Models pose with Designer Keisha Edwards

Last Friday night the Theatre Guild came alive with ShaSha Design's Fierce Expressions, an extraordinary display of fashion themed "The Steps That Led to NOW." The brainchild behind ShaSha Designs, Keisha Edwards used this fashion show to highlight her metamorphosis; showcasing pieces from her humble beginning to her stunning success.

Hosted by Donna Short-Gill, the fashion show exhibited four fashion collections. The first collection was called 'Corporate Stepping'. The pieces were as attractive as the name suggested. With the intention of making business attire more alluring and stylish, this collection was inspired by Shakespeare's quote "All the world's a stage and men and women merely players". When explained by Keisha this means "You have the part…so look it…others are watching." She aspired to create a fashionable business line based on her interpretation of the avant garde corporate look by making it fashionable fun, stylish, vibrant with colours and a bit daring. And that she did, the pieces gave life to the corporate world and encompassed both office wear as well as outfits for out of the office/after work business receptions and cocktails. The models graciously displayed the designs creating in our minds the desire to revamp the working attire section in our wardrobes. The second collection featured designs by guest designer, Miche Brise. The collection dubbed Chape by Miche Brise is unique in that no two pieces are the same. Chape, which is French for 'unpredictable' consisted of cocktail, elegant and club wear. Miche's pieces are all designed to unleash the inner YOU! Sexy, stylish, splendid and posh. The parade of models did justice to the designs by bringing out the 'sexy-stylish-splendid-and-posh-ness' of the pieces.

Models displaying pieces from the Attitude Collection

The third collection was an overwhelming show of ShaSha Design's favourite pieces -a true interpretation of the steps that led to NOW. If you supported ShaSha over the years then this collection can also be called déjà-vu. Keisha's passion and love for fashion tripled with her determination has propelled her to NOW. She possesses a uniqueness and edginess that is unmatched. The fourth and final collection of the night was 'Attitude'. Attitude depicted NOW. The designs were bold, chic, colourful and alive. It was astonishing to see how she matched zebra print with solid colours. The pieces were remarkable. Though some of the pieces are a bit too daring to be worn off of the catwalk, they all exemplified the theme for the collection which was "Personality risen to the surface." The display of fashion ended with Keisha herself coming on stage to thank everyone for their support over the years. Her outfit for the evening was interestingly chic. Fashion is on the move in Guyana and ShaSha Designs in helping to take it to the top. The fashion show also included amazing performances by Esther Osbourne, a finalist in the GT&T Jingle & Song competition and dances from the Let's Dance Dance Company. The models all wore accessories from Pieces & Things.

See Pictures --> GuyanaLive Gallery

By Slimchick

Ravi B performing Live at Pulse Soca Cooler Fete

Soca Cooler Fete! Soca Cooler Fete! Soca Cooler Fete! That was the buzz around town for weeks leading up to the first ever Soca Cooler Fete in Guyana. Hosted by Pulse Entertainment and featuring some of the hottest names in Soca, the Soca Cooler Fete can be considered one of the “hypest” shows for the year.
The concept of walking with your own cooler was just absolutely wonderful for many patrons. Your own coolers and any and all the drinks of your choice, what more can people ask for? There were coolers in all shapes, form and fashion.

The show featured both local and regional Soca acts. The locals were the first to grace the stage and they were very successful in setting the stage for the regional acts to come. King Shepherd had the crowd going crazy when he jumped from the stage looking for a girl to dance with him. After a few shy ones ran away one brave, bold and very voluptuous girl scampered to the front to dance with him. I'm not quite sure if the liquid in her cup is to be blamed for her behaviour or maybe that is just how she is but stay tuned for another story about her. The lineup included Biggie Irie, Skinny Fabulous, Peter Ram, Lil Rick and the crossover band Karma.

Patrons Enjoying Themselves

Biggie Irie started the ball rolling singing the few songs he's known for. Taking it up a notch was Peter Ram. Apparently there is an unwritten rule that says Artistes are supposed to call patrons on stage to dance with them and he wasted no time in requesting the presence of a young lady. I'm positive he had no idea what he was getting into. Remember the brave, bold and voluptuous girl I told you about earlier? Well she was the one that came to the stage to dance with Peter. *hides eyes*
All she wanted to do was wine, gyrating even when Peter asked her to stay put. Part of his performance included her running to him and him lifting her up. They tried that about thrice before he actually found the strength to lift her. Twas hilarious and very entertaining! Peter Ram sang all of his most popular hits.

