Pepperpot 2015 1 18

Page XI

Crane A Village of Harmonic Buzz

Page XIX

Meet Anthony Robinson Blind from age 11 but entertaining big dreams

Pallavi Sharda

Hawaizaada will prove my versatility Page XII

Mercy Johnson I’ve So Many People Watching My Back Produced and Edited by C. Naipaul | Graphic and Layout Design by D. Prince

Page XIII

II

The Kiss of Dawn – Continuation

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

New Beginnings

“Mirror on the wall Speak now to me”

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com

Shamita pushed back the hair from her face and opening her eyes slowly she looked at her reflection wincing at the ugliness of the scars on her face. Her hand hesitantly touched the healed wounds and she whispered bitterly, tears in her eyes.

“How could this have happened? What was my wrong?”

“Don’t cry, fair maiden.

You are beautiful within Your soft eyes and kind heart”

The mirror seemed to say, comforting words that alone could not erase the deep pain.

What could?

The days passed, slowly for her, with just the television, books and writing in her diary.

Her mother held on to hopes that she would change her mind to do the plastic surgery and move on with her life. But Shamita did not, determined to win the battle over her fear, just like she did to save her life.

“One day,” she mused, “I will walk the catwalk of life with a new face but it would

Continued on page IV

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

III

Her and His Story On the timeline of Guyanese Literature, there is currently an unprecedented publishing outpouring of writings forming part of our living history such as autobiographies, semi-autobiographies, biographies, memoirs, journals, diaries, letters and monographs. This genre of writing is attracting attention for various reasons.

More and more, individuals are becoming aware of the importance of preserving our history, our heritage and our culture; more and more, individuals are compelled to share their story, setting the records straight; more and more individuals are constrained by the speed of information dissemination to publish their researches and findings; more and more, it is becoming evident that some individuals (man and woman) were/are able to affect the course of history.

Exploring this genre of writing coincides with the staging of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015 in the Mahatma

Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, to celebrate the contribution made to the world by people of Indian origin (PIO).

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is also called the ‘Non-Resident Indian Day.’ This annual event usually starts on January 9, the day Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa. So the focus, at this time, will be on the following three books, all of which have their genesis in India.

‘Reaching for the Stars’

by Yesu Persaud is the story of the early life of Persaud, started in humble beginnings, overcoming deprivation, struggling for an education, here and overseas, working his way up from the sugarcane fields to become the head of that enterprise. This part of his story culminated in the role he played in the historic nationalisation of Booker. ‘Reaching for the Stars’ is the story of a remarkable man, a story which is uplifting and inspiring. ‘ C o o l i e Wo m a n ’ b y Gaiutra Bahadur is the ex-

traordinary story of an ordinary woman whose story faded into obscurity until now rescued to become a monument to womanhood.

Here, the author has recon-

sexual exploitation. ‘Coolie Woman’ is an indictment of man inhumanity to man and a salute to woman.

‘Glimpses of a Global Life’ by Shridath Ramphal is

extraordinary tale of a super man. But is the story of a man who loved cooking and dining on fine foods. This is the story of a man whose interests include cricket, fishing and

SIR SHRIDATH RAMPHAL

YESU PERSAUD

GAIUTRA BAHDUR

structed the story of her great grandmother, pregnant and travelling alone, who was transported from an India of deprivation, a journey lasting many months and many challenges, to a Guyana of hard labour, marginalisation and

the story of a Guyanese who has become a world leader. To list his achievements, honours and awards is a daunting assignment, a list that stretches from Guyana, his birthplace, to India, his ancestral home, touching almost all the lands in between, reflecting the

dancing. This is also the story of a man who loved shopping.

This is the story of a man who still feels the bitterness of two major failures in his life.

Ramphal still talks about the failed West Indian Federation (1961 – 62) and the failed attempt to be elected as United

Nations Secretary General in 1981. ‘Glimpses of a Global Life’ is about of some of the changes Ramphal wrought to this world relating to economic wellbeing, trade balances, ameliorating poverty, ridding Apartheid, enhancing education and the environment.

Even as we go to press, there are many persons, who are writing their own stories, there are many persons whose stories are being written by others, stories that would add to the national discourse, stories that would become part of our living history, stories that would become part of our literature.

(Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email:oraltradition2002@yahoo.com) What’s happening: * Now available two new books by Basdeo Mangru, ‘Colonial Emigration from the Bengal Presidency’ and ‘Kanpur to Kolkata: Labour recruitment for the sugar colonies.’

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

The Kiss of Dawn – Continuation From page II

be with the inner strength that’s solid as a rock and a new confidence no storm can wreck.”

New beginnings were sketched by fate.

From the shadows of her loneliness flickered a light that grew brighter as each new day passed, little hands reaching out for her. The two little children Aiden and Aashi, motherless since three years ago, felt a magical attraction to Shamita and often they would stop by with their fluffy terrier, Crystal, bringing fruits for her or asking for help with their homework. Artwork pieces they did at school, they brought for her, not ever mentioning their mother and Shamita did not ask, until one day, when they brought home baked cookies for her.

A few were burnt and Aiden remarked jokingly, “My dad is not too good at baking, poor fella.”

Shamita couldn’t help smiling and he answered with a little drama, “And she smiles!”

She shook her head amused, the smile staying on her lips and Aashi asked, “Can you bake chocolate chip cookies?”

“Yes I can,” she answered.

“My mom used to bake awesome cookies.” Aiden said.

“Why doesn’t she now?” Shamita asked before she could stop herself.

A fleeting look of sadness crossed the boy’s face and holding his sister’s hand, he said quietly, “The Angels took her to Heaven.”

“Oh!” Shamita exclaimed softly, not expecting to hear that answer and looking at the two motherless children, she forgot for those moments, her own tragedy, touched by the sad look on their faces and she hugged them, “I’m so sorry.”

Late in the afternoon, their father came for them but she did not step out of the door, standing by the window and pulling back the curtain, just a little. He stood by the gate waiting and he saw the slight movement of the curtains. A slight smile played at the corners of his mouth, pleased she was making progress with that little show of interest.

Her name became such a great part of the home now.He felt as though he knew her personally. The children spoke of her with a glow on their faces, “She’s nice,” said Aashi, “She has pretty brown eyes.”

“She knows to bake awesome cookies,” Aiden added, pausing a little before continuing, “Just like mom.”

The father froze in what he was doing and for a long moment did not say anything.The children, waiting with bated breath then he said, with the hint of a smile, “That’s nice.”

He did not sleep much that night, the children’s words playing over and over in his head, knowing how much they missed having a mother.

Aiden knew her a little but Aashi did not know her at all.

For the three years since she was gone, he had never thought of another woman, so deep was his love but now, a new name has entered his thoughts, someone whom the children were attracted to, who in their little hearts seemed special. He was uncertain though, how good that could be, for the seclusive young woman was battling with her own problems.

“Please Lord,” he prayed, “You took away a mother from her young children, please let something good happen now.”

Further down the street, Shamita laid in bed, sleepless too, thinking of the children. She just couldn’t get their sad faces out of her mind when they told her their mother had gone to Heaven.

“Such a great loss,” she thought, “Their father must have been…”

She turned her face in the pillow to shut out that thought, not wanting to feel too concerned for him but the close connection the children and their terrier had with her, would bring the father into the picture no matter how far away from her she wanted him to be.

One late morning, whilst the kids were at school, Crystal ran away from home again and Shamita hearing the barking opened the door for her. Not a long while later she heard a car at the gate and knew it was the children’s father looking for the terrier.

“Come on Crystal,” she urged the puppy, “You have to go.”

The puppy lying on the rug, as though she belonged there paid no heed and Shamita picking her up gently let her out of the door. She had hoped the puppy would run to her master but she didn’t and Shamita opened the door a little, insisted on her to go.

He was standing, patiently at the gate waiting and not until she stepped out on the verandah did the terrier run to her master. He raised his hand a little to say ‘Thanks’ but she turned and closed the door behind her.

“This is getting too close,” she complained to herself but rewinding the lost fragments in her mind, seeing him standing at the gate, a man with casual good looks, the fear was not as intense as before.

It was happening, like she said, one day at a time, reflection on the horrific attack and a stalking fear, fading.

She took off the veil and cut her hair a little so it partially hid the scars on her face.

A change had begun, much to her tearful mother’s relief and now, since that fateful night, she saw her daughter smile for the first time, her dull eyes, reflecting a little interest of life.

“Thank you dear Lord,” she whispered, “You have sent two angels into her life, to heal her wounds.”

The sentiments of the children’s father were no different for since his children met Shamita, something changed for them. They were now, more cheerful and seemed happier, not because he hadn’t been doing a great job but in their young lives, they missed the love and care of a mother, her soft voice, sweet smile and her compassion, something blessed.

He stood on the upper verandah of the country house, looking out into the dark night, a cool wind blowing in from the farmlands, ruffling his hair and absentmindedly pushing it back from his face, he thought, “I wonder how she’s progressing with her life. She seems to be nice and kind yet sad.”

She had shut the world out from her life, not wanting to see anyone or speak to anyone so he could not know of her inner beauty, selfishness and warm personality. But the children with their innocent minds and pure heartsrecognised her for who she was.

Their father though, a man with a kind heart who had shown his wife love and care could not cross the gate to the house to talk to her, such was her distrust and fear.

But fate had designed their lives to cross for their life stories were similar, the intrusion of tragedy of a different nature, leaving a trail, like scattered leaves, of sadness, fear and loneliness.

Neither knew yet how much they needed each other to exile the loneliness and fear for dreams never die and love was waiting on a threshold as a pattern that would bring them close was being drawn. (To be continued).

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

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VI

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

Judge dismisses petition by couple for declaration of title

VII

- Appellate Court sets aside ruling and orders new trial IN 1998, Commissioner of Title, Gerald Brooms dismissed a petition by Lashley Clifford Gomes and Joycelyn Carol Gomes for a declaration of title to land at First Avenue, Bartica because he concluded that the vendor, Philip Innis, had no possessory interests to sell.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, the couple, (a husband and wife) appealed. The decision was upturned by the Guyana Court of Appeal.

However, Mr. and Ms. Gomes who had bought the

Surveys as plan No. 24208.

The petitioners pursuant to an agreement of sale and purchase dated September 18, 1992, bought the possessory rights and interests of their vendor, Philip Innis for $700,000 and entered the property.

They paid a deposit of $60,000 to the vendor; the balance was to be paid upon passing of transport.

Mr. Michael Willock of 12 Whitwell House, Northwald Road, London, England, opposed the petition

possessory rights and interests of their vendor Philip Innis for $700,000 had to face a new trial before they could lay claim to the property.

The Guyana Court of Appeal, comprising Chancellor of the Judiciary, Madam Desiree Bernard and Justices of Appeal, Mr. Nandram Kissoon and Mr. Ian Chang ruled that the Commissioner’s decision was perverse in the light of the evidence.

The Court of Appeal set aside the decision of the Commissioner of Title (or Land Court Judge) and ordered a new trial.

That Court also ordered $25,000 costs for the appellants/petitioners.

At the hearing of the appeal, the appellants were represented by Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Neil Boston.

