Sunday Magazine

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2 Times Feature Times Sunday Magazine

Medicine from Trees

Yei Winon Merison Sepo is the local Makushi name which means “medicine/soap from trees”. The name was adopted by a group of women from different Amerindian communities in the North Rupununi that produce traditional medicines and soaps from locally cultivated plants and trees.

The core members of the group are Veronica Farias and Rita Francis, from Kwatamang, and Cecilia Goffreys, now retired, from Massara.

The group was founded under the auspices of the NGO Pro-Natura UK, but with the help and support of NRDDB (North Rupununi District Development Board) is moving towards a state of complete self-sufficiency.

The entire research and development process is managed by Amerindian residents of the North Rupununi. Intra-cultural transmission of medicinal knowledge is facilitated by the Makushi Research Unit (MRU).

The majority of raw materials are sourced from Amerindian titled lands in neighbouring communities, becoming therefore a community-based enterprise so, as the business grows, so does the capacity for benefit sharing. Thus a financial incentive to preserve the pristine environment of the North Rupununi is born.

All products adhere to traditional methods of production and resolutely refrain from mechanization, which means that all work is done by hand following Makushi tradition.

This business is a proponent of practices that maintain the integrity of both culture and the environment. The

Two groups use their cultural heritage and knowledge of their environment to produce quality products and provide job opportunities and development within their communities

soaps, creams and tinctures are made from the different plants and trees.

The main goal of the group is to become a sustainable and sufficient community-based enterprise, providing job opportunities to the younger Amerindian generations and preserving the Makushi traditional knowledge about medicinal plants and trees.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine , Farias, also based in Annai, said Medicine from Trees was founded in 2006, and she, Goffreys, and Francis were selected to be trained in researching trees and their medicinal value, and then using these in producing coconut oil, a natural skin moisturizer; crabwood oil and soap, a natural remedy for itches, rashes, insect bites; Neem Cream for itches and rashes; Kiambee Cream for cuts and sores; and Shusuwa tincture (from the female tree) to relieve the pain caused by rheumatism and arthritis, which is also used as a tonic for mature men – just to name a few.

“Our lab is located at Bina Hill Institute. We market our products in our community and surrounding areas, including eco-lodges. Since the beginning, we always do questionnaires for our customers, to get feedback on how effective our products are. Since Goffreys has resigned because of old age, Francis and I have continued. We meet to plan what to produce and the timeframe to do so. We also plan how and where we can market our products. We also have to write a report to submit to our CEO Ivor Marslow,” she revealed.

“We want to get companies in Georgetown to purchase and distribute our products. If we can collaborate with more companies then we can easily distribute our products,” Farias also declared.

“A man met me in Annai and told me he bought our product for diabetes at GuyExpo last year. He said he bought five of our products that help with diabetes, for his mother who was very ill and could not walk and was dying. He said that our medicine has been helping since he gave her and so he travelled to Annai to buy more of it. He also said he will share it with other diabetics,” Farias said, in outlining the effectiveness of Medicine from Trees products.

She expressed her passion for researching the health benefits of various plants, and knows their names in Makushi, as well as their scientific names. Last year, she was part of an ethnobotany research project. Compilation and documentation were done by Guyanese activist Vanda Radzik.

“I enjoy going out in the field to do research on these. We are continuously researching new plants and documenting these. A lot of persons are interested in our products but

would usually ask if we’re certified. We really need more training and certification. Although we tell people our products are organic they still want to see certificates because they want to take it overseas. We have seen a vast market for our products but we need certificates,” she disclosed.

Shulinab Women’s Group

Another group focused on empowering women and the community is the Shulinab Women’s Group. The group’s secretary Goretti Louis, speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, stated that it was started in May 2012 with 15 women within the Shulinab community.

“We do wine making, pepper sauce, craft, knitting; we make mosquito nets, hammocks, and sew uniforms for children. We also make peanut butter and cassava bread for the school feeding project done by the Ministry of Education. A lot of tourists buy our products. We have exhibited at rodeos and fairs locally and in Brazil. Our group is progressing and I see it continuously expanding in the future. We are empowered because we have the earning power, but we need to broaden our network to get our products out there,” she noted.

For more information on Shulinab Women’s Group call 696-7091 and for Medicine from Trees call 658-0020, 7729292 or email medicinefromtrees@yahoo.com

With more persons losing their lives to diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure, the need to introduce a fun way of getting fit had to be conceptualised to reduce mortality rates

The Ministry of Health, (Chronic Diseases Unit) in collaboration with Harris Arts, has introduced “Weight No More- Fit It! Guyana”, to encourage persons to develop a healthier lifestyle and to prevent and combat non-communicable diseases.

In a recent interview with the media, Ministry of Health (Chronic Disease Department) coordinator Karen GordonBoyle, said 60 percent of all deaths are due to chronic diseases. She added that 80 percent of chronic disease related deaths occur in low or middle income countries. Gordon-Boyle also pointed out that among the leading causes of deaths in Guyana are heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and hypertension.

Trevor Smith, operations manager of Harris Arts, told Guyana Times Sunday Magazine that due to the harsh reality of these statistics, the Ministry of Health saw it pertinent to initiate the “Fit It Guyana” campaign.

“In order to address this situation, Ministry of Health in collaboration with Harris Arts decided to launch this campaign. The ministry wanted a campaign to engage the public using the visual media, and so Harris Arts is providing this. Harris Arts has a number of years in using various forms of the media in advocating for healthy lifestyles and so we are using our experience to make this initiative a successful one,” Smith explained.

TV Show

“Fit It Guyana” is also the name of an upcoming reality television show that would record this three-month campaign and competition. Cameras would follow the journey of those selected for the programme who have embarked on the path towards a healthier lifestyle. Their sto-

ries, struggles, and successes as they seek to adopt a new and healthier behaviour would be aired on a live television programme.

Smith also pointed out that the reality television show was conceptualised to serve as an encouragement for others to get healthy, with the hope that those watching would be motivated to join the campaign, and in doing so help in combating non-communicable diseases. The first episode would be aired October 10 on TV channels 9, 11, 28 and 72.

Before embarking on their fitness journey, registrants’ sugar levels, cholesterol, blood pressure and Body Mass Index are tested. After screening, suitable candidates a selected to join the campaign.

“Our focus is to show that getting fit will not be an easy task, but with determination it can be done. Registrants are placed into groups because we want them to have the support and motivation of those who are also suffering just the same. These ones have signed up with various gym instructors who were already debriefed on our project and know what they need to do to help. Registrants will not only exercise but will be guided on their diet. Some who cannot afford to join the gym have formed groups to meet weekly and engage in some form of physical activity,” Smith outlined.

Speaking about the show, Smith explained that it has various components.

For the “Fit Mind” component, psychologists will talk on mental fitness and therapy. In the “Fit Body” segment, the teams will be receiving advice from medical doctors, nutritionists and fitness trainers.

Then there is “Fashion Fit’” which will allow competitors to walk the runway in style and get advice on how to maintain their physique after losing weight.

Guyana Fashion Weekend and its CEO Sonia Noel are onboard, said Smith, and Noel is offering the prize to design outfits for the winners of the “Mr. and Mrs. Fit” competition.

“Tech Fit” will invite tech experts to advise on how the registrants can use technology in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“Then there is “Financially Fit”. Some cry out that being healthy is expensive, but we will show them healthy meals that will work with their budget. We will also do a comparison between how much they pay for a fast food meal and what they can eat healthy for that same money,” Smith disclosed.

A highlight of the show, Smith divulged, is a Christmas weigh-in. Cameras will follow the registrants as they fight the temptation of indulging during the December holidays. A weigh-in will be done before Christmas and then another after. In January, there will be a live grand finale, with live weigh-ins and a recap of the participants’ journeys. Smith forecasts it to be an emotional one for all involved.

Enthusiasm

Denise Harris, CEO of Harris Arts stated that the reality television would combine with a documentary to produce a 15-minute production.

“I have seen the efforts of some who are really overweight signing up and I applaud them. We are here to give them back their lives. We are giving them a second chance. Our focus is to guide these ones on the path of becoming fit and so we will work with them to accomplish this,” she said.

Harris also noted that “Fit It Guyana” will also help the Ministry of Health to gather pertinent information on non-communicable diseases and other vital statistics for their records.

“Fit It Guyana” was conceptualised to help participants to have fun and at the same time get healthy and be rewarded for it.

“We’ll be at GuyExpo and we’re encouraging those who are interested to form groups of five because we’re not accepting just one individual alone. So far,

we have had an overwhelming response and we expect more at GuyExpo. Fit It Guyana is a pilot project. Once we are successful we hope it will become an annual venture. So far we have seen more women than men, and so my encouragement is for the men to come out and join us. We appeal to the men who are affected by these non-communicable diseases to take charge of their lives because being fit is possible. With determination it can be done. Look out for the Ministry of Health banner at GuyExpo. We are eagerly waiting to sign persons up to get fit,” Harris urged.

The Nirvana Foundation

The Nirvana Foundation is known for its continued benevolence to the Guyanese community. It recently concluded another successful youth camp along with a series of fundraising and humanitarian events in Guyana.

The Nirvana Humanitarian Society, of Kastev, Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, a branch of the New York-based Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation (NFH), recently awarded the sum of GYD$250,000 to Parmeshwari Seodat towards her college fund.

Seodat graduated from the Saraswati Vidya Niketan with 15 grade ones at the 2013 CSEC examination, despite financial challenges faced by her family. According to the foundation, Seodat’s wish to pursue higher education at the University of Guyana was dampened by financial constraints and her inability to acquire a loan to cover tuition fees. With the grant from Nirvana, Seodat will be able to pursue her studies in the Medical Imaging (Bachelor's Degree) programme at the University of Guyana where she has been accepted.

