHEN TIPS Use plants that can withstand the dry season, and add a stone landscape that requires little maintenance if you like the look of plants but not all the work.

Note the spotlights under the palm tree for a grand night-time show

B

oil ginger peel with water to make tea rather than just throw it away as scraps. Sweeten to taste with honey or simple syrup.

The majority of ingredients used in baked goods, like baking soda, baking powder, yeast and flour, have a relatively short shelf life, so if you don’t bake often, purchase them in small quantities so they don’t sit in your cupboard, quietly going rancid.

T

Plants just outside windows provide shade and privacy while offering a spectacular display

HOME HELP

o check the freshness of baking powder, pour boiling water over a small quantity, if it bubbles, it’s still fresh. Fresh yeast dissolved in warm (110-115˚) water will bubble and foam after a few minutes.

WD-40 has been touted to have about 2000 uses. Here are just a few; check out the company’s website for more. (http://wd40.com/ files/wd40-2000.pdf) Removes tape marks from the wall where posters hung Shines leaves of artificial house plants Removes water spots on mirrors Removes petroleum as well as ink stains from clothing

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May 31, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine19

Family Times

STORY TIME

PARENTING

The Vain Stag

Get involved in your teen’s education

JOKES

Old Methuselah's Diet Methuselah ate what he found on his plate, And never as people do now; He took no account of the calorie count; He ate it because it was chow.

He wasn't disturbed as at dinner he sat, Devouring a roast or a pie To think it was lacking in granular fat, Or a couple of vitamins shy

He cheerfully chewed every species of food, Unmindful of troubles or fears Lest his health might be hurt by some fancy dessert, And he lived over nine hundred years Anonymous Job Responsibility There was a most important job that needed to be done, And no reason not to do it, there was absolutely none.

But in vital matters such as this, the thing you have to ask Is who exactly will it be who'll carry out the task?

Anybody could have told you that everybody knew That this was something somebody would surely have to do.

Nobody was unwilling; anybody had the ability.

But nobody believed that it was their responsibility.

It seemed to be a job that anybody could have done, If anybody thought he was supposed to be the one.

But since everybody recognised that anybody could, Everybody took for granted that somebody would.

But nobody told anybody that we are aware of, That he would be in charge of seeing it was taken care of.

And nobody took it on himself to follow through, And do what everybody thought that somebody would do.

When what everybody needed so did not get done at all, Everybody was complaining that somebody dropped the ball.

Anybody then could see it was an awful crying shame, And everybody looked around for somebody to blame.

A T

eens do best academically when parents show an appropriate amount of involvement in their education.

Note the word “appropriate”. It’s important for parents to provide support and guidance – without becoming overly involved – in a high school student’s academic life.

First, help your teen develop good habits. Your teen’s habits outside of the classroom play a huge role in his academic success.

Establish rules that promote healthy habits. If your teen has trouble waking up for school or seems tired during the day, set an earlier bedtime. If your teen struggles to do homework without getting distracted, establish a designated homework area.

Many teens struggle with time management, so they need guidance about how to divide their after school hours appropriately to have enough time for chores and homework as well as extra-curricular activities and leisure Limit your teen’s electronics use. Monitor online activity and create cell phone rules to ensure that your teen isn’t using social media during homework time.

Set high expectations. Your expectation about your teen’s achievement makes a big difference. If you establish high expectations, your teen is likely to perform better.

Make it clear that you expect homework to be completed on time, and talk often about what type of grades you expect to see. Your teen is likely to perform according to your expectations.

Talk to your teen daily about what’s going on in school.

Discuss homework assignments, upcoming projects, exams and other school-related topics each day. Give your teen an opportunity to discuss any problems or concerns, as well as a chance to share accomplishments.

Get involved at school PTAs or volunteer if possible at school events. Show an interest in your teen’s education.

stag was thirsty. He went to a pool to drink water.

The pond water was calm and clear. He bent down to drink water.

He saw his reflection in it. When he saw his horns, he felt proud of them. He said to himself, "How beautiful and lovely my horns. While he looked to his legs, he felt sad and disappointed, and cursed God for this injustice.

He was yet to quench his thirst, when he saw a hunter with his hounds. Seeing his life in danger, the stag ran as fast as he could.

