Contents Meet the new Intense hosts Ashley Miller & Talia Soares p.9 Let’s be responsible this summer p.3 Movie review: Avengers p.4 News p.6 Feet of Angels sandals p.7
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Youth in Service: Randy McLaren p.12 Summer 2012 fashion 411 Can OKC win the NBA Championship? p.15
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From the Editor
Let’s be responsible this summer E
xams are winding down for many of you, and you’re looking forward to ushering in the summer. It means hanging out with friends, not having much to do and relaxing after intense weeks of exams. While it is important to unwind and have fun, it is also crucial that you enjoy your summer responsibly. Don’t throw caution to the wind. It is never ok to put aside common sense in the name of fun. When going out, ensure that you remember the safety rules you were taught by your parents and never trust a stranger. Beach safety. Summer also means going to the beach and hanging out with your friends. Too often we hear stories of people who go to the beach and never make it home. If you’re not a strong swimmer, stay away from the water.
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Go out in groups. If you are going out at nights, ensure that you stick close to your friends. You will become an easy target if you are wandering by yourself on an empty road. Use wisdom. Don’t take a ride home from anyone who has been drinking. Period. Alcohol impairs their ability to think and act rationally and they will react slowly in cases of emergencies. If you get into a car with someone who you think is intoxicated, then leave the car immediately and find an alternative way home. Your safety must come first. Have a productive day, Keresa
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Entertainment
Movie Review by Alana Gardner
THE AVENGERS PG-13
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xams are over, Hallelujah! So this week is a happy one for me. I can stop tearing my hair out and checking for signs of greys. Now I just pray that I did well and racked up some nice, big, bright As. Also, for those who have finished their exams or still have a few more to go, I wish you the very best. So, to celebrate the start of my summer, I went to watch the movie I have been dying to see since last year, Marvel’s The Avengers. I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen this movie coming since they released Thor and Captain America last year and I was immensely excited to see how they would combine all these characters and storylines into one and make it work. Although based on the very popular comic www.ezineslimited.com
book, I think that critics behind movies are much tougher to please than comics, but with the good reviews it has been getting worldwide, it seemed that The Avengers certainly delivered. The Avengers tells the story of what happens when a great evil from another planet, led by villain Loki, threatens to enslave mankind and the only way for Earth to have a fighting chance is for its greatest heroes, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Captain America and assassins, the Black Widow and Hawkeye, to band together with SHIELD (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law-enforcement Division) to save the day. Teen Spirit
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Scenes from the movie The Avengers
Now, before I get into how great this movie is, let me start by saying how mad I am. I don’t know if it is the filmmakers’ or cinema’s fault, but I am getting really sick and tired of going to the movies and being charged more to watch the movie that is supposedly in 3D, only for the 3D to be completely and totally non-existent. Seriously, this problem needs to be addressed. My fix for my movie addiction doesn’t. Come. Cheap! Nevertheless, this movie was actually worth every penny, so much so that I would actually be willing to pay the extra cash to see it again. Maybe that is a contradiction, but that’s seriously how great this movie is. One of the main concerns that I had going in was how well they would incorporate all the characters. Apart from the fact that I prefer Edward Norton from The Incredible Hulk (2008) as Bruce Banner/Hulk over Mark Ruffalo, the characters and the storyline worked extremely well together. Each character brought their strengths to the movie and left no doubt that the Avengers are truly Earth’s mightiest heroes. I am delighted to say that this movie is my favourite so far in 2012. The Avengers is an action-adventure from Marvel Studios and Paramount Studios and directed by Joss Whedon, earning itself full five stars. Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Samuel L Jackson, Jeremy Renner, Cobie Smulders, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgard, Gwyneth Paltrow and Paul Bettany.