The facts of the case disclosed that the petitioners, Lashley Clifford Gomes and Joycelyn, both of Lot 13 Sixth Avenue, Bartica, Essequibo, filed a petition on March 17, 1993 in the High Court seeking a Declaration of Title for Lot 58, First Avenue, Bartica.

This lot contains 0.263 of an acre and is shown on a plan by Teeka Singh, Sworn Land Surveyor, dated October 26, 1992, on record in the Department of Lands and

through his duly constituted attorney, Raymond Willison of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara.

Michael Willock was the son of Lydia Elizabeth Willock, nee Innis, who died intestate on May 14, 1991, in England. She was the owner of the said property, Lot 58 First Avenue, Bartica, under Transport No. 195 of April 21, 1979, and according to Philip Innis, an existing old house on the land in 1972 was owned “by me and sister Lydia E. Innis.”

But in the High Court, the Land Court judge said the issue was whether or not Philip acquired possessory right of over 12 years from 1972 to 1992, to (1) extinguish the legal title of Arsina Da Silva and of Lydia E. Innis (Transport No. 195 of 1979) and (2) override all possessory rights if any of Lydia E. Innis and all others.

The Land Court judge had viewed as relevant facts the affidavit of Philip Innis who had said that he was 65 years old and had gone to live on property in 1972.

According to him there was a small house on the property which was owned

by Arsina Da Silva.

Da Silva sold the small house to himself and Lydia

Innis in 1972. Lydia Innis provided money to the purchase. She was living in England. He added: “I enlarged the building in 1972-1975; I built fence, septic tank, dug drains and planted crops, mangoes, five finger and coconut trees. All this planting began in 1973. From 1972 to present, I paid no rent to anyone for the land to Da Silva or anyone else.”

Among other things the Land Court judge said he had found from proper inference from the evidence that the root of Philip Innis factual occupation was conditioned upon a family arrangement where a place was provided for a mother, a brother and a sister-inlaw. And after the death of the mother and the sister (the provider), Philip Innis unscrupulously formed the intention to possess the property and carried out acts of possession as for example the sale to Braithwaite and the Gomes.

As a consequence, Commissioner of Title, Brooms dismissed the petition on the grounds that Philip Innis had no possessory interests to sell.

The judgment of the Appellate Court was delivered by the Chancellor.

Among other things, the judgment agreed with the arguments by counsel for the appellants, that the decision of the Commissioner of Title was erroneous in law.

It was noted that the Commissioner of Title finding that Philip Innis did not acquire a possessory title to Lot 58 First Avenue, Bartica, was perverse in the light of the evidence led by Philip Innis, Lashley Gomes and Joycelyn Gomes, Arthur Rhodus and Horace Shurland.

The appellant had also argued that the Commissioner of Title misdirected himself on the law relating to adverse possession and that he erred when he found that the most of Philip Innis factual occupation was conditioned upon a family arrangement where a place was provided for a mother, a brother and a sister-in-law.

It was said too that the Commissioner of Title finding that Philip Innis unscrupulously formed the intention to possess the property and carried out acts of possession after the death of the mother and sister-in-law (provider) was perverse) for the following reasons:

(a)There was no evidence on which the trial judge could have so found (b)The inference drawn by the Commissioner was erroneous and was not based on evidence before the Court.

The judgment of the Commissioner of Title (Land Court judge) was set aside and a new trial was ordered.

The Appellants were given $25,000 costs.

By George Barclay

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

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

SHIRLEY’S COMPOUND AT ITHACA VILLAGE (Guyana Chronicle April 28, 1978)

“Shirley’s Compound of Ithaca Village West Bank Berbice invites the general public to come to the COMPOUND at Ithaca village West Bank Berbice every Saturday night from 7 o’clock to mid-night to enjoy delicious Guyanese dishes , African drums, Lime drink, rum, mauby, whiskey gin Banks beer etc! etc! at very reasonable prices. No so called dim lights. There will be the usual bright lights all the time for the spiritual upliftment of the general public.

Shirley’s Compound has nothing to hide away from the general public. Admission to the Compound is free of charge. Promoters: Jomo Nkruma Grant, Edward Grant, Mrs. Shirley Grant and Mrs. Bernadette Grant.

LIMERS FINED

(Guyana Chronicle April 17, 1978) Seven “limers” have been fined a total of $250 by Principal Magistrate Prem Persaud after they pleaded guilty to charges of assembling for an idle purpose in streets of the city.

They are Colin Adamson, Roy Pollard, Bertie Caines, Phillip Albert, Terrence Joseph , Dennis Agard, Herbert Beckles and Nigel Adams.

SAVE YOUR CATHEDRAL (Guyana Chronicle April 28, 1978)

W/BERBICE GIVES GUYANA ITS FIRST CRAFT PRODUCERS ASSOC.

St. George’s gift day. Today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.- as you pass St. George’s Cathedral today, stop and give-any amount accepted. Tokens will be given as receipts of your contribution.

Give tomorrow-give generously. Your Cathedral needs you now.

(Guyana Chronicle April 1, 1978)

Guyana’s first ever association for producers of craft works was formed last Sunday when more than 40 craft producers both individuals and groups in the West Berbice stretching from Ithaca West Bank Berbice to Mahaicony came together to place on its footing the West Berbice Craft Producer’s Association (WBCPA).

A Steering Committee drawn from the various units throughout West Berbice has also been formed.

The Chairman is Sherlene Daniels, vice ChairmanCarmen London, Secretary- Veronica Sears , Assistant Secretary -Stella Daniels, Treasurer -Eudora Cameron , Co Treasurer-Jean Nicholson, Craft Production Officer-Annette Thomas and ex-officio members Rosalind Thompson and Claudette Gangoo.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Development C Mercurius urged the members of the new association to work together in producing quality items in large quantities.

MACAW NOW PROTECTED (Guyana Chronicle April 2, 1978)

The macaw is now protected under the Wild Birds Protection Act. This was disclosed in yesterday’s issue of the Official Gazette in an order signed by Minister of Agriculture G a v i n Kennard.

The order said that the macaw, scarlet, blue and yellow, red blue and green are protected under the Act made on March 22 last.

GIRL 17 JILTED GETS $550 FOR BREACH OF PROMISE (Guyana Chronicle May 28, 1978) A lovely 17-year-old Berbice girl was awarded the sum of $550 in a breach of promise case with the consent of the man who had promised to marry her.

Shaimoon Bacchus of Kilcoy Village Corentyne claimed she had suffered physical shock and mental distress after being jilted by Ronald Ali a Clerk of Rose Hall Estate was also awarded $300 costs.

Senior Counsel Bhairo Prasad who represented Shaimoon told the Court that in March 1975 Ali promised to marry her and the next month she agreed to marry him.

Counsel said that on April 5, 1975 Ali informed Shaimoon that his birth certificate was missing and the marriage would take place as soon as a copy obtained.

On that same date the plaintiff and the defendant went through a religious ceremony at Albion Courentyne at which they reaffirmed their promise to marry each other.

After the ceremony Ali took Shaimoon to Canje where they lived as man and wife until September 1975 when he sent her back to her parents home after telling her the wedding was off.

On March 7th 1976 the defendant in breach of his promise was lawfully married to another woman.

CRACKDOWN ON “DIRTY TONGUED” GUYANESE (Guyana Chronicle April 19,1978)

Police Commissioner Lloyd Barker yesterday announced that he had ordered a country-wide campaign against the use of indecent language, which he said was threatening to corrupt orderliness in the Guyanese society.

He said that the Police had discovered that there was a marked increase in the use of foul language especially in places of public entertainment.

He said that cinemas and restaurants were the main places where this anti-social behaviour was evident.

MOTORIST WINS BEST DRIVER AWARD TWICE (Guyana Chronicle May 12, 1978)

Motorist George Bahadur is the first Berbician to have won the best driver’s award twice.

He was described by Berbice Traffic Chief Superintendent Cedric Joseph as a careful and sensible driver who always observes the safety rules.

Bahadur who hails from Smythfield, Greater New Amsterdam has been driving for over 27 years and had never been involved in an accident.

Further he was never charged by the Traffic Police with breaching any traffic offence.

The 35-year-old driver won the award in 1975 and again in 1977.

He was presented with a trophy and a shield at a special function held recently at the Traffic Department in New Amsterdam.

Bahadur said that most of the accidents today are due to excessive speeding, drunkenness, lack of courtesy and defective vehicles.

The star driver said that before he starts his car in the morning he always checks the tyres, brake fluid, clutch and radiator.

Having done these things he offers a prayer imploring the almighty to guide him.

CAREW TO DELIVER MITTELHOLZER MEMORIAL LECTURES (Guyana Chronicle June 3, 1978)

The 1978 Edgar Mittelholzer Memorial Lectures, the sixth of the series which began in 1967 will be delivered

by Professor Jan Carew in the period August 23-31.

Professor Carew the well known Guyanese poet, novelist, playwright and broadcaster has selected as the subject of his lectures the theme: “Illusion and Reality, the continental destiny of an island world.”

Jan Carew proposed to trace the literary images of Guyana which began with the Diaries of Christopher Columbus , the “Voyages” of Amerigo, the debate between Sepulveda and Las Casas and Raleigh’s discovery of Guyana” and finally trace the images in the myths and the literature of the Caribbean and Latin America.

Professor Carew is Professor of African-American Studies, Northwestern University, Sheridan, Illinois.

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

Victor Mature

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

IX

-American leading man

A

merican leading man, born Victor John Mature on January 29, 1913 (to knife sharpener Marcellus George Mature, born Marcello Gelindo Maturi in Pinzolo, Trentino, in 1877 and a Swiss-American mother, Clara Ackley) in Louisville, Kentucky, Victor Mature worked as a teenager with his father as a salesman for butcher supplies.

Trentino was then under the rule of Austria-Hungary and returned under Italian sovereignty in 1918 after WW I. His family emigrated to the US with his brothers in 1912, and settled in Louisville, Kentucky where he was born.

Hoping to become an actor, he studied at the Pasadena Playhouse in California. He auditioned for Gone with the Wind (1939) for the role ultimately played by his fellow Playhouse student, George Reeves.

After achieving some acclaim in his first few films, he served in the Coast Guard in World War II. Mature became one of Hollywood's busiest and most popular actors after the war, though rarely was he given the critical respect he often deserved. His roles in John Ford's My Darling Clementine (1946) and in Henry Hathaway's Kiss of Death (1947) were among his finest work, though he moved more and more frequently into more exotic roles in films like Samson and Delilah (1949) and The Egyptian (1954). Never an energetic actor nor one of great artistic pretensions, he nevertheless continued as a Hollywood stalwart both in programme and in more prominent films like The Robe (1953). More interested in golf than acting, his appearances diminished through the 1960s, but he made a stunning comeback of sorts in a hilarious romp as a very Victor Mature-like actor in Neil Simon's After the Fox (1966). Golf eventually took over his activities and after a cameo as Samson's father in a TV remake of his own "Samson and Delilah" (Samson and Delilah (1984)), he retired for good. Rumours occasionally surfaced of another comeback, most notably in a never-realized remake of Red River (1948) with Sylvester Stallone, but none came to fruition. He died of cancer at his Rancho Santa Fe, California, home in 1999.