He was soon out of sight. He reached a thick forest but unluckily his horns got stuck in a thick bush.

He tried his best to release his horns, but all in vain. In the meantime, the hounds came running and caught him.

The stag now realized that the legs, he had despised a little while ago, helped him in saving his life, but the beautiful horns became the cause of his death. (Gayatri Roy)

Reflections An End Love, strong as Death, is dead.

Come, let us make his bed Among the dying flowers: A green turf at his head; And a stone at his feet, Whereon we may sit In the quiet evening hours.

He was born in the Spring, And died before the harvesting: On the last warm summer day He left us; he would not stay For Autumn twilight cold and grey.

Sit we by his grave, and sing He is gone away.

To few chords and sad and low Sing we so: Be our eyes fixed on the grass Shadow-veiled as the years pass While we think of all that was In the long ago.

Christina Georgina Rossetti

Somebody should have done the job And Everybody should have, But in the end Nobody did What Anybody could have.

Charles Osgood House Cleaning Blues I have the house cleaning blues I look around and see so much to do I look at the walls, the windows, and the floors I see heaps of dust layered like boards What I need is a good house cleaning crew Bu where to get one, I haven't a clue I asked for volunteers, but none would relent Their community spirit, it seems, had been spent I could wish for an occasional hurricane For me, that may not be such a bad thing I could raise the windows and open the doors And be done with these house cleaning chores But hurricanes don't occur where I live So its left up to me to clean this crib I have devised a plan to get the job done Since I can no longer depend on anyone My plan is as simple as it can be One that is not very taxing on me My walking shoes I will lace up tight And from this nightmare I will take flight Ellen Bailey

By Grammar G

From whence ware?

O

ld English had a feminine noun waru that modern English has appropriated as ware to mean “articles of manufacture or merchandise”.

Over time, the word was also adopted as a suffix to describe specific types of products.

For example, hardware denoted goods made from metal (c.1515), while earthenware named goods made from clay (1673), and ovenware (1921) were items to be used in an oven.

In the Caribbean and Guyana wares generally denote earthenware used for eating or drinking in.

“Tupperware” is an ep-

onym (a person or thing for whom something is named) derived from combining ware with Earl Silas Tupper, founder and owner of the company that produces Tupperware.)

When computers and their related technologies arrived in the mid- 20th century, another string of ware developed. Computer equipment were grouped and labelled hardware (c.1947) and software (c.1958).

In fact, software opened the door for a rash of -ware terms naming specific types of computer programs.

Examples include, freeware (1982) freely distributed software; malware (1990),

software that damages your computer or program; firmware (1968) permanent read-only software for your computer’s basic functions; vapourware (1984) software advertised, sometimes for sale, but does not actually exist or is still at an early stage of development.

Another ware from Old

English, but one we have apparently overlooked in Modern English, was used as a suffix to denote a citizen or resident of a place.

Eorwaru was humanity/ earth-dwellers (citizens of earth), while Romwaran were Roman residents, and hellwaran were the damned or demons (citizens of hell).

20 Times Sunday Magazine

MAY 31, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Sunday Puzzle

Each group of definitions describes three words that are spelt the same; except for one letter (each group describes a different set of words). Example: king, ring, wing.

The length of the words in each group is provided.

1. a long step, a conflict or struggle, to hit sharply (6 letters) 2. medicinal ointment, a device that regulates flow through a pipe, to divide into two equal parts (5 letters) 3. not coarse, a musical instrument, a collection of papers (4 letters) 4. meagre, sweet baked good, storage room for food (6 letters) see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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May 31, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 21

Times Kids

Creature Corner

A

Tree Kangaroo

s its name suggests, the tree kangaroo Dendrolagus sp. is a small mammal that lives in trees of the New Guinea rainforests, as well as in Indonesia and the far north of Australia.

Millions of years ago, the ancestors of macropods —the family of marsupials that includes kangaroos and wallabies— descended from the trees. But one group, known as tree kangaroos, eventually returned to that arboreal life.

Tree kangaroos primarily eat tree leaves, but also consume flowers, grass shoots, ferns, moss, and bark. There are some 14 species of tree kangaroos.

A new species, called the golden-mantled tree kangaroo, was discovered in 1990 in New Guinea.

