06092023 WEEKEND

What to stream this week: Janelle Monáe, Diablo IV and ‘Avatar’

By The Associated Press

Albums from Janelle Monáe and Niall Horan, as well the streaming debut of “Avatar: The Way of Water” and the celebrity-stuffed “Stars on Mars” are among the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you.

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM

— “Avatar: The Way of Water” has finally washed onto streaming shores. James Cameron’s sci-fi sequel will is streaming on Disney+ and HBO Max after becoming the third highest-grossing movie of all time in theaters.

— As “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” hits theatres, Disney+ is streaming all four previous “Indiana Jones” movies, plus the series “The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones.” Since May 31, subscribers have been able to watch “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” And, yes, “Raiders” is still No 1.

NEW MUSIC TO STREAM

— Niall Horan shows back up with “The Show,” his third solo album and first since 2020’s charttopping “Heartbreak Weather.” A coach for “The Voice” and former member of One Direction, Horan has released two singles from the new collection — the sweeping and driving “Heaven” and the catchy “Meltdown”. He’s also announced his first headlining shows in six years as well as his biggest venues to date across Europe, Oceania and North America.

— Sensuality will be on tap when Janelle Monáe releases “The Age of Pleasure,” her first album since 2018. “’Cause for your love, I’ll take my time/Just wanna feel your hips on mine,” Monáe sings in the single “Lipstick Lover.” Another offering is “Float” featuring Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, which has been used by the NBA and contains the line “It’s hard to look at my resume and not find a reason to toast.”

NEW SERIES TO STREAM

— Twelve celebrities, including former cyclist Lance Armstrong, Ariel Winter of “Modern Family” and Tom Schwartz of “Vanderpump Rules,” are put in a Mars simulation and presented with a series of challenges to colonise their version of the Red Planet. William Shatner, Captain Kirk from “Star Trek” and the oldest person to fly to space, serves as host from mission control for Fox’s “Stars on Mars”.

— Netflix’s “Never Have I Ever” has dropped its fourth and final season. The series stars Maitreyi Ramakrishnan in a coming-of-age story about an Indian American high school teen coping with the sudden death of her father, first loves and lusts, friendship, and self-identity. The show, co-created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, is whip smart, up to date on pop culture, funny and touching.

— Alicia Rancilio

NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

— Fans of Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo series have been to hell and back waiting for a new chapter — the last one came out more than a decade ago — but Diablo IV has finally arrived. The conflict between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells is still raging, and some knuckleheads have decided now would be a good time to reawaken the super powerful demon queen Lilith. Blizzard has turned Sanctuary into a sprawling open world with a beefy solo campaign, plenty of side missions, player vs player arenas and the promise of many quests to come. The war resumes on PC, Xbox X/S/One and PlayStation 5/4.

— Sweden’s Frictional Games has been building an eerie alternate world since 2010, when it launched the surprise indie hit Amnesia: The Dark Descent. The nightmare continues in Amnesia: The Bunker, in which battle-scarred World War I soldier Henri Clement finds himself trapped underground with a beast that may be even more dangerous than the chaos ravaging the surface. The horror sets in on PC, Xbox X/S/ One and PlayStation 5/4.

— Lou Kesten

— AP Film Writer Jake Coyle

— AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy

Revisiting history

By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

The countdown to the country’s 50th anniversary of Independence is on. And as we prepare to celebrate all things Bahamian, be sure that you and your children have crossed the most prominent local landmarks off your list of places you have visited; landmarks that go way back and helped shape the country leading up to 1973.

As Tribune Weekend reader Candice noted, “My son was learning about all these landmarks at school and I realised that I had never actually been inside Fort Charlotte or walked up the Queen’s Staircase, so my husband and I made it a point to go and visit these places.”

Layla agreed: “I think that we forget to be tourists in our own country. Unless we have visitors, or maybe we are a chaperone on a class field trip, how many times do we say, ‘Oh, let’s go spend a Saturday at the Fort, or let’s go to a museum?’ But we go away and we will spend money on foreign landmarks and forget what we have here at home.”

Now that school is about to be out for the Summer and things are a bit less hectic, grab the kids and spend some time seeing the island of New Providence as tourists do.

TOUR THE LOCAL FORTS

Fort Charlotte is the largest, and you’ve probably driven past it countless times, but have you ever taken the tour? Have you seen the reenactments and historic weapon firings to get an idea of what life was like for the officers stationed at the Fort in bygone centuries?

Make it a “fort day” and stop by Fort Montague (first built in 1741) and Fort Fincastle (constructed circa 1793, and the water tower as well.

GO SHOPPING IN THE WORLD-FAMOUS DOWNTOWN STRAW MARKET

The Straw Market is actually a really fun place to find interesting pieces for your home décor needs as well as or statement jewellery or a straw handbag for yourself. They have awesome children’s items as well. Take the kids and let them pick out a treat.

TOUR AN ART GALLERY OR TWO

This is actually a great rainy-day activity. Galleries are such a peaceful and calming space; perfect to destress as well as cultivate art appreciation in your kids.

There are several to choose from. including the National Art Gallery, The Current at Baha Mar, the D’Auguilar Foundation, Hillside House, the Tern Gallery, the CAB Gallery and Doongalik Studios, just to name a few.

CLIMB THE QUEEN’S STAIRCASE

This is another one of those landmarks we all know exists, but perhaps you have never been or actually climbed the 66 steps.

Located in the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex, it was hewn out of solid limestone rock by slaves between 1793 and 1794. They were later named in honour of Queen Victoria.

