Pepperpot 2014 12 28

Meet Roy Adrian Peters‌ Page IX

An asset to the education sector

Catherineville Where Quiet Serenity Is Heightened By Refreshing Camaraderie

Page X

Tollywood calling for former Miss India Neha Hinge Page XI

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

See what this man is doing to Actress Omotola Jalade

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 28, 2014

Sarah’s Christmas Wish –(Conclusion) Something good for the New Year From Heaven they came, dreams and wishes…

“Sarah.”

Sarah awoke at the sound of her grandmother’s voice and answered, hurrying to her side. It was the fourth day of Christmas, the morning not yet dawned and as she held her hands, it felt a little cold.

“Grandma,” she whispered, a dreadful fear creeping her heart. “How are you feeling? What can I do for you?”

Grandma opened her eyes and smiled at her granddaughter, one last smile as the light in her eyes slowly faded and she said, in a weak and trembling voice, “The Lord’s blessings will follow you my child, for you have done good. I do not want to leave you but my body has become too old and ill, the angels await but do not cry, my dear Sarah, you won’t be alone. I bless you.”

She closed her eyes and Sarah cried, “Grandma!” as the cold hands went limp in hers. She sat there for a long time crying quietly, grief like a thunderstorm in her heart.

“Why so soon, grandma?” she cried, “Why couldn’t you stay a little longer?”

Like dried leaves scattered in the wind, the old woman’s life was gone beyond the windowless skies, a body left to return to the dust from where it had been created. Memories will linger forever, her name will be spoken, stories will be recounted of her life, her time, a woman of pure values and undefeated principles in her old-fashioned world, where thoughts and ideals are treasured.

She had left a rich legacy for her granddaughter but for now, Sarah couldn’t stop crying.Her grief was too deep for she felt life was unfair, first her husband departed leaving her with an unborn child and now her grandmother, her closest family who had taken care of her since babyhood.

“I’m all alone now,” she cried.

“You’re not alone, my child.” The elderly pastor comforted her. “The Lord is always with you and so are we, we are your family.”

Ronald came by later that evening but she could hardly speak to him, unable to control her grief and the tears. He comforted her the best way he could, lending a strong shoulder for her to lean on. He had a long discussion with the Pastor and he took control of everything that had to be done for grandma’s funeral.

Sarah was given some medication to rest her fragile mind, a couple of the younger residents taking care of Isabella but the child couldn’t stay away from her mother for too long.

Ronald stayed late into the night and he spoke to her, “Are you feeling any better?”

“A little,” she said, sighing.

He took her hand in his and said, “Sarah, I understand, how deep you feel about your loss but you need to be strong, It’s what your grandmother would have wanted of you and Isabella needs her mother.”

She nodded, tears trickling down her face and he gently wiped her tears saying to her quietly, “I want you to know you’re not alone, you have me.”

He embraced her for a moment, until he felt her body relaxing then he kissed her lightly on the cheek.

“I want you to sleep tonight with a peaceful mind. I’ll be back in the morning.”

Sarah closed her eyes but couldn’t sleep, so many thoughts, memories of her girlhood days spent with her grandmother, the struggles and the good times.

“How does my mind stay strong, knowing you’re gone?” she questioned herself, “Did I care for you enough? Did I love you enough?”

Questions bothered her mind, answers not too clear but as the clock ticked, she remembered Ronald’s words and she looked at the sleeping child beside her. She kissed her cheek, softly, tenderly and she whispered, “He’s right, I have to be strong for you, as my grandma was for me.”

Saying ‘Goodbye’ forever though, to someone she had spent all her life with was not something easy for her, her

calm mind crashing as she bid her farewell. Ronald was close by her side but for those final moments, Sarah could see no one nor hear no one.

She opened her eyes, slowly, not sure where she was, low voices in the background and a child crying quietly.

“Isabella,” she called, sitting up as she regained her senses.

An elderly relative was trying to rock the restless child to sleep and on seeing her mother, she stretched her arms out, rejoiced. Sarah embraced her and whispered softly, “I’m sorry, my baby.”

They had lost each other for that period when emotions like rushing water through a broken dam had lost its control.

Such was the pain of losing one, close and dear, like a deep ravine.

Ronald came in to check on her for the umpteenth time and saw her sitting with the child in her arms and he sighed with deep relief.

“Are you okay now?”

She nodded but not certain enough to convince him and he hugged her, a casual embrace for they were in the presence of family and friends.

“You really gave me a scare when you lost consciousness like that.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, “I couldn’t accept the fact, she was leaving forever.”

“It’s okay,” he said in a comforting voice, understanding her feelings. “It won’t be easy for you,but you’ll have to try and I’m here for you.”

She smiled weakly, leaning her hand on his shoulder, “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

It was in the script of the story written in Heaven that continued to unfold.

The days went by as Sarah tried to stem the flow of her emotions, living her life alone now, again, relatives and friends returning to their homes and lives.

Fond memories were written, invisible words on everything in Grandma’s little old house, that was her palace, she the Queen for her mind was rich with kindness, love and faith in the Lord.

Ronald could not come by every day because of his business engagements, but he made sure she and Isabella had all the basic necessities and comfort.

Life in the community had taken a turn for the better, the residents becoming like her family.

Not a day went by without someone not stopping by to talk with her, asking for her ideas on little projects, issues on church and family. She had become, without realising it, an important and admired person in the poor community.

Three months passed and one morning, just before breakfast, Ronald stopped by before his daily business engagements to see how she was doing.

He brought for her a fresh rose, the colour of lilac.

She had prepared a small breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast and he sat with her, sharing those moments that gave her

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com day a good beginning.

This morning though was a little different, for there seemed to be something on his mind.

“Sarah,” he said, the deep look in his eyes, she had seen on Christmas day that spoke of love and passion.

“You’re too lonely here, I want you to come and live with me.”

She looked at him, a little stunned, not expecting to hear those words.

“How can I? Your world and mine are so different.”

“My world,” he said, touching her face gently, “will become yours.”

She didn’t know what to say, uncertain, of what to do, memories, still fresh and ties to the community strong.

“I don’t know,” was all she could say.

“Think about it,” he said, as he kissed her goodbye, “You can help this community more if you develop into a person of strength and character, in modeling their lives and giving your child the best of everything.”

She battled with her thoughts all day, a bright future beckoning but sadness in her heart to leave the little, old house with such cherished memories. Ronald came back that night and as they talked, she asked him, “How long would you like me to stay?”

He looked at her for a long moment before answering, “Forever, I would like.”

Two weeks later, she left the poor, little community and the little old house, a simple poor, young woman whose life had always been rags to a new life of riches.

She stood with her child in her arms, dressed in simple casuals, a small bag in her hand, looking at the magnificent house, that she wasn’t sure she could enter she had wished for something good but not in her wildest dreams, could she had known it would be this good.

The door opened and Ronald walked towards her, something she had thought was impossible and he took her hand.

“Come in, this is now your home.”

She took his hand and entered.her Heart racing, the rich, ornate furnishings and paintings and décor, taking her breath away and the most beautifully decorated Christmas tree, she had ever seen. Tears gathered in her eyes, wetting her cheeks and he embraced her, kissing away her tears.

“Don’t cry, Sarah, it’s what you wanted, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” she answered, quietly, a little tremor in her voice.

Standing there in his embrace, seeing the love in his eyes, feeling the passion of his kiss was what her heart had wished for something good for the New Year.

A happy ending.A story written in Heaven.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 28, 2014

Welcome to Guyana A

(Christmas in Guyana)

s a quasi-historian and oral historian, I am often led into numerous satisfying adventures in literature (written and oral).

However, many of the adventures leave me hankering for more information, entertainment and elucidation. The two books - ‘The Story of Georgetown’ by James Rodway and ‘Georgetown Journal’

by Andrew Salkey - featured in ‘Welcome to Guyana 7’, led me to Godfrey Chin’s ‘Nostalgias: Golden Memories of Guyana 1940 – 1980’. The book is basically about Georgetown. For a long time back, Georgetown was, and for a long time hence forth, Georgetown, will be equated with Guyana. Almost all major socio-economic events were/are centred in Georgetown. So in all the headings of chapters in the book, ‘Guyana’ can be read as ‘Georgetown’. For example, ‘Movies in Guyana’ could be read ‘Movies in Georgetown’ due to the ample information on cinemas in and around Georgetown.

Having revisited this book, I found it appropriate to discuss some its content which made direct references to the Christmas Season.

But first something on the book. The book, ‘Nostalgias,’ is but forty-eight pieces of recollections out of more than 300 pieces Godfrey Chin had written and shared in print and online since 2000. Those pieces covered a variety of subjects namely (by chapter headings) ‘Growing Up in Tenement Yards’, ‘Movies in Guyana, 1945 to 19 82’, ‘Gaiety Cinema – Silent Days,’ ‘Remembering the Coast Railways, 1846 to 1970’, ‘Chinese in Sports’, ‘Easter at Home,’ ‘Georgetown, the Garden City’, ‘Guyana Rum Shops’, ‘Discos – Saturday Night Fever’, ‘Guyana’s Blackest Friday, 16 February 1962’, ’60 Years of Social Dancing in Guyana, 1945 – 2005’, ‘Golden Age of British Movies in Guyana’, ‘Remembering Theatre Guild’, ‘Learning the 3Rs in Guyana’, ‘Comic Books in Guyana’, ‘A Tribute to Guyana’s Newspaper Vendors’, ‘Guyana’s Stealbands, 1947-2007’.

The book, ‘Nostalgias: Golden Memories of Guyana 1940 – 1980’ by Godfrey Chin was published in 2007 and it was a compilation of Chin’s ever popular recording of Guyana’s social history.

Now to the direct references to the Christmas Season.

These are found in the following chapters via ‘Christmas 1944, In memory of my father’, ‘Guyanese wannabe Santa Claus’, ‘Toys for tots’, ‘Decorating the Christmas Tree’, and ‘The true Guyanese Christmas spirit’.

In the above pieces, you could find every and anything on the season at that time like Christmas Raffle, Christmas Box hand, ‘Puzzlin Box’, with which to make your Christmas shopping a pleasure or pain. Depending on how you prioritise, you may be able to enjoy ‘Swift ham in tar paper, a five-pound tin of Macintosh Quality

Street chocolates, Marie custard cream biscuits and an Edam Dutchman head cheese’. For breakfast, you may be able to get ‘slices of ham, pickled onions, ketchup and bread plus Red Rose tea, cocoa, or bush tea…boiled duck, funsee soup with foo-chuck, ice cream with KOO canned grapes, imported from South Africa but later banned after apartheid’.