Next up was Mr. 6.30, Skinny Fabulous. One not so young lady was waiting in the wings for him to call her up on stage, but he instead asked her very nicely to prove herself worthy by dancing on the box in front of the age. Age wasn't on her side and she failed to deliver, he was disappointed. That didn't deter him; another brave soul ventured onto the box and showed us all how it is done. What time is it? Go on your head and fall off the box time. She was quick to recover and earned her right to enjoy the rest of his performance on stage with him.

Lil Rick setting up fuh de Whine

Lil Rick aka Hyper Dog is sheer hype. His performance was hype and enjoyable, he had a number of girls on stage with him gyrating to all of this recent Soca hits. They were all flicking and splitting and rolling all over the stage. He had a ball and so did the patrons who were surely feeling the vibes.
The final performance for the evening was sibling combo, Ravi and Nisha B and their band Karma. Karma is versatile, they sing everything imaginable and they didn't disappoint the Guyanese crowd on Monday night as they took them on a musical journey, from soca to dancehall to pop to chutney.
The Soca Cooler Fete in my opinion was GREAT!!! Great music, wonderful performance and your own 'licka'.

See Pictures --> GuyanaLive Gallery

By Slimchick

Feel The Beat Logo

Guyana the power is now in your hands! This week on Feel the Beat, you will decide who goes or who stays! The general public can now vote for their favorite contestants by simply sending the individual's unique number from their GTT mobiles to 620-VOTE. Tune in to HJTV, NCN and MTV this Sunday night and watch as the contestants fight for your votes!

It's the ultimate test of versatility this week. All dancers were assigned various contemporary pieces that were choreographed by some of Guyana's best including JonaTabz, Model/BeautyQueen/Dancer Melessa Payne and Paul Charles of Classique, Kijana Lewis and Jerusha Dos Santos.
Will the Kathak dancer adapt to this new style? Can the Hip-Hop performer handle the transformation? Tune in this Sunday to catch all the action!

Additionally, the dancers will face their first public challenge PN Monday at the HJ's Rozay Monday Super Concert that will be headlined by celebrated American rapper, Rick Ross. The Feel the Beat contestants will engage in an epic ‘Battle of the Sexes' for the judges and the general public's approval. This event will not be aired on television so you MUST be there to experience this!

Sweetheart 1

What do you get when you add a group of gorgeous gentlemen, a bevy of beauties and a group of eager bidders waiting to spend money on the gentleman or lady of their choice? The Sweetheart Auction!!!!
Held last evening at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) and hosted by the REDbandaid Foundation, the Sweetheart Auction was held as a charity event to raise funds for the Shaheeds Girls Orphanage.
The actual show kicked off a lot later than scheduled with the host and hostess, both equally dashing, sharing information about the REDbandaid Foundation and the importance of the participants fundraising efforts.
Sixteen sweethearts participated in the auction. Their profiles were displayed on REDbandaid’s Facebook page prior to the actual event, as a result bidding started on Facebook for some persons. Bidding started at $5000 for everyone else who didn’t receive bids previously.

Sweetheart 2

And the first sweetheart was introduced, Ms. Andii Harris. It’s always tough to be the first one up; bidders are usually looking to see who’s going to go first, luckily for her bidding started on Facebook and then someone decided to top that and she was sold. After her the sweethearts started to roll out, one female, one male. Next up was sexy (that’s actually an understatement) Andre Ally who after a few walks up and down the ‘red carpet’ was bought by Ms. BK.
The real party started when petite Andrea came out. The shouts and the whistles got louder and people started to reach into their wallets and purses. Andrea was able to raise more than $20000 for the cause. Next up was the very handsome Dalgleish Joseph who came out with a rose for the rose who was sure to buy him. Apparently the ladies weren’t too impressed with the rose or maybe they were too busy BBMing their friends telling them about how hot he was because they surely missed the bidding as DJ was bought for little under $10000.