It’s the perfect spot for an impromptu family photo shoot or to get those leg muscles going with a nice, steep climb.

A DAY AT THE PARK

Another great landmark that makes for a perfect day trip is the Clifton Heritage National Park. In addition to the beach areas and walking trails and slave quarter remains, you can spend time meditating in the Sacred Spaces. Also known as the Genesis Garden, it was created in a joint effort by Bahamian artists Antonius Roberts and Tyrone Ferguson. The wooden sculptures honour and commemorate the slaves who were brought to New Providence Island.

A TRIP THROUGH HISTORY

The Pompey Museum is another hidden gem that may or may not be on your radar, though you have driven past it every time you head Downtown.

Named in honour of the courageous slave, Pompey, who lived on the Rolle Plantation in Exuma, the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation is located in the historic Vendue House.

It provides an insight into the lives of enslaved Bahamians.

If you want to make it a full historical museum day, the Pirates of Nassau Museum is just a short walk away and provides an immersive look at how pirates helped shaped the history of our country.

CLIFTON Heritage National Park

A HISTORIC cannon at Fort Charlotte

THE QUEEN’s Staircase

Ruth Bowe

This HR specialist’s experience goes beyond managing staff; she also knows how to manage and navigate complex familial situations. She tells Alesha Cadet about her new book, which she hopes will offer guidance to people wanting to build strong and healthy blended families.

“Being an extra mother to two exceptional sons in a total blended family of seven, including myself and my dear husband R V Demetri Bowe, who holds a special place in my heart, has been a source of inspiration and motivation. The unique dynamics and bonds we formed as a blended family have provided me with invaluable lessons in compassion, resilience, and the power of unconditional love,” she said.

Personal challenges and experiences have not only fuelled a desire to explore and understand blended families more deeply, but also served as the driving force behind the creation of her new book.

Ruth’s aim is to offer practical guidance, share relatable stories, and provide strategies that can help other individuals and families thrive.

“It is my sincere hope that ‘12 Keys to Blended Harmony’ serves as a source of inspiration, encouragement and empowerment for readers navigating their own blended family journeys. By sharing my personal challenges and insights, I aspire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and contribute to the harmony and happiness within blended families everywhere,” she said.

Ruth was born into blended family. This has given her a unique perspective and deep understanding of the complexities that arise in such situations. She experienced moments of inclusion and exclusion, doubts over the place in the family, but also love and affection.

“Within the intricate tapestry of blended families, I encountered moments of complexity that could sometimes lead to awkwardness. There were gaps that seemed to widen with certain experiences, and it was during these times that navigating the dynamics became particularly challenging,” she said.

Growing up with a step-grandmother, being a stepchild herself for over 40 years, and assuming the role of an “extra mother” to over 400 young adults in her community, has given Ruth Bowe a profound appreciation for the intricacies and joys of blended families. With her new book, “12 Keys to Blended Harmony,” Ruth hopes to help people navigate the complexities of blended families, to ultimately find peace, happiness and fulfilment in their relationships.

“My book is more than just a journal; it’s a guidebook that offers practical tools and strategies for building strong, healthy relationships in blended families,” she told Tribune Weekend.

Ruth, who is a productivity and human resources specialist by profession, witnessed firsthand the triumphs and challenges that come with merging different backgrounds, traditions and personalities. It sparked a burning curiosity in her to explore ways to foster harmony, understanding and love within complex family structures.

“At times, I found myself feeling excluded, and in other moments, I didn’t desire inclusion. It was a delicate balance to strike, especially during special occasions and milestones, where a storm of emotions often ensued as I grappled with the complexities of biological needs versus the bonds of my bonus family.”

On some days during her youth, Ruth said comparisons and confusion crept in, causing her to question why certain individuals weren’t doing more to demonstrate love towards her. It became crucial for her to navigate and understand the

diverse needs and expectations that each family member brought to the table.

“I learned that the journey of a blended family is not always linear or straightforward. It is a roller-coaster ride, filled with ups and downs, as we strive to find harmony amidst the unique dynamics. It required open and honest communication, empathy, and a willingness to navigate the sometimes-uncharted territories of blended family life,” she said.

“However, amidst the challenges, I also discovered profound moments of growth, understanding and love. These complexities became catalysts for self-reflection and personal development. They inspired me to delve deeper into the intricacies of blended family dynamics and seek effective strategies to bridge the gaps, nurture connections, and foster a sense of unity.”

Ruth said her book offers practical insights, heartfelt stories, and guidance to help readers navigate the stormy seas and find a path toward greater understanding and harmony.

Ultimately, it is her hope that by sharing personal challenges and insights, readers will feel validated, supported, and empowered in their own blended family journeys.

This is her first book, and seeing it finally published has been “exhilarating and fulfilling”, she said.

“It was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a deep desire to share valuable insights and guidance with others navigating the complexities of blended families. Witnessing the book come to life was a mix of emotions. There was a profound sense of pride and accomplishment

this weekend in history

June 9

• In 1870, English writer and social critic Charles Dickens, considered the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, dies at Gad’s Hill near Chatham, Kent, following a stroke the previous day. He was 58.

• In 1893, 23 people die in the collapse of Ford’s Theatre, in Washington, DC, the site where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 15, 1865.

June 10

• In 1692, the first “witch” is hanged in Salem Village in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Bridget Bishop, 60, had been found guilty of “certaine Detestable Arts called Witchcraft and Sorceries”. In total, 19 were hanged, and one, Giles Corey, was pressed to death during the trials.