During this season, no one is left out. There are chores for mothers like ‘sewing curtains; boiling, honey-baking and cloving the ham; churning salt butter to bake sponge cake; setting sorrel, ginger beer, jamoon or rice wine’, preparing garlic pork and pepperpot. Also making artificial flowers from crepe paper. Everyone is involved in Christmas cleaning which included re-polishing furniture with a ‘magical concoction of mentholated spirit and French wood polish’ and polishing floor or covering it with linoleum.

Decorating the Christmas tree was the big event of the season. Chin wrote ‘[o]n the fourth Sunday before Christmas, the annual ritual …would begin.’ And for many decades, ev-

Godfrey Chin erything concerning the Christmas was homemade.

The other big event of the season was Christmas Eve Day/ Christmas Eve Night – last minute shopping, window shopping after stores were closed cracking peanuts and licking ice cream cones, and midnight mass.

You would also find toys for tots and the game children played. The toys were ‘inexpensive’ like ‘jig saw puzzles, colouring books, and spring-wound toy train made of tin, Sherman and Panzer tanks’, wood guns, slingshots, boats, submarines, all accompanied by ‘flutes from papaw stems; comb and silver paper; empty bottle and spoon; calabash shac-shac; and biscuits cans for bass drums’.

Overloading the season would be activities like preparing Christmas Cards, gift envelops for the postman and garbage

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collector, listening/playing Christmas Carols and Songs and making time to view Holiday serials at the movie houses. Top songs were ‘White Christmas’ by Bing Crosby and ‘Happy Holidays’ by Guyanese, Billy Moore.

The book, ‘Nostalgias: Golden Memories of Guyana 1940 – 1980’ by Godfrey Chin was published in 2007 and it was a compilation of Chin’s ever popular recording of Guyana’s social history.

Godfrey Chin was born in Georgetown, Guyana, during the late 1930s, becoming involved in everything of interest as ‘a regular cook shop fly’. He was a multitalented sportsman, graphic designer, and social commentator. He died in Guyana after Christmas of 2011.

(Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com)

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 28, 2014

Dental implants are an excellent alternative to teeth lost but are Was He Wrong To relatively expensive There is no other functional part of the human body that is lost as widespread as the teeth. A high percentage of people lose their natural teeth during their lifetime because of accidents, tooth decay, gum and bone disease, or other reasons. Although there are numerous solutions for replacing several teeth, dental implants are an excellent alternative although they are relatively expensive. With missing teeth, even if the person is not aware of it, there is a collapse of facial form in addition to mal function with respect to eating and speaking.

Although not as severe as the facial changes caused by loss of all teeth, losing a few teeth also produces a sunken facial look and the appearance of a smile with a few missing teeth is considered unacceptable by most people. In fact, in most societies, people who present an appearance with missing teeth is either considered uneducated or poor.

Depression around the mouth area makes one appear older than they really are.

When a few teeth are removed there is bone shrinkage and the supporting bone structure becomes smaller from then on, leaving a defect in contour in that area. The result in reducing eating efficiency is directly related to the number of teeth lost. After removal of many teeth, chewing efficiency is reduced significantly although removal of one or a few teeth does not seem to cause a major loss of chewing effectiveness. The appearance of the smile is the negative characteristics caused by removal of a few teeth.

However, if for whatever reason you have had numerous teeth removed or otherwise lost, you have alternatives. These include Traditional Fixed Partial Denture (Bridge) which essentially attaches to the contiguous teeth remaining in the mouth. You cannot remove this type prosthesis. Then there is the traditional removable partial denture which rests on, but does not attach to, the remaining teeth in the mouth. You can remove this prosthesis at will for cleaning. It is simply called a removable denture and is the cheapest and therefore most common means of replacing lost teeth.

Then there is a more sophisticated and expensive partial denture. These involve implants which is basically a removable partial denture that rests on, and is retained by, implants and the remaining natural teeth. You can remove this prosthesis at will for cleaning. These dentures stay in the mouth mouth more firmly, appear more natural ( there are no wire clasps) and are usually removed less often than the regular removable dentures. Finally, there are fixed partial dentures that is attached to implants alone or to the remaining teeth. You cannot remove this prosthesis. They are referred to as bridges.

If you elect to do nothing to correct the problem of losing one or more teeth, your remaining natural teeth will continue to move, and your bite will usually collapse and degenerate further. This is not a good alternative in most cases for more than a short time.

Two situations exist after the removal of one tooth. An unsightly appearance is created when a front tooth is removed. When a back tooth is removed, the cosmetic appearance is not observed, and patients may not be motivated to have an examination of the affected area until certain changes have occurred. First the movement of surrounding teeth and collapse of bite occur rapidly. Often within weeks the surrounding and opposing teeth start to collapse toward the space that was created by the tooth removal, making an acceptable replacement difficult. The contacting areas of teeth near the space may open, and food may become impacted between the teeth.

Consequently, if you have one or more missing teeth, you have the following alternatives: 1. Traditional Fixed Bridge. A traditional fixed bridge attaches to the teeth adjacent to the space. You cannot remove this prosthesis.

2. Removable Partial Denture. A removable partial denture fills the missing teeth space and allows an improved appearance and nearly normal function.

3. Implant followed by Crown (cap). Place an implant, allow healing, and place a crown over the implant head, thereby creating near optimal function and appearance.

You cannot remove these.

Get Mad? Off The Leash

I am divorced with three kids under 13. I've been with my girlfriend 18 months. We do not live together though we have semi-discussed marriage. She has a son, her only child, 17.

My girlfriend's son treats her with little courtesy and respect. He doesn't do assigned chores and is often gone from home. Yet he expects his mother to cook and clean for him after she comes home from work, even when she has worked a 14-hour shift.

Her son also fails to do his homework, asks for gas money and wants her to pay for his hobbies.

Lately he started working out in a gym and now he wants her to buy expensive nutritional supplements for him.

By contrast, my own kids do chores around the house, earn money for what they want and help with the laundry. Her son-nothing.

Recently I had enough. In a heated argument I let her son know how I feel. I also told him the supplements were unneeded as he is not a professional athlete.

Ultimately how my girlfriend spends her money is none of my business, but her son's parasitic approach to his mother is intolerable. To make matters worse, my girlfriend's mother weighed in and said we should no longer be together because of the way I treated her grandson.

Did I overstep my bounds?

CHARLES Charles, small dog syndrome refers to how little dogs behave when they are given treats, coddling and praise without earning it. Without discipline, they grow out of control.

They think they head the household.

The development of small dog syndrome is usually the fault of the owner, and changing the owner's behavior the only way to alter the syndrome. But once established this pattern is difficult to modify.

The same thing happens with kids. Your girlfriend works long hours. It was easier to let her son have his way than to correct his behavior. Her parenting skills spoiled him. In addition, as an only child with an overly protective grandmother, it may be too late for you to help.

In the back of your mind there could be yet another niggling idea. It is no advantage for her son to get stronger if he will use that strength the wrong way.

You have a right to say what you said, but if you bring this woman into your life, you bring in her "small dog" as well. You have three children to protect. It is no advantage to expose them to this boy.

WAYNE & TAMARA

Chronicle Pepperpot December 28, 2014

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 28, 2014

Chronicle Pepperpot December 28, 2014

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Judge’s misdirection causes confusion in jury’s mind -guilty murder accused freed and faces new trial

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N 1960 the Federal Supreme Court in its criminal appellate jurisdiction allowed the appeal of murder accused Baldeo Dihal on the ground that the trial judge’s misdirection on the law, as it related to the facts was likely to cause confusion in the jury’s mind.

The accused who was found guilty by the jury was sentenced to death but he appealed.

The Federal Appellate Court constituted by Justices Rennie, Archer and Wylie allowed the appeal and set aside the conviction and death sentence, but ordered a new trial, in the interest of justice.

The Appellate Court held that on the trial of a person charged with murder the judge should relate the law to the facts in the case.

It was pointed out that when dealing with the question of provocation, mention should not be made of cooling time if the evidence clearly shows that no time elapsed between the provocation and the retaliation and more so, where any such mention of cooling time may cause confusion in the mind of the jury.

It is the duty of the judge, in his summing up, to deal adequately with the evidence relating to self-defence, the Appellate Court ruled, as it allowed the appeal and ordered a new trial.

Attorney-at-law, Mr. Stanley Hardyal appeared for the appellant while Mr. W. Persaud represented the Crown.

Delivering the judgment of the court, Justice of Appeal Rennie declared that at the close of the argument, they allowed the appeal, quashed the conviction and set aside the sentence.

According to him: “The grounds of appeal are numerous and somewhat wide in scope, but, with the exception of the ground of misdirection, we saw no merit in any of them and for that reason refrained from making reference to any ground other than misdirection.

“Exception was taken to the form of the directions when dealing with the questions of self-defence and provocation.”

“It was submitted to us that the law was laid down in one compartment, so to speak, and the facts were referred to in another, and no attempt was made to relate the one to the other.” The directions do seem to deserve this criticism.”

“The law of self-defence was meticulously explained as a lecturer might well explain it to a class of students,” Justice Rennie said.

“But he emphasised that nowhere in the directions are the jury told what facts they should take into account when considering this aspect of the case. The nearest they got to having the facts related to self-defence is the statement that when considering self-defence, it would be relevant for them to compare the wounds on the body of the deceased with the injuries on the appellant. This statement, however, deals with only one factor of self-defence – whether there was the necessity to use such force.”

“About this factor of self-defence and the direction concerning it we shall have more to say at a later stage of these

reasons, but now return to the matter under consideration.”

The jury was told: “If in all the circumstances as a reasonable man , he feels that he is in danger–serious danger- he is entitled to take steps to defend himself , if necessary to the extent of killing , but though he can do that, it is his duty to retreat if he can reasonably do so in all the circumstances.”

“You may think that it is not a very manly thing to do to run away if a person is attacking you or threatening to attack you. But it is the law.”

Nowhere in the directions were they told what facts they should take into account in determining whether or not to retreat was reasonable. The evidence I accepted would seem to suggest that retreat was not possible and it must be confusing to a jury in such circumstances to be told that, although it

may be considered not manly to retreat, the law nonetheless requires it if the person attacked can reasonably do so.”

As in the case of self-defence, so in the case of provocation; no assistance was given to the jury by relating the evidence to the law. We can see a possibility of some confusion being caused in the minds of the jury by this failure to relate the one to the other. Such a confusion could have been caused by reason of their being told: “If there was time for cooling between the time that the provocation was given and the time that the killing was done , then, of course, you cannot get the benefit of provocation to reduce the offence from murder to manslaughter.”