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Teen Spirit
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News
Kevin Downswell to launch sophomore album on June 1
Jamaican gospel artiste Kevin Downswell takes things to another level with the release of his sophomore album entitled The Search Continues. The launch will take place at Eastwood Park New Testament Church of God on June 1 beginning at 7pm. Downswell is known for his unique singing style and versatility. He displays an innate ability to produce songs that linger in the psyche and stir the soul. His first project, Close To You is still deeply embraced and loved in Jamaica and across the world. Four songs have been released as singles to promote the new album, including Forgiven, That’s Enough (featuring Prodigal Son), God is Moving and Already Done (with Ryan Mark). The album varies between reggae, alternative and ballads that tug at your heart. Each song is delivered with soul and infectious melodies. Downswell plans to share this new project with Jamaica through a planned local tour. This tour will have stops in Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio and Mandeville during the month of June. For further information visit: www.kevindownswell.com www.facebook.com/kevindownswellministry www.ezineslimited.com
IKAN hosts Child Month creative forum on child rights
The International Kreative Aktivism Network (IKAN) hosted its first annual Child’s Month creative forum Verbalise to Sensitise: Heal Armadale, Heal the Future on Monday, May 21. The first day of the forum, which was open to students, teachers, parents, youth groups and other interested stakeholders, included an interactive panel discussion and workshops with edu-dramatic presentations by IKAN to sensitise participants on child rights and issues of child abuse. The distinguished panellists included Betty-Ann Blaine, Convenor of Hear the Children’s Cry, Suzan Goffe, chairman of Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) and Moira Morgan of Griffin Trust. The event continues today with a private therapeutic session for the survivors of the fire that killed seven of 23 girls at the Armadale Correctional Facility on May 22, 2009. These girls, their families and families of the girls whose lives were lost will get to share, vent and release pent up emotions to help positively move forward from the negative memories through the guidance of professional therapists and art therapy through IKAN. Effective coping and parenting skills will also be explored. For more information on IKAN visit their facebook page or follow them on Twitter: @ikanambassadors Teen Spirit
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Fashion
Feet of Angels Sandals
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hen Angeline Ferguson decided to make sandals, she wanted to create creatively designed footwear that would make a statement. “Feet of Angels sandals are affordable, unique yet fashionable; comfortable, well made from quality materials and will last for a long time, guaranteed,” she said. “The ones that tie can be converted into more than one style, giving you more than one slipper with one purchase and I will show you how to tie these styles upon purchase.” Ferguson shared with Teen Spirit how she got started: 1) Are the sandals all made in Jamaica? All slippers are locally made by my professional team. 2) Where do you get the inspiration for the designs? Anything and everything. My inspiration comes from all different places including the street, magazines, books, art, movies, other fashionable pieces [and] nature. If there is something I can take and make it into something I would add to my footwear, then it will be made into a sandal. 3) Who is your target market? Any angel: teenagers, young adults and even older women. If you have a passion for fashion or want to put your best foot forward, then Feet of Angels sandals are for you.
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4) Why did you decide to start this business? I never felt like I had a choice. I have always loved fashion, be it clothing, bags, shoes or anything that speaks to fashion. I have been an entrepreneur for a while, selecting and selling fashion pieces to people who have always loved my selections. I’m not sure why I like it, I just know that I get so many design ideas in my head that I would eventually explode if I didn’t find an outlet for them all. I started by designing one just for myself. Others saw it, loved it and asked how they could also get them made, so I decided to start a business to accommodate that. 5) What sizes do you offer? Sandals are done to order, so whatever your size is, you can get it. Colours and colour combinations are done to order as well, so whatever colour you would like, just name it and I will try my best to get that one for you. Also, if your slipper should wear out over time for any given reason, you can take it to me and I will arrange for it to be repaired for you, making it as good as new for you, at minimal cost. So it’s always a win-win. 6) How can people order your sandals? Sandals can be ordered from my Facebook page email me at feetofangels@yahoo.com or call/text me at 292 2547.
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Cover Story
Talia Soares (left) and Ashley Miller
Meet new Intense hosts
Ashley Miller & Talia Soares
by Kandice Moncrieffe
Photographs by Warren Buckle
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e were all on the edges of our seats when it was announced that popular entertainment show Intense was casting for a new host. The search took months and when this huge secret was finally revealed, instead of one host, there were two! We’ve only seen Ashley Miller and Talia Soares on our tv screens or possibly at a party, but we don’t know the real story about these 19-year-old university students. Teen Spirit caught up with them for a chit chat to learn more about these fresh, new hosts.