• In 1752, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, flies a kite during a thunderstorm to collect ambient electrical charge in a Leyden jar. This enables him to demonstrate the connection between lightning and electricity.

in holding the physical copy in my hands, knowing that my words and experiences were now accessible to a wider audience. It was a dream realized and a milestone in my personal and professional growth.”

However, alongside the joy and excitement, there were also moments of vulnerability and uncertainty. Ruth said publishing a book is an act of sharing a part of oneself with the world, and it can be nerve-wracking to put your thoughts and experiences out there to be scrutinised by strangers. Yet, the positive feedback and the impact the book has had on readers have made it all worth it.

“The journey from concept to publication has been transformative. It allowed me to dive deep into the subject matter, refine my ideas, and articulate my thoughts in a coherent and impactful way. It has also connected me with a community of individuals who share similar experiences, providing a sense of validation and support,” said Ruth.

The official book launch will be announced soon, but in the meantime “12 Keys to Blended Harmony” is available from Ruth directly, or at the Logos Bookstore in Harbour Bay, the All Seasons All Occasions Bookstore in Palmdale, from TrueVine Publishing and on Amazon.

Ruth also sells merchandise to accompany “12 Keys to Blended Harmony” and has been hosting the “Dynamyte Discussions” to ignite conversations about her book. So far, there have been three one-hour sessions held at Studio Café which are viewable via Facebook on the Ruth D Bowe official page.

to produce a male heir, Henry divorces her against the will of the Roman Catholic Church, thus triggering the Protestant Reformation in England.

June 11

• In 1509, King Henry VIII of England weds Catherine of Aragon, the first of six wives. When Catherine fails

• In 1955, 82 spectators are killed and 180 more injured in a fiery crash during the 24 Hours of Le Mans motor race in France. French driver Pierre Levegh was racing for the lead near the pit-stop area when he swerved to avoid fellow race car driver Mike Hawthorn’s Jaguar as it moved toward the pits. Levegh’s car, going about 150 miles per hour, came up too fast on Lance Macklin’s Austin-Healey and was catapulted upward, crashing into the grandstand. Levegh was also killed.

CHARLES DICKENS, c. 1850

Best described as a number crossword, the task in Kakuro is to fill all of the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so the sum of each horizontal block equals the number to its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the number on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro increases from Monday to Sunday.

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

Across

1 The French consider he’s a tenant (6)

4 Acting so strangely - from divine ignorance? (8)

9 Is suffering a setback internally affected by seafood (6)

10 The nearest one can get to a fight (8)

12 Capture and shoot (4)

13 Mating game? (5)

14 Left harbour (4)

17 The chairman of the directors could be in deep water (3,9)

20 With pathology Ron turns to the study of man (12)

23 Eager to behead the king of Israel (4)

24 Beg for keys (5)

25 Dandy heard to grind his teeth (4)

28 Goes for profits (8)

29 Light breeze round the West (6)

30 Feelings shown by people put into some distress (8)

31 Reveal speculation on a source of light (6)

Down

1 Mislay one’s watch and be held up? (4,4)

2 Bridge champion gets a hiding (8)

3 Some theories Pythagoras had to observe (4)

5 Painter wins town in local elections? (12)

6 Boozy group return to hold a wild party (4)

7 He works his hours to suit his customers (6)

8 First form (6)

11 It gives a long smoke for a parish officer (12)

15 Gets level yet nothing is lost (5)

16 Not the best man to take care of horses (5)

18 Not so enthusiastic about an item of kitchen equipment (8)

19 How to get there incidentally (2,3,3)

21 Illustration shows politician taking part in trade (6)

22 A book Kipling wrote on love - popular in Japan (6)

26 It’s never been seen; still I follow it (4)

27 Sent up issue of US magazine (4)

Across

1 Initiate (6)

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

Across: 1 Rabid, 4 Archaic, 8 Lot, 9 Adornment, 10 Overawe, 11 Other, 13 Trough, 15 Grovel, 18 Pukka, 19 Fascist, 21 Wearisome, 23 Oil, 24 Respect, 25 Put up.

Down: 1 Rule out, 2 By the book, 3 Drama, 4 Azores, 5 Candour, 6 Ace, 7 Cater, 12 Have it out, 14 Granite, 16 Let slip, 17 Afloat, 18 Power, 20 Sweep, 22 Ass.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

Across: 1 Pin-up, 4 Surname, 8 Run, 9 Demitasse, 10 Opulent, 11 Needy, 13 Manage, 15 Tsetse, 18 Larva, 19 Handbag, 21 Character, 23 Ill, 24 Tally-ho, 25 Ashes.

Down: 1 Perform, 2 Non-runner, 3 Padre, 4 Semite, 5 Ratings, 6 Ass, 7 Emery, 12 Establish, 14 Granary, 16 Engulfs, 17 Ghetto, 18 Licit, 20 Norma, 22 Ail.

EASY PUZZLE

Down

chaps with time – that’s organisation (10) 27 Conveyance sent the wrong way, losing first couple (4)

A E S I F R C E B

● The Target uses words in the main body of Chambers 21st Century Dictionary (1999 edition)

HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here?

In making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. No plurals. Verb forms ending in S permitted.

TODAY’S TARGET

Good 13; very good 20; excellent 26 (or more). Solution tomorrow

Yesterday’s Sudoku Answer

Call 0907 181 2585 for today’s Target solution

*Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.

FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden in the grid. The numbers to the right of and below the grid indicate how many of the squares in that row are filled in with ships or parts of ships. The ships do not touch each other, even diagonally. Some squares have been filled in to start you off.