The youth’s initial plight

was highlighted when members of her family met Ramesh Deochand, public relations officer of Nirvana, while he was on a recent visit in Guyana. He was able to secure funds to cover Seodat’s first year studies through donations from members of NHF. The award was handed over to Seodat by a committee member of Nirvana, witnessed by other members of

the charitable institution.

The Nirvana Humanitarian Society, through support from NHF, has been operating in Guyana as a non-profit institution since 1997. At its headquarters at Kastev, East Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, Nirvana provides low-cost classes in computers, sewing and catering, and electrical repairs. Recently, Nirvana

extended its community outreach programmes by offering enrichment and remedial classes free of charge to students of Chateau's Land in Meten-Meer-Zorg. To encourage and support activities for senior citizens, Nirvana has launched a programme to facilitate a social gathering for seniors at the Nirvana Learning Centre at least twice per month.

On a yearly basis, NHF offers a generous grant to support the humanitarian activities of the Camal Home, an Albion-based orphanage. During their re-

cent cultural tour of Guyana, executive members of NHF, which included Deochand, and Parbati Tej Singh, presented to Mrs Kissoon, the Director of Camal Home, a check of GYD$400,000 to build the front fence of the orphanage’s compound.

During 2013, as in prior years, all proceeds generated from NHF’s cultural programmes in Guyana were funnelled into charitable institutions to support their projects. One of these beneficiaries is the Saraswati Vidya Niketan which has been a recipient of Nirvana’s

generosity for many years.

The Shri Krishna Mandir of New Amsterdam, East Berbice, and the De Edward Village Mandir, West Berbice, have also benefited from Nirvana’s largess in support of their temple construction projects.

In a press release, Deochand stated that the Nirvana Humanitarian Society has depended exclusively on the patronage of the Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation in the U.S. for funding of all its programmes. He added while this is a commendable gesture on the part of NHF, local support, particularly from the business community and voluntary assistance from the communities served by Nirvana, will give the local charity the flexibility to extend its altruistic programmes to a wider group of needy citizens.

Deochand also mentioned that calls for Nirvana’s support have become more vocal and persistent from schools, orphanages, and the needy. To respond to these pleas, Nirvana emphasizes its commitment on a long-term basis to serve the Guyana’s community, and sends out an appeal to the Guyanese community including businesses, professionals, and local volunteers to support its programmes.

For more information on the foundation, visit www. nirvanausa.org

Marketing maven Guenet Gittens-Roberts tirelessly works in the Central Florida community to highlight contributions of notable individuals of Caribbean heritage, especially those from Guyana

US-based Guyanese public relations and marketing executive Guenet Gittens-Roberts grew up on Church Street in, Georgetown, and attended Stella Maris and then Queen’s College.

“When I first left Guyana, it was after high school, and I went to school and lived in New York, before heading back to Guyana. I lived in Guyana for a few years, met my husband, got married and then left Guyana; but this time we went directly to Florida. I've been in Florida since then, first South Florida and then Orlando. We've been here and raised two amazing children for the last 14 years,” she related in an interview with Guyana

comes to religious and cultural differences. So I would not only go to one type of event but I went to Diwali and Phagwah, Ramadan celebrations, Parang parties, Haitian Flag day celebrations, Jerk Festivals... and enjoyed them all.

But I was brought up that way in Guyana: to celebrate all of the religions and cultures, enjoying the diversity but celebrating as one. I also worked in the American communities and realized that a lot of our events were done with little or no resources and brought out hundreds and thousands of people while other events would get huge funding and be satisfied with 150 people showing up. So I wanted to

ed access to the Caribbean American market, so that the marketing company and the newspaper could really work closely together to help build the companies involved with us and to build each other,” Guenet explained.

One of Guenet’s proudest accomplishments is the Caribbean American Heritage Month Festival held in June to celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month. She noted that working to bring this festival to the community brings together all of the different community groups from across the Caribbean. The festival showcases the Caribbean’s rich diversity and culture, and at-

Times Sunday Magazine

Guenet disclosed she has not completed college as yet, but is currently halfway through her college degree programme. She revealed she got married at 21 and had her children shortly thereafter. However, it was always her plan to go back to college and finish her degree when her children went off to college.

Gaining experience

Crediting her parents for everything she knows about marketing, Guenet said she worked in marketing and public relations throughout high school and after she returned to Guyana she headed the marketing department at NCE Screen Printers- her parents’ company in Guyana.

“Our marketing company was started to provide a portal for people who wanted to access the Caribbean community in Central Florida. We have radio, television, events and much more in our community that many people are absolutely not aware of. I was lucky enough to experience many of them. I think that my Guyanese upbringing gave me the open-mindedness that I have when it

showcase our community, show our power economically and the programs we were contributing socially,” she recalled.

Striking out solo

Five years ago, Guenet started her own marketing company, GGR Marketing. In 2010, she launched Caribbean American Passport News Magazine which highlights the diversity of Caribbean people while showcasing the similarities and celebrating the people who live, work and play in America and are of Caribbean heritage.

“Many of our Caribbean people are doing amazing things but no one really knows. My job is to raise awareness of the CaribbeanAmerican community. My focus was first on Central Florida; however we are now being distributed across the state of Florida. In 2012 my husband, Sam Roberts, lost his job, which ended up being a blessing in disguise, as he was able to then focus more on the business, while I focused on the creative side of the business. Thankfully, we were able to streamline the business so that we only focused on clients who want-

tracts crowds in excess of 10,000 people to downtown Orlando. Due to this festival and showcasing of the other diverse events in her community, Guenet, her husband and Caribbean Passport were listed by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer as one of the reasons to visit Orlando.

Through her company, they were able to secure the marketing contract for Caribbean Airlines for the Central Florida market. Additionally, they were able to assist Caribbean Airlines with the launch of its flights in and out of Orlando with an 80 percent fill rate. As a result, Caribbean Airlines has been able to sustain and increase its flights out of Central Florida.

“Also through our company we were able to rally as a community, put aside our internal fighting as a community, and stand solidly behind a Guyanese candidate, Rick Singh, who was running for an office that no one thought he had a chance of winning since he was a long shot against an entrenched politician. The Caribbean American Chamber was the first to endorse him. I was

vice president at the time. I am now president. Then the newspaper hosted a meetthe-candidate series which introduced the candidate to the Caribbean Community and he actually worked with all of the diverse groups in the community and showed that minorities were a majority if they worked together. It was an upset victory in Orlando. Rick is now doing an amazing job in office today as the property appraiser in Orange County,” she pointed out.

The marketing expert said she and her husband attend all Caribbean events, provide support for those events to the best of their ability, and work with the associations who are working in the community to promote those events.

Dispelling myths

“As we market for Caribbean Airlines, we are able to distribute Caribbean Beat magazine which really does a wonderful job of promoting the Caribbean, its rich culture and diversity. I always have Explore Guyana magazines on my table because they do a wonderful job of showcasing aspects of Guyana that many people are not aware of. Many

Guyanese in the U.S. pick them up to share with their kids so that they see a different part of Guyana and are encouraged to visit. Last year we actually worked with Caribbean Airlines and GuyExpo, and sent two Guyanese home who had not visited in many years. One of them was a journalist with Fox News and had not been to Guyana in more than 20 years. Her family was petrified during her visit, but she came back and was so happy that she then took about 15 family members back just a few months later. So one person and one event at a time we dispel myths and encourage people to look at the Caribbean, acknowledge their roots and be proud of them,” revealed Guenet.

Inspired and Inspiring

Guenet divulged in dealing with challenges she meditates. Meditation helps her to focus on tasks and effectively carry them out. During December and July, she and her team spend time on strategizing, planning and not working. It is a time for them to reenergize and spend with family. She noted during that period they always come up with the most

significant changes.

“My motivation and inspiration are the many Caribbean people who do amazing things in our community, showcasing them, getting them recognized for their achievements and telling their story. I'm very proud of Caribbean people and I love the rich cultural diversity we have, so every month I’m excited about telling another great story or sharing another rich event. My encouragement to youths is that in this economy if you can't find a job, then follow your dreams, if you're not going to make money, it's better to not make money while you build something you're passionate about. In the end, you could end up with the best of both worlds - making money while doing something you love,” she encouraged.

The Shaping of guyaneSe LiTeraTure

2012 Guyana Prize for Literature II

By PetamBer Persaud

The 2012 Guyana Prize for Literature was awarded in September 2013.

Extract of an interview with Brendan de Caires in Georgetown, Guyana, August 16, 2013.

de Caires is a literary critic and reviewer, working in Canada. He has worked in Trinidad as editor and book reviewer for the Caribbean Review of Books, (CRB) and for the review section of Caribbean Beat. He has also published other literary articles and reviews, and is a co-founder of Moray House Trust in Georgetown.

De Caries is a native of Guyana who has lived in Britain, Trinidad, Barbados, Mexico, and New York, working as editor, human rights activist and English literature and ESL teacher. He is currently program and communications coordinator for PEN Canada. This is the second time he has sat on the panel of judges for The Guyana Prize for Literature.

PP In between critical appreciation/appraisal of books, do you still get the chance to enjoy reading a good book?

BdC Very much so. In a good year, I try to read two books a week. That’s easy to do because of where I live. In Toronto there’s a fantastic library system, and it’s extremely easy to get hold of books. Canadian culture in general is quite literary and people take pride in the quality of their reading. Much of

the national identity is tied up with writers who have explored what it really means to be Canadian. That came through to me when I was a juror for the Commonwealth Prize (Canada and the Caribbean). Other qualities were noticeable too, not for any particular literary skill that the Canadians have, but more because of the rigors of the publishing industry

PP Let’s explore that “rigors of the publishing industry”.

BdC In Canada, manuscripts are heavily vetted and carefully thought through, mainly because the publishing industry there is very competitive. By contrast, the Caribbean books tended to be from foreign publishers and that meant that they were often chosen according to what would sell in England, or some other foreign market. This made them immediately more remote from the experience they set out to describe. Only a handful of books really spoke to the contemporary Caribbean. The Canadian books were free of these constraints and felt far more confident in playing with forms, styles and registers etc. And because Canada, certainly Toronto, has reinvented itself around multicultural ideals, there were writers from all backgrounds.

