“My goal for happiness has changed. I like the fact that I like hanging out with someone so much and to me that’s enough. I don’t see me giving birth at this time however I have not given up on motherhood.”
CONTENT Issue 37 November 2014
4 Calendar of Events Note 7 Editor’s Budget Friendly Outfits 8 Curated by our EIC Seychelles Island 12 Bank Fees That Will Drain Your Account 21 Unfair Neal 25 Elise Beauty Goodies and 31 Gadgets For Gifting Lyttle Renaissance Man 34 Kevin Festive Feast 36 Tips to Stop Eating 40 7When You’re Full 42 Trending: Thigh High Boots 45 Fall Book List Otis Brown III 49 The Thought of You 54 AaIiyah Princess of R&B 58 Lifetime Holiday Specials
Issue 37 |November 2014 5
Editor's Note
Where to Find Us:
Twitter: @triplethefocus Facebook: Triple the Focus Instagram: Triplethefocus
STAR STUDDED ENTERTAINMENT ANYONE? Lifetime has taken over our November issue. The network’ exciting Holiday line-up which includes, An En Vogue Christmas (Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, Rhona Bennett), Seasons of Love (Taraji P. Henson, Gladys Knight, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Letoya Luckett), Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever (Aubrey Plaza), Wally Lamb’s Wishin’ and Hopin’ (Chevy Chase, Molly Ringwald) and The Santa Con (Barry Watson, Melissa Joan Hart, Jaleel White, John Ratzenberger, Wendy Williams) are a must see. Add to the list the Aaliyah biopic starring our cover feature, Elise Neal as Gladys Knight. The Holidays are shaping up to be filled with noteworthy entertainment and that includes great music and fantastic books. Jazz musician Otis Brown III released his debut album “The Thought of You” to rave reviews. The album, available now via Revive/Blue Note and on iTunes and Amazon, features Robert Glasper, Keyon Harrold, John Ellis, Ben Williams, Shedrick Mitchell and Nir Felder. Singers Bilal Gretchen Parlato and Nikki Ross join the all- star cast making this a brilliant musical offering. We’ve also added our Fall book list that is sure to keep you engaged for hours on end. Stocking stuffers? You bet they are. We’ve not done away with our usual line-up of travel, beauty, money, food, fitness and fashion features as we know that these elements add to the enrichment of your lives as it does ours. As an added bonus, I have taken the liberty of curating some budget friendly wardrobe options for your holiday get together courtesy of Zara. Not only are these pieces easy on the wallet, they are also chic, timeless and sure to make you the center of attention. Now who doesn’t want that? Overall, we’ve put together a fabulous issue that we hope you will enjoy. To you and yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
Stacey Bethel Your Editor-in-Chief Editor@Triplethefocus.com
Issue 37|November 2014 7
THE PERFECT “BUDGET FRIENDLY” THANKSGIVING OUTFIT COURTESY OF ZARA CURATED BY OUR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF I already know that you will eat and drink way more than you should and that somewhere between the turkey, stuffing and your second helping of Mac and Cheese you will begin to feel uneasy. No judgment here, I am right there with you. With the bloating and added pounds that is sure to follow, the very least you can do, is look stylish while kicking your diet to the curb. And to help you do that, I have pulled a few ensembles, with the help of Zara that will not only have you looking breathtaking but comfortable as well. Zara recently created a pictorial section on their website that is sheer genius. What they have done is basically dress women and photograph them in their everyday natural element. Brilliant, right? This, I believe, gives you an idea what to wear, how you can mix and match different fabrics and patterns and how it will look in terms of functionality. When I saw the concept I immediately thought, these outfits are perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. I hope you agree as this was done with you in mind! Go to www.zara.com and on the left click on “Pictures” which is just below “Lookbook”). Happy shopping!
Issue 37 |November 2014 9
WWW.TRIPLETHEFOCUS.COM
T RIP CARIBBEAN
A
TO THE
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FOUNDER & EDITOR IN CHIEF STACEY BETHEL
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: VICTOR E. LEWIS ART & CONTENT DIRECTOR: MIKELAH ROSE
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FEATURES Neka Williams Malaika Lepine Shantell “SHANZ” Hill
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ABOUT TRIPLE THE FOCUS
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Caribbean E-Magazine, Triple the Focus launched its publication on October 5, 2011. With features that run the gamut from Music, Entertainment, Fitness, Beauty, Travel, Lifestyle and Finance, the Magazine has a reach that extends across the globe and includes countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South and Central America and by large the Caribbean. To date, the magazine has over 2,300,000 million page views not including other high traffic websites that hosts the link of the magazine on a monthly basis.
On July 23, 2013, Triple the Focus was featured on the homepage of Digital Publishing website, Issue. Out of 11 million publications, Triple the Focus’ February 2013 issue featuring athlete, Asafa Powell, June 2013 issue featuring Grammy Award winning reggae artist, Shaggy and July 2013 issue featuring 2010’ Miss Universe runner-up Yendi Phillips, were prominently featured on the site exposing the magazine to 72 million readers.
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Travel the indian ocean to the enchanted
Seychelles Island Courtesy of the Seychelles Tourist Board
Seychelles’ 115 granite and coral islands extend from between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator and lie between 480km and 1,600km from the east coast of Africa in the western Indian Ocean. Of these 115 islands, 41 Inner Islands constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the 5 groups of low-lying coral atolls and reef islets that are the Outer Islands.
Echoing the grand assortment of people who populate Seychelles, Creole cuisine features the subtleties and nuances of French cooking, the exoticism of Indian dishes and the piquant flavors of the Orient. Grilled fish or octopus basted with a sauce of crushed chillies, ginger and garlic are national favorites as are a variety of delicious curries lovingly prepared with coconut milk and innovative chatinis made from local fruits such as papaya and golden apple. As may be expected, seafood dishes feature predominantly in the local cuisine, appearing alongside the national staple, rice.
There are three official languages in Seychelles: Creole (a lilting, French-based patois), English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German. The 87,122 strong Seychellois population continues to reflect its multi-ethnic roots. Tradi- Some restaurants specialize in Indian, Chitionally, the islands have attracted a broad nese or Italian food and many feature diversity of people from the four corners of popular international and specialist dishes. the earth that has included freed slaves, European settlers, political exiles, adventurers, traders of Arab and Persian origin as well as Chinese and Indians.