Solution tomorrow

910

4 Approve of (4,4)

9 In the direction of (6)

10 Fabled submerged island (8)

12 Superficial (4)

13 Apt to take offence (5)

14 As soon as (4)

17 Be closely associated (2,4,2,4)

20 Repeatedly (4,3,5)

23 Region (4)

24 Clear savoury jelly (5)

25 Sojourn (4)

28 Clearly defined (8)

29 Capital of Bahamas (6)

30 Freed from anxiety (8)

31 Young swan (6)

1 Lack of vitality (8)

2 Discreditable (8)

3 Painstaking attention (4)

5 Seemingly from nowhere (3,2,4,3)

6 Bargain (4)

7 Resolved (6)

8 Silent (6)

11 Systematic and practical (12)

15 Physically unsound (5)

16 Go stealthily (5)

18 Biased (8)

19 Barely (4,4)

21 The German emperor (6)

22 Happened to (6)

26 Give as example (4)

27 Crazily ridiculous (4)

THE ALPHABEATER

22 Wish. down: 2 Withdrawal, 3 Pump, 4 Rotate, 5 Sconce, 6 Appraise, 7 Edge, 11 Voluminous, 13 Aptitude, 16 Enrich, 17 Detail, 18 Give, 20 Chew.

CAN you crack the Alphabeater? Each grid number represents a letter – or black square. As in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet is used. But you have to complete the grid too! Use the given letters and black squares below the grid to start. The grid is ‘rotationally symmetrical’ – in other words, it looks the same if you turn the page upside down.

targEt thE alphapuzzl across: Sensual, Toxicity, Blowzy, Pretty, Disgrace, Conquer. down: Assail, Wrought, Justly, Preens, Archive, Tundra (clue).

catalEpSy apace apse aptly aspect cape CATALEPSY clap clasp espy lapse leap leapt pace pact palace palate pale palest palsy pascal past pasta paste pastel pasty pate peal peat peaty pelt pest petal placate place plate play playa plea pleat scalp sepal sept slap slept space spat spate spay spec spelt splat splay staple step tape taps type yelp

Yesterday’s Kakuro Answer

● Alternatively, for six Extra Letter clues to your mobile, text DXBEAT to 64343. Texts cost £1 plus your usual operator

A new sophisticated hotspot

By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net

The latest addition to help revitalise the City of Nassau is a new upscale dining venue located on a historically important street. Offering both Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, Da Art District Lounge on Delancy Street combines a rich past with a new approach to the curated dining experience.

Built in the 1970s, the walls of the restaurant have been witness to countless stories and milestones.

“We bring this rich heritage to the present with curated dining experiences, handcrafted specialty drinks, stellar service and panoramic views of the city,” the owners said.

Mack Altidor of Da Art Lounge told Tribune Weekend the concept of the new space was inspired by his love of food, art, architecture and history.

“Delancy Street is rich in history and culture; the entire neighbourhood is surrounded by art and history. I felt that the restaurant would be the perfect addition to the area. What we are now bringing is simply the art of food by using local Bahamian ingredients to create the most exotic dishes,” he said.

The space features three sections: the Petticoat Lounge, which is the restaurant’s upscale dining area; the Runway Bar, which is an upbeat, hightempo bar, and the Southern Tip Cigar Lounge where guests can choose from a selection of fine cigars.

The menu features Mediterranean and Asian fusion dishes, using all local ingredients.

Mack said guests can enjoy menu items such a, the soft-shell crab sliders, pad thai, ribeye steak and local Bahamian seafood dishes such as conch, snapper and lobster.

“We don’t just prepare food, we create experiences. We pair classic Bahamian items with international flavours; that gives us the perfect balance. While I like everything on the menu, I must say that one of my favourites has to be the pad thai noodles,” Mack said.

“Everyone absolutely loves it. They have been raving about the flavours of the food and the specialty drinks curated with the finest ingredients. From the atmosphere to the service, we have been receiving great reviews.”

Mack envisions the future of Da Art District Lounge as a very bright one, as it offers a diverse menu that caters to both locals and tourists. He said the team is prepared to form strong relationships with the surrounding businesses. This, he explained, will allow them to have a strong presence in the area and in the industry.

“Da Art District is looking forward to hosting private events and showcasing local artists during our Artist Spotlight nights on Fridays – indulging in the sweet sounds of jazz, calypso and rake n’ scrape,” said Mack.

Rain, again

Good day, gardeners. It is evident that the rainy season is upon us. Are you collecting rainwater? If not, why not?!

Rainwater is worth its weight in gold to a plant, and in turn to the gardener doing the cultivating. The more sensitive types of ornamental plants, as with prayer plants, peace lilies, maidenhair ferns, Rex begonias, etcetera.

The indoor and shade loving types. Frangipani trees are loving it. Don’t even talk about all the sweet fruit in the field right now. The Rainwater is a signal to grow, to reap, to wait, or to show. The signal is received by those sweet fruit, the soon to be buttery avocado the sweet and soft dilly, and the scarlet plums are gorgeous right now.

Yes, you can do this in any space that receives some natural light. Night owls, that’s a whole different discussion, we’ve got you as well.

A good place to start with is the Zamioculcas zamiifolia; ZZ for short. Nice to meet you. Yes, we hang out well in the office too. We’ve got plants that thrive in very low light situations as well! They love rainwater too. Give them a moment when possible and they’ll show off a bit. Don’t leave it too long… too much saturation is a bit of a shock for plants that are acclimatized to low light, dry conditions.

Any space has the option to be utilised to grow something green… ish…. or not.

