The Tribune
Friday, November 18, 2016
art books film fashion music food entertainment gardening
Weekend
red ribbon belles Pages 14&15
Here and now Dream day for 16 Canadian couples
Weddings pages 8&9
02 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, November 18, 2016
life through a lens
Sailing in harmony
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obot bartenders, the world’s tallest slide and seven distinct neighbourhoods are only some of the features that await you on board the Harmony of the Seas. Clocking in at 227,000 tonnes and a length of 1,888 ft, the new Royal Caribbean’s newest Oasis Class vessel is now the largest cruise ship in the world. The ship’s passenger capacity is at more than 6,000, and 2,394 crew members serve aboard this floating city. When the Harmony of the Seas made its first visit to Nassau last weekend, The Tribune got a first-hand look at some of the amenities, which include a full spa, 20 dining options, a casino, three pools, three water slides, a 10-storey dry slide, two rock climbing walls, two surf simulators, an ice skating rink, a zipline, and more. The ship’s seven neighbourhoods are comprised of a peaceful outdoor space dubbed Central Park; the amusement park style Boardwalk; the shopping district of the Royal Promenade; the Entertainment Place for comedy, jazz and production shows; the Youth Place for young passengers; the Vitality Sea Spa and Fitness Centre, and the Pool and Sports Zone. For its inaugural season, Harmony of the Seas offered seven-night western Mediterranean cruises. Last month, the ship crossed the Atlantic to the United States, where she offers seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises departing from Port Everglades, Florida.
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
PHOTOS/SHAWN HANNA
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Inside Weekend Interview 4 - 5 Cara Hunt talks to Benedictine nun Sister Annie Thompson about being inducted into the National Sports Hall of Fame Food 7 New online bistro serves up personalised service
Weddings 8-9 16 Canadian couples say ‘I do’ in paradise
Entertainment 10 Jollification celebrates 25 years this weekend
Music 11 - 12 Rapper Ja Rule and other big names to perform at hurricane benefit concert, plus the Synergy Band heats up venues around Nassau
Art
12 Former Tribune Managing Editor John Marquis opens exhibit in Cornwall
Relationships 13 Bahamian author pens self-help book to help restore marriages Belles of the Ball 14 - 15 The red carpet at the 23rd Annual Red Ribbon Ball Podcasts 17 Lighthearted political shows
Books 18-19 Latest releases reviewed
Film 20 - 21 ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ aims to recreate ‘Harry Potter’ magic, plus a first look at “Beauty and the Beast”
Literary Lives
22-25 Martin Gayford explores the relationship between Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin
Forgotten Facts 25 The country’s first airline takes flight 80 years ago Animals 27 Kim Aranha tells a sad, but hopeful tale
My perfect Bahamian weekend Patrice Francis Playwright
Q: Beach or sofa? “It’s definitely not the sofa, but it’s probably not the beach either. It may be a cozy nook in a cafe with a book in hand and a green tea frappuchino within reach, or a seat in a movie theatre or a walk in some picturesque part of town that leads to a beach.”
Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday lunch? “Definitely Sunday lunch at any place where I can get ricotta-saturated lasagna, BBQ ribs, lamb shank or some other savoury meat paired with fresh veggies and feta cheese. A great view of the sea is a plus, too, and of course, a decadent chocolate cake or tiramisu for dessert.”
Q: What could you not do without? “I could not do without intimacy with my Father and King. This means I couldn’t do without quality time in prayer and in the Word of God. Yep. I wouldn’t want to do without the love and support of my family and friends. Any separation from the arts (writing, acting, conceptualising) for long would not sponsor happiness either.”
Q: Wine, Kalik, rum or cocktail? “Neither! I’m an unashamed teetotaller! So when it’s not water, it’s the occasional ginger ale, ginger tea or ginger lemonade. I rather enjoy a pina colada sans the alcohol, too.
Q: Weekend away; where would you go? “I would go to Green Turtle Cay, Abaco. I’d drive around in a golf cart, eat homemade coconut icecream, and believe it or not, go
on the beach there! I’d take a zillion photos of people just being Bahamian. Anything longer than a weekend, take me to a meadow in Switzerland where I can stare at the Alps for a very, very long time.”
Things 2 Do this weekend Friday • The Central Bank of the Bahamas’s 33rd Annual Arts Competition Time: 6pm Venue: Central Bank’s Art Gallery, Mackey Street The Central Banks hosts its annual arts competition and exhibition, this time in the high school category. To RSVP call 302-2603 • Gospel Fest Concert Time: 7pm Venue: Golden Gates Assembly Join the Ministry of Tourism and Coca Cola for Gospel Fest 2016. Tickets for the concert are $10. Performers include Vashawn Mitchell, Stephen Hurd, Lyrically Blessed and Isaac Careee. • ParticiPAINT Time: 7pm Venue: The Art Room (East Bay Street opposite Rubis gas station Don’t miss a night of art, wine and socialising featuring artists Stefan L Davis, Allan Pachino Wallace and Jamaal Rolle. Tickets are $20 and include a free glass of wine. • VIPink Party – Party with a Purpose Time: 7pm Venue: Gold Blossom Estate, #340 West Bay Street Get ready for the to ‘Party with a Purpose’ with host Kedar Clarke. Tickets for the shopping experience are $25 for general admission and $50 for the VIP treatment.
• Cynthia Bailey & Stacy Jae Johnson Sushi Night Time: 10pm Venue: The Pier, Elizabeth On Bay Shopping Plaza. Mix and mingle, enjoy some sushi and be entertained by the Riddim Band.
Saturday • Self Determination and Reparations March and Rally Time: 9am - 5pm Venue: Windsor Park The African People’s Socialist Party will host the march and rally. There will be speeches by community leaders as well as cultural performances. • Strut for the Cure Time: 9am Venue: 1er Cru, Gladstone Road Stomp out cancer while looking stylish. Best strutters will receive a prize. Registration is $20 with a T-shirt and $40 with brunch. Enjoy a menu featuring dishes from Compass Point Beach Resort, Olives Meze Grill, Le Petit Gourmet and more. • Gospel Fest 2016 – Couples/singles discussions Time: 10am Venue: Melia Nassau Beach Resort “Marriage at First Sight” relationship experts Calvin and Wendy Roberson host the couples panel, while “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Cynthia Bailey and BET’s Stacii Jae Johnson lead the singles talk.
• Jollification 2016 Time: 11am (continues Sunday) Venue: The Retreat, Village Road (SEE PAGE 10) • ‘Industries of Carnival’ Trade Show Time: 12noon - 6pm Venue: Mario’s Bowling & Entertainment Palace Vendors, suppliers and other stakeholders that support Carnival get the chance to meet the various 2017 Carnival group owners with the aim of increasing local business and employment. • Til Death Do Us Part – Hurricane Matthew Benefit Production Time: 8pm Venue: Dundas Theatre Real Laughs Network in association with the Dundas and Sandcastle Events presents the encore performance of “Til Death Do Us Part”. All proceeds will benefit the restoration efforts in North Andros and Grand Bahama.
Sunday • Bahamas Half 2016 Time: 6am Venue: Arawak Cay The half marathon (13.1 miles) is $75; the half marathon relay (13.1 miles) is $105; the 10K (6.2 miles) is $40, and the 5K (3.1 miles) is $25. All runners will receive an a tech shirt, medal, goodie bag and free breakfast at the finish. The event is presented by Bahamas Roadmasters.
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Friday, November 18, 2016
interview A Benedictine nun could be considered an unusual choice for an inductee into the National Sports Hall of Fame, but the guitarplaying Sister Annie Thompson is no ordinary nun. This week, she sat down with Cara Hunt to talk about her passion for teaching young people all about basketball and other sports, and how she helped some of the Bahamas’ superstar athletes get their start.
Annie Thompson
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t was almost 60 years ago that a 18-year-old Annie Thompson made the life-changing decision to join the Benedictine community and devote her life to God and others. It was a decision that the nun says has brought great joy to her life and one she has never regretted. “I was a regular teenager interested in basketball and track and field, but
I also wanted to help children and do work for the Lord,” she told Tribune Weekend during an interview at the St Martin Monastery earlier this week. Her decision was influenced by the late Father Sylvan Bromenshenkel, who provided her with intriguing literature about religious life. Sister Annie said that there was only one fleeting moment in the process when doubt and hesitation crept in.