FOCUSED ON | Travel
Issue 37 |November 2014 13
TRAVELERS ESSENTIALS Credit Cards MasterCard/Access and Visa cards are widely accepted while Diners Club and American Express cards are honored to a somewhat lesser extent. Such cards may be used for car hire, hotel and restaurant services, for all of which the visitor will be charged in foreign currency. Electricity Throughout Seychelles the voltage is 220-240 volts AC 50 Hz. Seychelles uses the British standard square three-pin, 13 amp sharp electric plug. Visitors from countries other than the United Kingdom are advised to bring their own adaptors. Entry Formalities Irrespective of the nationality of the visitor and his or her family members, there are NO VISA requirements to enter Seychelles. However, the following documents must be shown in order to obtain immigration clearance at the Seychelles International Airport: 1) A passport valid on the date of entry to and exit from Seychelles 2) Return or onward ticket 3) Proof of accommodation; including contact details 4) Sufficient funds for the duration of the stay Money & Banking The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR) which is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in 5, 10, 25 cents, and 1 and 5 Rupee denominations. Notes come in 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 Rupee denominations. Visitors to the islands are now entitled to make payments for services/products in Seychelles rupees. The discretion to pay in another currency other than the Seychelles rupee shall lay solely with the visitor. Exchange rates will be determined by the market and may differ from bank to bank or at various bureaux de change. Time Difference Seychelles is 4 hours ahead of GMT, 3 hours ahead of British summer time and 2 hours ahead of European summer time. Visitors may enjoy almost 12 hours of daylight throughout the year with sunrise occurring just after 0600hrs and the sun setting around 1830hrs.
Issue 37 |November 2014 13
TIPPING Most charges (restaurant, hotel, taxis, porters, etc) already include a 5% to 10% service charge or “tip� and so tipping is not obligatory in Seychelles. However, as a reward for exceptional service, a nominal tip is sure to be warmly received.tend to take guided walk and trail excursions.
Issue 37 |November 2014 17
WHAT TO PACK Light clothing suitable for Seychelles’ warm tropical climate is recommended and visitors should prepare themselves for the relatively hot, humid atmosphere. Also, for plenty of sun. Bring hats, sunglasses and adequate UV protection SPF30+ is advisable. It is important to remember that even on an overcast day the tropical sun is still strong and able to cause unpleasant sunburn. Wearing a t-shirt for the first swim or snorkel is a good idea. Casual eveningwear (long trousers for men), together with appropriate footwear, is necessary for dining out and for gaining entrance to casinos and most hotels. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended if you intend to take guided walk and trail excursions.
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FOCUSED ON | Finance
Unfair Bank Fees That Will Drain Your Account By Theresa Kim (Daily Finance)
In an ideal world, you would be exempt from all bank fees simply for maintaining a balance in your checking account. In reality, even the most responsible customer can incur costly fees at the bank.
control. In fact, most complaints filed against banks regard fees deemed unfair by customers -- as many fees are marked up exponentially and don’t reflect the true cost of providing a certain service.
Although most fees are a result of a consumer’s limited understanding and lack of attention to detail, in some cases, they may be a result of something completely out of your
Here’s a list of bank fees that are both unfair and costly. Keep these fees in mind to avoid being a victim of unfair charges. Issue 37|November 2014 21
Stop Payment Fee Whether you want to place a hold on a payment or stop an erroneous check, a stop payment order is a quick and effective method to prevent a payment from processing -- but it comes at a cost.
overdraft fees on a given day. All these extra fees may make it difficult to bring your account back to a positive. Sometimes, a bank will give you a limited amount of time following the initial overdraft to pay for the charges. If not, you will be charged an extended overdraft fee for keeping The average stop payment fee is $32.40 at your account overdrawn for an extended the 10 biggest banks in America, according period. to a MyBankTracker.com July analysis. The highest fee was $36 at SunTrust Bank, while Deposit Item Returned Fee the lowest was $25 at Chase. When someone writes you a check, and that person doesn’t have sufficient funds in This high fee may be worth it if a stop his or her account, the check will bounce. payment is necessary, but it will generally Although this is not your fault, you will have expire after a six-month period. Many to pay for this mistake (along with the banking customers fail to realize this, and person who issued you the check). You will the stopped payment goes through. To be charged the deposit item returned fee, prevent this from happening, a customer which is currently an average of $12.85. must actively renew the stop payment request before the expiration period, Debit card replacement fee which will incur an additional fee. It’s bad enough you lost your debit card or someone ran off your information, but Overdraft Fee what’s worse is that you may have to pay When your account balance is low the for your replacement card, especially if last thing you need are extra fees, which is you want it rush delivered. exactly what can happen. Thankfully, the average cost of getting a Another July analysis of the 10 largest lost debit card replaced is only $1.75, and banks found the average overdraft fee most banks offer this service for free when charged for each transaction that resulted delivered through standard mail. Banks in a negative account balance was also won’t charge you a fee if your card $35.20. Overdraft fees are one of the most was stolen. expensive bank fees, but this isn’t the only reason why they’re a sore spot for many However, the delivery time of the banking consumers. replacement cards can vary greatly and take anywhere between three to 15 For one, you will be assessed an overdraft business days. Depending on your needs, fee for dropping even a couple cents this time frame may not be an option below your balance, which means you’ll for you. If you needed to use expedited have to pay roughly $36 for being short 2 delivery, it can cost upward of $30. cents. The Silver Lining There’s also a gray area with overdraft Even the most unfair fee policies today are fees that often confuses customers. Even tamer versions of fees in the past -- when if you deposit a check right before you there was no limit on the amount you overdraft, this will not guarantee that you could be charged in a day for overdraft won’t be hit with an overdraft fee, thanks fees. To control these unfair practices to a fund availability policy in the U.S. and protect bank customers from inflated charges, federal regulators are continuing If you don’t realize you have a negative to implement new rules until both bank balance, you may continue spending and customer can find a happy balance. money, which could result in multiple
Elis
se Neal
FOR THE LOVE OF SINGING, DANCING, ACTING AND EVERYTHING ELSE IN BETWEEN! The incomparable Elise Neal talks about the passion that lead her to another and how everything fell into place as a result. By Stacey Bethel
Issue 37|November 2014 25
“From day one I said
I am not going to have any regrets. What I am not going to do is call anyone a bitch on camera or curse at anyone. Those are things I don’t need to do to get my point across and I felt like I achieved that. .
