Pepperpot 2014 12 21

Meet the stunning

Sharon Hines…

Page XI

Now-or-Never A Cozy Little Alcove Where Residents Frisk About With Festive Merriment

From ‘tom girl’ to beautician

Shruti Haasan didn’t have any qualms Page XII singing for Sonakshi Sinha!

Damilola Adegbite pregnant for Chris Attoh Ahead of April 12 Wedding?

Page XIII

Produced and Edited by C. Naipaul | Graphic and Layout Design by D. Prince

II

Sarah’s Christmas Wish (continued)

The Miracle Of Christmas

Joy to the World, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing, From heaven they came, wishes and dreams, touching lives and hearts with magic, from the creator of all things.

In the morning, grandma was up before Sarah, a smile on her face, a little sparkle in her eyes as she laid the table with a freshly brewed pot of tea and crispy toast.

“Thank you, dear lord,” Sarah prayed, a joyful feeling in her heart as they sat down to a nice little breakfast.

The house now had a festive look and from an old, little radio she had found, beautiful Christmas songs filled the little home. The promise she had made to herself was slowly coming into being as Christmas drew closer and standing in the yard looking at the trees, she expressed to herself with regrets, “Too bad we don’t have electricity, a few strings of coloured lights would be nice.”

“What are you thinking?” a familiar voice said from the gate.

Sarah turned around, almost startled, “Oh hey, you’re back.”

It was Ronald, cool and casual, looks that could send any girl’s heart crazy, even a poor one.

She had not seen him since the first stage of the bridge construction and since it was completed, she had thought his work was finished.

“You thought I wasn’t coming back, right?” he asked her.

She nodded and noticed several workers with cleaning equipment and weeding machines coming into the area.

“There’s a lot more to do” he told her “But I was taken up with urgent business and couldn’t come back sooner.”

Sarah’s heart filled with gratitude and she expressed those sentiments, “We are so thankful to you for giving this community the attention and help it so badly needs.”

Before he could answer, Isabella’s scream from inside the house interrupted any further conversation and Sarah excused herself, “Sorry, I have to attend to her.”

He hesitated a little then asked, “Can I come in?”

She looked at him and the house uncertainly, “I don’t have the comforts…”

“That’s okay” he interrupted her.

Isabella stopped crying when she saw him and crept across the small floor, holding onto his legs to stand up.

“She seems to like you” Sarah said.

“I realised that when she tried to break my laptop” he agreed with a little laugh, lifting her up and greeted grandma

who was sitting in her rocking chair, “Hello.”

Grandma looked at him keenly, her sharp eyes trying to detect anything suspicious about him before responding.

“What brings someone like you to such a humble home, son?”

He put down Isabella who crept away to play and looked at Sarah before answering, “I don’t know, maybe it’s the Christmas spirit.”

Grandma nodded her head, the wise old woman she was-knowing it was the beginning of a story designed by fate but she was not sure of the ending.

Ronald stayed for a short while, outlining to Sarah, his plans of the restoration work in the community and she asked, impressed by his kindness, “Why are you helping us so much?

No one else has shown any real interest.”

“It’s what my charity organisation does” he explained to her “And after seeing this place, I realized how much help is needed here to bring some cheer to the resident’s lives.”

She smiled, the deep gratitude bringing tears to her eyes, not knowing how more to express her thanks.

“It must be the miracle of Christmas” she thought, after he left to give instructions to the workers, “That he found us in this neglected community.”

Her heart had wished for something good and it seemed a plan from heaven had come into play when his car broke down and he travelled with her, then the accident and the ride home.

The next two days, she spent helping at the church as workers restored the quaint, age old building to some form of glory. Ronald visited every day, not for long periods but time enough to get to know him a little better. He brought medication for grandma, baby food, and stuffed toys for Isabella who

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com was growing fond of him.

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square In the frosty air For the residents, who though living in the throes of poverty for so long, held onto belief and faith in the Lord. Ronald to them was like an angel sent by god, his kindness and warm personality, winning their hearts and when their church organ was restored to play again, it brought tears to the eyes of the older folks.

The pain in Sarah’s heart was slowly ebbing away, a soft light now flickered in her eyes and on her face, a little glow, for now, there were smiles laughter and songs, in the place that was home. She sang Isabella to sleep every night and one night as she was singing softly, Ronald stopped by, looking tired.

“Hard day?” she asked, as he came in and sat down on the new sofa he had gifted to her grandma’s home.

“Yes, this is always a busy and tiring period for me.”

She sat down in a chair close by and looking at her from the glow of the lamp, he remarked, “You’re looking different.”

“How is that?”

“There’s a reflection of cheerfulness in your eyes and your smile.”

“I have you to thank,” she told him “For the good things you have been doing for us.”

The night wore on as they sat there in the comfort of the cozy, little old house, talking little things of interest and for the first time since tragedy had stormed into her life, she laughed. The sound of her laughter seemed strange, not sure when last she heard that sound. She didn’t have to say it, the look on her face alone telling him, how much she had suffered.

When he left, the stars were still shining in the sky and he kissed her ‘good-bye’ on the cheek, a soft, lingering kiss and one little star from the millions in the sky, twinkled. She laid in bed, sleepless for a while, still reluctant to think of what seemed impossible.

Three days before Christmas, a group from Ronald’s charity organisation came into the community sharing food hampers to each resident and on Christmas eve, Santa Claus visited, sharing toys to the children. Never had

Continued on page V

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

III

‘We couldn’t spend Christmas together’ A Tribute to Gillian Thompson

On Monday December 15, 2014, The National Library held ‘a time of remembrance’ in honour of the late Chief Librarian, Gillian Thompson. The outpouring of tributes was a tremendous blessing to all present, forming part of a healing process due to the lost of a loved one.

The outpouring of tributes, one year later, matched in intensity, the outpouring of grief one year ago. The only difference between the two occasions was then; it was mass hysteria and now, solemn reflection mixed with light moments and some tears. Sterling tributes came from Management Committee, Chief Librarian, members of Central Library staff, staff of the library branches, members of a member of the Thompson family, representative of the Ministry of Education, member of the Bedford Methodist Church, a former Chief Librarian, colleagues and friends, all of whom were touched by an angel. Tributes came in poetry and songs. One of the songs was written by the Gillian Thompson Foundation* titled ‘we couldn’t spend Christmas together’.

All of the above expressions were buttress by a slide show and photographic exhibition of Thompson’s sojourn.

When the National Library designed and executed a number of activities, in an ongoing celebration, of the

work of the former Chief Librarian, Gillian Thompson, the institution was honouring a person who made a difference to the community, to Guyana, to the region and

while planning many future events, for instance, she died in the midst of planning the commemoration of the birth centenary of A. J. Seymour.

Interestingly, all the activities

GILLIAN THOMPSON

the world.

Thompson died in a road accident on Christmas Eve of 2013. She died on duty while on the way distributing gifts to staffers, colleagues and friends. Such a caring person she was - adding a personal touch to her administration of goodwill. Thompson died

concerning the centenary celebration were well received especially the ‘See More Poetry’ festival which was a resounding success.

Now fittingly, one of the activities to commemorate her contribution is a road safety essay writing competition.

Another suitable activity in tribute to Thompson was the renaming of part of the library’s children literature which is now the Gillian Thompson Young Adult Collection. The following is part of what I said at the renaming ceremony which was attended other librarians and custodians of books.

Guyana would be a better place to live if there were more persons like Gillian Thompson who loved to work with young adults.

Young adults are at a critical age of their development – at this stage they are most receptive and also most vulnerable. Gillian Thompson used that information to tap into that potential, that dynamo

of human resources in order to make the bigger picture better.

Guyana would be a better place to live if there were more persons like Gillian Thompson who knew the value of literacy and reading. She knew how critical reading is to the development of a rounded human and her efforts are not unfounded, if we take the time assess her legacy.

Guyana would be a better place to live if there were more persons like Gillian Thompson who showed the dedication, commitment and persistency to reach out to others. She was a caring person, equipping others with the tool to fish instead of

spoon feeding them, helping others help themselves.

Guyana would be a better place to live if there were more persons like Gillian Thompson who exhibited the tenacity to plan and work her plan, and to see projects to the expected results.

Guyana would be a better place to live if we had more persons like Gillian Thompson who was a person not given to many words and she did not waste words instead, she was more attuned to getting things done. She was also a woman of action but she was rarely seen in the forefront instead she excelled

Continued on page V

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Nikolai Basov

Nikolai Basov (1922 - 2001) is a Russian physicist whose pioneering work led to the invention of the laser

N

ikolay Gennadiyevich Basov was born on December, 14, 1922 in the small town of Usman near Voronezh, the son of Gennady Fedorovich Basov and Zinaida Andreevna Molchanova.

His father was a professor of the Voronezh Forest Institute and devoted his life to investigation of the influence of forest belts on underground waters and on surface drainage.

After finishing secondary school in 1941 in Voronezh Basov was called up for military service and directed to the Kuibyshev Military Medical Academy. In 1943 he left the Academy with the qualification of a military doctor's assistant. He served in the Soviet Army and took part in the Second World War in the area of the First Ukrainian Front. In December 1945, he was demobilised and entered the Moscow Institute of Physical Engineers where he studied theoretical and experimental physics.

Basov shared the 1964 Nobel Prize for Physics with Alexander Prokhorov and Charles Townes for fundamental research into quantum electronics, which forms the foundation on which modern laser technology stands.

After four years of military service during the Second World War, Basov studied physics at the Moscow Institute of Physical Engineers.

In 1948 he moved to the Lebedev Physical Institute, also in Moscow, where he worked under the supervision of Prokhorov. While the pair was searching for a technique to amplify microwave signals in spectroscopic experiments, they hit upon the idea of using a gas-filled cavity with reflectors at either end, in which the microwave beam would be intensified. Their discovery that this method produced microwaves with an extremely narrow range of frequencies led to the construction of a 'maser' - microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation - and, after further refinements, the laser. Working in the US, Townes simultaneously made the same breakthrough.

Basov later became a professor in the department of solid-state physics at the Moscow Institute of Physical Engineers.

He was also appointed as vice-director of at the P. N Lebedev Physical Institute in 1958, where he became director in 1973.

He achieved further recognition in Soviet political life, serving in the Presidium from 1982 until 1989.

Nikolay Gennadiyevich Basov was born on December, 14, 1922 in the small town of Usman near Voronezh, the son of Gennady Fedorovich Basov and Zinaida Andreevna Molchanova. His father was a professor of the Voronezh Forest Institute and devoted his life to investigation of the influence of forest belts on underground waters and on surface drainage.

After finishing secondary school in 1941 in Voronezh Basov was called up for military service and directed to the Kuibyshev Military Medical Academy. In 1943 he left the Academy with the qualification of a military doctor's assistant. He served in the Soviet Army and took part in the Second World War in the area of the First Ukrainian Front. In December 1945, he was demobilized and entered the Moscow Institute of Physical Engineers where he studied theoretical and experimental physics.

From 1950 to 1953 he was a postgraduate student of the Moscow Institute of Physical Engineers. At that time, Basov was working on his thesis at the P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Academy of Sciences, U.S.S.R., under the guidance of Professor M.A. Leontovich and Professor A.M. Prochorov.

In 1950 Basov joined the P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute, where at present he is vicedirector and head of the laboratory of quantum radiophysics. He is also a professor of the department of solid-state physics at the Moscow Institute of Physical Engineers.

In 1952 Dr. Basov began to work in the field of quantum radiophysics. He made various attempts (firstly, theoretical and then experimental) to design and build oscillators (together with A.M. Prochorov). In 1956 he defended his doctoral thesis on the theme "A Molecular Oscillator", which summed up the theoretical and experimental works on creation of a

molecular oscillator utilizing an ammonia beam.

In 1955 Basov organized a group for the investigation of the frequency stability of molecular oscillators. Together with his pupils and collaborators A.N. Oraevsky, V.V. Nikitin, G.M. Strakhovsky, V.S. Zuev and others, Dr Basov studied the dependence of the oscillator frequency on different parameters for a series of ammonia spectral lines, proposed methods of increasing the frequency stability by means of slowing down molecules, proposed methods of producing slow molecules, investigated the operation of oscillators with resonators in series, realized phase stabilization of klystron frequency by means of molecular oscillators, studied transition processes in molecular oscillators, and designed an oscillator utilizing a beam of deuterium ammonia. In the result of these investigations the oscillators with a frequency stability of 10-11 have been realized in 1962.

In 1957 Basov started to work on the design and construction of quantum oscillators in the optical range. A group of theorists and research workers began to study the possibilities for realization of quantum oscillators by means of semiconductors, and after A. Javan's proposal, the possibility of their realization in the gas media was also investigated. In 1958 together with B.M. Vul and Yu.M. Popov he investigated the conditions for production of states with a negative temperature in semiconductors, and suggested utilization of a pulse breakdown for that purpose. In 1961 together with O.N. Krokhin and Yu.M. Popov, Basov proposed three different methods for the obtaining of a negative temperature state in semiconductors in the presence of direct and indirect transitions (optical excitation, utilization of a beam of fast electrons and injection of carriers through a degenerated p-n junction).

As a result of a cooperative effort with B.M. Vul and collaborators the injection semiconductor lasers utilizing crystals of gallium arsenide were made at the beginning of 1963.

In 1964 semiconductor lasers with electronic excitation have been made (together with O.V. Bogdankevich and A.N. Devyatkov); and somewhat later, lasers with optical excitation were constructed (together with A.Z. Grasiuk and V.A. Katulin). For these achievements a group of scientists of Lebedev Physical Institute was awarded the Lenin Prize for 1964.

Beginning from 1961 Dr. Basov (together with V.S. Zuev, P.G. Krinkov, V.S. Nikolai Basov Lctokhov et al.) carried out theoretical and experimental research in the field of powerful lasers. There have been found the ways of obtaining powerful short laser pulses. The nature of appearance of such pulses in quantum oscillators and their propagation in quantum amplifiers have been investigated.

This work resulted in the development of high-power single-pulse Nd-glass lasers with 30 J energy and 2*10-11 sec pulse duration (in 1968 together with P.G. Krinkov, Yu.V. Senatsky et al.) and multichannel lasers with energy 103 J within 10-9 sec (in 1971 in collaboration with G.V. Sklizkov et al.).

In 1962 N. Basov and O.N. Krokhin investigated the possibility of laser radiation usage for the obtaining of thermonuclear plasmas. In 1968 Basov and his associates (P.G. Kriukov, Yu.V. Senatsky, S.D. Zakharov) have succeeded in observing for the first time neutron emission in the laser-produced deuterium plasmas. The spectra of multicharged ions CaXVI, FeXXIII, K XIX and others have also been observed (together with O.N. Krokhin, S.L. Mandelshtam, G.V. Sklizkov). There has been developed a theory of picosecond pulse formation (together with V.S. Letokhov). In the same year

Basov and his associate A.N. Oraevsky proposed a method of the thermal laser excitation. Further theoretical considerations of this method by Basov, A.N. Oraevsky and V.A. Sheglov encouraged the development of the socalled gasdynamic lasers.

