Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

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Feature

The lotus, because of its abundance in murky ponds and trenches, is often taken for granted and even considered a nuisance by some as it clogs up canals, but this plant’s self-cleaning mechanism and religious significance make it worthy of a second look.

The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant that produces individual leaves and flowers directly from a root system. Its leaves float on the water or are held up about six inches above water by their stems. Itsflowers are held up by their stalks about six inches from the surface of the water.Each flowerspreads

Gardens “in the early eighties…” (1880s) Religious symbolism and significance

The lotus, sometimes called the Indian lotus or the sacred lotus,is widely cultivated for its fragrant flowers.

Over time, throughout many cultures, the lotus has been a powerful image and a spiritual symbol. In Hindu, Buddhist and Egyptian religions, the lotus is considered a sacred flower. Among its many meanings and significance, the lotus represents divine birth, spiritual development and creation itself.

“The Story of World Religions” (2005) states:

symbolizes the never-ending succession of existences. In pre-Vedic times, the lotus was the symbol of the Great Mother Goddess or “Earth Goddess”, Shri or Lakshmi. In the post-Vedic period the image of the one born of the lotus was transferred to Brahma, and shortly after a number of gods were depicted sitting on the lotus.”

Many of the gods and goddesses of Hinduism are linked to the flower. The goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi, is usually depicted as being seated atop a fully opened lotus flower. Likewise, Brahma, the god of creation, is depicted as emerging from a lotus that crawls from the

from attachment. Inspiring manmade objects

Lotus plants stay dirtfree, an obvious advantage for an aquatic plant living in typically muddy habitats, and they do so without using detergent or expending energy. Leaves of the sacred lotus are self-cleaning thanks to hydrophobic nanoscale bumps.

In a research done overseas, the lotus was artificially contaminated with various particles and subsequently subjected to artificial rinsing by a water sprinkler. In the case of water-repellent leaves, the particles were removed com-

about four to eight inches across and has pink petals.

The receptacle holds theseeds (the seeds are known locally as “water nuts”) of the flower, and is located in the centre of the flower.

James Rodway writes in “The Story of Georgetown”(1920) that the Nelumbium, or Lotus was introduced to the Botanic

“The lotus is the cosmic plant of Hinduism. When the divine substance of life is in the process of bringing forth the universe, a thousand-leaf lotus grows out of the cosmic waters and is the opening, gateway and mouth for the development of the universe. The cosmic lotus is the organ of procreation of the Absolute that gives birth to the universe and

naval of the sustainer Lord Vishnu.

The lotus is able to emerge from muddy waters un-spoilt and pure; it is considered to represent a wise and spiritually enlightened quality in a person, representative of somebodywho carries out their tasks with little concern for any reward and with a full liberation

pletely by water droplets that rolled off the surfaces. This is because of the lotus’ surface roughness, reduced particle adhesion and water repellency – the keystone in its self-cleaning mechanism.

Surface finishes inspired by the self-cleaning mechanism of lotus plants have now been applied to paints, glass, textiles, and more, reducing the need for chemical

detergents and costly labour. An edible, useful utensil

The lotus flowers, seeds, young leaves, and "roots" (rhizomes) are all edible.

Lotus leaves are circular and indented in the middle, giving the leaves a funnellike shape, ideal for usage as a receptacle not only because of its sturdiness but also because of its known symbol of purity.

In Guyana, “seven-curry” is only enjoyed in lotus leaves at Hindu weddings and other Hindu functions. In Chinese cuisine, mature lotus leaves are used to wrap steamed food.In many parts of the world, they function

as water vessels for fetching and drinking water.

In bas-reliefs of the goddesses Ganga and Yamuna on the doorframes of Hindu temples, the lotus leaf served as a parasol for the deities. They were also used as hats when tied inverted under the chin in ancient Egypt.Hung upside above the head in the artwork, the leaves are said to be still in use as sun protection today in some parts of India. Because of the lotus’ incredible history and biology, there is on-going research in many parts of the world on the biological and technological importance of the lotus.

David Blair Stiffleris

a man who has dedicated his life to documenting humanity: the sounds we make and how we make them. Born in the USA, David’s fascination with Guyanese culture, especially traditional songs, is admirable.

“I had a hobby of listening to short wave radio and I heard this gamelan music, which is originally from Indonesia, but the radio signal was very strong. I said this cannot be because Indonesia is all the way around the world. Then I heard someone say New Amsterdam and Suriname.

So I got a handbook on South America, a few inches thick on Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, read it and was fascinated,” David recalled in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

A former fashion designer and currently an artist, David decided to visit Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, to record traditional music. He visited French Guiana then went on to Suriname, but was told Suriname was experiencing a coup, which was around the 1980s, and so he eventually came over to Guyana. David immediately fell in love with the country.

“I would go back and forth between Guyana and the US recording the traditional songs of the Amerindians, Afro-Guyanese (que-que and comfa) and Hindus (poojas and Kali Mai rituals) and others,” he pointed out.

David’s songs are compiled in the Folkways catalogue, which is now owned by the Smithsonian. Folkways catalogue has more than 2,000 titles of music and spoken word from all around the world. The Smithsonian,

according to David, said the catalogue is a “national treasury” and bought the entire collection, which also includes David’s songs from Guyana.

Religious rituals, marriage ceremonies, and ancestor worship are conveyed in the traditional songs, dance and drumming recorded by David. The songs with liner notes, including Guyana history and song descriptions, are available on Smithsonian’s website.

“I have recorded traditional music from other countries around the world, which are also added to the catalogue and owned by the Smithsonian.I encountered many challenges too, including being kidnapped in one country, and sleeping with a machete under my pillow in another country because of an upheaval. I cannot recall experiencing anything terrible in Guyana. That is why I keep coming back here, enjoying its rich culture. Also, what made staying in Guyana easy was people’s willingness to help and be-

ing able to freely communicate with everyone,” David noted.

According to David, to record and compile the songs were not easy because of a lack of funding. However, he continued to record the music because he enjoyed learning about the traditional music and culture in Guyana.

Notably, David has recorded songs of anow extinct group in Guyana named Atorai, which is closely related to the Wapishana tribe. His procedure was to record everything and edit it later. David disclosed he still has lots of recording and he hopes someone could help to fund in getting the songs compiled into albums and shared with the world.

“People forget their roots and are now enamoured by technology, so my hope is tocontinue to share the history of the Guyanese people through songs. I hope someone can collaborate with me to do this. I collected these songs for future generations to know about their ancestry

and I hope persons can enjoy these songs as much as I do,” David declared. His website, www. ETHNIX.com, goes deep

into his released and unreleased discography, and doubles as an online store that sells many traditional instruments and artefacts in his museum located in Manhattan, USA. David can be contacted by email at stiffler@earthlink.net

By Isahak BasIr, CCh

The Dutch occupancy of Essequibo began in the early seventeen century even though this territory had changed its name at certain periods, from Maracro Coast to Arabian Coast in the early 19th century. The Dutchestablished Fort Island in the Essequibo River as their command centre, and communicated to those in Essequibo by boats. Several human manipulators and oars propelled these huge wooden boats.

The ordeal from Airy Hall to Fort Island by such a boat can take about three hours. A huge silk cotton tree – a Dutch landmark –identifies Airy Hall, parallel to Plantation Adventure. This point of embarkation was prominent up to 1872. The revolutionary Damon of 1834was marching towards this point with his protestors when they were slaughtered at Plantation La Belle Alliance.

The upheaval by disrupted sugar workers in 1872 at Plantation Devonshire Castle was also involved in a march to Airy Hall, but was stopped at Queenstown and persuaded to return, where six sugar workers were killed; the first time indentured workers were killed in Guyana.

Under British rule, the transport route from Essequibo to Georgetown was from Airy Hall to Boerasirie Creek where the railway ended. By 1900, the Good Hope Stelling was established, as well as the telegraph cables, which usedMorse codeas the means of sending telegrams,laid from this point across Wakenaam, Leguan and Parika.