After weeks of going back and forth, Elise and I have finally nailed down some time to chat and I am elated. The phone rings at the exact time we are scheduled to talk and I am immediately thrown into conversation. “Hi Stacey, how are you?” Considering the fact that she has been traveling all week, “I am a St. Judes Celebrity Ambassador and I was in Memphis for St. Jude Weekend. Then I came home for a day and a half and I was back in Memphis to speak at a rally about getting better options for Education” she is extremely upbeat, warm and ready to dive right in and just like that we got into a rhythm that
was similar to that of old myself that way. With that came a weird awareness friends catching up. that I wish I didn’t have. “Elise, as I was waiting for Being famous is weird your call, I was reading in that way. However, if Reese Witherspoon’s you don’t want people to article in the October 2014 know everything about issue of Vogue in which you it is not that hard to she states about her loss live a private life. I am of privacy, ‘Sometimes not insecure so I don’t I mourn it. Sometimes I need to be on social will sit in the car and cry media posting pictures because I can’t get out.’ every second of the day How do you maintain a of where I am, who I am level of privacy, in that not with and what I am doing. every aspect of your life is I don’t need my followers public?” “You know when to like my life so that I can I was doing The Hughleys like it.” I had a horrible stalking incident. I had escorts Since 1992, Elise has take me home after enjoyed a fruitful career in taping and that was when acting. With unforgettable I said, well God damn I am roles in television series a celebrity because prior such as The Hughleys, All to that I never looked at of Us, Living Single, The Issue 37 |October 2014 27
Steve Harvey Show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Wayans Bros, Private Practice, Scandal and Films such as Malcolm X, Rosewood, Scream 2, and Hustle & Flow, Elise Neal has become a household name. But how does she remain employed when so many have expressed concerns about the limited roles for African American actors in Hollywood. “I have been really blessed for many many years to be on television and different movies. I started out singing and dancing. When I left Memphis at 18 to attend Performing Arts College in Philadelphia, I wanted to be the next Debbie Allen - I had no desire to be an actor. I felt this was the best training however for being an actor because when you are a girl trying out for a Broadway chorus and there are 200 people trying out and they need only 2 or 3 for the job. You learn one combination and they make the cut from 200 to 20 and then 5. They tell you to take a few minutes, perform and at the end of that you still may not get the job. After years of going through that, I developed the tenacity to enduring that, being in the space and loving it. After a while it becomes a cake walk.” And though she has excelled as an actress, those who know her well knows that singing and dancing is her passion. “I am a dancer and singer at heart. It is all I talk about and the reason I developed Assorted Flavors. While I was doing All of Us, I really missed performing and wanted to get back to the stage and that’s how Assorted Flavors came about. We have done our own shows as well as others. People love when I do it.” Wanting her fans to see that side of her was one of the reasons she decided to do Reality TV series, Hollywood Divas. A docu-series on TV One, Elise shares the screen with Golden Brooks, Paula Jai Parker, Countess Vaughn and Lisa Wu. The series, which aired on October 8, 2014, documents the life and careers
of the women as they work together to produce an independent film. “One of the reasons I decided to do the series is because I like reality TV and I felt that who better to work with than the master of reality TV, Carlos King. The second reason was that the show was not necessarily about women who did not know each other. It was about bringing these likeminded women together and creating a project of our own in Hollywood. I have produced things in the past and I have that voice, I enjoy that space. I am not opposed to the
“I have been really blessed for many many years to be on television and different movies.” production behind the scenes. So it was interesting to me.” But with the stigma attached to Reality TV, many were surprised that an actress of Elise’ caliber would go down that path and feared that the drama that plagues so many of these series would paint a picture of her that she would not be able to come back from. “From day one I said I am not going to have any regrets. What I am not going to do is call anyone a bitch on camera or curse at anyone. Those are things I don’t need to do to get my point across and I felt like I achieved that. When you see me cursing is when I am talking to myself because I am really mad. But at the end of the day, I am very proud of how I represented myself and I don’t regret anything I said or did. I set out with a goal to show people who I really am and I accomplished that.” In addition to Hollywood Divas, Elise also starred in the Halloween themed short Pillow Talk 187 which premiered on
October 18, 2014 also on TV One and the Lifetime biopic, Aaliyah: Princess of R&B out November 15, 2014. “I loved the fact that I got to work with director Russ Parr again on Pillow Talk. To play Coffee Black a sexy DJ who has so many layers was fun. I love being in horror films so to play the lead was great. In the Aaliyah biopic I play Gladys Knight. That role was more about being the best person and the best performer you can be. It was such an honor to be a part of it.” At 48 years old, Elise has mastered the art of creating balance. And though she enjoys what she does, it is not all that she is. “I am an advocate of working out because it is a lifestyle. It keeps me sane. I also like to bowl and I love a good movie night. I have people in my life that keep me entertained and laughing all the time.” And in terms of her private life as it relates to marriage and children, “yes I am dating. My goal for happiness has changed. I like the fact that I like hanging out with someone so much and to me that’s enough because I don’t like everyone all the time. I enjoy this person’ company so much that it is great to have them around. And right now that is great for me. I don’t see me giving birth at this time however I have not given up on motherhood.” A trailblazer, she has the AfricanAmerican Women in Cinema Trailblazer Award to prove it, this 5’4” powerhouse continues to do what she loves with great pride and humility. The road less traveled is one that she has committed to taking and that is paying off for her in a major way. We will definitely be cheering for her as I am sure her fans will be as well.
Issue 37 |November 2014 29
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Beauty Goodies and Gadgets Great For Gifting By Christene Carr
If you are not already shopping for beauty gifts for your best gal pals, I have some bad news -- you are a little behind. But not to worry, I’ve found some beauty gifts that will please their recipients and land you at the top of the ‘bestie’ list for years to come.