1940)Â (annulled) Before Charlton Heston, Victor Mature dominated the "biblical epic" genre, starring in Samson and Delilah (1949), The Robe (1953), and Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954) Making use of his powerful physique, he became associated with "beefcake" scenes involving bondage and torture.

In "Samson and Delilah" (1949) he was blinded and forced to turn a gristmill. In "The Robe" (1953) he suffered while stretched out on a torture-table inside a Roman dungeon.

In "Zarak" (1957) he endured two separate floggings. In "Timbuktu" (1959) he found himself staked out, spreadeagle style, under a dangling tarantula.

Daughter, Victoria, born in 1975.

He was a petty officer in the Coast Guard during World War II. He served on the troop transport ship Admiral Mayo.

His service carried him to the North Atlantic, including Normandy, the Mediterranean, Caribbean and many islands

in the South Pacific. He was on Okinawa when the A-bomb was dropped on Japan.

Applying for membership in the swank Los Angeles Country Club at the height of his fame, Mature was turned down and told that the golfing facility did not accept actors as members. His response: "I'm not an actor - and I've got 64 films to prove it!"

He attributed his success in Biblical spectacles to his ability to "make with the holy look."

Was colour-blind.

Attended the Kentucky Military Academy. One of his classmates was future fellow actor, Jim Backus (Mr. Magoo and Thurston Howell III in Gilligan's Island (1964)).

In Zarak (1956) he played perhaps the only title character in the movies to be flogged to death.

Although several sources suggest that Mature's family name was originally Maturi, United States and Austrian birth, immigration, census and other records, as well as Victor Mature himself, are quite clear that as of 1877, the family name was Mature.

In her autobiography, Esther Williams details a passionate affair she had with Mature during the filming of Million Dollar Mermaid (1952). According to Williams, her marriage was on the rocks, she needed love and Mature provided all she wanted.

He was a Republican.

Featured in "Bad Boys: The Actors of Film Noir" by Karen Burroughs Hannsberry (McFarland, 2003).

According to Mature, he had an ancestral mix of French, Swiss, German, Italian and Greek.

A false story has circulated that George Reeves auditioned for the role of Samson in Samson and Delilah (1949), but lost the role to Mature. Supposedly, he was given the role of "Wounded Messenger" at the recommendation of Mature, who was very loyal to his friends from his student days at the Pasadena Community Playhouse. The fact is that Reeves was never under consideration for the role of Samson. However, many of the smaller roles in the film were played by Mature's friends from Pasadena.

He was approached for the role of Sylvester Stallone's father in Oscar (1991), which eventually went to Kirk

Douglas.

Was originally going to star with Robert Wagner and Debra Paget in The Proud Ones (1956).

Is buried in St. Michael Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.

Played "The Big Victor" in the Monkees' movie Head (1968); a poke at RCA Victor, who distributed Monkees records.

Despite his physique and his tough guy persona, Mature was a man of many fears and phobias. Not only did he refuse to wrestle a tame movie lion for Samson and Delilah (1949) but during the jawbone battle, the wind machine kicked up some particularly violent gusts, and then Mature fled the sound stage for his dressing room, hiding in terror. According to Cecil B. DeMille biographer Charles Higham, the director publicly humiliated him using his megaphone to ensure that cast and crew all heard him.

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

MYSTERIOUS

FARE

The strong north westerly breeze was cold and the dew was heavy as Cleveland drove his taxi towards New Amsterdam. He was up early trying for an early passenger. Sure enough someone was flagging him down.

He brought the car to a halt and the elderly East Indian woman approached the driver side window.

“I going to Bourda Market. I have some goods to carry.”

Cleveland hopped out and opened the wagon’s trunk. He helped to pack the three baskets of callaloo and two bags of pepper. The woman got in and he took off for Georgetown.

Driving early was best for him. He had an old car and many people did not hire him because of that. This meant that he had to catch people with load. Most of these were vendors and they

travelled early.

As he drove he admired the beautiful countryside. Guyana was a magnificent place with plenty of land to spare. He sped past villages that had rich histories which made them famous.

These were bought for plantation owners by the collective effort of slaves. He passed kokers and sideline trenches that were crucial to the proper drainage of the coastal community. Then there was the sea wall, a dyke built by the Dutch to prevent the sea from re-claiming miles of land.

This dyke stretched from hundreds of miles along the coast.

There were few other vehicles on the road.

Driving was a labour off skill and knowledgeskill to avoid the potholes and knowledge of the road so that the long dark patches of unlit roadway did not become too much of a challenge.

Buxton flashed by. BV dwindled in the rear view mirror. The traffic picked up and this showed the taxi’s progress. Skilfully Cleveland veered his way towards central Georgetown. As he drove past Camp Ayangana he knew he would arrive in about ten minutes.

His passenger had been unusually quiet.

That attribute was unusual for a market vendor.

Normally you could not get them to shut up.

This woman sat in the back seat staring straight ahead. She looked neither left nor right. It was as if she was focused on her destination. She wore a strange smelling perfume that made Cleveland feel slightly light-headed. He promptly opened his windows and the strong cold breeze came to his assistance.

Cleveland turned into North Road and then into Bourda Street which runs next to the market. It was still early and not many others were stirring. He exited his taxi and walked around to the back door of the wagon.

As he opened the door the driver was greeted with an empty trunk. He stared at it in shock and disbelief, there was nothing there. How would he explain this to his passenger? He shook his head in anger and bewilderment.

He would now be forced to pay for the loss of her goods. He sighed and called out.

“Miss come see dis thing.”

There was no answer.

He looked back at the trunk of the car expecting it to be filled with callaloo and pepper.

Cleveland walked to the rear door and opened it.

“Miss come please.”

No response He leaned down and looked into the back seat. Like her callaloo and pepper the woman too had vanished. Cleveland almost had an aneurism. He vowed to invest in a new car so that he could start working normal and safer hours.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

Meet Anthony Robinson

XI

Blind from age 11 but entertaining big dreams

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By Telesha Ramnarine T just the age of 11, Anthony Robinson felt helpless, lonely and depressed when he realised that he would have to live the rest of his life as a blind person. He did surgery for cataract when he was 9 years old, but his sight lasted just two years after.

Anthony, called ‘White Boy,’ was born and raised at Plaisance on the East Coast Demerara to parents Jennifer and Malcolm. His father died and so Anthony was raised with his five siblings by their single-parent mom.

He attended St. Paul’s Primary and spent up to Grade Six. Just two weeks before writing the Common Entrance Examination, he lost his vision to the point where everything he

With the right kind of support, Anthony is confident he will achieve his goals

Joking around with some of his pals at the Guyana Society for the Blind

saw was blurry. “After I did the surgery, my vision gradually deteriorated. I see blurry. I am not in that darkness. I see sun glare and can make out colours but not faces.”

After realising that he was blind, Anthony recalled how he felt sad about everything. “I had some weird thoughts like my life was hanging on a string; like I couldn’t do anything for myself. I felt lonely; out of the world.”

Eventually, though, Anthony said he met other blind persons and realised that some of them were suffering more than him. “I met people with a worse condition. They made me build up confidence. I thought to myself that I have a life to live and I have to accept that I am blind.

From then I moved on to be an independent person in life.”

Growing up, he wanted to work in the army. “I don’t know why I wanted to be a soldier. Currently, I still have my plans.

Not to be a soldier but a lawyer. I want to pursue my study in law.”

This year, Anthony will be writing the CSEC Examinations. He is not satisfied with the grades he got in Business, Accounts, Social Studies and English last year, so he is trying again to do better. “I am very confident because I am studying. I have a lot more information this time.

Many persons did well last year but those who didn’t do so well have a chance this year to do better.”

Anthony went to St. Roses Unit for the Blind but while there, never thought that he would be afforded the opportunity to write the CSEC Exams. “However, I met Ganesh Singh. He had a dream about helping blind persons to pursue their education and he came up with the thoughts last year,” Anthony told the Chronicle.

Explaining how he makes out to study, Anthony said his laptop is equipped with‘speaking software.’ “It helps you to study and does all the talking for you. The teachers do up the notes, put it on their flash and then give it to you. They also explain in class. Then it is left up to you to go home and study.”

Asked whether he believes he will achieve his goal of becoming a lawyer, Anthony said: “I have the passion. I have the dream. The vision is there. It’s just the support that I need.

Finances could be one of the major supports. I also look forward to good responses from people.”

Currently, Anthony’s mom helps him care for his expenses, along with some of his good friends. He also benefits from the government’s social assistance programme, which he firmly believes can be improved. “For the past five years, we have been receiving $5,900. I know to myself that

Anthony ‘White Boy’ Robinson

the government can do better than that,” he said with a broad smile.

Anthony focuses on the positives in his life and tried to remove all “pebbles” from his path.

“Persons at times are curious and I don’t know if they enjoy experimenting on blind persons but I prepare my mind to reach anything that comes in my way; any pebbles in my way.”

Furthermore, he said some persons try to confuse blind persons and that robbery is one of the major challenges they face. “They target we blind people. Only last week one of my blind friends lost his laptop and everything else. There are also wicked people out there to mislead you when you are using the roadways.”

At times, however, Anthony is fortunate to stumble across good people who might take him straight to his destination.

When he is on his own, though, his ears work over time for him. “A blind person depends on their ears. They listen a lot and focus to know when to cross the road, etc. I also count the corners to where I am going.”

Anthony said it is also a ‘risky business’ for blind persons to get to the Guyana Society for the Blind located at High Street, since it is often lonely and a lurking spot for robbers.

All set now for the photo

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

Shocking: Priyanka Chopra makes Kapil Sharma lose his cool!

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he funny man who is generally cool as a cucumber reportedly got riled up by the Mary Kom actress.

It is no secret that Bollywood actors are not in the least punctual. It is because the stars have so much going on simultaneously that they end up getting late for events and keep other people waiting. Something similar happened with Priyanka Chopra at Star Guild Awards recently but her delay got Kapil Sharma all angry!

The stand-up comedian was hosting the show and PC made him wait for three hours long! PC was supposed to make an entry at the red carpet with a dance act and then later change into a pretty gown to walk it like other celebs. When Kapil caught a glimpse of Ms. Chopra after having waited for three long hours, he announced her entry only to get bogged down by her “I am still not ready!”

By this time Kapil was pretty miffed so he flung his earphones and said: ”Ladies logon ka yehi problem hai, madam abhi tak tayaar nahin hain.” Well, we are certain that Kapil did not express his displeasure to PC. Karma sure hit Kapil hard as he too is infamous for being extravagantly late on the sets of his show Comedy Nights with Kapil.

Pallavi Sharda Hawaizaada will prove my versatility

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he actress talks about her latest film with Ayushmann After Besharam failed to evoke a positive response, Pallavi Sharda is confident that her new movie Hawaizaada will help her prove her worth as a versatile actress. In Hawaizaada, Pallavi stars as Ayushmann Khurrana’s on screen love interest. And while she doesn’t want to call Hawaizaada a “new start,” she feels that after Besharam, “I got another chance to show that I can play these kinds of roles too.”

“I believe I’m a versatile actor.

I hope people would love my work.

Hawaizaada is mostly based on Ayushmann (Khurrana) and Mithunda’s (Mithun Chakraborty) story, my love story…so, I just hope people like my part of the story,” Pallavi said.