And, in another occasion: “But, as I told you, the question for time for cooling is important to considering provocation. If there was time after the provocation was given within which a reasonable person would regain control of himself, then you cannot say that the accused was acting under the impulse of provocation.”

These directions Justice of Appeal Rennie said were given in spite of the fact that the

By George Barclay

evidence, if believed, showed that no time elapsed between the provocation and the retaliation. In another case, such an excess of direction in law might not have confused the jury, but in the present case, where evidence was given of the relationship that existed between the deceased and the appellant’s mother as a motive for the alleged offence, the jury might very well have found themselves in the position where they would ask themselves the question,- what did the judge mean when he referred to cooling time? Had he in mind the relationship between the deceased and the appellant’s mother? There was nothing else in the case apart from the encounter, that might have affected the appellant’s mind , and if there could have been no question of cooling tine with regard to the encounter, the jury must necessarily have wondered why they were told about cooling time, and moreso, when they remembered that they were told that it is important, and still more so, having regard to the fact that the directions on provocation ruled out the relationship between the deceased and the applicant’s mother.

Apart from these criticisms of the directions, there was also a serious misdirection on the question of self-defence. It concerned the evidence of the attack which the appellant said he repelled. That evidence shortly put, is to the effect, that the appellant was held by the neck, choked and when he fell in the swamp, was being stifled.

Justice of Appeal Rennie noted that the choking and stifling seem to the court to be of far greater consequence and amounts to a serious misdirection.

The appeal was allowed and the conviction and death sentence set aside but a new trial was ordered.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 28, 2014

CHRISTMAS IN RIVERVIEW

By Neil Primus

Ten-year-old Drucilla Richardson and Kwesi Richardson, 17, are cousins living in Riverview, Ruimveldt. They spent many Christmas holidays together and decided to share their memories and wishes for this festive season.

Drucilla enjoys this special time of year for two reasons, plenty of gifts and her birthday also falls in the month of December.

“I get plenty of gifts on both days. Christmas is all about fun.”

She has fond memories of delicious Guyanese cuisine: Pepper pot, Black Cake, Ham and Baked Chicken. Her fun consists of games with her cousin e.g. Skipping, Ketcher and Hide and Seek. They hold singing competitions of which she always emerges as the top artiste.

Her presents of dolls, doll houses & guitar, gave her many enjoyable moments. “It’s the most beautiful time of the year because you get nice things.”

Clean up, decorating and fixing up for the holidays gives her a thrill. She goes to parties and has visits Santa.

“What I want for Christmas is a computer, a bicycle (this

was my 2013 wish but I did not get it), a Tablet and some money. Whenever I get goodies I always share with my friends and family. This Christmas I will eat, watch Christmas movies and play Christmas CDs. Kwesi on the other hand feels it’s a time of love and sharing.

“I get the Christmas feeling when the house is cleaned, painted, lit up and decorated. I start to save up in early December so that I have some money for the holidays.”

He sings a lot and thinks this is a way he helps to spread joy. He loves family get together and relishes the fact that for the season he is allowed to stay out late at night.

“Christmas morning it’s Pepper Pot, home-made bread and Milo. Then I’m off to hang out with friends. We sometimes pool money to buy drinks but there is always plenty of food to go around.”

He is very excited when searching for his presents on Christmas morning. Sometimes he even tries to locate them before December 25, without any luck.

“Christmas Night or Boxing Night I take my girlfriend out.”

He remembers years gone by when he received toy trucks, a Robot, a remote control car, a basketball and hoop and plenty of money. I also remember working hard to clean up and waiting up Christmas Eve to see Santa,” “One of my best Christmas memories was attending the village get together. There was music, food and dancing of course.”

Kwesi wants to wish everyone joy and happiness and hopes we could all come together and give thanks. His fervent hope is for all Guyanese to love each other and be generous to the needy.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL

Chronicle Pepperpot December 28, 2014

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Meet Roy Adrian Peters…

An asset to the education sector

By Telesha Ramnarine AS a child growing up, Roy Adrian Peters entertained the dreams of becoming either a pilot or an artist as he was drawn to aspects of both of these professions. Later in life though, he saw the wisdom in accepting a job that was readily available so that he could focus on what really mattered to him – his spiritual activities.

After completing a four-year programme at the University of Guyana, the 29-year-old graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. He had applied for several jobs with his qualifications but the one he got through with first is that of teaching.

Thanks to the non-availability of the other jobs he applied for, the education sector is now privileged to have him as one its utmost professional and competent teachers. For the last four years, Roy has been serving the Charlestown Government Secondary School.

He teaches Economics from Forms Three to Five and Mathematics at the third form level. He also at times teaches Information Technology.

“Teaching wasn’t the first job I had in mind. I tried several places and this is the first job I got through with. I just took what came my way, but I’m enjoying it. It’s no longer about achieving any of my childhood goals; it’s about having a means to an end,” Roy related.

Roy has chosen to make spiritual activities, such as teaching the Bible to others, his priority in life.

His parents, lawyer Fitz Peters and Probation Officer Deneise Ralph, really took an interest in his education and as a result, Roy was able to climb the ladder, so to speak. “I kept doing well and moving to a better school. Even though it was tough sometimes leaving friends behind, in the long run I saw the wisdom in it. My parents really looked into my education,” he expressed.

A BAD ATTITUDE Roy explained that Charlestown is a junior secondary school and though most of the students have the ability aca-

HUMILITY

CARING PARENTS Roy attended the Starters Nursery School before moving on to St. Margaret’s Primary. He briefly attended the same Charlestown Government Secondary before pressing on to Richard Ishmael, St. Roses and finally, St. Stanislaus College.

Asked what was responsible for all these moves, Roy explained that it was his father who kept transferring him.

Roy Adrian Peters

demically, they don’t have the right attitude towards school.

“They can do their work but they don’t have the right attitude.

Part of the blame has to do with the lack of the availability of jobs.”

“A third form student once told me that it makes no sense taking an education when there will be no jobs available afterwards. So they don’t have a proper attitude towards school because they see persons with qualifications not having jobs,” Roy explained.

To improve the school system, Roy believes that the Ministry of Education should enforce more discipline of the students. “When I went to school, it wasn’t hard for a student to be expelled once he did something bad. Now, it would have to go to welfare, counselling and all these other things. Then it has to come back, the child has to be on observation and probation. You don’t get expelled as fast as before. I think if we go back to that, children will see the seriousness of having proper behaviour,” Roy opined.

Furthermore, a next thing that can help improve the system is rewarding the students when they perform. “They need a better system for that,” he said.

Roy is quite a jovial individual who likes to lighten a mood

Roy is quite a jovial individual who likes to lighten a mood. “This is something that developed in me over time. As a child, I watched a lot of comedy and cartoon. But certain things I don’t joke about. I know where to draw the line.”

His favourite quote is: “He who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Asked why, Roy explained: “That has stuck with me for years because I have seen it being fulfilled in different aspects of my life.” Being humble has also resulted in Roy being granted additional responsibilities.

Roy (first from left) with some of his friends

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 28, 2014

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan keeps ‘safe’ distance from Katrina Kaif at the latter’s pre-Christmas party!

The two pretty ladies were avoiding each other at the recent pre-Christmas bash. Read on to know more about this inside scoop Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, who recently moved into their Carter Road apartment, threw a pre-Christmas bash for their industry friends which included Arjun Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Ayan Mukerji, Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra…well the list is fairly long.

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan too were a part of the party. It was actually Ranbir, who sent out the invites to both Abhishek and Aishwarya. Many didn’t expect Ash to be at the do, but she shocked everyone when she walked in with her hubby.

It is said that the Bachchan bahu attended the party because of her upcoming film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil with Ranbir, to be directed by Karan Johar.

We have also learnt that Aishwarya didn’t really bond with Katrina at the bash. Though the two pretty ladies did exchange pleasantries, they maintained a safe distance from each other.

“Aishwarya stuck to Ranbir and Abhishek throughout the party, while Katrina played the perfect host and ensured that all their guests enjoyed the party” reveals a source.

Tollywood calling for former Miss India Neha Hinge After making her entry into B-town last year, the beauty pageant winner is all set to debut in Telugu cinema Filmmakers in India have always had a fixation with prestigious beauty contest winners. That trend which started way back with Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen, continues even today as former Miss India winners like Rakul Preet Singh, Vanya Mishra, Simran Kaur Mundi have been welcomed with open arms by the Telugu film industry. One more name adds to that list as 2010 Miss India, Neha Hinge, has landed herself into a top Tollywood project.

Yes, that’s right! Neha Hinge, who entered Bollywood with I Love You, Soniyo with Tanuj Virwani, is all set to make her Tollywood debut. The pretty model caught the eye of filmmaker Vijayendra Prasad, who roped her in to play a pivotal role in his film. The film is said to be an sci-fi action entertainer. Talking to a leading daily, an excited Neha said: “It all happened so quickly. Last month I got a call from the director’s office asking me to come for the script narration. Apparently, Vijayendra Prasad had seen a video of mine and felt I suited the role. I landed in Hyderabad and went to the office at 8 am to meet the director. An hour later I was offered the role in this female-centric film.”

“It’s a very spunky character. I play an NRI who is a trained sharp shooter and a fighter. The film has lots of stylised action episodes. I couldn’t have asked for a better launch pad”, added Miss Hinge.

It is still unclear if Neha would have a romantic interest in the film, and if so, who is gonna play it.

OMG! Veteran filmmaker K Balachander is no more!

The mentor of superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan passed away Tuesday evening Visionary director K Balachander, who has been the cornerstone of Tamil cinema for nearly half a century now, passed away Tuesday evening. The legendary filmmaker was admitted at Cauvery Hospital, in Chennai, for urinary infection and other age related ailments.

Fondly called as KB sir by the Tamil film fraternity, Balachander was the one who gave big break to superstars like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. While Rajinikanth had earlier met with his ailing mentor at the hospital and assured that the legend will be alright soon, Kamal Haasan, who is stuck in Los Angeles for post production work of Uttama Villain, spoke to KB over the phone.

Couple of days back, even the doctors had assured that K Balachander was responding to the treatment and actress Khusbu had requested everyone to stop spreading rumours about KB sir’s health.

While the entire Kollywood and fans prayed for the veteran director’s well being, it comes as a great shock that the visionary artist is no more with us. We pray for for his soul to rest in peace and join the Tamil film industry in mourning the irrevocable loss of a fantastic technician and a human being.

