I don’t think I am a sex symbol, nor am I trying to be one, I just try to stay in shape because my job is very hectic. But if the ladies see it that way, then I am gonna have to keep hitting the gym!
4 Calendar of Events 6 Creative Director’s Note 8 Editor’s Note 11Masthead
Features
27 Batter Up: Fish Fritters 42 The Midi Skirt 30 50 Shades of Mr. Vegas 45 Operation Carnival
12 William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke 36 Valentine’s Day: The
48 Money Makeover
18 drennaLuna: Jumping in
51 Aphrodisiac, Dessert
Style
24 St. Vincent &
The Grenadines
Simple Sexy Edition
39
Black History Events You Should Know
or Superfood
40 Black History Facts
CONTENT Issue 28 February 2014
ST. THOMAS
ANTIGUA
ST. MAARTEN 21st–22nd
Oneness Reggae Festival Jamaica
17th-18th Rebel Salute Jamaica
13th – 16th
Moonsplash Anguilla
15th
28th – 30th
3rd - 4th
St. Croix Food and Wine Experience
9 Mile Music Festival Miami, FL
United Nations of Dub UK
30th-Feb. 1st
Jamaica Jazz & Blues
31st.
6th – 12th
Raggamuffin New Zealand
Dominica Mas Domnik
30th–Feb. 4th
3rd - 4th
Grenada Carriacou Regatta
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
6th – 9th
St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Carnival
23rd
Guyana Music Festival
7th – April 27th
Jamaica Carnival
28th
Reggae on the Hill Barbados
26th – May 2nd Sailing Week Antigua
30th - May 11th
St. Lucia Jazz Festival
BARBADOS
UNITED KINGDOM
8th - 14th 1st – 3rd
VI Carnival St. Thomas
CHICAGO
2nd
Grenada Carriacou Maroon Music Festival
9th – 11th
Sunshine Reggae Festival on the Beach France
23rd – 25th
MIAMI JAMAICA
California Roots California
Jamaica Reggae Sumfest
13th – 15th
15th – 17th
20th – 22nd
26th - August 5th
Reggae in the Hills California
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, California
25th
Best of the Best Florida
27th – July 5th
29th – Jun 1st 6th – 8th
Riddim Festival Aalborg Denmark
NEW ZEALAND
1st – 3rd
Grenada Spicemas Carnival
Reggae Jam Bersenbruk, Germany
3rd – 6th 4th – 5th
12th – 14th
Unity Festival Guernville, CA
Lakesplash Festival Switzerland
4th – 6th
Summer Jam Germany
8th – 10th
6th – 12th
9th – 13th
St. Croix Food and Wine Experience
10th
10th-14th
6th – 8th
City of Trees Music Festival ,California
Antigua Carnival
St. Vincent & The Grenadines Six Flags Reggae Concert Series Vincy Festival New Jersey
International Festival of Life Chicago
Ruhr Reggae Summr Germany
One Love Festival Leighton Buzzard, UK
26th - 28th
St. Kitts & Nevis Music Festival
23rd – 26th
Kentucky Reggae Festival Kentuck
13th - 19th
Ocho Rios Jazz Festival
20th – 25th
Welcome to Jamrock Cruise Miami, FL
Riddim Stage Sonde borg, Denmark Bababoom Festiva Marina Palmense, Italy Issue 28|February 2014 5
Creative Director’s Note WHAT POLAR VORTEX? TRIPLE THE FOCUS BRINGS THE HEAT! “Greatness occurs when your children love you, when your critics respect you and when you have peace of mind.” Quincy Jones For the month of February, Black History Month continue to pay tribute to the many historical leaders for their contribution, we also celebrate neers Robert Nesta Marley and William ‘Bunny nately, on February 2, 2014, we also mourn the We would like to offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to The Clarke family and the members of THIRD WORLD. We thank you for universe and live in the hearts of your fans. February issue will provide you with some much MR. VEGAS, provides some eye candy drennaLUNA
deck and has taken us on a detail rundown of her travels to the Carnival mecca. Stay tuned
director@triplethefocus.com. Until next month “T-Focus and think Creative!”