PP Any GuyaneseCanadians?

BdC Off the top of my head – Tessa McWatt, who

I think is related to Mark McWatt.

PP “This Body”, the last book I read by her, was an impressive piece of writing...

BdC And there is Shani Mootoo from Trinidad. And, of course, there is Austin Clarke.

There are many others, but functionally they are Canadian writers who have lived there and have been published there. Even though they might be writing about the Caribbean experience/realities, they are

publishing within the context of the Canadian reading public...

PP ... and of ‘rigorous editing’

BdC Yes, which is not to detract from the literary skill involved, that is not what I’m suggesting, but the voice ... I’m trying to think of a West Indian equivalent … someone like Sam Selvon who was thoroughly Trinidadian and managed to write and publish from within his reality. A better example might be Earl Lovelace who has never left Trinidad and has been successfully published all these years. He’s just won that big prize...

PP ...for “Is Jus’ A Movie”...

BdC ... a terrific writer, there very few like him left.

PP You work at PEN Canada?

BdC Yes, the Canadian Centre of PEN International – a writers organisation that was founded in 1921. It’s a sort of proto-NGO set up by a small group of highbrow Bloomsbury authors. Over the years, its mission has expanded to foster solidarity among writers, particularly in countries where they can get into trouble...

PP Get into trouble with whom?

BdC With governments; in places where they get locked up etc. Fifty years ago, they formed the Writers in Prison Committee (WIPC) and that takes up the cases of hundreds of writers around the world.

PP Any particular country it focuses on?

BdC Originally, it was for writers of novels and plays that fell afoul of the Soviet Union. But has changed considerably over the years.

PP Because of PEN?

BdC No, because the Cold War ended and the nature of writing has changed. The people who face most of the threats now are journalists and bloggers. Which raises an interesting question, because the public’s attention has moved away from fiction and drama and into politics, journalism… current affairs.

PP What other roles does this group play?

BdC PEN promotes literature, and is also interested in linguistic rights, which is an increasingly sensitive subject in places like the European Union, preserving minority languages, which is something extremely relevant to a country like Guyana. Most people who live on the coast know nothing about the Amerindian languages, and certainly have not paid the proper respect to them. A shocking situation in a society that is notionally multicultural.

PP Over the years there was some work done on the Macushi language

BdC But how many of us know anything about those languages?

PP Is this marginalisation the sort of thing holding back writers and the literature of these peoples/ nations?

BdC Quite possibly. If you can’t communicate in your own language, you are

at the mercy of translators and the whims of the reading public. It is not that they are not performing within a system – there is no system. It matters not if you have a Tolstoy in the Rupununi, if he can’t write in Standard English or be published by an English press, he will never be noticed.

PP That is a grave concern for a nation.

BdC It should be.

PP And we should do something about it.

BdC In Canada they are waking up to this reality quite late.

PP How should we go about opening up ourselves to the hidden voices in our society? (TO BE CONTINUED)

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

What’s happening: The Guyana Annual 2012-2013 magazine is now available at Guyenterprise Ltd, at Austin’s bookstore and from the editor at the above contacts. This issue of the magazine is dedicated to E. R. Braithwaite. The magazine also features articles on copyright, law of intellectual property, creative industries, oral traditions of Guyana, the future of West Indian cricket and the future of books.

• Coming soon: “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature” by Petamber Persaud. This 150-pagebook is a rich collection of Guyanese pride and joy, containing more than 100 photographs.

Young Professionals

Inderpaul Bisnauth

Administrative Assistant

By Vahnu Manikchand

As a child growing up, Inderpaul Bisnauth was always told that he should not be selfish with regard to giving back to society, and that value has been moulding him into the person he is today.

At 31, Bisnauth has put in more than a decade of teaching and empowering youths, while at the same time developing his personal skills. Growing up in the village of Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, he has a strong religious background since his father is a pastor.

Like every other child who grew up in the countryside, Bisnauth had an adventurous and active childhood. He went swimming in the ocean, fishing and even camping. Bisnauth attended the village's nursery and primary schools, before going on to Stewartville Secondary School.

During his secondary years, he was not only interested in academics but had developed an interest in social activities such as sports, debates and workshops hosted by the education ministry. He went on to write the CXC examinations in 2000, gaining passes in seven subjects. After leaving school, Bisnauth began working. However, after sometime, he decided to further his education in accounting, and joined the Business School, but finished just a year.

He then began teaching at the Stewartville Secondary School and within one year, decided to become a qualified teacher as he had become fond of teaching and liked the idea of sharing his knowledge with youths while empowering them in the process.

In 2003, Bisnauth attended the Cyril Potter College of Education where he spent three years before graduating.

He devoted his time and commitment into teaching when, after several years he realized the need to further his education. He started a course in International Relations but in his third year at UG, he migrated, leaving his teaching job and taking a break from studying.

He returned earlier this year to resume his studies, and is now finishing his final year at UG while working as administrative assistant for a printing company. However, he noted that he would be returning to teaching as soon as he completes his studies.

Bisnauth has also been actively involved in several volunteering and youth empowerment activities. He has also represented UG at OAS forums in Peru and El Salvador. He is also the project ambassador for One World Project – a U.S. Embassy sponsored programme where countries share their cultures with each other at staged forums.

In addition, he was also the national winner of a PAHO competition, with an article he wrote on depression under the topic, Mental Health. He has recently been elected president of UG’s International Affairs.

Bisnauth noted that as a child growing up he was always told that he should give back to society as he is on earth for a reason.

“My parents used to tell me that I’m here for a purpose and I should not be selfish, but give myself to humanity; and that’s what I have done so far with my life. I didn’t realize it when I was young but I do now.”

He noted that he loves volunteering and working on projects which benefit society. “Life would be boring if we take everything for ourselves and don’t give back to others,” he said.

star of the week

Localtennis star Daniel Lopes is on his way to becoming one of Guyana’s top athletes. At just 8, Daniel viewed tennis as a serious sport. Observing his father play on the tennis court, Daniel wanted to learn more about the sport. He trained tirelessly to become a tennis champion. Now 16, Daniel is known for being a fierce competitor. The pro athlete has travelled to Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad, St. Vincent, Curacao, Dominican Republic and Suriname to compete. His impressive techniques and determination on the tennis court have helped Daniel to win three Under-18 tennis competitions locally. To be his best on court, Daniel blocks out all distractions and focuses solely on the ball rather than his opponent. For the young athlete, his parents are his inspiration because they inspire him to be his best through their support and encouragement. Daniel’s goals are to train harder in order to become a better lawn tennis player and to also stay focused on his school work with the ultimate goal of acquiring a scholarship. Other than tennis, Daniel enjoys swimming, basketball and playing video games. Currently, he is preparing to compete in French Guiana. His favourite athlete is Swiss professional tennis player Roger Federer.

Northern Caiman Lizard

The Northern Caiman lizard (Dracaena guianensis) or water tegu, is native to Guyana, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia in South America. It can be found inhabiting the rainforest and swampland areas. It is mostly aquatic and is an excellent climber.

One of the largest lizard species of the Americas, it is known to grow up to 120 centimetres (almost 4 feet) from snout to the tip of its tail.

Caiman lizards are large carnivorous predators. Snails are the primary source of food for the caiman lizard, along with insects and crabs, and occasional larger animals such as fish, rodents and amphibians.

Large predatory mammals, including jaguars, are known to hunt the caiman lizard, along with large reptiles like snakes and crocodiles.

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.

Did you know?

The Northern Caiman lizard has a clear third eyelid which is thought to act like a pair of goggles underwater. They are called caiman because they look like a crocodile with their armoured skin, but they are not crocs; they are lizards.

The Latin-named genus Dracaena is formed from the Ancient Greek word for "female dragon".

Spot the Difference

The Nuance of Natural Fibres

Designer impresses with unique collection that explores the beauty of natural fibres

Local designer Carol Fraser showcased an applauded line of fashionable hats and bags at the French Guiana Fashion Week 2013.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Fraser said her eco-friendly collection was sold exclusively to the French, who were very impressed with her work. She added that the bags and hats are all made of natural fibres garnered from her homeland.

“I am very happy to be a culture ambassador for my country. My plan is to educate an international audience of Guyana’s rich and diverse culture while at the same time promoting our Low Carbon Development Drive. This ‘green’ initiative will give innovators from around the world an opportunity to view some of Guyana’s natural fibres and creations,” she declared.

For more information on this collection, call 612-7846.

Get Ready for GFW 2013!

Aflurry of talented designers will hit the runway at the upcoming Guyana Fashion Week (GFW) gala event.

GFW is used to showcase the creativity and style of Guyanese and Caribbean designers, and has been embraced by the Private Sector over the past few years. Fashion Week 2013 promises to be a week of nonstop activities and events. Workshops, tours, styling sessions and catwalk training are a few of the features to be added as part of the show.

GFW CEO Sonia Noel, told Guyana Times Sunday Magazine that participating designers are all busy getting their collections ready for the October 20-27event.

Today, Sunday Magazine features the artistic and colourful designs of Paula Evans, the brilliant use of the tie-dye technique of Tracey Douglas, and the creative work of Tobagobased Guyanese designer Juliet Bernard. These fashion designers are just a few who would be participating at GFW 2013.

For more information on the event call 226-3099

rystal Reed is an American actress, best known for her role Allison Argent in the MTV series “Teen Wolf”. Reed studied dance from an early age. She was an active member of her local community theatre and starred in various musicals. In December 2008, Reed moved to Hollywood to pursue a screen career. During 2010, she guest starred in “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”, “CSI: NY”, “Rizzoli & Isles” and “The Hard Times of RJ Berger”. Since 2011, she has co-starred as Allison Argent in the MTV series “Teen Wolf”. Her character is a girl dealing with normal teenage issues in a family that hunts werewolves. Reed's film credits include “Skyline” opposite Donald Faison and Eric Balfour and “Crazy, Stupid, Love” opposite Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Steve Carell and Julianne Moore.