(Source: Bollywood.com)

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Premiere: Queen Ure – Sugar Alert Ure Okezie, popularly called Queen Ure aka the Porpori Queen is out with another single titled Sugar Alert. The song was written by Queen Ure and produced by George Nathaniel, who produced some of the songs on P-Square’s latest Album.

Sugar Alert is a Highlife song with a fusion of Pop. It’s a playful feel-good song that expresses the power of money, especially, in a relationship. The message is for the men to take up their positions as providers, bringing in the finances; when they do that, everything else in the home will improve including the “sex life”. The video will drop early 2015.

See what this man is doing to Actress Omotola Jalade - See more at:

Look at his hand. Is that her husband? Lol It’s not easy for a beautiful lady with special endowment to stay safe from the eyes of prying men these days and it takes discipline and exceptional wisdom.

Even the marrird women are not spared as disclosed by one of the most respected actress in Nigeria, Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde.

In an interview, She was asked if she had ever met men that she genuinely took a liking to, and was tempted to sacrifice her marital vows, she answered: “Absolutely. I have been tempted many times to cheat on my husband by men I really liked. But when you think of what you stand to lose, the destruction of all you have laboured to build, when you weigh all the options, you are left to conclude that it is not worth the trouble. I know some women will find this somewhat objectionable, but if they want to be truthful to themselves, they will agree with me that, as married women, we have all faced moments that I have just described.” (Source: Nollywood stars news.com)

Queen Ure is an ex-banker and Life Coach. She is the only daughter of a one-time minister of Agriculture, medical doctor and politician, late Dr. J.O.J Okezie. She came fully into the music industry in 2012 with her single A better place and later in 2012, she dropped her first video for her song Porpori and a 15-track album titled Porpori.

In 2013, she followed up with three music videos of some of the songs in the album – Get Down, Nkem and I’ve found Love featuring Nollywood hunk, Chidi Mokeme. In 2014 she dropped another three videos for fresh singles – Porpori Dance, Kumbasa and Only You.

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Anticipated Gadgets for 2015

Whether you are on the go, in your office or at home, tech gadgets can introduce great time-saving advantages into your day, as well as make life easier. Check out some of these great finds, including a keyboard that can multi-task and access all your devices, a rugged USB key that can protect your data from both physical and security threats, a case for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S that's also a Bluetooth keyboard, and a small but powerful projector that's portable and great for meetings and conference rooms…but that’s not all! So let’s get started.

Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard The Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 is designed for use with up to three devices, regardless of computing platform. Now, you can work on a report on your computer and with the flick of the Easy-Switch dial, respond to a message on your smartphone or type a tweet on your tablet.

G-DRIVE ev SSD With a need for speed - take the power of the G-DRIVE ev SSD with you. With extreme solid-state performance connected with USB 3.0, you’ll get transfer rates up to 400MB/s. The drive comes with 512GB of storage capacity and is compatible with Mac OS 10.6, Windows 7, 8 and Vista.

Logitech Type-S The Logitech Type-S is a thin and light protective keyboard case for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and protects both sides of your Galaxy Tab S from accidental bumps, scratches and spills. Its built-in Bluetooth keyboard and wellspaced keys provide a fast and comfortable typing experience.

Livescribe Echo Smartpen The Livescribe Echo Smartpen allows you to record audio while you’re taking notes, and then play them back later. You can save and share interactive notes to your computer, iPad or iPhone via a micro-USB connector that also allows you to recharge your pen. The memory storage holds 400 or 800 hours of recorded audio.

SyrenPro The SyrenPro is a wireless weather-resistant outdoor Bluetooth speaker with TrueWireless Stereo pairing, which lets you create your own stereo system wirelessly using two speakers.

The speakers can be plugged into an electrical outlet or run by rechargeable battery for up to four hours, so you can enjoy your music anywhere. The speakers provide 360-degree sound, are weather/ UV resistant, and work with most Bluetooth devices.

LaCie RuggedKey The LaCieRuggedKey is built to withstand accidental drops from heights far above what you'd encounter on your way to the office. Its rubber construction is 100-meter drop-resistant.

that allow for more laptop-like productivity, we would not be at all surprised to see the new Kindle Fire tablets jump to a 12" screen size, or even slightly more. As always, we also expect great price, top-notch hardware, and Amazon's heavy custom skin on top of (hopefully) Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Microsoft has perfected the hinge mechanism, and the addon keyboards are a great addition for the Surface line-up, but the big novelty we expect in the 2015 Surface Pro 4 is a new and more efficient Intel Broadwell 20nm chip. This should contribute to an even longer-lasting battery, and improved performance, something that would add just one Xiaomi Mi5 Xiaomi, a tongue-twister of a name (it's pronounced as 'show-me'), has managed to somehow become China's largest phone seller in just a year, and it has for a short while enjoyed a place in the top 3 of 2014's world's biggest phone makers, but you might have not even heard about it. Yes, it has managed to do all this without official presence in the United States and most of Europe, relying on Asia and other markets.

Apple iPad Pro (12” model) We've been hearing about a 12.2-inch iPad Pro model for quite a while, but it seems that 2015 will be the year when Apple will finally be ready with the big announcement that

iFusion The iFusion is an integrated communications docking station for the Apple iPhone. Combining the capabilities of many top-selling iPhone accessories into a single device, the iFusion utilizes built-in Bluetooth technology, a full duplex speaker phone and a patented ergonomic design to deliver superior voice quality that meets the requirements of today's home and business consumer.

NEC VE281 Mobile Projector NEC’s VE281 mobile projector is designed to provide high brightness for small-to-medium-sized businesses, education environments, corporate conference rooms and mobility applications where heavy ambient light is present but the space requires a small projector. This lightweight model includes 3D-ready technology, high-contrast images and a powerful 7W speaker.

Moto X (2015 edition) The Moto X started a new chapter for Motorola under Google in 2013, and while it was not a technological wonder, it offered wondrous customization options - you could tweak its colour and even the material of the back cover Microsoft Lumia 2020 PureView We've been waiting for a successor to the Nokia Lumia 1020 for nearly a year and a half now, as the 2013 Nokia flagship still has unmatched camera performance. In 2014, Microsoft has focused on releasing a huge Windows Phone 8.1 update, and with the software as a base, the Lumia 2020 PureView (or whatever the Lumia 1020 successor is called, we're just speculating with the name) is eagerly anticipated.

Amazon Kindle Fire 2015 edition With rumours all around for a jump to larger screen sizes

will change the face of its iPadlineup, and could change the definition of a tablet. The iPad Pro is speculated to replace the 7.9-inch iPad mini. The new and larger iPad will come with its focus on productivity and we would not be surprised if Apple updated iOS for iPad to include a multi-window multitasking option.

Samsung Galaxy S6 The Galaxy S6 is expected to bring some big changes for Samsung's flagship line. The device is expected to be such a big departure from earlier models that Samsung is said to refer to the phone as "Project Zero" internally. A welcome change in the S6 is the fact that storage now starts at 32GB for the base model rather than just 16 gigs. We also expect some surprises from Samsung, as well as more details to surface soon.

Apple iPhone 6s/iPhone 6s Plus What could 2015's iPhone 6s and 6s Plus have to surprise us? While we do not expect any changes in design and screen size, we do expect a small further boost in performance power, a bump up in the camera sensor that would bring us more megapixels for more detailed images, and we hope for the usual surprise from Apple. What’s your choice, everything?

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

CONGREGATIONALISTS TO MARK 178TH YEAR (Guyana Chronicle April 5, 1979)

February 6, 1979 marked the 178th year of Congregationalism in Guyana. And April this year also marks the 96th year since the several autonomous Congregational Churches formed themselves into a Union then known as the BG Congregational Union.

The Annual Assembly is held in Berbice and Demerara alternately.

This year the 96th Annual Assembly will be held at the Smith Memorial Church Brickdam from Sunday to Wednesday next.

On Sunday there will be an exchange of pulpits in Demerara culminating with a United Union Service at Smith Church at 6 p.m.

The Preacher will be Rev. W.P Smith Chairman of the Union.

Business sessions will be held Monday to Wednesday next.

Overseas guest , Rev. (Miss) Lee Ching Chee, Education Secretary , Council for World Mission, London has been invited.

10 ESCAPE AS PLANE CRASH-LANDS AT WALES (Guyana Chronicle April 6, 1979)

Ten persons miraculously escaped injury when a twin engine aircraft made an emergency landing aback of Wales Estate , West Bank Demerara, Wednesday night.

But the plane owned and operated by the Guyana Aviation Group headed by George Grandsoult was substantially damaged and would have to undergo extensive repairs before it could be operated commercially again.

Those rescued were pilot Ian Fraites, his co-pilot and eight passengers who were on a flight from Ekereku in the Cuyuni River to Ogle when the aircraft developed problems.

One of the passengers was a casualty with a snake bite.

The Chronicle learnt that the emergency landing took place shortly after seven o’clock Wednesday night after Fraites reported that the aircraft was having fuel problems.

The plane landed on a dam aback of the sugar estate and the Civil Aviation Department immediately mounted the rescue operation.

WOMAN SOLDIER BEATS UP SNATCHER

(Guyana Chronicle April 11, 1979) A bandit recently robbed a young woman of her gold chain and dashed off thinking no doubt that she was “easy pickings.”

But he soon discovered that the victim was a tough nut when she caught up with him and gave him a good beating first with a piece of wood and then with her fists.

According to reports, Private Springer, a female soldier attached to the Mechanical Transport Corps at Camp Stephenson Timehri was standing on Irving Street waiting for transportation to get home to Beterverwagting East Coast Demerara when a young man walked up to her and snatched the chain from around her neck.

The man ran in the direction of Woolford Avenue and fortunately for Springer her shouts of thief attracted the attention of some young men who were playing games in a nearby ground.

They joined the chase and cornered the bandit who had no choice but to turn around and run in the same direction from which Springer was coming.

The able bodied young woman caught hold of the snatcher and a scuffle ensued with both of them rolling into a nearby gutter.

During the scuffle Springer gained the upper hand.

She managed to grab a piece of wood and dealt the man lashes.

But he was able to escape.

By then Springer attracted the attention of a nearby Policeman who captured the bandit.

Springer retrieved her chain and accompanied the bandit to the Kitty Police Station where it was understood Springer rained another barrage of blows on the ,man before he was locked up.

BOXER WINS LARCENY APPEAL (Guyana Chronicle April 20, 1979)

Amateur boxer Leslie Forde who is due to fight in the National Open Championships later this month won his appeal against conviction for larceny from the person in the 1976 City Council robbery.

But Forde who is also on the training squad preparing for the Pan American Games in July will have to stand a new trial.

However because he had been in prison continuously since March 1976 except for two months when he escaped he was put on $500 bail.