Back to the rain in the road, lakes and t’ing. Water collection is one of those things that just makes sense,

it is after all, free to collect other than the holding tank and a bit of guttering.

Rainwater is absolutely the best water for plants, hands down. A lot of old timers are whispering that the rain will be short lived and we’re expecting drought, I don’t foresee that as the weather folks are calling for an active storm season, and with that comes rain in excess, but who’s to know?

The fruit trees are heavily laden and the wasps are setting up camp very low to the ground. These are both signs of an active storm season ahead, according to the tales that have been told by some.

Do you have low areas in your garden that water sits in or collects? If so, this is the perfect place to put plants that do well with excess amounts of water, here are a few examples; ginger – ornamental ginger, not the edible ginger it prefers it a bit dryer, banana, bamboo, Sabal palm (cabbage top), silver or green buttonwood, sea ox eye daisy, or maybe fruit trees or shrubs such as mulberry, governor’s plum, etcetera, there are many more to be sure . Some plants will tolerate sitting with what is referred to as “wet feet” where they are saturated or even exist regularly with roots submerged for periods of time without while being

beneficial to the plant (and everything else, mosquitoes too).

Pineapple plants as with most bromeliads, do not want deep or overly saturated ground, nor do mango or avocado. Coconut palms or Barbados cherry may tolerate being saturated. In the rainy season it is particularly important to pay attention to how deeply newly installed trees, palms, or grafted plants are situated in the ground. Palms and trees will suffer when planted too deeply eventually and most especially hastened during the rainy season. Why? Well, the root flare is the natural point that shows itself at the soil level.

Now, when one plants a palm or tree too deep, it forces a non-rooting part of the plant to be in an environment that harbours pests, disease, and pathogens that can lead to fungal rot, yep, the ground. or rot from simply being too wet.

There are hormonal triggers that dictate as to whether a certain part of a plant will grow leaves, flowers, seeds, branches, and roots etcetera.

Once a tree, for example a grafted mango tree, is planted too deeply beyond the root flare, it places a part of the plant (the trunk) below the soil line that is not meant to be there.

The hormonal triggers that dictate what part of a plant will grow roots, is determined, and set early in the growth stage. When one takes a palm tree, which does not ever produce roots from the trunk, a grafted tree or any other fruiting or flowering material that is relatively mature to the point of hard wood, the bottom several inches of the trunk are hormonally set to NOT produce more roots above the root flare.

For the propagators yes, some species we do, from hardwood. Different subject. So rather than triggering roots, planting some types of trees, palms, and shrubs too deep allows for gradual, ever so slowly, and very subtly until possibly, it’s too late. As always, I wish you happy gardening.

• Adam Boorman is the nursery manager at Fox Hill Nursery on Bernard Road. You can contact him with any questions you may have, or topics you would like to see discussed, at gardening242@gmail. com.

ZAMIOCULCAS zamiifolia

More Things Pop Up Shop is back for Summer

Family-friendly event aims to enliven Eleuthera

By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net

The social scene on the island of Cupid’s Cay, Eleuthera will be given a much-needed boost with the staging of the fourth biannual More Things Pop Up Shop this weekend.

Organisers have been positioning the event as a staple on the calendar for the island, giving residents and visitors alike an opportunity to peruse unique products and enjoy family-friendly fun outdoors.

All of the excitement takes place June 10-11.

More Things is an outdoor biannual intimate pop-up market that features small businesses offering apparel, accessories, home décor, pastries, games, food and other goods.

Talk of The Tee Boutique is one of the organisers, in conjunction with Tri Tu’s Governor’s Harbour and Pivotal Flow Advisors.

With every new More Things experience comes more work and things to accomplish, the organisers said.

“The goal is to continually grow. After each event, I challenge myself in thinking, what can we do to make this bigger and better? This year I sought to reach out to more local businesses for sponsorship. The team behind More Things Pop Up experience is small and we do what we can, but I know with more assistance we can be so much bigger and better, which is the goal,” said the owner of Talk Of the Tee and More Things founder.

“This is our fourth biannual event, and I remember reaching out for sponsorship for the second instalment. I sent out seven letters and received a response to just one. It was a little discouraging, but the turn-out of that event didn’t reflect that at all. I live according to the mantra that nothing good comes easy, so I know for sure we will hear a lot of no’s before we receive the yes’s.”

The event has grown tremendously since its inaugural staging, securing sponsorship from 10 entities. It’s a testament that people see the value of what the event brings to the island, a representative said.

“People see that we can pull it off, they see what this is doing in the community of Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, and they believe in the vision as much as we do. It exists and it is consistent.”

This weekend’s event will feature a new addition in the form of live music by the band New Vision.

Entertainment will also be provided by Popstylers Entertainment with Empress Shannie of Karaoke Royalty hosting the two days of festivities.

“There are so many new things happening and I am so excited just thinking about it. There is always a fun spot play section for kids, which is ideal for them, as their parents browse and shop from the vendors. This year one of our vendors includes an actual arcade bus called the Xtreme Game Express. Kids will get to enjoy that experience and so much more,” the event’s founder said.

Other vendors for this Summer event include Cocojo – a mixologist offering cocktails; Tri Tu’s Natural Drinks and Food; Talk of The Tee Boutique’s Custom Tees, Apparel and Accessories; BB’s World of Fun Hoopla Games; Caribbean Sushi; BeYoutiful Boutique – women’s clothing and accessories; Bella’s Flavored Ice; Tootsie’s Treats and B Cool 242 - food and soft drinks; 20 On Things – electronics, clothing and household items; Refined Edges – edge control and haircare; Twice But Nice Consignment – preowned clothing; Emma’s Taste – lemonade and Haitian cuisine; Tropical Snow 242 – cotton candy, snow cones and hot dogs; Naughty Popcorn – adult flavored popcorn, and Xtreme Game Express.