Sweetheart 3

The auction climaxed. Anisa came out to wow the guys with her supermodel body and pretty smile, she managed to catch the attention of one young man who wasted no time in buying her. Ian, the recruiter, was next. He made it his duty to recruit bidders by prancing through the crowd and smiling with the ladies. Though, eager to take his shirt off he didn’t. I’m sure quite a few girls were hoping he did. Ian raised more than $20000.
Landy Cognac, made famous by Snoop Dog was the prize that was going to be given to the highest bidder. Feisty Candace was next, all her modeling and dancing surely paid off because she was able to rake in a cool $35000 compliments of the handsome young man that bought her. The adventurous Christine was next with a very pretty, show stopping dress I must add. She worked the red carpet. Her efforts and enthusiasm worked in her favour because she had the bidders crazy. Going, Going and she was sold for a whopping $75000. Lucky girl, luckier guy or was it a girl. *lips sealed* It was a guy but the girls were some good sports as well.

Sweetheart 2

JASPER! That is all. No I need to tell you. Jasper received the highest bid for the night, this charming, young man who was dressed very causally with a t-shirt and jeans had two females emptying their purses. Both determined to buy him they took the bids all the way up to $210000. And the best girl won, the one most determined to have him, the one who significantly helped to raise funds for the girls at the Shaheeds Girls Orphanage, the one who didn’t know what ‘to back down’ meant. I’m not sure if she’s the lucky one or if he is. That battle was surely the highlight of the evening.
Next up was former Ms. Guyana World, Imarah in an attractive flowing dress. She made light work of strutting her stuff up and down the ‘red carpet’ and raked in for the cause $35000. Christian was next, his unbuttoning stunt and his evident charm helped him to cop $200000. Petite Nanda was up next, with the shortest dress of the evening or was it a shirt?! Anyways she was able to keep her dress down and the bids up because she was able to raise $120000. Louisa was next and she copped $35000. Sexy Steven was next and not surprisingly went over $20000.
Venus Persaud, co-founder of the REDbandaid Foundation participated as well and the lovely lady in red helped by adding $60000 to the steadily growing funds.

Sweetheart 4

The hottest and liveliest (in my opinion) for the night was Kurt, he was also the final sweetheart. Kurt came out in a black shirt and grey jeans, but it wasn’t too long before he lost the shirt and unbuttoned his jean displaying the top of his Calvin Klein boxer underwear. He danced, he moved around, he kissed random ladies, he was just HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTT and all that helped him to cop $120000 for the cause.
Apart from the auction there was a well stocked bar, a ballroom dance item and music by Francis Bailey aka DJ Werewolf.
I’m not going to do the Maths but the auction was a success. All the proceeds will go to the Shaheeds Girls Orphanage where the intention is to buy some computers for the girls and provide them with the necessary skills to use them. There are 22 girls at the orphanage aged 5 and up.

Kudos to the REDbandaid Foundation! In case you’re wondering “the REDBandaid Foundation was created to give back to those in need in Guyana and to also make younger individuals more socially conscious about the needs our country faces. They aim to work with charities that help the sickly, disabled, and those generally less fortunate. Funds will be raised by the execution of different fun fundraising activities.”
The REDbandaid Foundation would like for you to join them in their efforts to make the world a happier place for those who can’t manage it themselves. Their mission is: Healing the world one bandaid at a time. For more information visit their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/REDbandaidFoundation

HJ Rap Star Poster

Tune in to HJTV Ch. 72 this Friday night for the first ever freestyle rap battle. Hits and Jams Entertainment has begun their search for Guyana's next rap star!

Over 200 turned up at the Hits and Jams studio on Thursday to audition and show the judges what they had to offer. Persons as young as fourteen years old came out to show their talent with hopes of winning this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It was a simply magnificent showcase of the wealth of undiscovered talent in Guyana.

On Friday night rappers will perform a one minute original piece live on Ch.72 for the public who will be able to vote for their favorites via text message. Four persons will be chosen that night to compete against the chosen four from another episode which will air Monday night. The top eight will then go head to head on Wednesday night's grand finale and a winner will be chosen. The winner will have the chance perform at the HJ Rozay Monday concert featuring headlining act Rick Ross and Mr. Vegas. The lucky individual will also get the chance to meet Ross and even pass on their mixtape to the star.
Tune in to HJTV Friday night and be a part of creating Guyana's next star!