Directed by Vibhu Puri, Hawaizaada revolves around an Indian scientist Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, who is credited with having constructed India’s first unmanned plane.

The film is set to hit the screens Jan 30

Deepika Padukone to marry Ranveer Singh?

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ur in-house Astro expert Shradha Salla predicts the future of Bollywood’s favourite couple Though everyone knows that Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are in a relationship, they have always shied away when questioned about their affair. A few days ago, we reported how Ranveer confessed about his feelings for his ladylove when he appeared on the AIB Knockout along with bestie Arjun Kapoor. That’s when we at BollywoodLife thought of checking about the future of the Ram-Leela jodi. Here’s what our Astro expert has to say about it… # Deepika and Ranveer are cupid’s favourite couple. Individually both are ruled by strong planetary positions. Deepika is number 5 person, ruled by Mercury which brings a sense of balance, focus and dedication to everything she does. On the other hand, Singh is ruled by Venus which is all about love, passion, entertainment and following your heart. # Because of the combination of their energies, the two have a very practical approach towards their relationship. # From Deepika’s birthday till July, both of them are influenced by the Moon. The Moon’s energy makes people very emotional, sentimental and attached, so if they both balance their relationship, we might just hear some good news based on a stronger commitment. # Though it’s a bit early for marriage, but it is definitely on both their minds , the only worry here is that the Moon’s energy makes one very moody, so daily issues and small fights should not be prolonged as that can cause irritation. # As time passes, Ranveer is going to become very serious in the relationship but Deepika might show some inconsistency. On the lighter side, pink is a good colour for both of them to wear when they are around each other. This will help their relationship flourish

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

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John Dumelo Shares Hilarious Selfie Of Self And Unknown Man

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have no idea where and when John Dumelo took this selfie but this photo needs to be framed and placed in this living room.

The talented hunky Ghollywood actor, shared the above photo of himself and an unknown

man with a very weird looking set of teeth.

John Dumelo tried to mimic the face made by the unknown man but he wasn’t even close to getting a resemblance.

Now this is the real definition of a selfie!!!

David Oyelowo UK born Nigerian actor excited over Global Globes nominations

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K born actor with Nigeria descent, David Oyelowo received a Golden Globes nomination in the 'Best Actor In A Drama' category for his role in the movie 'Selma.'

It is the second nomination for David, who was nominated last year for his role as

Louis Gaines in “The Butler”.

Speaking on his nomination, David spoke on his working relationship with Oprah and the movie 'Selma.'

"Working with Oprah truly felt like a family affair. She wanted to be Dr. King when she was younger and to have someone like that around you whilst you

are playing Dr. King and to be there for Ava. I think she really sees a lot of herself in Ava." She called me up one day when we were shooting and just said 'David it's time to go to bed. You need to go to bed. You're playing Dr. King - go to bed.' And I went to bed!"

Congratulations to David.

Mercy Johnson: I’ve So Many People Watching My Back

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ollywood star, Mercy Johnson, has said that one of the best feelings she has had is the feeling that some people who have never met her in person have her back.

The actress stated this in a New Year message made available to P.M.NEWS Entertainment Café.

According to her, she has experienced love from unimaginable people from various countries around the world including Ghana, Liberia, Paris, United Kingdom, United States of America, Seychelles, etc.

“Some met me crying, gave me gifts, took pictures, asked questions, and some, not so pleasant.

But in all of these, I have no complaint because being where I am is a gift and privilege by God. A privilege and a place I never thought I would be a few years ago,” she said.

The actress added that the level she has attained has its own attendant consequence.

“As I take in the blessing, I appreciate the not-so-pleasant side as well.”

“For this, I am grateful to God, my fans and stakeholders in the industry who love me just the way I am,” she added.

The actress continued: “I want to take this time to say thank you to everyone who made the journey of 2014 easier despite the attendant challenges.”

“I am grateful to the marketers and my colleagues who stayed in touch with me even when I was pregnant, directors who were patient with me, fans who watched all the movies of 2014, those who took time out to search for me on Google, who corrected me in love and those who watched ‘30 Days in Atlanta’ and made it the biggest Nollywood movie in cinema history.”

“I am also grateful to everyone who showed me one form of love or the other during the birth of our second son, Prince Henry: Nigerian Embassy in the US, social media followers and my

ever diligent media and management company, Bigsam Media.”

Mercy did not forget to also appreciate her husband for allowing her to excel in her chosen career.

“Some men out there would probably have clipped my wings but Odi (husband) is not some kind of man.”

“I want to say thank you for being so supportive and understanding,” she said.

Looking forward, Mercy said she has plans and hope that 2015 will be different from previous years.

“The jobs I will do will be slightly different from those of the past.

“I will take up more challenges.”

“I will also have to balance things out because I still have to play the role of a wife and mother, but all in all, there should be a new Mercy Johnson of sort,” she assured.

As for her style, she noted that she has received all her fans’ complaints and will try to improve.

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

Infosys CEO meets PM Narendra Modi

Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka last Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and disclosed that his company will spend $250 million (over Rs 1,500 crore) to fund innovations in software and services in India. (A crore is a unit equal to ten million (10,000,000) which is written in these regions as 1,00,00,000, equal to a hundred lakh (a lakh is equal to one hundred thousand and is written as 1,00,000). It is widely used in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan,

and Nepal. The South Asian numbering system is used in Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, and Nepali.)

About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in consulting, technology, and outsourcing solutions. As a proven partner focused on building tomorrow's enterprise, Infosys enables clients in more than 50 countries to outperform the competition and stay ahead of the innovation curve. With US$8.25bn in revenues and 165,000+ employees, the firm provides enterprises with strategic insights on what lies ahead. It helps enterprises transform and thrive in a changing world through strategic consulting, operational leadership, and the co-creation of breakthrough solutions, including those in mobility, sustainability, big data, and cloud computing.

About Narindra Modi Narendra Damodardas Modi, born 17 September 1950) is the 15th and current Prime Minister of India, in office since May 2014. Modi, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), previously served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat state from 2001 to 2014. He is also a Hindu Nationalist and a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Modi has been praised for his economic policies, which are credited with creating an environment for a high rate of economic growth in Gujarat.

The meeting The chief of India's second largest IT services firm discussed with Modi ways in which the company can participate

in the Prime Minister's vision of smart and digitally-empowered India.

Infosys will develop software for managing the Kumbh Mela scheduled in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) in 2016.

Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindupilgrimage of faith in which Hindus gather to bathe in a sacred river. It is considered to be the largest peaceful gathering in the world where around 100 million people are expected to visit during the Maha Kumbh Mela in in different locations. It is held every third year at one of the four places by rotation: S i k ka, the first non-founder CEO of Infosys, said Modi has agreed to dedicate the company's Mysore campus as the first model smart city in the country in April this year.

The big area is innovation. PM has a vision for innovation and Infosys have a $500 million Innovation Fund. Of this, they have decided that half of this will be dedicated to just innovation in India. They will will call it “Innovate in India," Sikka said.

On smart cities, he said Infosys campuses are one of the most amazing places in the world. They are green and energy efficient and work as smart units.

The Mysore campus is a small smart city. It has 30,000 people living and working there at any given day. We are going to make our Mysore campus the first model smart city and the PM has very graciously accepted our invitation to the Mysore campus and dedicate it to the nation in April," he added.

Spread over 350 acres, Infosys' Mysore campus, which also houses its university, has more than 200,000 trees and is energy-efficient.

China's Xiaomi unveils thinner, lighter phablets Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi (pronounced “showme”) has unveiled two flagship phablets in Beijing last Thursday, comparing them directly with Apple's largest iPhones.

Chief executive Lei Jun introduced the Mi Note, saying it was shorter, thinner and lighter than the iPhone 6 Plus. The 16 gigabyte model is less than half the price of Apple's handset and

Samsung's phablet, the Galaxy Note 4. Analysts say Xiaomi became the world's third bestselling phone firm in 2014.

The firm - which was only founded in 2010 - announced that the Mi Note was 6.95mm (0.27in) thick and weighed 161g (5.7oz). That makes it 1.05mm thinner than the iPhone 6 Plus and 11g lighter.

The flagship Mi Note Pro has a higher resolution display and a faster processor than the basic model. It also features

a 13 megapixel rear camera, made by Sony, and a 4MP front one. In addition, Xiaomi announced the higher-end MiNote Pro, which will be released at a later date. It has: • a higher resolution 2K display (515 pixels per inch) • a faster 64 bit Snapdragon processor and 4G chip, which is capable of 450 megabits per second (Mbps) downloads The new models are definitely an upgrade compared to their predecessors - Xiaomi desperately needed to refresh its line-up to keep up with its competitors. Xiaomi is definitely triumphs its competitors on its pricing.

The Being-based firm overtook global market leader Samsung last year to become the top-selling handset brand in the world's largest smartphone market, China.

Despite its strong numbers, Xiaomi's phones are only available in select Asian countries including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, India and Indonesia. There has been speculation it might soon announce a move into the US, but there was no mention of this at the latest launch.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

Max born

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Max Born

-Noted for his mathematical analysis of how subatomic particles behave

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erman-born physicist Max Born, noted for his mathematical analysis of how subatomic particles behave, shared the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1954.

Max Born was born in Breslau, Germany, on December 11, 1882, into a family of upper-class Jewish academics. He pursued his interest in science and mathematics at leading universities in Germany, England and Scotland, coming up with proofs and theories in relation to the First Law of Thermodynamics and quantum mechanics. He was forced to serve in the German army in World War I and was expelled from Germany in 1933. After WWII, he was opposed to nuclear weapons and espoused his belief in an indeterminate universe. Born shared the Nobel Prize for Physics with Walter Bothe in 1954. He died on January 5, 1970, in Göttingen, Germany.

EARLY LIFE Max Born was born on December 11, 1882, in Breslau, Germany (now Wroc?aw, Poland) to an upper-middle-class family of Jewish descent. His father, Gustav Born, was a professor of anatomy and embryology at the local university, and his mother, Margarete, who died when Max was just four years old, came from a family of local industrialists. He had a younger sister, Käthe, and a half-brother Wolfgang (from his father's second marriage), who later became a professor of art history at the City University of New York.

A frail child, Born eventually attended the renowned König-Wilhelm Gymnasium after home tutelage, moving on to and through several universities—the University of Breslau, Heidelberg University and Zurich University—spending only a year at each. He settled down to get his Ph.D. and Habilitation—the highest academic credit a scholar can achieve—at the University of Göttingen, where he wrote his dissertation

on the stability of elastic wires and tapes, earning the Prize of the Philosophical Faculty.

A LIFE OF SCIENCE Through his peripatetic education, Born had picked up an interest inmatrix calculus,higher analysis, astronomy and physics. He continued his studies under a Nobel Prize-winning physicist at Cambridge and returned to his hometown university to work on the theory of relativity, collaborating with and then taking over for a renowned professor there, which led to his first brush with Albert Einstein (who would become a friend).

In 1915 Born moved to Berlin to work with Max Planck at the university there but was drafted in the German army after the outbreak of World War I. During the war, he was able to continue his scientific pursuits, working on the theory of sound ranging and publishing his first book, Dynamics of Crystal Lattices. After the war, he resumed his work in a professorship in Frankfurt, where he worked in a lab with the future Nobel Prize winner Otto Stern on the latter's early molecular experiments.