The Dutch had a command centre at Capoey in the Pomeroon, but that closed in 1943. Several Dutch graves are still visible in the area,and a police station is located at that point. From Good Hope Stelling to Parika,a ferry named The MV BASRA travelled that route. This ferry was unique since it was propelled by huge wooden paddles attached to a large steel barrel at the stem of the one-deck flat Jerry.

In the early 1900s, Adventure Stelling was established, and several passenger boat services travelled the route. The MV BASRA was replaced by The SS ORANJE, a grave design of engineering. Forthe two and half hour-drive to Parika, passengers had to endure the jolt of the steam engine, and the heat in second class was very much unbearablethat death was inevitable.

Another vessel by the name of The MV HASSAR was used when The MV NORTH COTE or The MV LUCKANANI was oc-

Dutch and British transportation in Essequibo

cupied elsewhere. The MV HASSAR capsized at Wakenaam Stelling in 1952, when the captain made a faulty mooring. The first and second-class systems in all our trains and ferries were abandoned when the PPP government built three new ferries; The MV MALALI was earmarked for

Essequibo in 1961.

Another apartheid culture ended when the Demerara ferry The MV CARR, which travelled the Linden route, was overtaken by the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, built in 1968.

However, time and civilization have not eliminated some important signs of his-

tory. Both Dutch and British landmarks are still

in Essequibo.

as

For Black History Month, celebrated primarily in the month of February, the African Cultural Development Association, under the theme “Is African inventions reclaiming and benefiting from our stolen legacy”, aims to focus on those of African descent who have significantly contributed to the world with their inventions. This article features some of the women in the USA who have done so.

Born in 1922 in the US, Marie Van Brittan Brown was the first person to develop the patent for closed circuit television security. Her mechanism consisted of a motorized camera and four peepholes. The camera could be moved from one peephole to the next, and the camera’s images were displayed on a monitor. The door could also be unlocked remotely using an electrical switch. Brown’s invention was patented in 1969, and became the framework for the modern closed circuit television system that is widely used for surveillance, crime prevention, and traffic monitoring.

Dr Shirley Jackson was the first black female to receive a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and is the first black female president of a major technological institute (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). However, she also has a staggering list of inventions to her credit. Her experiments with theoretical physics are responsible for many telecommunications developments including the touch-tone telephone, the portable fax, caller ID, call waiting, and the fibre optic cables that make overseas phone calls crystal clear.

After earning her Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico, Dr Betty Harris became a research chemist at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She worked extensively in the area of explosives, and in 1986, she obtained a patent for identifying and determining the sensitivity level of explosives. Her contributions were so significant that in1996, Dr Harris was one of only eight people selected for inclusion in the National Science Foundation’s “Women in

Science” profile.

Undoubtedly, the most famous inventor on the list, Madame C.J. Walker was the first black female self-made millionaire. Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867, Madame Walker suffered from a scalp condition that caused hair loss. As an adult, she experimented with several types of homemade remedies developed by Annie Malone, another black female entrepreneur. However,

Walker soon conducted independent experiments and developed her own hair care system. After marrying Charles Walker in 1905, she began selling Madame Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower. This led to the development of the Walker System, which included healthier alternatives for black women who wanted to straighten their hair, and it also included other products designed to condition black hair and skin. She also set up schools, where she provided employment for over 3,000 people, and trained them as licensed Walker Agents.

Guyanese

Nicketa Campbell is treading the path to become a celebrated makeup artist

and model

Born in Peter’s Hall on the East Bank of Demerara, at the age of 15, USbased Nicketa Campbell once worked as an understudy for her cousin, veteran makeup artist Paula DeSouza, and “fell in love with the creative aspects and freedom” of makeup artistry.

She competed in the Miss Bartica Regatta pageant a few years ago, and emerged first runner-up. She enjoyed the glitz and glamour of pageantry and decided to pursue a career in makeup artistry.

“My first job, believe it or not, was working in a commercial campaign for Courts furniture store. I was 15. From then on, I appeared in many of Courts’ commercials and campaigns, and I enjoyed every minute of it.” Nicketa recalled in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

“I then went on to do numerous commercials for various businesses, promoters and modelled for quite a few of Guyana’s leading designers, such as Michelle Cole, Roger Gary and Olympia Small - to name a few.”

Nicketa would later migrate to the United States.

Now, fully established in New York, Nicketa is sought after by some of the city’s finest photographers, show producers and even magazine editors, for her tal-

ented makeup capabilities. In the past, she has worked for both Plitzs New York City Fashion Week and Couture Fashion Week. In addition, Nicketa has also worked with Hype Hair Magazine – the number one hair and beauty source for women of colour. Other notable clients include former Miss Guyana Universe 2012 and Miss World Guyana 2013, Ruqayyah Boyer, among many others.

“As a model, I am surrounded by people that are creative and inspiring. When you are surrounded by fellow makeup artists, you get to share tips and creative ideas. With makeup, you never stop learning. Your brush is an extension of your arm. There are times when I feel like giving up, but because I love what I do I keep pushing and will never stop pursuing my passion,” Nicketa declared.

The makeup professional’s advice to women who want to pursue a career in makeup artistry is to “accept that you will fail in most things you first try. Your ability to keep trying is what will help you succeed. Surround yourself with people that support and encourage you; be determined in whatever you choose, whether makeup or otherwise. Most importantly, have fun with it and do not take yourself too seriously. Do not be afraid to take risks. Remember with makeup you can always wipe it off and do it again”.

Nicketa is never afraid of trying new things and so there are no boundaries in her interests, just opportunities.

Times Book World

The Shaping of guyaneSe

LiTeraTure

Part I

By PetamBer Persaud

The ‘Night of Stars’, produced by the Theatre Guild of Guyana and presented Sat, Jan31, 2015, was an occasion when the spotlight fo-

cused both on offstage and onstage players. That event was the playhouse’s annual award ceremony thatalsosaw recognition going to non-members.

The original idea was to acknowledge the contribution of members who were involved in production

at the Guild. In 2015, in a magnanimous move – one of many in the reinvention of itself – the Guild has included non-members who have made significant contribution to the playhouseon its honour roll.

For theatre to remain relevant in a society, it

must continuously reinvent itself. Except for some bad patches in its long history since it was founded in 1957, the playhouse was always modifying its role to better serve the community. One such example is the renovation and reopening of the Guild in time for the

Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta X) 2008, heralding a new phase in dramaturgy and the performing arts in Guyana.

The Theatre Guild embraced this new phrase with a passion, resulting in sustained training and education workshop sessions, playwriting competitions and, more importantly, by providing a space to assess this investment in the performing arts.Obviously, this new phrase produced new ideas and new players, including playwrights, directors, actors, stage managers, makeup artists, lighting and costume designers.

The ‘Night of Stars’ saw more than 50 awards in 15 categories presented to individuals and organizations for varying contributions to the preservation and enhancement of the Guild.