“It was the night before my final profession when I would get my ring and I thought, ‘What am I doing, they are saying that this is for life’. But then I realised, this is not accidental, this is God’s work and I will be OK,” she said. While Sister Annie was sure that she was making the right decision, she still had to get used to the structure and discipline required of the Benedictine
Sisters. “I had to learn exactly what religious life was all about. It is a way of sacrifice. Back then, in the 60s, we were very cloistered; we wore habits, and you could not really move freely without the Superior giving thought to where you were going,” she said. Despite the restrictions, Sister Annie embraced and felt comforted by the environment. “I found it to be
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good for me,” she said simply. After taking her vows, Sister Annie relocated to the United States where she joined the Benedictine communities in New York and Minnesota. There, she obtained her Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Education and began her teaching career. Eventually, after the Church relaxed the requirements to wear habits, Sister Annie started wearing lay clothes as a way to relate to her students. “I was working in my habit, but I noticed that the students were avoiding me,” she recalled. It was during this time that a fellow nun taught her to play the guitar. She developed a passion for the instrument which continues to this day. “I went into the dining room one day and started playing ‘Sitting On the Top of the Bay’ in layman’s clothes and the students just couldn’t believe it,” she said. Teaching also allowed Sister Annie to indulge in her passion for sports, something that she was interested in before entering the convent. “Back when I was in high school, basketball was not a popular avenue to pursue. There were only a few people and you could not really see a future in it,” she explained. In Minnesota, she got the opportunity to play with her fellow sisters and to help teach her young students the game. “I also was able to learn about American football, because when I was on playground duty that is what the children used to play. When I returned to Nassau I wanted to teach football. It is a very exciting game, but there was not the interest and so I decided to just concentrate on basketball instead.” Sister Annie was instrumental in starting basketball programmes in several Catholic schools throughout New Providence, including St Bede’s Primary School. “We were able to raise the funds for a basketball court at St Bede’s. The kids at St Bede’s were getting left out, because at that time no one wanted to go into the Kemp Road community. There was a saying that nothing good could come out of Kemp Road, but I can tell you that there has been a lot of good that has come out of Kemp Road.” Sister Annie eventually partnered with other schools to provide her students the chance to compete with other teams. Those early games became the basis for the Catholic Primary School Basketball League, which continues to
“The kids at St Bede’s were getting left out, because at that time no one wanted to go into the Kemp Road community. There was a saying that nothing good could come out of Kemp Road, but I can tell you that there has been a lot of good that has come out of Kemp Road.” be the premier outlet for youth basketball today. Her involvement in the programme has given her the opportunity to meet and work with some of the best in Bahamian athletic talent. Many of them have gone on to play sports at high schools and colleges, and even in professional teams abroad. And many never forgot the quiet nun who helped them in their youth.
“I remember when Leevan Sands was a young boy he was afraid to go around the track,” she said, referring to the triple jump Olympian. “I took him and I ran around the track with him, and he has never forgotten me. He and his family would always stop in to bring his various trophies for me to see and visit with me,” she said. And it is not only her former students who recognise the contributions Sister Annie has made over the decades. Last Friday, she along with 17 other distinguished men and women were inducted into the National Sports Hall of Fame. It is an honour that she never really expected or sought. “I always taught my students to always be careful of how you treat others because you never know what they will be or what is inside them, so you need to be humble. I have received many awards (she was awarded an OBE and her former school was renamed the Sister Annie Thompson Pre-School in her honour), but I do not receive them in my name, I receive them in the name of my family and others who are just as good but may not receive recognition,” she said. “It does mean a lot because I am thankful to God that I was able to help others realise their gifts and talents.”
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section
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Friday, November 18, 2016
food
Thai curry shrimp, steamed jasmine rice
Watermelon salad: baby spinach, spiced feta, strawberries, caramelised almonds, balsamic truffle vinaigrette
Gourmet dining made easy Online service delivers fine food to homes By CARA HUNT cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
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howman e- Bistro provides its patrons with the unique opportunity to enjoy gourmet tasty cuisine from the comforts of their own home. The company, which started in June, is an online bistro which provides patrons a choice of daily lunch specials, dinner services, catering and private chef services. Guests make their selections online. The food is then delivered to the destination of their choice in New Providence and Paradise Island cold - so that it can stay as fresh as possible - with heating and serving instructions. Romero Dorsette, the company’s CEO, told Tribune Weekend that the online concept has gone down well with patrons. “The online ordering and delivery concept has exploded and is going very well,” Mr
Charcuterie board: assorted gourmet cheeses, cured meats Dorsette said. “In the beginning I was initially concerned if people would have caught on to the system (online); however, they have, and because of this, we are constantly trying to improve our services as the demand grows. We strive for our guests to have an extraordinary restaurantstyle dining experience in the comfort of their home.” He describes the menu as new Euro-American comfort food with a Caribbean flair. Showman also offers sushi.
“The menu is balanced between bold, earthy flavours with health conscious organic ingredients, sourced from local farmers. Whether it is a meal for the young professional, an intimate dinner for two or a family meal, our vision is to recreate the family value of dining together one meal at a time,” he explained. Another unique feature Showman provides is gourmet food hampers. “During my travels in Europe I had the privilege of
Octopus carpaccio, rocket salad, tomato confit working and meeting people from varying walks of life. Something I found fascinating was at the initial meeting, I was greeted with a gourmet box that had everything in it from snacks to cheeses and gourmets meats etc. Hampers are a big thing in Europe so I wanted to bring it home to the Bahamas. The hampers are unique because they are filled with various gourmet items that may be considered delicacies and are typically not found in the local super-
market. These hampers are not just unique, they are also versatile, as they can be paired easily with wines that we also provide,” he explained. They include an escargot and wine hamper, a cold meat and cheese hamper and for American Thanksgiving next week, special turkey hampers with all the traditional trimmings will be provided. • For further information visit www.showmanebistro.com
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Friday, November 18, 2016
weddings
The wedding party cheers on Katrine and Curtis Streeter.
Happily ever after in paradise 16 Canadian couples tie the knot in the Bahamas By CARA HUNT cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
W Katrine Streeter was one of 16 brides to be married in the Bahamas on Wednesday. Photo/Shawn Hanna
edding bells rang out throughout the Bahamas on Wednesday as 16 Canadian couples were married in 16 unique locations on various
islands. The weddings all took place at 4pm, making it 16 weddings, held on November 16, 2016 at 1600 hours. Four of the 16 weddings were held in Nassau. Tribune Weekend was at the ceremony of Katrine and Curtis Streeter from Pickering, Ontario. The couple, who met two years
ago, were married on the beach at Compass Point. Their wedding theme was “Landfall Elegance”. In late November 2014, Kate and Curtis had both started new jobs with a company called Zingers. Kate worked as a server and Curtis as a cook. Kate had off one night and decided to come into the restaurant they worked at for dinner and drinks. After three glasses of her favourite rose wine, she excused herself to the bathroom. On her way, she looked into the kitchen and saw Curtis. Feeling a little buzzed from the wine she crouched in the corner, stuck her finger out and shouted “Hey you, come here!” to which Curtis replied “Me!?” “Yeah you,” she replied. Curtis came over and Kate said, “I think your really cute.” Curtis replied, “I think you’re a smoke show.” That night Curtis and Kate spent hours texting into the early morning. From then on Kate and Curtis were inseparable. If they weren’t hanging out at each other’s places
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Photo/Shawn Hanna
Debbie and Jason Carrington celebrated “Royal Bliss” at Sapodilla. they would be at work sneaking kisses in the back. Since then they both have moved on from Zingers and are now ready to return to the home they share with their dog Odie and their cat Garfield as husband and wife. Another couple to be married in Nassau were Kristen and Adam Morris, who got engaged in the Bahamas on November 16, 2015. One year later, the pair got married barefoot on the beach at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort. Their theme was “Enchanted Encounter”. “When we heard about the contest we couldn’t believe it was scheduled for the exact the same day we got engaged in the Bahamas,” said Adam. “We feel truly blessed to be able to get married on the same day I proposed. We think it’s an amazing story and we are beyond fortunate to have won and to be a part of it. Meanwhile Debbie and Jason Carrington chose “Royal Bliss” as the theme for their wedding at Sapodilla Restaurant. The couple said that not only did they have an instant connection as soon as they met, but their families did as
Katrine and Curtis Streeter said ‘I do’ on the beach at Compass Point.
well. “A couple months into dating our children met over pasta – the eyes of Teana, Dasia, Kayden and Terehz all darting across the table at one another making instant connections. We couldn’t have lucked out any better. An instant blended family that genuinely gelled together seamlessly. Two parents and four kids that love one another,” the couple said. Jessyca and Jason Danyluk from Windsor, Ontario, were the fourth couple to exchange vows in Nassau. They tied the knot at the Poop Deck West in front of close family members and friends under the theme “Grand Romance”. Jessyca was not always sure of Jason, she admits, but through his persistent efforts she came to love his irresistible charm and their relationship blossomed. This is Ministry of Tourism’s third 16 Weddings initiative. The first campaign was launched in the United Kingdom in 2012 and attracted more than 40,000 visitors to the Bahamas’ website. The United States promotion in 2014 saw more than 3,000 couples enter to win a dream wedding in paradise.