Beyond providing residents with a shopping experience like none other, organisers are pleased to also provide small businesses with more exposure and a platform to grow their client base.

Ultimately though, organisers hope everyone has a worthwhile experience.

“Being from the island and growing up there as a child, I was always

excited when events would come around to attend, especially new ones. I think More Things, if it hasn’t already, is building the same momentum. Islanders love getting into things to do, as there is not always much to do until an annual event rolls around like a homecoming or a regatta festival. We are happy to be one of many, providing such an exciting platform as this for the whole family. Last Christmas we had the Grinch walking around the grounds of the event, and the adults and kids alike were so excited to just enjoy all the warm and welcoming happenings. It’s safe, it’s fun and it’s quickly turning into a must-attend,” said the event’s founder.

Putting on an event of this magnitude is not easy, however, but More Things organisers are committed to presenting the event every year.

“Leading up to these events I am a nervous wreck. I am actually a nervous wreck right now because the weather doesn’t know what it wants to do. But we are praying for good weather, great results and good times. With each event, we create new memories. I enjoy looking at photos from the very first More Things event to the current. It shows our growth.”

Sponsors this Summer include Popstylers Entertainment, Julbert Cadet Car Rentals, Beach Bums Island Rentals, Pivotal Flow, Starling Global, Hance Deal Electrical, The Governor’s Harbour Development Association, The Anchor Bay Fish Fry Association, Saint Hill Concierge, and Sweet Spot Café.

literary lives

The Snows of Kilimanjaro – Part I

Sir Christopher Ondaatje writes about Africa’s fabled Kilimanjaro – the world’s largest freestanding mountain, and one of the Earth’s greatest volcanoes.

“Kilimanjaro is a snow-covered mountain 19,710 feet high, and is said to be the highest mountain in Africa. Its western summit is called ‘Ngàje Ngài’, the House of God. Close to the western summit there is the dried and frozen carcass of a leopard. No one has explained what the leopard was seeking at that altitude.”

– Ernest Hemingway

The Snows of Kilimanjaro, 1936

One of the biggest mistakes I have ever made in my life was in 2001 when I didn’t climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I was there fully equipped with the hunter and experienced safari guide Joerg Bondzio, who had climbed Kilimanjaro three times. However, I had a terrible hip problem which required a replacement the following year in London.

Instead, at the end of a three-week research trip following Ernest Hemingway’s two African safaris (1933-34 and 1953-54) for my book Hemingway in Africa (2003), we rented a small Cessna plane and flew from Arusha airport at 6.45am. It was an amazing dawn flight. Dazzling.

Nearly thirty minutes later we approached Kilimanjaro. On the right we saw the jagged peak of Mawenzi, and on the left the stunning, square topped peak of Kibo.

As we flew directly into the blazing light between the peaks the sun seemed suddenly to shift, shooting brilliant beams of light from the snow-capped heights, nearly six thousand metres above sea level.

We circled the summit, past Leopard Point at the eastern edge of the crater, around past the northeastern limits of Gilman’s Point, then around the flat raggedy slopes of Shira and back again to the south side. Higher this time, we made our

second pass around the eastern edge of the crater. The Great Peak that appeared on our left over the southern rim of the crater was Uhuru – the highest point in Africa. We made a third pass, green tents visible below us. Then Kibo hut. Again, we flew between Mawenzi and Kibo with Uhuru peak to our left and there once more was Leopard Point, poking up as a brown pinnacle from the eastern depths of the crater. For what seemed an eternal moment we were suspended over the centre of the crater, gazing directly into its depths. Then we

TWO of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones- Kibo (left) and Mawenzi (right)

FILMMAKER David Breashears scaled Africa’s highest peak for his IMAX production

sped away. I became aware of a strange fuzzyheadedness and grabbed for the oxygen bottle. Within less than a minute we were slowly descending, Kibo and Mawenzi already in the distance.

The Maasai call Kilimanjaro “Ngàje Ngài”, the House of God. I could see why. I had of course looked as closely as I could at Leopard Point, the place where Donald Latham had found the carcass

in 1926 that inspired Hemingway’s story. Now I had seen for myself just how high the intrepid creature had climbed and how far removed it had been from its familiar terrain. What it was seeking at that altitude was no clearer to me (or anyone else) than before. But why Hemingway had hit upon the specific image to open “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” did seem clarified.

Twenty-one years later, my two daughters, Sarah and Jans, climbed the great mountain. But before that historian Audrey Salkeld and filmmaker and climber David Breashears had together made a fascinating ascent of the mountain and produced a stunning book and film both titled Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa.

“From the door of my tent I have a magnificent view of Kilimanjaro and its massive Breach Wall, which rises in an almost vertical sweep for several thousand feet. Minute by minute, as the light changes and clouds drift across the mountain face, the mood in this high valley suddenly changes. In the mornings everything sparkles and it is impossible not to feel high spirited, but when the mists roll in, usually towards midday, an open paradise becomes transformed into something mysterious. You sense the mountain walls huddling around you and boulders and trees look like strangers in the shadows.”

– Audrey Salkeld

Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa

Unexplored by Europeans until the middle of the 19th century, Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano located in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania.