Chancellor of the Judiciary J .O. F Haynes took the approach because of good reports about Forde.

Earlier the Court set aside his conviction and five years imprisonment but at the insistence of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Wilton Edwards deliberated again and ordered a new trial.

EXERCISE 3 CS ON THE ROAD

(Guyana Chronicle April 20 1979) The seven road deaths over the weekend pushed the coun-

try’s road fatality figure for the year so far to 77.

The figure for the same period last year was 51 and the National Road Safety Council is of the opinion that these lives could have been saved if better judgement was exercised by all concerned.

A release from the Council alleged that indiscipline is one of the major contributory factors to road accidents in this country and reiterated earlier calls for motorists to exercise the 3 Cs namely Care Courtesy and Consideration on the roads.

It said that there would be more need for this when schools re-open because “irritation, impatience and inability to anticipate the movements of children” are some faults of motorists.

At least twelve children have died so far on roads this year, the release said.

“SPOT’ PROMOTION FOR COURAGEOUS WOMAN SOLDIER (Guyana Chronicle April 22, 1979)

The soldier who retrieved her gold chain from a man who had snatched it was yesterday promoted on-the-spot by Force Commander Colonel U B Pilgrim.

Cicely Springer was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal at the weekly church service held in Camp Ayanghanna.

Before pinning on her new badge of rank Colonel Pilgrim said that Springer deserved to wear the seal of leadership as her action was indeed one of courage and bravery.

A letter of commendation was also sent to LCpl Springer from the Commander and members of the First Infantry Brigade in recognition of her act of bravery..

The letter was signed by Brigadier Commander Col. C BL Morgan.

Springer who is a member of the Mechanical Transport Corps of the Logistics Command was awaiting transportation on April 6 on Irving Street when a young man snatched her gold chain and ran.

A struggle ensued with the young man getting the worst of it and Springer managed to retrieve her gold chain and the bandit was arrested by a Policeman and subsequently charged.

Col Pilgrim urged all those present at the Church service to be aware of their role in the Force and society in assisting persons who found themselves is such predicaments as the one Springer was involved in.

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

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Old Harold Harold was an old man. He was sick and in the hospital. There was one young nurse that just drove him crazy. Every time she came in, she would talk to him like he was a little child. She would say in a patronizing tone of voice, "And how are we doing this morning, or are we ready for a bath, or are we hungry?"

Old Harold had had enough of this particular nurse. One day, Old Harold had breakfast, pulled the juice off the tray, and put it on his bed side stand. He had been given a urine bottle to fill for testing. The juice was apple juice. So .. you know where the juice went!

The nurse came in a little later, picked up the urine bottle and looked at it. "My, but it seems we are a little cloudy today." At this, Old Harold snatched the bottle out of her hand, popped off the top, and drank it down, saying, "Well, I'll run it through again. Maybe I can filter it better this time."

The nurse fainted ...! Old Harold just smiled! ……………………………………………………………………………………

Three friends picking fruits

There were three friends Chris, John and Keith, who decided one sunny day to go for a walk in the forest. After a while they realised that they were lost. And before they knew it they were captured by cannibals. The cannibal king told them that the only way they could survive from the cannibals was to pass the trial. The first step of the trial was to go into the forest with the cannibals and get ten pieces of the same kind of fruit. So they thought that was easy enough and all three friends went their separate ways to gather fruits.

Chris came back first and said to the king. "I brought ten apples."

The king then explained the next part of the trial to him. You have to shove the fruits up your ass without any expression on your face or you will be eaten. The first apple went in... but on the second one he screamed out with pain, so he was killed and went to heaven.

Then John arrived and shows the king his ten fruits which were berries. When the king explained the trial to him, he thought to himself that this should be a piece of cake. 1...2...3...4 ...5...6...7...8... on the ninth berry he burst out in laughter, therefore he was also killed.

After a while Chris and John met in heaven. Then Chris asked John, " Why did you laugh?, you almost got away with it!"

Chris replied, "I know, I couldn't help it. I was doing fine when all of a sudden Keith showed up with all those watermelons!" ……………………………………………………………………………………

Three Guys in Heaven

Three guys died and when St. Peter met them at the pearly gates, he said, "I know that

you guys are forgiven because you're here. Before I let you into Heaven, I have to ask you something. You have to have a car in Heaven because Heaven is so big. What kind of car you get will depend on your answer."

The first guy walked up and St. Peter asked him, "How long were you married?" He answered, "24 years." "Did you ever cheat on your wife?" St. Peter asked. The guy said, "Yeah, 7 times ... but you said I was forgiven." St. Peter said, "Yeah, but that's not too good. Here's a Pinto to drive."

The second guy walked up and got the same question from St. Peter. He answered, "I was married for 41 years and cheated on her once, but that was our first year and we really worked it out." St. Peter said, "I'm pleased to hear that. Here's a Lincoln."

The third guy walked up and said, "St. Peter, I know what you're going to ask. I was married for 63 years and didn't even look at another woman! I treated my wife like a queen!" St. Peter said, "That's what I like to hear. Here's a Jaguar!"

A few days later, the two guys with the Lincoln and the Pinto saw the guy with the Jaguar, crying on the golden sidewalk. When they asked him what was wrong, he said, "I just saw my wife. She was on a skateboard!" …………………………………………………………………..

Near Death

A middle aged woman has a heart attack and is taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she has a near death experience. During that experience she sees God and asks if this is it.

God says no and explains that she has another 30 years to live. Upon her recovery she decides to just stay in the hospital and have a face lift, liposuction, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, etc.

She even has someone come in and change her hair colour. She figures since she's got another 30 years she might as well make the most of it. She walks out of the hospital after the last operation and is killed by an ambulance.

She arrives in front of God and complains: "I thought you said I had another 30 years!!

God replies, "Sorry, I didn't recognise you." .…………………………………………………………………..

Couple makes adeal

A couple made a deal that whoever died first would come back and inform the other of the after life. Her biggest fear was there was no heaven. After a long life the husband was the first to go and true to his word he made contact.

"Mary... Mary...."

"Is that you Fred?"

"Yes, I have come back like we agreed."

"What is it like?"

"Well, I get up in the morning, I have sex, I have breakfast, I have sex, I bath in the sun, then I have sex-twice, I have lunch, then sex pretty much all afternoon-supper-then sex till late at night, sleep then start all over again. " "Oh Fred you surely must be in heaven."

"Hell no, I'm a rabbit in Kansas." …………………………………………………………………….

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from King Solomon “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” ************************** “If you see oppression of the poor, and justice and righteousness trampled in a country, do not be astounded.” ************************** “Start with God - the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. ” ************************** “Train up a child in the way that he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

King Solon ************************** “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” ************************** “Kindness and faithfulness keep a king safe, through kindness his throne is made secure.” ************************** “Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.” ************************** “In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider.” ************************** “A good name is rather to be chosen than riches.” ************************** “All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full.” ************************** “A fool is wise in his eyes.” ************************** “Who is the wise man? He, who sees what's going to be born.” ************************** “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.

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Catherineville

Where Quiet Serenity Is Heightened By Refreshing Camaraderie

S

By Alex Wayne

ome villages just can be missed for their demure simplicity and leaves a lasting impression on our memories with the refreshing and soothing tranquillity they have to offer.

Just recently we found a quaint little village on the outskirts of Mahaicony which marvelled us with its comfy ambience and tranquil simplicity, fused with a striking camaraderie amongst residents that seemed to soften up your very being with its presence.

At first glance I was about to decide that this village was a bit too forlorn for comfort, but after explorations and investigations, I soon realised that there was lots of activity behind closed doors and shutters. Actually the village was just basking it its midday siesta as residents avoided the scorching rays of the tropical sun.

During this time the village appears almost lifeless, but the minute the sun cools residents seem to surge out from streets and alleyways with a distinct bustle about them that is customarily associated with residents in the countryside.

But the ‘midday siesta’ would remain in my memories for a long time to come, since in all my treks around Guyana, I have never really witnessed a village sleep in broad daylight as the sun seem to scorch its environs with merciless intensity.

Some villagers survive through agricultural exploits

In the afternoons the village is abuzz with activity as housewives and young girls rush to get groceries from the many roadside stalls and outlets available. But villagers in Catherineville most times have to journey to the neighbouring village of Calcutta to get such supplies since there are hardly such opportunities in the village safe for the Blue Dolphin Bar and Variety Shop which allows for kitchen and household supplies.

What impressed me as being quite strange was that this village appeared almost dead and void of activity, which was not a customary thing for East Coast Demerara villages. There was not even an animal in the sprawling pasture behind the relatively sparse houses; and as the broiling sun beat down on just a few sheep grazing here and there, I was beginning to think that the silence of the village just a bit too eerie for comfort.

Investigations revealed that my companion and I had just landed in the village of Catherineville, located some 39 miles east of Georgetown, and nestled between the seemingly more active villages of Calcutta and Little Abary.

Sadly I found out that popular village elder referred to as ‘Aunty Pearl’ had passed away and as such I was left with no choice to seek out the assistance of 89 year-old Mrs. Euginea Williams (Aunty Jean) who was ready to shed light on the appearance of Catherineville before it saw the reasonable

development that has taken place in this location.

Catherineville of Olden Times

Today Catherineville is certainly getting there bit by bit in terms of social, economic and infrastructural development.

But many years ago the village was just a sprinkling of houses nestled nicely in wide green pastures that afforded a wide variety of plant food for animals.

Today also the Catherineville roadside residents are now linked to those residing in the Waterside area, which is much closer to the Atlantic Ocean. Through self-help efforts villagers have built a sturdy dam that now joins the two sections of the village. This dam cuts directly across the great expanse of pastures, allowing better access to remote sections of the village. Today through Government efforts, villagers are also enjoying the benefits of of a bridge that was recently built across the Calcutta/Catherineville Canal to better link the two villages.

According to Euginea Williams Catherine Village way back in the 1930s was mainly a bushy location, with fruit trees, coconut palms and dense foliage. With the passage of time, outsiders began to pay interest in the very

Continued centre pages

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Catherineville

underdeveloped area, which was said to be rich in ‘farming soil’ and many other natural resources.

Soon there was much activity on the land, and a few houses began to spring up as Catherine began to come into its own. As more outsiders came and purchased plots of land, the village began to take on some degree of modernisation; and over time, was brought to reasonably acceptable standards.

Not highly populated like its neighbouring villages (Calcutta and Little Abary), there are hardly any children running around in the streets, or youths traversing the roadways.

