The Tribune
Friday, December 9, 2016
art books entertainment fashion podcasts relationships food
Weekend
2016 film festival Pages 10&11
Having a ball Put fun back into your workout Fitness, pages 14&15
02 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, December 9, 2016
life through a lens PHOTOS/SHAWN HANNA
Easy on the palate
W
INE enthusiasts and connoisseurs enjoyed an afternoon at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas indulging their palates courtesy of Commonwealth Brewery’s inaugural Wine Experience last Saturday. Guests and Wine Club members were able to taste and savour over 70 wines - new arrivals and old favourites - over four hours under the guidance of six international wine experts. “They were sharing with patrons the types of wine to buy for the holiday, and giving patrons tips on pairing wine with food. They shared about how the wines were made and how they were doing internationally,” Therese Demeritte, wine brand representative at Commonwealth Brewery, said. Some of the most popular wines on the day were Lamarca Prosecco and Primal Roots. Ms Demeritte said the Wine Experience will be an annual event. “We had a crowd of about 200 people, but we wanted more. All that tells us is that there is an opportunity for the event to grow,” she told Tribune Weekend.
Have you taken a selection of photographs that might make a Life through a lens feature page? If so please submit it to weekend@ tribunemedia.net for consideration
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Friday, December 9, 2016
Inside Weekend Interview 4 - 5 Veteran journalist, volunteer and mother Lindsay Thompson tells the story of her life Food 7 Take a culinary trip down Bimini Road
Art 8 Recover draws inspiration from life after Hurricane Matthew
Entertainment 9 Spirit of Christmas and Winter Wander
Film 10-12 Bazodee and I Had A Dream feature at BIFF this weekend, reviews of Hacksaw Ridge and Office Christmas Party Fitness 14-15 Regina Smith says get on the ball with the Bosu Balance Trainer
Fashion 16-17 Hits, splits and fails on the red carpet at the Sing Premiere and a Bahamian designing kit for boxers Podcasts 18 The truth about Rudolph the red-nosed Reindeer
Design Your Lifestyle 19 Victoria Sarne says grow old disgracefully
Books 20-21 Heath Fowler on spiritual warfare, Amanda Diedrick on Green Turtle Cay’s history Literary Lives
23-25 George Orwell, an animal in the farmyard of political satire
Forgotten Facts 25 Bahamian history in old postcards
My perfect Bahamian weekend Allison Miller Optometry assistant and Tribune religion contributor
est creations. I may make it my business to go to the beach every summer. I went at least 10 times this past summer.
Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday lunch? I prefer Sunday lunch. Three things happen on Sundays: it’s a childhood tradition that stuck with me through my adulthood.
Q: What is the one thing you can’t live without? The one thing I can’t live without is chicken. I want to be a vegan but I would have to be a vegan with chicken or one who eats chicken.
Q: Beach or sofa? The beach definitely. I love the sea. We live in a country that is surrounded by water and, as natives, we should appreciate it and I do. It is one of God’s great-
Q: Weekend away, where would go and why? I would take a weekend in Hachet Bay, Eleuthera. My mom lives there so any and every opporunity to hang with her I’ll take.
Things 2 Do this weekend Friday • Christmas At The ER Time: 7pm Venue: The University of The Bahamas Performing Arts Centre DEP Productions’ comedy follows a group of locals who find themselves in a hospital emergency room on Christmas Eve after falling ill and try to get seen quickly in order to get home in time for the big day. DNA leader Branville McCartney makes a cameo appearance. Also on Saturday. • Bahamas International Film Festival Time: from 11am Venues: Galleria JFK Cinema, Galleria Mall at Marathon, Pirate Republic Girl Flu, The House on Coco Road, DIVA: Enemy of the People and Barbados Surfer Girl are among the films on show at the 2016 BIFF in Nassau. Full schedule at www. bintlfilmfest.com
Gardening 28
• Island Rock Concert Series Time: 9pm Venue: Hard Rock Cafe, Charlotte Street ‘Settle Down’ star Tebby features in the latest Live. Loud. Legendary series.
Jack Hardy advises on when and how to plant onions
Saturday
COVER PHOTO | Shawn Hanna
• Errol Brown’s Children in Need
Animals 27 In defence of animals in our use of language
Q: Wine, Kalik, rum or cocktail? Wine for sure. I’m not a drinker so I can get by with occasional drinking wine.
Charity golf tournament Time: 8am Venue: Ocean Club Golf Course, Paradise Island. This will be the second tournament since the passing of founder and patron, Errol Brown, the singer who died last year. • Bahamas International Film Festival Time: from 11am Venues: Galleria JFK Cinema, Galleria Mall at Marathon, Pirate Republic Papa: Hemingway in Cuba and Heaven’s Floor are among the films on show at the 2016 BIFF in Nassau. Full schedule at www.bintlfilmfest.com • Ja Rule & Friends Hurricane benefit concert Time: 5pm to 3am Venue: National Stadium The Caribbean and the US comes together to support hurricane relief, featuring Ja Rule, Ashanti, Sean Kingston, Alison Hinds, Peter Ram, Farmer Nappy and Marvay. Tickets from Airbrush Junkies, Mall at Marathon. $30 general, $60 VIP. • The Red Dress Soiree Time: 6.30pm Venue: Imperial Ballroom, Atlantis A high energy runway show honouring 12 exceptional Bahamian women and celebrating local
fashion designers with 12 haute couture red gowns, all to benefit the Bahamas AIDS Foundation. Entertainment, gourmet dinner and silent auction. • Christmas In The Garden Time: 9am to 3pm Venue: Goodfellow Farms Get in the festive spirit with a holiday craft show and gifts sale from a wide range of Vendors. Lunch available 11am to 3pm. • Ardastra’s Countdown to Christmas Movie Marathon Time: 5.30pm to 8pm Venue: Ardastra Gardens The second Saturday in the preChristmas series of movies - this time | Elf is showing. Entry for nonmembers is $5, members free.
Sunday • Strut your Mutt Time: 4pm Venue: Goodman’s Bay West BAARK! Bahamas event gives humans with or without their four-legged friends the chance to exercise. Raffle prizes. Registration from 2.45pm to 3.45pm • Bahamas International Film Festival Time: 7pm Venue: Fort Stanley, Fort Charlotte Badozee closes the 2016 BIFF in Nassau. SEE PAGES 10-11
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Friday, December 9, 2016
interview From boats capsizing in shark-infested waters to Sir Lynden Pindling’s last election campaign, veteran journalist Lindsay Thompson has been at the forefront of news reporting in the Bahamas. She tells Cara Hunt about her career path and principles and life as a mother and volunteer
Lindsay Thompson
L
indsay Thompson believes in telling stories and has been doing so for more than 25 years. The veteran journalist, currently the Senior Information Officer at Bahamas Information Services (BIS), has reported on three different Prime Ministers, countless Bahamian milestones and has worked in every field, whether it be hard news, features, sports or business. “I have done it all,” she told Tribune Weekend. However, journalism was not her her first career choice. “I always thought that I would be a teacher. In fact the year after I graduated from St Aquinas College, I started as a teacher’s aide for a year.” It was not until she was at Selma University in Alabama and took Journalism 101, that she realised her true passion. “I had written for our school newspaper in high school. And then in college I took the class and I think that is when I realised that this was what I was born to do.” After college, Lindsay applied for a position at The Nassau Guardian. “I gave my resume to Chris Symonnette and I think I must have nagged him for about six months. I kept calling him. Finally in February of 1990, I was hired. And I remember that at that final interview; he told me that it was my persistence that paid off and got me the job. I knew
when I started that I had made the right career choice,” she added. Lindsay worked at the company for 14 years, starting as a cub reporter, covering every aspect of news in the paper. When asked what the best aspect of journalism is, she says simply “knowledge.” “Apart from the person who is telling you the information, you are the first person who knows and how you interpret what they are telling you is really how others will experience it. You have to be able to tell the story without inserting yourself into the story,” she says, There are a few incidents which she says stand out in her storied career. One of the most impactful stories was when she was sent to Nelson Cay, off Rum Cay, when a Haitian boat capsized. “The boat capsized in sharkinfested waters and they had to bury them in a mass grave. The Guardian sent me with a camera to cover the story. It was just unbelievable; you saw these people being buried in a mass grave. I had never seen a mass grave before and you didn’t know who they were. They were just 12 bodies.That is something that has just stayed with me,” she said. Another career highlight, she says was being assigned to cover former Sir Lynden Pindling in the 1997 general election. The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) was in opposition at that time and would lose the
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Friday, December 9, 2016
election. Although Sir Lynden retained his seat, he later resigned from the House of Assembly and active politics. Lindsay says she remembers a man who ran his final campaign on his terms. “I went with him all over the country during the campaign and even though the PLP lost that election, he had a great time, wherever he went, he was jovial, laughing and dancing with the people. “To me it seemed like he was bidding farewell to his people, like he knew he would be hanging up his hat and this was his one last chance to be with them and tell them thank you. “He gave it everything he had. I remember it would be thundering and lightning and I would call him and say, ‘are we still travelling today’ and he would say, ‘yes, meet me at the airport at this time’. So that whole period before he died in 2000 stood out to me. In 2004, Lindsay left The Guardian to work at BIS. “I am now a civil servant as opposed to a journalist so it’s different. But I am still writing and I will always be a news reporter at heart.” In her capacity as a Senior Information Officer at BIS, Lindsay’s duties include documenting the government’s activities. “We are the government agency of record. We craft and disseminate the government’s policy to the media. So we are the government’s publicist. We also organise press conferences. “I am also assigned to NEMA, which means that it is my responsibility to make sure that the public has the vital information it needs in the event of a disaster such as a hurricane, keeping them informed of the game plan for repairs and reconstruction.” In those times, such as during Hurricane Matthew in October, Lindsay says everything goes into overdrive and the work never ends, reminding her of the urgency and hustle and bustle of her days in news. Over the last 25 years, she said the landscape of the profession has changed. While she says there will always be challenges in investigative reporting due to the fact that the Bahamas is such a small community, she says journalists today are very aggressive when it comes to chasing stories and getting the bigger picture. She added that in the past, news was very driven by advertisers, something that she says she is glad to see is less of an issue today. As a veteran in the business, Lind-
Lindsay Thompson at her desk at BIS and above right helping at the Crisis Centre at Christmas. say feels compelled to help upcoming journalists develop their talents and professionalism. “Ethics and accountability have to be the hallmarks of the profession,” she says. In the late 1990s a press club was formed both as an opportunity for networking and as a way to raise the standards of the industry. While it faded after a few years, Lindsay was instrumental in its recent return. In the past two years, one of the highlights has been the Bahamas Press Club Annual Awards Banquet. “The first year we honoured the veterans of the profession such as Tribune publisher Eileen Dupuch Carron, former Nassau Guardian Publisher, the late Kenneth Francis and Jones Com-
“To me it seemed like he was bidding farewell to his people, like he knew he would be hanging up his hat and this was his one last chance to be with them and tell them thank you. He gave it everything he had.”
munications owner Wendall Jones. “This year we decided to honour the foot soldiers of the profession, the journalists who are out in the field every day. So we had a number of categories for the different areas of journalism. It has gone quite well and we hope to do bigger and better things next year.” When she is not working Lindsay is busy volunteering. “I love giving and sharing,” she says. She is a volunteer with Hands For Hunger - “I can’t fathom how there are people in the country who are hungry” - and at the Bahamas Crisis Centre, where she helps counsel people affected by abuse. She is also actively involved in her church, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.