In 1963 Dr. Basov and his colleagues (V.V. Nikitin, Yu.M. Popov, V.N. Morozov) began to work in the field of optoelectronics. They developed in 1967 a number of fast-operating logic elements on the basis of diode lasers. At present a logic structure of the multichannel optoelectronic systems producing 1010 operations per second for the optical data processing is under the development.

The studies of the radiation of the condensed rare gases under the action of a powerful electron beam have been initiated in 1966 by Basov and his collaborators (V.A. Danilychev, Yu.M. Popov), and they were the first to obtain in 1970 the laser emission in the vacuum ultraviolet range.

In 1968 Basov ( in cooperation with O.V. Bogdankevich and A.S. Nasibov) made a proposal for a laser projection TV. About the same time Dr. Basov (together with V.V. Nikitin) began the studies of the frequency standard in the optical range (on the basis of gas lasers). In 1970 they succeeded in realizing a gas laser stabilized in the methane absorption line with frequency stability 10-11.

In 1969 Basov (together with E.M. Belenov and V.V. Nikitin) hypothe sized that to obtain the frequency standard with the stability 10-12-10-13 a ring laser can be used with a nonlinear absorption cell.

A large contribution has been made by Dr. Basov to the field of chemical lasers. In 1970 under his guidance an original chemical laser was achieved which operates on a mixture of deuterium, F and CO2 at the atmospheric pressure. In the same year Basov (in cooperation with E.M. Belenov, V.A. Danilychev and A.F. Suchkov) proposed and developed experimentally an elion (electrical pumping of ionized compressed gases) method of gaslaser excitation.

Using this method for a CO2 and N2 mixture compressed to 25 atm., they achieved a great increase of power of the gas laser volume unit compared to the typical low pressure CO2 lasers.

In the end of 1970 Basov (together with E.P. Markin, A.N. Oraevsky, A.V. Pankratov) presented experimental evidence for the stimulation of chemical reactions by the infrared laser radiation.

In 1959 Dr. Basov was awarded the Lenin Prize together with A. M. Prochorov for the investigation leading to the creation of molecular oscillators and paramagnetic amplifiers.

In 1962 Dr. Basov was elected a corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of the U.S.S.R.; in 1966, a member of the Academy; in 1967, a member of the Presidium of the Academy of Sciences of the U.S.S.R., and a foreign member of the German Academy of Sciences in Berlin; and in 1971, a foreign member of the German Academy "Leopoldina".

Dr. Basov is Editor-in-chief of the Soviet scientific journals Priroda. (Nature) and "Kvantovaya Elektornika" (Quantum Electronics); he is also a member of the Editorial Board of "Il Nuovo Cimento".

In 1970 Dr. Basov was awarded the rank of Hero of Socialist Labour. Dr. Basov is a member of the Soviet Committee of the Defence of Peace and a member of the World Peace Council.

Nikolai Basov married in 1950. His wife, Ksenia Tikhonovna Basova, is also a physicist and is with the Department of General Physics of the Moscow Institute of Physical Engineers. They have two sons: Gennady (born 1954) and Dmitry (born 1963).

From Nobel Lectures, Physics 1963-1970, Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 1972 This autobiography/biography was written at the time of the award and first published in the book series Les Prix Nobel. It was later edited and republished in Nobel Lectures.

Basov was a head of the laboratory of quantum radiophysics at the Lebedev institute at the time of his death at the age of 78.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Sarah’s Christmas Wish

V

From page IV

Sarah seen excitement in a community that had cried for help so long. Tears had become dry, smiles had faded and faces had grown old and wrinkled from waiting.

The waiting was now over as life, like the poinsettia, bloomed in the Christmas season, prayers answered. Tonight the strings of coloured lights on the oak tree, powered by a generator would shine bright and worshippers would go to church with songs in their hearts.

Silent night, Holy night Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at thy birth Sarah hadn’t seen Ronald since that night he visited and she hoped that she could see him for despite living in poverty, Christmas eve was always a special night for her. She helped grandma to get dressed in her finest church attire and was getting Isabella ready when someone called at the door. It was a package from Ronald with a note that said, “Wear this dress tonight.”

It was a simple but beautiful off white, fit and flare dress accentuated by tiny pearl beads.

“Wow” was all Sarah could say, hardly recognising herself in the nicest dress she had ever worn.

The church was filled, everyone in their finest clothes, an unforgettable night of prayers and songs to celebrate the birth of the Christ child.

“Thank you, dear lord,” Sarah prayed. “For my grandmother, for these beautiful moments and for the earthly angel you sent into our lives.”

As they walked home, just after midnight, on that Christmas morning, she saw him standing by the lighted oak tree, waiting, a smile that was more than warm, a kiss that felt more than casual as she wished her ‘Merry Christmas’.

She had waited so much to see him, her heart speaking to her, telling her something special was happening.

“Do I believe?” she asked herself, “Is this a miracle of Christmas?”

The star above twinkled in answer.

No one slept that night, such was the celebratory mood in the community, the wine and rum, garlic pork and barbeque chicken, West Indian style. A few glasses of wine she drank, danced and sang and when he kissed her goodbye, it was a kiss that gave her life a new meaning, sparking the embers in her heart that had been just a glow, into a fire, the passion burning to ashes, the rags of her life, clothing her in silk robe and that was the moment when her heart believed.

I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas Is you It was a beautiful Christmas day, Isabella playing with her many toys, grandma in bright spirits, chatting with the neighbours who visited her to wish her well, sharing ginger beer and black cake. Sarah wore that day, a simple little red dress, daring to look a little sensuous just for him and when he came by later with a Christmas gift, he smiled appreciatively.

“Did you wear that for me?”

She hesitated a moment, not sure how to answer, then she thought, “What the heck, it’s Christmas” and she answered, smiling, “Yes.” From the look in his eyes, it was the answer he wanted to hear, a look that fuelled the fire burning in her heart and embracing her, he said, “I love it but what I love more, Sarah, is to see your smile, no more sadness.”

She whispered his name as his lips touched hers, no more need for words, not when she had found love - the miracle of Christmas. (To be continued)

Kaashi Dhaam

In the sun rayed morning as I pass I see signs smoke I know another has left.

I am sad.

Sometimes no smoke I see I know none has gone.

I am happy.

And I know One day I will visit the site And I will leave temporary signs In ashes And this humbles me to see My mortal self, destined to die.

And now I boast not in pride Of who I am, or what I have; I bow my head in reverence To Kaashi Dhaam The best of Gurus, I have known.

Krishna Nand Prasad

‘We couldn’t spend ...

From page IV

best at directing the show from the background.

So it is easy to see why we are dedicating this area to Gillian Thompson.

During her tenure as Chief Librarian, Thompson had opened new vistas for the institution. Some of those innovations included taking the library to institutionalized homes of senior citizens and allowing inmates of correctional facilities to be part of the reading competitions. She even took literacy to the roads by outfitting floats for Mashramani. Another signal initiative of hers was ‘A Dip into Literature’ introducing literature to students moving from primary to secondary school.

To put the above into perspective, it would be useful to know more about Ms Thompson. She read for a degree in English at the University of Guyana and later she studied library science at the University of the West Indies. She served the National Library in various capacities starting as a Junior Library Assistant in 1991, working her way to the top as Chief

Librarian in 2006. She served the library for over two decades, nine of those years as Chief Librarian. All the while exhibiting a passion for libraries and working tirelessly to enhance the delivery of a high standard of library services. She was an exceptional custodian of books.

She was a member of the Guyana Library Association and a member of the Management Committee of the Guyana Prize for Literature. Her other interests included reading, listening to music, cooking, church activities especially teaching Sunday School.

Gillian Thompson was soft spoken, demure, unassuming but dynamic. Above all, she was a consummate professional dedicated to empowering the nation through literacy.

(Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email:oraltradition2002@yahoo.com) What’s Happening • ‘An Introduction to Guyanese Literature’

by Petamber Persaud is available from the National Library, Austin Book Service and the author.

VI

Avoid foods that contain natural sugar

I will never forget the day I worked the hardest during my entire life as a dentist so far. That day was Thursday December 27, 1990. I arrived for work at 8.30 am at the National Dental Centre at Thomas and Quamina streets. To my consternation, I was the only dentist who came to work that day and there were nearly one hundred persons waiting to be attended to. It was the day after Boxing Day. Toothache was responsible for that unusual crowd seeking dental treatment.

Studies have shown that during the last two weeks of the year there is a four hundred per cent increase in new dental cavities. In addition, more than half of the existing caries deteriorate to the extent whereby painful symptoms begin to manifest. Why is it that this exacerbation of dental disease generally takes place at Christmas time? The reason is simply because of the higher sucrose (sugar) ingestion together with the lapse in maintaining oral hygiene concomitant to the disruption in routine personal activities, which occur during the festive season.

A famous dentist wittingly remarked once that “people have always liked a sweet tooth, but sweet never liked the tooth.” Cakes, sweets, chocolates and dried fruits are among the most cariogenic (caries-forming) foods in existence and they are eaten indiscriminately at this time of the year. The bacteria of dental plaque ferment these substances quite readily to produce the acid that erodes the tooth’s enamel causing caries.

In Australia, Cuba, England and the United States, each citizen consumes over one hundred pounds of sugar a year. I spent three years in Cuba and I can tell you from experience that a slice of Cuban cake literally dripped sugar syrup. As in these countries, those who sell sugar, sweets and beverages in Guyana experience between three and five–fold increase in sales during the Christmas season. Ask any soft drink vendor how is sales during the Christmas season as compared to the rest of the year.

For some years now research has been progressing successfully in the quest to substitute sugar with artificial sweeteners. Sorbitol, mannitol and saccharin are being produced in increasing quantities. These ascribe the sweet taste like natural sugar. But when one considers that sugar is not necessary for good health, there is a clear appreciation for the value of avoiding it given its deleterious effect on the teeth and general well-being.

What then can the average person do to counteract the destructive consequence of the prevailing neglect and abuse at this time of the year apart from obeying the conventional health laws? Though largely impractical in our context, avoiding the use of foods containing natural sugar would certainly be a valuable starting base. A person’s attitude should reflect an understanding of the mechanism of action of the disease process. Preventative methods may thereafter be concluded effectively without professional advice.

A tooth cannot decay unless acid is involved. The sustained contact of the acid on the tooth’s surface is enhanced by the plaque which contains the bacteria and its food (sugar).

One of the most powerful mouthwashes can be made easily at home. All that is needed is half a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking or eating soda) mixed in a cup (8 ounces) of water. Incidentally, one should not be confused between baking powder and baking soda. Baking powder basically contains some soda mixed with flour and other substances.

The mouthwash should be bottled, and kept at hand. After a meal of cake or similar delicacy, rinse the mouth first then agitate a mouthful of the liquid for at least fifteen seconds allowing free contact with every tooth. The intention is for the soda to neutralise the acid produced by the bacteria.

As an emergency measure for a sever toothache, crush a clove and place it in the cavity. A fluoride containing toothpaste may also be of help. Avoid sweet foods. Do not substitute the clove for aspirin because the problem can be compounded due to aspirin being acid. Chewing a clove could also freshen the breath when an alcohol scent causes embarrassment. Contact your dentist at the earliest convenience.

Have a Happy and caries – free Festive Season!

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

His Flirting Has Her On The Ropes

I

Reason Enough

have been with Ed, my domestic partner for six years. He has many wonderful qualities and is an excellent provider. He is also a complete flirt and makes me feel diminished when we are around other women.

Ed has a habit, when we are out, of staring at other women as they walk by, either smiling at them or licking his lips. I am talking about complete strangers.

He is inappropriate in other ways. For instance, early in our relationship he went to a funeral without me. The funeral was for the sister of an ex-girlfriend. He ended up making out with the ex-girlfriend at the funeral.

Recently Ed developed a crush on a student teacher at the school where he teaches. He gave her special privileges against school rules, and she is not even his student teacher. I am genuinely concerned he will lose his job.

I have no problem with him talking to other women. He has lunch almost every day with women, which is fine with me. We are both in a choir together.

The choir consists of both men and women, so you see I have no problem with him being around women.

The love, affection and attention I give him never seem to be enough.

Apparently this was the issue his ex-wife had with him. I am just now learning it caused their divorce.

He says I am jealous. I say he doesn't respect my feelings. I am at the end of the line. I am not willing to wait around and see if one of his crushes takes.

Cami Cami, there are three good reasons not to stay with him, one internal, one external and one factual.

The essence of love is that someone's attraction for us is unique. On an almost daily basis you see that is not true.

Second, Ed's actions are so over-the-top it discredits him in the eyes of others. Staying with him also disgraces you in their eyes, though they won't tell you that. Because you stay with him, they think less of you.

Finally, he could abandon you at any time. Any one of these reasons is reason enough to leave.

Wayne&Tamara

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

VII

Court of Appeal overrules magistrate and Full Court decision - found agreements between mother & putative father enforceable A mother seeking maintenance from the putative father of her child was induced by the father not to attend court and to rely on an oral agreement for the payment of $10 per month, which he dishonoured.

The resulting effect was that neither of them attended court on the day of hearing, causing the magistrate to dismiss the summons.

The mother, Nora Williams, instituted new proceedings against the putative father, Sedial Persaud, claiming $110, representing 11 months payment for the child as per agreement, but the magistrate dismissed the claim as illegal and unenforceable.

The woman appealed to the Full Court, which upheld the magistrate’s decision.

She then resorted to the highest Court in the land - the Guyana Court of Appeal which was constituted by Chancellor E. V. Luckhoo and Justices of Appeal Guya Persaud and Victor Crane.

The Appellate Court found that the agreement was enforceable and valid and set aside the decisions of the Magistrate and the Full Court.

The appellant was granted the sum claimed as well as costs for the courts below and the Court of Appeal.

The facts of the case disclosed that on October 9, 1964 the appellant gave birth to a child, of whom she alleged that the respondent Sedial Persaud was the father.

On her application a summons was issued and served on the respondent requiring him to attend court on April 1, 1965.

On that day he denied paternity and the matter was adjourned to April 29. Neither party appeared on that date, as the respondent had asked her to settle the matter and promised to give her $10.00 per month “for the child.” The magistrate struck out the summons for non-appearance.

On May 6, 1965, the parties entered into a written agreement purporting to record what they had orally agreed to. In the agreement the respondent agreed to pay to the appellant on or before the twentieth of each month a sum of $10 per month, ‘from the month of May 1965 to assist her to maintain one of her children.” The appellant, in turn, pledged and agreed that “as long as this amount is paid to her she will not proceed by way of Court for its recovery.” However, nowhere in the agreement was it stated that it was because of the oral agreement that the parties did not appear at court on April 29.

Despite frequent demands by the appellant, no money was paid by the respondent under the agreement and in April 1966, she instituted proceedings in the magistrate’s court for $110.00, representing payments for 11 months under the agreement. The defence was a denial of the indebtedness and in the alternative a plea that the agreement was void and/or illegal and/or enforceable. Only the appellant gave evidence.