In years gone by, villagers helped to remove dense foliage, overgrown bushes and even mangroves in a few areas. One section of the village now referred to as the ‘Waterside’ was a swamp, being close to the Atlantic Ocean. Luckily, drainage was introduced, and this area became substantially improved.

There are many houses in this area, and residents say they are still affected by flooding during the intense rainy season.

The access dams that lead into the backdam are bordered by thick bush, and villagers blame this on the irregular cleaning schedule of the authorities responsible for village maintenance.

Located on the outskirts of the Mahaicony District, Catherineville sports at least one modern feature: The well-maintained main road that passes through it.

Entertainment has Gone Downhill

Donald Downer, Rudolph Williams, Sherlock English and many others brought to the village concerts to remember.

Opportunities Commerce Are No More

Regrettably, there are not much grocery outlets in this village; but there is the small shop owned by Edda Wilson, to which housewives flock to obtain kitchen necessities before nightfall, failing which they have to journey to neighbouring Calcutta to obtain household supplies and other necessities.

In the early 1980s, Aunty Pearl’s Grocery was the main supplier of household goods; but when she died, the once thriving business dwindled and disappeared for lack of proper management by those who took over.

Ann Moore’s, which was a popular variety store and grocery shop, has also disappeared, most likely because of the dwindling sales it garnered from a sprinkling of villagers during its existence. However, teenage entrepreneur ‘Tanny’, who resides in the waterside location of Catherineville, is managing a cozy little shop at the ‘Junction Koker’ and a mini hangout bar where young people congregate for snacks, jolly conversations, friendly games of chess or cards, or for friendly taunting of each other.

Challenges

odist Church during the week, halting on Sundays so that the building could be used for worship. A historic landmark of the village, this church has been repaired and is now in splendid condition.

Villagers also complained of what appeared to have been recent water woes that struck them. While many noted that they were not given a proper explanation for the constant water shortages, the majority were adamant that they should not have been subjected to such perils. Villagers were forced to travel miles to areas like Dundee, and even Central Mahaicony (five miles away) to obtain the life-saving liquid.

Central Mahaicony was also seriously affected also and at one point the Mahaicony Secondary School was forced to close sessions due to the fact that there was no water for students to wash hands and faces, flush toilets or carry out any function that entailed the use of the precious fluid.

Things seem to be a little bit better now, but folks are lamenting that the water that is coming from their taps is discoloured and laced with sediments in on many occasions.

Conversations with villagers revealed that there are no recreational facilities in the village; and villagers presently utilise the Cath-re-Calab Sports Club located in Calcutta, which, by the way, is in a state of progressive disrepair.

Youths in Catherineville are longing for someone to take up the mantle of spearheading cultural activities in the village.

Moreover, villagers are appealing to outside donors to provide them with sporting gears and other forms of assistance, as they intend to reform their once thriving and popular circle tennis club. Catherineville, in times gone by, had produced one of the most vibrant circle tennis teams on the East Coast of Demerara, and the team was always successful at defending its titles.

Drainage still seems to be a major problem in CatherIn times gone by this village was quite popular as a hub for ineville. Most trenches are overgrown with weeds, bushes and rollicking entertainment and opportunities for great relaxation. various plant parasites.

Mrs. Williams reflected on the good old days when she was a Villagers are vehemently lamenting the state of the Cathyoung girl with fire in her eyes. erineville main dam which runs alongside the main irrigation “Many, many years ago Catherineville was a hotspot canal. Residents complained that they are almost unable to where entertainment and recreational activities was at its best.

Employment prospects We were not lucky to have the large boom boxes like today, There is just no scope for but the African drums, the employment in this village, flute, saxophones, trombones and the few occupants are our old classic music records not too interested in mainworked just fine. taining kitchen gardens, as is And we were quite poputhe case in the surrounding lar for our Emancipation and villages. Residents are either soiree events in the period that pork-knockers in the interior, they now refer to as summer or work with the SAJ Rice here. Man look, if you see how Milling Complex at Burma, dem gals used to come out to some five miles away. A mere play. If you see me wid me nice few have obtained teaching shape and meh braids all neat jobs at the Calcutta Primary and shiny. When yuh see dem School, while others travel drums and other instrument some ten miles away to Perth start up and I start fuh jiggle Village (Mahaicony) to work me hips, dem young bais used as labourers with various ento get all fired up and excited.” tities.

Today things are not so Those who have resorted feisty and reverberating beto fishing are complaining cause time has passed and with bitterly about the state of the it came new developments and sluice area behind the village, the dwindling of the ‘old time which they use as a port to go entertainment activities.’ to sea, and at which they reThis village has only one turn to trade their daily catch. nightclub, named ‘The Blue Many complained bitterly that Village elder Euginea Williams was eager to Dolphin’; but unlike years ago, the structure is dilapidated Legendary international boxer, Terrence Alli share information on the makings of the village when it was quite a hotspot and unsafe for the fishermen originated from Catherineville on the East Coast Demerara. to attend to their business.

It still comes alive only when Some fear that an eventual exsomeone decides to host a tremely high tide could wreak wedding or birthday there. tread the area during rainy season because of the intolerable immense havoc on the village in terms of flooding.

The Unicorn Nightclub, which in bygone years offered state of the dam.

Regular employment is possible only during the rice harglitzy entertainment and theatrical recreation, no longer exists, In some areas the dam is almost cut asunder by agents of vesting seasons, when rice farmers in Calcutta and outside since the owner is now focused on religious issues. Villagers soil erosion and cannot be traversed by vehicles. Villagers are villages require plenty of manual labour for harvesting, paddy now have to travel to other areas for entertainment, chiefly to requesting that the relevant authorities conduct repair works drying and of course milling. the Menace Nightspot in Calcutta which opens only for the on the dam and cover same with stones and other materials to Taking a stroll through Catherineville would give one Saturday Night Dance Fiesta. keep it from rapidly eroding. the impression that the relevant authorities have neglected In years gone by, the village was quite famous for producThere is still no school in the village, and youngsters a village with substantial potential to be transformed into a ing some of the most riveting concerts and other theatrical residing there attend Calcutta Primary School. Many years location of interest with some modification. presentations. One could recall the times when persons like ago academic sessions were held in the Catherineville MethThere are still several side streets which have not been

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The lush backlands of Catherineville The ethnic groups iunrweact quite nicely in this village

paved, especially in the waterside area and villagers are dismayed at this, raving that construction and paving of almost all the streets in other nearby villages have been completed.

Village Icon Catherineville is indeed the home to Guyanese international boxing icon, Terrence Ali (Halley) whom villagers feel has never been deservedly acknowledged or celebrated by his own Guyanese.

When he retired from the profession not so long ago he was just left to welter on the sideline, without anyone in authority even making an effort to show their appreciation for the great contributions he made in the sport for Guyana since he always fought under the emblem of the Golden Arrowhead.

We were lucky to bump into this long lost celebratory soul and we had quite an interesting conversation.

In years gone by the name Terrence Ali was synonymous with ‘boxing stardom’ and repeated victories on the international front, putting Guyana on the map amongst the elites in the sport of boxing.

His name was almost on the tongues of every Guyanese and he was indeed the icon that Guyanese depended on to signal to the world that Guyana has talent and gifted personalities. His fame spiralled to great heights for many years as he performed miracles in the international Lightweight Boxing Division.

His still impressive record reads 52 winnings, (21 knockouts), 15 defeats and 2 draws, while he has boxed some 550 rounds in his career.

Then in 1998 the boxer came back to hi home Catherineville but not to receive the warm and refreshing tropical welcome he expected.

On arrival in the village Ali quickly became the focus of many idle youths and adults alike from Calcutta who began

calling him names sending him into fits of rage when they did. The once celebrated king had now become the scorn and amusement of the village and none seemed to remember his past accomplishments.

Ali was very elated that someone was actually paying interest in him, and related that since his fall from stardom, everyone seemed to have found him to be a ‘village amusement personality.’ He even mentioned that as he travelled around Guyana, citizens just refused to believe that he was the once celebrated king of boxing.

“Everywhere I go people just seem to make fun of me.

Nobody even seems to remember that I was once the boxing champion that was doing wonders for Guyana. In some cases persons would laugh me to scorn when I tell them I am the legendary Terrence Ali”.

My finding during our interview was that the boxer now resides by himself in Catherineville and is now a farmer by profession. His days are now spent hanging out with youths in the village, playing cards, or reminiscing on the good times he enjoyed when he was a star.

Alli left Guyana in 1982 to follow his intended career and went first to Trinidad where he invaded the boxing arena and soon made a name for himself. On arriving in Trinidad he worked as a construction worker before going into the trade of boxing full time.

Soon after he travelled to Canada and later the USA and it was in these two states that he soared up the ladder of success and became one of the most celebrated boxers from the Caribbean.

The once talented boxer stopped boxing in 1997 and returned to Guyana in 1998.

Well he is back in Guyana and is finished with boxing altogether, regardless of what circumstances have caused this to happen. On arrival here in Guyana it was Ali’s intention to

pass on his skills to the many youths in the Mahaicony district and even Berbice, but he is of the opinion that the youngsters are just not interested nor are ready to handle the dedication and discipline that comes with the profession.

However, Ali will indeed take up the mantle of the youths who shows genuine interest and teach them all he knows since ‘a fire burns within him to impart his skills and knowledge’.

He will reopen his gym and offered extensive training for youths providing they pay a small entrance fee and monthly donations to keep the gym functional.

Alli is the father of five children all of whom reside in the Unite States of America (USA) Garbage Woes Like other villages on the East Coast of Demerara, Catherineville suffers garbage woes of its own, but burning and burying of garbage are the most popular methods of disposal.

However, villagers are crying shame at outsiders who creep into their village in the still of night to dump large heaps of garbage along the Catherine Dam and other areas. Young men in the streets related that, on many nights, they would have to physically dissuade truck drivers and other individuals to abandon their unsavoury attempts to dump garbage at just about anywhere they take a liking to.

Conclusion Every village has its own set of problems and challenges, and although the concerns of residents of Catherineville maybe more urgent than some other areas, one cannot certainly by pass its simple beauty, well accentuated by its tranquillity, peace and rich camaraderie amongst the jovial residents.

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The ‘Ezzie Grocery Shop’ where villagers stock up on large quantum of kitchen supplies

Housewives enjoy the cool afternoon breeze flowing from the Atlantic Ocean

The young men are pruning themselves for the Christmas festivities

Black pudding, cow face souse and such likes are ‘must have traditional items’ The occasional nightlife entertainment is often welcomed in the village

This is how country people party

Chronicle Pepperpot December 28, 2014 She had never dreamed of having to part from him. Yet in a way it made her hasten her steps. The sooner all the women and children were off, she realised the sooner the men could get away.