She is a mother of two sons, Marcian and William, who she says are her life. Never one to back away from a challenge or remain inactive, Lindsay will take part in the International Visitor Leadership Programme, entitled Disaster Preparedness, in Washington DC, from Feburary 13 to March 3 as a guest of the United States Embassy. The programme will focus on US strategies to respond and recover from natural disasters and the preparation, mobilisation and co-ordination of all levels of government. The experience should be beneficial to her work with the National Emergency Management Association. “We are still a developing country,” she says, “and I see myself as part of the process, in whatever role I can play.”
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Friday, December 9, 2016
section
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Friday, December 9, 2016
food
A magic culinary trip down Bimini Road By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
I
f there was ever a time you wanted to “lay low in Bimini” - as the Stevie S song suggests - there is an alternative to jumping on a plane. The Bimini Road restaurant just over the Paradise Island bridge offers a scenic view which is sure to make one feel as if they are on the family island. Located in the active Marina Village, the multicoloured interior catches the eye upon opening the doors. There are painted sail boats atop the ceiling as decor, staff members who are ready to entertain with Junkanoo performances and tricks put on by Edward Richardson, the restaurant’s master magician. It is an experience. “It is a happy atmosphere and you would not walk in here and leave with a sad face. The waiters, staff and everyone here will entertain you. The magician entertains while you eat and it is just welcoming,” said Chef Iris Neymour Thomas. Chef Thomas shared her experience of working at Bimini Road, as well as in the field of culinary arts on the whole, with Tribune Weekend. “I’ve been in the career field now for the past ten years. I started out in stewarding and then later joined a culinary team. I have been a manager as a sous chef for the past four years and it has been quite an experience that I will never forget. I get to interact in different areas and I learn how to do different dishes all the time,” she said.
Fried Snapper
Conch salad
Cracked lobster
Having the opportunity to work at the Japanese restaurant Nobu and the Italian restaurant Casa D’Angelo, she is delighted to offer a taste of the Bahamas with native dishes at Bimini Road. The delicious menu offers picks such as fried snapper, jerk chicken, cracked lobster, conch salad, conch fritters, seafood taco, salads, sandwiches and island favorites like the slammed citrus chicken, mahi mahi, grilled beef rib eye and more. “I have been at Bimini Road for the past three months now and what I like most about being a chef is that you can always take a recipe and turn it into something more to experience a different taste. You can put a twist to everything and every ingredient. People love my food and sometimes they would even ask for the recipes on certain dishes but you know sometimes you can’t give out your secrets. That is one thing we are not allowed to do,” said Chef Thomas.
Conch Fritters
Jerk Chicken
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Friday, December 9, 2016
art
‘Community of Sorrow’ by Schuylar Cheng
‘Beauty Aftermath’ by Sheena Heastie
‘Catastrophic Beauty’ by Ashvonn Russell
Detail from Cordeia Munnings’ ‘Caught in The Wind’
Coming to terms with Matthew By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
T
he devastation wreaked by Hurricane Matthew in October has inspired an exhibition by students at the University of the Bahamas’ (UB) Visual Arts Department. ‘Recover’ is the title of the 2016 End of Year student exhibition at the Pro Gallery this month and explores how people deal with sensitive and traumatic situations. The department prides itself on offering students interactive learning experiences inside and outside its classrooms, studio spaces and The Pro Gallery. Its current programme focuses on the development of creative and conceptual skills in preparation for a professional career in the visual arts. Through a range of subject areas including drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, design and art history, students acquire a foundation for understanding visual forms and art as an act of creative self-discovery and expression. Its faculty includes Heino Schmid, Michael Edwards and Keisha Oliver, who are highly
regarded professionals in the areas of fine art, design and interdisciplinary practices. ‘Recover’ explores themes of recovery relating to the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. The collection of work includes traditional and experimental artistic responses which address how people, communities and landscapes were affected by the national disaster. Works will be on display until December 14. “This event presents insight into how we as people deal with sensitive and sometimes traumatic situations,” said Ms Oliver, Assistant Professor and Visual Arts Department Programme Co-ordinator. “Post Hurricane Matthew there seemed to be a deafening silence in classrooms as faculty and students tried to cope and regroup. Many students struggled balancing obligations at home with their class workload and you could feel and see their frustration. The theme for this year’s End of Year Show was created as a way for them to respond creatively to their situations with hopes that it would offer them some creative therapy.” Ms Oliver introduced the department’s End of Year Show concept in 2013 as a way to highlight the work produced by students enrolled
Schuylar Cheng
Cordeia Munnings
Ashvonn Russell
Sheena Heastie
in art courses during the fall semester. She is pleased to see how the concept has grown over the past three years. She said that for the students exhibiting, this event presented them with an opportunity to produce personal, honest and emotional pieces of work. Some of them were affected by Hurricane Matthew severely, and for them this was a creative release. Participating exhibitors included Schuylar Cheng, Alpha Darling, Aaliyah Davis, Janae Ferguson, Jevon Thompson, Jarrette Stubbs, Sheena Heastie, Cordeia Munnings, Ashvonn Russell, Sherelle Hutcheson, Matthew Rahming, Heath Nicolls, Annalecia Pinder, Nowé HarrisSmith, Charles Smith, Minolta Butler, Jonnique Beadle and Aleah Knowles. The exhibition focuses on traditional media including drawing, painting, photography, illustration and mixed media, with a few experimental works including sound, light and visual projections. The “Community of Sorrow” piece by Schuylar Cheng is a sculptural metaphor which references the reconstruction of Bahamian society while Cordeia Munnings’ “Caught in The Wind” piece touches on emotions during
times of distress. Munnings, who is originally from Grand Bahama, had a tough time regrouping after Hurricane Matthew. Sheena Heastie’s “Beauty Aftermath” is a series of photographs that share the devastation to the Bahamian landscape amid the hurricane while Janae Ferguson’s “Nature’s Wrath” is a sculptural form that challenges the concept of Mother Nature by focusing on the bleak and broken elements of the Bahamian landscape. “For the students who assisted in curating the show, this event allowed them to engage with the material covered this semester through a live project and work with the student exhibitors to develop, plan and execute a thought-provoking and well-received event. For guests, this event exists as a moment of reflection and inspiration. It presents a collection of work that challenges ideas on how we as individuals and communities respond to natural disasters,” said Ms Oliver. For more information about ‘Recover’ or UB’s Visual Arts Department and programming follow @UBVisualArts on social media or email Keisha Oliver on keisha.oliver@cob. edu.bs
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entertainment
Spirit of Christmas alive at Botanical Gardens By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
B
ahamians are invited to share in the “Spirit of Christmas” on Saturday as the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority will host their highly anticipated festive event at the Botanical Gardens. The event, being held in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment and Housing, will feature caroling, live bands, Christmas crafts, holiday treats, the garden of lights, food drinks and more, from noon to 9pm. Families are welcome to bring their biggest comfy blankets as there will be space on the lawn for all to enjoy the activities. “This is our second year,” said Lisa Humes, the event organiser. “The first year we just did a caroling service in the garden and we just wanted to expand it a little bit more this year, opening up to vendor displays and
Highlights of the 2015 ‘Spirit of Christmas’ at the Botanical Gardens performances and activities. We have added a Christmas village this year and we are also going to do a tree lighting service.” Initially, the event was brought to fruition with the intent to get people talking about the Botanical Gardens and it has turned into so much more, a spot for a family. “Botanical Gardens has been dormant for so long and when the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches took over, it was one of the
national spots that we wanted to revamp. We are excited about it because we had such a great turnout last year with so many families in the gardens who brought their chairs and blankets. They were able to just relax and enjoy the atmosphere and the music. We hope to see a lot more families come out and enjoy the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ with us,” said Lisa. Highlights this weekend will also include performances by the Urban Re-
newal Band, Defence Force Rangers, D Mac, Veronica Bishop and Puzzle. “There will be face painting for the kids, hoopla booths and so much more. We have also partnered this year with the Ministry of Tourism and we are very excited that they agreed. We expect to see some tourists there as well. We hope that they get a Bahamian Christmas experience when they visit the event this weekend,” said Lisa. She believes the gardens are expansive enough to make the event much bigger in years to come. Next year she is looking forward to bigger and better. “I would like to add, maybe, some pony rides because there is a big area where it can happen. Each year going forward we want to add something new to the table. My main goal is for families to come out and have a good time. During the holiday season it gets so rushy and busy that we forget that this is the time to spend with family and focus on the real reason for the season so I would like to see persons enjoying themselves. That is my whole vision for it,” said Lisa.
Get in the festive mood with ‘Winter Wander’ By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net AS they get in the holiday spirit, members of the CHAMPS empowerment organisation hope to inspire and uplift with their ‘Winter Wander’ event next week. Under the theme ‘Hope Lives’, ‘Winter Wander’ will take place at Starbucks, Palmdale, on December 20 at 6.30pm. CHAMPS’ ‘Winter Wander’ will feature spoken word, songs from old and new artists, beautiful music, a display of art and stories from one of Nassau’s newest authors, Raenall Wells. During the event, a small token will be given to a surprised audience mem-
ber who is attending the University of the Bahamas or college abroard, said Samita Ferguson, founder of CHAMPS. “These are hard times and as our message resonates on building hope; we desire to build hope for someone,” she said. “We hope that will encourage them to keep the dream alive. This act has always been a vision of CHAMPS organisation. We will, in 2017, ensure that the vision is on the move more than ever before.” Mrs Ferguson said the ‘Winter Wander’ presents a unique opportunity for people who have not yet gotten in the holiday cheer to do so. “I would like to encourage people to come out to this event because it is a positive event that will be uplifting, filled with happiness and love. What the world needs now is
Winter Wander is CHAMPS’ major event of the year love, more love,” she said. Though events hosted by the organisation are geared toward women, the event she said is for everyone. “This will be our major event for the year. Next year we anticipate engaging more in sharing our heart to the communities in tangible ways and going beyond this island to again reach one young lady at a time with positive empowerment. “We also plan on partnering with an
organisation which would encourage holistic change to our environment. We look forward to in the near future reaching out to some of our schools and ensuring that the programme is alive and running. This has been a gracious year of empowering our young women to make a difference and to be a difference in their communities, school and at home. There is no stopping us now we are on the move,” she said.