Breashears’ trekking party included a selfcontained 12-year-old from Boston; a 13-year-old Tanzanian; a Danish fashion model and leading authority on earthquakes; and the sexagenarian author Audrey Salkeld, climbing the mountain for the first time. They climbed from savanna into thick forest, where elephants forage amid indigenous plants from gem-like orchids to tree ferns that reach 30 feet or more. Then onto the mountain’s middle regions, where giant heathers, groundsel and lobelias grow, each adapted to this strange environment that is tropical by day, but frigid at night. By the time the team reached the arctic region and the summit, we learn to share their sense of achievement, exhilaration, and wonder. Gazing outward across the Continent from the summit of its highest mountain, they witness an extraordinary panorama made up not merely of stunning views but of vivid history as well. They all came to understand the wisdom of Jacob Kyungai, their guide, who warned Breashears before the tough, final push to the summit:

“The climb tomorrow is the biggest hurdle, and it requires stamina and strength of heart. They won’t know if they have it until they need it.”

To be continued ...

• Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of The Last Colonial.

GREGORY Peck looking up at Susan Hayward in a scene from the film The Snows Of Kilimanjaro, 1952, based on the short story by Ernest Hemingway

MOUNT Kilimanjaro (Greg Montani_Pixabay)

Free people of colour

Sean McWeeney’s book

“Breaching the Gates” (2000) is “an account of the seminal struggle for civil rights” in the early 19th century at a time when race was the defining feature of Bahamian political and social order.

“In the waning days of slavery, a time of great upheaval, a cadre of free men of colour agitated for the removal of racial barriers – nonwhites were not allowed to testify against whites; they could not serve as jurors; they were not allowed to stand as candidates for election to the House of Assembly and they were barred from voting.

In the days leading up to the abolition of slavery, there were some 6,200 people living on New Providence, of whom 62 percent were slaves. Whites accounted for another 25 percent. The remaining 13 percent were ‘free people of colour’, made up of 565 ‘free blacks’ and 509 ‘free coloureds’.

Free people of colour were allowed to marry – to pass on their status to their children; to leave their property, by will, to whomsoever they named; to buy, to own, to sell property (including slaves); to choose a trade, but ‘free man of colour’ was only an indication that one was not a slave. In no way did it imply equality with whites.”

The free coloured protest group was drawn from a narrow core of people and its adherents were overwhelmingly mulattos (offspring of a white person and a negro) and the cluster of blood relatives was significant.

There were five members of the McKinney clan, four of the Minns family and three of Stephen Dillet’s family, including his half-brothers John Goodman and Edward Laroda. Stephen (1796-1880) was a tailor; Samuel Minns (1805-1857), this columnist’s great-grandfather, was a baker; James Minns (1807-1876) a carpenter; Thomas Minns (b 1809)

a munitions-maker, and John Minns (1811-1863) a mechanic.

Samuel, James and Thomas were born ‘slaves’, but they and their mother had been manumitted by their father (John Minns 1771-1830), so their younger siblings, like John Minns (1811-1863), were born ‘free’.

Though they continued to agitate, their behaviour never prompted violence, nor did they behave like what the whites probably expected. But the House of Assembly’s loathing of Governor Sir James CarmichaelSmyth was a stumbling block.

The House had assured Carmichael-Smyth that “whilst he remained here, they would not entertain the subject” of removing civil disabilities from free coloureds and free blacks, but when he was replaced by Lieutenant Governor Blayney Townley Balfour, the House had no credible excuse for procrastination.

“Besides, there were larger, more compelling reasons for the whites to capitulate to the free coloureds.”

Firstly, the free coloureds were better organised as a pressure group and were not about to cease just because Carmichael-Smyth was gone, so they had to be placated. Secondly, there was no doubt that the British government would soon abolish slavery and the whites realised that once slavery was abolished, free coloureds would be their only allies.

“Appeasement of the free coloured was no longer a question of principle…it had become a matter of political necessity…even to the most intransigent colonial legislature, it was clear that the free coloured could not continue to be discriminated against, when all blacks and coloured would, by English law, become equal citizens with whites.”

In 1833, a bill ‘to remove all civil disabilities from free coloured and free black subjects (liberated Africans and other African natives excepted) was introduced by the dominant white clique and, on

September 24, 1833, Balfour signed into law an Act to Relieve His Majesty’s Free Coloured and Free Black subjects of the Bahama Islands From All Civil Disabilities. This act made free coloureds eligible to vote and eligible to stand for election to the House of Assembly.

The General Election of December 1833 was the first real test. It should be noted that

voting was not confined to one single day. It was spread over several days.

The four seats of the Town of Nassau were the first to be contested and Stephen Dillet easily won one of them. In the words of McWeeney, “The lily-white Assembly was no more” and, for the first time, a man of colour (three of them, in the final count) had been elected to a seat in the House.

Two days later, John Deane and Thomas Minns were elected, unopposed, and on January 17, 1834, Dillet, Deane and Thomas Minns were sworn in and took their seats in the House of Assembly.

At a bye-election, in August 1834, James Minns was elected for Andros, and two years later Dillet, Deane, Thomas Minns, James Minns and Edward Laroda all won seats in a General Election – a number that would not be surpassed until well into the 20th century.

The House of Assembly was not the only institution whose composition ceased to be totally white. By 1836, half of the six-man Christ Church Vestry (Boyd, John P Deane and Samuel Minns) were coloured. At St Matthew’s church, Laroda and James Minns were elected to the Vestry.

In 1834, Deane, Dillet, Laroda and three Minns brothers (James, Samuel and Thomas) were commissioned into the previously all-white ranks of the Militia. The gates had been breached.