The magistrate dismissed the claim and on appeal, the Full

Court upheld his (magistrate’s) decision. On a further appeal to the Court of Appeal it held that:(i) an agreement between a mother and putative father of her child for its support in consideration for a forbearing to continue affiliation proceedings is recognised by the law , as valid and enforceable; (ii) the fact that no consideration was expressly stated in the agreement is no bar to a successful suit , if there is evidence of a collateral oral agreement which embodies consideration; (iii) collateral agreement apart, there is nothing to prevent the court from looking at the history of the transaction which led to the making of the document for the purpose of determining whether there is consideration;

(iv) from the evidence the appellant refrained from attending court on April 29 to proceed with her cause because of the respondent’s promise, and this constituted sufficient consideration; (v) the fact that her forbearance preceded the agreement did not constitute it a part consideration., The appeal was allowed. Attorney-at-law, M. S.E. Brotherson represented the appellant while Dr F.W.H. Ramsahoye appeared for the respondent.

In delivering his judgment, Chancellor Luckhoo said: ”The appellant, a single woman (whom I shall refer to as ‘the promisee,’) gave birth to a bastard child “Seenauth” on the 9th October, 1964. She alleged that the respondent (whom I shall refer to as ‘the promisor), was the father of that child, and made application on oath on the 4th of March, 1965, for a summons to be served on him to appear before the magistrate to answer her complaint (he having contributed to the support of the said child within 12 months next after birth) as provided for under section 3 of the Bastardy Ordinance, Chapter 40.”

“The promisor was duly summoned to appear before the magistrate touching the premises on the 1st April, 1965, when paternity was denied and the matter was put down for the 29th

By George Barclay

April, 1965.”

“The promisee did not attend court on the 29th April, 1965, as she ought to have done, for the reason that the promisor had asked her “to settle the matter” and promised to give her $10 per month “for the child” when the matter was called up before the magistrate on that day, both parties were absent, no doubt in compliance with the oral agreement reached, and the matter was struck out by the magistrate.”

“On the 6th May, both parties entered into an agreement in writing which purported to record what was orally agreed upon.”

“That agreement showed that the promisor had agreed to pay to the promisee “the sum of $10 per month commencing from the month of May 1965 to assist her to maintain one of her children.” Further, it was stipulated that “this amount must be paid on or before the 20th day of each month “ and the promisee specifically agreed to accept the said sum from the promisor and further agreed and pledged “ that as long as this amount is paid to her she will not proceed by way of court for its recovery”. But it was not there stated that the non-appearance of the parties at court on the 29th April was because of an oral agreement to contribute specified sum for the support of the child.”

“The promisor paid no money under this written agreement despite demands made by the promisee, who consequently in April 1966 sued him for $110 under that agreement being the sum due for the months of June, 1965 to March, 1966, 11 months at $10 per month.”

“The defence on this claim before the magistrate was a general denial of indebtedness.” “In the alternative it was said that if an agreement was entered into as alleged “such agreement is void and/or unenforceable”.

“The promisee gave evidence in the course of which she tendered the agreement and by consent, a certified copy of the case jacket in the bastardy proceedings accompanied by her application on oath. She testified that the child mentioned in the document is the child mentioned in the affidavit ., Under cross-examination she denied the suggestion put to her that the agreement was made because the promisor was “sorry” for her as she had nine children to maintain. She also denied another suggestion that she had summoned the promisor” as he had some worth.”

“Her simple and straightforward evidence remained unchallenged, as the promisor led no evidence, and no objection was taken to any of the evidence which she had led.”

“The magistrate dismissed the claim for reasons, which I find nebulous and almost incomprehensible.”

“On appeal to the Full Court, it was contended on behalf of the promisee that the written agreement “ was a binding enforceable contract,” and for the promisor the document did not disclose any consideration, and if it did, such consideration was past consideration”, Chancellor Luckhoo explained.”

“In giving judgment for the appellant, the Chancellor also noted that the Full Court had given no reason or advanced any authority in support of its conclusion in upholding the decision of the magistrate.”

Other judges of the Court of appeal concurred with the judgment of the Chancellor.

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

YAKOOB

By Neil Primus If you ask old folks about Jumbie, spirits, Old Haigue and other supernatural beings, they would tell you that these things really do exist and it was up to you to avoid running into them. * Don’t walk late full moon nights. * Don’t stop and talk to anyone unless you know them personally. * Don’t pick up any animal or babies you may meet. * Don’t follow anyone calling your name. * Don’t go into burial grounds at night. * When you get home late at night enter by your back.

There are so many precautions, if you tried to follow them all you would end up quite confused. Here is a story about someone who did not heed the warnings of the old folks.

Andrea and Christopher were newly-wed. They had been friends for more than three years before they decided to get married. They enjoyed each other’s company and did everything together. The couple could not afford a car or motor cycle so they walked whenever they were going out.

That Saturday night they had gone to see the Late Show at the cinema. The features were:- Bride of Dracula - Children of the Corn As they walked slowly back home they saw a small boy playing on the road. It was after one a.m. The kid was running in a zig zag way from one side of the road to the other. What was remarkable about this was the speed at which he moved.

He was quick, really quick.

“Hello sweetheart.”

Andrea was calling softly to the child.

“Come dear. Why are you out on the road so late?”

The boy stopped his erratic running and came straight at them. Zip! He arrived driving a strong cold breeze ahead of him. Andrea looked him over and immediately noticed that he was malnourished and neglected. Of more concern to her was the fact that he was sick. The lad was trembling and quite pale. She hugged him warmly her emotions already in overdrive.

“Andrea let him go and come along.” “NO! Her maternal instincts had also kicked in.

“Please baby. I will explain everything later.”

“I SAID NO!” “Girl why yu so hard ear?. Yu not even willing to trust me.”

“If trusting you means leaving him alone on dis road, the answer is NO.” She examined the boy again and exclaimed.

“You are trembling like a leaf. You need to see a doctor.”

“Andrea leave the child na.”

She ignored her pleading husband. She intended to help this child as much as she could.

“I think I’ll take you to the hospital.”

Andrea beckoned Christopher to come closer but he refused. There was something very peculiar about all this.

He sensed it. His wife felt otherwise. She took off her warm woolen jersey and draped it over the skinny kid. Swooping him into her arms she strode purposefully down the moonlit

road.

Christopher then noticed the dark shadow that followed them at a short distance.

“Andrea girl, something funny going on here.”

“Struuups!”

“You could suck yo teeth all yo want .Look at dat shadow dat following we.”

She looked back and sure enough it was there in the centre of the road. Then things went rapidly from odd to bizarre.

From the dark shadow came a deep nasal sing song voice.

“Yakoob a weh yu a go?”

A shrill sing song voice answered from Andrea’s arms.

“Me a go asspeetal.!”

“Yo sick Yakoob?”

“A so she say.”

The shrill childish voice had grown into a booming shout that terrified poor Andrea.

She looked down at the child in astonishment and got the worse shock of her young life. Instead of a child she was holding a creature that looked like it was more than 200 years old.

It had a devilish grin on its face that showed most of its teeth to be missing. There was an impish twinkle in the two bright eyes. Andrea dropped it like it was a smoldering piece of coal.

“Christopher!” “Christopher?”

He was already in motion and she followed swiftly pushing a strong breeze.

“Andrea a weh yu a go?”

The sing song voice was right behind her.

“Hospital!” She screamed and sped past her sprinting husband.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

IX

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

XI

CHRISTMAS! CHRISTMAS!

By Neil Primus After hectic and tiring clean up, the decorating and fixing away is done. Sorrell drink and Ginger Beer have both taken their permanent place in the Christmas line up.

Black cake fills the house with its rich enticing aroma. There is sponge cake well prepared but not as alluring.

Garlic Pork simmers in a large pot. Pepper Pot sleeps, waiting to become the centre of attraction.

Cook-up of richness unimaginable has already been cooked. Golden delicious fried chicken with its cousins backed chicken are ever present.

Crème’ Liqueur’ waits patiently on the unsuspecting, and Ham without which Christmas would be bland, sits supreme above them all.

Carols flood the airways. Toys and excited children deafens, and lights and decorations transforms.

As usual we have bought tons of stuff some we never use. We have cooked heaps of food

even though we know we would be unable to eat it all. (Just in case someone unexpected pops by). Drinks are in abundance. For a few, alcohol is like lighting a short fuse.

This season brings out the drunken masters.

We sometimes grab what we can. We sense that after the holidays, bills will catch up with us. Then it’s back to square one.

On to the next Christmas season!

PEACE AND GOODWILLTO ALL GOD BLESS

XII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Akshay Kumar is as good as Bruce Willis, says Die Hard action director Cyril Raffaelli And our Khiladi gets a bow down from this God of action With back to back action blockbusters piling up, Akshay Kumar has almost become synonymous to the word-Action. He is currently living up to Neeraj Pandey’s next film Baby and we already have some unmatched thrill compressed with the film’s recently released trailer.

But guess what’s more to it? It’s the Cyril Raffaelli connection…Yes! The man behind Transporter, Hulk 2 and Die Hard, Cyril is all set to make his Bollywood debut as action director with Akki’s film, Baby. Speaking of which, he recently elated on how thrilling it was to work with Akshay, and complimented Akki saying that he is as good as Bruce Willis.

Here’s what Raffaelli quoted in his recent interaction: “You can compare Akshay to Bruce Willis. He is very involved with action and he wants to do it himself and pushes himself to do it. He doesn’t want a body double. In fact, Akshay almost does not need a double and is actually better than his body double. He has more ability than his double.

He is patient, listens to everything and pays a lot of attention. He will reproduce exactly what I do and show him. I have not met a lot of people like him. 90% of people that I have worked with internationally have less ability than Akshay. It’s the truth.”

Shruti Haasan didn’t have any qualms singing for Sonakshi Sinha!

Amitabh Bachchan to team up with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt?

If the latest grapevine is true then we may see Big B sharing screen space with Ranbir and Ms Bhatt…

That Ayan Mukerji has roped in Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt for his next directorial venture is known to all. The untitled project is a superhero flick and for the very first time Jr Kapoor will be seen opposite the Highway actress on the big screen. While we can’t wait to see this fresh pairing, we hear the Wake Up Sid director is now planning to bring Amitabh Bachchan on board for the same film. Well, if that happens then Ayan will pull off another casting coup for sure. Apparently, Ranbir’s best buddy-cum-filmmaker wants to cast Big B in an important role. Let’s hope things do fall into place because it would be interesting to see three very talented actors come together for a film that too for the first time.

Not too long ago, talking about the superhero film, Katrina Kaif’s beau had said, “It’s a fantasy-based film; a mythology (set) in contemporary times. And it will have a boy who will have some form of superpowers (sic).”

Though everyone is eager to see Ranbir-Alia jodi on the silver screen, their film isn’t going on floors anytime soon because Jr Kapoor asked Ayan to take his own sweet time and come up with something new and hatke.

The Ramaiya Vastavaiya actress is crooning for a song from the Lingaa actress’ upcoming film…

Shruti Haasan is a busy chick these days. From movies in B-Town like Welcome Back and Gabbar, to movies down south like Vijay 58 and an untitled Mahesh Babu film, she is doing it all. However, her singing career too is doing well, and she has no qualms singing for any contemporary actress.

Kamal Haasan’s daughter is singing a song called Jogiyan for Sonakshi Sinha in Arjun Kapoor’s upcoming film Tevar. The song has already done well online and is riding high on the music charts. While speaking to a leading daily about the same she says, “Not at all. The truth is, I began my career as a playback singer, so I’ve been lending my voice to actors for quite some time now.” (Source Bollywood.com)

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

XIII

I Am Not a Husband Snatcher - Stella Damasus Sweet faced Nollywood actress who came under fire when she reportedly snatched Daniel Ademinokan, a Nollywood director and producer from another fellow actress, Doris Simeon.

Stella recently had a chat up with Emma Emerson of Golden Icons where she opened up about her deeply controversial relationship with ‘Daniel Ademinokan.’

She also spoke candidly about her personal life including her career, late husband, kids, past relationship with RMD. The interview is billed to premiere on December 16, 2014, catch the preview following this link; Stella Damasus Interview Highlights with Emma Emerson of Golden Icons

STAR ACTRESS SHAN GEORGE FIGHTS BEN MURRAY BRUCE ON FACEBOOK Last week, top Nollywood actress, producer and singer, Shan George, showed her other side when she turned a rights activist on Facebook.

According to sources, Nollywood practitioners who screen their films at Silverbird Cinemas have been going through hell in the hands of the Silverbird Cinema Management.

They allege that the Ben Bruce led group insists that any movie that must be screened at the cinema, must have a premiere at the Galleria.

Those who have gone through the process, say they are made to pay N300,000 for the Arterium of the Galleria for the red carpet and premiere while another N300,000 is paid to have the movie screened to the premiere audience at one the cinema halls.

After this, the Silverbird Cinema Management then takes a big chunk as percentage for showing the film at their cinema.

Although she has not premiered any movie at the place, Shan George we hear, was enraged when her friends told her about the cut-throat rules at the Silverbird Cinema which led her to start a debate against the organization on Facebook.

Shan George wrote on her wall that “ I don’t understand why Ben Bruce would put a rule that if u don’t premier ur movie at Silverbird Galleria ur movie would not be shown

in Silverbird cinema?

My question is, all the foreign movies being shown at d Silverbird Cinema, how many Hollywood producers have come to premier their movie at d Silverbird Galleria?

Hardly has she finished the post that Nigerians started lampooning the exploitation.

We gathered last week, that some producers met over the weekend to deliberate on the issue although none of them summoned courage to comment on Shan’s wall post

Shocking Nollywood trailer full of nudity the ‘Room 027?

Thank goodness that the rate at which Ghanaian movies are churned out with unnecessary nude scenes has dwindled. The very unfortunate trend has been shifted to Nollywood. The trailer for a new Nollywood movie titled ‘Room 027’ has hit the internet and caused outrage on several platforms. What is even more shocking is that they feature veteran actors Collins Onwochei and Tony Umez. Hmm, what a way to revive their careers!

Damilola Adegbite pregnant for Chris Attoh Ahead of April 12 Wedding?

By Niyi Tabiti Nigerian actress, Damilola Adegbite’s wedding to actor Chris Attoh is final here. www.niyitabiti.net gathered that the couple would be getting married on April 12.The wedding is expected to be star studded with top Ghanian annd Nigerian actors and actresses in attendance.

The gist in town is that Damilola is pregnant ahead of the April 12 wedding extravaganza.Here is wishing the star actress and her man, a wonderful and exciting married life.

Damilola studied Business Administration at Bowen University and she hails from a family of four. Her profile in Nollywood and Nigerian entertainment industry is on the rise.

(Source: Nollywood stars news.com)

XIV

Best Tech Gifts -for Christmas 2014

Christmas time is a season of great joy. It is a time of remembering the past and hoping for the future.

Finding the right gift, however, can be a challenge with so many compelling products vying for your attention. Fortunately, I've picked some of the best products to get you started.From versatile fitness trackers and sleek Chromebooks to the fastest tablets…these are the hottest holiday tech gifts of the year.

UX software is also geared towards having all of your favourite reads only a simple swipe away

Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro

Lenovo makes one of our favourite laptop-tablet hybrids.

It starts off as an ordinary thin laptop, but the lid and display fold back a full 360 degrees to form either a thick tablet, or a stand/kiosk device when only folded partway back. This year the company is on its third version.