Jessica and Jason Danyluck indulged in a “Grand Romance” on the Sandyport Beach.
Kristen and Adam Morris experienced an “Enchanted Encounter” at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort.
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Friday, November 18, 2016
entertainment
The most wonderful time of the year BNT opens its gates for 25th annual Jollification By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
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he Bahamas’ “ultimate Christmas shopping experience” returns this weekend as the Bahamas National Trust opens the gates of its Retreat Garden for the 25th annual Jollification. Over two days – Saturday and Sunday, from 11 am - 5pm – Bahamians are expected to come out in large numbers to enjoy all the jovial activities and services on offer, including more than 100 art and craft booths, gardening vendors, various food selections, the children’s creative playground, and the extremely popular Mistletoe Lounge that will once again feature samples of holiday wines and spirits. Major sponsors include Bristol Wines & Spirits, Commonwealth Bank, Bahamian Brewery, Summit Insurance, Asa H Pritchard, Bahamas Waste, Bahama Rental and Caribbean Bottling. Lynn Gape, the BNT’s deputy executive director, said this year’s Jollification certainly represents a milestone, and even after 25 years she is still amazed by how beloved the event has become. “I am very proud that the event has grown and appreciative of the support of our patrons each year, which results in funds needed to look after the Retreat Garden, one of our 32 national parks,” she said. “I have been involved in the event since its inception, along with many volunteers and loyal sponsors who work hard each year to create an event
that promotes many fine Bahamian artisans while raising needed funds for the Retreat Garden.” Moreover, she said it is important for the BNT to be able to “talk” to the public through this avenue about their works within the national park system and introduce persons to many of their educational programmes like the 60 Discovery Clubs, which engage young people in environmental stewardship on nine islands across the Bahamas. “We have an amazing national park system and I keep hoping that every Bahamian will become a member in support of these parks that protect special areas in the Bahamas for our unique plants and animals like our rock iguanas, Bahama parrots, flamingos, and other unique flora and fauna,” said Ms Gape. She recalled the day the idea for Jollification first came up. She said it was during a lunch conversation with committee members Eleanor Higgs, Macushlah Hazelwood and Oris Russell about how to put together an event to raise money for the Retreat Garden. “They suggested we have an arts and crafts festival. This was before we had so many Bahamians involved in creating unique Bahamian crafts. Mr Russell suggested we call it a Jollification. I actually went home and checked the dictionary as I thought he had made up the word, but there it was in black and white and it became the Christmas Jollification. I think it marks the beginning of the holiday season for many and is a place for many people to see friends that they have not seen for a while, and it provides a place for artisans to display quality crafts for sale. Again, it actually amazes me that people love the event so much,” said Ms Gape. The event has certainly grown from that inaugural Jollification which hosted the 20 vendors and saw an attendance of less than 200 people. Ms Gape is hoping Bahamians’ love for Jollification continues and provides support for the Retreat Garden, which will be undergoing a transformation over the next two years into a premier spot for visitors wanting to experience
Jollification always offers a wide array of food choices.
Jolly market vendors get into the spirit of things during last year’s event.
The Bluebird Children’s Craft Area is always popular with youngsters. indigenous flora and unique palms. “I actually became involved with the BNT after visiting the Retreat and falling in love. I would love to see a special fundraising event on the evening before the Jollification that will contribute significantly to the Garden’s transfor-
mation. I would also like to see special craft workshops during the day for adults who would enjoy some hands-on experiences,” said Ms Gape. Tickets for this weekend’s Jollification are $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers and $3 for children under 17.
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music
Ja Rule and other big names to perform at hurricane benefit concert PHOTOS/SHAWN HANNA
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
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apper and actor Ja Rule was briefly in town this week to discuss plans for a hurricane benefit concert which is scheduled to take place December 10 here in Nassau. He will be joined by reggae star Shaggy and other big names yet to be announced. “Hurricane Matthew has really devastated this part of the world and many others too. Let’s not discredit the damage it has done across the world, but we have a special interest in the Bahamas” said Ja Rule. “We really want to do something special for the people here, so I am going to put on….it’s not a free concert, it is a relief concert, because the tickets are $30, with all the proceeds going to the families and victims of this tragedy.” Ja Rule also announced the venue for the concert to be the Arawak Cay Pavilion at the Fish Fry. “It is going to be amazing – Ja Rule and friends. I am not going to tell you who I am bringing, but we are going to be bringing some people and it is going to be a great concert. This is just a prelude to something that we are doing much bigger with you guys and it is going to be incredible between FYRE and the Bahamas,” said Ja Rule. The concert is being organised by Fresh Entertainment which last weekend hosted Jamaican stars Romain Virgo and Jah Cure in a concert that attracted hundreds to the Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium. Fresh Entertainment is working in collaboration with the international brand FYRE Concerts, and all proceeds from the event will go towards aiding persons in North Andros and Grand Bahama devastated by Hurricane Matthew. More details are set to revealed by Fresh Entertainment via their social media pages in the next weeks. Crispin Cleare, Fresh Entertainment founder, said the lineup for December’s concert will include music stars that
love the Bahamas and frequent the islands on a regular basis. He said they are all donating their time and talent free of charge. “They are not charging for the talent. We are going to flood all media houses as it relates to helping our brothers and sisters in the country. And that is just some of our plans, because there are a whole lot of things we are going to do,” said Ms Cleare. For Keith Siilats of FYRE Concerts, coming on board with the benefit relief efforts was a no-brainer. Just last year, Mr Siilats’ company, flyms.org, participated in the Rum Cay hurricane relief flights organised by Paul Aranha and Ed Hinckley. As flights were not needed this year they decided to put together a fundraiser for the Hurricane Matthew victims. “Together with NEMA our aim is to give $500 to 500 families so that they can repair their houses. We were with Ja Rule in Norman’s Cay on holiday on October 3 and flew home a day before the hurricane. He loves the Bahamas and we think we can do something nice here. I was looking for a local producer to help me with the concert and Crispin Cleare from Fresh Entertainment was recommended by several Bahamians. We hope this is not the last concert that we do together in the Bahamas,” said Mr Siilats. As one of the organisers of the concert, he is hoping to raise a total of $250,000. “We hope the party is going to be great fun. We will take all the artists to the Exumas on Sunday so that will hopefully be a great ‘thank you’ day for them for the concert,” said Mr Siilats. As for plans for 2017, Fresh Entertainment said it will keep the momentum going, kicking off its Carnival events as early as January. “This year we didn’t do too much stuff for Carnival. The first year we did a whole heap of events, setting a trend for the Carnival experience. We travelled the world and brought ideas back home. A lot of Bahamians had no idea really what Carnival was about and I think through our events and parties we did a tremendous job in capturing the (concept). We are going to start as
Ja Rule attends a press conference in Nassau on Wednesday to announce his upcoming plans for a hurricane relief concert.