Say goodbye to lackluster skin with the Clinique Skincare Brush. It uses an oval shaped angled brush with 35,000 tufted doomed tip bristles to target the contour areas of the face including around the nose, hairline and chin to deliver a gentle, effective clean. www.Clinique. com $89.50
Talika Cream Booster uses aerospace technology to boost the efficacy of skincare products. The electricity in the booster enhances the transfer of active ingredients deep into skin cells, while the light therapy works to reactivate and energize cells and the gentle vibration increases circulation. With Talika Cream Booster, regular skincare will be sent into overdrive. www. Talika.com $145
Red by Kiss Handle Less Blow Dryer will change the way your friends blow dry their hair, especially if they have naturally curly hair. It has a 1875 watt motor and uses ceramic tourmaline technology to blow dry hair and keep cuticles flat to prevent frizz. www.kissusa. com $29.99 Happy Hands UV Nail Gloves gel manicures are all the rage because they can last 2 plus weeks. The downside of that long lasting flawless manicure is that the polish must be dried under a UV lamp which ages the skin and can make hands appear years older than they are. The Happy Hands UV Nail Glove covers and protects hands leaving the nail visible for polish. www.shophappyproducts.com $9.99
Issue 37 |November 2014 31
FOCUSED ON | Beauty
Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift is an advance wrinkle treatment that aggressively combats wrinkles, sagging skin, uneven skin tone and dryness through the use of fast penetrating hyaluronic Acid and rare botanical extracts. It’s like a spa visit in a convenient little can that will work for your girls, no matter where they live. www. katesomerville.com $95
HoneyBelle Body Buffer uses simultaneous oscillating and zigzag motion to boost blood and lymphatic flow, stimulate collagen formulation and increase skin’s elasticity. The end result, a reduction in cellulite and smoother skin. The buffer also works wonders on sore muscles to dissipate lactic acid buildup and promote quick recovery from strenuous workouts. www. bellebodybuffer.com $395
The Sedu Diamond Flat Iron is a sleek, lightweight styling tool with curved ceramic tourmaline plates that straightens hair in a flash leaving it shiny, soft, and frizz free. It has 6 digital temperature setting reaching up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and a handy auto shut off feature. www. folica.com $210
Clarisonic Pedi uses patented sonic frequency that oscillates back and forth at more than 300 movements per second to gently slough away dry, rough skin. With the Clarisonic Pedi, feet will always be sandal ready. www.Clarisonic.com $199
1633 Broadway, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10019
Kevin Lyttle Renaissance Man By Malaika Lepine
Kevin Lyttle, in refusing to be type cast, has done a bang up job of fusing soca, reggae and R&B to create a sound that is all his own. That fusion was evident in his 2004 hit single, “Turn Me On.” The single, which features Spragga Benz, became a worldwide hit reaching number 2 in the UK, number 4 in the United States, number 3 in Australia and Top 5 in several European countries.
support of his family, he poured all his time and money into what he loved and it paid off. Kevin was signed with Atlantic records and during that time he traveled the world, performed on various stages and lived a dream that only a few have ever experienced. “When I first recorded Turn Me On my goal was to get signed to a major label, but as the saying goes be careful what you wish for. Once I was signed, my objective was to become The world knows you for single “Turn Me independent.” On.” Is there a lot of pressure to record another hit like “Turn Me On?” “It’s a lot But with big dreams, disappointments of pressure and daunting in a sense but I are never far behind. A freshman in the don’t let it get to me. It’s easier now but industry, the platinum artist admits that he when I did it the first time from St. Vincent wasn’t savvy when it came to the business where there is no strong industry per se as of his music and as such he placed all his a new artist it was hard, but now I have faith in his management. That faith turned resources.” sour when Kevin’s manager at the time was arrested for drug trafficking which left From the beginning Kevin’s dreams were Kevin in limbo. bigger than his surroundings but with the .
Tell me about that period. “That was very hard for me, I was really blindsided. She was more than a manager, she was my family. I was basically left on my own, creatively I became stifled. The label didn’t know what to do with me. I walked the line between doing music that I loved, catering to my fans expectations and the pressure of another hit.” Eventually Kevin and Atlantic Records parted ways. “The experience made me wiser, it gave me a crash course in the business of music and birth the formation of my own label, Tarakon.” However, when things were looking up again, Kevin suffered yet another personal blow. His beloved mother, Janice Lyttle, died suddenly of heart disease at the age of 52. “My mom was my world, she was my biggest fan. I am who I am because of her. I am just thankful that she got to see what her boy accomplished.” In her honor, Kevin formed a non-profit organization, The Janice Lyttle Foundation, in the fight against heart disease.
FOCUSED ON | Music
presented the special International Award of Honor for my contributions to the music industry. Also I’m finishing my album tentatively titled “Diplomat.” I received diplomatic status from the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They appointed me “Cultural Ambassador” to St. Vincent. So in a sense this musical passport is an ode to all my voyages and will feature King James from Rwanda, Shaggy from Jamaica, Medina from Sweden, Mya from U.S.A, Yaga Y Mackie from Puerto Rico and Spragga Benz from Jamaica.” It was clear from his interview that Kevin has grown tremendously and that growth will be evident in his music and the team he now has in place to help reclaim his spot on music charts, world renowned stages and in rotation on airwaves. Stay tuned!