Following is a list of the various award recipients: Lifetime Award: Patricia Liverpool, Bert Carter and Ian McDonald

Memory of Service Award (posthumous): Ulita Anthony and Rosamunde Addo

Icon of the Arts Awards:Hector Stoute,Nitrageet Dance Troupe, Gerry Gittens, the Yoruba Singers, and Dave Martins

Starlight Award for Best Non-Guild Musical Production Staged at the Theatre Guild: Clemsville Orchestra, CARICOM Secretariat,US Embassy – three years of touring jazz band – Embassy of Argentina – guitar duo; Rotary Club of Stabroek – three international jazz players

Starlight Award for Best Non-Guild Dance Production staged at the Theatre Guild: Crystallite Dance School and the National Dance Company

Starlight Award for Best Children’s Productions staged at the Theatre Guild: Allied Arts, The American School, and Purple Hearts Productions

Starlight Award for Best Guild Production: Derek Walcott’s “Pantomime” directed by Ron Robinson and “Sauda” written by Mosa Telford and directed by Tivia Collins

Starlight Award for Best

Guild Director: Malcolm De Freitas andNkosi Layne

Starlight Award for Best

Guild Producer: Tashandra Inniss

Starlight Award for Best Guild Designer: Neilson Nurse and Clinton Duncan; Spotlight Awards for Consistent Coverage of the Arts in the Media: Al Creighton, Michelle Gonzalves, Tash Van Domien, Barrington Braithwaithe, Hits and Jams, Alex Wayne, Jairo Rodrigues, MBCTV, GTV, and Petamber Persaud

Starlight Award for Best Guild Performer (Female): Kimberly Fernandez and Sonia Yarde

Starlight Award for Best Guild Performer (Male): Mark Luke Edwards, Keon Yearwood, and Sean Thompson

Starbright Award for Current Consistent Service to the Guild by a Current Guild Member: Simoen Dowding, Jennifer Kendall, Tashandra Inniss, Roderick and Rodero Holder

Starbright Award for Current Consistent Service to the Guild by a Non- Guild Member: Woodside Choir, Michael Smith, Mark Hall, Kenrick Cheeks and Kirk Noel

A Special Award went to Mr H Zypher, caretaker of the Guild for the past 30 years. The listabovegives just a glimpse as to the magnitude, meaning, value and impact of such awards. Moreover, this outline does not include the substantial role played by the premier driving force of the Guild, Dr Paloma Mohamed. The whole story will amount to volumes of writing.

The presentation of awards was seamlessly woven into a top quality performance that included extracts from past and future productions.

One category of the awards was of grave significance since it is a neglected area of recognition – media coverage of the arts. Coverage of the arts is very important for the promotion, for garnering support, and for the sustainability of such an institution. The Theatre Guild of Guyana must be commended this innovation on the local scene.

Long live the Theatre Guild of Guyana.

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

A Brief History of the Georgetown Hospital

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation,managed by the Ministry of Health,provides a variety of health services to Guyanese free of cost. To care for the sick and the elderly has been its mandate for more than 177 years.

In 1759, a Jaques Salignac applied for a grant of 500 acres of land for cotton and coffee cultivation. Granted permission by the Court of Policy, Salignac

named this tract of land La Bourgade. In 1807 Thomas Cumming, a Scotsman, became the owner of the estate and renamed it Plantation La Bourgade, Cummingsburg. The Public Hospital occupies one and a half blocks of

Preserving our heritage through pictures

Cummingsburg. The hospital is bordered by Lamaha Street, Thomas Street and Middle Street. Its oldest section, the Seaman’s Ward, was first built in 1838, mainly for the benefit of seamen.

In the book “The Story of Georgetown”,James Rodway stated that the buildings were the “finest collection of buildings next to the Eve Leary Barracks”. Rodway added, “As may be supposed, the beginnings of the Seaman’s and Public Hospital were in a very small way. Like most of our other institutions, it was introduced by the British. In the Dutch period, there was a Military Hospital at the back of the town and a Yaws House

in the bush, probably on the site of the Orphan Asylum. [The Ministry of Health building on Brickdam, prior to being destroyed by fire, was once the Orphan Asylum.] In 1799 it was enacted that every captain on clearing his vessel must pay for every man or boy to the Receiver of the poor chest in aid of the hospital”.

Imbaimadai is a small mining town deep in the CuyuniMazaruni region of Region Seven, founded by miners. It is now well known for its gold, diamond and other precious mineral deposits.

The mountains surrounding Imbaimadai, part of the Pakaraima range along the Guiana Highlands, the hundreds of miles of jungle, and its cold nights and steamy days, make it an adventure destination not for the faint of heart. (Photos by Sam Rich) (Cover photo: Distant view of the waterfall)

Times Healthy Living

Diarrhoea in Children

By Zenica DaBichan

Diarrhoea is frequent, loose or watery bowel movements that are different from the child’s normal pattern. Diarrhoea is a very common problem in children.

Episodes of diarrhoea in childhood usually last a short time (acute) and will go away within 2 weeks, less commonly the diarrhoea will persist beyond 2 weeks (chronic).If this occurs, a doctor should be seen to identify the cause.

This article deals specifically with acute (short lasting) diarrhoea.

What causes diarrhoea in children?

The most common cause of diarrhoea in childhood is infection from viruses. Less commonly, the infection can be caused by bacteria or parasites. In general, infections that cause diarrhoea are highly contagious. Diarrhoeal infections can be spread through dirty hands, contaminated food or water, some

pets, direct contact with faeces (i.e., from dirty diapers or the toilet).

Anything that the infectious germs come in contact with can become contaminated. This includes toys, changing tables, surfaces in restrooms, even the hands of someone preparing food. Children can

become infected by touching a contaminated surface such as a toilet or toy, and then putting their fingers in their mouths. What are the dangers of diarrhoea?

The main danger of a child suffering from diarrhoea is dehydration. If dehydration is severe

enough, it can even be fatal. Signs of dehydration in a child include:

• Passing little urine

A dry mouth

• A dry tongue and lips

• Fewer tears when crying

Sunken eyes

• Weakness

Being irritable or lacking in energy

Cold hands or feet

Fast (but often shallow) breathing

Caring for a child with diarrhoea

The primary concern in caring for a child with diarrhoea is to prevent dehydration.

Continue feeding the child their normal diet and give more liquids to replace those lost while the diarrhoea continues. Avoid soda and other sugary drinks that can make the diarrhoea worse.

• Offer additional breast milk or formula to infants.

• Use an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replace lost fluids in non-dehydrated children. These can be bought from pharma-

cies without a prescription. DO NOTgive your child antibiotics or medications to stop the diarrhoea unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.

Contact your doctor if your child has:

• diarrhoea lasting longer than 2 weeks

• high fever repeated vomiting, or refusal to drink fluids

• severe abdominal pain diarrhoea that contains blood signs of dehydration as mentioned above Prevention of diarrhoea

Children and the adults who care for them should wash their hands frequently with soap, especially after using the toilet and before preparing meals. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. Drink bottled water, or if using tap water to drink it should be boiled. Clean and disinfect kitchen counters and tabletops. Ensure your child receives all their vaccines on time.

Tips For a Healthy and Safe Holi

Skin allergies, hair problems and eye irritation are common health concerns during the festivities of Holi.

Recent studies have found safety issues withpastes, dry colours and watercolours used in Holi. Some ingredients found in synthetic colours like lead oxide (black), mercury sulphide (red), aluminium bromide (silver), copper sulphate (green) and Prussian blue have been known to cause various health problems ranging from red and blotchy skin, eye allergies, skin problems and even temporary blindness.

Natural colours are best to use and can be made at home. Mix natural colour producing ingredients by making a paste and mixing with chickpeas flour: henna, spinach (green); turmeric, marigold flowers (yellow),red hibiscus flowers, tomatoes, beetroot, (red) or tea leaves (brown). You can also buy organic/herbal colours to play safe this Holi.

After playing Holi, you might have noticed that your hair becomes very dry, frizzy and brittle. To avoid this, massage

The current news reports of outbreaks of measles in the USA, and recently in Germany, may have left you confused about how this is happening when conventional thinking is that in modern times every child should be vaccinated against the disease.

In light of this outbreak, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)put together a list of the most important facts about measles.

1. Measles can be serious. Some people think of measles as just a little rash and fever that clears up in a few days, but measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years of age. There is no way to tell in advance the severity of the symptoms your child will experience.

According to the CDC,

your hair well from scalp to hair tips with coconut, olive or castor oil. This oil gives your hair a protective covering and shields it from harmful chemicals, dust and dirt.

This will help the colours come off easily later.

After the celebrations, rinse hair with plain water to rid it of dry colours and other particles. Apply a mild shampoo followed by a good conditioner.

If you find yourself with skin allergies, wear clothes that cover most of your skin,

1 or 2 out of 1,000 people with measles will die, even with the best care, and 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles will develop brain swelling, which could lead to brain damage.

Some of the more common measles symptoms include fever, rash, runny nose, red eyes.