Nicki Minaj denies Zac Efron 'affair' report

Nicki Minaj, who recently was reported having "steamy sex affair" with Zac Efron, took to Twitter to address the issue.

"Who exactly is Zac Efron tho? I'm sorry, I'm so confused," the 30-year-old rapper wrote in a Twitter post, as quoted by Gossip Cop. The Twitter post was later removed.

A fan reportedly replied her tweet, sending a photo of a shirtless Zac. "Oooohhhh ok... Well I guess that rumor isn't so bad after all. lmfao," she wrote again.

Previously, Star magazine romantically linked the "Starships" singer to the 25-year-old actor. "Zac and Nicki shared a steamy night together. Nicki took Zac to her house in West Hollywood. She said he was the best lover she's ever had," a source told the magazine.

Zac was recently said having completed a rehab stint for substance addic-

tion. Zac, however, did not say anything about the rehab report. Speaking to Chicago Sun-Times recently, the "Parkland" star told the news outlet that he was in a good place. "I'm doing what I set out to do. You have to go for it. You have to try. I want to challenge myself with tough

parts. I wouldn't want it any other way. As an actor, my goal has always been to continue to challenge myself and learn and grow as an artist. I've been very lucky to have the chance to work alongside of great actors and directors. I couldn't ask for anything better," he said. (AceShowbiz)

Britney Spears' sexy music video banned in U.K.

The sexy music video for Britney Spears' "Work B**ch" is apparently too much for audience in the U.K.. The Ben Mor-directed clip, which sees the former Disney star dancing seductively and posing in several provocative outfits as she busts out a whip, has now been banned before 10 P.M. on all U.K. TV channels, including MTV.

"While the video has gone down a storm online, it's a bit too much to play

on TV," a source told British media Daily Mirror. "Music stations like The Box and MTV have their hands tied." Spears has reportedly been asked to release an edited version that is more safe for all audience. However, there's still no words on whether Spears will drop one.

Spears herself thinks that the final cut of her video is appropriate enough for all viewers. During a radio interview with The TJ Show

on Thursday, October 3, the mother of two revealed that the video's initial version was raunchier.

"Oh my god, we showed way more skin and did way more stuff for the video then what is actually there," Spears said of the initial version of "Work B**ch" video. "Like, I cut out half the video because I am a mother and because, you know, I have children, and it's just hard to play sexy mom while you're being a pop star as well.I just have to be true to myself and feel it out when I do stuff."

Spears' team recently denied reports that the 31-year-old singer was pressured into filming sexy scenes for the video. Mother

Jamie Spears and manager Larry Rudolph told TMZ, "Britney is never pressured into anything. She reviews all creative and for her 'Work B**ch' video she discussed toning down some parts in finding a balance of sexy and being a mom." (AceShowbiz)

Nina Dobrev goes topless to support

Nina Dobrev shed her clothes, not to mention her inhibitions, when she posed topless for an Instagram shot on Oct. 3- all in the name of activism. “The Vampire Diaries” actress held up a cardboard sign across her naked chest that read, "#getcovered," a reference to President Obama's Affordable Care Act.

"Im Canadian. We have healthcare for all," the 24-year-old star explained in the caption. "If you dont have insurance go and #GetCovered ,Because w/o it, youre naked."

Other Hollywood celebs who've shown off their own home-made signs in support of Obamacare (without doffing their clothes) include Rosario Dawson, Connie Britton, Kerry Washington, and Kate Bosworth. Dobrev's provocative take on the grassroots campaign has so far generated nearly 94,000 likes.

Dobrev isn't just covered when it comes to health insurance -- she also has her love life covered! A source told Us that she is currently dating BFF Julianne Hough's older brother, Dancing With the Stars' Derek

While Miley Cyrus has a batch of critics, there is a group rallying behind her and praising her as a vital talent: rappers.

Pharrell produced several songs on Cyrus' new album. She has been featured on the latest albums from Snoop Lion and will.i.am. Big Sean requested her as the star of his "Fire" music video. And to top it off, Kanye West invited her to appear on the remix to "Black Skinhead," his anti-racism rant from his eerie and dark "Yeezus" album.

Cyrus' album "Bangerz," out Tuesday, features guest spots from Big Sean, Nelly, Future and French Montana. In an interview, Juicy J called the 20-year-old "a genius." 50 Cent, who hasn't yet worked with her, added that Cyrus "can be on anything hip-hop orientated because (she's) rebellious."

The idea of the former "Hannah Montana" star becoming a muse for rap stars seems odd to some, but Mike WiLL Made-It, who executive produced "Bangerz," said the sing-

‘Obamacare’

Hough. In a post to her WhoSay account on Monday, Sept. 23, Dobrev even

a heartfelt caption to accompany a shot of the 28-year-old dancer posing with his Outstanding Choreography Emmy.

"Those of us touched by your light got to watch you brighten up the rest of the world," she wrote. "Keep shining!" (US Magazine)

er has struck a chord with rappers because she isn't following in the footsteps of pop stars like Katy Perry but creating her own bold path.

"People like Kanye are fans of music, people like Pharrell are fans of all types of music. ... It all boils down to her being very talented and not scared to do new things," said the producer, whose new single, "23," features Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J. "Her voice is incredible. It's one of a kind ... no limitations," added Mike WiLL MadeIt, who is behind hits like Juicy J's "Bandz a Make Her Dance" and Rihanna's "Pour It Up."

Cyrus, who will host and perform on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" this week, has been the girl of the moment for months now. It started with her transformation from teen queen to twerk queen, rising with her edgy "We Can't Stop" party-style music video. Of course, she hit new heights (or to some, new depths) with her eye-popping, sexually charged MTV Video Music Awards performance in August. It featured the scantily dressed singer twerking, gyrating on Robin Thicke and what's become her signature move — sticking out her tongue.

The wild child antics — from being nude in the music video for her first No. 1 hit, "Wrecking Ball," to her embrace of drug culture in a recent Rolling Stone interview — have made headlines. But her VMA performance and twerking with black female dancers caused another stir, with many questioning if Cyrus is wrongfully appropriating black culture as a path to success.

But while the star is a product of hip-hop culture, "Bangerz" is far from a hip-hop album. The 13-track set has moments that are downbeat, others are up-tempo dance numbers and electronic. It also features Britney Spears and production and songwriting work from pop master Dr. Luke. (OMG! Yahoo)

Rick Ross, Meek Mill and Wale sued over canceled concert

Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale and two other Maybach Music Group members, Omarion and Stalley, are being sued for allegedly missing a concert in London, TMZ learns. A British promoter has now filed a lawsuit against the rappers.

The suit stated that the rappers were supposed to perform in Wembley Arena in London on September 12, 2012, after the promoter advanced a large portion of the rappers' performance fees. Mill eventually tried to postpone and reschedule the show, but the concert never happened.

The promoter is now seeking its money back in the lawsuit, claiming that it had paid US$93,281.26 for the rappers' flights and other expenses.

TMZ also released a list of the fees that were supposed to be pocketed by each rap-

per if the concert went as planned. Ross was reportedly supposed to make US$100,000. Meanwhile Mill, Wale, Omarion and Stalley were slated to be paid US$40,000, US$35,000, US$12,000 and US$5,500, respectively. (AceShowbiz)

Sundeep Kishan

Sundeep Kishan is an Indian film actor who appears in Tamil, Telugu and Bollywood films. He is best known for his role in the film “Prasthanam” (2010). Earlier he had assisted director Gautham Menon on “Vaaranam Aayiram” (2008). Sundeep graduated from Loyola College, Chennai. He is the nephew of cinematographers Chota K. Naidu and Shyam K. Naidu. The actor worked as an assistant director to Gautham Menon for a year, before making his acting debut in “Sneha Geetham”, a product of LARSCO (Lagadapati Sridhar) who produced films like “Evadi Gola Vaadide” and “Style”. Sundeep's debut Bollywood movie was “Shor in the City”.

Bollywood

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is in New Zealand for his Temptation Reloaded tour, was welcomed by the country's Prime Minister John Key in Auckland.

The 47-year-old actor was given a traditional Maori welcome on October 2 and presented with an official New Zealand Black Caps cricket shirt in recognition of his love of the game.

Shah Rukh thanked his hosts and talked about his previous visit to the country some 12 years ago. He said his son would be thrilled with the Black Caps shirt as he is a big fan.

"The Honourable PM Mr John Key gave us such a warm welcome. Thank you all on behalf of Temptation in Auckland, and also to Judith & Todd.

"Rehearsals on still. Had too much fun... Honey Singh did his rap for all of us. Too much fun with Madhuri, Rani and Jaqueline," SRK tweeted.

The "Chak De India" star will perform with stars like Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukerji, Jacqueline Fernandez, Yo Yo Honey Singh and Meiyang Chang on Friday as part of the tour.

The actor also recalled the last time he performed in Auckland.

"In Auckland how pretty is this place! Now onto rehearsals and stuff. Was so many years ago I performed here... Very different and new," he added.

Madhuri also took to Twitter to share her excitement about the tour.

"Can't express how much I am enjoying the Auckland show. The crowd here rocks!! Thanks guys #temptationreloaded,"

New Zealand and India have a co-production agreement and in recent years two Indian productions, "I Hate Luv Storys" and "Players" have been filmed in the country.

Currently New Zealand welcomes around 30,000 visitors from India each year.

The prime minister also invited all Indian cricket fans to travel to New Zealand in January-February 2014 when the Indian national team is touring the country, and again in 2015 for the Cricket World Cup 2015. (Indian Express)

Deepika Padukone launches fashion collection

DPadukone

a nationwide fashion collection inspired by old Hollywood glamour.