Feel The Beat Logo

Emotions ran high Tuesday night on GTT's Feel the Beat not only for contestants, but the audience who hung on to every second of the gripping action at the Theatre Guild.

It was the clash of the couples! This week the top 20 contestants were placed into pairs to perform various dance styles choreographed by some of Guyana's best! Some dancers struggled to dance outside their comfort zone while others displayed undeniable versatility and showed the judges that they were worthy of remaining in the competition.
Among the many memorable moments of the night was the stampede that almost occurred when hundreds pushed and struggled to get into the theatre to see the show. The theatre was packed within seconds and there were still a large crowd outside hoping that someone would abandon their seat. This was quite something to witness and a definite reminder that Feel the Beat is quickly invading the hearts of Guyanese nationwide.

One contestant who was eliminated last week was called back to the competition and eventually had to 'dance for his life' to secure a place in the top fourteen. Manic cheers filled the auditorium as he performed his solo piece with tears in his eyes. One could practically feel the passion that resonated through his body. However, the tension was at its peak when two crowd favorites found themselves in the bottom six and were asked to battle against each other on the spot. It was a very memorable night.
Tune in to HJTV, MTV65 and NCN this Sunday so that you too can feel the beat! Don't miss it!

Regatta Poster

DC Promotions in collaboration with the Bartica Regatta Committee have teamed together to ensure the 2012 Bartica Regatta Weekend not only happens, but be a weekend filled with quality events. Deon Ferrier, Vice President and partner of DC Promotions stated, " This is our first year working with the Bartica Regatta Committee to ensure an exciting and inviting Regatta weekend, and as a Bartician, I am proud that my team has secured concessions for the events we are hosting. Our idea is to put Bartica on display as this is our main event in Bartica that attracts many visitors. It is a real tourist event, and putting aside these major entertainment events that we are hosting, the environs and its people are the true goldmine for the weekend. When you come to Bartica for this specific weekend, it's like you are in another country and we know it does a lot for our local tourism." We have retained Wildfire Entertainment, a reputable entity in the entertainment industry, for logistical planning experience as well as Artists bookings.

While the Bartica Regatta weekend has a few events, we are responsible for the Aruwai Twenty20 Regatta Knockout Competition, The Regatta Splash Concert, and the Throttle Down Monday. The Aruwai 2020 Regatta Cricket knockout championship are slated for March 31st and April 1st with the semi-finals and finals on the 20th and 21st April. The invited teams for this competition are the defending champions from Georgetown New Line Cavaliers, D'Edwards Sports Club from Berbice, South Essequibo club, East Bank Essequibo Club, Wakenaam Cricket Club, Orient Cricket Club, Rising Stars Cricket Club, and Challengers Cricket Club. The unique thing about the tournament is that the prizes are being presented in the form of what is distinctive to Bartica… gold. Aruwai enterprises are sponsoring the prizes which is 6 oz of gold.

The next events are on Easter weekend and are the Regatta Splash concert which is the opening event of the weekend and is slated for Easter Saturday April 7th 2012. The concert is featuring Tarrus Riley with supporting performances from Adrian Dutchin and King Shepherd. Music will be by Slingerz with tickets costing $2,000 in advance and $3,000 at the gate, special VIP's are available for $8,000. Tickets will be on sale from today Friday March 30th in Bartica and are available at: The Beverage Depot, MJ's Supermarket, New Modern Hotel, Five Star Minerals, Limpys Lotto Shop, Coastal Minerals, Williams General Store, Vashie Hangout Bar, and from Members of the Regatta Committee.

Sunday April 8th will be the highly popular speed boat races on the Bartica Beach front and then the final weekend event will be our Throttle Down Monday. Deon Ferrier stated, " Since Monday is our last lap event, we decided to change up the terms to more fit the theme of our Bartica Regatta, so as normally people hold a "washdown", we are calling it the Throttle Down Monday in regard to the entire Regatta weekend." Throttle Down Monday will feature Ravi B and Gregory Ayuen of Karma Band and Guyanese soca rising star, Chiney. Chiney brought second in the Carib soca monarch competition with his single "Whine attack". Tickets are $1,500 for this event and are also available at: Beverage Depot, MJ's Supermarket, New Modern Hotel, Five Star Minerals, Limpys Lotto Shop, Coastal Minerals, Williams General Store, Vashie Hangout Bar, and from Members of the Regatta Committee.
The magnitude of this event is grand for Bartica, and we would like to thank our corporate sponsors, Carib Beer, Banks DIH, GT&T, Giftland Officemax and Heineken, for playing a significant role in ensuring our events are able to become a reality. We would also like to thank our business citizen sponsors such as Aruwai Enterprises, Hopkinson mining, 5 star mineral, coastal minerals, the beverage depot, NCM house of parts, Scotiabank Bartica, Mahadeo Investments and New Modern Hotel.
We are hoping also that we can garner more sponsors as the costs for the events are tremendous, and we want to ensure a weekend of exciting and proper presentations.