“Together with NEMA our aim is to give $500 to 500 families so that they can repair their houses...We hope this is not the last concert that we do together in the Bahamas.” early as January around the holiday time (January 10). We may turn it into a whole weekend of events,” said Mr Cleare. Fresh Entertainment will also host a 2017 Fitness Fete, providing various fitness trainers in Nassau with the opportunity to get exposure for their
businesses through parties. “If you drive around the island during the early morning hours you see people working out and getting in shape, and we want to give you the opportunity to work out and have fun at the same time at a party. That is where the concept of a Fitness Fete came from,” said Mr Cleare. And it does not end there, he promised, as the company will also introduce what they are calling the Zodiac Party, which will be held every month in the year to celebrate life. “Everyone falls under a certain sign, so the theme for the party of each month will be the sign of the month. Everyone wants to celebrate their birthday, but not everyone can afford to throw a party, so we are going to do it for them. Once you can prove that you were born under that sign and you are in attendance at the event, we are going to throw your name in a raffle and through the night names will be picked out and prizes given as birthday gifts coming from wonderful sponsors such as BTC and other corporate companies in the Bahamas,” said Mr Cleare.
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art and music
Former Tribune managing editor opens art exhibit
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HE TRIBUNE’S former managing editor, John Marquis, who turned to painting and drawing after two major health scares in 2013, is set to stage a joint exhibition with his daughter Annabella at a British art gallery next week. Mr Marquis, 73, will be showing a range of prints alongside Annabella’s line drawings and cards. Both sell work at arts festivals, street markets and Annabella’s own gallery in Polperro, Cornwall. Their joint exhibition will be held at the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society in Falmouth, Cornwall, with a launch party for friends and
family. Mr Marquis said: “When I was a boy, my brothers were always telling me I should be a commercial artist, but I wanted to be a journalist. But after two major operations three years ago, I decided to give art another go. It is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.” The week-long show will also feature Mr Marquis’s books, including a newly-published collectable edition of a Cornish history book which first appeared two years ago. His book “Blood and Fire”, about the Sir Harry Oakes murder case in Nassau, was listed by the Wall Street Journal in the top five books in its
Former Tribune Managing Editor John Marquis
Annabella Marquis
genre. His book “Papa Doc” spotlighted the spy trial of Bahamas Information Director
David Knox in Haiti in 1968. Annabella, 30, attended Queen’s College in Nassau
when her father took up his Tribune post in 1999. She then earned her BA (Hons) degree at the University of Western Ontario in Canada and her MA in publishing at the University of Sydney, Australia. Mr Marquis retired from full-time journalism in 2009, but continued to write a Tribune column until 2012. His newspaper career spanned half a century, during which he was an award-winning investigative journalist, an international sports writer and editor of a West Country newspaper group. In London, he worked for Reuters and the Thomson Organisation.
New band proves ‘Synergy’ is all it takes By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net LIVE musical acts have become a feature Bahamians look for when choosing a venue for a fun night out. Restaurants around Nassau have picked up on this trend and are increasingly hiring bands to entertain both their local and visiting guests. One of the newest groups to join the band circuit in Nassau is the Synergy Band. Celebrating its one-year anniversary yesterday, the Synergy Band was founded by two young entertainers – Oscar Dames Jr and Neil Andrews. “A week before we started, Neil and I were sitting down one day and an idea came into my head of starting a band
and he agreed. We started throwing out ideas like what was going to be the band’s name, who’s going to be a part of the band, and also where will we get equipment from to do the jobs,” Oscar told Tribune Weekend. At the start, he said, they rented the necessary equipment. And they had to sacrifice a few gigs in order to be able to work and purchase their own instruments and other gadgets. Once they had all the items they needed, the band started to evolve. The members that make up the Synergy Band are Whitney Turnquest, Kenique Storr, Philip Rolle, Darien Francis, and Neil and Oscar. According to Oscar, the inspiration behind the band’s name comes from Psalms 133:1, which reads: “How good and pleasant it is for when God’s people
Members of the Synergy Band
live together in unity.” He said this is the band’s mantra; they believe in unity, and for them unity is strength. “As the band’s leader I remind my members to always stay humble and disciplined... those two (attributes) can get you far throughout the
world,” he said. And although they have been going for less than a year, the Synergy Band can already say that it has fans. “Our fan base grew from performing at a lot of parties. A lot of people enjoyed how we perform various genres of
music and they love the way we sound. We do genres such as rake n’ scrape, Junkanoo, soca, country, rock n roll, ballads, R&B, jazz, blues, and so much more,” said Oscar. So far the Synergy Band has released one single called “Father Heal This Place.” The song was dedicated to Bahamians who suffered as a result of Hurricane Joaquin. “We knew and felt what people in the southern islands were going through, so we decided to do a song for them. We don’t have a album out as yet, but we are looking forward to doing one and with God’s help that will come to pass,” said Oscar. The Synergy Band usually performs at Palm Cay on Friday nights. For more information, check out “Synergy Band” on various social media platforms.
The Tribune | Weekend | 13
Friday, November 18, 2016
relationships
Bahamian author pens self-help book to restore marriages
B
ahamian author Teri M Bethel wants to help married couples put their relationships back on track with her latest book, “My Marriage Matters”. In this second edition of the selfhelp book, Ms Bethel addresses a number of issues married couples have to deal with, such as respect, honour, infidelity, sex, addictions, soul ties, sickness and more. A former co-director of BFMI’s Kingdom Marriage Enrichment Ministry together with her husband, Captain Tellis Bethel, the author was able to gain first-hand experience regarding the common challenges that many married couples face. She believes that the book is a handy tool for couples who want peace and harmony in their homes, as well as a more intimate relationship with each other. What began as a series of weekly letters to improve and restore relationships in their church’s marriage group has blossomed into a book of real-life anecdotes , with a dollop of humour for good measure, she said. Although the book is written primarily in a story format using real life scenarios, what Ms Bethel is most convenient are the prayers at the end of each chapter which aim to help readers to recognise the problem in a given situation and work towards a positive solution. Since it’s release, the book has received positive feedback from readers. Suzanne, an Amazon customer, had this to say about “My Marriage Matter”: “Teri aptly sums up the foundation of her book’s message when she says ‘love is the only weapon that the enemy
“Like a crash course or a life raft for a sinking ship, this little book contains the biblical essentials in a hands-on approach to transform your relationship from just surviving to truly thriving.”
cannot counter.’ Like a crash course or a life raft for a sinking ship, this little book contains the biblical essentials in a hands-on approach to transform your relationship from just surviving to truly thriving. “Full of real-life anecdotes, humour and practical suggestions for making intentional, ‘active’ love’ a way of life for both husband and wife, one cannot read this little guide and not take an honest self-assessment and be chal-
Teri M Bethe l couples face in addressed common issues th at married her newest bo ok. lenged to make his or her own marriage a purposefully joyful, engaging, life-giving relationship.” An artist and handbag designer by profession, Ms Bethel is also the author of “Love on Maruba Island” (a romance novel); “When My Spirit Sings” (a book of inspirational poems); “Trapped on Kooky Island” and “The Case of the Missing Boat People” (both children’s supernatural adventure stories). She is also the producer of several fashion DVD tutorials for handbag designers and hobbyists. “My Marriage Matters” is now available at Logos Book Store, the 100% Bible Book Store (Madeira & Marathon Mall), as well as the book store at Bahamas Faith Ministries in Nassau. Her books are also available online at Amazon.com in print and Kindle formats, or visit: www.booksbybethel.com.
Teri M Bethel and her husband, Captain Tellis Bethel of the Defence Force.
14 | The Tribune | Weekend
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Friday, November 18, 2016
society PHOTOS/SHAWN HANNA
Immacula Pierre
Ivy Casaar
Ann Marie Davis
Belles of the 23rd annual Red Ribbon Ball
Vanessa Whitney
Angelique Josey
I
t was hailed as the black-tie event of the year, and guests agree, the 23rd annual Red Ribbon Ball certainly lived up to its promise. The lavish gala event took place last Saturday in Atlantis’ Grand Ballroom. It saw Bahamians come out in their finest attire, especially the ladies – many of whom sported various shades of red to honour the universal colour of HIV/AIDS awareness. And our belles were not afraid to make some bold choices when it came to their floor-length dresses. The red carpet boasted sexy off-the-shoulder gowns, interesting lace details, sweeping trains, and overall some unusual designs. Many also carried masks that they decorated themselves in keeping with this year’s theme, “Behind the Mask”. The idea behind the theme was to show Bahamians that those who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS often live behind a mask, afraid to do some of the things they truly want because of stigma and discrimination. On the night, guests enjoyed complimentary bottles of champagne courtesy of Commonwealth Brewery, as well as gourmet dishes and entertainment by the Tingum Dem Band and DJ Killa Bee The Red Ribbon Ball provides financial support for this important, life-saving work, including education and awareness about HIV
Ghandi Pinder
Antoinette Russell
Selvinique Wright
Lacianne Rolle
Melan Georges
Kyosen Young
and AIDS, support and advocacy for persons living with HIV/AIDS and training and research to assist in the fight against the disease. Also benefitting from the Red Ribbon Ball are the Adolescents’ Outreach Programme, World AIDS Day activities, the purchase of special medications, and the Men’s Health Initiative. The goal of the ball was to raise $95,000.