The 28-year-old, who be-

gan her career on the catwalk, created the range for Indian fashion label Van Heusen.

She explained: "It's a little bit of what I already have

and what I would like to see myself wearing. The collection is really about wearing your own personality. That's something I've always believed in. It's important to not forget who you are."

Commenting on the collection, designer Vinay Bhopatkar said: "Women fashion followers have been quite influenced by Deepika's overall charisma and this creation sparkles with her elegant style. These dresses are an ultimate combination of style, class, modernity and substance."

The former model appeared alongside Shah Rukh Khan in a major fashion show for the designer Manish Malhotra in August.

In April, the 28-yearold was voted the 'Most Desirable Woman of 2012' in a poll by TIMES. (Digital Spy)

Dia may postpone her marriage

The actor-turned-producer is busy with her film starring Vidya Balan. Dia Mirza is in the process of finalising the logistics of her upcoming detective drama “Bobby Jasoos”. The film features Vidya Balan in the titular role.

The film will be produced under the banner of Born Free Entertainment, the production house Dia runs with boyfriend Sahil Sangha and according to her, it has taken them almost two years to finalise the script.

When asked about selecting Vidya to play the role of a lady detective, Dia says: "She was our first and the only choice. Although the script wasn't written keeping her in mind, we knew she would be the most suitable actor to play the part. Apart from the fact that she has an unmatchable grace, she is on the top of her game these days."

So, would we see her kicking some serious butt in the film? "No, that is a preconceived notion people have about detectives. It's a human story with elements of romance, thrill and comedy. Bobby is not a character that wears leather pants and handles mean machines; it's more a story about how she uses her inquisitiveness and eyefor-detail to become a detective."

The film is set in Hyderabad-the city where Dia was born and grew up in. "There are little details which only someone who has lived in a place for a long time would know. I have worked closely with the writers so we could get the nuances right."

Another aspect of the film that has her mighty excited is the music. Shantanu

Munnabhai (2006). We hope to recreate the same magic." However, ask her about her impending marriage with Sahil, and Dia admits that the film might push the dates further. "We've been planning to get married since ages," she laughs. "We were looking for early next year, but it may get postponed to late 2014," she reveals, before signing off. (Mumbai Mirror)

‘Krrish 3’ gears up to make an early entry

The third installment of the franchise will now hit the theatres on November 1.

Even superheroes have to bend to the will of film distributors sometimes.

The release date of Hrithik Roshan starrer “Krrish 3” has been brought forward three days and the film will now release on November 1 instead of November 4.

Rakesh Roshan made the decision after distributors insisted on a Friday release.

The filmmaker told Mirror, "Most distributors advised that I release my film on a Friday instead of Monday which I agreed to as November 1 also happens to be Dhanteras which is an auspicious date.''

Roshan, senior, had earlier planned to release the film on Sunday, November 3, which is the day of Lakshmi Puja, but the date was pushed to Monday after the

filmmaker was told that the public does not tend to flock to theatres that day.

"Any day would not prove beneficial if the film is not good. And it is after almost 10 years that Diwali is coming on a Sunday and my film will get a four day weekend with a Friday release and I am really happy about it,'' Roshan Sr added.

Exhibitors have also welcomed the shift.

Vishal Anand, Senior Vice President, Fun Cinemas, said, "The positives in releasing the film on November 1 is that it will have a clear weekend holiday run for the first four days increasing its potential to become the fastest hundred crore collection. If the film was to release on November 4 then the preceding days would have been working days."

Trade analyst, Amod Mehra, said, "November 1 is a very good date and it is always nice to release on a normal Friday besides the date is followed by a long weekend which goes up to Tuesday.''

Also, ticket prices during the Diwali week are the highest during the year, a factor that benefits both the exhibitor and the producer.

(Mumbai Mirror)

Farah, Hrithik to launch jewellery line

Jewellery designer Farah Khan-Ali has collaborated with her brother-in-law and movie star Hrithik Roshan to create an exclusive line of silver jewellery and accessory for "Krrish 3".

The products will be available on Farah Khan Fine Jewellery Portal starting Saturday and includes Krrish bands, Krrish mobile charms, Krrish pendants, chains, pins and Krrish power masks.

Talking about the collaboration, Farah said: "The motivation behind it was Hrithik, who himself has overcome his personal obstacles to be a public figure and inspire people to achieve success irrespective of hurdles."

"It is an inspirational piece of jewellery, and my designs have always reflected a deeper thought and this time it's no different. We want people to wear these to give them strength, to give them courage to do the right thing in life... There is a Krrish in all of us," she added.

Hrithik also feels that "the values that define Krrish have by far, had the biggest

impact on my life".

"It's more than just a character or a movie to me. Krrish is a symbol of courage, strength, power and harmony. It's not just about the cape or the mask; it's a mental stance! Anyone can be a superhero, once we recognise the values he lives by; all we have to do is decide," he added. (India Today)

Times Healthy Living Beauty

Biggest Makeup Mistakes That Age You

Foundation foul-up

When fine lines settle in and sun spots multiply, many women reach for foundation, layering it on like it's going out of style. Unfortunately, instead of hiding imperfections, the more-is-better strategy brings attention to them. Excess product has nowhere to go but to settle into creases, which exaggerates wrinkles, and thick layers piled on top of each other create a dated, masklike complexion.

For smooth, flawless-looking skin, choose a lightweight liquid foundation over a powder. Look for an easy-absorbing fluid formula; it moisturizes skin and is easier to blend than powders, which can turn chalky and leave behind a dull, flat finish, a trait we associate with older skin. Squeeze a nickel-size amount in your palm and rub it on like you would a moisturizer. Applying with your fingers instead of a brush eliminates the chance of product overload.

Runny mascara

While waterproof mascara is less prone to smudging, the stronger formulas can dry out lashes, which can become thinner and more fragile as we age. To get full-looking lashes sans smearing, Carmindy, host and makeup artist for TLC's “What Not to Wear”, offers the following tips:

To give the illusion that skimpy lashes are thick, smudge a chocolate brown eyebrow pencil along the roots of the lash

By Dr yeaswantie Beekhoo PhD

So many times I hear people say “they sit and dream of the perfect person”, without realizing that is where it all started. Yes! Our perception created lots of misconceptions which lead to expectations, and this in turn leads to the road of disappointment. This is creating lots of pain within one’s system. For example, most of us want to find a partner to share our lives with. But how do we know the one we

line.

To coat and seal delicate lashes, choose a gentle mascara “[that’s] made with polymers that form a tube around each

lash to prevent smudging, yet it comes off easily with warm water,” says Carmindy.

Over-plucked Brows

It's important to resist the urge to over-pluck brows, especially as we age. Over-tweezing can make brows disappear entirely, and those strands may never grow back. Thankfully, there are brow pencils and powders that can bring sparse hairs back to their fullest potential.

To apply, start at the inner brow and work your way outward using a stiff, angled brush or sharp brow pencil, whichever you prefer, and make short, feathery strokes.

Metallic lids

Like the '80s obsession with perms, every trend must come to an end. One of the hardest for women to kick: frosty eye shadow. When eyelids become less taut, usually around age 40, it's time to graduate from the glitter. Shimmer shadows settle into crinkles, magnifying crepey lids.

Matte shadows, on the other hand, are extremely flattering. Taupes, lavenders, soft peaches, and greys work on all skin tones. Want to up the drama? Incorporate eyeliner in a jewel tone such as garnet or plum for a pop of colour.

“To create the illusion of a lifted eye, avoid heavy liner on the bottom lash and apply it to the upper, outer corners of the eyes,” says Shawn Towne, national educator for Jane Iredale. (Prevention)

Relationship Issues

thing you don’t understand. Experiences which you do not understand creates a cycle in your life, which simply means that when you think you have just got rid of the problem, you haven’t – you will encounter the same problem again because you haven’t learnt from the first one. Do you want that?

Listen to your thoughts, what is it telling you, why are you even reading this article? Question yourself: you are not alone; almost every couple will experience relationship difficulties. Couples will always be confronted with things of their past and sometimes they can become overwhelmed by old and new challenges they face, but mostly they are able to deal with them and move on.

Susan says: “He left me for another woman!” John says: “She left me for another guy”, Mary says: “we weren’t sexually compatible.” Jessica sobs: “He’s cheating on me, but I don’t want to leave him, but he wants to leave me.”

choose to be with wants to be with us? However, when we finally fall in love, or “think” we are in love, and feel we are ready to make a serious commitment to a relationship that we believe will last us to old age, we have expectations that we will merge as one and act together in union with each other and cultivate our dream; but we come to realize that our dreams are nothing more than a learning experience. In our journey, the first lesson is tolerance; issues or problems will always be present. It is inevitable to try to escape from some-

These are just few of the relationship issues we experience every day, but what are we learning from these challenges? Are we using these problems to motivate us or are we aggressively expressing anger toward our partners, family, friends, co-workers or ourselves?

However, sometimes these challenges leave each partner feeling alienated and alone and unable to sort out the issues, no matter how hard they try. I believe that many of us are affiliated with the “silent treatment” technique.

The same old arguments occur over and over, with the same frustrating out-

comes, both partners can feel stuck in such a relationship that is not motivating or even stimulating. This is not considered to be a healthy, productive relationship for the couple nor

their children. As time goes on, one or both may start considering separation. Sadly, separation and divorce statistics are high, yet many of the difficulties that threaten

the survival of relationships can be sorted out, with the right help of course. In next week’s article we will be sharing some common points you can use to reflect upon.

Outdoor Showers

Designers refer to outdoor showers as al fresco showers. (From Italian al fresco meaning “outside, at a fresh temperature": in the cool) It is a non-traditional design element, often considered too risqué or rustic. But maybe you can be inspired by these homeowners...