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film
Lee de Leon (Machel Montano) and Anita Panchouri (Natalie Perera) finding their groove during a Carnival Soca party in a scene from Bazodee.
Duty and desire mix in Trini-style love story Bazodee, the movie which closes the 2016 BIFF on Sunday, has taken ten years to get to the screen, writer Claire Ince tells Cara Hunt
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creen Writer Claire Ince has combined the drama of Bollywood-style films and the music of hit Soca artist Machel Montano with a classic love story set during Carnival in her new film ‘Bazodee’, which is set to close this year’s Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF). Claire recently told Tribune Weekend about her decade-long effort to get the project to the big screen and how she drew inspiration from the Trinidadian star’s music. “He is one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic artists ever and a man who has been at the heart of Carnival in Trinidad for many years. There is so much joy, celebration and togetherness in Soca music and in Carnival in general that I wanted to write a story that captured that feeling. Given that Machel Montano, Soca music and Carnival were major inspirations, it’s not surprising that I wrote a
love story.” It also meant that it had to be set in Trinidad and Tobagao. “That offered me an opportunity to explore a clash of cultures and class, and have the dynamic, visual background of Carnival,” she explained. ‘Bazodee’ tells the story of Anita Ponchouri (Natalie Perera), the dutiful Indian daughter of a deeply indebted businessman (Kabir Bedi) who is about to marry a wealthy Londoner (Staz Nair). A chance encounter with local Trinidadian singer, Lee de Leon (Montano in his film debut) sets things askew. In search of a muse, de Leon agrees to perform at the engagement party for both families. Unable to deny their mutual attraction, and with the excitement of Carnival approaching, Anita must now choose between the answer to her family’s financial prayers and the possibility of real love. Even in its early stages, the draft of the film was generating attention. It won the Bahamas Film Residency Programme in 2008. “The script continued to develop until
Claire Ince and her husband Ancil McKain, who run Indiepelago Films, on the set of Bazodee around 2014, when we locked our director, cast, key crew and funding. From initial idea in 2006 to production-ready script … that journey was about eight years,” she said. Claire initially approached Machel Montano in 2006 about the project. “The whole journey from idea to screen was ten years. In 2006, shortly after graduating NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts grad film programme, I cold called Machel Montano with the idea to do a musical that had his music at its centre. And then it took a while to write the script, attach talent, attach a director, and raise funding. “It was quite an unusual project and we wanted to do it with international talent so that meant it took some time finding the right people and putting together the budget, which was also made possible because of the film incentives in Trinidad and Tobago. “Despite the long time it took, we are all really thrilled with the final product … performances, visual style, music, everything comes together perfectly. They say everything good takes time, so ‘Bazodee’ bears witness to that.” Claire added that she has always been drawn to filmmaking and visual storytelling ever since she saw ‘The Sound of Music’ at a drive-in in her native Barbados. “But I didn’t have a sense then that people like me could make movies. Then I saw Euzhan Palcy’s ‘Sugar Cane Alley’ as a teenager and realised we could make powerful, emotional, beautiful films and I wanted nothing more than to be part of that. My primary love was and has always
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Friday, December 9, 2016
Twins tragic tale brought to life By Cara Hunt cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
K
arissa and Katie Strain’s new short film began literally with a dream that Karissa had about the unimaginable - the death of her twin sister. “My twin sister and I are best of friends, we always have been,” the Canadian screen writer told Tribune Weekend. “We are both very independent women, but our love is fierce and we are a huge part of each other’s lives. Not everyone is lucky enough to be born with a built in best friend, security blanket and general life cheerleader. “We know how fortunate we are, and we are also blessed to be able to work with one another as we share an immense passion for the art of film.” So when she had a dream about a year ago that Katie had died, she says it was devastating. “I woke up shaken, crying, my stomach hurt. I got out of bed, got some water and calmed myself
Continued from page 10 been writing (I started out writing poetry and short stories), and having discovered film, I went off to Howard University to do an undergraduate degree there.” She then got a MFA in screen writing at New York University. “It gave me an amazing base in terms of launching a screenwriting/film career. Graduating from NYU I got the opportunity to work in the industry as a script reader - working for production companies on the East Coast like 40 Acres and a Mule and Denis Leary’s Apostle Pictures - and learned so much about screenwriting, structure, format, pacing. In a way being a reader was almost as instructive as being in a screenwriting programme because you really do learn from reading scripts.” Claire says that she hopes the audience gets a sense of “togetherness” when they see ‘Bazodee’. “I’d like the audience to take away
before finally falling back to sleep. To my horrifying realisation, the dream continued, and I was able to speak to my sister’s ‘ghostly’ apparition. I asked her how could she have left me? If there was a God? Who should I be praying to, what should I be praying for? “My usually encouraging, supportive and vibrant sister answered me in an emotionless tone, ‘Do you think I wanted this? There is nothing here. We should have done something else, you could have been a lawyer, I could have been a doctor, we could have won some awards’ … and with that our time was up. I hugged her and clung to her as her apparition disappeared and I woke up.” Karissa said that the experience left her a mess. “I called my sister immediately, had her meet me at a coffee shop and balled my eyes out in public as I relayed the story to her. The thing is, it was devastation to feel the loss of my sister, but in that dream the loss of her also meant the loss of my love, the belief in my spirituality and the pursuit of my passion,” she explained. Katie was also shaken by the event that we can connect, understand and come to love each other, even if we’re very different on the outside. ‘Bazodee’ is a universal story about a woman who has her world turned upside down by falling in love, and that love allows her to live her truth. “I feel like the message of togetherness is more urgent than ever because we seem to be retreating to a place of insularity, of not appreciating that we are not so different. These days I’m really reminded of Maya Angelou’s inspiring poem, Human Family, which ends, ‘We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike’. In an age of (Donald) Trump that sense seems to be disappearing and we have to fight to make sure that we remember that basic human truth.” When it comes to her Carribean audience she added: “I would love them to take away how much of an example we can be in the largely harmonious way that we live, love and celebrate. ‘Bazodee’ is an example of that. “It’s great to be part of BIFF. It’s such
Twins Karissa and Katie Strain share their lives on and off screen. and the two decided to turn the experience into art. The result was “I Had a Dream”, one of the short films set to be shown at the Bahamas International Film Festival this weekend. “We needed to tell our story, a story that not only twins who share our type of bond could relate to, but anyone who has lost a loved one. Anyone who has lost someone they had a deep connection with. Lost someone that they had dreams and plans of the future with, dreams and plans that were shattered by death,” Karissa said. The film was created with no budget, she added, noting that it was self financed and filmed by a skeleton crew consisting of the twins and the director/ cameraman. an honour to be selected as the closing night film because Bazodee’s journey really started out of the Bahamas Film Residency Programme. Some of the mentors who served on that panel so long ago have been such an inspiration and encouragement through the very long journey it’s taken to bring the script to the screen. “These are folks I would never have met if not for the programme. I’d like to single out Jane Schoettle (Toronto International Film Festival) and Murray Accrue (screenwriter) and Malcolm Lee (director, The Best Man) who were so kind to give of their time and are so generous with emerging filmmakers period. “And through the film residency programme I also had an opportunity to meet Bahamian talent and I remember feeling like part of a larger Caribbean filmmaking community. So to come back now to BIFF and have the film screen is nothing short of a dream come true and I’m so grateful to Leslie Vanderpool
“It is not a beautifully or expertly crafted film. It wasn’t supposed to be. This film is about the story. We wanted to strip it back, to keep it as raw and real and vulnerable as possible, because essentially that is essence of the experience we were trying to relay. No fancy lighting or special effects or airbrushed make-up. It needed to be based solely on the emotions and context.” And while she says audiences may not rave about camera angles or the colouring or spectualar locations, they do hope that they feel the sisters’ emotions. “We hope the story touches them, as the experience touched us. That is what film has always been about, at its truest roots …the story.” I Had a Dream will be shown on Saturday at noon at Galleria JFK Cinema Theatre 3. for founding this festival, and the film residency programme in particular, because it really put the film on the map.” Looking forward, Claire says that ‘Bazodee’ is the first production of Indiepelago Films. “It’s a company run by me and my husband, Ancil McKain. We are starting work on another Caribbean-set, music-heavy drama that’s based on a true story, and I’m writing the script for a romantic comedy set in New York. Indiepelago Films is really about telling stories from the Latin American and Caribbean experience, making audience-driven films and focusing on how embracing diversity doesn’t weaken us, it makes us stronger,” ‘Bazodee’ stars Machel Montano, Staz Nair, Kabir Bedi, Valmike Rampersad and Natalie Perera. It will close the 2016 BIFF on Sunday at 7pm at Fort Stanley.
• cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
12 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, December 9, 2016
film photo: Mark Rogers/Summit
review
Mel Gibson back with a bruising tale Hacksaw Ridge running time: 138 mins
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s “Hacksaw Ridge” Mel Gibson’s redemption? Is it his atonement, or perhaps his miracle? These terms have all been bandied about in the run-up to Gibson’s first directorial effort in the 10 years since “Apocalypto”, which came out only a few months after news broke of Gibson’s drunken anti-Semitic rant, which has plagued his career ever since. But ‘Hacksaw Ridge’, the latest contribution to the canon of big World War II films, does not need a redemptive backstory. Whatever you think of Gibson, his filmmaking prowess is evident.
Andrew Garfield plays real life hero Desmond Doss in ‘Hacksaw Ridge’, Mel Gibson’s directorial return. This big, bruising, viscerally violent yet also often moving film should be judged on its merits. ‘Hacksaw Ridge’, starring the goofily appealing Andrew Garfield as the real-life character Desmond Doss, may not be a perfect movie, but it strikes an unusual balance. It’s a violent film whose hero - and moral core - espouses non-violence. It’s a war film that will also appeal to a faith-based audience. It’s a film that at moments can feel relentlessly corny and a second later, painfully, horribly real. Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist, was the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour. An Army medic, he refused to touch a weapon, believing he should be saving lives and not taking them.