2. Measles is very contagious.

Measles spreads through

the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protect-

and cover the skin on your face, arms, legs etch with copious amounts of olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil or mustard oil.Use a waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30 and above). Protect your lips with a thick coat of Vaseline or lip balm, and your nails from the colours by using transparent nail polish.

If you are asthmatic or suffer from severe dust allergy, don’t venture out to play Holi with colours, especially the dry variety.If you wear contact lenses, remove them before going out to play. If someone is spraying coloured water on your face, close your eyes.

Wash your face with warm water and then with the help of cotton, apply aloe vera and lemon. This solution helps in getting rid of dry colours.

Never rigorously rub your face while trying to get rid of colours. This will make your skin itchy and dry. Instead dab some coconut oil and then try to remove the colours. Now go play and have a safe, healthy Holi. (Source: The Health Site)

ed. Your child can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, even up to two hours after that person has left. An infected person can spread measles to others even before knowing he/ she has the disease—from four days before developing the measles rash through four days afterward.

3. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk.

Measles is still common in many parts of the world, including some countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. Worldwide, an estimated 20 million people get measles and 146,000 people, mostly children, die from the disease each year.

Even if your family does not travel internationally, you could be exposed to measles anywhere in your community. Unvaccinated travellers can bring the disease into the community.

4. You have the power to protect your child against measles with a safe and effective vaccine.

The best protection against measles is measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles. Your child needs two doses of MMR vaccine for best protection. The first dose at 12 through 15 months of age. The second dose 4 through 6 years of age. If your family is traveling overseas, the vaccine recommendations are a little different. If your baby is 6 through 11 months old, he or she should receive 1 dose of MMR vaccine before leaving.If your child is 12 months of age or older, he or she will need 2 doses of MMR vaccine (separated by at least 28 days) before departure. (Source: CDC)

Guyanese designer Sonia Noel is heating up her clothing collections by adding bright red to her bespoke designs.

“Red, the colour of blood and fire, is associated with meanings of love, passion, desire, heat, longing, lust, sexuality, sensitivity, romance, joy, strength, leadership, courage, vigour, willpower, rage, anger, danger, malice, wrath, stress, action, vibrancy, radiance, and determination. With all this in mind, I designed the Scarlet Collection from the First Resort line. Sometimes colour determines your moods,” Noel said in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Noel added teenagers to the mature adult could make a statement and “feel comfortable” in one of Scarlet Collection’s elegant pieces.

The collection is currently available at Noel’s studio located 176 Barr St Kitty, Georgetown.

Three Men’s Hat Trends

The right hat could instantly transform an outfit from dull to dapper. Try these five simple, but on-trend hat styles to complete a fashionable ensemble.

The Minimal Baseball Cap

In Milan 2015, Gucci did beanies, but in Paris, Dior Homme did baseball caps – with tuxedos. A clear statement that caps, like beanies, should no longer be thought of as a purely casual option. Again, go for a minimal style and neutral colour that you can wear with anything.

The WideBrimmed Fedora

This member of the hat family has got a longstanding association with the music scene –those in it and aspiring to be. For a stylish look, opt for a wide-brimmed version.

The Flat Cap

A cousin of the baseball cap, the flat cap has roots in agriculture but has since been associated, like the fedora, with the music scene. Wear it with your favourite heavyweight blazer (think tweed or wool), a classic Oxford shirt, slim-cut chinos and pair of smart brogue boots.

Tika Sumpter is an American actress, singer, television host, and model. Sumpter began her career as host of reality series, “Best Friend's Date” (2004—2005), and in 2005 landed the role of Layla Williamson in the ABC daytime soap opera, “One Life to Live” where she starred regularly through 2010. In that same year, Sumpter made her movie debut in her leading female role in the musical drama “Stomp the Yard: Homecoming”. She later had recurring roles as Raina Thorpe in The CW teen drama “Gossip Girl”, and as Jenna Rice in the BET sitcom “The Game”. Sumpter was later featured in supporting roles for “What's Your Number?” (2011) and “Think Like a Man” (2012), before starring in “Sparkle” (2012) and “A Madea Christmas” (2013). In 2013, Sumpter began her role as Candace Young, the leading character on the OWN primetime soap opera, “The Haves and the Have Nots”. In 2014, Sumpter was featured as leading female roles in, “Ride Along”, “My Man Is a Loser”, and as Yvonne Fair in the 2014 biopic, “Get On Up”. Sumpter is set to play young Michelle Obama in film “Southside With You”, a biopic about the early romance between Barack and Michelle Obama.

Times Hollywood

Nearly three weeks after he almost crashed Beck's acceptance speech at the Grammys, Kanye West wants the world to know he's deeply sorry. On Thursday, February 26, the rapper unexpectedly took to Twitter to apologize to the multi-instrumentalist as well as Bruno Mars.

"I would like to publicly apologize to Beck, I'm sorry Beck," he wrote in one tweet. In another post, he apologized to Mars because he used to dislike the "Treasure" hitmaker, saying, "I also want to publicly apologize to Bruno Mars, I used to hate on him but I really respect what he does as an artist."

West even publicly asked

Mars to work on a track with him. "I also would love for Bruno to sing this hook on this song 88 Keys / Puff and I produced," he continued and added that he had asked Tyler, the Creator to direct the music video for the song. West almost recreated the incident at the 2009 MTV VMAs involving Taylor Swift at the Grammys earlier this month. At that time, he suddenly jumped on the stage after Beck's "Morning Phase" was announced as the winner in the coveted Album of the Year category.

In an interview on Power 105.1's "The Breakfast Club" last week, he said he'd been planning to call Beck to apologize, but he kept forgetting. (AceShowbiz)

Selena Gomez reaches out to suicidal fan with touching message

Selena Gomez follows one of her online devotees who is apparently struggling with suicidal thoughts. She sends the fan a touching note about perseverance and love, and shares a screenshot of it to others to further spread the message.

"By me following you is not me saying it's ok to think these thoughts. It's not me saying 'hey you said sad things, so I'm going to follow you to make you feel better.' God puts us in situations that are so unexplainably difficult for a reason," she wrote.

"There is someone in the world feeling so much, just like you," she added. "People everyday feel so many emotions they wish they could turn it off. But that's not why we are here. We are here for relationships, for people just like us who feel worthless."

"Your purpose is to share, help, encourage. Remember that. Please. Before you think of taking your life, think of all the [lives] you could save. I love you. More importantly there is a God that will love more than I ever could." (AceShowbiz)

Lupita Nyong'o becomes a victim of theft. Police was called when the designer dress that the "12 Years a Slave" actress wore to the 87th annual Academy Awards over the weekend was missing from her room at the London West Hollywood hotel.

The actress reportedly left her room Wednesday morning, February 25 and when she returned, the gown was gone. It was a white Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein dress adorned with 6,000 Akoya pearls. A loan from CK, the item is estimated to be worth US$150,000. She was at the hotel with a large entourage that included friends, makeup, and hair stylist. Comments were not immediately available from the hotel. Detectives

are still gathering evidence by reviewing surveillance video between 9 A.M. and 8 P.M. Tuesday. Nyong'o hasn't issued statement either, but Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Officer John Mitchell confirmed the theft, "We got a call at about 11:30 last night from someone at the London Hotel about a high value dress that was stolen from a hotel room." (AceShowbiz)

Shiv Pandit is an Indian actor and television host. After being featured in several TV commercials for popular brands, such as Colgate and Sprite, he landed the lead role in the sitcom “FIR” in 2006. Pandit made his big screen debut in 2011 in the successful Hindi film “Shaitan”, which he was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. He went on to make his debut in the Tamil film industry in “Leelai”. In 2013 he starred in “Boss” alongside Akshay Kumar. Pandit has a couple of highly anticipated films releasing this year.

Shiv Pandit

Times Bollywood

Priyanka Chopra joins ABC drama pilot ‘Quantico’

Priyanka Chopra has joined ABC pilot “Quantico”.

The drama project centres on a new batch of FBI recruits, training at a base in Quantico, Virginia. However, one of the trainees will turn out to be a sleeper agent, responsible for a devastating terrorist attack.