Most outdoor showers are used at homes or other places with an outdoor swimming pool, or near beaches, to wash off before going in and after coming out the water

outdoor

Lemon-Chicken Drumsticks

Method:

Rinse the chicken and pat dry.

2. Combine the lemon zest and juice, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the drumsticks and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, or overnight.

3. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

4. Arrange the drumsticks in a shallow roasting dish to fit (use two dishes to avoid crowding). Pour any marinade over the chicken and bake, basting occasionally, until the drumsticks are cooked through and golden brown, about 1 1/4 hours.

5. If the drumsticks have not browned enough, place them under the broiler, 4 inches from the heat source, for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until browned, watching carefully.

6. Spoon the rice on a platter and arrange the

drumsticks on top. Pour the chicken pan juices into a small saucepan and cook over mediumhigh heat until thickened. Pour over the chicken and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.

Lemon Lemon Loaf

Method

Lemon Cakes

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the sides and bottom of two 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper and spray the paper.

Sift both flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.

Put the sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a food processor and pulse until combined. With the motor running, drizzle the butter in through the feed tube. Add the sour cream and vanilla and pulse until combined. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.

Sprinkle the flour mixture, one third at a time, folding gently after each addition until just combined. Do not over mix.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the centre of the oven for 20 minutes, rotate the pans, reduce the oven temperature to

325 degrees F., and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the loaf comes out clean.

Let cool in the pans for 15 minutes.

Lemon Syrup Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, continue to cook for 3 more minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper and invert the loaves onto the pan. Use a toothpick to poke holes in the tops and sides of the loaves. Brush the tops and sides of the loaves with the lemon syrup. Let the syrup soak into the cake and brush again. Let the cakes cool completely, at least 30 minutes.

(The soaked but unglazed loaves will keep, wrapped in two layers of plastic wrap and frozen, for up to 6 weeks.)

Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and 4 tablespoons of the lemon juice. The mixture should be thick but pourable. If the mixture is too stiff, add up to another 2 tablespoons lemon juice and whisk again, adding small amounts of lemon juice and/or confectioners' sugar until you get the right consistency. Pour the lemon glaze over the top of each loaf and let it drip down the sides. Let the lemon glaze harden, about 15 minutes, before serving.

(The glazed loaves will keep for up to three days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, at room temperature.)

What is the next number in the following series? 123, 354, 897, 1875, 10626, ?

Times Creative Writing

Snidely the Bridge Troll

Once upon a time there was a troll that lived up under the Creek Bridge down at Low Hollow creek. He was a short ugly fellow, but very strong. His hair was straight, red and stuck out like a mop. His skin was really wrinkly and felt like sandpaper. His clothes were always smelly. His name was "Snidely."

One day, Snidely was sleeping and something woke him up. Someone was coming! It was a young boy and girl in a carriage.

Every time someone tried to cross the bridge, Snidely would jump out in front, cross his arms and demand one dollar. "You cannot cross my bridge without giving me a dollar first," said Snidely, with a scowl on his face. If you didn't pay, he would throw you over the side.

figured he would climb up high enough that he would not have to worry about the water.

Just as he began to climb, he heard, "Stop, you can't climb this tree without paying me five dollars."

It was Chunky the gorilla. Chunky was a nice gorilla, but he was very tired of seeing Snidely causing so much trouble with the people

The boy and girl in the carriage were so scared they could hardly speak.

"Ok, we will pay," said the boy to Snidely. "We have to get home before the storm," he said to the girl.

Snidely let them through and waved as they got to the other side and rode out of sight. He really wasn't mean; he just wanted to see if people would really pay.

Back under the bridge again, Snidely began to hear some wind and it began to rain. It rained harder and harder. Snidely began to worry as the water started to rise in the creek. He was a strong bully, but he could not swim.

Higher and higher it rose. Snidely began to sweat. Snidely had to do something quickly or he would be washed down the river.

He got out from under the bridge and went over to the tall fir tree next to the creek. He

"I only have four dollars," said "I guess you'll have to swim for it then," said Chunky to Snidely. "I don't know how to swim," Snidely. "I will surely drown!

"That's a bummer, you should have saved your money"

"I tell you what I'll do" said Chunky. "If you will agree not to charge people for crossing the bridge anymore, I will not only let you climb my tree, but you can come into my house and have dinner with me, as I was just getting ready to sit down and eat."

"It's a deal," said Snidely.

They sat down, ate dinner, and became very good friends.

From that day forward, Snidely became known as the nice troll that lived under the bridge.

Whenever someone came down in the hollow to cross Creek Bridge, Snidely would walk and talk with them as they went across. Sometimes he would even sell them drinks and food from the little store he started next to the bridge.

Now people come to Creek Bridge, whenever they can, to see Snidely. He is actually a real fun guy!

Poem

Teddy Bear

A bear, however hard he tries, Grows tubby without exercise. Our Teddy Bear is short and fat, Which is not to be wondered at; He gets what exercise he can By falling off the ottoman, But generally seems to lack The energy to clamber back.

Now tubbiness is just the thing Which gets a fellow wondering; And Teddy worried lots about The fact that he was rather stout. He thought: "If only I were thin! But how does anyone begin?" He thought: "It really isn't fair To grudge me exercise and air."

For many weeks he pressed in vain His nose against the window-pane, And envied those who walked about Reducing their unwanted stout. None of the people he could see "Is quite" (he said) "as fat as me!" Then with a still more moving sigh, "I mean" (he said) "as fat as I!"

Now Teddy, as was only right, Slept in the ottoman at night, And with him crowded in as well More animals than I can tell; Not only these, but books and things, Such as a kind relation bringsOld tales of "Once upon a time", And history retold in rhyme.

Of altering from day to day. Is 'Handsome Louis' with us yet? Unfortunately I forget."

Next morning (nose to window-pane) The doubt occurred to him again. One question hammered in his head: "Is he alive or is he dead?" Thus, nose to pane, he pondered; but The lattice window, loosely shut, Swung open. With one startled "Oh!" Our Teddy disappeared below.

There happened to be passing by A plump man with a twinkling eye, Who, seeing Teddy in the street, Raised him politely on his feet, And murmured kindly in his ear Soft words of comfort and of cheer: "Well, well!" "Allow me!" "Not at all." "Tut-tut!" A very nasty fall."

One night it happened that he took A peep at an old picture-book, Wherein he came across by chance The picture of a King of France (A stoutish man) and, down below, These words: "King Louis So and So, Nicknamed 'The Handsome!' " There he sat, And (think of it) the man was fat!

Our bear rejoiced like anything To read about this famous King, Nicknamed the "Handsome." Not a doubt The man was definitely stout. Why then, a bear (for all his tub) Might yet be named "The Handsome Cub!"

"Might yet be named." Or did he mean That years ago he "might have been"? For now he felt a slight misgiving: "Is Louis So and So still living? Fashions in beauty have a way

Our Teddy answered not a word; It's doubtful if he even heard. Our bear could only look and look: The stout man in the picture-book! That "handsome" King - could this be he, This man of adiposity? "Impossible," he thought. "But still, No harm in asking. Yes, I will!"

"Are you," he said, "by any chance His Majesty the King of France?" The other answered, "I am that," Bowed stiffly, and removed his hat; Then said, "Excuse me," with an air

"But is it Mr. Edward Bear?"

And Teddy, bending very low, Replied politely, "Even so!"

They stood beneath the window there, The King and Mr. Edward Bear, And, handsome, if a trifle fat, Talked carelessly of this and that... Then said His Majesty, "Well, well, I must get on," and rang the bell. "Your bear, I think," he smiled. "Good-day!" And turned, and went upon his way.

A bear, however hard he tries, Grows tubby without exercise. Our Teddy Bear is short and fat, Which is not to be wondered at. But do you think it worries him

To know that he is far from slim? No, just the other way aboutHe's proud of being short and stout.

A.A. Milne

For the first time, scientists have watched Earth heal itself after an earthquake

The process of Earthhealing is similar to the body repairing a cut, researchers from China and the United States reported July in the journal Science. During an earthquake, the ground tears apart along a fault, leaving a jagged series of fractures.

After China's devastating magnitude 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake in 2008, fluids filled the fractured fault, like blood gushing into a wound, the team found by drilling into the fault.

Within two years — a blink of the eye in geologic time — the fault was speedily knitting itself back together, closing gaps through a combination of processes. But the gashes occasionally reopened when damaged by shaking from distant earthquakes, the study reports.

No one knows for sure how faults heal, and the observations from the Wenchuan drilling project offer more questions than answers. But the project's long-term monitoring of fractures opening and closing on a fault offers a series of fascinating puzzles for scientists to solve, said Chris Marone, a geophysicist at Penn State University who was not involved in the study.

"These are new observations. Unravelling exactly what's going on here could have serious implications for a lot of really important technical things," Marone said. Models based on the

results could impact any place where water flows underground, such as in faults or aquifers or wells, he said.

Rapid response drilling

The Wenchuan project team tracked the healing process through a series of deep boreholes drilled through the fault. The study is part of an ongoing global effort to examine faults immediately after earthquakes, in hopes of checking the results of decades of laboratory experiments and computer modelling.

"We already know there are a lot of reasons real faults may not behave the way we think they do," said

Emily Brodsky, a study co-author and geophysicist at the University of California, Santa Cruz. "If we're going to gain some actual new insights or go well beyond where our imaginations went before, we need the real deal," she said.

The Chinese-sponsored Wenchuan earthquake Fault Scientific Drilling project began 178 days after the May 12, 2008, earthquake. The massive temblor killed more than 80,000 people. Five boreholes pierced through the messy fault zone, finding 0.4 inches (1 centimetre) of fresh fault gouge, a type of pulverized rock.