After an early introduction to Doss as a boy in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we pick up in young adulthood. When war breaks out with Japan, the young man feels compelled to enlist, despite the objections of his loving but abusive father (an excellent Hugo Weaving), a World War I veteran who was ruined by the experience. Doss is also going against the wishes of his new fiancee, Dorothy (Teresa Palmer), who begs him to stay. Doss arrives at training camp, eager to serve. But when he won’t touch a rifle, his superiors are aghast. “Private Doss does not believe in violence,” taunts one sergeant. “Do not look to him to save your life on the battlefield!” He is played by Vince Vaughn, whose approach at first seems too comedic - as
if in another movie. But he soon settles into an effectively understated performance. Doss is pressured to leave the army - subjected to beatings, harassment, ultimately a court-martial - and only survives due to dramatic intervention from on high. And then it’s on to Japan, to Okinawa and specifically the brutal battle at Hacksaw Ridge, high up on a punishing cliff where untold horrors await. It is here that Gibson’s hand is the surest. The suddenness which with death arrives in combat, the unfathomable randomness of it all, a man’s jaunty bravado crumbling into paralysing fear, the director sugar-coats nothing. As the men first climb toward their enemy, they pass their fallen comrades. Some corpses are in parts. Some have maggots crawling out of them. It is during this battle that Doss becomes a hero, finding a way to save countless men by persevering when most others have been forced to retreat. He is guided by his faith; at one point, he asks God out loud what is expected of him. Garfield knows how to make such a scene feel honest, which is no easy feat. Doss’ is a story you probably didn’t know, and will be glad you did. Gibson does well by it. JOCELYN NOVECK AP Film Writer
Photo: Glen Wilson/Paramount
review
Party pooper of a movie Office Christmas Party running time: 105 mins
In movies, the office Christmas party is the great dismantler of white-collar worker-bee life. Set out the booze, turn down the lights and suddenly the cubicle walls around staid office life are blown away. The only things to burst forth when the egg nog starts flowing in ‘Office Christmas Party’, though, are slow-
A scene from ‘Office Christmas Party’ with Jennifer Aniston and T J Miller. motion party montages that exist for nothing but the film’s trailers and further reflections on the sad state of the studio comedy. Directors Will Speck and Josh Gordon have assembled many key ingredients to a successful Christmas shindig, or as it’s called in the film, a “non-denominational holiday mixer”. A holiday sweater-clad Kate McKinnon (who plays a nervous human resources administrator) alone should be enough to cater any party. But there’s also T J Miller, Courtney B Vance, Vanessa Bayer, Randall Park and two “Veep” players, Matt Walsh and Sam Richardson. Who wouldn’t want to carol with such a crew?
But ‘Office Christmas Party’ and its filmmakers have little feel for how to utilise its funny cast. Speck and Gordon, who handsomely set their film in a Chicago high-rise, have a movie with all the trimmings but none of the jokes. The cast is also titled toward the wrong people. It stars Jason Bateman as an executive at Zenotek, a computer company that is run by its budgetcutting CEO, Carol Vanstone (Jennifer Aniston). The Bateman-Aniston combo has been trotted out so often in mediocre comedies that it has lost whatever appeal is once had. The fresh blood in ‘Office Christmas Party’, though, is Miller, the ‘Silicon Valley’ star. His HBO show is a far more pointed and smarter parody of internet company culture. But in his biggest big-screen role yet, he has lost little of his swagger. Here, he’s the head of Zenotek’s Chicago branch, a position inherited from his late father. The bigger job went to his sister, Carol, who he resents for her more corporate management.
Given two days to turn the branch’s profits around before his sister drastically cuts the staff, he desperately organises an extravagant holiday party to court a lucrative client (Vance). The early scenes, pre-romp, are the film’s best. But ‘Office Christmas Party’, cobbled together by six writers, doesn’t have the confidence to build its story through the interplay of its employees, and it soon tires of office politics. As things ramp up, a prostitute (Abbey Lee) and a pimp (Jillian Bell) are brought in, as is a far-fetched plot involving Olivia Munn’s inventor. The film seems to be hanging together purely to accommodate enough scenes of “Project X”-style mayhem as the party careens out of control, complete with already stale Uber and 3-D printer gags. It’s just nearly enough to make a movie, despite the considerable spiritedness of Miller, an arched-eyebrow force of nature. JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer
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Friday, December 9, 2016
fashion
Frosted is a cool girls day out By Cara Hunt cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
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Some of the accessories at JaDazzles
rosted is the perfect girl’s day out, combining, shopping, socialising and fashion all in one place. The event, which will be held on Sunday at Cumulemi Estates, is hosted by Jaime Bastian, the owner of JaDazzles boutique, as a thank you to her customers and a fun experience to kick off the holiday shopping season. Ms Bastain opend her boutique six years ago originally as an online retailer. “We expanded into a bricks and mortar store on Jerome Avenue a year and a half ago. We are now a one-stop shop for ladies featuring clothing for all occasions, shoes and accessories,” she told Tribune Weekend. While she did not originally intend to open a boutique, she says it was a natural fit. “Fashion and trends have always been second nature for me. I thoroughly enjoy assisting women with defining their own personal styles and being comfortable with their style choice. “I always tell my customers that there are no rules, and as long as they are confident with a look, they can rock it. Besides, who doesn’t love dressing up and looking and feeling their best? “While my background and studies are not directly related to retail sales, following my dream of owning and managing a ladies boutique has been tremendously fulfilling. I am ecstatic that I allowed my dream to come alive and that I can now encourage self-empowerment in other women,” she added. The Frosted event was originally held to allow her online customers a chance to see her products in person, but over the years, it has grown into the perfect girls’ day out. “Our customers have come to look forward to the event every year and taking advantage of special deals on the latest holiday fashions,” she said. “Frosted gives us an opportunity to build closer connections and rapport with our customers, as well an opportunity to meet new customers. This event during the holiday season allows us to demonstrate our appreciation for our customers by providing a fun, relaxing environment to shop, socialise or simply spend an afternoon of “girl time”. During the afternoon, patrons can can get a jump start on their holiday shopping - whether it be choosing that perfect dress for the holiday party
or the gift for their best friend, she explained. “While it is a shopping event, there will be lots of time for networking. The highlight of the evening will be a fashion show hosted by stylist and fashion and beauty blogger Conesha Knowles, of 242 Blq Rze, featuring sample styles of our in-store holiday collection of clothing and shoes.” Ms Bastian added that some of the hottest trends this season include sequins in vibrant hues such as ruby red, royal blue and emerald green. Chic fitted dresses in wine, navy and blush are also on tend as is winter white. Another fun trend are fur pom poms, which can be placed on key rings or handbags. “Any one of these shades would be perfect for holiday events such as office parties, company socials or any other holiday event,” she said. When it comes to accessories and gifts Ms Bastian suggests chokers,handbags and statement jewellery. The event, which begins at 3pm, is free and there will be complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for guests. Cumelemi Estates is reached by turning through Quail Roast Ridge Road off Prince Charles Drive opposite the Seagrapes Shopping Plaza. At the T-junction make a right and then the first right onto Cumelemi Road and look for the yellow and white estate with white gates.
16 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, December 9, 2016
fashion The Weekend Fashion Report Sing Premiere in Hollywood
HIT
HIT
FAIL
HIT
SPLIT
Jennifer Hudson Singer, actress
Reese Witherspoon Actress
Laurie Hernandez Gymnast
Camilia Alves Model, designer
Cara says: “She killed it. I love everything about it - the soft colour, the fluidness of the skirt, the dramatic hair and the darker lipstick. You go girl, you look flawless.” Farah says: “Well blow me down! Jennifer looked so hot in this gorgeous blush gown. Everything works - the haircut, the make-up and her sultry attitude that matches. She is serving fire.”
Cara says: “Does Reese Witherspoon ever age? I swear she must have the Hollywood fountain of youth in her backyard. This dress is cute; I mean it has sparkly stars so of course it’s cute. And for a cartoon premiere something fun.” Farah says: “Reese looks so cute, classy and collected. I love everything about her look. Reminds me of her unique style when she starred in the ‘Legally Blonde’ movie.”
Tori Kelly Singer, songwriter, actress
Cara says: “I am a huge fan of Laurie and, apart from her stint on Dancing with the Stars, I haven’t really seen her dress away from her gymnastics leotards. But this works because she is young and it’s a fun dress and you can tell she is having a ball at the party.” Farah says: “I became a bit dizzy looking at Laurie’s dress with the chequered and tribal print. Nevertheless, she looked very cute. The dress is age appropriate for a 16-yearold and I love the fact that she remains looking youthful on the red carpet.”
Cara says: “It’s a lovely dress - the polka dots are in a great proportion and she looks fab. My only huge complaint are the sleeves. They are so ugly and just a big after thought that really take the dress from elegant to a bit tacky.” Farah says: “I am surprised that I actually like Camilia’s dress. It is different and for some reason it really works. You go girl.”
Cara says: “Maybe it’s the fact that the dress is so close to her skin tone - but instead of the sexy nude effect she was aiming for, she looks a little washed out. The dress is of itself alright but the colour just doesn’t work for me and I really dislike the shoes.” Farah says: “Since it’s the holidays - and I am trying not to be naughty - I would say that Tori’s overall look could have gotten a pass if she didn’t opt for those close-toe sliver pumps. Maybe sandal-style shoes would have complimented the dress better.”
ap photos
With Cara Bethel and Farah Gibson
The Tribune | Weekend | 17
Friday, December 9, 2016
fashion
Knock out designs Kevin Evans punches above his weight in the fashion ring By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
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aw talent and networking was the winning combination that helped well known local designer Kevin Evans snag the opportunity to design attire for professional boxers. The one-of-a-kind gig came after Mr Evans showcased his menswear collection during the Los Angeles Fashion Week in October. LA Fashion week is a bi-annual event in southern California and is now a permanent feature on the international fashion week circuit alongside London, Paris, Milan, New York and Tokyo. During the event, some of the season’s newest collections are showcased to media, buyers, industry elite and private clientele. The fashion week experience opened doors for the designer given that he was able to network with movers and shakers in the industry. “As of late, I’ve been busy designing boxing attire for professional boxers,” Mr Evans told Tribune Weekend. “After showcasing at LA fashion week, I was approached by a prominent boxing executive who gave me the opportunity to design a line of boxing attire for professional fighters.” Two international fighters that Mr Evans designs for are Marvelous Mykquan “Mikey” Williams and Oluwafemi Oyeleye, aka “Eagle”, from Nigeria who is currently signed under
Kevin Evans says Bahamian designers have to take risks to succeed Floyd Mayweather promotions. Mr Evans also designs attire for local fighter David Wallace, aka “Pacesetter”, who is set to fight on December 16 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. The boxing attire designed by Mr Evans includes sleeveless jackets with matching trunks and robes that are embroidered with the fighter’s logo. Designing for a professional boxer, he said, is vastly different from creating clothing for the average clientele. “The demand is greater when designing for professional fighters. Everything has to
Oluwafemi Oyeleye, aka “Eagle”, shows off his designer boxing trunks fit right the first time, material weight has to be considered and timing of delivery,” he said. However, even the demand of the job is not great enough to diminish what the opportunity means for Mr Evans and his brand. “I feel great about the opportunity. It puts me on an international level with major designers that design boxing attire such as Everlast, Adidas, Nike, Cleto Reyes and Ring Sports. Being the first Bahamian designer to accomplish this is a great feeling but there is still a lot more to be
done. “There are unlimited opportunities for local and emerging designers to get their brands out there on the international market. They have to take risks and put themselves out there, that’s the only way, don’t give up,” he said. Mr Evans said his next step will be to hopefully attend and showcase during Style New York Fashion February 2017. “I’m appealing to corporate Bahamas to assist in funding if they wish to help put the Bahamas out there internationally in fashion,” he said.