Chopra is playing a recruit named Alex Weaver, who is haunted by her past, reports Deadline.

The Bollywood star is known for appearing in films including “Barfi!” and “Don”.

“Quantico” is executively produced by Mark Gordon, Josh Safran and Nick Pepper. (Digital Spy)

Shah Rukh Khan: 'Censor Board banned list is difficult to follow'

Shah Rukh Khan has commented on the Censor Board's controversial list of banned words.

A list of 15 Hindi and 13 English words declared offlimits for filmmakers surfaced recently, provoking instant outrage in Bollywood and across social media.

Commenting on the controversial list, the “Fan star” told NDTV: "As far

as language and freedom of expression is concerned, I think it varies from film to film. If you have a generic list for everything, it will be strange and difficult to follow.

"But I think they can make a lot more categories in censorship - not just U and UA but a lot more ratings, such as Parental Guidance, non-PG, Strictly Adult, etc.," he explained.

Censorship in Indian cinema has been a contentious issue, with many Bollywood actors urging for reforms.

Shabana Azmi has suggested that India needs to follow the US's style of censorship.

Director Sriram Raghavan also criticised the Censor Board's ruling on banned words in movies, describing it as a "stupid list". (NDTV)

Bipasha Basu: 'I have always been labelled sexy'

Bipasha Basu has said she can't escape her sexy image. The former model, who entered the film industry 15 years ago, said she is eager to take on substantial roles outside of her glamorous look.

She told PTI: "I have always been labelled sexy. So, even when I do a nonglam role, they say 'the sexy Bipasha' but no one will notice the performance.

"Anyways, it's something I cannot shake off. But yes, I don't want to do those blink and miss roles. Where there is something substantial for me, I will do it."

"I regret ‘Humshakals’, but never any other film, even if they didn't turn out the way I wanted them too.

‘Humshakals’ was the biggest regret," she added. Basu admitted that as an actor there are moments of self-doubt and insecurity.

"One has to love oneself, one's life and realise if the pressure is worth it. I had put myself under pressure in 2011. For two years, I didn't do any work out of choice, until ‘Raaz 3’ came to me.

"The film resonated with me and gave me confidence. Yes, that was a period when I was a bit insecure but then one has to realise the pressure is really not worth it."

The actress, who found success in the horror genre with films like “Raaz 3” and “Alone”, has been dubbed the queen of Bollywood horror. (PTI)

Amitabh Bachchan issued court summons over Sikhs for Justice claims

Amitabh Bachchan has been issued with a summons by a federal court in Los Angeles.

The actor's Hollywood manager was served with a copy of the summons on Monday (February 23), which detailed a complaint by New York-based Sikh rights body Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) that the actor was allegedly involved in a human rights violation case.

According to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Bachchan has 21 days after the service of summons to respond to the charges of human rights violations.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, legal advisor to SFJ, said: "If the defendant fails to respond by March 17, we will move the court for entry of default judgement, imposing compensa-

tory and punitive damages against Amitabh Bachchan for instigating violence which took the lives of thousands of innocent Sikhs during November 1984."

The SFJ lawsuit against Bachchan claims that the actor instigated violence against the Sikh community by allegedly making statements urging retaliation in the wake of the death of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguard in 1984.

So far, the Sikh rights body has unsuccessfully filed human rights violations lawsuits against several Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as his predecessor Manmohan Singh. Amitabh Bachchan has strongly denied the allegations. (Digital Spy)

Trending now

Hashtag Trending

Whether you use Twitter or not, you most likely know one thing that has come from it: The Hashtag. The # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a ‘Tweet’. It was created organically by Twitter users as a way to categorize messages.

Once you put # in front of a word, it automatically becomes a link that takes you to a page where other people have hashtagged the same thing. For instance if you are posting an article about different workout plans, you could put a hashtag in front of the word fitness (#fitness), and anyone who clicked on that in any tweet would be taken to a page with all fitness tweets listed. People also use it to promote events and new television shows and even to bring people together to talk about a fun topic.

How to use hashtag on Twitter

People use the hashtag symbol # before a relevant keyword or phrase (no spaces) in their Tweet to categorize those Tweets and help them show more easily in Twitter Search.

Clicking on a hashtagged word in any message shows you all other Tweets marked with that keyword.

Hashtags can occur anywhere in the Tweet – at the beginning, middle, or end.

Hashtagged words that become very popular are often Trending Topics.

In an example of a Tweet, @eddie included the hashtag #FF. Users created this as shorthand for "Follow Friday,"

a weekly tradition where users recommend people that others should follow on Twitter. You'll see this on Fridays.

If you Tweet with a hashtag on a public account, anyone who does a search for that hashtag may find your Tweet.

Don't #spam #with #hashtags. Don't over-tag a single Tweet. (Best practices recommend using no more than two hashtags per Tweet.)

Use hashtags only on Tweets relevant to the topic.

How to use hashtag on Facebook

Hashtags turn topics and phrases into clickable links in your posts on your personal Timeline or Page. This helps people find posts about topics they’re interested in. To make a hashtag, write # (the number sign) along with a topic or phrase and add it to your post. For example: I just saw the cutest puppy! #dogs

When you click a hashtag, you’ll see a feed of posts that include that hashtag. You may also see some related hashtags at the top of the page.

Keep in mind that a hashtag must be written as a single word, without any spaces. You can include numbers in a hashtag, but punctuation and special characters (like $ and %) won't work. You can search for a hashtag using the search bar at the top of any page. You'll only see posts that were shared with you.

The hashtag feature isn't available to everyone on Facebook.

Shawn Pereira is a right-arm leg-spinner from Berbice, who, in 2010, made his debut for, and captained the Guyana Under-15 team in Trinidad & Tobago. He also made his debut for, and captained, the Guyana Under-19 team in Barbados in 2012, and took 6 for 40 in his very first Under-19 match. In Berbice cricket, Shawn plays for the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and has helped his club to promote cricket among youths. In 2010, Shawn was the club's assistant public relations officer. At the club's annual awards in 2011, he was named Under-15 Bowler and Cricketer for 2010. The dedicated cricketer continues to demonstrate his dexterity in his game and aims to get his name in the cricket hall of fame.

From simple beginnings, the National Collection over the years has gathered and exhibited the artwork of Guyana’s best artists

Guyana’s national gallery of art, officially known as the National Collection, is housed at Castellani House, the name given to the building in honour of its designer and builder Cesar Castellani.

The art collection’s unofficial beginnings developed in the 1950s when public subscription was mustered to purchase a Denis Williams painting, “Human World”.

Its official start came in 1962, when the National History and Arts Council was established, which began to acquire works of art by Guyanese artists. The council acquired important pieces for the fledgling collection, but since it had no actual gallery, many pieces were held in various government buildings and in Guyana’s foreign embassies.

After a change in government in 1992, it was realized that the then-disused residence would make a good home for the national collection, so on May 24, 1993, it was designated the home of the National Collection and renamed Castellani House.

With this move, the collection at last gained a permanent site and space in which its pieces could be displayed. Everley Austin was appointed first curator in 1994, and he was succeeded in 1996 by Elfrieda Bissember.

The National Collection is now managed by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and it has grown to approximately 1,200 pieces of fine art by major and lesser-known Guyanese artists.

The collection encompasses work from early Guyanese masters such as E.R. Burrowes, Vivian

Antrobus and Hubert Moshett, to the second generation that includes Denis Williams, Stanley Greaves, Ron Savory, Donald Locke and others who followed them.

It also includes other artists who contributed to the visual imagination of Guyana over the years – major names such as Aubrey Williams, Philip Moore, Gary Thomas, and others, including contemporary names such as Winslow Craig, Bernadette Persaud, George Simon, Oswald Hussein and many others.