For 18 months, the team monitored the fault's per-

A Green Planet

This image is a snapshot of the Earth created from a year’s worth of data from April 2012 to April 2013, taken from the NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP satellite. The amazing maps of Earth's vegetation highlight areas where plant life is the densest and barest, while leaving out the 75 percent of the planet that is covered in blue oceans and seas. Although 75 percent of the planet is a relatively unchanging ocean of blue, the remaining 25 percent of Earth's surface is a dynamic green. Subtle vegetation changes are visible in this year-long visualization. Large-scale patterns vary with seasons, but the local variations in green are also sensitive to precipitation, drought, and fire.

meability, a measure of how quickly water flows through the rock. Permeability is a stand-in for damage on the fault, Brodsky said — as the fault heals, the area should become less permeable to fluids. The experiment tracked the ebb and

flow of fault fluids from tidal forces, the same tugs from the sun and moon that create ocean tides.

The researchers saw a steady decrease in permeability at the boreholes. As the gaps and fractures along the fault zone filled in with new minerals deposited by the fluids, or squeezed shut, the permeability drops, the researchers think.

The overall permeability drop was significantly faster than predicted by laboratory experiments, Brodsky told Live Science’s Our Amazing Planet. The likely reason is rapid fault healing, but Brodsky said she doesn't have a good explanation for how that happens yet. "I don't know why it's faster," she said. "This sort of begs us to work out the process."

Remote triggering

But they did solve another puzzle: Six shortterm jumps in the permeability, random events with no link to local aftershocks or equipment prob-

lems. The team eventually realized shaking from big but distant earthquakes broke open healed sections of the fault, Brodsky said. Some of the remote culprits include the March 2011 Japan earthquake and a magnitude-7.8 earthquake in Sumatra in April 2010.

"We expected to see some sort of healing effect, but we did not expect to see this re-damaging effect, so that was sort of a surprise," Brodsky said. "This interplay is a much more complicated process than we anticipated seeing."

Earthquakes on one fault are known to damage other nearby faults, and big earthquakes can trigger new temblors worldwide. But this is the first time effects of dynamic stress — the passing of seismic waves — have been seen on a fault with such detail. "It really forces us to go back and put on our thinking caps about dynamic stresses," Marone said.

(Discovery News)

Apple launched its iPhone 5s and cheaper iPhone 5c handsets as people queued outside their stores across the globe, with the gold model of the 5s most popular, selling out in certain regions online and in stores.

The phones are now in such demand that some have appeared on eBay for three times their retail value, while others are being blatantly re-sold on the black market outside shops

with high mark ups. But do they live up to the hype?

Technology journalist MARK PRIGG in San Francisco reviews both models...

IPhone 5S: 'The Best Smartphone Ever Made'

It has sold out around the world and after a week using Apple’s new iPhone 5s, it’s absolutely no surprise - this is, without doubt, the best smartphone ever made. Crucially, technology like

Tech news

the fingerprint sensor built into the home button also changes how we use our phones - no more annoying passcodes. It’s a technology that, after just a few days, you take for granted and going back to entering passcodes just seems a waste of time.

The sensor works flawlessly and up to four people can be programmed into each handset. At the moment, it’s only used for unlocking your phone and making iTunes purchases, but expect Apple to expand that to mobile payments in the near future.

Visually, the iPhone 5s looks identical to the iPhone 5, except for a silver ring around the home button and a redesigned camera. But don’t let that fool you; this is a big step forward from the iPhone 5, even if many of the changes are not immediately obvious. The iPhone 5s processor is a big leap forward for Apple, and is the first 64-bit chip in a mobile phone.

The most obvious difference is that menus and scrolling is a little bit snappi-

FBI arrests notorious online drugs site suspect

The FBI has announced the arrest of the suspected operator of a clandestine online marketplace for drugs and other illegal items, known as the Silk Road.

A spokeswoman said that Ross William Ulbricht was arrested "without incident" by its agents at a public library in San Francisco Tuesday. She added he had been charged with conspiracy to traffic narcotics.

The FBI said it has also seized approximately $3.6m worth of bitcoins - a virtual currency. The agency described it as the biggest Bitcoin seizure to date.

The Silk Road is now offline - those trying to access it are presented with a notice saying the site has been seized. Users had previously been able to access the service through Tor - an anonymous web browsing system that requires special software.

Mr Ulbricht made an initial appearance at San Francisco federal court where a bail hearing was set for Friday.

In addition to the narcotics trafficking allegation he also faces charges of computer hacking conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, according to court filings.

"From in or about January 2011, up to and including September 2013, the Silk Road Hidden Website... has served as an online marketplace where illegal drugs and other illicit goods and services have been regularly bought and sold by the site's users," state court papers filed in the Southern District of New

Review: Why the iPhone 5S is the 'best smartphone ever made' and the colourful iPhone 5C 'doesn't feel cheap'

only saw it when the public did - so expect a lot of app updates in the coming months.

er.

However, the best is yet to come with this added power, as we really haven’t seen what it can do yet. The demos that have been shown of games in particular using the feature are jaw-dropping. Because of Apple’s veil of secrecy surrounding the new processor, developers

The iPhone 5s also has a hidden secret and one that points squarely at Apple’s much-rumoured iWatch becoming a reality. As well as the main A7 processor, there’s a little chip called M7, which allows your phone to capture a huge amount of data about your movements through a variety of sensors without draining the battery as current apps do. It effectively puts the internals of trackers like the Nike

Fuelband of FitBit into your phone. Most importantly, it gets app developers thinking about how to use this kind of data in a phone, or a wearable computer in general. It's definitely an evolution of the iPhone 5, but the 5S does more than enough to warrant an upgrade Apple has also addressed the criticism of its camera - but in a slightly different way to others such as Nokia, who recently released a 41 megapixel cameraphone.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

York. "The complainant further alleges, in part, that the Silk Road Hidden Website is designed to facilitate the illicit commerce hosted on the site by providing anonymity to its users, by operating on what is known as The Onion Router or Tor network... and by requiring all transactions to be paid in bitcoins, an electronic currency designed to be as anonymous as cash."

It adds that Mr Ulbricht - who is alleged to have gone by the pseudonym Dread Pirate Roberts - had generated sales of more than $1.2bn via the Silk Road.

The FBI believes he took cuts ranging between 8 to 15 percent and was subsequently involved in a money laundering operation to hide the activity.

Silk Road took its name from the historic trade routes spanning Europe, Asia and parts of Africa. News reports and other internet chatter helped it become notorious. However, most users would not have been able to stumble upon the site as the service could only be accessed through Tor.

Tor was invented by the US Naval Research Laboratory and has subsequently been used by journalists and free speech campaigners, among others, to safeguard people's anonymity.

But it has also been used as a means to hide illegal activities, leading it to be dubbed "the dark web".

Payments for goods on Silk Road were made with the virtual currency Bitcoin, which can be hard to monitor. Court documents from the FBI said the site had just under a million registered users, but investigators said they did not know how many were active.

Earlier this year Carnegie Mellon University estimated that more than $1.22m worth of trading took place on the Silk Road every month. (BBC News)

Aseries of new paintings highlighting indigenous heritage done by local art veteran George Simon, is currently on display at Castellani House on Vlissengen Road.

Simon was born April 23, 1947, at St Cuthbert’s Mission, located up the Mahaica River. He holds a degree in Fine Art from Portsmouth Polytechnic (1975-78) and a Masters in Field and Analytical Techniques in Archaeology from the University College, London (l994).

He served as a lecturer (1978) and assistant principal (1980) at the Burrowes School of Art (BSA). Additionally, he was once appointed as research assistant at the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology in 1985.

Simon’s archaeological background dates back since the early 80s. He was also instrumental in a recent archeological discovery in Guyana. Along with a team of archaeologists, Simon examined a field of man-made mounds stretching several miles between the Berbice and Corentyne rivers dating back 5000 years.

The Lokono Arawak artist and archaeologist has won the Judges Prize for Painting at the National Visual Arts Exhibition in 1986. Simon also received the National Award of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A.) in 1998. Additionally, he has received the Ansa McCal Caribbean Award for Excellence in the field of Arts and Letters in 2012.

Simon is a pioneer of visual art in Guyana. Notably, his work is housed in private and public collections worldwide.

At the launching of ‘Silent Witness’, an ongoing art exhibition at Castellani House where Simon is exhibiting his most recent paintings, curator Elfrieda Bissember stated, “Though silent of words, the elegant, twisting forms of George Simon's ‘Tree Root #1’ and ‘Tree Root #2’ speak

and symbolize conditions of life; his leaping ‘Bimichi (Hummingbird)’ revered in myth as a powerful bird, used as a charm and an embodiment of a god, is a familiar yet magical creature with its glowing colour and ‘furiously reverberating wings and body: one of the thousands of miraculous manifestations of the natural world. Simon's ‘Jaguar’ similarly, one of a series of recent paintings, is a dominant creature in Amerindian life and myth, symbolizing strength and protection for hunters, as well as a powerful ally of the ‘Shaman’ (medicine man or healer) in his work.”

The artist is currently exhibiting his paintings, along with work done by Victor Captain and Oswald Hussein, at Castellani House until October 12.

‘Like Water for Chocolate’ for Classic Tuesdays at Castellani House

The National Gallery in conjunction with the Embassy of Mexico in Guyana presents “Like Water for Chocolate” (1992) in its Classic Tuesday programme next Tuesday October 8, at 6pm at its Castellani House premises, Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

Director Alfonso Arau’s rendition of Laura Esquivel’s best-selling novel became an instant classic when it won in all eleven categories at the Mexican Academy of Motion Pictures Awards, and subsequently became a critical and popular hit on its United States release.

The story of three daughters and their apparently harsh, unloving mother is set in the late 1890’s in a Mexican frontier town, with the central character, the youngest daughter, Tita, forced by tradition to remain unmarried to care for her mother in her old age, while her ardent lover is made to marry her older sister.