-
Victor E.Lewis
Your Creative Director
Editor’s Note CUPID’ BUSIEST TIME OF YEAR
February is Cupid’ busiest time desire, love, attraction and affection is Whether you celebrate Valentine’ day or not, you shaped boxes with chocolate ($2 billion is spent
For lovers around the world, it’s the time of year romance or take their relationship to the next level (6 million people expect or tine’ day). But whatever the day means fun that will set the tone for your relationship for the remainder of the year and beyond. After all, someone. Happy Valentine’ day!
Stacey Bethel Your Editor-in-Chief Editor@TripleTheFocus.com
EDITOR’ GIFT PICKS FOR HIM AND HER Hat & Scarf UGG Australia Hat & Scarf Box Set, Red $125.00
Wrislet Kate Spade Cherry Lane Louie Wristlet Wallet, Pink $128.00 Slippers MICHAEL Michael Kors Carter Luxe Slipper $79.00
Fragrance Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Homme Gift Set $81.00
FOR HER FOR HIM
Perfume Narcisco Rodriquez Musc Oil, 1.6Fl. Oz $155.00
Pajama Neiman Marcus Tee/Pant Plaid PJ Set, $125.00
Jewelry Jennifer ZeuneDz Love You More Pendant Necklace $165.00
Wallet Prada Wallet, $355.00
Lingerie Victoria Secret Dream Angels Chiffon Fly Away Babydoll $52.00
Cuff Links Deakin & Francis Sterling Silver Baseball Cuff Links $475.00
Issue 28|February 2014 9
www.bartenura.com /bartenurablue @bartenurablue
FOUNDER & EDITOR IN CHIEF STACEY
BETHEL
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: VICTOR E. LEWIS ART & CONTENT DIRECTOR: MIKELAH ROSE
FASHION FASHION DIRECTOR: Arlene Martin (drennaLUNA)
BEAUTY BEAUTY EDITOR: Christine Carr
FITNESS Kamila McDonald Alcock
FEATURES Jody-Ann Williams Malaika Lepine Shantell “SHANZ” Hill
LIFESTYLE Jo Wheeler Raine Martin
PHOTO
ABOUT TRIPLE THE FOCUS
Marc Evans, MARC EVANS IMAGES Ajamu Myrie, AJAMU PHOTOGRAPHY
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.
CONTACT EMAIL: Info@triplethefocus.com PHONE: 201-981-6960 (US)
Issue 28|February 2014 11
FOCUSED ON | Music
WILLIAM “BUNNY RUGS” CLARKE February 6, 1948 – February 2, 2014
w
February 6, 1948 –February 2, 2014), also known as Third World his career in the mid-1960s and was also at one time a member of Inner Circle and half of the duo Bunny & Ricky.
such as “Freedom Fighter” and “Bushweed Corntrash,” bum To Love Somebody (1975, credited as Bunny Scott). He was also a member of The Wild Bunch
World from Milton “Prilly” Hamilton in 1976. Born in Mandeville and raised on John’s With Third World he recorded the successful 96 Degrees in the Shade album and was with the band until his death. Hackett and the Souvenirs, the resident He returned to the Black Ark in 1977, conlineup of Inner Circle in 1969. In 1971 while to Yabby You’s “Chant Down Babylon Kingdom” of the dance band Hugh Hendricks and the Buccaneers, and later the Bluegrass Experience with Glen Adams, Eric Frater Scorpio-produced Talking to You album in and Sparrow Martin. San, Cobra and General Trees. His planned He returned to Jamaica in 1974 and re- 2008 album Thinking Bout You was due to corded with Lee “Scratch” Perry at the be released on February 6th, to coincide with Bob Marley Day celebrations, the -
FOCUSED ON | Music
tributed to the Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band alversion of “Lovely Rita” recorded with U-Roy. In 2012 he released the sin“Land We Love”, with the Jamaican Children’s Heart Fund (the charity for which he was a spokesperson) and Chain of Hope. the album Time, released in September 2012. Later that year he received a Caribbean American HeriHealth problems forced him to miss some of the shows on Third World’s fortieth Anniversary tour in nosed with cancer. In earin Orlando, Florida, where he was treated for leukemia, and died on February
the nickname “Bunny” by he used to hop around the band members for his love leaves behind a wife and
Issue 28|February 2014 13
REGGAE STAR I-OCTANE IGNITES THE NEW YEAR WITH NEW ALBUM
FOCUSED ON | Music
MY JOURNEY Courtesy of Fox Fuse
R
I-Oc-
tane Year with his new album My Journey, available worldwide in stores and online on March 4, 2014 from DJ Frass/Tad’s Record. Born Byiome Muir in Clarendon, Jamaica, I-Octane home and internationthe scene over 5 years plished the rare feat of time musical collaborator and friend Andre “DJ Frass” Gordon, My Journey delves inside the soul artist, whose innate talents, conscious lyrical ofperformances unparalleled.