Containing many artistic treasures, the National Collection is a symbol of Guyana, an invaluable resource, and a priceless national asset. (Text based on “Panorama: A Portrait of Guyana. Images from the National Collection of Guyana”)

Apple Inc. has incorporated more diverse emojis into the developer version of the latest update to its mobile operating system, iOS 8.3. Lovers of emojis, the cute graphics that punc -

Study: 38 per cent

A new report from Internet.org presents a sobering look at the state of global Internet access: there’s growth, but it’s slowing

tate of Connectivity: 2014” from the Facebook-backed organization estimates there are three billion people online, worldwide. That, the report states, is 37.9 per cent of the global population that “use the Internet once a year.”

Disparities become clear by the state of de velopment in a coun try. What Internet. org calls ‘developed countries’, have a 78 per cent online ac cess rate; developing countries, only 32 per cent.

The United States and Germany, for exam ple, have connectivity rates as high as 84 per cent while Ethiopia and Myanmar are con nected at rates below 2 per cent.

per cent of four years earlier.

At present rates of decelerating growth, the internet won’t reach 4 billion people until 2019.

In addition, the rate of growth of Internet access is dramatically slowing: 6.6 per cent in 2014 compared to the 14.7

Games are bigger money-makers for Apple and Google than one might think. Games accounted for more than 80 per cent iOS and Google Play consumer app spending last quarter.

In a joint International Data Corporation /App Annie report Wednesday, it was revealed that as the number of smartphones and tablets used worldwide for gaming topped 1 billion for the first time in 2014, Google Play’s revenue from games grew more than 75 per cent last year. On Apple’s App Store, gaming revenue grew more than 30 per cent.

Internet access may feel ubiquitous, but for most people in the world, access is not the rule, it’s the exception.

Most people have never connected to the internet; never read the news online, shopped online, looked for a job online, never watched a TV show or movie, never downloaded anything, learned anything new online and never have done so much as a single online search.

Internet.org concludes that three factors — infrastructure, affordability and relevance — need to be addressed “in order for the entire world to connect to the internet.”

More than 90 per cent of Google Play’s revenue in the last half of 2014 came from gaming.

tuate online writing and texts, will soon be able to pick from different skin tones on Apple devices.

An Apple spokeswoman said Tuesday that the company is working with the Unicode Consortium, the non-profit organization that sets the standards for the pictograms, “to update the standard so that it better represents diversity for all of us.”

A Unicode technical report says users worldwide want emojis that better reflect global diversity.

Currently almost all the emojis depicting people

or body parts, such as a fist or bicep, look white. More cartoon-like faces that are smiling, crying, winking or suggestive of other emotions come in a shade of

AUS man has been handed a US$500,000 fine for selling the StealthGenie malware in the first prosecution of a mobile spyware slinger.

Police collared Hamad Akbar, 31, in September after he allegedly sold the malware to an undercover agent in 2012.

Akbar a Danish citizen, sold the StealthGenie malware capable of intercepting calls, text and media and tracking location on Apple, Android and Blackberry phones to more than 100,000 'customers', according to a YouTube promotional video.

FBI assistant director in charge Andrew McCabe said in a statement Akbar was the first person to cop to selling spyware.

"This illegal spyware provides individuals with an option to track a person's every move without their knowledge," McCabe said. "As technology evolves, the FBI will continue to evolve to protect consumers from those who sell illegal spyware."

Akbar was sentenced to time served, fined half a million dollars and ordered to hand over the StealthGenie source code.

The app appeared to attempt to root Android phones and was detected by at least some anti-virus apps.

StealthGenie required access to a victim's phone in order to install the application and run it as a background service.

Consumers and attorneys are already looking to the legal system for recourse following revelations that Lenovo installed potentially dangerous software on its PCs.

One lawsuit filed in federal court last week charges both Lenovo and Superfish with violating wiretap laws and trespassing on personal property, Ars Technica reported Monday.

In another case, a legal firm has launched a class action investigation over potential claims against Lenovo's actions.

chief technology officer, last week.

App Annie, in partnership with IDC, noted that mobile game spend broke away from handheld game consoles. Game spending on iOS and Android each exceeds that of Nintendo and Sony’s handheld consoles.

Asia-Pacific saw a large leap in share of game spend on iOS, while North America outpaced other markets on Google Play.

The report follows

Tuesday’s IDC press release that had Apple’s share of worldwide smartphone market growing 46 per cent in Q4 2014. Together, iOS and Android captured more than 96 per cent of last year’s smartphone sales.

The Chinese PC maker has found itself in hot water following last week's revelations that many of its PCs include a software program called Superfish Visual Discovery.

Considered either adware or spyware, Superfish tracks your Web searches

and browsing activity to place additional ads on the sites you visit. But the software also installs its own root certificate that leaves affected PCs more vulnerable to malware attacks.

Lenovo has apologized for the problem and has begun work to resolve it.

"We messed up badly," said Peter Hortensius, Lenovo's

Lenovo PC owners can determine if the Superfish software is installed on their machines and then remove it by following the steps in a CNET website article. Lenovo has also published its own instructions on finding and removing the software.

Baskets can be used for storage and decoration in your home as they make a chic style statement and even keep clutter hidden. See how easy it is to integrate baskets into your décor.

Recipe of the Week

Ingredients:

1/2 kg chicken wings

2 onions cut thin

3 tomatoes sliced

1 bell pepper cut thin

1 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp red chilli powder

1 1/2 tsp coriander powder

1 1/2 tsp cumin powder

Method:

3 dry red chillies

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

1/2 tsp coriander seeds

1/2 tsp sugar

1/2 cup water

1/2 lime juice

Salt to taste

2 tsp refined oil

1 Tbsp olive oil

Marinate the chicken wings. Drizzle the chicken wings with olive oil.

Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder and salt to taste. Massage the chicken wings gently.

Heat up the pan and drizzle with one tsp oil and sear the wings in it, add salt to taste.

For bhuna masala: Heat up the pan, drizzle it with 1 tsp of oil, and add dry red chilli, cumin seeds and coriander seeds. Sauté it lightly.

Mix chicken wings with the bhuna masala. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.

Add tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add sugar, water, lime and bell pepper and let it cook 2-3 minutes more.

Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves to garnish.

hen boiling milk, first stir in a pinch of baking soda. This will help keep the milk from curdling.

For crisper salads: Place a saucer upside down in the bottom of the salad bowl before filling with salad. Excess moisture will run underneath the saucer and this will help keep the salad crisp and fresh.

Create your own coloured sugar by placing granulated sugar in a plastic bag. Add a few drops of your favourite food colouring and shake to blend. Pour out into a plate and let dry, then use.

I

f you seal an envelope and realise you've forgotten you had to put something inside, place it in the freezer for an hour or two and the envelope will unseal without tearing.

If your cups are badly stained from tea and coffee, wipe the inside with white vinegar soaked into a sponge.

To easily remove burnt-on food from your frying pan, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stovetop – the pan will be much easier to clean. W

Essential Emergency Items

In any family home, some items are essential in emergencies like natural disasters. Always be prepared; here’s a quick guide for your family’s safety.

1. Flashlights. Many persons know they ought to have a flashlight – and many do; but many also don’t know or remember where it is nor do they remember batteries. In an emergency that can be unsafe.

2. Radio. A battery-powered radio is crucial if there is a natural disaster and services such as telephone networks are down.

3. Disaster Kit. The common rule is that you should have food, water and necessities for 72 hours. According to betterfamilyhome.com, your disaster kit should contain one gallon of water per person a day, nonperishable foods, a battery driven radio, a flashlight,

batteries, a first aid kit and a whistle to signal for help. It should also include a dust mask in case the air is contaminated; plastic sheets and duct tape to build a shelter; moist towelettes and garbage bags for personal sanitation; a wrench to turn off utilities, a can opener and local maps. Other necessities could include prescription medicines, glasses, water and food for pets, matches, paper plates and plastic utensils, paper and pen, games for children, cash or traveller’s cheques.

4. Phone and phone card/s. Always ensure you have a fully charged cell phone and phone cards or money to buy one/several. When landline services fail, cell phones are crucial. If the mobile network is overloaded, says betterfamilyhome, texts may get through.

Battle of the Monkey and the Crab

Amonkey and a crab once met when going round a mountain.