18 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, December 9, 2016
podcasts
It’s getting to sound a lot like Christmas
journeys with little ones this season. It’s a smashing show and good for a listen with families over the holiday season. Have no fear, if there’s any things they talk about that little ears might not be best suited for, they provide a warning right at the front of the episode. Website: http://christmaspastpodcast. com
Entwined By Stephen Hunt shunt@tribunemedia.net
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hristmas is coming and I’m making my list and checking it twice ... my list of my favourite podcasts of the year, of course. But while I do that for an upcoming review article, here’s a round-up of podcasts looking at the holiday season in which I understand there’s some other jovial fellow busily checking his own list once or twice.
Christmas Past The Christmas Past podcast does pretty much exactly what you would expect from its title - explore the history of the festive season. This isn’t a dry history lesson, though; this reveals things that you might not know about the traditions around us. One recent show, for example, explored the history of letters to Santa Claus, which once upon a time were letters from Santa instead. The latest show is about Robert L May, the creator of the story of ‘Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer’, which started out as a free giveaway story for a department store. May’s story itself is a remarkable one, creating his famous character for the Montgomery Ward store. He was a copywriter who wrote the descriptions for the company’s products who was scraping by on his meagre wage while trying to pay for his wife’s medical bills as she battled with cancer. Then his boss wanted him to write the story for the company to give away - “kind of like Ferdinand the Bull” as his boss said. He came up with his reindeer idea and pitched his underdog story to the management there ... who hated it. May stuck it out though, got an illustrator to draw his fledgling Rudolph - and got the go-ahead. From there, the seeds were sown for the rise to fame of Rudolph ... and that song so many of us parents are singing during our car
A few weeks ago, I reviewed the Entwined podcast - and the holiday season is at the heart of their latest show. And yet, how does a show set out talking about the holidays and end up discussing the death of Hollywood actress Natalie Wood? Well, Entwined has a talent for drawing different strands together and tying them neatly up at the end, and this show is no exception. It takes in how Thanksgiving traditions came to be established in the United States, including the Macy’s parade - which was the backdrop for filming of the movie ‘Miracle on 34th Street’, with scenes shot simultaneously along the length of the parade as moviemakers scrambled to get the film in the can in one take, no small feat when working with a young actress making her first major movie, Natalia Zakhare, back before she changed her name. Entwined is a clever show, and well worth your time. Website: www.entwinedpodcast.com
When Robert L May pitched his idea for Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, his department store employers hated it. He published it in 1939 and the rest is popular history.
NPR Holiday Favourites
A young Natalie Wood features in a fascinating Entwined podcast
I hunted around through a few pretty awful Christmas podcasts this week. There was one called Weird Christmas that was just ... weird. So it was with some delight that I came to the comforts of the NPR Holiday Favourites selection. There’s a host of shows here, covering everything from recipes to Hannukah, Christmas readings of the Santaland Diaries to talk about Christmas traditions, but I recommend you have a listen to their Tinsel Tales. These are collections of snippets about Christmas - some heartwarming, some heartbreaking, but all worth a listen. They range from people having to work at Christmas but finding some joy in the process, to the reporter getting people to sing their favourite carols on the street and finding people just can’t resist doing so. It’s a great listen while you’re busily putting up your decorations ... and perhaps while you have a sip or two of eggnog as you jingle all the way to Christmas. Website: http://www.npr.org/series/
The Tribune | Weekend | 19
Friday, December 9, 2016
design your lifestyle
Growing old disgracefully Victoria Sarne says make the most of life and don’t make concessions to aging
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et’s get up, dress up and show up for the rest of our lives! Because the reality is, it is shockingly short - at least
to me. In an ideal world, or with magic powers, I would be exactly who I am now, but this me would be housed in my former 30 to 40-year-old body! My guess is that most of you, if answering honestly, would agree. We would have the best of both worlds. First of all, let’s admit it: if we had the control, none of us would choose aging to the point where we are no longer at our best physically and mentally. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with aging in itself (in fact, it has a lot to recommend it and I like most of it) but it would be perfect if the process halted around 50, let’s say. If we’ve kept ourselves fit and healthy and have inherited good genes, our bodies should still be in pretty good nick. Mentally, we would still be sharp as the proverbial tacks and have plenty of physical energy left in the tank. I’m pretty sure none of us want to go back to our teenage years with all the overloaded emotional dramas, rebellions, angst and singular sense of being misunderstood by parents, peers and the universe, but there are things that
probably most of us occasionally reflect upon with a generous dose of nostalgia - our first kiss, whether mind-blowing or a non-event; our first grown-up dress; driving for the first time, graduating from school; and many other occurrences uniquely ours. We think that we leave them behind as we move forward in our lives but in reality they are embedded somewhere deeply in our psyche, becoming part of our emotional library. Although personally I don’t wish to re-live those times or that age, I think I carry them with me lovingly, the scent of them embedded in my subconscious brain so that the hope, excitement and anticipation of the unknown have become an integral part of me and continuously fill me with the same youthful curiosity and capacity for enjoying life to the full - even when it includes the not-so-good as it inevitably does. That desire has never diminished and I don’t believe it ever will. I certainly don’t want it to. However, that means that sometimes it is a challenge to look in the mirror and recognise the woman looking back at me. Who are you, I wonder, when my mental image bears little resemblance to this reflection. I know intrinsically who I am and I have to accept that the mirror-image is also who I now am. But it doesn’t mean I have to grow old gracefully as conventional wisdom says, with its implication of “giving in” or “giving up”; unless that phrase simply means acquiring grace under pressure, wisdom and peace of mind; being kinder and more gentle at my own and others perceived “failings” and letting go of inhibiting fears, not changing my persona just because of age. I am quite certain it does not mean that society as a whole, or any individual, can judge or determine how I should dress (age appropriate, whatever that means), wear make-up or not, get hair and nails done, or not, nor the activities I should or should not engage in, nor how I conduct myself in my everyday life. I’ve always travelled my own path
Victoria Sarne
“Let’s live scandalously and amaze ourselves at the fun we can have,” says Victoria Sarne. “Let’s live it every day until we can’t.” and I see no reason to change because a few years have accrued. To be fully engaged intentionally and to make the most of ever diminishing time is important - something I have been saying since I was 30 and now embrace with even more enthusiasm, or what else was it all about? The children
are grown and flown. Let’s live scandalously and amaze ourselves at the fun we can have. Let’s live it every day until we can’t. • Victoria Sarne can be reached at vixenwriter@mac.com, or visit www.lifelineswritingservice.com
20 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, December 9, 2016
books
Green Turtle Cay’s past in words and pictures
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or centuries, Lucayans, Loyalists, Eleutheran Adventurers and other populations have sought safety and refuge on Green Turtle Cay, a tiny island in Abaco. Propelled by fate or by force, most ultimately moved on. A resilient few remained. Their stories are the focus of ‘Those Who Stayed: The Tale of the Hardy Few Who Built Green Turtle Cay’, a new hardcover book by Bahamian writer Amanda Diedrick. The full-colour, 185-page publication features almost 200 historic images of Green Turtle Cay, oil paintings by world-renowned Bahamian artist and historian, Alton Lowe, and previously unpublished, first-hand accounts of 20th century Abaco life. In 2012, Ms Diedrick - a ninth-generation Bahamian - and her husband, Canadian journalist Tom Walters, purchased her family’s ancestral home on Green Turtle Cay. Shortly after, she began documenting the cottage’s restoration and the cay’s history on her weblog, Little House by the Ferry. “So much of Green Turtle Cay’s past isn’t immediately obvious,” says Ms Diedrick. “You’d never know, for
A welcome return for Clancy’s hero The latest novel featuring Jack Ryan, Tom Clancy’s iconic hero and now president of the United States, delivers all the elements that fans expect from the franchise. In Mark Greaney’s ‘Tom Clancy True Faith and Allegiance’, someone with inside knowledge and access to personal details of key military and government personnel has been selling that information to enemies of the United States. In a crowded New Jersey restaurant, US Navy Commander Scott
Amanda Diedrick example, that there was once a large Lucayan village near Bita Bay, on the island’s east coast. Or that pirates like Calico Jack Rackham, Anne Bonny and Mary Read hid out in Black and White Sounds. Or that in the late 1800s, the cay’s population was four times what it is today and New Plymouth’s streets were lined large, elegant homes. There was a dance hall, a theatre and even an orchestra. It’s difficult to reconcile all of
this with the quaint, low-key town we know today.” ‘Those Who Stayed’ will be launched officially on January 7 at ”A Night to Remember,” a cocktail reception commemorating the 40th anniversary of Green Turtle Cay’s Albert Lowe Museum, being held at the cay’s Bluff House Beach Resort and Marina. Book signings will also take place on January 10 at Hope Town’s Wyannie
Hagen is on leave with his family when a man shows up and tries to kill him. The gunman is a Russian whose brother was onboard a submarine that Hagen destroyed when he was serving on the USS James Greer. Meanwhile, in Tehran airport, a Canadian businessman who has previously made a dozen visits is flagged as a CIA spy. These are only two examples of a growing problem with a data breach of such extreme magnitude. How does this informant have such top-secret details? Is everyone who works for the government or military now a target? While President Ryan contemplates what to do, his son Jack Ryan Jr is undergoing training to join an elite special-ops group known as The Campus. The organisation is recruiting a few others as well,
and their expertise will be needed when a terrorist begins striking at individuals inside the United States. Has this enemy been given classified materials to strike at the heart of America? President Ryan will need to put his personal feelings aside to save the nation from a ruthless adversary. Tom Clancy died in 2013. His novels were blockbusters that focused primarily on technology while the people involved were secondary. Action-thriller author Greaney, who has continued the series, handles the tech side with grace and has fleshed out the cast and given them depth. Clancy fans will enjoy ‘True Faith and Allegiance’. JEFF AYERS Associated Press
Malone Museum, and on January 13 and 14 at the Sand Dollar Shoppe in Marsh Harbour. Part proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the Albert Lowe Museum. “Alton Lowe, who founded and has operated the Albert Lowe Museum for 40 years, was instrumental in putting this book together,” said Ms Diedrick. “His passion for Bahamian history has long been an inspiration, and he’s been incredibly generous in granting me access to rare photographs and documents from the museum archives. He’s created an important national resource in the museum, and I’m delighted to be able to support it.” For more information about ‘Those Who Stayed’, visit www. littlehousebytheferry.com Tickets for “A Night to Remember” may be purchased online at www.albertlowemuseum.com, through the Bluff House Beach Resort (242-3654247), Island Property Management (242-365-4047) or Mandy Roberts (242-365-4402).