It's changed up the design with some tweaks for a thinner, lighter system. The difference is that the new hinge has the look and feel of a wristwatch band and is constructed of more than 800 individual pieces of steel and aluminium.

Apple iMac with 5K Retina display

Best smartphones

A smartphone isn't just for Christmas. It's for at least a year, perhaps, until the next Christmas. If you are feeling generous this Xmas, you might want to fork out for a smartphone for your loved one.

I've selected the best mobile phones for your consideration, including the iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S5, Nokia Lumia 630 as well as the Amazon Fire Phone and the Sony Xperia Z2. Yep, its time you open your window and see the apple!

Tablet /E-reader

Tablets are a great way to browse the Web, catch up on TV, play games and a whole lot else besides. The first tablet in our roundup is the iPad Air 2, which represents everything a tablet should be. It's very light, powerful, has loads of cool apps and the screen is a knockout.

Tesco Hudl 2

The second version of Tesco's super-cheap tablet improves on the first in a few key ways, such as the quality of the screen.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4

If you definitely want an Android tablet rather than an iPad (which I prefer), this is a good way to go, and it's a big step up from the Hudl. The Galaxy Tab S is super-slim and light, and its bright, OLED display has excellent contrast. Magazine readers will revel in the colourful, vibrant display-it brings lifelike clarity to images and HD video. Samsung's Magazine

The iMac remains the gold standard in all-in-one desktop computers. In person, the new "5K" 5,120x2,880-pixel display is simply stunning, especially when displaying high-res full-screen photos and video. For a photo or video professional, it's certainly worth a serious look, although it is very expensive.

Microsoft Surface Pro 3

The idea behind the Surface Pro is that it can replace both a laptop and a tablet. This latest Surface is thinner than its predecessors, with a larger, higher-resolution screen. Just be aware that you'll probably have to buy the clip-on keyboard separately.

Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display (15-inch, 2014) The flagship MacBook Pro laptop exists somewhere between the chunkier idea of a "pro-level", power-user laptop and the slim ultrabook ideal. But the high-end 2,880x1,800-pixel native resolution screen it packs in is incredible.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Smart Watches/Fitness Trackers

With a vast array of smartwatches saturating the market, it can be difficult to find that perfect present for your loved ones. I have listed some the best smartwatches on the market - from the Pebble Steel and Asus ZenWatch through to the Acer Liquid Leap and the Samsung Gear 2 Neo…the Gear 2 Neo has top the list for me, however.

Are you a “player”?

Many people will have a next-generation console on their Christmas list, but which one should you buy? In one corner we’ve got Microsoft’s Xbox One and in the other corner we've got Sony's PlayStation 4. First up, it’s worth asking the potential recipient of the generous gift which platform their friends have as you can only play online with users of the same console. If you don't already have a steer, here's our head-to-head comparison between the devices.

Beats Solo 2

Music Lovers-These Solo 2 cans may not win audiophile hearts and ears, but for their intended audience -- namely, people looking for exciting-looking headphones with lots of high-quality bass -- these are excellent on-ear headphones

Bose Quiet-Comfort 25

Bose can't put a foot wrong with its noise-cancelling headphones, and the new QC 25s are no exception. The new design features better audio performance and noise reduction, plus an improved folding design that allows them to fit in a more compact carrying case.

LG Smart TV LG's connected TV platform gets the nod largely because of its oh-so-simple design that puts seemingly disparate sources of video onto one home screen. Our favourite part of LG's smartypants user interface hasn't got anything to do with apps, but rather with networking.

Panasonic Smart Viera

While it doesn't quite gel with the TV's central architecture, Panasonic's new My Home Screen user interface is the freshest, newest idea in connected TV. It takes design cues from both LG and Samsung, though the customisation options on My Home Screen are unique.

Samsung Smart Hub

Now expanded to five separate screens - one each for TV, on-demand films, social media, Samsung's apps, and your own digital media - Samsung's Smart Hub is the only connected TV platform that includes catch-up TV apps for all terrestrial channels.

Christmas brings family and friends together. It helps us appreciate the love in our lives we often take for granted. May the true meaning of the holiday season fill your heart and home with many blessings

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

XV

(A look at some of the stories that made the news ‘back-in-the-day’ with CLIFFORD STANLEY)

HONG KONG - TYPE FLU SWEEPING GUYANA (Guyana Graphic January 24, 1969)

A virus bearing the symptoms of the much dreaded Hong Kong Flu is now sweeping hundreds of Guyanese off their feet and forcing them into bed with excruciating pains to the joints.

The virus section of the Central Medical Laboratory is currently engaged in carrying out tests to confirm whether the growing number of flu victims have been infected by the Hong Kong flu virus.

One well informed and reliable source in the Government medical services said that in his opinion the flu had reached “epidemic proportions.”

Circulars have been sent to Doctors at Government Hospitals and also those in private practice, seeking their cooperation in supplying blood samples and “throat washings” of patients for laboratory tests.

It is estimated that an average of 150 to 200 persons including children are being treated daily for flu by Doctors in the Government service and in private practice in Georgetown.

In the Bartica area the flu epidemic is raging.

The Government Medical Officer there Dr. Vishnu Cheddi said yesterday that well over 1000 persons had already been treated and there had been some very serious cases.

During the day Dr. Cheddi obtained the services of a plane and flew to Issano 120 miles away to treat patients.

No deaths have been reported and serious cases are being given antibiotic drugs while those not seriously affected are advised to use certain sulpha drugs and to stay in bed.

MEASLES DEATH IS REPORTED (Guyana Graphic May 10, 1969)

One child has died and several others have been affected by a reported outbreak of measles at St. Francis Mission in the Mahaicony River.

Moses Headley an Amerindian died yesterday and many other children at the mission are said to be in a serious condition.

The Ministry of Health has been informed of the situation and an emergency team headed by a doctor is being sent to the area, Government sources said.

RADIO LICENCE DODGERS FINED A TOTAL OF $635 (Guyana Graphic June 6, 1969)

Magistrate Winslow McWilliams of the Traffic Court yesterday devoted his entire day to dealing with radio licenses dodgers and fined 127 persons who appeared before him a total of $635.

Those who appeared before the Magistrate included an ex-international Guyanese cricketer, a retired school master, housewives and city businessmen.

In the case of a Doctor at the Georgetown Hospital, Defence Counsel pointed out that the medical officer had recently qualified and returned home.

He added that a relative had given him the radio but he did not realise that it was not working or that a licence had not been taken out for it.

This was however done after the licensing officer visited him.

The Doctor was reprimanded and discharged.

An American Clergyman who pleaded guilty said that he was not aware that a license had to be taken out.

He said that it was the first time that he had been approached about a license for his radio since he arrived in the country two years ago.

DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE Dracula has risen from the grave. “Never has one man’s

mastery over women been so completely overpowering and completely terrifying “You just can’t keep a good man down.

Christopher Lee. Your blood will boil. “Curse of Frankenstein” Strand- Today 1-4.45-8.30; 16 years and over.

GIFT OF MARMITE TO THE HOSPITAL (Guyana Graphic February 5, 1969)

Mr. D. Walker and executive of Marmite UK Limited who arrived here recently will present a gift of marmite to the Georgetown Hospital this morning.

The gift comprising hundreds of pounds of marmite will be received by Mr. Chetram Singh Hospital Administrator.

Arrangements for the presentation were made the local agents Davson’s Agencies Limited.

SPECIAL STAMPS IN HONOUR OF PHAGWAH (Guyana Graphic January 26, 1969)

Guyana will issue a set of colourful stamps in honor of Phagwah 1969.

The new stamps are due for release on February 19 in good time for Phagwah day on March 4 which is a national holiday.

First day covers are under preparations for release on the same day as the special commemorative stamps.

Colored proofs of the new stamps have been shown to representatives of the Hindu organisations.

These organisations have since congratulated the Post Office on its decision to issue the stamps and have expressed the view that they would be a success on the stamp market.

MALE TEACHERS WEARING SHIRT-JACS (Guyana Graphic September 19th 1969)

The majority of the male teachers in primary schools in West Demerara are wearing shirt -jacs in school since the reopening of the Christmas term.

The headmasters of these schools have given the approval for their staff to adopt this new mode of dress.

Most of the teachers are satisfied:”It is most relaxing,” they say.

100 MEN CARRYING THE FIGHT AFGAINST YELLOW FEVER (Guyana Graphic September 20, 1969)

The fight against the yellow fever carrying mosquito yesterday moved into top

gear with more than 100 men spraying yards, drains drums and other places which it was felt could encourage mosquito breeding.

T. A. Egbert, Principal Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health said that all the insecticides for the country-wide fight against yellow fever carriers had arrived and the men had already begun work in Georgetown and the outlying districts.

He went on to say that a large quantity of the equipment needed for the programme had already arrived and more was expected from the United Kingdom shortly.

He said that after the team completed operations in Georgetown and the neighboring districts it would move on to other areas including Berbice and Essequibo.

He added that the programme would last for three to four years during which it was expected that the yellow fever carrier would be completely wiped out.

STEVEDORES CAUGHT WITH BRASSIERES FINED $50 (Guyana Graphic March 20,1969)

Magistrate Dhan Jhappan yesterday warned stevedores that he would send them to prison for unlawful possession in future.

He said that they had no right to steal as they received good wages.

The Magistrate issued the warning before imposing a fine of $50 on Brentnol Baird who had pleaded guilty to unlawful possession.

Baird was held up on the waterfront by a Constable who saw him looking bulky about the waist.

Two brassieres were found in his possession when he was searched.

(Clifford Stanley can be reached to discuss any of the foregoing articles at cliffantony@gmail.com or cell phone # 694 0913)

XVI

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Ingrid Bergman

Date of Birth 29 August 1915, Stockholm, Sweden Date of Death 29 August 1982, Chelsea, London, England, UK (lymphoma complications following a breast cancer operation) Height 5' 9" (1.75 m) Mini Bio (1) Ingrid Bergman was one of the greatest actresses from Hollywood's lamented Golden Era. Her natural and unpretentious beauty and her immense acting talent made her one of the most celebrated figures in the history of American cinema. Bergman is also one of the most Oscar-awarded actresses, second only to Katharine Hepburn.

Ingrid Bergman was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on August 29, 1915, to a German mother, Frieda Henrietta (Adler), and a Swedish father, Justus Samuel Bergman, an artist and photographer.

Her mother died when she was only two and her father died when she was 12. She went to live with an elderly uncle.

The woman who would be one of the top stars in Hollywood in the 1940s had decided to become an actress after finishing her formal schooling. She had had a taste of acting at age 17 when she played an uncredited role of a girl standing in line in the Swedish film

Landskamp (1932) in 1932 not much of a beginning for a girl who would be known as "Sweden's illustrious gift to Hollywood." Her parents died when she was just a girl and the uncle she lived with didn't want to stand in the way of Ingrid's dream. The next year she enrolled in the Swedish Royal Theatre but decided that stage acting was not for her. It would be three more years before she would have another chance at a film.

When she did, it was more than just a bit part. The film in question was Munkbrogreven (1935), where she had a speaking part as Elsa Edlund. After several films that year that established her as a class actress, Ingrid appeared in Intermezzo (1936) as Anita

Hoffman. Luckily for her, American producer David O. Selznick saw it and sent a representative from Selznick International Pictures to gain rights to the story and have Ingrid signed to a contract.

Once signed, she came to California and starred in United Artists' 1939 remake of her 1936 film, Intermezzo: A Love Story (1939), reprising her original role.

The film was a hit and so was Ingrid. Her beauty was unlike anything the movie industry had seen before and her acting was superb.

Hollywood was about to find out that they had the most versatile actress the industry had ever seen. Here was a woman who truly cared about the craft she represented. The public fell in love with her.

Ingrid was under contract to go back to Sweden to film Only One Night (1939) in 1939 and Juninatten (1940) in 1940. Back in the US she appeared in three films, all well-received. She made only one film in 1942, but it was the classic Casablanca (1942) opposite the great Humphrey Bogart.

Ingrid was choosing her roles well. In 1943 she was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943), the only film she made that year. The critics and public didn't forget her when she made Gaslight (1944) the following year--her role of Paula Alquist got her the Oscar for Best Actress. In 1945 Ingrid played in Spellbound (1945), Saratoga Trunk (1945) and The Bells of St. Mary's (1945), for which she received her third Oscar nomination for her role of Sister Benedict. She made no films in 1947, but bounced back with a fourth nomination for Joan of Arc (1948). In 1949 she went to Italy to film Stromboli (1950), directed

by Roberto Rossellini. She fell in love with him and left her husband, Dr. Peter Lindstrom, and daughter, Pia Lindström. America's "moral guardians" in the press and the pulpits were outraged.

She was pregnant and decided to remain in Italy, where her son was born. In 1952 Ingrid had twins, Isotta and Isabella Rossellini, who became an outstanding actress in her own right, as did Pia. Ingrid continued to make films in Italy and finally returned to Hollywood in 1956 in the title role in Anastasia (1956), which was filmed in England. For this she won her second Academy Award.

She had scarcely missed a

beat. Ingrid continued to bounce between Europe and the US making movies, and fine ones at that. A film with Ingrid Bergman was sure to be a quality production. In her final big-screen performance in 1978's Autumn Sonata (1978) she had her final Academy Award nomination.

Though she didn't win, many felt it was the most sterling performance of her career.

Ingrid retired, but not before

Performances in dramas where her characters were put through harrowing emotional ringers Trivia (119) In 1933 she enrolled in the Royal Theatre of Dramatic Art but later changed to films instead.

Married Lars Schmidt in Caxton Hall next to Westminster Abbey, London, England, UK. Folk singer Woody Guth-

she gave an outstanding performance in the mini-series A Woman Called Golda (1982), a film about Israeli prime minister Golda Meir. For this she won an Emmy Award as Best Actress, but, unfortunately, she didn't live to see the fruits of her labor. Ingrid died from cancer on August 29, 1982, her 67th birthday, in London, England.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Denny Jackson and naim81@bluehyppo.com Spouse (3) Lars Schmidt (21 December 1958 - 1 February 1978) (divorced) Roberto Rossellini (24 May 1950 - 7 November 1957) (divorced) (3 children) Dr. Petter Aron Lindström (10 July 1937 - 1 March 1950) (divorced) (1 child) Trade Mark (2) Tall, naturally-curvaceous frame

rie wrote a song in praise of her, titled "Ingrid Bergman," but died before he had a chance to record it. The song can now be heard on Billy Bragg's "Mermaid Avenue" CD. Ashes scattered at sea off the coast of Sweden.

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#30).

Attempts were made by Hollywood producers to change her name in 1939, with possibilities discussed such as Ingrid Berriman and Ingrid Lindstrom (actually her legal married name). Bergman refused, in part because she felt she had worked too hard to establish herself as an actress in Europe under her real name.

She played the part of Joan of Arc three times in her career: on stage in 1946 Continued on page XVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

from Jesus Christ “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” **************************************** **************** “And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time. ” **************************************** **************** “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.” **************************************** **************** “All the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and so on, are summed up in this single command: You must love your neighbor as yourself.” **************************************** **************** “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to cast a stone.” **************************************** **************** “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” **************************************** **************** “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” **************************************** **************** “Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in this world.” **************************************** **************** “For if you love those who love you what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” **************************************** **************** “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” **************************************** **************** “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

******************* ******************* ****************** “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”

XVII

XVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Ingrid Bergman From page XVI

(in Maxwell Anderson's 'Joan of Lorraine') and on film in 1948 (Joan of Arc (1948)) and 1954 (Giovanna d'Arco al rogo (1954)).