16 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, November 18, 2016
fashion The Weekend Fashion Report With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt
AP PHOTOS
HFPA and InStyle celebration for the 2017 Golden Globes
FAIL
SPLIT
HIT
SPLIT
FAIL
Ruth Negga “Preacher”
Marion Cotillard “Assassin’s Creed”
Christian Milian “Grandfathered”
Naomie Harris “Spectre”
Carly Chaikin “Mr Robot”
Karin says: “It’s...interesting... OK, no, it’s hideous. Even without that weird fuchsia bib at the front this Pepto Bismol coloured dress would still be ugly. It even has a trim of a table cloth for crying out loud! I get that she wanted something unusual, but this is a mess.” Cara says: “This dress wouldn’t be a complete loss if it didn’t have that huge red patch across her chest. It is just a big eyesore. I like the pattern on the rest of it though.”
Karin says: “I totally appreciate that there are limited choices when it comes to red carpet maternity dresses, but that is no excuse for this Western inspired fringed poncho. I like that she went with a short dress and with gold boots, but that fringe...unforgiveable.” Cara says: “Yes, it has a fringe, but it still is just a slightly less boring little black dress. I like the boots and they make the outfit pop. Overall it’s cute enough, but nothing to blow you away.”
Karin says: “I like it. It’s not awe-inspiring, but it’s sleek and sexy. I imagine this to be Hollywood’s version of an appropriate power lunch ensemble, complete with some peek-a-boo cutouts. The silver looks good on her, as does the mid-length skirt...not everyone can pull that off.” Cara says: “We see a lot of these cut-out, ‘nude look’ dresses on the red carpet. So while this not terribly original, it is one of the better variations on the theme, I think. The muted lavender/ pink sequined fabric is nice as well.”
Karin says: “It’s looks like she cut the sleeves off a yellow rain coat and wore it like a dress. Seriously, is that latex? The bright colour is stunning on her, but despite the unusual rubbery material, the shape of it is just ‘blah’. This dress needed just a little embellishment, or you know, a waist would have helped.” Cara says: “First, let’s hear it for the colour block shoes which I really like. The dress, well, it’s very, very bright, but it is flattering, if a bit stale. A statement ring or bracelet... something...would have kicked it up a much needed notch.”
Karin says: “Taking a leaf out of Cara’s book here: some of the individual pieces work, but as a whole it just doesn’t come together. The biggest culprit is that lacy bra-like top. It just does not work with the vest and the high-waisted pants. Also, someone please cut off that unflattering high ponytail she’s sporting.” Cara says: “Oh goody, it’s another bra top, this time with matching vest and pants. I mean, it’s kinda cute, but I am just over it. It’s put together and matchy-matchy, which ya’ll know I like, but something is just off.”
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Friday, November 18, 2016
podcasts
Light relief in troubled times By STEPHEN HUNT shunt@tribunemedia.net
F
or many, the past week and a bit has been rather stressful – sorry, Hillary – so this week’s podcast column aims to take the weight off our shoulders and plays it for laughs.
by changing just a letter. Pop this on during your lunch break to take off the strain. Website:http://www.npr.org/programs/ask-me-another/501707781/ brooklyn-decker-two-truths-and-a-lielie-lie
• Good Job, Brain!
On a smaller scale, there’s Good Job, Brain, which sounds like the kind of party night you want to have with your family. Grab a drink and enjoy the listen as the team go through all kinds of trivia, from the tallest building in the world to the real names of musicians. And a host of questions about cute robots.
• Wait, Wait...Don’t Tell Me A lighthearted look at the news comes from the Wait, Wait... crew. This long-running NPR show can be caught up with in the podcast version, and the latest show takes a pop at the new Trump order with all the lightheartedness of an entire room in denial and hoping to be woken up soon. Recorded in front of an audience, this is a fun show with self-deprecating panellists bantering about the news and some of the weird things found in it – such as Trump’s strategist actually, honest to goodness having his pants catch on fire while writing a speech. There’s no serious political talk here, it’s all played for fun, so if you’re trying to get the US election out of your system, this is your port of call. You also get to hear from sportscaster and guest Joe Buck, who shares the wisdom of bladder control for sports broadcasters - and the time when he was caught short and had to call a touchdown from the gent’s lavatory. Website: http://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/
‘Wait, Wait...Don’t Tell Me’ is a fun show with self-deprecating panellists.
• Ask Me Another Getting away from the news entirely, we have Ask Me Another, a quiz panel show with little in the way of serious answers. It’s good fun – the latest edition also featuring actress Brooklyn Decker from Netflix show Grace and Frankie, chatting about working alongside Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda – and being more than a little amazed at Fonda’s figure. The show’s again recorded live in front of an audience – this time in Dallas during a roadshow – and features some fun snippets along the way, such as Ryan Gosling’s brush with boy band fame and rebranding sports teams
Humorous podcasts seek lighten the mood in these uncertain political times.
The only glitch here is the latest show hasn’t been that recent - but a book is coming out and a live event is coming up in December, so it looks like they are getting back on track. Here’s hoping, because this is a nice hangout to listen in to. Website: http://www.goodjobbrain. com/
18 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, November 18, 2016
books
review
‘No Man’s Land’ by David Baldacci is action-packed
D
avid Baldacci’s typical action thriller often features a character in dire emotional straits. This gives the novel dramatic depth and intensity, making it an unforgettable read. It has a strong element of science fiction, is action-packed and thoughtprovoking. His latest, “No Man’s Land,” has two such troubled characters: John Puller and Paul Rogers. Puller is a military investigator whose accomplishments were chronicled in several previous Baldacci novels. He’s visiting his father, who is hospitalized with dementia, when two Army officials arrive with devastating news. The Army, they announce, has reopened the 30-year-old case of his mother’s disappearance after receiving a letter accusing his father of his wife’s murder. Puller Sr, a legendary threestar general, wasn’t a suspect This cover image released by Grand Central back then because he was Publishing shows, “No Man’s Land” by David believed to have been out of Baldacci. (Grand Central via AP) the country. However, new Now, the man has one goal: to return evidence and the letter show that he to Fort Monroe, where he once lived, was at Fort Monroe, Virginia — where to take care of some “unfinished busithe family lived at that time — a few ness.” Puller is already there, trying to hours before Jackie Puller’s disappearfind out what happened to his mother ance. Meanwhile, Paul Rogers is on parole when he was 8 years old and his Air Force major-brother was nine. Only in an unnamed town after serving 10 when he accidentally meets and gets years for killing a man. Rogers, an unto know Rogers is he able to uncover naturally strong man with a mysterious the horrifying truth behind the family implant in the back of his head, has to tragedy, a secret the Army has covered constantly fight his impulse to kill. He up for decades. considers himself the most dangerous WAKA TSUNODA animal of all because he has “a human Associated Press brain to go along with the wild part.”