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Friday, December 9, 2016
books
Spiritual warfare in prayer wrapped in a love story By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
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eaders who are suckers for love, romance, suspense and supernatural elements will get a good dose in a newly-released book by Bahamian author Pastor Heath Fowler. “The Preacher’s Son and The Maid’s Daughter”, the latest urban Christian novel by the writer, takes readers on a rollercoaster ride as it follows the love story of Malik Harrington and Isabella Chavez. Insurmountable odds are stacked against the lovers, including the wrath of an overprotective mother and family secrets that have the power to destroy lives. Malik, the wealthy heir of a wellknown preacher, falls hard for Isabella, the stunning daughter of one of the hired helps. But unbeknown to Malik, Gina Wheaton, the main organist at his father’s church, is obsessed with becoming his wife to the point of seeking assistance from the “dark side”. Gina wants Malik and she will do whatever it takes to get him. As if Malik doesn’t already face enough of a challenge trying to win the affections of Isabella, who insists on being rude to him and takes delight in mocking his privileged position, Malik’s mother, Esther Harrington, is overprotective and in opposition to her son marrying anyone who is subservient to him. With so many obstacles to overcome, the budding connection between Malik and Isabella seems doomed before it even starts. While on the surface “The Preacher’s Son and The Maid’s Daughter” appears to be solely based on a romantic whirlwind, however it brings out important spiritual principles relating to prayer, Pastor Fowler said. “From the mouths of some of my Amazon reviewers, many appreciate that it’s not a story that entertains but teaches the reader about spiritual warfare in prayer. But if you love romance, suspense and supernatural elements in
Pastor Heath
your stories, then I think this would be a good book for you to read, because it’s loaded,” he told Tribune Weekend. Pastor Fowler, who is proud to be living out his dream as a full time writer, currently serves as the head of the youth department of the Final Hour
Global Ministries. He is married with four children: a son Ahmadasun, twin girls, Ahmari and Ahriana, and Ahriel the youngest daughter. Pastor Fowler’s writing career began many years ago. He has written several plays, including, “Papa John Dun
Fowler
Dead” and “The Papa John Family sitcom series”. He is also a songwriter and his “More Wind, More Fire” snagged the 2006 Cacique Award for song of the year. It also won the People’s Choice Award. “The Preacher’s Son and The Maid’s Daughter” is among the 25 books Pastor Fowler has written over the years. “At heart, I am a storyteller and I have a very vivid imagination. So it doesn’t take much for me to develop a 60,000-page book from listening to people’s stories or reading about them, random conversations, news headlines, a TV commercial, you name it, and I can be inspired to write something. With ‘The Preacher’s Son and the Maid’s Daughter’, I simply wanted to write a story that focuses on themes that aren’t too popular in mainstream Christian inspirational fiction. Like witchcraft and supernatural elements, like angels and demons,” he said. Pastor Fowler is working on several books and will release the fifth in his “Church Boyz” series, the third in “The Preacher’s Son and The Maid’s Daughter” series, and a brand new three-book series enitled ‘The Megachurch’. • “The Preacher’s Son and The Maid’s Daughter” is available on Amazon.com.
22 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, December 9, 2016
relationships
10 tips on cherishing your partner By DR EDRICA RICHARDSON
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e must remind ourselves to focus on the good - and be thankful. With the holidays just around the corner, the common message spoken at this time of year is thankfulness. So what are you thankful for in your relationship(s)? There are so many incentives to being in a relationship and many of these are taken for granted throughout the year. But when you get relationship advice, you’ve probably heard plenty of don’ts. Don’t nag. Don’t stonewall. Don’t blame. Don’t leave the toilet seat up, don’t squeeze the toothpaste tube from the middle, and definitely don’t assume he’s that into you when he’s just not. Well, don’t listen. The happiest couples focus on dos, not don’ts. Positivity has a way of shifting our perspective; while negative emotions shut us down, positive emotions open us up. Let’s take a moment to stop, look at your partner and be thankful. Here are 10 ideas to consider or acknowledge about your partner all the time. 1 Be grateful Remembering to thank your partner seems simple, but gratitude may provide the everyday dose of hope that keeps you glued together over the long haul. 2 Appreciate their efforts If your partner works extra hours, cooks dinner, brings home groceries or otherwise demonstrates their effort in providing for you, make sure to thank them for their time spent taking care of things. Even if they happen to mess something up while trying, still shower them with love and appreciation to demonstrate your gratitude for their efforts.
Intimacy is important in a relationship as the quick kiss and “I love you”can be taken for granted and become part of the routine. 3 Capitalise on good news We expect our partners to provide us with a shoulder to cry on when times are tough - but how couples behave during good times might be even more important. Partners who respond enthusiastically to each other’s successes - asking questions, paying compliments and cheering each other on - increases relationship happiness. 4 Notice what’s new about your partner Letting your partner surprise you is vital to sustaining excitement in your relationship. But in order to be surprised, you first have to pay attention. The problem is that most of us get so familiar with our partners, we stop really noticing them. But the fact that you stopped looking doesn’t mean they’ve stopped changing, so pay attention. 5 Put it in writing So next time you think fondly of your partner, write those thoughts down. Don’t forget how romantic a quick text or classic love letter can be. 6 The day-to-day Many of us get into a routine and it works. Both you and your partner contribute to this routine to make the day or tasks successful. We begin to expect these contributions to happen and we in turn depend on them for our daily successes. Do you notice all of these details given by your partner every day? 7 Intimacy The busyness of life tends to lead
us to being robotic in our intimate relationship. The quick kiss and “I love you” as you walk out the door get taken for granted and part of the routine. This isn’t wrong or negative, but stop and realise even though these intimate moments become routine, think about what they mean to you. 8 Memories Stress and routine seem to get in the way of reflecting on the good times. Spend some time with your partner and/or family to reflect on the good moments of the past year or years. Turn off technology and have a conversation about the fun moments. 9 Praise them privately and publicly Giving praise to your partner is wonderful in private, but it’s also perfect in front of other people. Even if your partner is a bit shy, they will appreciate the fact that you’ve made a bold statement about them while among the company of others. Your loved one wants to feel that you are proud of them when it’s just you together and when you have other people around. 10 Consistency is key Most of us are capable at showing gratitude from time to time. The real value lies in being able to display your gratefulness on a consistent basis. Know this: he or she loves you with their entire being. The willingness to show your appreciation for them is well worth the effort. In fact, you’ll likely see some form of gratitude coming right
back at you. These are just a few ideas to acknowledge, reflect on these and others; just remember to be thankful in the moment and for the great times of the past and of the hopes of the future. The opportunities to fill your happy relationship reservoir are out there. Don’t miss them!
• Dr Edrica D Richardson is licenced marriage and family therapist in multiple states in the US and an AAMFT approved supervisor. She currently runs private practice in Nassau and the US. Her clinical specialities include relationship issues, stress management, family conflict and life coaching, to name a few. She works with adolescents, couples and families. For more information, visit her website at www.dredrich.com.
The Tribune | Weekend | 23
Friday, December 9, 2016
literary lives george orwell
An animal in the farmyard of political satire Sir Christopher Ondaatje on the English novelist and essayist who is best known for his antiCommunist novels
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eorge Orwell was born Eric Arthur Blair on June 25, 1903, in Motihari, Bengal Presidency (now Bihar) in British India. He was the great grandson of Charles Blair, a wealthy country gentleman in Dorset, who married Lady Mary Fane, the daughter of the Earl of Westmorland. Most of Charles Blair’s considerable income came from sugar plantations in Jamaica. Orwell’s father, Richard Walmesley Blair, worked in the Opium Department of the Indian Civil Service, while his mother, Ida Mabel Blair (née Limouzin) grew up in Moulmein, Burma. Wells had two sisters: Marjorie, five years older, and Avril, five years younger. When he was only one, his mother took him and his older sister to Henley-on-Thames in England. Apart
George Orwell produced news commentary for the eastern part of the British Empire for two years in the early 1940s from a brief visit in 1907, Orwell did not see his father again until 1912, when he retired from the Civil Service. As a child, Orwell was shy, lacked confidence and suffered from bronchitis and influenza which plagued him for most of his life. He was lonely and spent his time reading science fiction, Shakespeare, Poe, Dickens and Kipling. When he was eight he was sent to
boarding school, which he hated and which first influenced his views of the English class system. However he was studious and won scholarships, first to Wellington College and then to Eton, where he stayed for four and a half years. He neglected his academic work but got his first taste for literature while working on college magazines. After schooling at Eton, Orwell’s
family did not have the money to pay for a university education, so he joined the Imperial Police Force in Burma, where he served from 1922 to 1927. On home leave in England after contracting dengue fever, he made the important decision not to return to Burma. He had learned to be fluent in Burmese, acquired a moustache, but came
Continued on page 24
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rge Orwell’s Covers of Geo ok, 1984 bo n best know Continued from page 23 to understand Imperialism - and became severely critical of how nations increased power by gaining control or ownership of other territories. He felt guilty about his work for the Empire and determined to be a writer so he could voice some of his strong opinions. He also looked closely at his own country, England, and noticed that it too had its oppressed. Orwell struggled to make ends meet. He moved to Notting Hill in London, then the poor section of London’s East End, and finally to the working-class district of Paris where he wrote a few articles in French and in English and worked intermittently as a porter and dishwasher. Poverty became his obsessive subject and his first book, ‘Down and Out in Paris and London’ (1933), explored his life of self-imposed poverty eking out a living in these two cities. Not wanting to embarrass his family he published the book under the pseudonym George Orwell. It was the name he would use for the rest of his literary career. Orwell next wrote ‘Burmese Days’ (1934) about his overseas experiences. The novel took a bleak look at British colonialism in Burma (then part of the Indian Empire) and spurred his focus on political matters in his future writing. Two more novels followed - ‘A Clergyman’s Daughter’ (1935) and ‘Keep the Aspidistra Flying’ (1936). He also met and married Eileen O’Shaughnessy, a teacher and journalist, in June, 1936, who supported and assisted him in his literary career. Orwell’s book ‘The Road to Wigan Pier’,
Friday, December 9, 2016
George Orwell
“The Road to Wigan Pier, authorised by The Left Book club to inquire into the lives of the poor and unemployed, was published in 1937 and included an essay on class and socialism. It marked Orwell’s acceptance as a political writer of some influence.”