Yet her nerve gave out the moment she set foot on the rope ladder. It began to sway perilously. It began to sway perilously as she started to climb down, and her descent was complicated by the fact that the bottom of the ladder had become twisted.

The seamen manning the life-boat below were doing their best to straighten it out, but the violent jerks they were giving it only increased Mildred’s nervousness. She decided to climb back to Tom and wait until he could leave with her.

THE RESCURER WITH A CHILD Tom Finley saw her start to come back. So he leaned over and shouted:- :you must go on down.” And he waved her on.

She held on, still undecided, unable to make up her mind whether to climb up or go down. Then a steward got on the ladder, carrying a child. He started to climb down on top of her and she felt her panic grow. Yet she still thought he must stop before bumping into her.

The man, however kept on as though determined to push her off the ladder. Below the men in the boat still jerked at the ladder, trying to straighten it out.

For a moment she could see no way out of the predicament but to let herself go and fail. Then she twisted herself round until she was at the back of the ladder and clung there until the steward had gone past.

She hung on, hating him for his rudeness; but at least he had done one good thing- he had straightened out the ladder. Only later did she realise how right he had been to ignore her.

Her ordeal was by no means over. She had imagined that once she got to the bottom of the ladder it would be a simple matter to step into the boat. But when she neared the sea she saw how deceptive it could look from the deck of an Atlantic liner.

She stated the waves for a moment, waited until the boat came surging towards her. Then she let go. She was sure she had timed it perfectly; but the boat was already going away as she dropped into it. She fell and bruised her side.

Other women were simply refusing to jump. They clung to the ladder until the men in the boat reached up and grabbed them by the legs and helped them down.

There was almost a system about it, as the boat surged up thing was to get as many people away as possible.

This was understood by Jim Mitchell, ship’s-carpenter, who found himself temporarily in charge of the boat. If

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the Athenia started to go down, it might be necessary to pull away immediately. The more people in the boat, the more lives would be saved; the proposition was as simple as that.

Finally he was able to give his attention to the woman in the water. Both she and her young daughter were still crying for help while women still on the ladder were being helped into the boat” … (To be continued in the next Sunday edition of the Guyana Chronicle.)Photo in Graphics Folder: Boats

Understanding … from a teen’s point of view!

* Giving this is the reason for this season

Hello there! How are you? Well I would like to extend Season’s Greetings to you all and I hope you guys are joying this season. A few weeks back I urged you all to give back to the people around. Well I hope some of my experiences will spark a little flame of giving back with you all.

My visit to an orphanage was just one experience which has become a Christmas tradition now. Other little experiences I have with giving back would be when my mother and I go to various other orphanages on special occasions or even just give at random times and now after we finished our shopping for goodies we shared some from it to a less fortunate family which we will continue. So again, I am imploring you all to at least give a little bit even from what you have back to someone around you in this season of giving.

The New Year is now rapidly approaching and we all know this year has not been perfect, but at least we accomplished something of great significance. So I was told a few years back that there is no better way to kick start the new year than with a purpose-and that purpose comes through a New

Year’s Resolution. So set a goal- make a resolution and spend your new year trying to accomplish it!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank

By Vishani Ragobeer everyone who have helped in some way or the other to accomplish my goals this year and made it a great one. Seasons greetings to you all!

Quote for the week: (by Mother Teresa) "It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

Good bye! Do enjoy the rest of your holidays and I will see you all again here at your favourite and best newspaper!

Barry Newman

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- Showed himself off as the new kind of brooding anti-hero

The son of an Austrian father and Swedish mother, Newman received a liberal education, ranging from Latin to Hebrew and music. Graduating from Brandeis University with an Anthropology degree, Newman decided to become an actor when he attended a class conducted by Actors Studio mentor, Lee Strasberg.

Newman was busy, if not well known, on stage and in Manhattan-based TV, notably the daytime drama, The Edge of Night. His first film was the gangster potboiler, Pretty Boy Floyd (1960) but he made his breakthrough with The Lawyer (1969), where he made an excellent impression in the role of a cocky gonzo attorney, a character reprised in the 1974 TV movie Night Games.

An unlikely early 1970s cult star, actor Barry Newman managed it with one of his first movies, as Kowalski, the weary ex-cop loaded up on drugs, who takes it on himself to drive from Denver to San Francisco in 15 hours pursued by the police in the counterculture road flick Vanishing Point (1971). The adventures of this rebel without a cause certainly shows its age nowadays, but back then it had the requisite existential feel and most certainly was a symbolic sign of the times a la Peter Fonda's Easy Rider (1969). Newman showed himself off as the new kind of brooding anti-hero that the average-looking Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino were making popular at the time. Newman didn't hit the kind of heights that Hoffman and Pacino achieved, but has continued on solidly for three decades in tough-talking supports. Throughout the 1960s, he appeared on stage in such plays as "Night Life," "The Mouse Trap" and "What Makes Sammy Run?" A couple of minor films came his way, including Pretty Boy Floyd (1960). It was his hard-hitting role in The Lawyer (1970) that finally opened the doors needed to get ahead and then Vanishing Point (1971). His cocky, self-assured presence made him even sexier than he appeared.

He carried this attitude into his own TV series Petrocelli (1974), in the 1970s, playing a hot-shot attorney but, following the show's demise, his career flattened out. An obvious talent, Newman's later films such as Amy (1981), Daylight (1996) and The Limey (1999) have managed to keep him in the public eye.

Barry Newman

Her will not mine I met her a mystery on a lonely trail Where we two strangers faced each other She, in silence, to duty bound, faithful I, in silence to fate submit , no more to do.

The leaves of trees by wind soft-

ly spoke Of what themes , I did not care to know, For being my thoughts fully with her and me How will she in female kindness demand for hers.

A quiet rest for me under the branches, I sought,

And then to sleep, eyes closed, peace, be still While the stranger she , departed from my presence, Her will , not mine, to go , my will , not hers , to stay.

Krishna Nand Prasad

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Thomas Edison(1847–1931) - Inventor of the light bulb, phonograph and motion picture

Thomas Edison was the inventor of the light bulb, phonograph, and motion picture. He was granted 400 patents from 1879 to 1886. Though he changed technology forever, not all of his inventions were successful.

Born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio, Thomas Edison rose from humble beginnings to work as an inventor of major technology. Setting up a lab in Menlo Park, some of the products he developed included the telegraph, phonograph, electric light bulb, alkaline storage batteries and Kinetograph (a camera for motion pictures). He died on October 18, 1931, in West Orange, New Jersey YOUNGER YEARS He was the last of the seven children of Samuel and Nancy Edison. Thomas's father was an exiled political activist from Canada. His mother, an accomplished school teacher, was a major influence in Thomas’ early life. An early bout with scarlet fever as well as ear infections left him with hearing difficulties in both ears, a malady that would eventually leave him nearly deaf as an adult. Edison would later recount as an adult, with variations on the story, that he lost his hearing due to a train incident where his ears were injured. But others have tended to discount this as the sole cause of his hearing loss.

In 1854, the family moved to Port Huron, Michigan, where Edison attended public school for a total of 12 weeks.

A hyperactive child, prone to distraction, he was deemed "difficult" by his teacher. His mother quickly pulled him from school and taught him at home. At age 11, he showed a voracious appetite for knowledge, reading books on a wide range of subjects. In this wide-open curriculum Edison developed a process for self-education and learning independently that would serve him throughout his life.

EARLY CAREER At age 12, Edison set out to put much of that education to work. He convinced his parents to let him sell newspapers to passengers along the Grand Trunk Railroad line. Exploiting his access to the news bulletins teletyped to the station office each day, Thomas began publishing his own small newspaper, called the Grand Trunk Herald. The up-to-date articles were a hit with passengers. This was the first of what would become a long string of entrepreneurial ventures where he saw a need and capitalised on opportunity.

Edison also used his access to the railroad to conduct chemical experiments in a small laboratory he set up in a train baggage car. During one of his experiments, a chemical fire started and the car caught fire. The conductor rushed in and struck Thomas on the side of the head, probably furthering some of his hearing loss. He was kicked off the train and forced to sell his newspapers at various stations along the route.

While he worked for the railroad, a near-tragic event turned fortuitous for the young man. After Edison saved a 3-year-old from being run over by an errant train, the child’s grateful father rewarded him by teaching him to operate a telegraph. By age 15, he had learned enough to be employed as a telegraph operator. For the next five years, Edison travelled throughout the Midwest as an itinerant telegrapher, subbing for those who had gone to the Civil War. In his spare time, he read widely, studied and experimented with telegraph technology, and became familiar with electrical science.

In 1866, at age 19, Edison moved to Louisville, Kentucky, working for The Associated Press. The night shift allowed him to spend most of his time reading and experimenting.

He developed an unrestrictive style of thinking and inquiry, proving things to himself through objective examination and experimentation. Initially, Edison excelled at his telegraph job because early Morse code was inscribed on a piece of paper, so Edison's partial deafness was no handicap. However, as the technology advanced, receivers were increasingly equipped with a sounding key, enabling telegraphers to "read" message by the sound of the clicks. This left Edison disadvantaged, with fewer and fewer opportunities for employment.

In 1868, Edison returned home to find his beloved mother was falling into mental illness and his father was out of work.

The family was almost destitute. Edison realized he needed to take control of his future. Upon the suggestion of a friend, he ventured to Boston, landing a job for the Western Union Company. At the time, Boston was America's center for science and culture, and Edison reveled in it. In his spare time, he designed and patented an electronic voting recorder for quickly tallying votes in the legislature. However, Massachusetts lawmakers

were not interested. As they explained, most legislators didn't want votes tallied quickly. They wanted time to change the minds of fellow legislators.

BECOMING AN INVENTOR In 1869, Edison moved to New York City and developed his first invention, an improved stock ticker, the Universal Thomas Edison

Stock Printer, which synchronized several stock tickers' transactions. The Gold and Stock Telegraph Company was so impressed, they paid him $40,000 for the rights. Edison was only 22 years old. With this success, he quit his work as a telegrapher to devote himself full-time to inventing.

In 1870, Thomas Edison set up his first small laboratory and manufacturing facility in Newark, New Jersey, and employed several machinists. As an independent entrepreneur, Edison formed numerous partnerships and developed his products for the highest bidder. Often that was Western Union Telegraph Company, the industry leader, but just as often, it was one of Western Union's rivals. In one such instance, Edison devised for Western Union the quadruplex telegraph, capable of transmitting two signals in two different directions on the same wire, but railroad tycoon Jay Gould snatched the invention from Western Union, paying Edison more than $100,000 in cash, bonds and stock, and generating years of litigation.