What are you guys currently doing? Talia: Well, I’m a second year student at UWI currently
pursuing a degree in law. Ashley: I’m a first year student at UTECH, doing Industrial and Analytical Chemistry. Why did you decide to audition for Intense? Talia: Having been introduced to the life of media as a
teen journalist from 12, I fell in love with it and I wanted to try something new, so I saw the ads and I was like ‘I wonder…’ And being a tv host/personality has always been something I had in mind to pursue, so I said ‘why not?’. Ashley: I decided to audition because my friends had www.ezineslimited.com
pushed me to go. I wasn’t really that much interested in it until after I had auditioned. What was it like at the auditions? Talia: Oh my. It was ok, but long! A very, very long wait
and that’s because of the amount of ladies who came to try out, but it was tiring. Ashley: It was pretty hectic. There were so many girls there and I really was not prepared for the long wait. When you guys heard you got the job, what was your first reaction? Talia: I was elated. A little bit shocked, but at the same
time I was very happy because I knew I had given it my all and did my best. Ashley: My first reaction was a really big smile. I would have screamed but I didn’t want to seem unprofessional. Was being a media personality always in your dreams? Talia: One of my dreams actually. I would always won-
der what it would be like to be a tv host. Ashley: No, I actually would have never dreamed of
getting into media. This mostly is about the experience for me. Teen Spirit
up r e am e fo c y gu king mthe s i “Th me as e and ttle to ictur y a li Omg! m a p er dalike, ‘ l fro oth was he girs Ash boyat’s t That’ Th ense. Int .’” ley ley h s -A
What do you guys do for fun? Talia: Well, other than spending time with my family, I love going out with
friends. Going to the movies, shopping, browsing the net and going to the beach. I also like to [give back] in any and every way I can. Ashley: I party, party, party! How do you guys deal with the criticisms from fans of the previous hosts? Talia: If it’s not constructive, I’ll ignore it. Other than that, I listen and if it’s
something that I need to improve on, then I work towards doing that. But I have a very open mind to criticsm and I try not to let it get the best of me and try not to let it get me down and just let it drive me to be even better at what I do. Ashley: I deal with it by turning it into a joke. Nothing really bothers me when I handle it that way. What’s it like on the TVJ set? Talia: It’s extremely fun. I love my new Intense family as they are extremely
helpful and supportive. Ashley: On set it’s just a lot of fun, lots of laughter. Apparently I’m the joker;
they’re always laughing at me. Have people been treating you guys like celebs? Talia: Not really. Some are really nice, though, and supportive. Ashley: Well, so far I’ve had like two situations where I could say I was treated
like a celeb. This guy came up to me asking me for a picture and the other day a little boy was like, ‘Omg! That’s the girl from Intense. That’s Ashley.’ www.ezineslimited.com
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ing? What’s it like adjust I don’t as , Talia: It hasn’t hit me yet
ity just really consider myself a celebr e differyet, at least. But it’s been a littl e someher ew ent as when you go som r face’ you w one would say, ‘Ooh, I kno call y or they’d wave and say hi or the out your name. it’s differAshley: Well, of course know ent because a lot of people now you’re at your name and a little bit of wh time to about. It’s going to take some doing I’m far, so get used to that, but well. ys lookWhich celeb are gu ing? ing forward to meet son, but Talia: No one specific per
es to whenever the opportunity com n happy tha re meet any celebrity I’m mo and excited. rd to meetAshley: I’m looking forwa nks). And ing Konshens. He’s a hunk (wi uence in infl e I do believe he is a positiv the music industry.