During a period of extended stability, 12 years as professor of theoretical physics at Göttingen, Born did his most important work on quantum mechanics. James Franck was also there as professor of experimental physics, and together they made the university a hotspot for atomic and molecular phenomena, with soon-to-be-well-known physicists such as Werner Heisenberg, Enrico Fermi, J. Robert Oppenheimer and Maria Goeppert-Mayer all flocking to the institution.

But in 1933, when Adolph Hitler rose to power in Germany, Born, who was Jewish, was stripped of his credentials and forced to emigrate to England. After a brief stint at Cambridge, he was appointed Tait Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, where he spent the remainder of

his career. He retired in 1953, and in 1954 was awarded the Nobel Prize, shared with Walther Bothe, for his contributions to theoretical physics.

DEATH AND LEGACY Max Born died on January 5, 1970, in Göttingen, Germany. He and his wife had returned to Germany in 1954, after his retirement, moving to the spa town of Bad Pyrmont. He had been deeply affected by the detonation of the atomic bomb, speaking out against the dangers of nuclear weapons, and signing the "Göttingen Eighteen," a declaration by eminent scientists protesting the possible arming of the West German military with nuclear weapons.

Among Born's achievements was the first mathematically precise statement of the First Law of Thermodynamics. There is a Max Born Institute and a Max Born Award from the Optical Society. Gustav Born donated his father's letters to illuminate his scientific life, and Max Born's life and concerns are detailed in the biography The End of a Certain World.

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

There will I continue to walk Where kindness is classified as weakness Where there is mockery against humility There will I continue to walk, my friend, In the fields of fires designed to destroy ; There will I bear the attacks against my goodness There will I refuse to retreat, standing strong, So I can serve these my children well.

Krishna Nand Prasad

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

The Long Winding Road to Heartbreak in Italy...

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Wrong From The Start

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hree months ago my partner came home at the end of the day with a look of despair on his face.

I asked him what was wrong and he announced he no longer wanted to be in our relationship. He felt "stuck."

I was shocked. I immediately packed my bags and ejected from the situation to re-group at a dear friend's house. In the days that followed I tried to recall any moment before the bomb dropped that may have warned me.

We were no longer in the honeymoon stage, but there was happiness. After all the past breakups, I thought I'd got past the want of the perfect relationship. Thought I'd found a bloke who accepted my flaws and I his. We agreed that love sometimes means trudging though the guff together.

I am blessed to have strong, supportive friends. They gave me shelter, shouldered my blubbering rants, poured my wine and took me dancing. So, with no job to go to and a little in the bank, I booked a holiday in Italy.

Two weeks before my departure he came back, asked for forgiveness and said I was the one thing in his life he knew was right. With caution and lengthy discussion, I accepted him back into my life. I agreed to let him join me in Italy.

We met in Rome. I treated us to a "nice" hotel. It was beautiful. We roamed Rome, took in the sights, laughed and talked of future plans. Then to Tuscany where we stayed at a remote farm. He rode his bike in the hills every day.

On the third day he announced he no longer wanted to be in a relationship with me. He wanted to be with someone who enjoys cycling as much as he does and was sorry to hurt me again. Clearly it was a flaccid excuse.

In the middle of the Tuscan countryside, I got dumped again. Witness to the beauty of Italy, but unable to appreciate it.

Today I found out this man, who sent daily messages of love while I was away, was also beginning a relationship with a friend who enjoys cycling. They are meeting in Spain to cycle together.

Why did he tell me this?

Is it some warped idea of kindness through cruelty? Salt in the wound to help it heal. What part did I play in this disaster? Is there any reason to believe I'm not done with love?

Patricia Patricia, with little money and no job, you decided to go on vacation. You can question that decision, both on practical grounds and because it was an inducement for him to return.

When someone blindsides you, it is like lightning out of a cloudless sky. You thought and thought and studied and studied what you could have missed the first time and you missed it again.

What does it say about the person you were with? He was having a secret life and not in communication with you. He was in concealment from you. You had no clue what brought him back because you had no clue what had him leave.

We are not fans of second chances. When someone devastates a person who loves them, it is foolhardy to give them a second chance.

To get past him you can't blame yourself for his actions.

His cruelty is all on him; he should carry what he did. Not you.

You mention wonderful friends. That should give you hope you will meet the right one because there are good people out there and good men.

There is a note in your letter that you settled, that you had gotten past looking for the right one. But you must never give up looking for the right one. What is inherent in settling for the wrong one is that it is wrong. The wrong one contains within it its demise.

Wayne & Tamara

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There are 170 known fossil elephant species that inhabited the whole Earth, except for Australia and Antarctica. The elephants' ancestors appeared 50 million years ago in North Africa, were pig sized and resembled a tapir. Elephants' living closest relatives are sea cows, like manatees, dugongs and hyraxes. ********************************** During the Ice Age there were more 6-7 elephant species, including mastodons in North America and mammoths in Eurasia and North America. ********************************** Today there are 3 species: the large 4 m (13 ft) tall savannah elephant and the smaller 3 m (10 ft) tall rainforest elephant and the Asian elephant, a forest animal 3 m (10 ft) tall. ********************************** In the savannah African elephant the weight difference between male and female can be of two tons, as males weigh on average 6

tons (up to 7.5 tons, the record is 10.5 tons) and females 4. This is the largest living land mammal. The Asian elephant weighs 5 tons in the case of the males and 3 for females. ********************************** Elephants are now endangered. In Kenya, in just 10 years the population plummeted from 150,000 to 30,000 and in Zimbabwe from 80,000 to 60,000 (in the same country black rhino population dropped from 3,000 to 300). Even if in many African countries rangers are free to kill poachers, these can be often better armed.

Today there are about 600,000 African elephants and 30,000 wild Asian elephants. ************************ An elephant herd can have 5-1,000 individuals and it is led by an old female, called matriarch. A herd can contain females and their calves. Young males are driven away from the family when mature, forming separate bachelor herds while mature bulls circulate freely from one clan to another in search for routing cows. The ties are so close amongst the member of a herd that elephants are known to mourn for their dead. ************************ The female gives birth every 4 years. The gestation lasts for 22 months. In 1 % of the cases twins will be born. The newborn calf is 33 in (83 cm) tall and weighs about 250 pounds (112 kg). The calf is suckled for at least two years. A cow usually has 2-4 calves with her, of various ages. Cows defend their young vigorously, charging any intruder. Sexual maturity is achieved at 14-15 years. Elephants can live up to 70 years. ********************************** An elephant eats daily during the dry season 150-170 kg of food and drinks 80 litres of water, while during the rainy season they eat 200-280 kg of food daily. ************************ ********** Elephants ingest regularly soil containing iron and bicarbonate.

Savannah elephants eat mainly grass and woody vegetation (especially during the dry season) while forest elephants eat mainly fruit and woody plants. Elephants digest cellulose with the help of protozoa in the cecum and the thick gut. In Kenya, conservationists even made paper from elephant dung. ************************ ********** They cannot survive more than 24 hours without drinking. That's why elephants are never too far from a water source. Water is also essential for bathing each evening.

Elephants are good swimmers and will immerse themselves completely when they find water deep enough. By covering themselves with dirt, elephants protect themselves against insect bites. ************************ If water is scarce during the dry

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

season, elephants dig for water in the sandy bed of a river that has stopped flowing. ********************************** Elephant have only 4 functional teeth, 12 in (30 cm) long, which can be replaced 6 times. After the last replacement, the elephant can no longer feed properly. ********************************** The tusks are not canines, but incisor teeth. In the Asian elephants, only males (and not all) are tusked, while in the African elephant the female carries smaller tusks. The record was a 10 ft (3.3 m) long tusk, which weighed 230 pounds (104 kg) but the average is 2.5 m (83 ft) long and 60 kg (130 pound). In the case of the females, tusks do not weigh more than 18 kg (40 pounds), the average being 7 kg (16 pounds). The tusks of the Asian elephant male are not longer than 2.1 m (7 ft). In extinct mastodons and mammoths, the tusks could be 5 m (17 ft) long! ********************************** Because the elephant foot has underside soft cushions, elephants can walk almost noiselessly. A walking elephant has a speed of about 5.5 mi (9 km) per hour and it "runs" with a speed of 25 mi (40 km) per hour, faster than the most rapid human athletes, despite their huge size. Elephants living in the forest are sedentary, but those in dry places migrate, traveling up to 500 km (300 mi). ********************************** Besides the trumpeting (expressing anger) and throaty rumbling similar to gargling which we hear, elephants also communicate through infra-sounds with a frequency of 14-24 Hz. The advantage of the infra-sounds is that they can cross vast distances, without being attenuated by the vegetation. This explains why elephant herds located at great distances one from another move in a coordinated way. The infra-sounds are produced by a membrane located in the forehead, where the trunk unites to the skull.

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Each elephant has a specific vocal timbre. The calls of the elephants have various meanings, from aggression to alarm call when searching for lost offspring. When spotting a possible danger, elephants stop rumbling.

They express aggression by threatening with twirled trunk and by throwing dust in the air. The African elephant also flutters its enormous ears.

Like children, elephants must be disciplined by the members of their collectivity to turn into responsible members of the elephant society. But male elephants that were orphans turned into adult delinquents in a reserve in South Africa, as they had never been kept under control by mature elephants.

The balky elephants attacked people (killing two, including a professional hunter), killed 19 white rhinos in three years and even attempted mating with rhinoceroses. When adult bulls from a group were moved amongst delinquents, they restored order and a more proper behaviour in young bulls.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

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Crane A Village of Harmonic Buzz

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By Alex Wayne

was most lucky to be visiting this colourful village where residents buzzed about and frisked around in harmonic union. Their festive bubble of conversation laced with cheery bursts of laughter and lovable giggles.

As I stood in the well paved access streets taking in the tropical beauty of the land I truly marvelled at the alluring ambience and the pleasing spectacle created by the many colourful houses, shops and roadside food stalls.

I was in the village of Crane on the West Coast Demerara, just over ten miles from Georgetown, nestled between the equally impressive locations of New Road to the east and Harlem to the west.

This village, according to residents, has a population of over three hundred residents, and is inhabited by sizeable percentages of East Indians, Negroes and to a lesser extent Amerindians and mixed races.

The Journey

As the minibus ploughed its way amongst heavy morning traffic along the West Demerara Public Road, I gulped in great jets of fresh country breeze and smiled lazily as a green blur of foliage slipped by and idly grazing animals looked up.

In every village we passed during our journey there was the appealing and pleasant spectacle of residents rushing about on daily errands. In the roadside shops there were semi-large gatherings ensuring that they accessed their daily kitchen supplies, while young men were either liming by the roadside on chatting joyously at roadside taxi bases that seemed to be a highpoint in West Demerara.

While the bus ride was a refreshing treat and a nice getaway from my always busy schedule, it was rudely interrupted with a few unpleasant moments as our ‘speed crazy bus driver’ dashed in and out of traffic, honking his horns at pedestrians, and other drivers who would respond to his brazen intrusion with loud obscenities.

Such Beauty This village for sure did feature almost majestic buildings, a few impressive shops, a few hangout bars. But what it may top the list with is its quiet existence, fuelled by the humility and charm of its residents and its somewhat dazzling beauty and simplicity.