remain
Album Available Worldwide on March 4, 2014 from Tad’s Record
Issue 28|February 2014 15
FOCUSED ON | Music
6-track great potential in from the release of his up to and surpassed all the expectations Gentleman and Ky-Manie Marley, and there were for his career.” Alaine ture sound that fuses velvety vocals and I-Octane memorable hooks over catchy rhythms, My Journey lives up to its name as all “Love You Like I Do,” tracks are penned by the multi-faceted masterpiece
by producer DJ Frass. “Musically, this album represents my growth as an artist and as a person,” reveals I-Octane. “Over the years, my perspective on a lot of things have changed and I’m now seeing things not just from a local standpoint but from a more global perspective. This album is not just for a particular group, it is for everybody and
platforms worldwide. Its beautifully craftand is currently in steady rotation on television channels. The album is currently bein time, I-Octane his new music to fans everywhere, via the
album release events planned to properly The entire album was produced by Ja- launch My Journey to the world. maican hit-maker DJ Frass, who says even in conception for years, once the two friends decided the time was month for all the tracks to be recorded in his studio. “It feels good to do this album with I-Octane because he and I are like family, we’re like brothers,” discloses DJ Frass. “IOctane is a very good artist and we’ve been working together for a long time. So doing this album and being on this journey with him is Jamaican imprint Tad’s Record teams up with producer DJ Frass to deliver I-Octane’s work of love to the masses. “When the opportunity arose for us to work with I-Octane, we gladly accepted,” states Tad Dawkins, President of Tad’s Record. “He is one artist that we saw
FOCUSED ON | Fashion
Jumping in Style There are some garment styles that are classic while others are only fashionable every few years. One such classic style is the jumpsuit! Easily converted to suit any occasion, this timeless style can transition from day to night and paired with a blazer, cardigan or wrap. The added bonus, it is celebrates this classic. Photographer: Marc Evans
FOCUSED ON | Fashion
Go to dinner in this black number that
Issue 28|February 2014 19
FOCUSED ON | Fashion
Issue 25| November 2013 31
FOCUSED ON | Fashion
Natural tones work well for daytime looks. Go bold and add some colour – look. The use of a basic neutral the diversity of a basic colour for different looks as well. Issue 28|February 2014 21
FOCUSED ON | Fashion
Gold is always
Issue 25| November 2013 37
ANSWER THE CALL OF
Courtesy of discoversvg.com a nation of 32 islands located in the Lesser Antilles between St. Lucia (24 miles to the north) worn in towns, public streets or and Grenada (75 miles to the south). island is St. Vincent (about
LANGUAGE
a forest-covered mountainous interior that is dominated centian dialect is also widely by La Soufriere, a 4,000ft tall active volcano. On the south once attuned, you’ll probably nation’s capital. rest! to the south of St. Vincent. The CURRENCY Island is a small private island St. Vincent. Smaller inhabited islands include Mayreau, Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent.
ern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). The US dollar is widely accept-
rates with other international currencies are variable.
park located to the east of TIME ZONE Mayreau and is a collection - is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4). There WEATHER climate with the hottest and most humid months between June and September when Grenadines must be in possestemperatures reach an aver- sion of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. Visas most popular months to visit are between December and The Dominican Republic, JorMay when the climate is more dan, Syria, Lebanon, The Peowinds provide a welcome est months are between Janu- All visitors, with the exception ary and May and the wettest of Caricom residents, are normonth is July. There is a theoretical risk of hurricanes between July and November tend this duration, visitors need to seek approval from the Imthe north of our islands. with payment of an extension CLOTHING fee of EC$25 per person. -
Where to stay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines: From simple dation and certainly one that is tion has nine inhabited islands (St. Palm Island, Petit St. Vincent and Union Island) to choose from dation. away of the rich and famous – the Grenadines in royal fashion, Guests of the Canouan Resort course and even a casino. Canouan Resort is truly an epicurean destination.