Yet the drama of thwarted love, deception and repression is enlivened by plot twists of magical realism storytelling, as the power of Tita’s sadness and deep passion, for her lover and for life, infuses her expert cooking and affects those who eat her food at key moments in the story; and the emotional strength of the main and secondary characters to survive in apparently stifling,

repressive conditions is an enduring story to resonate in any age. How the family tensions and arrangements play out and resolve themselves with high drama and subtle ironies also reminds us of the consequences of choices forcibly or willingly made.

Director Alfonso Arau drew impressive performances from his lead actors Lumi Cavasos (Tita) and Regina Torné (the mother) and his supporting cast, in beautifully shot indoor and outdoor scenarios, the latter in Mexico and nearby Texas, USA. Arau is also known for his character acting roles in popular Hollywood films and television series in the 1960’s, ‘70’s and ‘80’s, and his directing of films for American television and in Europe in recent years.

The presentation of this film is made possible through the auspices of the Embassy of Mexico in Guyana and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico and the Mexican Agency for international Cooperation, and complements the exhibition, ‘Mexico, Country of Colours’, currently on display in the main, first floor gallery at Castellani House.

The film is one hour forty-five minutes long and the public is cordially invited to attend this event. Admission is free. (Press release from Castellani House)

Louis De Saffon

Saffon Street in Charlestown, Georgetown was named after Frenchman Louis Pierre De Saffon. The ward itself was built on the front lands of the former Plantation Le Repentir when the land was parcelled out and sold to cover his estate debts after his death in 1784 at 60; another account claims the lands were from the La Penitence estate.

Louis Pierre De Saffon was born in France – some researchers suggest Languedoc province in 1724 and became a land surveyor. However, in an act that was to profoundly change his fortunes, he murdered his brother during a duel (at the time outlawed in France) over a woman, and fled to the colony of Demerara seeking

asylum.

In Demerara, he acquired much wealth, and became owner of plantations Le Repentir (Regret) and La Penitence (Remorse), which are said to have been named in repentance of his actions in France. There is also the suggestion of a Plantation Le Misère (Woe) being another De Saffon estate.

Although he never married, he is said to have had sired a daughter with his housekeeper.

De Saffon is also known, though less spectacularly, for the De Saffon Trust; a fund he had stipulated in his will for the care and education of orphans until they reached the age of 16. After his estate debts were cleared, the remaining funds were allotted for

10 native Demerara orphans to re ceive his charity.

According to The British Guiana handbook, 1913, the will also stipulated that, “under the terms of the will preference must always be given to the most poor and indigent and those born of white parents.”

It wasn’t until 1825, almost 40 years later, that the trust was put into existence with two beneficia ries. By 1834, 36 persons had ben efitted from the trust fund, and in 1839 the Bishop of Guiana in his report on the Diocese declared the De Saffon Institution the only pub lic school on the colony offering a grammar school education.

The grave site of De Saffon now lies at the corner of Broad and

Saffon estate. The De Saffon Trust Act remains inscribed in Chapter 13:20 of the laws of Guyana, and is under ministerial authority.

A monument called

The Saffon Monument was erected on his grave site in the church’s compound. Described as a granite monument, it reads in part, ‘Pierre Louis de Saffon: Born in France in the year 1724, and Died in Demerara in August 1784: The Revenue of his Estate, after other bequests, be bestowed in perpetuity, on the maintenance of ten poor destitute orphans, until attaining the age of 16 years.’

Brain Teaser Answer

The next number in the series is 16887. Take the first number and move the number in the unit's place to the ten's, the number in the ten's place to the hundred's and the number in hundred's place to the unit's place.

Example: 123 becomes 231 and 354 becomes 543.

Add the original number with the number obtained from shuffling the digits to get the next number in the series.

Guyana on display at Essequibo Night

The annual Essequibo Night Exhibition and Fair provides a stage for showcasing local skills and products. This year, the event is scheduled for Oct 18-19 at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground.

A press release from the Region Two administration said preparations have begun and the event is expected to attract thousands to the commercial centre of Anna Regina.

The event, which was started several years ago by the late Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh, and held under the theme: “Made in Guyana, Grown in Guyana”, focuses on Guyana's produce and products.

Over the years, the event has grown tremendously, and attracts more than 15,000 persons each night. Many local manufacturers and farmers from across Region Two, along with government ministries and agencies, erect booths to showcase local products and services.

Many anticipate the festivities of Essequibo Night as a treat and celebration after the harvest of the rice crop. The activity is organized by the Region Two administration with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, New Guyana Marketing Corporation and the private sector.

Professional Spelling League to Debut Next Fall

By Melvin Durai

Spelling bee fans who have dreamed of watching Snigdha Nandipati battle

Kaavya Shivashankar or Sukanya Roy duke it out with Anamika Veeramani will soon get their wish. The former national spelling champions and many others are expected to participate in the inaugural season of the long-awaited Spelling Premier League (SPL).

Modelled after the hugely successful Indian Premier League (IPL), the professional spelling league will debut next fall with teams in eight SPLAmerican cities. The league, which will feature former winners of the National Spelling Bee, as well as other super spellers, has signed a lucrative TV contract with NBC. The network already dominates the TV ratings with “Sunday Night Football,” and is expected to crush its competition by adding “Saturday Night Spelling.”

“We’re excited about the potential of the SPL,” said Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBC Sports Group. “It’s going to be a hightech, high-intensity version of the National Spelling Bee that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.”

Players will get only 30 seconds to spell each word and the audience will get to watch all the live action, as well as instant replays, from 12 different angles. “We expect to use our Judge-Cam quite a bit,” Lazarus said. “That’s an angle you don’t see too often. We’ll also give you some great shots from the Parent-Cam, as well as the Younger Sibling-Cam. And don’t forget about the overhead shots from the Goodyear Blimp.”

During each match, one speller will be “mic’d up,” allowing viewers to listen in on conversations in the speller seating area. “If you’ve ever wondered what the spellers say to each other after one of them has successfully spelled a word, you’ll love the ‘mic’d up’ feature,” Lazarus said. “You’ll hear spellers talking smack, one of them saying, ‘Nice job, but I learned that word in kindergarten,’ and the other responding, ‘Oh yeah? Well, my dog could have spelled your word.’”

Actress Tori Spelling has been appointed honorary commissioner of the new league. At a press conference in New York, she announced the names of the eight teams, assigned to two divisions. In the Northern

Spelling Division (NSD) will be the New York Vocabulists, Chicago Etymologists, Washington Wizkids and Boston Brains. In the Southern Spelling Division (SSD) will be the Georgia Geniuses, Memphis Memorizers, San Francisco Spellkings, and Dallas Dictionary-Studiers.

Eight businessmen, including three Indian-Americans and one PakistaniAmerican, have paid $5 million each to be franchise owners in the SPL, betting part of their fortune on America’s seemingly insatiable appetite for spelling.

“It may seem like a gamble to most people,” said Raj Bhattal, owner of the Etymologists, “but in my family, as in many other Indian-American families, the National Spelling Bee is like the Super Bowl, except that we don’t get to see Janet Jackson’s breasts during halftime.”

The inaugural SPL player draft will take place on July 30. This year’s National Spelling Bee champion Arvind Mahankali is expected to be the top draft pick, but he’ll first have to prove himself at the SPL scouting combine in Indianapolis. What’s at stake is a $500,000 signing bonus, as well as the adulation of thousands of spelling-crazed pre-teen girls.

Each team will bring five draft picks and another five undrafted free agents to a three-week training camp in August. Half the players will be cut at the end of training camp – asked to turn in their dictionaries.

Other rules that will govern the SPL:

– Each team will have a salary cap of $5 million for players, with another $1 million allocated to three coaches and $100 to as many as 10 cheerleaders.

– The trading deadline will be Oct. 15. All trade agreements must include parents’ signatures.

– All players must wear Nike spelling gear, including jerseys, pants and prescription glasses.

– Players will be tested randomly for performance enhancing drugs. Positive tests may result in suspensions and, for second offenses, letters to parents.

– Each match will last up to 15 rounds, followed by (if necessary) a sudden-death tie-breaker in which players will be asked to spell words backwards. If players are still tied after 20 rounds, they will be asked to spell random names from an Indian phone book.

‘Cookie Monster of the Sea’

Brain Cramps

Question: If you could live forever, would you and why?

Answer: “I would not live forever, because we should not live forever, because if we were supposed to live forever, then we would live forever, but we cannot live forever, which is why I would not live forever,” –Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss USA contest

“Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can’t help but cry. I mean I’d love to be skinny like that, but not with all those flies and death and stuff.” –Mariah Carey

“Your food stamps will be stopped effective March 1992 because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances.”–Department of Social Services, Greenville, South Carolina

“If somebody has a bad heart, they can plug this jack in at night as they go to bed and it will monitor their heart throughout the night. And the next morning, when they wake up dead, there’ll be a record.”–Mark S. Fowler, FCC Chairman

From a farm kid at San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot

Dear Ma and Pa:

I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile.

Tell them to join up quick before maybe all of the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m., but am getting so I like to sleep late.

Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there’s warm water.

Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc, but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee. Their food plus yours holds you till noon when you get fed again.

It’s no wonder these city boys can’t walk much. We go on “route marches”, which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it’s not my place to tell him different. A “route march” is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks. The country is nice but awful flat.

The sergeant is like a school teacher. He nags a lot. The Capt. is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don’t bother you none. This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don’t know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don’t move, and it ain’t shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home.

All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it.

You don’t even load your own cartridges. They come in boxes.

Then we have what they call hand-to hand combat training.

You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain’t like fighting with that ole bull at home. I’m about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake. I only beat him once. He joined up the same time as me, but I’m only 5’6″ and 130 pounds, and he’s 6’8″ and weighs near 300 pounds dry.

Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fell ers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving daughter, Gail

Wise words of wisdom

- There are three kinds of people: those who can count and those who can’t.

- Laugh alone and the world thinks you’re an idiot.

- Make it idiot proof and someone will make a better idiot.

- When everything’s coming your way – you’re in the wrong lane.