The minute I stepped into the village I was swept up in a whirlpool of lush green foliage, surrounded by startling tropical ‘flower plant species’ thriving triumphantly in years where cozy, colourful cottage houses lent a special ‘countryside aura’ to the location.

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

Sheep and cattle grazed lazily in spaces, seemingly savoring their afternoon meals with relish, assured that there was much to serve around for a long time to come.

Well managed roads in sections of the village

In some areas cattle was sipping luxuriously from drains overflowing with crystal clear water from the torrential downpours.

In some yards young children dashed about playing marbles and hop-scotch, while on street corner elderly men stood chatting, opening their mouths and throwing back their heads as they bellowed their mirth over jovial jokes.

A Little ‘chit-chat’ with Residents I was welcomed there with hugs and smiles and residents were ready to engage me in pleasant conversation.

My first stop was at the home of 22 year-old Pamela Adams a cattle farmer who was actually spearheading the rearing of cattle owned by a ‘joint family arrangement.’ This contented soul explained that while some villagers do not enjoy the ‘finer things of life’ they were contented to live in humble happiness enjoying the best life had to offer.

The young mother of one related that the village was an ideal location for those that desired relaxation and the comfort of loving relatives and friends.

“I wouldn’t trade this village for nowhere else and I truly enjoy living here. Everyone live as one here and we learn to

work out petty differences and live as one big family. In this village one can be assured of the security and affections of many relatives and friends, and as such this existing factor makes it a village practically anyone would love to dwell in.”

Being a young girl who makes hygiene a priority she was also burning her garbage, a route she preferred to take despite the fact that garbage trucks frequently traverse the village.

Adams however noted that she was somewhat concerned about the state of a few drains in the village which have become overgrown with vegetation and can lead to flooding should the rains continue.

Forty one year-old Seegobin Persaud was all smiles when I stopped to chat with him as he was enjoying the afternoon breeze on the verandah of the house belonging to his daughterin-law where he is living.

He explained that life in the village was good and pleasant despite the fact that the village did not possess a proper playfield which he said would be quite a treat for the many sports oriented youths in the village.

“Bai dis village really nice and comfahtable, and real nice. Me really ah enjoy livin hea and me nah want guh

Continued on page XX

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The Crane Primary School

Crane The Crane Nursery School

nowhea else. Ah mean awe dese nah get everything we need like some atha village but ah we ah live good hea stil. Awe ah get clean wata fuh drink, good electricity, but we really need some street lights fuh dem dark areas at nights. Me really like dis place fuh live in bai….

‘Gobin’ as he prefers to be called is a rice farmer for over fifteen years now and depends on the produce from his farm on the outskirts of the village to fend for his family of four.

He cultivates a few bananas, limited cash crops, and would sell it on a wholesale basis to buyers from Parika and Georgetown who would in turn retail the items to persons from various villages.

“Bass me ah duh dis wuk hea fuh ovah fifteen years and sometime it ah pay me and sometime me ah loose tuh. De price fuh cash craps does guh up or down according tuh de demand. When prices low we does really suffah as farmaz” ‘Gobin’ explained that for six days per week he would leave his home around 07:00 hours to tend to his cultivations.

He would toil there all day with his young helpers before returning to the village around 17:00 hours to rest for the next day of work. He has to use from his small earnings from the farm to purchase household supplies and fertilisers for the crops.

Some residents are calling on the relevant authorities to build a proper playfield in the village for youths since the village is the home to some very talented up-coming cricketers and footballers. While this may be so, a few mothers lamented that the boys are not able to maximise or develop their sporting skills since there are not proper facilities there to make this possible.

Crane of Years Gone By

Today Crane is a striking fusion of colourful little cottages, posh impressive structures, just a few businesses and of course a peaceful ambience.

Just in case you are wondering what the village was like unto ‘donkey years ago,’ 74-year-old (camera shy) Josephine Schultz who has lived there all her life was more than ready to tell with an almost girlish gleam in his eyes.

She took us back to the days when she was a little starry eyed girl chasing after lizards and pond flies.

“I barn and grow up in this village and ah neva left it fuh guh live nowhere else. In me time as a lil gyal if the village had ten house he had nuff… The whole place was full ah bush and plenty fruit trees and some yuh still ah

see hea today. All we could ah see was nuff bush, tall trees and big wide open fields. We nah bin get no shap and dem thing dah. We had to travel far fuh get grocery and good drinking watah. Most people used tuh bile de watah fram de trencehs and use it fuh drink and to cook food. We nah had no street lights and de place use d to be suh‘pitch black’ at night time…”

She explained that as time went by persons descended on the location and soon began to purchase plots of land for building purposes. Hence today the village is one of the more pleasant locations on the westside.

Although the village is still caught in the grips of continual development it still holds its almost majestic aura of simplicity that is further accentuated by the serene demeanour of residents who live in great harmony.

Today residents are employed as farmers, a few as carpenters and masons, while a large number are employed as taxi and minibus drivers taking persons to their desirable locations.

Sarsattie Singh, a somewhat shy housewife spoke to us briefly amidst shy glances and may a blushing, protesting louldly: “Oh me lawd…. Nah duh dah…”, when we attempted to snap her photo.

She explained that while she remained at home with her three year–old daughter, her husband, ‘Pertab’ was out six days per week, trying to earn a living as a hire car driver.

She noted however that while his profession can be tedious and very competitive at times, it however brings in a sizeable income that somehow manages to take care of their needs in the home.

“Everybady does do either wan jab or anotha in Crane.

Because everybody have to survive somehow or the otha. Me husband does go out there everyday fuh mek ends meet, and some days he does comeback with almost nothing because is plenty taxi deh out deh. But we does be thankful and try fuh mek ends meet regardless ah de situation”.

According to Mrs. Singh who has been residing in the village for over twenty five years, the village is indeed a very beautiful and peaceful location where residents live in harmony and great camaraderie.

Entertainment This village does not have many avenues for any vibrant form of entertainment but that does not seem to bother residents since they can hop into a ‘short-drop car’ and travel to Vreed-en-Hoop and other nearby neighbouring villages and

have a blast on weekends.

Others are quite comfortable with enjoying liquor and music at Sase Hangout Bar, Fishy Sports Bar, or the Sheritan Bar. The elderly folks in most cases are contented to purchase their alcohol and drink it in the confines of their homes as they watch television programmes or listen to ‘oldies’ via music sets.

The youths however prefer to enjoy the many concept parties hosted at the Aracari Resort in Versailles, or at the Inner Circle Bar at Vreed-en Hoop. Some even travel as far as Parika from time to time or would enjoy ‘chilling’ by one of the many hangout bars that can be found alongside the Parika Public Road. They eagerly anticipate the massive live shows and parties that are customarily hosted by various promoters at the Parika Community Centre Ground.

Employment Villagers depend almost entirely on their ‘tradesman occupations’ as they would put it over.

Their partial dependence on agricultural produce is evident from the rice fields that are visible on the outskirts of the village and the kitchen gardens that can be found at some homes.

Even as we drove around the village our tummies rumbled in anticipation at the appetizing aromas of either deep fried or stewed fresh vegetables that bubbled on stoves and ‘cackling firesides.’

Some persons rear poultry which provide eggs and meat for consumption whilst a few strived on the rearing and sale of their very healthy cattle.

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

Some persons apparently preferred to relax in the comfort of their homes, as opposed to others who preferred to frisk about in the streets.

The village has undergone just a few minor changes over the years and this comes in the form of the many new houses that have sprung up overtime. Today the pastures are rapidly filling up with new buildings, most of which are owned by Afro and Indo Guyanese, who are continuously taking up residence in the village.

Peaceful People All seemed to be well in this village and this fact was

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A place of worship in the village affirmed by the peaceful solitude of housewives and daughters. The husbands seemed to be missing in most cases, but investigations revealed that they were out on their various occupations.

Villagers certainly seemed not too bothered about entertainment and would listen to music from their homes, or wait for the customary birthday and wedding celebrations. Just a few of the more ‘shine dudes’ as they call themselves, would hook up with their colleagues from elsewhere to enjoy hectic partying most times What struck me distinctly was that residents were not the complaining type and they certainly did not make a big fuss and uproar over the few problems that were afflicting sections of the community.

Village Culture and Religion The culture in Crane to some extent somewhat resembles that of the Indian immigrants who crossed the Atlantic Ocean over 150 years ago. But this is also beautifully infused with the striking features created by the culture of the Negroes and other races that reside there as well The culture according to a few village elites is very similar to that of the rest of the British Caribbean, but according to the locals, it has an East Indian flair.

The Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese, Amerindians and mixed races brought their foods, traditions, religion and customs with them. Things are changing as time transcends but still the contributions of a few Chinese made created a difference too.

The religious beliefs of the people have gone through a major transformation as well. Even though the composition of the population has remained the same for quite a while, the religious beliefs have changed with time. Regardless of religious conviction, every holiday, social or religious, is celebrated and respected. Many of the customs that are objective and foster public life are commonly organised by community leaders at home and abroad.

Many of the original religious customs and traditions that have been retained have been modified by the ages. For example, few East Indian weddings are ever complete without the ceremonial rubbing of the dye; an old Indian wedding custom that is accepted among every religion. African weddings are not always done in the traditional African custom but bears much resemblance to the way they were conducted in olden times. Holidays like Christmas and Diwali are examples of occasions when the entire community celebrates together in a congenial integration of faiths.

The Police are quite vigilant on the Westside

Come get your fresh vegetables and ground provisions

Conclusion I urge you readers; take a trip to this intriguing village.

Mingle and get entangled in the harmonically laced tentacles of the people. Get swept up in their cheery laughter, festive moods and great camaraderie.

Give yourself a treat and enjoy the mysteries of the beautiful village of Crane, where the love “cup” is overflowing.

‘Miss Cox’ makes an honest dollar by selling snack items by the roadside

XXII Quite a few young men are speedboat captains and bowmen

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

Fish caught from the trenches are sold to make a quick dollar

Some mothers make a living by selling plucked chicken outside the village

Some travel to the Vreed-en- Hoop market square to sell CDs for a living

Cooling down with beverage from a roadside stall

This mom was all welcoming smiles when we entered the village

Housewives help out by taking fish caught by their husbands outside the village for sale

‘Country gyals’ are certainly creative and innovative What a fitting manner in which a woman can earn a living

A very impressive section of the village

Taxi driver ‘Troy’ was eager to give us the grand tour of the village

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

Understanding

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… from a teen’s point of view! * Domestic Violence:

Hello there! How was your week? Mine was a bit busy but nevertheless quite alright. This week I’ll be talking about a very critical problem in our Guyanese society- Domestic Violence.

Domestic violence is basically the violent or aggressive behaviour within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner. However, in Guyana it is primarily done against women and children rather than men.

Domestic violence is a very big crime-punishable by law.

Domestic violence, in my opinion, is not only the fault of those administering it but it is also the fault of those who standby and do nothing and those who choose to endure it.

While I fully understand that so much fear is instilled in a person by the abuser that they are always afraid of speaking out and also they may be scared of what society thinks of them. In addition, it is our Guyanese mentality that women or children have to be ‘kept in line,’ so I blame the frequency

and gravity of this issue on our olden ideologies.