Former mother-in-law of Martin Scorsese.

Has a type of rose named after her, called the Ingrid Bergman rose.

Many of her shorter male co-stars, such as Humphrey Bogart and Claude Rains, had to wear lifts to avoid looking small next to this 5' 10" beauty.

Turned down the role opposite Charlton Heston in Planet of the Apes (1968).

Bergman and Sean Connery had topped a list of "greatest actors of all time" compiled by 50,000 readers of German magazine Funk Uhr. She and her husband were often invited to dinner parties at the home of Alfred Hitchcock. According to those present, she never seemed to notice that her host was sulking because of his crush on her.

Was fluent in English, Swedish, French, German and Italian.

Sergio Scaglietti, Ferrari's master coachbuilder and aluminum sculptor, shaped some the most beautiful Ferraris of the '50s and '60s, including the 375MM built in 1954 for her. That "Ingrid" car has, in turn, inspired the proportions of today's 612 Scaglietti, the largest Ferrari ever (there's even a silver "Ingrid" paint option).

At her funeral service held at Saint Martin's-in-the-fields Church, there was nothing that was as touching as the moment when, a violin played the strains of 'As Time Goes By'.

She wasn't nominated for Best Actress in her role as the sultry Ilsa, but for her role in For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943), losing to her close friend Jennifer Jones for The Song of Bernadette (1943). It was also newcomer Jones' 25th birthday, and after winning when Bergman congratulated her, she apologized, saying, "Ingrid, you should have won." Bergman said, "No, Jennifer, your Bernadette was better than my Maria.".

She broke her foot at the beginning of the American run of "The Constant Wife" and played the next five weeks in a wheelchair.

Her daughter, Pia Lindström accepted her Best Leading Actress Emmy for A Woman Called Golda (1982) posthumously. Bergman died 3 weeks prior to the ceremony, after the ballots were cast.

Cary Grant, her great friend, accepted her Anastasia (1956) Oscar at the 29th Annual Academy Awards (1957).

On their last meeting, Alfred Hitchcock was in tears, terrified of his impending death. Suffering from the cancer that would kill her, Bergman told him, "But of course you are going to die sometime, Hitch, we are all going to die." She later recalled that the comment seemed to bring him peace; it was a bittersweet goodbye. Hitchcock died in 1980, followed

by Bergman in 1982.

Her famous love affair with the war photographer, Robert Capa was the basis for Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window (1954).

When Ernest Hemingway told her she would have to cut off her hair for the role of Maria in For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943), she shot back, "To get that part, I'd cut my head off!"

She would rehearse tirelessly until any hour of the night, begging to repeat a scene long after the director was satisfied.

Her luck was as phenomenal as her talent. In New York City, a Swedish couple praised a film of hers to their son, an elevator operator in the apartment building where one of film producer David O. Selznick's young talent scouts lived. Six months later, Ingrid was on her way to Hollywood. "I owe my whole career to that elevator boy", she would say laughingly.

Industrialist Howard Hughes once bought every available seat from New York to Los Angeles to be sure she would accept a ride in his private plane.

During the making of Casablanca (1942), Humphrey Bogart's wife Mayo Methot continually accused him of having an affair with Bergman, often confronting him in his dressing room before a shot. Bogart would come onto the set in a rage.

Her daughter, Pia Lindström, with first husband Petter Lindstrom, is a television personality and actress. Another daughter, Isabella Rossellini, became a model and actress, and has appeared in such films as Blue Velvet (1986), Immortal Beloved (1994), Merlin (1998) and Don Quixote (2000).

MGM had originally cast her in the Beatrix Emery role in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941) and Lana Turner in the Ivy Peterson role. Bergman felt the role of Ivy was more challenging and persuaded the studio to let her switch roles with Turner.

She has the distinction of having inadvertently been one of the first Hollywood performers to help break down the studio contract system.

On the first anniversary of her death, stars, friends and family came to Venice Film Festival to honor her. Among the many guests were Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Walter Matthau, Charlton Heston, Roger Moore, Claudette Colbert, Olivia de Havilland and Prince Albert of Monaco.

Swedes are very proud of Bergman. They even have "Ingrid Bergman Square" with a statue of the screen goddess looking out over the water to her former home. Her ashes were scattered over the sea nearby.

Was named #4 on The Greatest Screen Legends actress list by the American Film Institute.

To prepare for her role of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, in A Woman Called Golda (1982), she traveled around Israel and interviewed those who had known Golda. She spent hours studying old newsreels to master Golda's mannerisms.

She was 66 years old at the time.

Her father encouraged her play-acting and even helped her find funny hats and costumes to dress up in while he photographed her.

Received a fan letter from James Stewart on his way to combat duty for World War II (1943).

One day at the studio she hooked bumpers with another car. A studio policeman found her tugging and heaving with all her might. The policeman said, "Darndest thing I ever saw.

First film star I ever knew that didn't mind getting her hands dirty".

Enjoyed working with Gary Cooper, for she did not have to take off her shoes.

Received a fascinating 1939 telegram from the great Greta Garbo reading, "I would like to see you when I am free, if you would be willing".

Visited Hotel Panamonte in Panama twice, and so the suite was named after her. Flavored with vibrations from Hollywood's "Golden Heyday," her luxurious rooms retain their original décor.

Cannes jury secretary Christiane Guespin was remembering all the different stars at the festival and she said the most impressive was Bergman back in 1973 when she was President of the jury. Guespin said, "Every night, when she arrived at the evening screenings, people would stand and give her an ovation and applause. Every single night. I have never seen that happen for anyone else".

Cary Grant remembered that she had come on the set one morning and was simply out of it: "We went over and over the scene, and she was in some sort of haze. You know, she just wasn't there. But [director] Alfred Hitchcock didn't say anything. He just sat there next to the camera, pulling on his cigar. Finally, around 11 a.m., I began to see in Ingrid's eyes that she was starting to come around. And for the first time all morning, the lines were coming out right. And just then Hitchcock said, 'Cut.' Hitch just sat and looked up at Ingrid and said, quietly, 'Good morning, Ingrid' ".

In 1971, when Daily Variety had noted filmmakers select the best films and performers of the sound era, she was named Best Actress.

She had a reputation as a tough negotiator. David O. Selznick said of her, "Her angelic nature is not above being tarnished by matters of mere money".

Her arrival for her first day's work; wheeled into the studio on a bicycle and wearing sunglasses.

Her 1980 autobiography, "My Story", was a best-seller.

Lived in five interesting cities in five different countries; Stockholm, Hollywood, Rome, Paris and London.

When David O. Selznick told his prospective new 23-yearold star that they would have to change her name, cap her teeth and pluck her eyebrows, she threatened to return to Sweden.

Received the (at the time) enormous amount of $129,000 for her role in Maxwell Anderson's "Joan of Lorraine" on Broadway. She also received at least 21 awards for that play.

To promote her film Joan of Arc (1948), the studio placed an eight-story-high figure of her in white plastic armor in New York City's Times Square, at a cost of $75,000.

She and her third husband, Lars Schmidt, had their own island called Danholmen, off the coast of Sweden.

She was voted the 12th Greatest Movie Star of all time by Entertainment Weekly.

In 1960 she became the third performer to win the Triple Crown of Acting: Oscars for Gaslight (1944), Anastasia (1956), Murder on the Orient Express (1974), a Tony for "Joan of Lorraine" (1947) and Emmys in 1960 and 1982.

Won Broadway's 1947 Tony Award as Best Actress (Dramatic) for "Joan of Lorraine" - an award shared with Helen Hayes. They would later co-star in Anastasia (1956), for which she won her second Oscar.

Was a good friend of author Ernest Hemingway, whom she called "Papa." He, in turn, called her "Daughter.".

Bergman was making The Bells of St. Mary's (1945), the sequel to Going My Way (1944), when the 1944 Academy Awards ceremony took place. She, co-star Bing Crosby and director Leo McCarey had all been nominated for Oscars, Crosby and McCarey for Going My Way (1944). They all won that night, Bergman for Gaslight (1944), the first of her three Academy Awards. When she picked up her Best Actress statuette, she said, "I'm afraid that if I went on the set tomorrow without an Oscar, neither of them would speak to me.".

She was ranked #5 in the Premiere's list of "The 50 Greatest Movie Stars of All Time" President of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1973.

She and Roberto Rossellini made 6 movies together: Europe '51 (1952), Giovanna d'Arco al rogo (1954), Fear (1954), We, the Women (1953), Stromboli (1950) and Journey to Italy (1954).

No relation to Swedish director Ingmar Bergman, although the fact that his wife was also a Swedish actress named Ingrid Bergman--also no relation--confused matters greatly.

One of the first tall leading ladies in Hollywood in an era where most famous actresses were just over five feet.

Was originally offered the role of Princess Dragonmiroff in Murder on the Orient Express (1974). She later ended up playing Greta Ohlsson which won her an Oscar. Virtually all of her Oscar-winning performance is contained in a single scene: her interrogation by Poirot, captured in a single continuous take, nearly five minutes long.

Upon accepting her Oscar for Murder on the Orient Express (1974), she apologized to fellow actress Valentina Cortese, who was nominated for Day for Night (1973), saying that she would have deserved the award more.

She is the favorite actress of poet Cheryl Scott.

Her former French estate was up for sale for $3 million.

The country compound, comprising five buildings on 18.5 acres in the pastoral town of Choisille, is located 30 minutes from the center of Paris. The property includes 10 bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a greenhouse, a 55-foot indoor-outdoor pool and a small barn.

On Broadway, her portrayal of Joan of Arc, in Maxwell Anderson's "Joan of Lorraine", won her an Antoinette Perry award--the "Tony"--the highest honor in the American theater.

Shares the distinction with actors José Ferrer, Helen Hayes and Fredric March of being the first winners of acting Tony Awards when the annual event was established in 1947.

Took acting class from Michael Chekhov in Hollywood.

Bergman and Humphrey Bogart were voted the second greatest on-screen couple of all time in a poll commissioned

by British chain store Woolworths for their work in Casablanca (1942). (2005) In DigitalDreamDoor's 100 Greatest Female Acting Performances, she was ranked 7# for Gaslight (1944), 20# for Casablanca (1942), 62# for Anastasia (1956), 67# for Notorious (1946), 74# for Spellbound (1945) and 86# for Autumn Sonata (1978).

In DigitalDreamdoor's 100 Greatest Movie Actresses, Bergman ranked third, only Katharine Hepburn and Meryl Streep topped her in the list.

Took a $7000 pay cut to appear in Casablanca (1942).

David O. Selznick gave her the role, not giving her an option to take it or not.

According to her daughter, whenever anyone would come up to her and say "I loved you in Casablanca (1942)", she would look at them like she didn't know what they were talking about.

At Stockholm Arlanda airport, there is a large billboard; "Welcome To My Hometown, Ingrid Bergman, legend".

Aigner's Autumn/Winter collection was held at a runway on the Cavenagh Bridge next to the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore. The collection is inspired by Bergman, with relaxed elegance, sophistication and, of course, the trenchcoat from her scene in Casablanca (1942). The "It" bag this season is the Stromboli (named after Stromboli (1950), another of Bergman's famous movies).

Harpers & Queen magazine, along with the Getty Images Gallery, put a photographic exhibition together titled (April 2003) 'Queens of the 20th Century at Getty Images Gallery' in Continued on page XXVI

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

XIX

Now-or-Never A Cozy Little Alcove Where Residents Frisk About With Festive Merriment

T

By Alex Wayne here are quite a few dreamy little villages around Guyana and its astonishing to note that so many people are not yet aware of their merry existence.

Nestled in the nook and cranny of alluring Mahaicony is a mesmerising village called ‘Now-or-Never’ bustling with jovial residents, and a distinct merriment that seem to fuse quite nicely with the thrill of the Christmas festivities.

Now folks this village is located some 44 km from Georgetown and is flanked by Bushy Park to the west and Sarah to the east. This quaint village has just over twenty households with an estimated population of 133.

Now-or-Never is occupied mostly by persons of Negro origin, but here and there are small percentages of East Indians, Amerindians and a few persons of mixed race.

TOUCHING DOWN I was just marvelling at the beauty of the enthrallling

‘double road’ at the neighbouring Perseverance Village, when the driver brought me out of my reverie by announcing loudly that we had arrived at my destination.

I disembarked and three young males seating on a roadside culvert immediately started making silly jokes about the skin fitting jeans I was wearing until I hotly give them a fiery tongue lashing about their callous attitudes. One of them happened to glance at my media identification card and instantly chided the others for their disrespectful behaviour.

From then it was some quivering, “Sorry sir…’ from them all, and in no time we had struck up a lively conversation.

Worren Semple who seemed very fluent did not hesitate to give a detailed speech on the village and its jolly people.

“I am very proud that the Chronicle has taken time out to visit us to put us on the map of places to visit. This village is indeed quite a beauty and the people here are very hospitable and endearing. We normally welcome everyone coming here. I do apologise for the behaviour of myself and friends earlier…

You see boss, we are not really accustomed to the fashion of you people from Georgetown… But I got to say, yuh really rocking dem jeans well pappy…. In Now-or-Never we live as

Huge trees form a shady canopy over the well -kept public road

one big happy family, loving each other and sharing with our neighbor, especially at Christmas time. This village is simple but we live here peacefully and with great pride…”

Bidding the youngsters goodbye, I stooped next at the home of Alison Thomas who was very busy ‘sprucing up’ her quaint little ‘Blue Shop’ from which she would sell a little groceries to neighbours for the holidays. She smiled gleefully when I applauded her painting efforts, and paused from the task to chat with me a little.

“It’s nice to have you here sir… As you can see, we at Now-or-Never are not left out of the Christmas celebrations and if you look around you will see that many houses have already been decorated. As you can hear, some of my neighbours are already blasting Christmas carols from their stereos, and this just puts us in the holiday spirit. This village is quite simple and certainly lacks all the big time facilities like in the city, but here we enjoy the bright sunshine, and live in harmony and this beautiful land the Creator has blessed us with.

The only little thing that bothers us is the abundant mosquitoes

Continued on page XX

XX

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Now-or-Never

here. We are hoping that the authorities that are responsible for the fogging exercise would visit us. The abundant trees and ponds here allows for rapid breathing of mosquitoes” Trevon Smith, a mason spoke highly about the hospitality of residents and their simple existence.

“This village is really nice and quiet. There are no criminal elements here and we just live here as a simple people. We are very pleased that we have good water supply and electricity, and we are not really affected by natural disasters. While we do no enjoy the fancy life some other villages, we thrive remarkably on the great hospitality extended by villagers, and the love and harmony we share with each other. As you can see despite the lack of certain luxuries, the Christmas feeling is here and everyone is preparing for the holidays” Fifty-two year-old Jean Williams was all smiles when I stopped to chat with her as she sat under a tree in her yard.

She explained that life in the village was good and pleasant despite the fact that the village did not possess the facilities to facilitate entertainment development and sports.