Bartica Regatta weekend is definitely on and with all the major events planned and in motion, we hope that persons take the time out this Easter to make their getaway from the city and come visit Bartica. Our country is made up of more than just Georgetown, and we feel that, as a Guyanese, if you ever wanted to travel and see your country, NOW is the perfect time to do so.

Girls Under 21 Champions

The Western Union Hikers junior hockey team indoor tournament concluded Sunday afternoon at the National Gymnasium with Hikers Hockey Club and the GCC Hockey Team dominating the under 16 and 21 age categories as they did last year. In the under 13 and Schools categories however new champions were crowned as the Marian Academy under 13 team defeated defending champions Old Fort in an entertaining Western Union under 13 final and St. Stanislaus College produced the upset of the tournament when they knocked off the overwhelming favorites Queens College in the Global Technology Schools Final.

On Saturday morning it was the youngsters that opened the tournament in the Western Union under 13 category. It wasn’t long before Marian Academy and Old Fort established themselves as the teams to be, placing first and second in the round robin stage. Although Marian Academy got an early scare in their semifinal against Hikers they eventually prevailed 3-2, then were able to scrape past a very proud Old Fort team 1-0 in the Final.

Boys Under 21 Champions

The James Service Centre sponsored Under 16 tournament Hikers and GCC showed why their respective male and female junior programs are regarded as the best in Guyana. Hikers playing final without their stand out Leon Bacchus who received a red card in the semifinal, relied heavily on Under 16 MVP Aroydy Branford as they came from two goals down to defeat GCC 3-2. In the girls equivalent GCC completely dominated the youthful Hikers and St. Stanislaus College teams as they rampaged through the round robin competition without conceding a goal.

Queens College looked to be running away with the Global Technology Schools competition when they completely outclassed the other four schools in the round robin stage. While St. Stanislaus College struggled to beat Marian Academy in the semifinal 1-0 on penalties after their game ended 2-2. In the final Saints defended deep in their half and looked for counter attacking opportunities, the strategy paid off as they were awarded a penalty late in the second half. The Saints hero Paramanand Dinidial struck a painfully slow penalty that trickled into the left corner of the goal and sealed the upset of the tournament. In addition to their trophies and medals the winning team and MVPs of this category received certificates for free computer classes at Global Technology.

Under 13 Teams and Coaches

In the Woodpecker Products under 21 competition the GCC girls once again proved why they are among the best junior hockey teams in the region with a clinical display of power and speed as they overwhelmed all before them to take their second consecutive Hikers Junior Tournament under 21 title. In the boys category Hikers were as equally dominant and although they’re surprise opponents in the final, the newly formed Saints Hockey Club, showed glimpses of brilliance they were no match for the sustained pressure of the Hikers machine.

In his closing remarks president of the Hikers Hockey Club, Devin Munroe thanked the Junior Organizing Committee, The Guyana Hockey Board, the National Sports Commission and All the sponsors for making the tournament possible. He also praised the work of the club and school coaches as the level of hockey and the amount of players taking part in the competition was quite high.

Global Schools Champs St Stanislaus College

Compliments of Woodpecker Products, the MVPs of each category were presented with gift certificates worth varying amounts redeemable at the company. The MVPs of the various categories were: Shania Riley (GCC) and Rosario Ramsammy (Marian A)  – under-13 categories, Athena Seeonanan (GCC) and Aroydy Branford (Hikers) – under-16 category, Aliyah Gordon (QC) and Leroy Jack (QC) – schools category and Ashley DeGroot (GCC) and Shaquille Assanah (Hikers) – under-21 categories.