Habitat loss through deforestation and poaching has placed macropods such as the Matschie's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) (pictured), on the brink of extinction.

GEOZONE

T

The Guiana Shield

he Guiana Shield is a 1.7 billion-yearold Precambrian (the earliest of the Earth’s geologic ages that ended 542 million years ago) geological formation in northeast South America that forms a portion of the northern coast.

It is a region that underlies Guyana, Suriname and French Guyana. It also underlies parts of Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil.

The Guiana Shield rises to the region’s highest point, Mount Roraima, 9,094 feet (2,772 metres); a lower region of hilly country covered by a tropical hardwood forest and occasional savannah

Map of the Guiana Shield

grasslands; and the low-lying, narrow alluvial plain along the Atlantic coast.

It is one of the regions of highest biodiversity in the world, and has much plant, fish, insect and animal spe-

please see solution on page 23

cies unique to the region.

About 80–90 per cent of the region is covered by dense tropical forests. It has the largest expanse of undisturbed tropical rain forest in the world.

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

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

22 Times Sunday Magazine Cowboys were in high demand from the 1860s to about 1885.

Cowboys tended large herds of cattle on huge stretches of land called the open range. They also took cattle on long trail drives to railway stations for shipment to Eastern markets.

The courage and independence of cowboys led to exciting tales of cowboy life, which became a part of American folklore.

COWBOYS

The large ranches of the American West of the 1800s needed cowboys to herd and move cattle and horses.

Eventually, farms, fences of barbed wire, and railroads put an end to the open range and the era of cattle driving. Today, the modern rodeo keeps many of the traditional skills of the cowboy alive.

Cowboy hat: The wide brim keeps rain, snow and sun off the cowboy’s face. The air space in the hat’s high crown helps prevent overheating. The hat can also be used to fan a fire or to signal other cowboys. Some cowboy hats are called ten-gallon hats.

Because herding cattle and horses was a dangerous and physically demanding job, most cowboys of the early American West were young men. The job was not considered appropriate for women, but some women did the same work on smaller family ranches.

Cowhands are still found working on ranches today, looking after livestock.

In some South American countries, cowboys are called gauchos.

Gloves: Leather gloves protect a cowboy’s hands from rope burns.

Back in the saddle

Vest: In the old days, cowboys often wore a vest instead of a coat, but most hands also carried a yellow oilskin raincoat called a slicker tied to their saddle. Some cowboys wore a long canvas coat called a duster.

Cowboys of the Old West spent most of their time in the saddle, so it was often their most prized possession.

All cowboys owned a saddle, even if they did not own a horse.

Horn

Cantle

Seat

Pommel

The first cowboys were Mexican natives who were captured and forced to work on cattle ranches by the Spanish Spanish in the 1500s. conquistador Men who worked with cattle were called vaqueros (cowmen).

The term “vaquero” (pronounced vah-CARE-oh) is from the Spanish word “vaca,” which means Lasso: “cow.” The early vaqueros inAlso vented many of the skills and known as terms used in cowboy circles. a lariat, When Easterners began to arrive this is an in Texas in the 1800s, the Spanimportant ish and Mexican cowboys taught tool, used them the skills needed to survive to rope in the West and the tricks of herdlivestock. ing cattle and sheep.

Chaps: These seatless leather or fur trousers are worn over regular pants. Chaps protect the legs from thorny brush and cactuses. Fur chaps are called woollies.

A knife is an essential tool.

Although some cowboys in the Old West carried a gun, most did not.

Boots: Cowboy boots have tapered heels and toes, designed to keep a rider’s feet from slipping or catching in the stirrups.

The lingo

Boots — From the Spanish “botas,” vaquero leg protection.

Some cowhands owned their own horses, but while working, most cowboys rode horses that belonged to the ranch owner.

Bandana: This neckerchief is tied around the neck and can be pulled over the nose to filter out dust.

Vaqueros

Bonanza — Spanish word for “prosperity” or “success.”

When a horse got tired, the cowboy would change to a fresh mount.

By Laurie Triefeldt

A tough job

Many of the words in the American cowboy vocabulary have Spanish roots.

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MAY 31, 2015

Some famous cowboys It is estimated that during the time of the Wild West (1820–1880), 1 in 3 cowboys was African-American or Mexican-American.