With his ever-increasing financial success, in 1871 Edison married 16-year-old Mary Stilwell, who was an employee at one of his businesses. During their 13-year marriage, they had three children, Marion, Thomas and William, who became an inventor.

Mary died of a suspected brain tumour at the age of 29 in 1884.

By the early 1870s, Thomas Edison had acquired a reputation as a first-rate inventor. In 1876, he moved his expanding operations to Menlo Park, New Jersey, and built an independent industrial research facility incorporating machine shops and laboratories. That same year, Western Union encouraged him to develop a communication device to compete with Alexander Graham Bell's telephone. He never did. However, in December of 1877, Edison developed a method for recording sound: the phonograph. Though not commercially viable for another decade, the invention brought him worldwide fame.

EDISON ILLUMINATING COMPANY The 1880s were a busy time for Thomas Edison. After being granted a patent for the light bulb in January 1880, Edison set out to develop a company that would deliver the electricity to power and light the cities of the world. That same year, Edison founded the Edison Illuminating Company—the first investor-owned electric utility—which later became the General Electric Corporation. In 1881, he left Menlo Park to establish facilities in several cities where electrical systems were being installed.

In 1882, the Pearl Street generating station provided 110 volts of electrical power to 59 customers in lower Manhattan.

In 1884 Edison's wife, Mary, died, and in 1886, he married Mina Miller, 19 years his junior. In 1887, Edison built an industrial research laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey, which served as the primary research laboratory for the

Edison lighting companies. He spent most of his time there, supervising the development of lighting technology and power systems. He also perfected the phonograph, and developed the motion picture camera and the alkaline storage battery.

Industrialist and Business MANAGER Over the next few decades, Edison found his role as inventor transitioning to one as industrialist and business manager.

The laboratory in West Orange was too large and complex for any one man to completely manage, and Edison found he was not as successful in his new role as he was in his former one. Edison also found that much of the future development and perfection of his inventions was being conducted by university-trained mathematicians and scientists. He worked best in intimate, unstructured environments with a handful of assistants and was outspoken about his disdain for academia and corporate operations.

He eventually became embroiled in a longstanding rivalry with Nikola Tesla, an engineering visionary with academic training who worked with Edison's company for a time, parting ways in 1885. The two would publicly clash about the use of direct current electricity, which Edison favoured, vs. alternating currents, which Tesla championed. The latter inventor entered into a partnership with George Westinghouse, an Edison competitor as well, and thus a major business feud over electrical power came into being. One of the unusual and cruel ways Edison tried to convince people of the dangers of direct current was through public demonstrations in which animals were electrocuted. One of the most infamous of these shows was the 1903 electrocution of a circus elephant named Topsy in New York's Coney Island.

On a couple of occasions, Edison was able to turn failure into success. During the 1890s, he built a magnetic iron-ore processing plant in northern New Jersey that proved to be a commercial failure. Later, he was able to salvage the process into a better method for producing cement. On April 23, 1896, Edison became the first person to project a motion picture, holding the world's first motion picture screening at Koster & Bial's Music Hall in New York City.

As the automobile industry began to grow, Edison worked on developing a suitable storage battery that could power an electric car. Though the gasoline-powered engine eventually prevailed, Edison designed a battery for the self-starter on the Model T for friend and admirer Henry Ford in 1912. The system was used extensively in the auto industry for decades.

During World War I, the U.S. government asked Thomas Edison to head the Naval Consulting Board, which examined inventions submitted for military use. Edison worked on several projects, including submarine detectors and gun-location techniques. However, due to his moral indignation toward violence, he specified that he would work only on defensive weapons, later noting, "I am proud of the fact that I never invented weapons to kill."

By the end of the 1920s Thomas Edison was in his 80s and he slowed down somewhat, but not before he applied for the last of his 1,093 U.S. patents, for an apparatus for holding objects during the electroplating process. Edison and his second wife, Mina, spent part of their time at their winter retreat in Fort Myers, Florida, where his friendship with automobile tycoon Henry Ford flourished and he continued to work on several projects, ranging from electric trains to finding a domestic source for natural rubber.

FINAL YEARS Thomas Edison died of complications of diabetes on October 18, 1931, in his home, "Glenmont," in West Orange, New Jersey. He was 84 years old. Many communities and corporations throughout the world dimmed their lights or briefly turned off their electrical power to commemorate his passing. Edison's career was the quintessential rags-to-riches success story that made him a folk hero in America. An uninhibited egoist, he could be a tyrant to employees and ruthless to competitors.

Though he was a publicity seeker, he didn’t socialise well and often neglected his family. By the time he died he was one of the most well-known and respected Americans in the world. He had been at the forefront of America’s first technological revolution and set the stage for the modern electric world.

Edison, considered one of America's leading businessmen, is credited today for helping to build America's economy during the nation's vulnerable early years.

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

Whether you are counting down the new years in church or at a party let 2015 find you looking amazing. Follow these tips to ensure your makeup stays as gorgeous as your outfit.

Slap on a face mask to get your skin looking amazing, however hung-over, frazzled, and sleep deprived you are from the day before.

Keep it simple as less is more! New Year's Eve can be a night when the make up gets piled on but to truly look radiant all you need is the "Triple L" rule … Lots of Lashes and Lips! That is, great mascara and a great red lipstick.

But if you are going super glamorous, Make primer your best friend. Because we ring in the New Year in tropical Guyana, dance floors can be hot and sweaty. Primer-it’ll ensure your foundation doesn’t slide off your face. Apply it after your face cream and allow a few minutes for it to settle before you swipe on your base.

Get clever with deodorant. While we’re talking about sweat, do you get a dewy upper lip when cutting the rug? Try swiping on a teeny amount of anti-perspirant deodorant before you apply your makeup. No more moisture in that spot. Magic!

If you plan on going high with your hair this New years eve then Backcomb like crazy. If you want an up-do that will last the night, you need a solid base with guts and hold. Use a strong hold mousse or volumising spray, and backcomb your hair at the roots to give more body and staying power when you apply your grips and pins.

Last but not least, don’t forget to Take your makeup off when you get home. Yes, we know 5.17am, but your hangover will be a little easier to handle without a two black eyes.

On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright made the first-ever manned flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. His flight lasted 12 seconds and covered a distance of 120 ft(37 m). That same day, Orville’s brother (Wilbur) made his first flight, which lasted 59 seconds, with the same aircraft.

Almost five years later, the Wright brothers were the first to fly in an airplane for more than one hour. On Sept 9, 1908, Orville Wright flew for 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 15 seconds. On Sept 21, 1908, Wilbur

Most engines originally were of the internal-combustion, piston-operated type, which may be air- or liquid-cooled.

Seventy-five thousand engineering drawings were used to produce the first Boeing 747.

The first United States coast to coast airplane flight occurred in 1911 and took 49 days.

A Boeing 737 weighing 150,000 pounds (68,000 kg) must deflect about 88,000 pounds (40,000 kg) of air – over a million cubic feet (31,500 cubit metres) down by 55 feet (16.75 m) each second while in flight.

The fastest passenger aircraft was the concorde but its no longer in service. The Wright flew for 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 25.8 fastest aircraft is SR-71 Blackbird i believe. seconds.

But I heard somewhere that NASA is workAirplane engines may be classified as ing on a hypersonic aircraft. driven by propeller, jet, turbojet, or rocket.

Birds were the fastest creatures on Earth

until 1919. At that time, pilots first reached speeds of 190 mph (306 km/hr). Thus, the record for fastest speeds among birds was broken. The champion bird had been the peregrine falcon, clocked at speeds nearing 185mph(298km/hr) while diving. Since then, even cars and trains have beaten that record.

Now, pilots can fly at supersonic (faster than sound) speeds. Currently, pilots in the fastest aircraft, X-15A-2, can fly Mach 6 (six times the speed of sound)

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GREEN CORNER: Companion Planting Part 1

By Clifford Stanley Companion planting in gardening and agriculture is the planting of different crops in proximity for pest control, pollination, providing habitat for beneficial creatures, maximizing use of space and to otherwise increase crop productivity.]

Companion Planting has been promoted as a means of working in harmony with nature and is said to be the best way to help your garden become more productive.

This is so because the principles of this form of polyculture encompasses all of the relationships between plants that grow near or with each other.

It is important knowing which of these relationships are beneficial and which can be harmful.

Using companion planting throughout the landscape, for example, is an important part of integrated pest management.

Additionally, in many cases companions help enhance the growth rate and flavor of other varieties.

The death of one organism can create food for another, creating symbiotic relationships all around.

With respect to pest management, scientists have found that many plants have natural substances in their roots, flowers and leaves etc. that can alternately repel (anti-feedants) and/or attract insects depending on the needs of the gardener.

There are many varieties of herbs, flowers, etc. that can be used for companion plants.

By using companion planting, many gardeners can discourage harmful pests without losing the beneficial allies.

For example the smell of the foliage of marigolds is known to deter aphids from feeding on and damaging neighbouring crops.

Marigolds with simple flowers also attract nectar-feed-

ing adult hoverflies, the larvae of which are predators of aphids.

This characteristic of the marigold plant has been described as predator recruitment and positive hosting.

Host-finding disruption (The insect’s perspective): Recent studies by scientists on host-plant finding, have

shown that flying pests are FAR LESS SUCCESSFUL if their host-plants are surrounded by any other plant not suitable for their purposes.

Old World Gardening website states that the host-plant finding by flying pests occurs in two phases: the first being stimulation by odours characteristic to the host-plant.

Insects, of course, avoid landing on brown (bare) soil.

It is the odour of that induces the insect to land on the plant it seeks.

So if only the host-plant is present, the insects will systematically find it by simply landing on the only green thing around.

This is called (from the point of view of the insect) an "appropriate landing."

When it does what it finds to be an "inappropriate landing", ie: its assessment of that plant is negative then the insect must start the process anew.

It flies off to the next nearby patch of green.

The second phase of host-plant finding is for the insect to make short flights from leaf to leaf to assess the plant's overall suitability.

The number of leaf-to-leaf flights varies according to the insect species and to the host-plant stimulus/odour received from each leaf.

The insect must accumulate sufficient stimuli from the host-plant to lay eggs; so it must make a certain number of consecutive 'appropriate' landings.

Even "decoy-plants" made of green plastic, cardboard, or any other green material have been found to deter/ frustrate the flying pests.

They eventually leave the area (your garden) if they find that there are too many 'inappropriate' landings.")

(TO BE CONTINUED)

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