Fantasy author has two-book deal KRISTIN Cashore, author of the million-selling “Graceling Realm” fantasy series, has a deal for two new books. The Penguin Random House imprint Kathy Dawson Books told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Cashore will write a “kaleidoscopic” novel called “Jane, Unlimited,” the story of an orphaned girl and a “mysterious mansion.” She has also signed up for a young adult novel that is currently untitled. “Jane, Unlimited” is scheduled for next fall. No release date has been for the second book. Cashore’s “Graceling Realm” books include “Graceling,” ‘’Fire” and Bitterblue,” which came out in 2012. NEW YORK Associated Press
review
Kristin Cashore’ first hit series started with “Graceling”
Jack Reacher returns in ‘Night School’
“NIGHT School,” featuring Lee Child’s enigmatic hero Jack Reacher, goes back to 1996 when Reacher was still in the military. After receiving a medal, Reacher takes on a mysterious assignment. When he reports for duty in what he thinks involves returning to school, he finds himself in a classroom with an FBI agent and a CIA analyst. Like Reacher, they were recently rewarded with commendations from their bosses. However, the reason for the trio to get together isn’t related to furthering their education. An undercover agent has overheard an ominous message: “The American wants a hundred million dollars.” Reacher and his new colleagues have their work cut out for them since they have no clue about the identity of this American or the underlying motives. What is the money for? Who is supplying it? Reacher must use all his military resources to uncover the truth. All of the elements that fans love about the Jack Reacher series are in full effect in “Night School,” and setting the novel in 1996 gives Child an
opportunity to reveal more aspects of Reacher’s life. JEFF AYERS Associated Press
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Friday, November 18, 2016
books
From fashion to film, gift-worthy coffee table books abound
C tions:
Sandro Miller, Glitterati, $95. “Being John Malkovich” is so 1999. In this book, rather than on film, John Malkovich gets to be himself, in all his goofy, creepy glory. And he gets to recreate some of the world’s most iconic portraits, with the help of photographer Miller, in a book that offers both pathos and whimsy.
ome holiday time, there’s never a shortage of splashy coffee table books to please just about any aficionado. Here are some sugges-
FASHION & STYLE “Fashion Made Fair,” by Magdalena Schaffrin and Ellen Kohrer, Prestel, $49.95. Know someone deeply committed to sustainability in fashion? Taking a truly world view, this book dives deeply into companies that do it well. In Zurich, for instance, look to the brothers Freitag, Daniel and Markus. They’re bag makers who launched Fabric, a line of compostable workwear.
WILDLY MISCELLANEOUS “Young Frankenstein, The Story of the Making of the Film,” by Mel Brooks, Black Dog & Leventhal, $29.99. Whether you’re a first-generation “Young Frankenstein” fan or trying to nudge along the next, nobody does this 1974 classic better than Brooks himself. With a foreword by Judd Apatow (“Even Gene Hackman is funny in it”) and behind-thescenes photos, a great to hear the now 90-year-old Brooks in his own voice.
“Reigning Men, Fashion in Menswear, 1715-2015,” by Sharon Sadako Takeda, Kaye Durland Spilker and Clarissa M. Esguerra, DelMonico Books, $55. Going back to the 18th century, this tome celebrates all aspects of men’s dressing, from the French court to Speedo. Among contemporary high points: An intricately bleached denim suit by Vivienne Westwood and a futuristic ruffle suit by Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garcons.
“Shop Cats of New York,” by Tamar Arslanian, photos by Andrew Marttila, Harper Design, $21.99. To heck with that Yelp reviewer who dissed the bodega cat. This book shows that shop life can work for felines, with a warning that not all may be treated like kings and queens. Dwelling in wine shops, bookstores, dry cleaners and yes, The Algonquin Hotel, think “Humans of New York,” only cats.
“Francois Nars,” by Francois Nars, Rizzoli International, $85. With some of the most famous faces in fashion represented, the visionary behind NARS Cosmetics tells his story in beautiful close-up color, with snippets of remembrances and inspirations. He includes the communion looks of both his parents and makes it clear beauty begins with beautiful skin.
THE BIG SCREEN “Hollywood Icons,” by Robert Dance, ACC Editions, $65. Stunning studio portraits of film icons from the 1930s through the ‘60s from the collection of the John Kobal Foundation. Kobal was a film journalist and historian who amassed a huge collection of Hollywood portraits and set images. Look
for Bette Davis, shot by George Hurrell for Warner Bros. in 1939. “My Elizabeth,” by Firooz Zahedi, Glitterati, $75. Friend and acclaimed photographer Zahedi offers a private peek into Taylor’s life from 44 into her 70s. Includes the Washington, DC,
years, jaunts in Montauk, New York with Halston and Andy Warhol and intimate photos of her children and stepchildren. There’s Taylor making fried chicken, on a boat in Venice, on a trip to Iran. “The Malkovich Sessions,” by
“Dream a World Anew: The African American Experience and the Shaping of America,” by National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Books, $40. As much a primer on the slave trade and racial discrimination as a celebration of early black entrepreneurs, musicians, writers, activists and athletes in a nuanced, global context. Marks the opening of the new museum in Washington, DC, great for tweens and teens. LEANNE ITALIE Associated Press
20 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, November 18, 2016
film
Beauty and the Beast is a tale as old as time - with surprises
D
irector Bill Condon was only interested in turning Disney’s animated classic “Beauty and the Beast “ into a live-action film if he could use Alan Menken’s Oscar-winning score. He remembers fondly when it came out in 1991 and how it not only solidified Disney’s animation renaissance after “The Little Mermaid,” but also helped revitalize the movie musical at a time when the genre was basically dead. The New York Times theater critic Frank Rich even called it, somewhat controversially, “the best Broadway musical score of 1991.” It’s fitting, then, that the twinkling instrumentals of Menken’s prologue are the first thing you hear in the new trailer for the film , released Monday by Disney. Set for a March 1, 2017, release, the film stars Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast and a robust supporting cast including the likes of Luke Evans, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Emma Thompson and Gugu MbathaRaw. The film will feature re-recordings of Menken and Howard Ashman’s songs, as well as a few new ones. “We talk about how technology is a reason for doing it 25 years later, but the fact is, too, that the genre itself has revived and people are more accepting. There’s a wider audience for just the joy of breaking out into song,” said Condon, who also wrote and directed “Dreamgirls.” ‘’It feels like the audience has caught up again.” Indeed, interest in the project is extraordinarily high. In its first 24 hours online, the trailer garnered 127.6 million views — besting the first day trailer stats for both “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Fifty Shades Darker” by over 13 million views. Anyone who has seen the animated
Lumiere (voiced by Ewan McGregor) and Cogsworth (voiced by Sir Ian McKellan)
Emma Watson (“Harry Potter”) as Belle, Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey”) as the Beast film is sure to be struck by some familiar imagery in the trailer, recreated and made real in magnificent detail — like the grand ballroom and Belle’s yellow gown. But Condon was not restricted solely to drawing from the animated film. The new movie also contains nods to Jean Cocteau’s ornate black and white version from 1946, Condon said, as well as his own unique vision. “We went in with the idea that we
were going to set it in a very specific time — the early 18th century in the French countryside,” Condon said. They took pains to make sure the household staff resembled items — clocks, teapots, candelabras — from that time and place. Unsurprisingly, the big, splashy technical set-piece is “Be Our Guest,” in which the anthropomorphised household items stage their own Busby Berkeley-inspired number to serve
Belle a meal. It wasn’t easy. “For us it was taking something that animation does easily — imagining dancing candlesticks — and making it real,” he said. The film is not just a remembrance of “Beauty and the Beasts” past, however. They’ve made Belle even more modern than she was in 1991, when it was somewhat extraordinary to have the center of a Disney film be more interested in books than boys. In this version, she’s an inventor too, and being portrayed by an actress who is a humanitarian and a UN women’s ambassador. “Having somebody who is devoting her life to those causes was invaluable as we started to reinvent this feminist character,” he said. Also, Condon, whose films frequently deal with subjects pertaining to gay identity, is embracing that context here, too. He said the late lyricist Howard Ashman, who had AIDS at the time, closely identified with the Beast’s story as “somebody who is cursed and whose curse is breaking the hearts of those who love him and the fantasy that this curse could be lifted.” Ashman died of AIDS related complications months before the animated film even hit theaters in 1991. “Right from the start it, in a very personal way, grew out of that tragic gay moment and then beyond that it’s a musical,” Condon said. “I don’t want to give too much away, but I think there are actually a few more explicit moments that might surprise you.” LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer
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Friday, November 18, 2016
film JAAP BUITENDIJK/WARNER BROS. VIA AP
review
Fantastic Beasts’ promising, not yet Pottermagical FANTASTIC BEASTS 133 MINUTES
X
enophobia. Prejudice. Oppression. Who’s up for a little escapism at the multiplex? JK Rowling, embarking on her new, post-Potter blockbuster franchise with “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” has said herself that her screenplay, which she began several years ago, was informed by world events — particularly, she noted, a rise in populism around the globe. And so there’s definitely some darkness in “Fantastic Beasts,” despite its being a family film, complete with the sweetest little beasts (and bigger ones) imaginable — expect to see your kid melt forthwith over the lovable jewelry-imbibing Niffler (It’s stunning how many carats he can consume without gaining weight.) But there’s also a refreshingly light tone competing with the sinister themes, thanks especially to two exceedingly appealing supporting characters headed for a sweet confection of a romance. But first, the title: Harry Potter fans will know that “Fantastic Beasts” was a required text for Harry and his Hogwarts mates. That little book has now become the seed of a franchise — there are FOUR films to come — based on its author, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a wizard Magizoologist with a mop haircut, a bashful
Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander grin, and one fabulous briefcase. Why is this briefcase so great? Well, it’s magic, like Mary Poppins’ carpet bag. But while Mary basically pulled out room furnishings, Scamander has not only a menagerie of fantastical creatures, but seemingly a whole miniplanet in there to house them. We start with Scamander just off the boat in 1926 New York, a few years before the Great Depression. Director David Yates, of the last four Potter films, has clearly spared no expense in creating this Jazz Age Big Apple, from the grand skyscrapers and period automobiles to Colleen Atwood’s delicious costumes, to of course the endlessly inventive CGI beasts.