Spurs: Spiked metal wheels (called rowels) are fastened to boot heels and are used to help guide and control the horse.

Bronco — From the Spanish “bronco,” an unbroken horse.

Chaps — Leather leggings, from the Spanish “chaparreras.”

Lariat — A throw rope, from the Spanish “la reata.”

Lasso — A rope, from the Spanish “lazo.”

Mustang — From the Spanish “mestengo,” meaning “stray.”

Buffalo Bill Cody 1846-1917

Juan Cortina 1824-1894

James Beckwourth 1798-1866

Nat Love c. 1854-1921

Rodeo — From the Spanish verb “rodear,” which means to encircle or round up the herd.

Cowboy showman and icon of the American Old West

Mexican rancher, politician, military leader, outlaw and folk hero

Born a slave, this man became a famous fur trader and explorer

This African-American cowboy published his autobiography in 1907

Concho Latigo carrier

Jockey

Saddle strings Rigging ring

Skirt Fender Rear housing Stirrup

Mighty mustangs Cowboys rode horses called mustangs or broncos. Mustangs are descended from horses that Spanish explorers brought to North America in the 1500s. These horses are celebrated for their stamina, speed and seeming ability to sense what a cow might do next. Today, the quarter horse has become a popular cowboy mount, due to its speed, agility and “cow sense.”

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May 31, 2015

Times Sunday Magazine 23

World Times

The Philonoist

‘To mark’ G

Q: When were tattoos invented?

T

he origin of the tattoo is not quite certain, and, at best, is based on conjecture. Some suggest its origins go as far back as the age of the icemen of 3300BC, on account of skin markings noted from archaeological finds.

Some believe it dates back to at least 2000BC as mummified Egyptians have been found with tattoos.

Certainly in ancient Greece and Rome, tattoos were present, and early Nordic tribes wore tattoos identifying their family crest. Japanese, Chinese and African peoples also practiced tattooing.

Europeans discovered tattoos during their 17th century explorations in the South Pacific. A tattooed Polynesian was first taken to Europe in 1691 by a British explorer, for European entertainment.

The English word “tattoo” is Tahitian for “to mark”.

As the practice became popular in the west, the first tattoo parlour opened in New York City around the early 20th century.

loria Chmatilová, 38, born in Venezuela but with Czech roots and citizenship, was scheduled to arrive along with her husband and two children at the Prague airport on Thursday afternoon to escape the ruling leftist regime there, the daily Lidové noviny (LN) wrote Thursday.

The family was helped by the Czech state and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) that aids displaced people, it said.

Chmatilová was born in Valencia, Venezuela, but she inherited Czech citizenship from her grandparents and father, it added.

Last autumn, Chmatilová turned to the Czech consulate in São Paulo, Brazil, and then to the embassy in Havana, Cuba, as the Czech Republic does not have a diplomatic office in Venezuela.

She asked for repatriation, arguing that the reprisals of the government of President Nicolás Maduro were intolerable, said LN. The letters described kidnappings and murders of Maduro's critics, a lack of basic food and drugs, military indoctrination of children at schools, and sexual violence against girls on the part of the police in the streets.

"I constantly fear for my

Caracas, Venezuela from Valle Arriba (Photo: Wikipedia)

life and those of my family members," Chmatilová wrote. "As foreigners, we are facing the threat of being killed by various armed groups sponsored by the government," she added.

She wrote letters to Czech President Miloš Zeman, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Foreign Affairs Minister Lubomír Zaorálek and Interior Minister Milan Chovanec, the daily added.

She also described the economic problems afflicting

Venezuelans.

The Geneva IOM headquarters paid the costs of the air tickets and provided a grant of US$3,000 for the first weeks of the life of the family in the Czech Republic.

However, the family ran into trouble. As Chmatilová and her children are defined as Czech citizens, the IOM representative was rejected when he asked the Czech Interior Ministry whether it could provide its facilities

Auckland property crisis: Extra 2800 homes to be built on surplus land

Brain Teaser Answer 1. stride, strife, strike 2. salve, valve, halve

SUDOKU

for refugees to them.

However, the case had a happy ending, LN wrote. The Prague-based Immigration Consultancy Centre will help the family.