FOCUSED ON | Travel sand beaches.
paths. Scuba dive or snorkel over coral reefs, forests in search of the endemic St. Vincent dens, or dream yourself to sleep on a beautiful beach.
life. Under the seas, our marine creatures will to World’s End.
will be the perfect destination for your unforHere are some ideas for a unique Vincy wedding: How about a Private Island?
Rainforest Waterfall Ceremony at Trinity Falls
Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent are private island
Tropical Gardens
on personal service make for a wonderful CaribCays bean vacation on these Southern Grenadine islands. Mayreau’s Saltwhistle Bay is an idyllic hideaway, town. Close to the mainland, this luxurious, private pampered luxury and access to all of St. Vincent’s attractions. On Union Island, relaxed and casual accommoIn St. Vincent the beachside hotels of the area - unspoiled beaches and the perfect location for a Issue 27|January2014 2014 25 13 Issue 28|February
FOCUSED ON | Culture
Batter’s Up By Neka Williams
Have you ever walked into a kitchen and an aroma reminds you of back home? How about the smell of home, this delectable com-
ferent names, this fried treat also has different shapes— usually served for breakfast and sometimes sold by street and bite into happiness.
INGREDIENTS: 1 medium onion, diced 1 stalk scallion, chopped 1 medium tomato, diced 1 teaspoon scotch bonnet pepper, minced
½ teaspoon black pepper Issue 28|February 2014 27
EAT. DRINK. DISCOVER.
LOWER EAST SIDE 177 EAST HOUSTON CORNER OF ALLEN + HOUSTON 646.837.6100 // PRESERVE24.COM
DIRECTIONS: 1. 2. processor. 3. 4. 5. 6.
per and mix well.
COOKING TIPS:
-
in the skillet. If you want to cut down on starch in
-
You can also prepare fritters with other
into hot oil and fry until brown on one
other meat.
7. Drain on paper towel.
How about some dip with those fritters?
INGREDIENTS: 2 medium, ripe avocados, peeled and If you are an avocado lover or if you want chopped - 2 tomatoes, seeds removed and chopped 2 onions, chopped New York, which offers a Caribbean menu and it was delicious. Try this dip by follow- DIRECTIONS: In a small bowl, mash avocados and lime
ready to serve.
Issue 28|February 2014 29
50 SHADE MR. VEGA OF
By Stacey Bethel| Photos by Marc Evans
W
Grey, main character in the widely popular novel, “Fifty Shades day period, my head was buried deep inside the E.L. James’ with the main character, his drive, ambition and complexities. Love him or hate him, Christian was revered and it made for
this interview, for over a decade, he has kept his fans on their on charts around the world. Like Christian, he is a shrewd businessman and makes no label, MV Music, under which he released his May 2012 album, Sweet Jamaica. Sweet Jamaica was released in celebration with and others. Proceeds from the album were donated to the “Fruit Juice” with Snoop for Snoop Lion’s ‘Reincarnation’ album and a remix of “Standing On The Sun” with Beyonce.
ES AS! Issue 28|February 31
Trinidad, then the rest of the Soca circles will take note. So this was my approach.
Year’ and IRAWMA awards. His videos have been in rotation on MTV, while album Sweet Jamaica, “Party Turn Up” music video with Sean Paul and Fat Man Scoop is slated for release just before your tour. Did Sean Paul and Fat Man Scoop ‘Top 100 Albums of 2012’ as well as iTunes ‘Best of record at different times or where you all able to work together in the studio? Party tun up, was recorded at different studios, Sean did his thing Another important similarity is the fact that like in studio.
How did you go about selecting Sean Paul and Fat Man Scoop for that track? Sean Paul and Fatman Scoop is huge on the international circuit. I am comes off to reveal a toned body that he has trying to get into that market that buys music, so I think this track will be a good way to start. “I can draw the same similarities with at least 3 other artists” somewhat, however, read further and see what that he is the Jamaican version of Christian Grey! First thing, this cover picture! Tell us about the shoot in Jamaica and what are your thoughts on being viewed as a sex symbol? The shoot in Jamaica was great. I loved the location and most of all, that cold water pool! I don’t think I am a sex symbol, nor am I trying to be one, I just try to stay in shape because my job is very hectic. But if the ladies see it that way, then I am gonna have to keep hitting the gym! It is our understanding that you workout a lot. What is your workout regiment and how often do you go to the gym? I do workout a lot, I have a hectic schedule. My workout regiments are, running the hills at least 3 times per week if I am home in Jamaica, hitting the weights and lots of abs! I have to do lots of cardio, because I love food. As it relates to your career, how important is I suffer with pericarditis, so it is very important for me to keep a healthy heart. Workout is the way to a healthy lifestyle. I remember when I just got my break I used to eat late and go to sleep. It was not a good look with the little gut I had, hiding my…..