The monkey had picked up a persimmon seed and the crab had a piece of toasted rice-cake.

The monkey, seeing this, and wishing to get something that could be turned to good account at once, said, “Pray, exchange that rice-cake for this persimmon seed.”

The crab, without a word, gave up his cake, and took the persimmon seed and planted it.

At once it sprung up, and soon became a tree so high, one had to look up at it. The tree was full of persimmons but the crab had no means of climbing the tree. So he asked the monkey to climb up and get the persimmons for him.

The monkey got up on a limb of the tree and began to eat the persimmons. The unripe persimmons he threw at the crab, but all the ripe and good ones he put in his pouch.

The crab under the tree got his shell badly bruised and only by good luck es-

caped into his hole, where he lay distressed with pain and not able to get up.

Now when the relatives and household of the crab heard how matters stood, they were surprised and angry, and declared war and attacked the monkey, who, leading forth a numerous

following, bid defiance to the other party.

The crabs, finding themselves unable to meet and cope with this force, became still more exasperated and enraged, and retreated into their hole, and held a council of war. (TO BE CONTINUED)

Reflections

True Culture

The highest culture is to speak no ill; The best reformer is the man whose eyes Are quick to see all beauty and all worth; And by his own discreet, well-ordered life, Alone reproves the erring. When thy gaze Turns it on thy own soul, be most severe. But when it falls upon a fellow-man, Let kindliness control it; and refrain

From that belittling censure that springs forth From common lips like weeds from marshy soil.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

By Grammar G

When it’s okay to be two-faced

MJOKES

SHERRIF: The outlaw got away? Didn’t you guard the exits like I told you?

DEPUTY: Yes I did, Sheriff. But he tricked me. He went out through the entrance.

Two Martians landed on a corner with a traffic light.

“I saw her first,” one Martian said.

“So what?” said the other, “I’m the one she winked at!”

After ordering a milkshake, a man had to leave his seat in the restaurant to take a phone call outside. Since he didn’t have anyone to keep his drink, he took a paper napkin, wrote on it, “The world’s strongest weightlifter”, and left it under the glass.

When he returned from the call, the glass was empty. Under it was a new napkin with new writing that said, “Thanks for the treat.” It was signed, “The world’s fastest runner.”

Marvin had been fishing all day without any luck. On the way home, he stopped at a fish market, bought a few of the biggest fishes he could find and said to the fish vendor, “Please throw the fishes to me.” Puzzled, the vendor said, “Throw them to you? Why? What for?”

“I may be a lousy fisherman,” Marvin replied, “but I’m no liar. I want to say I caught them myself.”

any words are polysemic, meaning that they can have many different meanings. Sometimes these meanings are contradictory (it is only in context that we may be able to understand their meanings). When this happens, we call these words Janus words.

Janus was a Roman god of gates or doors, beginnings or endings – depicted as having two faces. (The month of January is named after him because in the Roman calendar it was at the end of one year and the start of another.)

When two unrelated root words change over time to become similar in spelling and pronunciation, Janus words develop.

Take the verb “to cleave” which can mean, “to split apart” and “to cling together, adhere”. In Old English, there were two unrelated verbs, cleofan (to split) and clifan (to adhere). Over time, these two words came to resemble each other to create what we now know as one word with two contradictory meanings – a Janus word.

Janus words also develop from a single root but its senses diverge over time to form opposite meanings.

The word “custom” is a noun and adjective meaning, “habit” and “made to suit a particular individual” respectively. The former definition (c. 1200) is the original meaning, still in use today. The latter developed from “customer” (c. 1830): one who habitually goes to a shop or establishment. This led to “custom-made” (bespoke, one-

of-a-kind): made particularly for the customer, and “custom”(made to order).

More examples of Janus words include, “Fast” – quick or stationary and “Fix” – a solution or a problem. “Bolt” - to secure in place or to dash away suddenly; “Left” – went away from or remaining; “Sanction” – to support, official approval for actions or a penalty for actions; “Weather” – to erode or to withstand.

Slang also produces Janus words: “wicked” can mean bad or good, awesome, while “sick” can mean awful or outstanding.

Janus words are formally known as autoantonyms: auto meaning “self”, and antonym – opposite word – for “words that are the opposite of themselves.” They are also called contranyms, contronyms or antagonyms.

See if you can figure out three words that are homophones of each other in each of the five problems below.

1. Worthless - flat piece moving with the airblood vessel

2. Path or direction - to measure weightwatery part of milk

3. Having no money - careful study; microscopic hole - to flow freely

4. Warty frog - having toes - pulled ahead

5. A cry - welt; corduroy ridge - large oceanic mammal

solution on page 23

Find the matching splashes

Geoffroy’s Cat

Geoffroy’s Cat (Oncifelis geoffroyi) is the smallest wildcat in the world, similar in size to a domestic cat, and can weigh between 4 – 8 lbs.

They range through the southern regions of South America, from the Bolivian Andes to the Patagonia region in Southern Argentina.

The Geoffroy's cat is also called Geoffroy's ocelot and gato montes (mountain cat). It was named after French naturalist, Geoffroy St. Hilaire.

Said to be a nocturnal hunter of mainly rodents and birds, though it would eat reptiles and insects, the feline readily climbs trees or takes to the water to catch its prey.

While most Geoffroy’s Cats are spotted and/or striped with black, all-black Geoffroy’s Cats (also in photo) are not unusual; this occurs because of an excess of black pigment (melanin) in the cat’s skin or fur.

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.

World of Wonder

EXPLORING THE REALMS OF HISTORY, SCIENCE, NATURE AND TECHNOLOGY

By Laurie Triefeldt

Unmanned balloons have been around for thousands of years, but the first untethered flight with people on board was in 1783. Traditionally, hot air balloons are difficult to steer and travel only as fast as the wind blows. Balloons that can be propelled through the air are known as airships. Hot air balloon flights and festivals are popular in many places around the world. Balloons have also been an important tool in science, assisting in the study of weather and the atmosphere.

Full of hot air

Hot air balloons work on the basic principle that warmer air rises in cooler air. When the air inside the balloon is heated with a propane burner, the air expands and becomes lighter than the surrounding cool air. To rise, the pilot burns more fuel; to lose altitude, less fuel is used or a cooling vent in the balloon is opened.

Most hot air balloons use a wicker basket to hold passengers. Wicker works well because it is light, strong and flexible.

Piloting a balloon can be tricky, and a balloon pilot needs a commercial pilot’s permit called a fixed-wing license. The pilot controls altitude by heating and releasing the air. Horizontal direction and speed are controlled by finding wind currents at different altitudes.

There are two main kinds of balloons: hot air and gas. Hot air balloons are usually used for sport and recreational ballooning. Gas balloons are used for sport and for scientific research.

Under power

Airships are powered balloons that use engines and propellers for propulsion. Rudders and instruments are used to control direction. The first powered, manned airship was flown by Henri Giffard in 1852. There are three basic kinds of airships: nonrigid, semirigid and rigid Nonrigid ships do not use a framework and are supported by the gas-filled envelope. Semirigid ships use a metal frame to help support the outer skin. Rigid ships have an extensive wood or metal framework to support the gasfilled bag.

Nonrigid airships were used during World War I to scout for enemy movement and to drop bombs. As airships got bigger and faster, they developed frames to help support their shape. Even

most experienced hot air balloon pilot does not have total control of a balloon's flight path. For this reason, members of the ground crew follow the balloon until it lands.

Wicker basket

On May 6, 1937, the

while trying to dock at Lakehurst, New Jersey. Thirty-five of the 97 people aboard were killed.

Some milestones in the history of ballooning

1783: A balloon called Aérostat Réveillon was built by the Montgolfier brothers and launched in France. It was the first balloon to fly with living creatures aboard. The craft carried a sheep, a rooster and a duck about 1,500 feet (460 m) into the sky and traveled about two miles (3 km). The flight lasted eight minutes, and the ballooon landed safely.