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ed to be Are you guys prepar ls to de mo le considered ro e th in be d young girls an limelight? elight’ Talia: Well being in the ‘lim
to me, isn’t really 100 per cent new than but this spotlight is way more I’m just so to, d what I’ve been expose And I de. really taking ever thing in stri self, to will continue to improve on my g that life learn and grow from everythin person. ter bet has to offer me to be a l view wil Hopefully, one day, persons s. me as one of their role model it. Of for ed par pre Ashley: Yes, I’m have uld wo s our course, certain behavi ms ble pro to be avoided and I have no where that is concerned.
“being a tv host/per- s sonality han always bee I something had in mind to pursue, y so I said ‘wh not?’.” - Talia
talents What other secret do you guys have? act; howTalia: I can kinda sing and
g. ever, I’m a writer. I enjoy writin lly rea I’m ? nts tale Ashley: Secret nitedefi at’s Th ft. good with arts and cra w. kno n’t ly something that people did
Teen Spirit
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Youth in Service
Randy McLAren:
Empowering youth through social activism by Alana Gardner
Randy McLaren
‘T
he development of today’s youth is the key to our future’ is a saying believed by most, so it’s unsurprising that it’s also true. Dub/spoken word poet, Jamaica youth ambassador and advocate, Randy McLaren, is focused on balancing his love for arts and education with his passion for youth development. A student at the University of the West Indies, the ‘creative activist’ decided not only to go against the status quo and follow his passion, but encourages others to do the same. The former head boy and deputy head boy of Excelsior High and Wolmer’s Boys’, respectively, McLaren is completing a degree in Sociology with a minor in Entertainment and Cultural Enterprise Management. “It’s always great to make a career out of your passion. You have to believe in your talent and constantly seek to develop it,” he said. “The creative industry is a growing sector, so if you balance working hard with working smart, you should be okay. As I would say, the sky has no limit.” Inspired by desire to impact lives Inspired by family, personal experiences, youth and socio-political issues around him, along with the diverse cultures that reside within our great nation, McLaren, who grew up in the small community of Garden Field in St Thomas, is motivated by his desire to impact people’s lives, making it his mission to utilise his creative talents to connect and engage other youth. “Sometimes our attention spans are short, so I just add some rhymes, rhythm or poetic flow and the response has been great
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so far,” he said, noting that he is looking to release a CD containing his poetry within the summer or by September. Utilising the arts for social transformation Executive director of the production company International Kreative Aktivism Network (IKAN), Randy is focused on using this medium to bring attention to social injustices and the plight of those who can’t speak for themselves. “I see the need and I know that the art is a powerful tool and perhaps the best chance we have of reaching the youths effectively. It’s a joy to empower young people, especially those who are considered ‘voiceless’ and at risk,” he shared. IKAN was created by McLaren and his fellow creative colleagues and is designed to utilise the arts for social transformation, activism and expounding of youth and development issues to the nation’s young people in their environments. This is done through educational drama, creative activism, street theatre, poetry and other cultural expressions. Within the month of May, the organisaiton will continue to focus on children’s individual rights, abuse and rights within state care. One issue in particular is the Armadale tragedy and IKAN is dedicated to keeping alive the memory of the seven girls who died in a fire at the state-run home two years ago. A true youth ambassador, McLaren has performed in Toronto, the United Kingdom, various locations across the Caribbean, as well as numerous events on the island. Teen Spirit
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Fashion
Summer 2012 Fashion 411
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by Ava Gardner
’m really excited about this summer season and being able to showcase and express myself with all the exciting fashion trends. You will be too! Here’s the 411 on what’s in for summer.
Wedge s You must have wed ges don’t hav e any oth if you er items on this li st. Wedg es are th signature e shoes of summer. Plus, the y are so easy and comforta ble to we ar. shoes Heel-less oe? pical summer sh Tired of the ty e are also in styl Heel-less shoes dy you can go La right now. Yes, e ar es o eel-less sh GaGa, too! H an th expensive typically more with thing is wrong wedges, but no eat tive penny for gr ac tr at an ng yi pa fashion. Cat eye sung lasses Fashionably protec t your eyes with ca t eye sunglasses. W ayfarers are getting old like stale white bread. Show your trendy daring, ca twoman-side with these sunglasses! If you have a mor e angular face, it’s recommended th at you get them with larger lenses, espe cially ones with thick arms.