"They will be provided housing and courses in Czech. We will help them find jobs and we will help the husband get permanent stay here," Radim Bělohlovek, from the center, told the paper. (Source: Prague Post)

3. fine, fife, file 4. paltry, pastry, pantry

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

M

Auckland, New Zealand (Photo: Wikipedia)

ore than 2800 houses will be built on surplus land Auckland Council is selling to developers.

The scheme aims to ease the New Zealand city's severe housing shortage, and deliver more-affordable properties for struggling home buyers, while also raising extra revenue for ratepayers.

More than [NZD] $100 million worth of surplus

city-owned land has already been sold, and the council says another $250 million worth has been cleared for sale and is now being offered to the private sector.

Some of the land parcels are in Special Housing Areas, meaning a proportion of the new dwellings must be affordable (less than 75 per cent of the median house price in each area). The region's median price is now $720,000, meaning an "af-

fordable" home could be priced at less than $540,000.

The council can also force developers to build within set timeframes to prevent "landbanking".

The Property Institute labelled the scheme "fantastic news" and said it would help to eat into an estimated shortfall of 30,000 Auckland homes.

But chief executive Ashley Church said "affordable homes" only meant

lesser quality and the rest would be "priced at whatever the market is demanding" once they were built. Any new housing was welcome, but the project would do little to address house price inflation in the medium term, Mr Church warned.

The scheme, launched in early 2012, has seen parcels of land ranging from individual properties to 20ha lots freed up.

Auckland Council Property chief executive David Rankin said 25003000 dwellings would eventually be built. But he conceded only a handful had been completed to date and the new homes would become available over five to seven years.

Last week, the government announced a similar plan to free up about 500ha of surplus Crown-owned land around Auckland, then work with private developers to build up to 10,000 homes.

Mr Rankin acknowledged pressures around building infrastructure to service new land parcels, and a shortage of skilled tradesmen.

But he welcomed government moves to free up Crown land to help address Auckland's housing shortage.

"It's all more work but it has to happen." (Source: The New Zealand Herald)

24

Times Sunday Magazine

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MAY 31, 2015

Fun Times

Archie

A change is in the offing, so check out local real estate (March 21or property investments or April 19) look for an unfamiliar place to visit. Positive financial trends are heading your way.

ARIES

Romance is evident. Get out and live a little. A chance TAURUS meeting at a family or neigh(April 20borhood event will put you in May 20) touch with someone who will influence your future.

Fatigue will put a damper GEMINI on your plans. Before matters (May 21escalate, make a firm commitJune 20) ment to a healthier lifestyle.

A balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest will keep you at your best.

CANCER

You are in a high creative

(June 21- cycle. Traveling and socialJuly 22) izing will thrust you into the

limelight. Sharing your ideas will result in new friendships and allies.

Keep your promises and LEO deal with your responsibilities.

(July 23The people around you will beAug. 22) come upset if you slack off. A serious dispute will develop if you don't honor a promise.

Dilbert

Pitch in and help out. If you VIRGO volunteer for a local organiza(Aug. 23- tion, your talents will come to Sept. 22) the forefront. Beneficial offers will roll in once your accomplishments are noted.

Sudden change will not LIBRA bring good results. If you take (Sept. 23things slow and easy, the ride Oct. 23) will be less jarring. Not everyone will agree with your plans, but the end result will be profitable.

Peanuts

You will feel dissatisfied SCORPIO with your current routine.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22) Shake up your life. Revisit your dreams and aspirations and get back to doing things that you enjoy.

Unusual events will unSAGITTARIUS fold. An unlikely way to make (Nov. 23- a profit will be revealed.

Dec. 21) Extra cash will come your way through a windfall or repaid debt.

A successful partnership CAPRICORN will highlight how much of an (Dec. 22asset you are. Joining a group Jan. 19)

Calvin and Hobbes

whose cause inspires you will be a wonderful showcase for your talents.

AQUARIUS Get rid of the things that (Jan. 20- are no longer working for Feb. 19) you. Staying with someone or something strictly out of habit will prevent you from moving forward. Be true to yourself.

One of your creative projPISCES ects will show lucrative po(Feb. 20tential.

Focus on love and March 20) romance for an intriguing liaison. You will come across a bargain that is too good to pass up.