You have already accomplished so much, what is next for Kevin? “I have my eyes on a bigger prize. Think Russell Simmons and Jay Z. To my core I’m an artist, I’m also a businessman.” His entrepreneurial side comes from various endeavors. Not only is he the global brand ambassador for Monte Carlo Vodka, but he is also a partner in the brands’ line of distilled spirits produced in Cognac, France. Additionally, Kevin and his wife, Dr. Jacqueline James, are partners in Kidville. Kidville is a place where parents and kids from newborn through six years old can put creativity, fun, and play-time first. They offer a wide range of fun classes and programs designed by early childhood development specialists. The program first opened in 2013 in Southland Mall and has expanded to several Westfield mall locations nationwide. You have a lot going on but what’s going on music wise? “On October 4, 2014 at the 33rd Reggae & World Music Awards I was Issue 37 |November 2014 35
Festive Feast By Neka Williams
There is but one reason many in the United States love November and that reason is Thanksgiving. This is a time that everyone indulges in their favorite dishes without fostering any guilt. And though Thanksgiving is an American tradition, we can still add some Caribbean flare to the typical menu. When one thinks of Thanksgiving, turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce comes to mind. However this year we employ you to spice things up a bit and instead of giving the turkey the lead role at the dinner table, try a large roasted snapper or any fish of your choice. Similar to turkey, fish can also be stuffed. As a stuffing, you can use water crackers, callaloo, okra, and another vegetable of your choice. Be sure to add Grace’s fish tea flavored soup mix for added zest. Not only delicious, fish is high in protein and low in calories. Adding callaloo is a great source of iron. By serving this entrée, you and your guests are not only enjoying a mouth-watering meal but also a healthy meal. Grilled or baked in the oven, you can serve fish with rice and peas using red peas, blackeyed peas, or gungu peas (pigeon peas), and sweet plantain as a side. To stray from the ordinary look of plantains, you can be creative and make plantain cups (recipe in the May 2014 issue). Plantain is a good substitute for candied yams. But before your new lead makes a grand
entrance at the table, serve a light appetizer such as pepper pot, goat head, seafood, fish tea or conch soup. Soup in the Caribbean and other cultures is often served before a meal to help with the digestive system. Last but not least, finish your meal with dessert and some drinks. Sticking with the Caribbean theme, your grandmother’s famous sweet potato or cassava pudding recipe will be of great use. Whichever pudding you choose will be even more scrumptious with a scoop of grape nut ice cream. As for drinks, make a pitcher of ginger beer or Irish moss. Now we are not telling you to kick your turkey, along with your other dishes, to the curb for Thanksgiving. We are simply suggesting options that will add some much needed pizzazz to your menu for an Irie Thanksgiving feast to remember.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Cooking Tips: • Not much salt is needed in the soup(s) • Leave fish to marinate overnight • You can use spinach instead of callaloo when stuffing the fish • For a healthier choice, use brown rice when preparing rice and peas • Add nutmeg, vanilla, or cinnamon for flavor to Irish moss
• • • • • • •
Scotch bonnet pepper(s), diced Fingers of thyme Okra, washed and diced Bunch of callaloo, chopped Water crackers Pack of Grace fish tea flavored soup mix Pumpkin, peeled and diced
Directions: • Wash the fish and rub inside and out Jamaican Style Roast Fish with lime and salt. • Wipe off the lime juice and salt. Ingredients (portion vary according to size • Add dry seasoning: salt, black pepper, of fish): and paprika. Let marinate for about 1 • 1 large, whole red snapper scaled and hour. gutted • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F or • 1½ lime prepare barbeque grill. • Salt • Divide stuffing ingredients equally into a bowl and add melted butter. Mix well. Stuffing: • Combine half of the stuffing ingredients • Salt and fill the belly of the snapper. • Black pepper • Wrap in heavy-duty foil. Bake or grill the • Paprika fish until the flesh is opaque, allowing • Stick(s) of butter, melted about 10 minutes per pound. • Onion, peeled and diced • Use the remaining of stuffing to top the • Garlic, peeled and diced fish after it has cooked. • Stalks of scallion Issue 37 |November 2014 37
7 Tips that make it easier to stop eating When you’re
full
Diet Tips for Breakfast
By Zahra Barnes (Women’s Health
Mindful eating is an effortless way to cut back on calories and get closer to your weight-loss goal. The best part? Even though you’re not eating as much, the movement is all about not depriving yourself. “Mindful eating is not a diet,” says Susan Albers, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic and author of Eat Q: Unlock The Weight-Loss Power of Emotional Intelligence. “It revolves around behavioral tips that change how you eat, not what you eat.” Read on for easy ways to start eating mindfully and seeing results.
1
Put Your Fork Down Between Bite
After you take each bite, give your fork a rest instead of preemptively loading it up with the next mouthful. “We get into an automatic hand-to-mouth flow when we eat,” says Alberts. “As you put your fork down, you intentionally slow your pace, and that gives you more room to tune into your body’s cues.” When eating mindfully, you’re aiming for feeling satisfied (no longer hungry) instead of a complete fullness that indicates you’ve overdone it.
2
Cut Your Portions in Half
This move combats the effect of your eyes being bigger than your stomach. “Because we’re conditioned to clean our plates, we tend to eyeball our portion sizes according to how big the plate is instead of our hunger,” says Albers. When you slice your meal in half from the start, you’ll likely be surprised that it’s enough to fill you up. Remember, you can always have the rest if you don’t feel satisfied!
FOCUSED ON | Fitness
3
Savor That First Bite
Eating isn’t only about taste—it’s an entire sensory experience. “We eat a lot of food that’s mediocre but don’t realize it because we aren’t paying attention,” says Albers. Pause for three to five seconds before you start eating, and really focus on your food: What does it look like? How does it smell? You can even go so far as to come up with three quick adjectives to describe it. As you’re eating it, concentrate on the texture and sound, then envision its movement from your throat into your stomach. Really relishing and focusing on the food will not only slow you down, it’ll give your body time to release satiety signals before you overindulge.
4
Turn Your Fork Upside Down
This tip comes from European eating habits, so you can pat yourself on the back for being worldly. Instead of using your fork to scoop food with a traditionally American approach, flip it so you have to pierce your food instead. “You’re not used to using a fork that way, so it will help you focus on the actual process of eating,” says Albers.
5
Turn Off the TV
Pausing for a meal doesn’t mean it’s time to multitask. “You tend to eat 14 percent more if the TV is on,” says Albers, who points out that you can’t practice mindful eating if you aren’t fully engaged with your food. Put down the remote control, and keep your eyes on your plate instead.
6
Drink Water 30 Minutes
Sometimes people mistake thirst for hunger, so staying hydrated is key to warding off any misleading signals, says Albers.
7
Make a Fist as You Eat
Even the weird-but-true tips can pay off. This one is rooted in the psychological theory of embodied cognition, which means that our physical actions can influence our minds. “When we think the word ‘no,’ our minds connect that sentiment with a clenched fist. That’s the movement we lean towards making because it means stop,” says Albers. With the hand you aren’t using to eat, make a fist at the beginning, middle, and end of your meal to remind you to stop and pay more attention to your food—and how hungry you are.
Issue 37|November 2014 41
Trending: Thigh High Boots
By Camesha Powell
How do you make thigh highs look a lot less trashy and a lot more chic? Make your boots the central sexy factor and build an outfit around it that is smart and empowering or feminine and sophisticated. A staple for some closets, these boots are a major trend this fall and it’s all about keeping your silhouette modern and high-style.