In addition to being a Member of the House of Assembly for nearly 25 years, Dillet served, almost ubiquitously, in a long list of official posts - ADC to the Governor, Chief of Police, Coroner, Justice of the Peace, Major in the Militia, member of the Board of Works and trustee of the public bank.

Outliving nearly all his colleagues in the struggle for civil rights, Stephen Dillet died on October 7, 1880, at his home on Market Street, the building we know as Balcony House.

• For questions and comments, please send an e-mail to islandairman@gmail.com

ROSETTA AGNES MINNS, daughter of Samuel Minns (1805-1857), married James Edward Aranha; grandmother of Paul C Aranha.

PAUL C ARANHA FORGOTTEN FACTS

Animal matters

Kim Aranha

“Hey, Chiefie!”

“Yes, Gabby?”

“Well, I’m thinking”.

“OK, go ahead”.

They lay side by side, wagging their tails as they look down on Earth.

“Well, I’m a little worried.”

“What are you worried about, Gabby? You have everything you could possibly want up here on Rainbow Bridge”

Gabby’s tail slowed down a little bit and she looked at Chief.

“Yeah, I know I do, but I’m kind of worried about my humans. I always used to go to work with my dad and now he goes alone. He doesn’t take anybody to work with him now.”

“Why doesn’t he take somebody else with him, Gabby?”

“I heard him talking through the clouds; he doesn’t because he said I was the very best of all the girls ever, and no one would ever be as good or as well behaved as me and everybody loved me.”

“Well, you know, Gabby, all humans have a lot of trouble getting over us coming up to Rainbow Bridge. We settled in pretty quickly, but they take forever.

“Gabby, look at my mom. She still remembers how perfectly perfect I was and I keep telling her in her dreams that she needs to stop thinking about me so much but she won’t stop. You know Gabby, they just don’t stop. They love us so much they just can’t stop remembering us.”

“Well, Chief, I think they might’ve been worried that you didn’t mention me in the last letter you wrote to your mom.”

“I did mention you, didn’t I,” Chiefie said looking all surprised.

“No, you didn’t. You said nothing about me at all!”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Gabby. We have become good friends! Would hate for you to think that I forgot you!”

Gabby’s wagging grew quicker.

“I know, Chiefie”

Chief looked at his friend. She’s a cheeky little thing, he thought to himself. She’s always worried about her fur being nicely brushed and she loves to wear bandannas, but the problem about bandannas is they get caught up

Conversation under a cloud on the Rainbow Bridge

in her wings, but she doesn’t seem to care.

She’s settled in very well. She’s very happy and has made lots of friends, including with the corgi dogs. The corgis have to rotate because there are so many of them that they can’t all be up there with Her Majesty at the same time, so when they come back down, they play with Gabby. And guess what? Gabby had a sleepover. Yup, she had to learn how to be a royal dog for the night. Pretty good for a little Bahamian gal, don’t you think?

Chiefie got to thinking how things up on Rainbow Bridge are really going well. He has lots friends and they have a pretty good celestial time.

He got to thinking about how amazed his mum would be if she knew that he had a conversation with a cat! And he didn’t chase it.

Chiefie was thinking about what he was told: “St Francis says that’s because when we are up here we love everybody and everybody loves everything so we have no need to chase cats! That pussycat was a pretty intelligent animal. Wow, he’d been on earth 28 years!

“Can you imagine”, Chiefie thought, “none of us doggies get to stay down there for that long.”

Gabby was watching her friend.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

“I was just thinking about how we

should invite the new arrival, Coco (Butterball) Wells, to come and join some of our conversations under a cloud. I must ask Nimba to see how she is doing. She just arrived and is learning how to use her wings, and legs and be young again. She was from the Bahamas too.”

The sun was setting over the Bahamas and Gabby and Chief, joined by Boss and Buddy, walked over to the chew stick tree. Chief could never get over how when you oinked one off the tree another one appeared.

“You know”, Chief said to his friends, “this was one of the things that most amazed me when we came here, these chew stick trees.”

All four of them rolled around on their backs. Soon it would be night and they will spread their wings and fly to check on the humans from their before life, stepping in to a dream or two, or just standing very still beside their beds watching them sleep.

Sometimes when you hear a sound that reminds you of a former friend panting, if you open your eyes quickly, you just might see…. Oops, not you won’t, you are just not quick enough and they are just too quick…

Rainbow Bridge dwellers peer down at us, and as there are no bad dogs, just owners, it is a full and happy place.

Celeb offspring serve looks for prom

Simple, elegant, and in some cases, surprisingly affordable, were the gowns and suits chosen by this year’s crop of celebrity kids attending prom 2023.

ROMAN PEETE, son of actress Holly Robinson Peete (“21 Jump Street”) and former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete went to prom with a date and all his boys.

(Photos/Instagram)

ACTORS Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Dondré T Whitfield’s daughter Parker attended senior prom with Brando Fuqua, son of actress Lela Rochon-Fuqua and filmmaker Antoine Fuqua.

SEAN “Diddy” Combs and Sarah Chapman’ daughter Chance shined at her junior prom.

BRONNY JAMES, the oldest son of LeBron James and Savannah James, who University of Southern Californiabound, opted for a unique suit from Chrome Hearts.

KEVIN Hart’s daughter Heaven Leigh posed for a photo with her famous comedian dad before attending prom.

ALAURA KIMES, daughter Dr Heavenly Kimes of Married to Medicine fame is fol- lowing in her mom’s footsteps by attending Florida A&M University in this Fall.

R&B singer Monica’s oldest son, Rodney Ramone (Rocko) Hill III, with his date Saniyah Kennedy.