Does careful consideration go into who you collaborate with whether it be an artist or producer? I just love music, if it sounds good and the producer or artist is on their game, then I am down. I do not over think things. Last year you did “Standing on the Sun” with Beyonce. After having worked with her, what did you think about her publicity power move of releasing a full album and videos for each song with zero notice? Beyonce can do things that the normal artist can’t do. That was a power move that she did and she knew that people would have been checking it out and haters would be praying for it not to work. How did that collaboration come about? Beyonce wanted a dancehall remix of “Standing on the sun”, my name was thrown in the mix and they went with me. I am happy she loved what I did with the production. What other R&B artist would you like to collaborate with? I would love to work with Jay Z, Kanye, Lorde, Rihanna Your 2012 album “Sweet Jamaica” has a very clever dynamic. The album explored the past 50 years of music history in the country, while the country celebrated its 50 years of independence. How did you come up with that concept? I wanted to take the people on a musical journey for the Jamaica 50th anniversary. Myself and Mikey Bennett went into studio and recorded the reggae side of the album, I added the dancehall disk to complete the message.
Soca single, “Shock Dem,” was released in Dec. 2013. Why Soca and why now? I am an Entertainer, I do Reggaeton, reggae, dancehall, Soca, pop music. I am not new to Soca, I have What can we look forward to in terms of your next been on the Soca scene with Machel and Destra, set of works and when will we see another full prior to “Shock Dem” album? I am working on a spiritual album, it will be another double disk. This album will be out early Was this a precursor to 2014 Trinidad Carnival? 2015. This year I am just going real hard - reality Trinidad Carnival is important for any artist that is show, carnival, dancehall. I am also working doing Soca. If you get the stamp of approval in with Terri from St Lucia, she just did a remake of
“I just love music, if it sounds good and the producer or artist is on their game, then I am down. I do not over think things.�
Issue 28|February 2014 33
“Royals” that is getting great reviews and she will be the next Caribbean star. Dancehall Queen reality show? What is the story behind this? “Bruk it down to reality” I think the market is there to promote Jamaica’s culture. This reality show will show the world what it takes to be a dance queen. There will be Drama, Chores, Fun, Food etc etc. If you could forecast your legacy for the label, MV Music, what is the vision here? My vision for MV Music is, turning this into a huge label. I am inspired by Jay Z success and I am working hard major world star. What can you tell your fans, which would be a complete surprise? Something no one would ever guess. My fans know everything about me,
Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? I do celebrate Valentine’s Day. What’s the most romantic thing you have ever done for I am still working on my romantic side Describe your ideal date? My ideal date would be, me and my boo going to an all- inclusive hotel, enjoy all the activities, get massages together, mani and pedi, then sit outside by the pool or Jacuzzi and watch the stars. What turns you off in a woman? My turn offs are, bad Breathe, cigarette. Favorite part of a woman’s body? I love lips, that’s my favorite part of a woman body. A woman is sexy when, she is cooking in the kitchen in a short dress or short skirt. Can’t wait to taste her food! To date and keep Mr. Vegas stimulated a woman must, kiss me with fresh breathe and mess with my right titty! LOL
“I love lips that’s my favorite part of a woman’s body.”
FOCUSED ON | Beauty
VALENTINE’S DAY - THE SIMPLY SEXY EDITION By Christene Carr
SET THE MOOD Candles
Sexy — almost everyone that celebrates Valentine’s Day wants it to be sexy. But sexy is vampy red lip, for others it’s a stunning, ankle there is no one protocol to get your sexy on, get you inspired and in the mood for love. Whatever you do and however you do it, use Valentine’s day as an excuse to take your ‘sexy’ up a notch.
they may be. One O’ Clock: over a blend of exotic woods, black pepper and vetiver. ($34) Two O’ Clock: Cedarwood and a soft suede accord bark. ($34) Three O’ Clock: Precious essence of Mysore sandalwood is entwined with subtle nuances of ($34)
Bubbly To narrow down the choice of bubbles, Lee from Total Wine, because you can’t beat the authenticity and romance linked to
Montaudon Extra Dry – A blend of Pinot Noir, and a wonderful texture that really coats the entire palate. Montaudon harvests their own fruit as well as France. ($34.99) De Margerie Grand Cru Brut that, like the Montaudon, really explodes in your mouth.