Devious $130
Topshop $320
JustFab $55
Giuseppe Zanotti $1695
Opening Ceremony $870
Steve Madden $170
Acne Studios $1250
Stuart Weitzman $795
Jimmy Choo $1845
Office Nova $190
Vince Camuto $625
Acne Studios $1350
Issue 37 |November 2014 43
Triple the Focus
FOCUSED ON | Culture
Fall booklist
Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light. –Vera Nazarian
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn The #1 New York Times Bestseller “Readers who prefer more virulent strains of unreality will appreciate the sneaky mind games of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, a thriller rooted in the portrait of a tricky and troubled marriage.” —New York Times “Ms. Flynn writes dark suspense novels that anatomize violence without splashing barrels of blood around the pages… But as in her other books, Ms. Flynn has much more up her sleeve than a simple missingperson case. As Nick and Amy’s alternately tell their stories, marriage has never looked so menacing, narrators so unreliable.” — Wall Street Journal
Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan “[A] startling debut collection... Akpan is not striving for surreal effects. He is summoning miseries that are real.... He fuses a knowledge of African poverty and strife with a conspicuously literary approach to storytelling filtering tales of horror through the wide eyes of the young.” —New York Times “African writer and Jesuit priest Uwem Akpan depicts the plight of African children with the kind of restraint only possible when an author fully inhabits his characters-he manages to be empathetic without being condescending.” — The Village Voice
Issue 37 |November 2014 45
FOCUSED ON | Culture
After I’m Gone by Laura Lippman
Bread and Butter by Michelle Wildgen
The Widow’s Guide to Sex and Dating by Carole Radziwill
“Lippman is as skillful at plot as she is at characters and setting, and the twists in the novel’s final pages are both surprising and satisfying. [...] Like everything else Lippman has written, “After I’m Gone” transcends the limits of genre.” — Washington Post
“Wildgen serves up romantic intrigue . . . along with a generous dollop of satire as sharp as a prep knife. . . A divinely delicious read.” —O, The Oprah Magazine
“From the author of the bestselling memoir What Remains comes a cheeky, affecting debut novel about a woman grieving for her husband and gradually learning to get back in the game” —O, The Oprah Magazine
“Equal parts love story, tragedy and murder mystery, Lippman’s latest thriller delivers twist and emotional depth with its tale of a philandering scheemer whose long-time mistress turns up dead years after he skipped town.” — Entertainment Weekly
“The restaurant industry, with its relentless push for reinvention and obsession with the new, is brutal. But so is getting old, Wildgen’s novel will remind you. . . The pages start flying when Stray ramps up business. . . . Three words for you: Food Nerds Unite.” —The New York Times Book Review
“One of the richest, most deeply satisfying stories I’ve read in a long time… [Radziwill’s] spare writing and wry voice make The Widow’s Guide an exhilarating, insightful and moving story about loss and identity.”— BookPage
Savage Girl by Jean Zimmerman Wealthy socialite Hugo Delegate and his family rescue the “Savage Girl” from a carnival sideshow and bring her back to their mansion in 1870s New York. Reportedly captured as a child and raised by a Comanche tribe, she instantly captivates Hugo with her boldness and energy. The Delegates undergo a campaign to socialize Savage Girl with limited success. Meanwhile, violence follows this young woman across the country, as men she flirts with end up mutilated and dead. In this follow-up to her acclaimed debut, The Orphanmaster, Zimmerman offers a fanciful and occasionally surreal take on a Gilded Age New York that is reminiscent of Caleb Carr’s The Alienist or even Edgar Allan Poe. Most of the novel is narrated by Hugo recounting events in an extended flashback, which feels jarring and out of place. More successful are the action-packed final chapters. VERDICT This is best for fans of Zimmerman’s first novel and readers who like their historical novels tinged with darkness. — Library Journal
FOCUSED ON | Culture Return to Love by Marianne Williamson “What Marianne Williamson is getting at here is that fear hides our inner light, but that when we embrace love—which is how she defines God—we connect with who we are really meant to be. I have never been more moved by a book than I am by this one.” — O Magazine “Marianne Williamson’s book is a classic. She reveals, with elegant simplicity, that love is not a mere sentiment of emotion, but the ultimate truth at the heart of creation.” — Deepak Chopra
by
My Life in Middle March by Rebecca Mead
When John the 9th Duke of Rutland died in April 1940, he was one of the wealthiest men in England—and probably one of the most lonely. Within days, his son decided on a strange response to his father’s demise: He ordered that his papers be locked in a sealed room and not opened for sixty years. More than half a century later, Catherine Bailey, the author of this book, became the first person to peruse the immense archives of Belvoir Castle and the first to discover the dark secrets that had caused its suppression. A gripping family drama of World War I; perfect for fans of Downton Abbey. — Barnes & Noble
“My Life in Middlemarch is a poignant testimony to the abiding power of fiction.” —The New York Times Book Review
The Secret Rooms Catherine Bailey
“Part memoir, part biography, part literary appreciation, My Life in Middlemarch is pure pleasure.” — NPR
Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz “Schwarz pays meticulous attention to her characters. . . . Drowning Ruth offers tender gifts–the shore, the lake, the island, all keeping their own mysteries.” –The Washington Post Book World “Gripping . . . A story of deep family rivalries . . . A remarkable debut.” –The New York Times Book Review
Issue 37 |November Issue 30|April2014 2014 47 27
OTIS BROWN III “THE THOUGHT OF YOU” Courtesy of Bluenote.com
“Everything on this record is a part of me.” Drummer Otis Brown III wears his heart on his sleeve, and if you let the musical community that he is an integral part of tell it, the world is better off for it. After fifteen years of sideman work with the likes of Terence Blanchard, Oliver Lake, Eric Lewis, Kurt Elling, Somi, and Gretchen Parlato – and most consistently with Joe Lovano and Esperanza Spalding – Brown steps out with The Thought of You, a bold debut that harks back like a musical memoir through an ingeniously vitalizing lens. Its impressive roll call of featured guests enhances, rather than upstages, the essence of what Brown holds most dear: faith and family. Pianist Robert Glasper, trumpeter Keyon Harrold, saxophonist John Ellis, and bassist Ben Williams are enlisted as the core band, with organist Shedrick Mitchell and guitarist Nir Felder making special appearances. Singers Bilal, Gretchen Parlato, and Nikki Ross contribute particularly affecting standout performances that underscore the sentiments of the album’s co-producer, Derrick Hodge, who says, “Otis has become one of those drummers who once you hear him play, his experience becomes your experience in the moment.” Issue 37 |November 2014 49