“Bai dis village really nice and comfahtable, and real quiet.

Me really ah enjy livin hea and me nah want guh nowhea else.

Awe dese nah get dem fancy places like dem otha village, but ah we ah live good hea still. Awe ah get clean wata fuh drink, electricity, and we contended with that”.

MESMERISING BEAUTY

This village does not feature majestic buildings, posh shops, fancy stores or elegant boutiques like many others, but what it may top the list with is its quiet existence, fuelled by the humility and charm of its residents, and dazzling beauty.

The minute I stepped into the village I was swept up in a whirlpool of lush green foliage, surrounded by startling tropical ‘flower plant species’ thriving naturally alongside bubbling drains and small trenches where hassa, patwah and hurry (bush fish) flipped about and somersaulted, their shiny scales glistening in the sunshine.

Pond flies and butterflies seemed to ‘dance meringue’ about my head making pleasant whirring sounds.

The main road was crystal clean with large, towering trees that formed a shady canopy for pedestrians and drivers alike.

The dense vegetation and numerous small farms certainly lent a true countryside ambience, infused nicely with sandy dunes and dreamy alleyways that spiraled into the hazy backlands.

Healthy looking coconut palms waved lazily in the wind flowing from the nearby Atlantic Ocean, and in each yard there was a bright fusion of fruit trees. Some trees seemed to be groaning under their weight of ripened mangoes, while the branches of breadfruit trees were almost sweeping the earth with the weight of the large healthy looking fruits.

Banana trees were in full bloom and genips and dunks was there too in abundance.

I almost swooned in delight and amazement as I passed a few yards where various flower plants bloomed in wild array filling the yard spaces with the striking hues and shades associated with the Caribbean.

Sheep and cattle grazed lazily in open fields, seeming savouring their afternoon meals with relish, assured that there was much to serve around for months to come. In some yards young children dashed about playing marbles and hop-scotch, while on street corner elderly men stood chatting, opening their mouths and throwing back their heads as they bellowed their mirth over jovial jokes and tales of their childhood days.

This village was sure a must visit location.

At many homes, families were relaxing in their verandahs or enjoying spicy midday meals consisting of either meat or fish and fresh vegetables from their own kitchen gardens.

Everyone apparently preferred to relax in the comfort of their homes, as opposed to other villages, where residents could be seen briskly going about their chores.

The village has undergone just a few minor changes over the years, and this comes in the form of several new houses that have sprung up overtime. Many years ago, this village was mostly dense foliage and wide open pastures, with a cluster of houses owned mostly by folks of African descent.

Today the pastures are gradually filling up with new buildings, most of which are owned by Afro-Guyanese, who are now taking up residence there.

PEACEFUL EXISTENCE

All seemed to be well in this village, and this fact was affirmed by the peaceful solitude of housewives and daughters. The husbands seemed to be missing in most cases, but investigations revealed that they were out in the fields, either tending to their farmlands or cash crops.

That aside, the few males that were at home were either administering repairs to their trucks and farming equipment, or just adding final touches as they swept and cleaned their spacious yards. This village is almost about cleanliness, peace and tranquility.

Villagers certainly seemed not too bothered about entertainment, and would listen to music from their homes, or wait for the customary birthday and wedding celebrations. Just a few of the more ‘shine dudes’ as they call themselves, would hook up with their colleagues in nearby villages, and hang out at bars in Central Mahaicony.

What struck me distinctly was that residents in this village were not the complaining type, and they certainly did not make a big fuss and uproar over the few problems that are affecting sections of the community.

We entered the village from the west, and the first group of residents mentioned that there were still a few drains in dire need of cleaning to ensure good drainage. However, they did mention that it takes continuous torrential downpours for their ‘reef areas’ to be flooded.

ENTERTAINMENT This village has no possible avenues for any vibrant form of entertainment but that does not seem to bother residents since they can hop into a ‘short-drop car’ and travel to neighbouring villages and have a blast on the weekends.

The elderly folks in most cases are contented to purchase their alcohol and drink it in the confines of their homes. Sports oriented youths would travel to as far as the Central Mahaicony Centre Ground to enjoy sporting games of their preferences. No parties are hosted there since there are no nightclubs or discos, but even this seems not to bother the jolly residents.

EMPLOYMENT

From all accounts, it appears like there is no employment issue in the village, since all appeared to be gainfully occupied. Quite a few prefer to be employed as fishermen, but many villagers are farmers who cultivate cash crops and rice on both a large and small scale. That aside, a minority sells groceries from at least two visible shops, with the smaller in number opting for careers as labourers and mini-bus drivers.

What was strange though was that no one seemed to be engaged in the making of coconut oil, which had been a ‘hit item’ in the village even in the early 1980s. In those days, everyone welcomed the stirring scent of fresh coconut oil as it wafted into the air from the many homes that were producing the must-have kitchen item. All around, you could have heard the sharp crack of coconuts being split open to extract the hard white pulp. The water was stored and given to pigs, who squealed in delight each time their ‘liquid dessert’ was served up by their masters. Those then engaged in the trade would sell the fresh coconut oil to large-scale wholesale buyers and in their shops to over-the-counter customers.

The rice and cash crop farmers there would also sell to wholesale buyers who come to their home with large trucks to remove the purchased items.

Hunting for wild animals is still a thriving sport in the backlands of this village, but today it is done mostly by residents from outside villages, who cannot ignore their never-ending cravings for iguana, agouti, anteaters and other wild animal species.

Transportation Several years ago, hire cars were indeed the main form of transportation in Now-or-Never. Villagers were more prone and seemed quite more comfortable with the environs of a hire car, than the minibuses which also plied the roads continuously.

Today those cars have disappeared and villagers now de-

pend on the very minibuses they avoided and sometimes the wait can be very lengthy, since most of these buses now ply the Georgetown to Berbice route.

Some villagers would normally use bicycles for short distances and even a few motor cycles are still around. And guess what? Some of the youths are really getting smart and are moving around on roller shoes which they claim is a more exciting form of transport.

A few would move around too on horse drawn cart that are also use to transport large items from one location to another.

NOW-OR-NEVER IN TIMES GONE BY Way back in the 1960s this village was a ‘very bushy settlement’ according to the elderly Dorcelle Welcome. And in those days one had to climb a tree to view certain features. The village was separated from other human existence by towering trees and dense foliage.

According to a village elder, Mrs. Welcome, the village was ‘pitch black’ at nights and residents were forced to use ‘lamps made from kerosene in glass bottles to see in the night.

No one dared venture outside for fear of snakes and other ‘bush creatures’; and the village was mostly dismal during day time.

Villagers were forced to go to other villages to obtain proper drinking water and they were relieved when ‘Mr. Fraser’ a very old resident got his first stand pipe. The crowds gathered there daily and many times arguments would erupt and even fights as residents bicker and scuffle to obtain the precious liquid.

Mothers then would use water from ponds and trenches for washing of their laundry and of course for bathing.

Today the village has evolved into a cluster of cozy colourful houses, sandy dams and enticing alleys that twist and turn into the backdam areas. There are at least two shops there and one allows for sale of clothing and accessories.

Gradually, this village is taking shape and still holds that special yesteryear aura, even as it slowly comes to grip with the changes of modernisation.

There are no churches there and the Christians who reside there would attend the one of the two churches present in the nearby Perseverance, or those at Central Mahaicony.

VILLAGE CAMARADERIE Everyone lives as one in this village, and the high level of love and harmony amongst residents is very evident.

It was very apparent in the jolly laughter of school children heading home from school, in the gossip of housewives as they purchased over the counter groceries and other supplies.

And there it was again in the raucous guffaws of young men playing cards by the small shops or having a few beers under their houses. This village was bundle of joy showcasing cheerful residents, doing their best to keep abreast with the changing hands of time.

Well folks there are enjoying potable water made possible by the GWI, and there is ab abundance of the precious fluid flowing in the trenches for them to keep their crops and livestock alive.

What is also evident is that villagers do not bear forlorn appearances since ‘things are looking up’ and they are seeing the signs of ongoing development there.

CONCLUSION Come prance under moonlight clouds on a starry ‘Now-orNever Night, or climb into a guava tree and drink in puffs of pure of Atlantic wind. Give heed to adventure and catch ‘bush fish’ in the muddy back dam trains, or savour the ecstasy of pickled country mangoes, made fresh from tress right in the back yard.

Drink your fill of fresh, cool water coconuts, or gather all you can take of genip, mangoes, and tamarind. Whatever you do, it would be a shame not to visit and soak up the bountiful treasures of Now-or Never. Join us next week when we take you on a roller coaster ride to the Indo populated dreamland called ‘Fairfield.’

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

A farmer returns with his harvest from his farmlands

Welcome to the dreamy back lands of Now-or-Never

Rice farmer ‘Lako’ gave us a grand tour of the village This peppy lass is contented to enjoy the company of her stuffed teddy bears

The bicycle is popular form of transport in the village

Enjoying ready shade from the huge mango trees

Such luxurious coconut palms

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

The elderly Dorcelle Welcome sheds light on the makings of the village in the olden days

Villagers are pleased that the brifge that allows them access to the Mahaica Market is finally being repaired

Farmer, Lyton Welcome cleans up his stereo set to ensure he enjoys Christmas carols and the festivities engulf the village

There are vegetable farms almost at every nook and cranny in the village

Alison Thomas prepares her little ‘Blue Shop’ to catch a few dollars as the village prepares for Christmas A section of the impressive village

One of the recently erected shops that have made life easier for residents of Now-or- Never

Sprucing the home for the festive holiday

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014 One million Earths could fit inside the Sun: If a hollow Sun was filled up with spherical Earths then around 960,000 would fit inside. On the other hand if these Earths were squished inside with no wasted space then around 1,300,000 would fit inside. The Sun’s surface area is 11,990 times that of the Earth’s. *************************************************** Eventually, the Sun will consume the Earth: When all the Hydrogen has been burned, the Sun will continue for about 130 million more years, burning Helium, during which time it will expand to the point that it will engulf Mercury and Venus and the Earth. At this stage it will have become a red giant *********************************** **************** The Sun will one day be about the size of Earth: After its red giant phase, the Sun will collapse, retaining its enormous mass, but containing the approximate volume of our planet. When this happens, it will be called a white dwarf. *********************************** **************** The Sun contains 99.86% of the mass in the Solar System: The mass of the Sun is approximately 330,000 times greater than that of Earth. It is almost three quarters Hydrogen, whilst most of the remaining mass is Helium. *************************************************** The Sun is an almost perfect sphere: There is only a 10-kilometre difference in its polar diameter compared to its equatorial diameter. Considering the vast expanse of the Sun, this means it is the closest thing to a perfect sphere that has been observed in nature. *************************************************** Light from the Sun takes eight minutes to reach Earth: With a mean average distance of 150 million kilometres from Earth and with light travelling at 300,000 kilometres per second, dividing one by the other gives us an approximate time of 500 seconds, or eight minutes and 20 seconds. Although this energy reaches Earth in a few minutes, it will already have taken millions of years to travel from the Sun’s core to its surface. *************************************************** The Sun travels at 220 kilometres per second: The Sun is 24,000-26,000 light years from the galactic centre and it takes the Sun 225-250 million years to complete an orbit of the centre of the Milky Way. *************************************************** The distance from the Sun to Earth changes throughout the year: Because the Earth travels on an elliptical orbit around the Sun, the distance between the

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two bodies varies from 147 to 152 million kilometres. The distance between the Earth and the Sun is called an Astronomical Unit (AU). *************************************************** The Sun is middle-aged: At around 4.5 billion years old, the Sun has already burned off about half of its store of Hydrogen. It has enough left to continue to burn Hydrogen for approximately another 5 billion years. The Sun is currently a type of star known as a Yellow Dwarf *************************************************** The Sun has a very strong magnetic field: Solar flares occur when magnetic energy is released by the Sun during magnetic storms, which we see as sunspots. In sunspots, the magnetic lines are twisted and they spin, much like a tornado would on Earth. *************************************************** The temperature inside the Sun can reach 15 million degrees Celsius: At the Sun’s core, energy is generated by nuclear fusion, as Hydrogen converts to Helium.

Because hot objects generally expand, the Sun would explode like a giant bomb if it weren’t for its enormous gravitational force. *************************************************** The Sun generates solar wind: This is a stream of charged particles, which travels through the Solar System at approximately 450 kilometres per second. Solar wind occurs where the magnetic field of the Sun extends into space instead of following its surface.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Some of the men, including the chief engineer, were pitching overboard life-rafts, deck chairs or anything else they could find that would float.

She joined in and gave them a hand for a while. Then she wandered on. She stopped beside a lifeboat already half-loaded, and noticed that most of the women in it were wearing nothing but their night-clothes. They were huddled together feeling cold.

“I’ll go down and get the blankets,” she told the stewardess who was supervising them.

“No don’t” shouted the stewardess in alarm, “it’s terrible down there”.

The woman was speaking of the third-class quarters aft where there was a large area below deck under water, with bodies floating about.

Rebuffed, Barbara Bailey wandered on. Her earlier listlessness had magically vanished now and all she wanted to do was to help other people. But she still did not care whether she saved herself or not.

Then she saw a little steward. He was half-crouched, half-seated against the taffrail, and he was trembling violently. Clearly he had lost control of himself.

She remembered he had been kind to her when she needed sympathy. So she went over and stood looking at him for a moment. Then she took him. “Pull yourself together!” she shouted.

The man stared at her in surprise. He made no effort to speak or protest- but simply waited until she put down her hands, then he moved away.

Dennis McCaffrey, a young Canadian who had gone on the poop deck to help lower some of the boats, saw an Irish Priest walking about without a lifebelt. He followed him, and, as a good son of the Church, took off his own and offered it to him.

The Priest smiled and shook his head “Thank you my son-but keep it yourself. I’ll be alright.”

A woman made her baby secure by using a big blanket pin, which she ran through the baby’s dress and then through her own coat. With the baby thus pinned to her, she had both hands free with which to scramble down a rope.

I SHALL HAVE TO SAY MILDRED Finley (she and her husband Tom were principals of a school in Windsor Connecticut) was among one of the lucky ones who got away in an early boat. She went in No.9, the emergency boat.

With the ship listing and no one quite certain what was going to happen next- whether the Athenia would go down at once or whether the U boat was going to attack again- the early boats on boat sides were dropped quickly to the water, passengers boarding by climbing down rope ladders or sliding down lifelines in this way at least some people were certain to be saved.

Mildred’s biggest shock came as they ran towards the rail when Tom said: Remember I’ll have to stay behind until the women and children are off.” (To be continued- (In the next Sunday edition of the Guyana Chronicle.)

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Distressed witness "You seem to be in some distress," said the kindly judge to the witness. "Is anything the matter?"

"Well, your Honour," said the witness, "I swore to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, but every time I try, some lawyer objects." *****************************************

Measuring the height of a flagpole

A team of engineers were required to measure the height of a flag pole. They only had a measuring tape, and were getting quite frustrated trying to keep the tape along the pole.