Results:

The Western Union Under 13 Category

Champions – Marian Academy ‘A’: L. Vanzo, R. Ramsammy, J.Newton, J. Whitehead, K. Craig, M. Harding

Runners-up – Old Fort: R. Ramsay, D. Stuttle, D. Jacbs, C. Deane, C. Charles, D. Campbell, O. Hopkinson, S. Thomas

Third Place – Hikers: A. McDonald, Q. Jordan, A. Stewart, R. Forde, S. Williams, S. Nunes

The James Service Centre  Boys Under 16 Category

Champions – Hikers: A. Branford, L. Bacchus, Q. Jordan, A. McDonald, A. Stewart, N. Joseph, S. Nunes

Runners-up – GCC : A. Seenanon, D. Hooper, K. Mckenzie, Keon McKenzie, J. Singh, R. Carpen, J. Edwards

Third Place – Old Fort ‘A’: K. Smith, S. McPherson, M. Hartman, S. King, F. Leitch, B. Samaru, R. Ramsay

The James Service Centre Girls Under 16 Category

Champions – GCC: A. Seenanon, R. Xavier, A. Gordon, J. Whitehead, S. Ridley

Runners-up – St. Stanislaus College: S. King, M. Persaud, C. Lall, S. Orla

Third Place – Hikers: A. Permaul, Romichelle, M. Harding 

The Woodpecker Products Sponsored Under 21 Boys

Champions – Hikers: M. Harding, S. Assanah, T. Younge, A. Branford, L. Bacchus, A. Stewart, O. Timmerman,  A. Pemberton

Runners-up – Saints Hockey Club : L. Jack, Y. Peters, K. Edwards, D. Scott, K. Lewis, H. Chester, P. Dindial,  A. Greene, S. Mittleholzer

Third Place – GCC: M. Stewart, A. Seenanon, M. Sargeant, Jonathan Singh, K. Hamilton, M. Pierre, M. Craige,  N. Cox, A. Gomez, L. Carrol, A. Shaw

The Woodpecker Products Sponsored Under 21 Girls

Champions – GCC: A. DeGroot, S. Fernandes, A. Xavier, M. Fiedtkou, D. Woodroffe, S. Roopnarine, R Xavier, A. Seenanon, A. Gordon, A Sardinha, T. Woodroffe

Runners-up – Hikers: M. Harding, R. James, R. Matthais, Makeda Harding, M. Persaud, A. Permal, R. Brumell, C. Lall, C.Elliot

The Global Technology Sponsored Schools Competition                                           

Champions – St. Stanislaus College: S. Mittleholzer, E. Springer, H. Chester, P. Dindial, C. Lall,  A. Greene, M. Persaud

Runners-up – Queens College: (M. Fiedtkou, L. Jack, M. Harding, A. Gordon, D. Scott, C. Elliot, K. Lewis Gordon & Devon Scott)

Third Place – North Ruimveldt Multilateral A:  T. Lynch, S. Springer, S. McPherson, K. Smith, F. Leitch,  M. Hartman, J. Pinder)

Easter Fest 2012 Poster

We know you already have your outfits ready for the HJ Easter Fest Weekend. Well, now you can mark off 'tickets' from that checklist.
General admission tickets are being sold right now at Ashmins Trading for $3000 while VIP passes are at Glamour designer Brands for USD$100.
If you're buying multiple tickets or just want to save some extra cash then you should definitely keep on reading. This Saturday and Sunday GTT will be giving you the ultimate chance to get general admission tickets for just $2000. Simply send the words 'Beres' or 'Rick' to 620-Show. It's that simple! Remember this promotions ends on Saturday so spread the word and take full advantage of this opportunity. If you miss this promotion, rest assured that GTT will be launching another 'Early bird ticket' special next weekend.
Also, you can purchase any GTT Blackberry handset to receive a free stage pass ticket for either show while stocks last. This offer is available exclusively at the GTT Blackberry store located at 55 Brickdam, Georgetown.
Anyone purchasing VIP tickets will enjoy stage front access, waiter service, a private entrance and exit with private and secure parking inside the stadium, hors d'oeuvres, and special finger food, glass, stem wear and personal ice-buckets and a private washroom area.
Its four mega stars in two nights at the Guyana National Stadium! Contact the HJTV office on telephone number 227-0580 for any additional information.