While I understand that sometimes the abuse meted out is a result of provocative behaviour, abusing another person is not the answer to your situation. The only thing abusing another person would do for you is to give you the satisfaction of being able to hurt someone.

Domestic Violence is a very selfish act and proves that the abuser has absolutely no respect for the person they abuse and their humanitarian rights.

Too often in the newspapers, on television, on the radio and other forms of media we hear about domestic violence.

The innocence and happiness of too any unprotected people are taken away. This is time enough that we speak out. Domestic violence rarely is something that happens once or twice, it happens continuously. There are people out there, perfectly capable of protecting you and getting justice for you. The only problem with this is that we need people to speak out-you cannot receive help unless you ask for it, like they say, ‘God helps those who help themselves.’

That’s all for this week, I hope you enjoyed this piece

By Vishani Ragobeer and do remember to SPEAK OUT and let’s collectively end this problem in our society.

Quote for the week: (by Unknown) “Abuse is like a seed that is sown; once it is planted.”

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Coping and support for a patient with (Cerebrovascular accident) stroke

By.Dr. Kumar Sukhraj Many patients with stroke usually find it difficult to accept the changes as a result of their illness. A stroke is a life-changing event that can affect your emotional well-being as much as your physical function. Patients usually experience feelings of helplessness, frustration, depression and apathy, mood changes and less of a sex drive. Regardless of the changes that one may experience as a result of stroke, remember acceptance and rehabilitation is the key to success. Stroke patients need to maintain their selfesteem, connections to others and interest in the world as essential parts of their recovery.

There are lots of strategiesthat can help patients and their caregivers. These strategies are discussed below: • Please don't be hard on yourself. Accept that physical and emotional recovery will involve tough work and that it will take time. Aim for a "new normal," and celebrate your progress. Allow time for adequate rest.

• You need to get out of the house even if it's hard. Try not to be discouraged or self-conscious if you move slowly and need a cane, walker or wheelchair to get around. If you do not have one of these, then you can purchase one or seek

help from rehabilitation institutions. Getting out is good for you.

• Join a support group. Meeting with others who are coping with a stroke lets you get out and share experiences, exchange information, and forge new friendships. This will make a stroke patient feel worthwhile.

• Let friends and family know what you need. People may want to help, but they may not know what to do. Let them know how they can help, such as by bringing over a meal and staying to eat with you and talk, or attending social events or religious activities.

• Know that you are not alone.There are so many people around the world who are suffering from stroke and there are many who are worse then you.

One of the most frustrating effects of stroke is that it can affect a patient speech and language. Here are some tips to help you and your caregivers cope with communication challenges: • Practice will help. Try to have a conversation at least once a day. It will help you learn what works best for you, feel connected and rebuild your confidence.

• Relax and take your time. Talking may be easiest and most enjoyable in a relaxing situation when you have plenty of time. Some stroke survivors find that after dinner is a good

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

Dr. Kumar Sukhraj time.

• Say it your way. When you're recovering from a stroke, you may need to use fewer words, rely on gestures or use your tone of voice to communicate.

• Use props and communication aids. You may find it helpful to use cue cards showing frequently used words, pictures of close friends and family members, or daily activities, such as a favorite television show or the bathroom.

Please feel free to send an email to kumarsukhraj@yahoo.com or call 6228032 for further enquiry and discussion on the topic. Patient education plays an important in the diagnosis and management of any illness. Please look forward for a continuation of the discussion on health issues in the next publication.

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from Ernestor ‘Che’ Gurverra

orn in Rosario, Argentina, on June 14, 1928, Ernesto R. Guevara de la Serna studied medicine before traveling around South America, observing conditions that spurred his Marxist beliefs. He aided Fidel Castro in overturning the Cuban government and then worked in a political post. Guevara later engaged in guerrilla action in Bolivia, where he was killed. He’s revered by many as a cultural hero.

Revolutionary leader Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, better known as Che Guevara, was born on June 14, 1928, in Rosario, Argentina. After completing his medical studies at the University of Buenos Aires, Guevara first became politically active in his native Argentina and then in neighboring Bolivia and Guatemala. In 1954, he met Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro and his brother Raul while in Mexico.

Guevara became part of Fidel Castro’s efforts to overthrow the Batista government in Cuba. He served as a military adviser to Castro and led guerrilla troops in battles against Batista forces. When Castro took power in 1959, Guevara became in charge of La Cabaña Fortress prison. It is estimated that between 156 and 550 people were executed on Guevara’s extra-judicial orders during this time.

Later, he became president of the Cuban national bank and helped to shift the country’s trade relations from the United States to the Soviet Union. Three years later, he was appointed minister of industry. Guevara left this post in 1965 to export the ideas of Cuba’s revolution to other parts of the world. In 1966, he began to try to incite the people of Bolivia to rebel against their government, but had little success. With only a small guerrilla force to support his efforts, Guevara was captured and killed in Ernestor ‘Che’ Gurverra La Higuera by the Bolivian army on October 9, 1967.

“The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall.” ***** “Many will call me an adventurer - and that I am, only one of a different sort: one of those who risks his skin to prove his platitudes. ” ***** “I know you are here to kill me. Shoot, coward, you are

only going to kill a man. ”

***** “Silence is argument carried out by other means. ” ***** “Whenever death may surprise us, let it be welcome if our battle cry has reached even one receptive ear and another hand reaches out to take up our arms. ” ***** “Cruel leaders are replaced only to have new leaders turn cruel ” Continued on page XXIX

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015 ***** “If you tremble with indignation at every injustice then you are a comrade of mine.”” ***** “We cannot be sure of having something to live for unless we are willing to die for it.” ***** “Every day People straighten up the hair, why not the heart?” ***** “Let the world change you and you can change the world” ***** “At the risk of seeming ridiculous, let me say that the true revolutionary is guided by a great feeling of love. It is impossible to think of a genuine revolutionary lacking this quality.” ***** “Be realistic, demand the impossible!” ***** “I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves.” *****

“And then many things became very clear... we learned perfectly that the life of a single human being is worth millions of times more than all the property of the richest man on earth.” ***** “The first duty of a revolutionary is to be educated.” ***** “I will fight with all the weapons within my reach rather than let myself be nailed to a cross or whatever.” ***** “There are no boundaries in this struggle to the death.

We cannot be indifferent to what happens anywhere in the world, for a victory by any country over imperialism is our victory; just as any country's defeat is a defeat for all of us.” ***** “I would rather die standing up to live life on my knees.” ***** “I knew that when the great guiding spirit cleaves humanity into two antagonistic halves, I will be with the people.”

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from Ernestor ‘Che’ Gurverra

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

A peep into Malala Yousafzai’s life - an international symbol of peace protest

Malala in a classroom at her father’s school in Swat

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By Shivanie Sugrim

orn in Mingora, Pakistan in the country’s Swat Valley, Malala Yousafzai became an advocate for girl’s education rights after the Taliban began attacking girls’ schools in the valley. Swat was overshadowed by the Taliban when Yousafzai was merely at the age of ten.

Although at such a tender age, Yousafzai was wise enough to understand why the Taliban would want to cease every girl’s right to an education. By mere observations and with guidance and lessons from her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, she began to see how threatened the Taliban felt if Swat was plagued by intelligent and independent women. Her fight for education took a brave, yet deadly stance thereafter.

Initial activism began when a speech was given by Yousafzai in Peshawar, Pakistan in September 2008. The speech encompassed a burning discussion titled: “How dare the Taliban take away my right to education?”

They said music was a crime, women weren’t allowed to go to the market and girls couldn’t attend school. Raised in a once peaceful area of Pakistan which changed under the terrorists, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. She is renowned for always attaining first place in her classes. She’d constantly state in her speeches “I thank my father for not clipping my wings” since that motivated her to fight for her right to be educated.

Thereafter, in the midst of 2009, Yousafzai became a BBC blogger that featured her along with other girls’ lives that were targeted by the Taliban. She disguised herself behind the name “Gul Makai” for security purposes. BBC on the other hand, revealed her true identity in December that year after being featured in a New York Times documentary about education in Pakistan and its challenges.

It was just after her first bit of exposure; Yousafzai’s altruism grew into a public platform and has subsequently won the International Children’s Peace Prize in 2011. She was then awarded Pakistan’s National Youth Peace Prize.

Just after Yousafzai was gaining international fame by ways of demanding education for every girl in Swat, the Taliban began threatening her. She was then 14 when she learned that the Taliban had issued a death threat against her. Frightened for her safety and her father, who is an anti-Taliban activist, the Yousafzai family felt that the Taliban were just “bluffing.”

Their assumption proved wrong. On October 9, 2012 while on her way home from school, a man under the Taliban’s order boarded the bus she was riding in and demanded to know which girl was Malala. When her friends looked toward Malala, her location was given away. The gunman fired at her, hitting Malala in the left side of her head; the bullet then travelled down her neck. Two other girls were also injured in the attack.

The shooting left Malala in a critical condition, so she was flown to a military hospital in Peshawar. A portion of her skull was removed to treat her swelling brain. To receive further care she was transferred to Birmingham, England.

After being transferred to the United Kingdom, Yousafzai was then taken out of a medically induced coma. She was required multiple surgeries inclusive of repairing a facial nerve to fix the paralysed left side of her face. Fortunately, she suffered no major brain damage and was able to attend school in Birmingham in March 2013.

Moreover, while Yousafzai was in recovery at the hospital, the world was standing by her side in supporting her demands for girls’ educational rights. She received numerous support letters along with multiple appreciations from countries affected by such acts of the Taliban.

On her 16th birthday in 2013, Yousafzai presented a speech at the United Nations thereafter penning her experiences with much guided assistance from author Patricia McCormic in a diary form which was first published worldwide in August 2014 titled “I am Malala.” Her novel is readers’ friendly and is inclusive of exclusive photos and material where every reader would be hear the remarkable story of a girl who was convinced at a young age that she wanted to change the world and she did.

Her story is powerful and will open the eyes to another world. It will make one start believing in hope, truth, miracles and the possibility that one person-one young person-can inspire change in her community and beyond. Nevertheless, the Taliban still considers Yousafzai a target yet despite their threats; Yousafzai remains a steady advocate for education rights.

In acknowledgment of her work, Yousafzai was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament. It was the same year, (2013) she was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize but did not win the prize and was therefore, once nominated again in 2014 for the same prize. Yousafzai then won the Nobel Peace Prize in October 2014, along with Indian Children’s rights activist Kailash Satyarthi.

She became the youngest person to receive such an award at the age of 17. She was then congratulated by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He said: “She is (the) pride of Pakistan, she has made her countrymen proud.

Her achievement is unparalleled and unequaled. Girls and boys of the world should take lead from her struggle and commitment."

On December 10,2014 UNESCO and Pakistan launched the Malala Fund for Girls’ Education at a high-level event held as part of the celebrations for Human Rights Day. At the event – Stand Up for Malala, Girls’ Education is a Right – the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari announced that his country would donate the first $10 million.

The organisation has been aiding countries and persons around the world in combating terrorism and catastrophes.

It was Malala’s dream initially to become Prime Minister of Pakistan one day, but upon recognising that the world needs more doctors to save lives, her dreams took an incredible twist: an aspiring doctor.