The Tribune | Weekend |25
Friday, December 9, 2016
Forgotten facts Paul C Aranha authorised by The Left Book club to inquire into the lives of the poor and unemployed, was published in 1937 and included an essay on class and socialism. It marked Orwell’s acceptance as a political writer of some influence. In July, 1936, the Spanish Civil War broke out and Orwell and his wife travelled to Spain where he joined the militia, one of the groups fighting against General Francesco Franco. He was badly injured, getting shot in the throat and arm, and was not able to speak for several weeks. The couple were charged with treason but, luckily, had already left the country. In England he published ‘Homage to Catalonia’ (1938) expressing his disillusionment with the Spanish loyalists. That was also the year that he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which he would battle until the end of his days. Hoping for a cure, which was impossible, he spent the following winter in Morocco where he wrote ‘Coming Up for Air’, published on his return to England in 1939. Although he was sick, several of his bestknown essays, including one on Dickens, were published under the title ‘Inside the Whale’. He tried to enlist in World War II but was rejected as being physically unfit. Instead, he served for a time in the Home Guard, and occupied himself with various writing assignments reviewing plays and films and books for The Listener, Time and Tide and New Adelphi. In 1940 his long association with the left-wing Tribune began and the following year he worked with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) producing news commentary for the eastern part of the British Empire. He gave up this job two years later saying that “British propaganda to India is an almost hopeless task”. Before that, in 1941, he had started writing for the American Partisan Review which linked him to New York intellectuals who were, like him, anti-Stalinist, but committed to staying on the left. After Orwell left the BBC in 1943, he started work on ‘Animal Farm’, which was an
anti-Soviet satire in a pastoral setting featuring two pigs as its main protagonists. These pigs were clearly intended to represent Josef Stalin and Leon Trotsky and, although the novel was rejected by several publishers on political grounds, it was eventually published in August, 1945. It exposed the failure of Communism through animals that speak and act like humans. The novel brought Orwell great acclaim and struck a particular resonance in the post-war climate bringing him financial reward. 1945 was also the year that his wife, Eileen, died. Orwell’s health was deteriorating rapidly, but for the next four years he mixed journalistic work for the left-wing Tribune, where he was Literary Editor, The Observer and the Manchester Evening News, while writing his best-known work ‘1984’, published in 1949. The book was strongly autobiographical and combined elements of his own experiences with his desire to cause social reform, setting out his fears of an intensively bureaucratised state of the future. The book was critical of superficial intellectuals and warned of a Communist system in which government controlled all businesses. Nineteen EightyFour proved to be another huge success for Orwell but, sadly, he was in the final stages of his battle with tuberculosis. He was only 47 when he died in a London hospital on January 21, 1950. Almost at the end of his life, and nearing death, he proposed to and married Sonia Brownell, an editor, in October, 1949. Brownell inherited Orwell’s estate and managed his literary legacy, making certain that his ideas, opinions and uncompromising intellectual honesty have lived on through his work. NEXT WEEK: Sir Orville Turnquest’s look at the troubled tenure of the Duke of Windsor as Governor of the Bahamas • Sir Christopher Ondaatje is an adventurer and writer resident in the Bahamas. A Sri Lankanborn Canadian-Englishman, he is the author of several books, including “The Last Colonial”.
The Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company of Boston, Massachusetts, is the oldest artillery company in the United States (chartered in 1638). The original of this postcard, which shows the company’s visit to Nassau in October, 1931, is in the collection of Paul C Aranha.
Bahamian history in old postcards
F
or my birthday in 1988, my wife gave me a small album filled with old Bahamian postcards, in which she wrote “a few old moments of your beloved Nassau”. Well, she really started something for, since then, my collection has grown to 12 large albums. When the significance of a postcard is not immediately obvious, it can take a lot of time and effort to decide its exact meaning - and one such card showed a militaristic parade on Bay Street. I mention this because a recent addition to my collection of Bahamian books is ‘African Crossroads’, by Sir Charles Dundas, who was our Governor from 1934 to 1940, when he was replaced by the Duke of Windsor. His wife, Lady Dundas, founded the Dundas Civic Centre and persuaded hotel managers to hire more than a thousand of her graduates. The Civic Centre is now the Centre for the Performing Arts on Mackey Street, in the heart of “See-muh-no-mo”, an unofficial name for that portion of Mackey Street extending (more or less) from the Centre to Wulff Road. This name came about because there used to be a graveyard across the street from the Centre and, if I went there you’d see me no more. Before becoming Governor, Sir Charles served on the staff of Governor Sir Charles Orr (1927-1932) and when the Governor went on leave in 1931, and never returned, Sir Charles filled in as Acting Governor
for seven months and, thanks to his book, I was able to identify my postcard. He wrote about two notable events that helped put Nassau on the map, The first was a visit by the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company of Boston, for the purpose of holding their annual Fall Field Day Parade. The Company, a lineal descendant of its London namesake, did not fight against the King of England in the American War of Independence, in token of which they still carry the Union Jack, together with the Stars and Stripes, and their regimental colours. Sir Charles found it moving to take a parade that had been taken, in the past, by rulers like Queen Victoria, Emperor Franz Josef of Austria and King Edward VII. The other event was Winston Churchill’s visit to Nassau and it was during his stay here that Sir Bede Clifford replaced Sir Charles as Governor. But Churchill was only one of the list of distinguished visitors, many of whom stayed at Government House, that included President Franklyn Roosevelt, Lord Athlone (Governor-General of Canada) and his Countess, Princess Alice, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria’s, Prince Paul of Greece (who became King of the Hellenes), Princess Marie Louise of Schleswig-Holstein and her sister Princess Helena Victoria, also granddaughters of Queen Victoria’s. • islandairman@gmail.com
I G G E TARGETN N THE
Chambers
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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.
Friday, December 21st9, 2016 Century Dictionary (1999 edition)
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 Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday
F L U I G G NN E
AL
HOW many words of four letters TheorTarget CAN youfrom crack more can you make thethe letters shown here? In makingEach a Alphabeater? gridYesterd uses word, each letter may be used Black s number represents a letter once only. Each must contain the 7, 9, 12, words in 29, 35, centre letter and there must be at – or black square. As in theleast mainone nine-letter Across word. No Alphapuzzle, every letter of Offering plurals body of or verb forms ending in “s”.
Roadwo the alphabet is used. But
Wide, P TODAY’S TARGET Chambers you have to complete the Jetty, C Good 13; very good 19; excellent 25 21st(or more). Solution grid tomorrow. too! Use the givenTempo. Down: letters and black squares Abject, Century YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION below the gridglam to start.Affirm, The alum among galumph gamp Dictionary Heave, glum halm haulm holm human Yap. grid is ‘rotationally (1999 hump lamp loam lump mango symmetrical’ – in other Extra maul moan mogul mung muon edition) words, it looks the same090 if ogam ogham palm PLOUGHMAN
you turn the page upside HOW many words of four letters each ext down. Solution tomorrow. F or more Yesterday’s can you make from the Yesterday’s Call 0907 181 2585 for 0907 lettersSudoku shownAnswer here? In making a Yesterday’s Kakuro Answer today’s Target solution solution *Calls c costBlack 80p per minute word, each letter may be used plus*Calls squares: 1, 4,plus5,your your telephone company’s netwo access once only. Each must contain the network7, 9, charge. 12, 13, 17, 18, 23, 27, 29, 35, 40. centre letter and there must be at *SP: Spoke – Helpline 0333 202 3390 PLAY Across: Peace, least one nine-letter word. No Offering, Mogul, Tiger, plurals or verb forms ending in “s”. plum puma
CRYPTIC PUZZLE Across 1 Fruit tree and fruit (10) 6 Just an open-air entertainment (4) 10 Make yourself fearfully small (5) 11 Simple enough difference of opinion, but he goes to court (9) 12 Makes one spout more freely? (5,3) 13 Lee is out to get a girl (5) 15 Offensive rumour about a retired doctor (7) 17 Find her with nothing on in bed, smoking one? (7) 19 Mythical hunter made to behave over a long period (7) 21 Ring-fighter turns to drama (7) 22 Monster fish? (5) 24 Moving study about an inflexible substance (4,4) 27 Thus a pop age provides a form of entertainment (4,5) 28 Mother is surrounded by sailors all coming back for a dance (5) 29 First mate right as always (4) 30 Looked happier when the light improved? (10)
1
2
3
4
10
5
11
12 14 15
16
17
19
22
20
23
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27
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21
Yesterday’s Easy Solution
Down 1 Hounds prepare Across: 1 Drought, 5 Magic, to travel (4) 8 Oblivious, 9 All, 10 Side, 2 A fresh run on the 12 Shoulder, 14 Mascot, 15 Utmost, 17 Shackled, 18 Dear, daily presses (9) 21 Art, 22 Overthrow, 24 Dream, 3 Article written about 25 Lengthy. the professional stage Down: 1 Dross, 2 Oil, 3 Give, perhaps (5) 4 Trophy, 5 Mosquito, 4 One who grows up 6 Grandiose, 7 Culprit, to be brave (7) 11 Dismantle, 13 Bookworm, 5 I am put in 14 Mustard, 16 Repeal, 19 Rowdy, 20 Stun, 23 Rut. a ruined castle for a stretch maybe (7) 7 Wrong a young lady (5) 8 Thinks about alternative kinds of telescopes (10) Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution 9 It could be simple curiosity (8) Across: 1 Bahamas, 5 Noah’s 14 If your words are this, Ark, 8 Late extra, 9 Lam, you won’t want to 10 Wipe, 12 Celerity, 14 Airing, eat them (2,3,5) 15 Issued, 17 Adhesion, 18 Beer, 16 Superintend, but miss 21 Nun, 22 Dreamland, 24 Tuned, something? (8) 25 Speaker. 18 Non-specialist Down: 1 Below, 2 Hit, 3 Meet, 4 Settee, 5 Near East, who takes work 6 At leisure, 7 Samoyed, as it comes (3-3,3) 11 Parthenon, 13 One-sided, 20 Central rule can 14 Against, 16 Models, 19 Rider, be broken (7) 20 Smee. 21 Is compelled to change a nag for a livelier horse (7) 23 Talk or possibly eat (5) 25 Small picture I sent out (5) 26 A dim sort of girl (4) Down Across 1 A culinary 1 Earth-orbiting herb (4) vehicle (10) 6 7 8 2 Previously 6 Resound (4) 9 mentioned (9) 10 A dozen dozen (5) 3 Follow as 11 Miser (9) result (5) 12 Designed 4 Cancel (7) to cure (8) 5 Idiosyncrasies (7) 13 Excessive (5) 13 7 Infant (5) 15 Poster (7) 8 Honest (2,3,5) 17 Pebbles on 9 Gushing (8) seashore (7) 18 14 Creating 19 Peculiar to a a desire people (7) for food (10) 21 Foreword (7) 16 A French 22 Sugar brandy (8) coating (5) 18 Unofficial news 24 Fragments of 25 channels (9) bursting shell (8) 20 The largest inland 26 27 Not original (9) sea (7) 28 Value highly (5) 28 21 Without fault (7) 29 Attendance at a 23 Imbecile (5) game (4) 25 Young student (5) 30 Part of serial 26 Dextrous (4) story (10)
EASY PUZZLE
you have grid too! letters an below th grid is ‘ro symmetr words, it you turn down. So
TODAY’S TARGET Good 13; very good 19; excellent 25 (or more). Solution tomorrow. YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION alum among galumph gamp glam glum halm haulm holm human hump lamp loam lump mango maul moan mogul mung muon ogam ogham palm PLOUGHMAN plum puma
Call 0907 181 2585 for today’s Target solution *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.