Chocolate What would Valentine’s Day be without carte blanche to Friday. Try
Edward Marc’s
the
of
power
chocolate’s
Francois Montand Blanc de Blanc Brut or Extra Dry – Both
an assortment of the company’ Jaillance Cremant de Bourgone
in the creamy texture. ($14.99)
that includes nuts from the coast of Africa and the Middle East, coconut from the tropics, and decadent creams and caramels made with milk from America’s dairy farms. ($80)
DRESS THE PART Lingerie
Shoes
Jewelry
BODY CARE
Get touchable soft skin with LaLicious Scrub ($34,) Body Oil ($24,) Whipped Body Soap ($18) and Body Butter ($25). All products are formulated use citrus, rose, and vanilla essential delicate, sweet aroma. The body oil and the whipped body soap are my favorite. Both are formulated with coconut oil, a natural antioxidant. It penetrates multiple layers of the skin to provide superior moisture and protection.
BEAUTY body’s chemistry to amplify your beauty and create a shade
powder that reacts to skin tone and individual pH of the wearer to Dior Addict Lip Balm
luffa cylindrica and SPF10 to provide continuous moisture and protection. ($32)
Issue 28|February Issue 26| December 2014 2013 37 25
Black History Events You Should Know (www.theroot.com)
Railroad from slavery to freedom ran South to Florida, at the time still a Spanish colony.
become the United States. from the “black pews” – took place at a Philadelphia church. from slavery in Richmond, Va., to freedom in Philadelphia – 250 miles in 27 hours.
celebrated in Galveston, TX, on June 19, when, after the
it took another 143 years for two African-American senators to serve at the same time (Tim Scott and William “Mo” Cowan). black town, was founded by former slaves.
Denver.
the 20th century.
Guerre from the French army. sit-ins in Greensboro, NC, Ella Baker and Martin Luther
shaped African-American music, culture and style for a Issue 28|February 2014 39
Muhammad Ali named after his father, who was named after the 19th-century abolitionist and politician Cassius Marcellus Clay. Jazz
Calypso, Harry Belafonte was actually born in the United States. The internationally Eleanor Roosevelt African-American educator and activist Mary McLeod Bethune. Roosevelt would Politician, educator and Brooklyn native Shirley Chisholm survived three to the U.S. presidency. Thomas Andrew Dorsey, considered the “Father of Gospel Music,” was known for his fusion of sacred words and secular rhythms. His most famous composition, “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” was recorded by the likes of Elvis Presley and Mahalia Jackson. W.E.B. Du Bois and William Monroe Trotter
Before he wrote the acclaimed novel Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison served as a cook Jesse Jackson Goodman Jr., an African-American pilot who had been shot down over Syria and In her early life, Coretta Scott King she met future husband Martin Luther King Jr.
2014 “IT” ARTICLE OF CLOTHING:
THE MIDI SKIRT
midi skirt is set to be the “IT” piece for 2014. effortlessly. Check out some of our style
By Camesha Powell
SPRING sweatshirts, pastels, crop sweaters, and
Katia Longer £95
Antonio Marras £312
Tibi $395
Tibi $395
SUMMER
tees and cotton shirts.