oes , boys love TOMS Sh love TOMS ls ir G . S M ext popI love TO g the very n in m o c e b is trendTOMS. It is definitely d n a s e o sh purular canvas ry time you e v e , o ls A r. e der its One ing for summ ompany un c e th , ir a p way a pair chase a t, will give a n e m e v o M e helping For One need. You’r in ild h c a of shoes to le too! e fashionab other kids b www.ezineslimited.com
Chiffon in ow a little skin Peek-a-boo! Sh n o There are chiff chiffon clothing. evps and chiffon to , ts ir sk , ts ir sh ry n clothing is ve erything! Chiffo r. ready-to-wea chic and always Bandeau tops Feeling like a pin-up? Well you can impersonate your favou rite pin-up in a bandeau top. It’s important that you don’t confuse bandeau swimsuit tops with just top s. Also, balance a bandeau top by wearing a more conservative bo ttom. Remember the fashion rul e- cover top, show bottom or show top, cover bottom.
Headw raps Every tim e I wear a headwr feel like M ap, I iss an animate Lou prepping to tell d are that m story, but headwr aps uch fun! T h able in a ll differen ey are availt so and prints . Perfect fo lid colours r days, han ging out a lazy summer t the beac h. s Denim jacket will love ls gir d Both boys an othing says denim jackets. N od denim. summer like go e perfect Denim jackets ar hing, espewith almost everyt ses, which cially with knit dres er. m are perfect for sum Teen Spirit
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Sports
Can OKC
win the NBA Championship? by Najique Gayle
T
he Oklahoma City (OKC) Thunder were a resilient team last year, making it all the way to the Western Conference Finals last season but fell short when they eventually had to face the Dallas Mavericks, who went on to win the championships. I believe they have what it takes to make it all the way to the NBA Finals this year. The OKC players have grown and improved as a team, becoming a major powerhouse in the league. I honestly believe them to be the best team this season. There isn’t much that this OKC team doesn’t have. They have great offensive players with the likes of James Harden, Russell Westbrook and not to mention the NBA’s regular season top scorer, Kevin Durant. They’re not lacking in defence either, with Serge Ibaka being the leader in blocks per game in both the regular and post season, along with the rest of the team showing that they can play tough and gritty defence. Team players This OKC team isn’t just a bunch of talented players that have been thrown together in the hope of winning the championship; they are a team in the true meaning of the word. They are smart and unselfish but not only that, they have proven time and time again that they have incredibly gifted players who can create shots off their own individual skill. Age is also on the Thunder’s side, so I don’t expect tiredness to really be an issue. Their core of Durant, Westbrook and Harden are in their early 20’s, so they should be able to keep up the intensity long enough to win the NBA Championship.
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Their bench will also be a crucial component that will help them to eventually become champions. All great teams need help off the bench and OKC has arguably the best bench in the NBA. Harden was named by the NBA as the league’s Sixth Man of the Year simply for the outstanding way in which way he played coming off the bench. Being one of the league’s best pure scorers, Harden can step in for Durant when he’s called to sit on the bench and add some more firepower for OKC on the court. That elbow he received from Metta World Peace doesn’t seem to have fazed him much as this big, Rick Ross beard-sporting, shooting guard continues to be a key player in the OKC team and will have to be just that if they are to go all the way. Best player on the Thunder team Now, with OKC’s good bench and great team play, I haven’t even got around to talking about the simple fact that they have one of the best players in the NBA, Kevin Durant. What makes Kevin Durant so special is the fact that he is so hard to defend. He stands at 6’ 9” and is very dynamic. He can make important shots under tonnes of pressure and not only make it look effortless, but also be very consistent in doing so. He can also create opportunities to score for himself and his teammates off his own dribble. Without a doubt, he is the best player on the Thunder team. Durant being the clutch player that he is, Westbrook’s passion to rack up points and assists, along with Harden, Ibaka and Fisher’s ability to turn the intensity up at any time, the Thunder are definitely the team to beat. Teen Spirit
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