There are no coincidences in the casting. Brown’s “family first” philosophy shines through right out of the gate with “The Way (Truth & Life),” co-written with Glasper. The highly energetic and lyrical piece features the album’s core quintet which, with the exception of Williams, re-assembles their college jazz ensemble from their days at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City. “The most special thing about working with Otis is simply the joy he gets out of playing music; it’s all over his face like a little kid,” says Glasper. “People have lost that joy and take playing too seriously.” This point is well illustrated on “The Thought of You”; a jam session-like trilogy weaved throughout the album. “Part I” opens with a signature vamp from Glasper, with Brown providing a knocking backbeat before the group breaks into a glorious swing. Bilal, a vocalist of astonishing versatility who also composed the tune, offers a glimpse at his bona fide jazz chops, with Harrold’s burning solo following up the velvety vocals. Floating atop “Interlude I – The Truth,” which grooves on a variation of the opening number, is a declaration: “You can have your truth; I can have my truth.” Brown attests that the interpretations of the statement are endless, but also applies it as a message to anyone who is bent on drawing hard lines when it comes to genre identification or harshly judging artists who push beyond manufactured margins. There isn’t a more relevant group of musicians to make such a proposition; nearly everyone on the album has made significant departures from the music that initially drew them together. Glasper and his group Robert Glasper Experiment, which includes Hodge, skyrocketed as a breakout GRAMMY-winning, genre-defying band; Harrold has been playing consistently with the likes of Jay-Z and R&B crooner Maxwell; and Bilal became a star in his own right as a founder of the neo-soul movement. Yet there is a “don’t get it twisted” undertone in their performances of the more straight-ahead material, and moreover, an evident, overflowing love exuded for the music they have never abandoned. “Stages of Thought” further engrains that outlook with a moody, highly improvisatory number that grooves over a vamp in 11/8 meter, with a swelling intensity. We hear the first ballad of the album with “The Two Become One” which is a dedication to Brown’s wife, Paula. Williams plays a poignant introduction before the group (which features the alluring addition of Ellis’ bass clarinet) joins with an almost meditative feel.
from Parlato. The pair has proven to have an uncanny predilection for reimagining pop material. “This version is in the same vein as other pop covers Robert and I have collaborated on,” says Parlato, “in that his vision for re-arrangement and reharmonization completely transforms the listener from the original version, giving it new life and meaning, while still honoring what makes the song a classic.” “The Thought of You – Part II” fades up with a picturesque solo from Ellis, who Brown says has, “a singular thing that nobody else has; he has a tone and sound and way he plays lines,” concluding, “he’s one of my favorites of my contemporaries by far.” The album takes a sharp, yet aesthetically viable turn with a stunning performance of gospel medley “I Love You Lord/We Exalt Thee/In The Beginning.” Best known for her association with gospel luminary Kirk Franklin, masterful vocalist and keyboardist Nikki Ross has cultivated a loyal following of her solo work. The medley opens with a stripped-down performance of “I Love You Lord”, with Ross and Mitchell, who is well known as one of the most harmonically inventive organists on the gospel scene. The tear jerking performance blends seamlessly into “We Exalt Thee” with Brown’s mallets taking the song to stratospheric heights. Williams and Glasper add splendid layers to a beautiful vamp, “In The Beginning,” composed by Mitchell, which includes interweaving, floating harmonies from Ross. “The Thought of You – Part III” features Glasper, and Bilal reemerges to bookend the triplex statement. Ross appears once more on “I Am Your Song,” which has become a modern classic in the gospel realm. Arranged by Hodge, the song serves as a benediction of sorts, with a dynamic solo from Brown. The album closes with, “Interlude II – Life,” a driving vamp with Brown’s drums gritty and emotional, with a synthesizing solo of hip hop, jazz, rock. “Sometimes a producer can be so focused on trying to prove versatility and sonic range, that the artist suffers because it becomes about proving a point more than it is about focusing solely on what the artist has to say,” says Hodge. Far from a jazzmeets-gospel record, or jazz-meets-90s pop effort, The Thought of You is a sum of all of the parts of Brown, with its versatility serving merely as a truth, rather than a tool.
The Thought Of You is available now via Revive/Blue Note. Find the album on Parlato oozes the opening lyric, “Looks like we iTunes or Amazon. made it”, on “You’re Still The One,” a tribute to the Browns’ now fourteen year marriage. The 90s hit from country-pop superstar Shania Twain, which comes across like a refrain of the heart, gets a gorgeous makeover via an arrangement from Glasper and a resonant vocal performance
AALIYAH: THE PRINCESS OF R&B A&E Networks
Before Beyonce and Rihanna, self-proclaimed “street but sweet” Aaliyah was poised to become a global icon with top-selling albums, a hot movie career and an adoring fan base. But behind the spotlight, Brooklyn-born, Detroit-raised Aaliyah Dana Haughton struggled to succeed in a tough business while staying grounded in the midst of her growing celebrity. The film follows the beautiful and talented performer’s inspirational journey, from her debut on Star Search at the age of ten to the challenges she faced during her rise to become the Princess of R&B. On August 25, 2001, at the height of her popularity, her life was tragically cut short when a plane carrying the singer and some of her video crew crashed after takeoff from a Bahamian runway. Although just 22-years-old at the time of her death, Aaliyah continues to lead a legacy as Billboard’s tenth most famous R&B artist of the past 25 years and one of the recording industry’s most successful artists in history.