It kept falling down, etc. A mathematician comes along, finds out their problem, and proceeds to remove the pole from the ground and measure it easily. When he leaves, one engineer says to the other: "Just like a mathematician! We need to know the height, and he gives us the length!" *****************************************

*********************** ******************

Never reached so far A J e h o v a h ' s Wi t n e s s e s knocked on my door yesterday, so I answered it and asked if he wanted to come in he said, "Yeah, okay."

I said I'm just making a cup of tea do you want one? He said, "Yeah, sure."

I said I've just made some toast do you want a slice? He said, "Yeah, why not."

I then he sat down and I asked him, "So what now?" He said, "I don't know I've never got this far before!" ********************* ********************

What Liberals & Conservatives Generally Do In Certain Situations Boy and blonde stranded

If a conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one.

If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.

If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn't` eat meat.

If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.

If a conservative sees a foreign threat, he thinks about how to defeat his enemy.

If a liberal sees a foreign threat, he wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good.

If a conservative reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh.

A liberal will delete it because he's "offended."

A boy and a blonde are stranded, in a blazing hot desert. They walk for miles and come across a shop. The boy buys food and water for the journey whilst the blonde bought a car door. "What will you do with a car door?" asked the boy and the blonde replies, "So that I can roll down the window for fresh hair when it gets too hot."

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Ingrid Bergman From page XVIII

London which pay homage to 100 women who have defined style in the past, their ability to influence the wardrobes of their legions of fans and about "women with the most incredible sense of style". Ingrid Bergman was named first among other names like Katharine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Madonna, Catherine Deneuve, Marilyn Monroe and Jane Fonda.

Famed French director Jean Renoir adored Ingrid. When she was in desperate straits after splitting with Roberto Rossellini, Renoir quickly got to work and wrote two things for her, the film Elena and Her Men (1956) (Elena and Her Men) and the play "Carola".

Was portrayed by daughter Isabella Rossellini in her tribute to her father, famed Italian director Roberto Rossellini, in My Dad Is 100 Years Old (2005).

The San Francisco Chronicle's "The Objects Of Our Affection" ranked her fourth in the female category after Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe.

The British magazine 'Harpers and Queen' ranked her fifth on their 'The World's 50 most Alluring Women. Audrey Hepburn was first, followed by Ava Gardner, Julie Christie, and Catherine Deneuve.

In Israel, under The Jewish National Fund, a memorial forest for Ingrid Bergman has been established as part of the Kennedy Memorial Forest near Jerusalem. On the plaque wrote, 'In Memory of Ingrid Bergman, A Great Actress and An Outstanding Person'.

At Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, there's a special area at the museum devoted strictly to Casablanca (1942) that

includes Humphrey Bogart's and her clothes from the film, the film's script, its costumes, and even the small piano on which Sam "played it again" for Rick and Ilsa.

Frank Sinatra was a good friend of hers.

She considered herself somehow awkward because of her tallness. In Anastasia (1956) she suggested putting a little block under Yul Brynner. He refused, saying, "You think I want to play it standing on a box? I'll show the world what a big horse you are!".

She was sitting in a Paris bathtub in 1957, listening to the Oscars broadcast on the radio, when she heard Cary Grant, her friend for many years, accept her Best Actress award. Her Notorious (1946) and Indiscreet (1958) costar also introduced her when she returned to the Oscars in 1959 to present Gigi (1958) with Best Picture honors. The standing ovation that followed was as thunderous as any in Oscar history.

Although she played Helen Hayes' granddaughter in Anastasia (1956), she was less than 15 years younger than Hayes.

Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume One, 1981-1985, pages 67-69. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1998.

In Italy, almost all her films were dubbed by Lidia Simoneschi. Only twice, was she dubbed by another Italian actress: Dhia Cristiani in Joan of Arc (1948) and Giovanna Scotto in Casablanca (1942).

Was the first choice to play Terry McKay in An Affair to Remember (1957).

The very first Montreal World Film Festival was held in 1977. The festivities were opened by Bergman, who was joined by such greats as Fay Wray, Gloria Swanson, Howard

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014 Hawks and Jean-Luc Godard. It was the only non-competitive year of the festival's history.

Anthony Quinn had said about her, "Sometimes in motion pictures you love someone so much, but it doesn't work on the screen. And you don't like somebody and you're wonderful on the screen. The two greatest talents I worked with were Ingrid and Anna Magnani. But I would prefer to work with [Magnani], whom I didn't like, than Ingrid, whom I loved".

In DigitalDreamDoor's 100 Greatest Female Acting Performances, she was ranked #7 for Gaslight (1944), #20 for Casablanca (1942), #62 for Anastasia (1956), #67 for Notorious (1946), #74 for Spellbound (1945) and #86 for Autumn Sonata (1978).

On file at the Berlin Document Center, an archive of documents from the Nazi era, is a special certificate for her to appear in a German film. This must have been from a time very early in her career when she was still acting in Sweden, long before she came to America and is no reflection on her political views or ideals.

Early in her career, when she did Swedish films, her nickname on set was "Betterlater" due to her saying after nearly every take, "I'll be better later.".

In both her first American film (Intermezzo: A Love Story (1939)) and her last feature film, (Autumn Sonata (1978)), she played a concert pianist.

Was 8 months pregnant with her daughter Pia Lindström when she completed filming Only One Night (1939).

Returned to work 8 months after giving birth to her daughter Pia Lindström in order to film Intermezzo: A Love Story (1939).

Her mother was German, her father was Swedish.

Her children convinced her to write her autobiography.

According to a biographer, she was fond of butter cookies.

Was ranked 5th in the list of Best Classic Actress online poll chosen by the 12,000 readers of EW magazine, behind Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Bette Davis and Marilyn Monroe.

Her mother, Friedel (née Adler) Bergman, died when she was only 3 years old and her father, Justus Bergman, died when she was 13.

Luchino Visconti had wanted Ingrid Bergman and Marlon Brando for leads in Senso (1954), but when Bergman's husband 'Roberto Rossellini' would not permit her to appear in the film, Brando also bowed out.

Is one of 12 actresses to have won the Triple Crown of Acting (an Oscar, Emmy and Tony); the others in chronological order are Helen Hayes, Shirley Booth, Liza Minnelli, Rita Moreno, Maureen Stapleton, Jessica Tandy, Audrey Hepburn, Anne Bancroft, Vanessa Redgrave, Maggie Smith and Ellen Burstyn.

Bergman turned down the title role in The Farmer's Daughter (1947), for which Loretta Young won an Oscar, and The Snake Pit (1948), for which Olivia de Havilland was nominated for an Oscar.

Son Roberto "Robertino" Rossellini was engaged to Princess Caroline of Monaco in 1983.

During the making of 'Goodbye Again', Bergman's costar, 'Anthony Perkins' (who had an overwhelming fear of girls) was informed by friends that she was attracted to him, and thereafter he insisted that they were never alone when rehearsing love scenes.

Was unable to attend the 1979 Academy Award ceremony (where she was nominated Best Actress for Autumn Sonata (1978)) due to illness.

Was 3 months pregnant with her son Roberto when she completed filming Stromboli (1950).

Returned to work 18 months after giving birth to her son Roberto in order to begin filming Europe '51 (1952).

Cary Grant was one of her favorite co-stars. As with Gary Cooper, Grant was comfortable with his stature (over six feet tall), so no lifts or barefoot scenes were necessary.

One of six actors who were awarded with 3 acting Oscars, along with Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, Walter Brennan, Daniel Day-Lewis and Katharine Hepburn. Hepburn won 4 Oscars.

Was the favorite actress of Presidential First Lady Bess Truman and Bergman visited her at the White House on the occasion of her 61st birthday in 1946.

She was a naturalized citizen of the United States, holding dual citizenship between America and her native Sweden.

Was a registered Republican and was supportive of Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan.

Is one of 14 Best Actress Oscar winners to have not accepted their Academy Award in person, Bergman's being for Anastasia (1956). The others are Katharine Hepburn, Claudette Colbert, Joan Crawford, Judy Holliday, Vivien Leigh, Anna Magnani, Sophia Loren, Anne Bancroft, Patricia Neal, Elizabeth Taylor, Maggie Smith, Glenda Jackson and Ellen Burstyn.

Gave birth to her 3rd and 4th children at age 36, twin daughters Isabella Rossellini and Isotta Rossellini on June 18, 1952. Children's father was her 2nd ex-husband, Roberto Rossellini.

Gave birth to her 2nd child at age 34, a son Roberto Ingmar Rossellini on February 2, 1950. Child's father was her lover [later 2nd ex-husband], Roberto Rossellini.

Continued on page XXVII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Ingrid Bergman

Gave birth to her 1st child at age 23, a daughter Pia Lindström on September 20, 1938. Child's father was her 1st ex-husband, Petter Lindström.

Was the 24th actress to receive an Academy Award; she won the Best Actress Oscar for Gaslight (1944) at The 17th Academy Awards on March 15, 1945.

Personal Quotes (40) The best way to keep young is to keep going in whatever it is that keeps you going. With me that's work, and a lot of it.

And when a job is finished, relax and have fun.

I've gone from saint to whore and back to saint again, all in one lifetime. [to daughter Isabella Rossellini, on acting] Keep it simple.

Make a blank face and the music and the story will fill it in.

People didn't expect me to have emotions like other women.

I've never sought success in order to get fame and money; it's the talent and the passion that count in success.

I remember one day sitting at the pool and suddenly the tears were streaming down my cheeks. Why was I so unhappy? I had success. I had security. But it wasn't enough. I was exploding inside.

I have no regrets. I wouldn't have lived my life the way I did if I was going to worry about what people were going to say.

Until 45 I can play a woman in love. After 55 I can play grandmothers. But between those ten years, it is difficult for an actress.

I don't regret a thing I've done. I only regret the things I didn't do.

Happiness is good health and a bad memory.

I don't worry about it because we are all growing old. If I were the only one I would worry. But we're all in the same boat, and all of my friends are coming with me. We all go toward old age. How many years left we don't know. We just have to accept it.

Time is shortening. But every day that I challenge this cancer and survive is a victory for me.

I was the shyest human ever invented, but I had a lion inside me that wouldn't shut up.

In Paris, when the picture came out [Casablanca (1942)], they weren't too pleased with it. They didn't like the political point of view. The picture was taken off immediately and was never sold to television. A while ago, it was brought in and opened in five theatres in Paris, as a new movie. They had a big gala opening where I appeared and people were absolutely crazy about it.

You must train your intuition - you must trust the small voice inside you which tells you exactly what to say, what to decide.

Film as dream, film as music. No art passes our conscience in the way film does, and goes directly to our feelings, deep down into the dark rooms of our souls.

Be yourself. The world worships the original.

A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.

It is not whether you really cry. It's whether the audience thinks you are crying.

There are advantages to being a star, though - you can always get a table in a full restaurant.

I always felt guilty. My whole life.

I don't think anyone has the right to intrude in your life, but they do. I would like people to separate the actress and the woman.

I can do everything with ease on the stage, whereas in real life I feel too big and clumsy. So I didn't choose acting; acting chose me.

I have grown up alone. I've taken care of myself. I worked, earned money and was independent at 18.

I have had my different husbands, my families. I am fond of them all and I visit them all. But deep inside me there is the feeling that I belong to show business."

I made so many films which were more important, but the only one people ever want to talk about is that one with [Humphrey Bogart].

Having a home, husband, and child ought to be enough for any woman's life. I mean, that's what we are meant for, isn't it?

But still I think every day is a lost day. As if only half of me is alive. The other half is pressed down in a bag and suffocated.

If you took acting away from me, I'd stop breathing.

Acting is the best medicine in the world - if you're not feeling well, it goes away because you are busy thinking about something that isn't yourself. We actors are very fortunate people.

Cancer victims who don't accept their fate, who don't learn to live with it, will only destroy what little time they have left.

[Cary Grant] is quite remarkable, you know. I think [Audrey Hepburn] is now too old for him, and in his next picture he will be making love to someone like Jane Fonda.

No form of art goes beyond ordinary consciousness as film does, straight to our emotions, deep into the twilight of the soul.

I always wanted to do comedies but nobody discovered this until my old age. They think all Swedes are like [Greta Garbo].

I am happy I was born Swedish because this means having a tough education -- at least it was in my time. But I couldn't live there, even when I was in my 20s. Sweden is too far from the rest of the world psychologically. There you feel confined on an island.

I work so hard before the camera and on the stage that I have neither the desire nor the energy to act in my private life Hollywood was a terribly lonely place for me. I had wonderful associations with Humphrey Bogart, Gregory Peck, and all the others while I worked with them, but after they left the studios at night, they retired to their own circle of friends.

Because I'm a Swede I always suffer in films, drive audiences out into the night sobbing. Look at 'The Bells of Saint

Mary's'. I was happy and gay but there had to be something wrong. So they gave me TB. [filming 'Anastasia'] Yul Brynner was shorter, I suggested putting a little block under him. 'You think I want to play it standing on a box? I'll show the world what a big horse you are!'

I never had a complex about my height after that. [on 'Casablanca'] I never knew how the picture was going to end, if I was really in love with my husband or Bogart. So I had no idea how I should play the character. I kept begging them to give me the ending but they'd say, 'We haven't made up our minds. We'll shoot it both ways'. We did the first ending and they said,'That's good, we won't bother with the other'. [on Jean Renoir]: A force for life in everything he touches.

A god and a poet!

Salary (16) Munkbrogreven (1935) kr1,000 Intermezzo: A Love Story (1939) $20,000 .00

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Rage in Heaven (1941) $34,000 .00 Casablanca (1942) $25,000 For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943) $31,770 .83 Gaslight (1944) $75,156 .25 Saratoga Trunk (1945) $69,562 .30 Arch of Triumph (1948) $175,000 + 25% of net profits.

Joan of Arc (1948) $245,000 Stromboli (1950) $175,000 .00 plus 40% of net profits.

Anastasia (1956) $250,000 Indiscreet (1958) $75,000 .00 + 10% of gross profits above $4,000,000 The Yellow Rolls-Royce (1964) $275,000 Cactus Flower (1969) $800,000 .00 Murder on the Orient Express (1974) $100,000 .00 A Matter of Time (1976)

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Meet the stunning

Sharon Hines…

From ‘tom girl’ to beautician

S

By Telesha Ramnarine

HARON Hines, proprietrix of the elite Coco Cabana Salon and Spa, has not always been interested in beauty but ironically grew up as a ‘tom girl,’ climbing trees and swimming in the neighbourhood trenches.

She is not at all regretful that she decided to try some-

Continued on page XXIX

Sharon at her salon

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Her persistence at the job certainly paid off

Sharon Hines…

From page XXVIII

thing new – dabbling in the world of cosmetology. This she did with encouragement from a friend who was already in the business.

She then enrolled at a top beautician school and excelled at the course to the point where, upon receiving her certificate, her instructor got her a job at a salon in the city. “This is where I learned the importance of trying something new,” she told the Chronicle.

She recalled working at some of the smaller salons where the work load was heavy and the pay very meagre. At times, she was even asked to do additional domestic duties. “I swallowed my pride and persisted. Not giving up allowed me to hone my skills in the profession,” she expressed.

Sharon’s first big break came when she was accepted to work at one of the biggest salons in the country. “To be honest, the first day I wanted to quit. I thought the staff was too harsh and critical. Little did I know that this training was the groundwork for future success. My eyes were opened to a greater degree of professionalism and standard.”