Malala Yousafzai and family

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(Continued from last week))

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015 “You might as well take it,” said the seaman. “I don’t need it.” “Take it anyway”, he urged. “You might need it later on.” She went back and picked it up.

A long slide down a lifeline laid in front her and a handbag she thought would be a nuisance, but she could scarcely leave it behind her now. An idea struck her; she could pin it to her skirt.

As she stepped on the rail she saw a sight which suddenly made her pause. Two clear lights, similar to those of an airplane, were moving across the sky.

“Look” she said to the seaman holding her arm.

“Yes, I know,” he said.

“Don’t take any notice; it’s all part of their game.”

Elsewhere “moving lights” were seen crossing the sky, at or about the same time.

In 5a, there was a shout of “Airplanes!” And looking up stewardess Macleod saw two “clear lights” moving in the sky, obscured now and then by cloud. “They’re coming to our rescue,” said someone.

In Mrs. Arthur cook’s boat the appearance of these “lights” caused a mild panic. “They’re Germans come to bomb us,” shouted someone and a woman broke into hysterics.

Barbara Bailey watched while the lights moved across the sky and vanished. Were they the navigation lights of a German plane, or of a Coastal Commanding aircraft, or just hallucination? It is anybody’s guess. The lights remained an unexplained mystery.

HE TUGGED IMPATIENTLY The seaman was tugging impatiently at Barbara’s arm.

“My skirt’s too tight” she said. It was going to be difficult to slide down a lifeline with it. If it were simply a question of skirt or safety, this was not the time for false modesty.

“Would you rip it for me?” she asked the seaman. He stared at her for a moment in astonishment. Then with a grin he caught hold of the skirt and pulled. The cloth split.

With her skirt split like a Chinese cheongsam, Barbara Bailey let herself down the lifeline. All went well until her feet touched the ledge at the Plimsoll line. She paused for a moment, before deciding to let go and jump on the boat, but a wave suddenly swept the boat away from her.

As she hung there waiting for it to ride in again, the old despair gripped her. Here she was dangling from the end of the rope, the Atlantic waves licking only a few feet from her. It could easily be the end.

She let her feet slip from the ledge, her hands still clinging to the rope. Where was the boat now? “I might as well jump and finish it, anyway, she thought.

Then a pair of hands gripped her ankles and somebody shouted: “Come on, you’re doing fine.” She let go and dropped safely into the boat.

Hero of the port-side launchings was deck steward MacKinnon, who tried to make the whole operation seem like a jolly outing to the women and children queuing up. “All aboard the next boat for Rothesay,” he kept shouting cheerily as he helped them in…

(To be continued next Sunday)

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

A Difficult Case Two psychiatrists were at a convention. As they conversed over a drink, one asked, "What was your most difficult case?"

The other replied, "I had a patient who lived in a pure fantasy world. He believed that an uncle in South America was going to die and leave him a fortune. All day long he waited for a letter to arrive from an attorney. He never went out, he never did anything. He merely sat around and waited for this fantasy letter from this fantasy uncle. I worked with this man eight years."

"What was the result?"

"It was an eight-year struggle. Every day for eight years, but I finally cured him. And then that stupid letter arrived!" *************************

Weird Baby A lady was in the delivery room starting to deliver her baby. As the head came out it was dark and had an afro.

The doctor said, "Madam, have you ever slept with a black man?"

"Well, yes, but only once."

"Once is all it takes" he replied.

Then the torso came out and it was yellow.

"Madam, have you ever slept with an oriental man?"

"Well, yes" she said, "but only once." "Once is all it takes," he said.

When the legs came out they were red. The doctor asked her if she had ever slept with an Indian.

"Well, yes" she said, "but only once." "Once is all it takes," he said.

He finally pulled the baby all the way out and held it upside down and slapped its bottom to make it cry. As it started to cry the woman exclaimed "Oh, thank God, at least it doesn't bark!" *************************

Ice Fishing A blonde wanted to go ice fishing.

She'd seen many books on the subject, and finally, after getting all the necessary "tools" together, she made for the nearest frozen lake.

After positioning her comfy stool, she started to make a circular cut in the ice.

Suddenly, from the sky, a voice boomed, "THERE ARE NO FISH UNDER THE ICE." Startled the blonde moved further down the ice, poured a Thermos of cappuccino and began to cut another.

Again from the heavens, the voice bellowed, "THERE ARE NO FISH UNDER THE ICE." The blonde, now quite worried, moved down to the opposite end of the ice, set up her stool, and tried again to cut her hole. The voice came once more, "THERE ARE NO FISH UNDER THE ICE." She stopped, looked skyward and said, "Is that you Lord?"

The voice replied, "No ... this is the Ice-Rink Manager...." *************************

A Relative matter A blonde goes into work one morning crying her eyes out.

Her boss concerned about all his employees well being asked sympathetically, "What's the matter?" To which the blonde replies... "Early this morning I got a phone call saying that my mother had passed away."

The boss feeling very sorry at this point explains to the young girl. "Why don't you go home for the day... we aren't terribly busy. Just take the day off to relax and rest." The blonde very calmly states..."No.. I'd be better off here. I need to keep my mind off it and I have the best chance of doing that here." The boss agrees and allows the blond to work as usual... "If you need anything just let me know."

A few hours pass and the boss decides to check on the blonde...he looks out over his office and sees the blonde hysterically crying!!!!! He rushes out to her asking " What's so bad now... are you gonna be okay?"

"No..." exclaims the blonde,"I just received a horrible call from my sister and she said that her mom died too!"

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

English

Chronicle Pepperpot January 18, 2015

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Companion Planting (Final Part)

By Clifford Stanley

As has been said before , in the simplest terms, companion planting is the technique of combining two plants for a particular purpose .

The wisdom is that a planned diversity in your garden can give good yields or even better yields from the same amount of space.

Remember that companions help each other grow—Tall plants, for example, provide shade for sun-sensitive shorter plants or can act as a windbreak.

Remember too that companions use garden space efficiently—Vining plants cover the ground, upright plants grow up so you have two plants in one patch.

Some plants grow well together just because they don’t compete for light.

So, to get the most out of companion planting, it’s often wise to try a combination at least twice; three times is even better.

Then you can look at the overall performance of the combination and make an informed decision on whether it’s worth trying again.

You’ll soon build a list of plants and techniques that will make your garden more productive and even easier to maintain.

SOME MORE GREAT COMPANIONS: BASIL: Plant with tomatoes to improve growth and flavour. Basil also does well with peppers.

BEANS: All bean enrich the soil with nitrogen fixed from the air, improving the conditions for whatever crop you plant after the beans are finished. In general they are good company for celery, corn, eggplant, peas and cucumbers. Beans are great for heavy nitrogen users like corn and grain plants because the nitrogen used up by the corn and grains are replaced at the end of the season when the bean plants die back.

CUCUMBERS: Cucumbers are great to plant with corn and beans. The three plants like the same conditions: warmth, rich soil and plenty of moisture. Cukes also do well with peas.

BROCCOLI: Companions for broccoli are: Basil, Cucumber, Dill, Lettuce, thyme and Tomato. Celery improves broccolis' flavor when planted near it. Broccoli loves plenty of calcium. Pairing it with plants that need little calcium is a good combination as this frees up the calcium in the soil for the broccoli.

CORN: beans, cucumber, melons, morning glory, peas, pumpkin, soybeans, squash and sunflower.

A classic example is to grow climbing beans up corn while inter-planting pumpkins.

The corn provides a natural trellis for the beans, pumpkins smother the weeds and helps corn roots retain moisture. Corn is a heavy feeder and the beans fix nitrogen from air into the soil however the beans do not feed the corn while it is growing. When the bean plants die back they return nitrogen to the soil that was used up by the corn-a win-win situation.

However it is advisable to keep corn away from celery and

tomato plants by at least 20 feet.

EGGPLANT: Plant with peppers. Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family and does well with peppers as they like the same growing conditions LETTUCE: Does well with cucumbers. Lettuce also grows happily in the shade under young sunflowers. Dill and lettuce are a perfect pair. Keep lettuce away

from cabbage since it has been found that cabbage is a deterrent to the growth and flavour of lettuce.

MELONS: Companions: Corn, pumpkin, radish and squash.

TOMATOES: Tomato allies are many: basil, bean, , celery, cucumber, head lettuce, pepper and marigold.

But keep corn and tomato apart as they are attacked by the same worm., known as the corn earworm or tomato fruit worm.

Miley Cyrus V. Kim Kardashian Are They Battling To Break The Internet?

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attle of the butts? When Miley bared her entire naked body for ‘V’ magazine, was she really trying to outdo Kim and break the Internet herself?

HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY learned the truth!

Just like Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus has no problem with exposing her assets. When Miley, 22, posed nude for V magazine, the pics seemed to rival Kim’s pics in Paper magazine. Yikes! Was Miley trying to sabotage Kim, 34? Here’s what we know!

Kim Kardashian V. Miley Cyrus Nude Pics: Is Miley Trying To Break The Internet?

Nope! Miley’s just being Miley.

“Miley is an exhibitionist. Her life is to be care free and open. What you see is what you get, and when a majority of other celebs have to protect a certain image, Miley thrives on just being her and if people don’t like it they can go screw themselves,” a source tells HollywoodLife. com EXCLUSIVELY. Way to go Miley! The Bangerz singer sure knows how to spark controversy, but she also knows how to make a statement and stand up for what she believes in — which is exactly why she wanted to pose for the pics. Miley posed in the photos to continue to support her Free The Nipple Campaign, our source says.

Channing Tatum & Jenna Dewan: Sweaty, Sexy Dancing Is Their Foreplay

Golden Globes Best Moments: Tina Fey & Amy Poehler’s Disses & More The biggest night in Movies and Television, the Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 11, gave us plenty of awesome moments that we’ll remember for a long time to come.

The 72nd annual Golden Globe Awards lit up the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on Jan. 11, and there were so many memorable moments! From Jennifer Aniston to Jennifer Lopez, we loved seeing all of our favourite stars.

Golden Globe Awards Show Highlights — 2015 Globes’ Best Moments

It’s often said that a good dancer is great in bed, so it makes sense that sexy dancing is foreplay for Channing Tatum and his wife, Jenna Dewan, a source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. We bet their Golden Globes date night had an explosive ending!

Channing Tatum, 34, and Jenna Dewan, 34, turned heads while dancing together at a Golden Globes after-party on Jan. 11, but the real show likely happened when they got home. Dancing with each other is a huge turn on for the couple and it often leads to hot love making, HollywoodLife.com has EXCLUSIVELY learned.

Selena Gomez & Zedd: Justin Bieber Threatened

By Her New Man Watch out Zedd! Not only is Justin ‘furious’ that Selena is moving on from him with the hot DJ, but he also feels incredibly threatened by him as a person, a source reveals to HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. Justin Bieber is not a fan of Selena Gomez‘s new alleged romance with Zedd, especially because they were friends first! Of course it’s too much to ask that Justin be happy for Selena, but here’s why he’s fuming with jealousy!

Justin Bieber On Selena Gomez’s New Relationship With Zedd: He’s Threatened The Biebs doesn’t seem to have any sense of humour about Selena and Zedd being an item. In fact, he thinks he has competition! (Source: Hollywoodlife.com)