It’s not the best time for a young wizard and his pets to be arriving. Magical folk have gone undercover. Among the No-Majs (that’s American for Muggles, or humans), zealots from the Second Salemers (as in Salem Witch Trials) are looking to destroy wizards and witches. So the wizards’ governing body, MACUSA, is suppressing all magical beasts, lest they expose the wizards. It’s particularly inconvenient when Newt’s creatures are accidentally set loose across the city. It becomes a race against time for Newt and three companions to rescue them and save the city from an undefined, sinister force. These companions are Tina (Katherine Waterston), an
ambitious but well-meaning MACUSA investigator; Jacob (Dan Fogler), an amiable, portly No-Maj baker who gets caught up in it all; and Queenie, Tina’s mind-reading, sweetly sensitive sister (Alison Sudol). Also in the mix: Percival Graves (Colin Farrell, in an undefined role), the mysterious director of MACUSA, and zealot Mary Lou Barebone (Samantha Morton). And there’s one more big star — bigger than all — who makes a late appearance. (We won’t spoil it here — feel free to Google.) It’s all entertaining, lovely, expertly done. Why then does it feel as if something’s missing? Perhaps it’s our inescapable urge to compare it to the Potter phenomenon. Or perhaps it’s that Harry was, well, a kid, who we watched grow up. “Fantastic Beasts” is obviously more of an adult story. Redmayne is charming, though less commanding than in some other roles. He has nice charisma with the winsomely earnest Waterston. But the real chemistry is between Fogler and Sudol, an unlikely couple eyeing each other coyly across the Wizard/NoMaj chasm. Then there are the beasts — not just Niffler, but Bowtruckle, Erumpent, Murtlaf and Mooncalf, to name a few. Here, Rowling delivers as only she can. “I don’t think I’m dreaming,” Jacob says. “I ain’t got the brains to make this up.” JOCELYN NOVECK AP National Writer
22 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, November 18, 2016
literary lives martin gayford
Pain and painting at the Yellow House Sir Christopher Ondaatje examines revelations of the nine weeks that van Gogh and Gauguin spent together in the south of France, which ended with the Dutch master cutting off his own ear
M
artin Gayford is well known as the sometimes art critic of the Spectator magazine, as well as having written ‘Constable in Love’ (2009), ‘A Bigger Message: Conversations with David Hockney’ (2011), and having endured 250 hours sitting for ‘Lucien Freud: A Man with a Blue Scarf’ (2012). However it is his earlier poignant story of the brief 1888 relationship between artists Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin in ‘The Yellow House’ (2006) that has
Art critic and writer Martin Gayford
“Gauguin’s portrait of van Gogh portrayed the artist with a high sloping forehead, light ginger hair, a beard with reddish tinge, but his eyes half closed and sunken, his hand holding a brush, painting sunflowers. Van Gogh saw the painting and exclaimed, ‘It’s me, but it’s me gone mad’.”
won him international praise. Obsessed with the idea of establishing a new artists’ colony in the south of France, van Gogh had plotted, cajoled, argued, pleaded and finally insisted that Gauguin journey to Arles to join him. His art-dealer brother, Theo, offered the penurious painter free board and lodging in exchange for pictures provided he agreed to live in 2 Place Lamartine, the Yellow House. Gauguin travelled for two days from Brittany, 700 miles away. He arrived late at night, found the Yellow House with its shutters closed, and went into an all-night café to wait for dawn. When the sun rose, Gauguin crossed the street and knocked on the door, which was opened by van
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Friday, November 18, 2016
Gogh. Thus started the strange nineweek friendship between the 40-year-old Gauguin and the Dutch artist who was five years his junior. On entering the house Gauguin was astonished to see brilliantly coloured paintings of landscapes and sunflowers. The two artists had already exchanged self-portraits, and both recognised each other’s talents, but neither had received any recognition from the art world. Both were searching for a distinctive style that would take them beyond impressionism – then dominated by the older artists Monet, Renoir and Pisarro. Paintings were everywhere and it was impossible for Gauguin not to see what van Gogh had achieved. The two artists worked side by side in the untidy irregularly shaped studio. They had very different personalities and painting techniques. Van Gogh thrived on painting from life with spontaneous vigour, while Gauguin was slow and more meditative. Their arguments sometimes became vehement but they endured life together, living humbly and enjoying regular visits to the local brothel. Gauguin had brought to Arles a painting – Breton Women in a Meadow – by a precocious young French artist Émile Bernard. Van Gogh thought it magnificent. It was, in fact, one of the most radical paintings yet produced by a European artist. On van Gogh’s suggestion Gauguin had met Bernard in Pont-Aven before coming to Arles and the two had worked on developing a new style. Bernard, a devout Catholic, had been fascinated by medieval art and Japanese prints. His simple, strong outlines and flat, bright colours offered a mystical, non-naturalistic image. Breton Women in a Meadow depicted women in traditional costumes set on a solid green grass background. There was little light and perspective, just floating figures outlined in black. Gauguin copied Bernard’s style but in his ‘Vision of The Sermon’ substituted a brilliant red background instead of the flat green, also introducing a diagonal tree across the foreground of his canvas creating mystery and ambiguity. Bernard definitely inspired the development of Gauguin’s pictorial symbolism and was forever bitter that Gauguin never gave him credit for it. In 2001-2002 The Art Institute of Chicago and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam held a joint exhibition that eventually did give Émile Bernard his deserved recognition as one of the founders of the Cloisonnism art movement.
Continued on page 24
“A deranged van Gogh ran after him, an open razor in his hand, stopping only when he faced the cold stare of Gauguin. It was a dangerous situation and Gauguin, refusing to spend another night under the same roof with a mad man, spent the night in a hotel.”
Martin Gayford’s portrait, “Man in a Blue Scarf”, by Lucian Freud.