She therefore believes that everyone has a choice to either view their trials as stumbling blocks or stepping stones.

Eventually, she was encouraged by her husband to take the giant leap of opening her own business. “At the same time, I heard a few negative voices that I was making a mistake and that I would never be able to compete with more established salons. This is why we should never allow anyone to dissuade us from pursuing our dreams.”

Today, she runs the salon, located at Lot 266, New Market Street, Georgetown, with a team of professional staff whom she said is like one big extended family. She also has a list of her loving and loyal clients whom she has found it a privilege to work with over the years.

“I don’t ever forget the look on their faces when they are pleased with my work. I feel good pleasing them and making them feel and look beautiful,” Sharon said.

The salon is open from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Thursday and 9 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday. It specialises in hair styling, cutting, perming, relaxing, colouring, manicures, pedicures, facials, and the rest of the works.

Sharon has plans to serve the public on a much grander scale and is looking forward to doing so.

The salon can be reached on telephone number 231 8437.

Sharon has a team of professional staff with whom she enjoys working

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Salvage and Create – DIYs, Beauty and Fashion Tips with Raveena Mangal

T

he Christmas Season sees often sees you heading out to glitzy parties to see old and new friends over the festive period and spending fun time with our family, whichever it is, no doubt you’ll want to look your best.

All those nights partying is bound to leave even young eyes looking tired. To make sure you stay looking bright give yourself a little eye massage to get rid of puffy eyes.

Begin at the corner of one of your eyes and work your way up, between your brow bone and your eye, rubbing as you go until you reach the outer edge of your eye. Repeat along your lower lash line. Also, be careful about where you apply your blusher as applying it too high can make you look tired.

Facial massage every other day is also unbeatable for getting an instant glow. Use your knuckles (held in loose fists) and finger tips to roll, knead and drum life back into your skin.

After a night out, or after a day of hectic day of shopping, your hair can get lifeless and limp. Boost it back up with a hair mask.

Whilst the shop bought varieties are good, you can get great results simply by leaving image of hair your normal conditioner in for longer. Make sure the conditioner is applied from the root to the tip and wrap your hair in a warm towel to help it penetrate the hair follicles further.

Another idea is to make your own DIY hair mask. Try mixing 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of honey, apply to hair and cover with a plastic wrap or shower cap.

The result-Salon fresh hair that costs next to nothing.

When you head out, thickening hairsprays are great for thin or flat hair and make light work of this season's up-do's. If you want to give it volume, spray it directly on the roots for instant bounce and shine.

For glamorous beehive's or wearing the hair up, spraying each section as you go will give it a firm hold and ensure it stays put throughout the night however much dancing you may be doing!

Don’t forget to experiment for head turning different looks! Look at magazines, scan the web, and see what other women who inspire you are wearing on their faces.

Keeping on top of the latest looks will keep the ideas flowing and prevent you from falling into one of those make-up ruts that can solidify our looks for weeks, months, years at a time.

Beauty tips for the Festive Season

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Christmas Recipes

CHRISTMAS is in the air! In Guyana, celebrating this season is hand in hand with certain delicious foods.

Christmas is not Christmas if one doesn’t wake up to the smell of pepperpot in the morning.

It is a rich meat stew that has been handed down to us from our Amerindian ancestors, traditionally eaten with homemade bread. While it is usually made with beef, it can also be made with pork, chicken or wild meats.

PEPPERPOT If you want to prepare this dish for Christmas, you will need: – Beef chunks (any cheap cut will do) – 3 cow-heels to make it gooey – 3 or 4 chunks of oxtail (optional) – 1 Cup Cassareep – 1 scotch bonnet pepper – A couple of cloves – A few cloves of garlic – 1 stick cinnamon spice -Salt to taste -Black pepper -A dash of brown sugar

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With Raveena Mangal

Method – Wash your meat. Place the cow-heels into a pan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil.

– Once the scum rises to the top, skim and let it simmer for a while (an hour-and-a- half or so).

– Now, add all your other meats and hot water to cover.

– Once it boils, add your spices and seasoning, and cook gently for about two hours, or until the meat is tender, and the sauce is quite thick.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

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ARIES - Though action and adventure may call to you, Jupiter’s retrograde phase encourages you to slow down and opt for inner journeys that encourage greater self-knowledge. The emphasis shifts with a focus on exploring those beliefs that affect your creativity and experience of romance. You may feel a desire to be free of rules and regulations, and you might consider working for yourself as opposed to a company or corporation. Don’t act impulsively, though. Take it one step at a time.

TAURUS - You’ll be eager to explore ideas for earning more money, and you may be tempted to invest in classes with this aim in mind. Information is key this week, and accessing the knowledge you need could prove a turning point.

At home, Jupiter’s retrograde phase may slow down your plans for your house or family. Seeds planted may take longer to come to fruition. Later, a potent transit suggests you may be limited by outdated beliefs. It’s time to replace them.

GEMINI - Partnerships and relationships flourish this week as your involvement with others expands. You can expect a lot of encouragement, but try not to promise more than you can deliver. Later, the cosmos encourages you to reflect on deep soul bonds and committed relationships and how much you’re willing to share. Key could be finding the balance between keeping things lighthearted and desiring security and commitment. However, social delights await you over the weekend, with the potential for a love adventure.

CANCER - There are advantages to be gained from stepping outside of your comfort zone this week. Say yes to new people, places, and experiences, particularly if you’re looking for a new job or hoping to set up a business for yourself.

Meanwhile, Jupiter’s retrograde phase encourages you to ponder the spiritual source of your supply. Doing so could be a revelation. Finally, a revolutionary transit encourages you to take your goals and dreams seriously. Don’t let personal relationships stand in the way of your success.

LEO - Creative and romantic opportunities seem well starred, especially early in the week. Yet as Jupiter rewinds in your sign, you may find certain associations or projects a bit too superficial. It’s time to direct your energy to activities and people who have depth and inspire you. Despite this, your social life continues to flourish, as do romantic options. Big questions circle around in your head as you may notice a desire to escape from too much responsibility, but at what cost?

VIRGO - Focus on home affairs, plans, and projects that need to get sorted before the holiday week. You may be the one organising get-togethers, especially as people seem to enjoy chilling out at your place. Give yourself a chance for some alone time, as this is when inspiration could strike, bringing solutions to problems and creative ideas. Over the weekend you might be faced with a dilemma, as a potent transit encourages you to be honest about your feelings rather than hold back.

LIBRA - Your outlook is upbeat and expectant, with a desire to reach out and connect. As the festive season gets underway it’s time to send cards and messages to those who are dear to your heart, which you’ll enjoy. Jupiter turns retrograde in your social sector, so you may prefer your own company and the chance to reflect at times. Still, there will be enough get-togethers to keep you occupied.

Later, ask yourself if you’re resisting an idea whose time has come.

SCORPIO - Spend time at home where you can think up ambitious plans and share your ideas with family and friends. You might want to invest in gadgets and other devices that make life easier. Jupiter turns retrograde in your career sector on Monday, so a goal or career move could take longer to materialise.

This might not be a bad thing, encouraging you to reflect on what’s best for you. Finally, you might notice how your thoughts affect your well-being for better or worse.

SAGITTARIUS - Your responsibilities to others may seem to restrict your freedom and dampen your enthusiasm. If real-life demands weigh you down, perhaps you’ll escape through travel or other adventures. As Jupiter turns retrograde in Leo, you may prefer to acquire more knowledge. Regular meditation and reflection over the weeks ahead can encourage you to review and change outdated beliefs. Avoid impulsive moves over the weekend that might affect your financial security, even if you’re tempted to take a gamble.

CAPRICORN - You may want to help out with charity work or volunteer your time in other ways. A focus on your spiritual sector encourages you to be generous, as by giving you will receive. Meanwhile, Venus hikes into your sign on Wednesday, boosting your confidence and making you an attractive option. Later, you may notice a conflict between putting yourself and your own thoughts and feelings first versus doing your duty and making sure you fulfill your responsibilities. You may need to strike a balance.

AQUARIUS - Your social life is busy, but you aren’t complaining! With festive get-togethers keeping you busy, you’re in your element. Jupiter turns retrograde in your relationship sector on Monday, so interactions could slow. For instance, a business partnership may see you both acting more independently for a while and learning much as a result. If you’re in a long-term relationship, you may relish more alone time. Finally, the weekend may set you thinking about what’s holding you back from being successful.

PISCES - A focus on Sagittarius and your career sector makes this a good time to get your message out to the world, and to be bold and forthright about doing so.

When it comes to everyday matters or lifestyle issues, it might be time to journey within to uncover and release anything blocking success. Your social life picks up midweek, with romance looking likelier. Finally, if a friend disapproves of your behaviour, you might wonder why you hang out with him or her.

XXXVIII

CXC

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

English

Chronicle Pepperpot December 21, 2014

XXXIX

Poinsettias at Christmas T

By Clifford Stanley

he Poinsettia plant known worldwide as the flower of the Christmas season undoubtedly adds the “Christmas touch” to homes and offices like nothing else can.

The Poinsettia scientifically known as Euphorbia pulcherrima, or noche buena, is a shrub or small tree, typically reaching a height of 0.6 to 4 m (2 to 16 ft).

The plant bears flaming red leaves that measure 7 to 16 cm (3 to 6 inches) in length.

The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and the red color represents the blood of Christ.

The beautiful poinsettia was discovered in 1800 by the first US minister to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was also an avid botanist.

It is said that one Christmas long ago as Poinsett strolled through the markets of Mexico City, he noticed the exotic, flaming flowers that people were buying to decorate their homes and churches.

The Mexicans had many names for the plant: flor de fuego (fire flower), flor de Pascua (Christmas flower), flor de la Nochebuena (flower of the Holy Night).

Poinsett became fascinated with the strange flowers, which grew wild in the Mexican and Central American hot lands.

He dubbed the brilliant red plant "painted leaves" because of its bright red petal-like leaf.

Poinsett took the plant back to the United States, and propagated it.

It did not take him long to share the jungle plant with other botanists.

One nurseryman was so grateful for the opportunity that he named the plant the "poinsettia" after Poinsett.

There is a legend of the poinsettia which comes out of Mexico.

It tells of a girl named Maria and her little brother Pablo. They were very poor but always looked forward to the Christmas festival.

Each year a large manger scene was set up in the village church, and the days before Christmas were filled with parades and parties.

The two children loved Christmas but were always

On their way they picked some weeds growing along the roadside and decided to take them as their gift to the Baby Jesus in the manger scene.

Of course other children teased them when they arrived with their gift, but they said nothing for they knew they had given what they could.

Maria and Pablo began placing the green plants around the manger and miraculously, the green top leaves turned into bright red petals, and soon the manger was surrounded by beautiful star-like flowers.

The poinsettia is not cultivated locally but is imported from places like the United States, Canada and Mexico

saddened because they had no money to buy presents.

They especially wished they could give something to the church for the Baby Jesus. But they had nothing.

One Christmas Eve, Maria and Pablo set out for church to attend the service.

and the price tag relative to other plants may be a bit high.

But for many locals the sight of the flaming red plant and its flowers in their homes and patios at Christmas time is a sight worth paying for.

American Country Countdown Awards Best Dressed: Carrie Underwood & More Our favourite country crooners dressed to impress at the first-ever American Country Countdown Awards, where they showed off one great gown after another — but who do YOU think was best dressed? See who topped our list & VOTE! Sexy seemed to be the theme on the red carpet at the Music City Center in Nashville on Dec. 15 for the American Country Countdown Awards, where our favorite country music stars rocked one hot look after another — but who do you think donned the best look of the night?

American Country Countdown Awards Best Dressed — Carrie Underwood & More: Mommy-to-be Carrie Underwood, 31, brought her best accessory, her baby bump — and she showed it off in a white skintight gown! The country singer proved to be one of the best dressed ladies on the red carpet, as she donned her sexiest pregnancy look ever — and we loved it!

While Carrie flaunted her growing figure in a form-fitting gown, she wasn’t the only star who stepped out in something sexy. Miranda Lambert also looked amazing in a sultry dress as she showed off her edgy side in a sleeveless black gown that featured a strategic, sheer bodice, which put her cleavage on display.

Miranda and Carrie cornered the market on sexy dressing at the ACC Awards, but they weren’t alone. See who else topped our best dressed list & VOTE for who YOU think rocked the best look on the red carpet at the ACC Awards.

Jennifer Hudson’s ‘The Voice’ Finale Dress: Sizzles In Tiny Mini The songstress rocked the stage for the finale of the show — but it was her itty-bitty mini that really had us doing a double take! Is this the singer’s sexiest look ever?

Jennifer Hudson looks better than ever — and she certainly isn’t shy when it comes to showing it off! The songstress totally shut it down with her powerhouse performance for The Voice season finale on Dec. 17 — and she did so clad in a strapless black dress that had a dangerously short hemline!

Jennifer Hudson’s ‘The Voice’ Dress — Looks Incredible In Itty Bitty Mini: Jennifer wore one of the tiniest dresses we’ve ever seen on stage as she performed alongside Damien Lawson, which clung to her every curve. While it definitely wasn’t forgiving, it really didn’t matter — especially because the songstress is in amazing shape! Jen clearly doesn’t need to rely on a voluminous shape to mask any holiday weight gain. The strapless silhouette put her bare shoulders on display — and while I’m not used to seeing the star in a strapless top, it looked amazing on her, especially because her short hair kept the focus on the sexy shape of the dress and her gorgeous face.

Beyonce Pregnant With Second Baby — Report Forget those divorce rumors! Beyonce and Jay Z are allegedly expecting their second child together, a new report claims. And this time, the ‘XO’ singer is hoping for a boy!

Those hoping to catch Beyonce, 33, on tour sometime soon may not want to hold their breath. The superstar is allegedly expecting her second baby with Jay Z and “she’ll focus on her kids for a bit before she runs off on another tour,” a new report claims.

“She’s pregnant again!” a source told In Touch magazine.

“She’s been trying for so long, so she’s thrilled. And she’s dying for a boy this time!”

‘The Bachelor': Farmer Chris Has Steamy Make Outs In New Promos Prince Farming is here! Season 19 of ‘The Bachelor’ premieres on Jan. 5, and in two new promo clips, we see Chris Soules meet and kiss his ‘whole new crop of women.’ You’ve got to watch these new videos!

We’re finally getting a nice Bachelor! Chris Soules will officially kick off season 19 soon and it’s clear that the women are looking to fall in love. In the brand new promo, the 33-year-old farmer kisses a few girls and even says he feels like “the luckiest man alive!”

‘The Bachelor': Farmer Chris Searching For Love Let me just start by saying that I’m so happy this show is back — we all need a new farmer in our life. In the trailer, he walks up to Chris Harrison and tells him, “I feel like this is dream. Somebody needs to slap me and wake me up.” Apparently Chris thought that meant him — yes, the host full on slaps him across the face. What a way to kick off the season.

After that, we see Chris meet his new ladies — and there are some stunning girls! We have to point out that one girl shows up in what looks like lingerie and she’s carrying a sign, and another takes the farmer jokes to the next level. “I’ll plow your field any day,” she tells him right away.

Well . . . ok, then.(Source:Hollywood.com)