André-Jacques Garnerin, a French balloonist and inventor, made the first parachute jump. He dropped 3,000 feet (915 m) from a gas balloon.

Early 19th-century Illustration of Garnerin's first parachute.

1876: Steel storage cylinders for hydrogen were developed. Military balloons carried mail, passengers and pigeons.

1897: Swedish aeronaut Salomon Andrée attempted to reach the North Pole by balloon, but failed

1900: New York journalist Gordon Bennett sponsored the first balloon race. Sixteen gas balloons took off from Paris. A premier ballooning event to this day.

1917: Goodyear began its first nonrigid airship production at Wingfoot Lake.

1932: The first manned balloon flight to the stratosphere and the first use of a pressurized capsule for balloon flight took place.

1960: U.S. Air Force Captain Joe Kittinger jumps from a balloon at 102,800 feet (31,333 m), a new record for a high-altitude parachute jump. In 1984, Kittinger became the first man to make a solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in a gas balloon.

1935: The Explorer II, a helium gas balloon, set a new altitude record at 72,395 feet (22,066 m) or 13.7 miles (22 km), with two crew members on board.

2002: After six failed attempts, Steve Fossett, piloting a Rozière balloon, became the first man to fly solo around the world.

2005: Vijaypat Singhania set the world altitude record for highest hot air balloon flight, reaching 69,850 feet (21,290 m).

1970-80: Synthetic fabrics and smaller burners allowed hot air ballooning to become a popular modern sport.

2014: Alan Eustace reached 135,908 feet (41,425 m) in a helium balloon, returning to Earth by parachute jump.

Our Universe

Q: How old is the universe and how do we know?

Our only source of information about our universe and its origins comes from the radiation (light or energy), emitted from objects across outer space, that reaches Earth.

Scientists say that based on their observations of the oldest stars and the generally accepted big bang model of our universe’s origins, the universe is about 14 billion years old.

According to the Big Bang Theory, some 14 billion years ago, everything, including space and time, originated in a “cosmic instantaneous expansion”.

Since there was nothing – no “space” as we know it – before the big bang, there was no space for the resulting debris from the expansion to disperse so space itself began to grow rapidly, and ruptured in the process.

(Incidentally, even in “nothing” there is something says quantum mechanics).

The 1929 observations of Edward Hubble showed that wherever one looks in space, distant galaxies are moving rapidly away from us. This, scientists say, suggests the universe is expanding, so there was a time they would have been closer together, and a time therefore when they were so close together as to have been infinitesimally small and with infinite density.

Of course, this is current theory; new discoveries may tweak or discard such theories of how and what we know of our universe.

Using Holi Colours

With the festival of colours, Holi, almost upon us, well known Indian mind, body and soul expert Madhu Kotiya shares her tips on colour therapy:

If you are having relationship issues, use red and pink herbal colours and mix sandalwood and rose petals. It will create more harmony and love in the family.

For those facing financial problems, they should use green and yellow colours and mix a pinch of cinnamon powder. This will open the doors

of abundance and cleanse the financial obstructions.

To be healthy, try blue and purple colours with lavender fragrance.

To improve concentration, use brown, red, golden colours and mix a pinch of turmeric and cardamom powder.

So keep this in mind and make sure you know which colours to play with to have good health and relationships.

Holi falls March 6 this year.

(Source: Deccan Herald)

Brazil arrests ‘biggest deforester’ of Amazon jungle

Brazilian police have arrested the "biggest deforester" of the Amazon jungle, identified as Ezequiel Antonio Castanha, officials said.

Castanha was arrested Feb 21 in a joint operation of Federal Police and the National Security Force in the Amazonian town of Novo Progresso in Para state, the Brazilian Environmental Institute (Ibama) said Monday.

Castanha is accused of leading a gang that illegally occupied public land in the Amazon and then cut the rainforest to sell the property as high-priced pastureland.

The gang operated near federal highway BR-163 in Para, and according to estimates of the public prosecutor's office in that state, it was responsible for 10 per cent of the deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon over the past two years.

The public prosecutor's office called for preventive prison for Castanha and the other nine members of the gang to keep them from repeating their crimes.

When the gang was busted, it was logging close to 3,400 hectares (8,400 acres) of jungle a week, according to the Public Prosecutor's Office.

Math Moves solution

The illegal buying and selling of land in the Amazon is a deeply rooted practice in Brazil.

Castanha and his family owe Ibama, an agency of the environment ministry, 47 million reals (some US$16 million) in fines for crimes related to the destruction of rainforest.

He is accused of such crimes as illegal deforestation, money laundering and the use of forged documents, and could face 54 years in prison.

The director of environmental protection at Ibama, Luciano Evaristo, said that Castanha's arrest and the dismantling of the gang "contributes significantly to the control of deforestation in the region", according to a communiqué from Ibama. (Brazil Sun)

Police raid Luxembourg banks, lawyers

Anewly-created police unit in Düsseldorf has spent months investigating Luxembourg banks and their German subsidiaries on suspicion of helping clients evade tax and launder money, triggering a wave of raids Tuesday.

The Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) reported Wednesday that the “Organized Crime and Tax Fraud” (EOKS) unit suspects numerous Luxembourg banks and up to 90 lawyers and wealth managers of helping German customers evade tax using shell companies in Panama.

Colleagues in other German states, including Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, searched the premises of Luxembourg nationals suspected of involvement, as well as the Commerzbank branch in Frankfurt, on Tuesday.

The subsidiary of Luxembourg-based Commerzbank-International is suspected of years-long, systematic assistance to those seeking to evade taxes.

Police have a database of hundreds of alleged tax frauds and accusations of money laundering are following close behind.

Investigators in Frankfurt seized documents and email records, containing lists of names of offshore firms, copies of passports belonging to the straw-man directors of the companies, and the names of the real owners.

A Commerzbank spokesman said that the cases were being investigated “internally” in co-operation with the authorities, and that the bank had been asking suspicious customers to “clarify” their tax status since 2009.

commerzbank headquarters, Frankfurt, Germany

Other German subsidiaries of Luxembourg banks remain under suspicion, and investigators believe that the parent companies there were aware of the underhand dealings in Germany.

Much of the tax evasion dates back to 2005, when an EU law setting up a 15 per cent – and later 35 per cent – tax on interest charged to citizens of other EU member state was passed in Luxembourg.

Many of the offshore shell companies were set up to hide money and avoid the tax. (The Local)

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

(June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

You can reduce tension if you resist the urge to blurt out the first thought that comes to mind. Be mindful of the feelings of others or you’ll tarnish your reputation.

Strive to find an equal balance between your personal and professional life. Too many pending problems will deter your focus and hinder productivity. Don’t obsess over the inevitable.

Take a good look at your current position. Reflect on what has worked for you in the past and what you want to achieve in the future. Stop wasting time.

Your heightened sensitivity will trigger emotional discord. To avoid quarrels, find a place where you can spend some alone time to help settle your nerves and reconsider your position.

Hidden information will result in poor assessments. Don’t rely on what others tell you. Do some scrupulous investigating to determine which details you need to know to make a good decision.

Idle time will leave you bored and out of sorts. Strive to accomplish something. Engaging in a hobby, uncluttering your place and re-organizing personal paperwork will all bring you satisfaction.

Don’t blame others if you aren’t happy. Take the initiative to follow your dreams. Advance your education, cultivate influential contacts or do whatever it takes to get the ball rolling.

Your loyalty and determination will make you an important ally to a worthwhile cause. Your willingness to help others will open many doors. You will learn much and gain many friends.

Get your personal paperwork in order. Search for something you missed that will improve your financial picture. Scrutinize any contracts or commitments that are coming due.

Don’t neglect the ones who love you. Get any troublesome matters out in the open. Speak directly and honestly about your feelings. Brooding about past issues will not change the future.

Give yourself the day to rest and relax. Free yourself from routine strife. A long walk, a chat with an old friend or time spent by yourself will refresh and clear your mind.

Fend off boredom by getting involved in fun activities. Any lighthearted group situation will provide you with amusement and entertainment. Love and romance are in the stars.