Dorothy Perkins $35
Lela $1595
Blugirl Blumarine $255
Carven $467
Issue 28|February 2014 43
FOCUSED ON | Culture
OPERATION CARNIVAL 2014 By Jo Wheeler | photo by Ray Traboulay
W
ish to 2013. I truly learned
DO NOT do), but this is “Operation Car-
“If you wanna tell God a joke, tell him your plans.” Third is to pack. Now at this, I’m a masFrom Carnival last, I spent the entire year
Carnival. But God has a sense of humor, yes? offer my seat up to move me to the next - Ms. Wheeler.” Now I have to cram everyJack Frost all the way from New York to Carnival here I come! The sunshine is call-
of 2. Whatever, I don’t have to sit in the warm toasty house. “Operation Carnival 2014” is still in effect! I arrive at the airport, checked in and
to refuel the plane - one hour delay. Arrivas normal. It isn’t until I am on the shuttle a tiny window of weather relief to make Damn it! That takes almost another hour Issue 28|February 2014 45
FOCUSED ON | Culture
place. But they don’t have any. You see, cars hadn’t been returned due to weather leave that car there! You have to come cars. But the credit card machine is down. Probably the weather’s fault too. Thank
the AirTran, and of course due to weather, A shuttle bus eventually comes, but course
would have been. Once I reach the airIt’s been almost 24 hours and I’m still mov- port, I rush up the stairs, ala OJ, race means no sleep. If you sleep you’re done
out my passport and low and behold, the in full effect too! ‘Oh, hi I remember your
Damn, damn damn! Now I’m late! Only plane, and we take off immediately. I put my head phones on, start DJ Private - Ryan’s “Soca Brainwash 2014 Preview,” and I’m the happiest woman alive (a la it 10 minutes, then I take paperwork, leave Machel Montano). Carnival here I come! the keys and crack the window. And as opens and someone yells “Damn! Can’t
photo from http://gotrinidadandtobago.com
FOCUSED ON | Finance
6 EASY STEPS FOR A COMPLETE MONEY MAKEOVER
If you want to start over this year, here’s a
The amount of real estate taxes, if billed separately be better poised to stay on top of your
UPGRADE YOUR CREDIT CARD
STOP PAYING FOR CABLE
Many people use credit cards that aren’t matched to their needs, which means they pay too much in fees or miss out on rewards. with the lowest annual fee possible. But those Comparison sites such as indexcreditcards. com and creditcards.com make it easy to Many television shows are available online for free -- viewers need only watch a short commercial beforehand. Hulu.com, iTunes and network websites make it easy. If you’re that pop up. A combination of credit card rewards, airline
TAKE A FREE VACATION
for two around the world. Just be sure to keep track of all paperwork and look for
to expiration dates and other restrictions.
SPEND LESS ON FOOD
Even restaurant trips can become more costask the server to pack up the bread for you if you don’t plan to eat it. Successful parties don’t need to break the bank. Stick with email invitations to save on
SEEK FRUGAL FUN
special touches, such as cucumber water, to
date. Issue 28 | February 2014 49
FOCUSED ON | Fitness
By Randi Dukoff
Aphrodesiac, Dessert or Superfood
Health wise, eating a milk chocolate bar is the same as eating a chocolate bar with 70% dark chocolate.
Most chocolate that’s widely available commercially are loaded with added
consume in around 12 pounds of chocolate Valentine’s Day is around the corner and
or cacao content in moderation is a more chocolate. Chocolate is not the evil it’s healthful option, to derive the ultimate been made out to be, in fact Chocolate improve sex drive, experiences and act as a comfort food. The key is to choose the levels and nutrients. Pick chocolate without
Issue 28|February 2014 51
Other Delicious Qualities of Dark Chocolate
issues. The dark chocolate antioxidants and phytochemicals can balance blood pressure, disease. (Raw) chocolate bars are known as a
here’s a fun fact that could point to chocolate’s oldest woman, Jeanne Louise Calment of Arles, France, reportedly ate 2.5 pounds of bitter dark chocolate per week!
Cardiac & Stroke Prevention: Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, which lowers risks of heart attacks and strokes. chocolate does little to raise cholesterol. It contains abundant oleic acid, the type of fatty acid found in olive oil, which helps prevent heart disease and promote antioxidant activity. Mood Enhancer: Studies have shown that dark chocolate contains serotonin and increases endorphin production. It’s a natural antidepressant. Enhances glucose metabolism: Dark
smoothie may be all that you can tolerate. Here’s contains theobromine, a bitter alkaloid with caffeine-like properties. If you are sensitive to
ancient superfood, mix 2 ripe avocados, ¼ cup syrup, a few tablespoons coconut oil, a splash of and whir until you achieve a smooth consistency. your chocolate and eat it too!
candy bars inhibit help prevent diabetes and obesity. Reduces risk of colon cancer: Cocoa polyphenols from dark chocolate reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. This was determined in a study by the Science and of Food and Nutrition in Spain, which was published in the Nutrition
View Our Past Issues www.triplethefocus.com