*SP: Spoke – Helpline 0333 202 3390
(Deduc
Roadworks, Zap, Jack, Wide, Pie, Xylophone, Jetty, Calyx, Sequence, Tempo. Down: Ego, Ever, Abject, Could, Xylem, Affirm, Flinch, Jests, Heave, Gazebo, Once, Yap.
Extra letter clues
0907 181 2560 (Deduct three minutes for each extra clue letter heard)
Full solution
0907 181 2558
*Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.
PLAY MORE CRO
The Tribune | Weekend | 27
Friday, December 9, 2016
animals Animal matters Kim Aranha
pet of the week
N
ot long ago President elect Donald Trump accused somebody of “choking like a dog”. This made me think. How exactly does a dog choke? Is it any different to how any other animal, including humans, or Donald Trump, himself, chokes? And why would he choose that simile? This thought, of course, leads to other expressions which portrayal animals frequently in a negative light.
Sick as a dog Really? I have not noticed dogs to be sicker than humans. When sick, dogs do take themselves off, on occasion, to die. Humans probably would too if they were allowed to.
Dog tired This makes sense because, as far as my household is concerned, all five of them sleep and rest most of the time whilst we wait on them! Work like a dog Really? Not in this household! Quiet as a mouse Got that one first try! Let sleeping dogs lie That makes sense. If you startle them they may be defensive and aggressive.
A cold fish Hmmm, not too sure. I guess the scales are cold to the touch. Can’t find the logic here.
Bitch The correct and technical term for a female dog is a bitch. What is wrong
By The Bahamas Humane Society Nine-month-old Hilary does not have political aspirations but she is hoping to find herself a new home before Christmas. Hilary recently arrived at the Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) and is finding shelter life a little overwhelming. She is quiet with other dogs and would not mind having children in her new home. With plenty of love and attention, she is sure she will come out of her shell and be a friendly outgoing soul. Do you have the patience and love that Hilary is looking for? If so, come in to the BHS to meet her or call 323-5138 for more information. Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday (also, Sunday, December 11, from noon to 4pm). Hilary
Patricia Vazquez
Slurs on animals in everyday speech
Homeless Hilary
with female dogs? Why would we want to use that word to depict an evil, heartless unpleasant human? When I think of a female dog, a bitch, I think of a waggy-tailed furry friend, who could be faithful to you for life. When and why did it become an insult to call somebody a “female dog”? As far back as King Lear, by William Shakespeare in 1601, the word bitch was an insult. Act 2, scene 2: “You’re nothing but a lowlife, a beggar, a coward, and a pimp, the son and heir of a mutt bitch.” I suppose we have Mr Shakespeare to thank for that most popular turn of phrase “son of a bitch”!
Cow In the UK, to call a woman a “cow” invariably means they are nasty and mean, but does not refer to their weight at all, whereas in the US it means that they are as fat as a cow! I can see where the US definition comes from; this once again makes one wonder how the UK meaning started. Admittedly, for those of us who do not know much about cows they do appear to hang around staring and chewing a lot … but not being nasty.
Catty A sarcastic and ascerbic woman is referred to as being “catty”. Perhaps this derives from the fact that “the claws come out” to scratch and cause harm, and this is what a “catty” woman or remark does, hurtful words. Then you have the total impossible, the ultimate insult - “catty bitch”. Just as impossible as nature could make it. Elephant in the room Some expressions involving animals are pretty straightforward. It is fairly clear when people refer to something being the “elephant in the room” that it means something is such a large issue that it cannot be ignored. I do not remember this expression being used in the UK.
Animals Now there is a new movie out called “Nocturnal Animals”. This movie is a scary thriller, that, once again, has nothing about animals but is titled so because the inference is that nocturnal animals are scary. And I guess they might be to some, but then again, not really. They are just doing what “nocturnal” animals do; that is walking
looks forward to meeting you. This weekend, there will be an Adopt-A-Thon at the BHS. Regular Saturday hours apply and Sunday will be noon to 4pm. This is a great opportunity for you to select a new family member who will be well settled in by Christmas. For children there will be face painters and adults will be able to have their car washed while making their selection. All funds raised go to the BHS. Don’t forget to pick up your 2016 BHS raffle tickets (grand prize $10,000 worth of groceries from Super Value) and your 2017 calendars from the shelter on Dunmore Avenue, Chippingham. Both make great stocking stuffers and directly support the BHS.
around and not sleeping. According to the dictionary, “Nocturnal” simply means active mainly during the night. Nocturnal animals are not necessarily carnivorous; they just sleep during the day and do their living by night! Nothing very scary about that. I believe that we carry on about people behaving “like animals”, meaning behaving badly because animals kill their own food. Does that sound like a strange thing to do? Don’t we kill our own food all the time? Don’t fishermen and hunters eat what they kill … perhaps because animals do not cook it? What about Sushi, Carpaccio, Steak Tartare, Sashimi, Conch Salad and Scorched Conch? Or because most of us do not actually wield the knife or stun gun that does the dirty deed, this makes us so very different? Animals allow their “dinner” to live free and unhindered until death. Humans cannot boast this kind of behaviour. Some farming leaves much to be desired. It seems such a pity that people feel the need to pile negative connotations on animals. Could this perhaps be one of the myriad reasons why many people are so afraid of animals and, in their fear, treat them badly?
28 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, December 9, 2016
gardening
Know your onions Plant the last of the major garden vegetables now, Jack Hardy says
W
hen was the last time you cried when you peeled onions? It seems to me that the balance has tipped too far to satisfy the public’s demand for mild, sweet salad onions. Even the brown-skinned yellow onions are mild and that means soups, souses and stews are not as flavoursome as they used to be. If you grow your own onions you can choose the variety you use most, whether white, yellow or red. All your onions will mature at more or less the same time so it is also useful to check on the storage capabilities of your selection. Onions are the last of the major garden vegetables we will be covering this season and they have been left to the end deliberately. Onions must be grown with one eye on the calendar because they only grow well and form bulbs when the days are getting longer, after the winter solstice on December 21. So now is the time to plant your selected onion seeds and look forward to reaping a harvest in May or June. But, of course, it is not that simple. There are onion varieties that only do well when the days are long, as they are in Canada and the northern US
states in late spring and early summer. In the tropics we have shorter days at this time and must sow varieties that will produce under our special conditions. Thank goodness there are day neutral onions as well as long day and short day but I have found the day neutral onions I have come across to be smaller in general. If you buy your seeds from a local nursery you should check your package information very carefully. The two phrases you are looking for are ‘short day variety’ and ‘good keeping qualities’. Yellow onions tend to be the best keepers. White onions tend to be sweet while red onions are even sweeter. Remember, too, that these are more expensive to buy in the produce department. Growing Plant the seeds in a seed box or tray and in about a month they will be six to eight inches tall and be ready to transplant to the garden. Bury the seedlings about three inches deep as this will allow the bulb to develop underground and be protected from the sun. This also allows the roots to be deeper and in damper soil. The growing plants can be dressed with 6-6-6 fertiliser every month and will also benefit from surface applications of compost. Onions can also be grown from sets, cured small onions that were started last season and then pulled and cured while juvenile. It’s an expensive way to grow onions but sets provide earlier production. You will be able to gauge the healthiness of your crop by counting the long leaves. Every leaf indicates one layer of flesh in the bulb. Onions tend to bulb quite late in the growing process and, once they have formed, the water they receive should be reduced to whatever is provided by rain. When the leaves begin to die back your onions are ready for pulling. I find it usually takes about a week to harvest one packet of onion seeds, pulling the largest first and leaving smaller ones to plump up a little more. Once out of the ground the roots should be immediately removed using scissors or your thumb nail. If you are clever you can plait about a dozen onions and hang them in a sheltered area where they receive little or no sun but plenty of breeze. If you are not clever (like me) you can tie the leaves together in two places and then hang them. You can also store onions by putting them in a net bag and hanging the bag. Keep the leaves on for a week or two
Onions only grow well and form bulbs when the days are getting longer. You can gauge the healthiness of your onions by counting the long leaves. and then trim them to one inch above the crown. I know the onions in your local store are trimmed more neatly but they have already been cured for a while. You can trim yours later. If you do hang your onions in a bag you should move them around within the netting quite regularly, even daily, so they all receive light and breeze and cure evenly. Scallions Scallions are a must for the home gardener. They can be grown just an inch or two apart in blocks in the garden or in basin-like containers and are a treasure when it comes to seasoning potato and other vegetable salads. You can pull the scallions for use or cut them very low. If you cut them you will get residual growth that is not up to the original standard but is a handy bonus. Like scallions, leeks do not bulb. Their flesh softens when cooked and in stews can virtually disappear into the ‘gravy’. Lovely! Grow as for onions but transplant a little later when the seedlings are almost a foot tall. Leeks are grown deep in the soil in order to keep the edible stem blanched. The specialist tool here is a broom handle. Sink it into the soil about six to eight inches
deep and then transfer your seedling. The tricky part is keeping the roots facing downwards. I find that rotating the seedling as you plant it helps. Return enough soil to the hole to ensure the roots are covered. Garlic and shallots are best grown from specialised sets but these may be hard to find. Some garlic heads, usually those sold in a net package of six or so, have plump outside bulbs but the inner ones are small and a real chore to skin. If you plant these you will get some returns to make the effort worthwhile. Bury them so their tops are at ground level. Shallots sometimes put out leaf shoots while sitting in the vegetable rack waiting to be used. When this happens bury the bulb as for garlic. Onion chives almost demand to be grown in attractive containers. Do not crowd the seedlings when you plant them in the container, certainly no closer than two inches. The cluster of chives will thicken in time. Once your pot of chives is established it will last forever with a little maintenance and plenty of clipping for kitchen use.
• For questions and comments email j.hardy@coralwave.com