Executive Produced by Howard Braunstein, Debra Martin Chase and Wendy Williams, Two-Hour Film Based on the Bestselling Book Aaliyah: More Than a Woman, Chronicles the Superstar’s Rise to Fame and Tragic Death
FOCUSED ON | Culture
Lifetime’s Original Movie, Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B, starring Alexandra Shipp (House of Anubis) as the beloved actress and music sensation, is set to premiere Saturday, November 15, at 8pm ET/PT. The two-hour movie is executive produced by Howard Braunstein, Debra Martin Chase and Wendy Williams, and based on the bestseller Aaliyah: More Than a Woman the recording industry’s most successful by former Time Magazine music editor artists in history. Christopher John Farley (Game World). actress and singer/ Before Beyonce and before Rihanna, self- Multi-talented songwriter Alexandra Shipp starred as proclaimed “street but sweet” Aaliyah KT Rush in the Nickelodeon series House was poised to become a global icon with of Anubis. Additional credits include the top-selling albums, a hot movie career upcoming film Drumline 2: A New Beat, and an adoring fan base. The film follows Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, the beautiful and talented performer’s Ray Donovan, Victorious, Switched at Birth inspirational journey from her debut on Star and Awkward. Shipp is currently filming Search at the age of ten to the challenges Universal Pictures’ Straight Outta Compton. she faced during her rise to become the Princess of R&B. On August 25, 2001, at Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B also stars the height of her popularity, her life was Rachael Crawford (The Man) and tragically cut short when a plane carrying Sterling Jarvis (The Sentinel) as Aaliyah’s the singer and some of her video crew parents Diane and Mike Haughton; A.J. crashed after takeoff from a Bahamian Saudin (Degrassi: The Next Generation) runway. Although just 22-years-old at the as Aaliyah’s brother Rashad Haughton; time of her death, Aaliyah continues to lead and Lyriq Bent (Saw IV) as her uncle and a legacy as Billboard’s tenth most famous music manager Barry Hankerson. The film R&B artist of the past 25 years and one of also stars Anthony Grant as Damon Dash, Izaak Smith (Mirror, Mirror) as Timbaland, Elise Neal (The Soul Man) as Gladys Knight and Chattrisse Dolabaille (Home Away) as Missy Elliot. Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B is produced by Aaliyah Productions, Inc. Howard Braunstein (The Informant!) Debra Martin Chase (The Princess Diaries, Sparkle) and Wendy Williams (Wendy Williams Show) serve as executive producers. Steve Solomos serves as producer. Bradley Walsh (Turn the Beat Around) directs from a script written by Michael Elliot (Brown Sugar). Issue 37 |November 2014 55
LIFETIME BRINGS OUT THE STARS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
LIFETIME BRINGS OUT THE STARS FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH MOVIES FEATURING Grumpy Cat, Aubrey Plaza, Academy Award® Nominee Taraji P. Henson, Emmy® Winner Chevy Chase Golden Globe® Nominee and Molly Ringwald, Emmy® Nominees John Ratzenberger, Conchata Ferrell, Cheri Oteri and Annabella Sciorra, Grammy® Winners Gladys Knight, Cliff “Method Man” Smith and Meat Loaf, Grammy-Nominated Singing Group En Vogue, Grammy Nominee David Alan Grier, Barry Watson, Melissa Joan Hart and Wendy Williams among others
Seasons of Love Saturday, November 22, 8pm ET/PT
An En Vogue Christmas Saturday, November 22, 8pm ET/PT Over the years, the funky divas of En Vogue have gone their separate ways, until they are asked to perform a benefit concert to save the club that made them stars. They put aside their hesitations to reunite for the special night but first, must overcome their challenging history with Marty (David Alan Grier, In Living Color), their former manager and the man responsible for breaking them up. In the spirit of the holidays, the ladies find forgiveness and come together for an epic En Vogue Christmas concert to keep the club from closing its doors forever. Stars Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, Rhona Bennett as themselves and features some of their biggest hits and two new original songs. Genelle Williams also stars.
Kyla (LeToya Luckett, Single Ladies) and Amir’s (Cleo Anthony, Divergent) new romance is thrown for a loop when Amir’s father (Richard Portnow) suddenly passes away and Kyla’s ex, Miles (Rob Riley, Hit the Floor), comes back into the picture. The two struggle to determine what truly matters to them in this story of life, love and family. Taraji P. Henson stars and executive produces, while Gladys Knight and Cliff “Method Man” Smith also star.
The Santa Con’ Saturday, December 13, 8p ET/PT Small-time con man Nick DeMarcco (Barry Watson, Hart of Dixie) is ordered by his parole officer to take a minimum-wage job as a department store Santa during the holidays…and he hates it. Near the end of his first shift, he hastily promises a young boy, Billy (Tucker Meek), that Santa will bring his estranged parents back together by Christmas. When his sister Rosemary (Melissa Joan Hart, Melissa and Joey) hears this, she is livid and can’t believe he would break a little boy’s heart with an empty promise. After a long night of soul searching – and with the help of an insightful female pastor (Wendy Williams) – Nick decides to make good on his promise to the child, somehow. But after meeting the boy’s mother Carol (Melissa Sagemiller, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), will Nick ultimately choose to put the happiness
of others ahead of his own? Jaleel White (Family Matters), Scott Grimes (Party of Five) and John Ratzenberger (Cheers) also star. Hart also directs this film.
Issue 37 |November 2014 59
Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever Saturday, November 29, 8p ET/PT Grumpy Cat (voiced by Aubrey Plaza) is a lonely cat living in a mall pet shop. Because she never gets chosen by customers, she develops a sour outlook on life…until one day during the holidays, a very special 12-year-old girl named Chyrstal enters the pet store and falls in love with her after realizing she is the only person who can hear this unique cat talk. As the two develop a close friendship during the holiday rush, Grumpy reluctantly thwarts the kidnapping of an exotic dog she dislikes and, on Christmas Eve, rescues Chyrstal after the mall closes. Through her adventures, will Grumpy learn the true meaning of Christmas? Or will it be, in her words, the “Worst. Christmas. Ever?”
Wally Lamb’s Wishin’ and Hopin’ Saturday, December 6, 8p ET/PT Based on the New York Times best-selling Christmas novel by Wally Lamb comes the new Christmas classic, starring Molly Ringwald and featuring narration by Chevy Chase as the narrator. Set in 1960s, Wishin’ and Hopin’ story of 10-year-old Felix Funicello (Wyatt Ralff, The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby), doing his best to navigate fifth grade at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School. His father (Danny Nucci, The Fosters) runs the local diner, and their family’s claim to fame is their cousin Annette Funicello (Krysta Rodriguez, Smash), the famous teen star and Mouseketeer. With the dreaded Christmas pageant on the horizon, the holiday season gets even more exciting with the sudden arrivals of a substitute teacher (Ringwald) and the feisty Russian student Zhenya, promising to be one Christmas Felix will never forget. Also stars Meat Loaf (Fight Club), Annabella Sciorra (CSI), Cheri Oteri (Saturday Night Live) and Conchata Ferrell (Two and a Half Men) and Camila Banus (Days of Our Lives).