Paul Gauguin’s portrait of Vincent van Gogh (1888)
24 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, November 18, 2016
Continued from page 23 Martin Gayford quotes Gauguin and his apprehension of the household disorder: “We kept a box - so much for hygienic excursions at night, so much for tobacco, so much for incidental expenses, including rent. On top of it lay a scrap of paper and a pencil for us to write down virtuously what each took from this chest. In another box was the rest of the money, divided into four parts to pay for our food each week.” Both artists smoked pipes. Gauguin was not much of a drinker, but alcohol for van Gogh was both a solace and a problem. In Arles, van Gogh had cut down on his drinking, but his wildly fluctuating moods persisted. Gauguin painted a portrait of an African woman to please van Gogh but it was not a success. So he painted over it - an orderly landscape very different from the twists and swirls of van Gogh’s unruly scenes. For Gauguin, Cézanne was the great painter of the southern French landscape. Van Gogh, however, had a low opinion of Cézanne. On an excursion to the Roman cemetery on the other side of Arles called Les Alyscamps they painted the autumnal trees in front of the Romanesque chapel of Saint-Honorat with varying interpretations. Both set up easels looking down on the chapel, and whereas van Gogh painted the railway workshop and tombs in all their grotesque presence, Gauguin chose to ignore them, instead painting the tower of Saint-Honorat rising mysteriously above the foliage. Both learned from each other in their use of colour. Van Gogh believed that colour could be altered or omitted but Gauguin propelled the use of colour to extremes. Most of their paintings were done on a roll of coarse jute, much cheaper than canvas. In the Yellow House they performed their morning ablutions at the wash stands in their bedrooms. There was no hot water. To visit the lavatory, however, they had to go out and walk around the side of the Yellow House. Reading was a constant occupation, writing another. They had little luck in finding sitters to pose for them, and were told there was a superstition among the people in Arles that having one’s likeness taken was unlucky. However, one Sunday early in November, Marie Ginoux, the wife of the proprietor of the nearby Café de la Gare, arrived to be painted in full traditional costume. She had agreed to this in part
Vincent van Gogh’s self-potrait (1887)
Paul Gauguin (c 1891)
payment for a future brothel scene for the Ginoux bar. Both artists painted her portrait. Eventually van Gogh did a sketch for the brothel picture with eight interlocking figures but it was never completed. Gauguin said that he liked to follow his own fancy when painting and to find the title later. He painted a peasant woman with her dress pulled down to the waist so her torso was naked, white and vulnerable. She appeared collapsed on a mound of pale grey material, presumably hay, with one arm extended in front of her. In the left foreground he painted some unlikely subjects: two large, yellow pigs. Van Gogh liked the picture and wrote to his brother about it, referring to the painting as Woman with the Pigs. But van Gogh was not always complimentary, and Gauguin was sensitive about criticism. Another contentious frustration was that although Gauguin had accumulated an impressive batch of work to send to Theo van Gogh, also his dealer, van Gogh did not send anything, despite having a room full of canvases. They were still drying, and even when they were
dry he would change or retouch them. As Gauguin’s confidence rose, so van Gogh’s plunged. The latter’s ambitions for the future of the Yellow House evaporated and he felt depressed that he would never attain Gauguin’s mature artistry. Of course he was wrong to feel this way and some of his still life paintings like that of a wooden rush-bottomed chair were to become the most celebrated in the whole of art. New tensions arose. Gauguin talked about leaving for the tropics and said he would go if he could ever get 2,000 francs. Insecurity plagued the moods of van Gogh. Until he arrived in Arles Gauguin’s sexual life had been far from flamboyant. But now, in Arles, brothels and prostitutes began to play an important part in his life as they had to van Gogh – who felt sympathy for prostitutes as people. Gauguin agreed. It was a question of either having a wife, children and a happy domestic life or follow one’s vocation as an artist. For them, being a painter was similar to being a priest or a monk, with the exception that every couple of weeks they might go to a brothel so as to live a well-regulated, calm existence. At the end of November the two artists took several evening strolls together and witnessed striking sunsets. These strolls, combined with the lessons van Gogh had learned from watching Gauguin at work, suggested a new approach for him. He sketched a sower “with a huge, yellow sun in the background filling the sky with radiance. The sower himself, violet in the low sun, throws his grain on the earth. Some is eaten by the black birds behind him, but some would grow a hundredfold.” The Sower was one of van Gogh’s greatest efforts, but in the end he deemed it a failure. He made a second more dramatic attempt. “Very near to us, a sower walks past: a dark figure, silhouetted against the orb of the sun. Beside him, a tree juts diagonally across the painting.” To create this image van Gogh had drawn on Gauguin’s habits of composition, something he never attempted to do again. Gauguin in his own sunset picture “placed dark blue-velvet trunks against a yellow sky. Two small figures have turned away from each other - a man and a woman. The sickly yellow sky and the gathering dusk gave the picture, which he called Blue Trees, a sinister air.” At the beginning of December it was getting cold and van Gogh, who
The Tribune | Weekend | 25
Friday, November 18, 2016
Forgotten facts Paul C Aranha could not bear the chill, stayed in the studio. Unfortunately he could not get the funds to pay for his sitters. This situation changed when Joseph Roulin, the postal supervisor at the station, agreed to pose several times, and then persuaded his wife and two children to pose as well. Gauguin painted Madame Roulin too. No one ever explained why they agreed to the sessions. The Roulin family lived nearby. They were a poor normal working class family and Roulin accepted paintings of his family in return for their sittings. He appeared to have a friendly and trusting relationship with van Gogh. The two artists continued to share sitters and experiences. In the weeks leading up to Christmas they continued to paint portraits, sometimes paying money and sometimes simply giving drinks. Against the winter chill both artists painted each other wearing thick jackets and sweaters. Gauguin’s portrait of van Gogh portrayed the artist with a high sloping forehead, light ginger hair, a beard with reddish tinge, but his eyes half closed and sunken, his hand holding a brush, painting sunflowers. When it was finished Gauguin offered it to Theo van Gogh as a gift. Some time later Vincent van Gogh saw the painting and exclaimed, “It’s me, but it’s me gone mad.” Approaching Christmas in 1888, staying away from the chill of winter, the two artists stayed indoors and painted portraits almost exclusively. Van Gogh painted Madame Augustine Roulin, La Berceuse, behind her luxuriant white blossoms on a green background. An excitable van Gogh exclaimed to Gauguin, “Ah! To achieve in painting what the music of Berlioz and Wagner have done. There are still just a few who feel it as you and I do!” Despite this compliment Gauguin felt uneasy about the almost manic attitude of van Gogh to his surroundings, and especially towards himself. In letters to Paris, Gauguin complained that his situation was very painful. “I’m staying here for now...but I’m poised to leave.” Gauguin, although admitting that van Gogh had a rare talent, implied that he was a problem drinker and behaved belligerently when drunk. Certainly van Gogh was drinking heavily, but he worked incessantly, painting as many as 25 paintings in 30 days – some of his finest works. Van Gogh also again sensed that Gauguin was about to desert him. “Are you going to leave?” he asked bluntly. When Gauguin admitted that he was, an agitated van Gogh sat silently through a supper cooked by Gauguin, who then walked out of the Yellow House to get
some fresh air. A deranged van Gogh ran after him, an open razor in his hand, stopping only when he faced the cold stare of Gauguin. It was a dangerous situation and Gauguin, refusing to spend another night under the same roof with a mad man, spent the night in a hotel. That night, at about 10.30pm, van Gogh took the razor and cut off his own left ear – severing his auricular artery, causing much loss of blood. He put the amputated ear in an envelope of newspaper and delivered his grisly package to a girl named Rachel at the brothel saying, “Guard this object very carefully.” The following morning police officers found van Gogh in the Yellow House and took him to the local hospital. Gauguin, on hearing the news, immediately telegraphed van Gogh’s brother, Theo, who travelled that day to see him in the hospital at Arles. This was the day before Christmas. Vincent van Gogh asked for Gauguin over and over again, but Gauguin refused to see him. Theo van Gogh left Arles on the night train to Paris and it is possible that Gauguin went with him. Gauguin and van Gogh never saw each other again. Martin Gayford, in his sensitive and well-told story, ends his book with a rather sad postscript. On his release from hospital van Gogh returned to the Yellow House but his stay there was short. Five days later he was back in hospital eventually being taken to a mental asylum. He continued to paint with great passion and intensity, but his attacks of delirium, depression and hallucinations kept recurring. In July, 1890, during a period of great anxiety, he walked into a field in the quiet village of Auvers-surOise, north of Paris, and shot himself in the chest. The bullet missed his heart and he staggered back to his lodgings. Two days later, on Tuesday, July 29, 1890, he died. Paul Gauguin eventually did fulfil his dream of returning to the tropics and left for Tahiti in July, 1895. In 1901, he moved from Tahiti to Atuona on the island of Hivaoa in the remote group of islands called the Marquesas. But he was chronically ill, the problem almost certainly being syphilis. He died on May 8, 1903, a month before his 55th birthday. NEXT WEEK: the doubts surrounding travel writer Bruce Chatwin. • Sir Christopher Ondaatje is an adventurer and writer resident in the Bahamas. A Sri Lankan-born Canadian-Englishman, he is the author of several books, including “The Last Colonial”.
The country’s first airline takes flight 80 years ago
R
onnie Butler, that great Bahamian entertainer, assures us that “Age ain’t nothin’ but a number” but, having turned 80 in August, I have found that there are a whole lot of numbers and, as my former colleague at Bahamas Airways Godfrey Symonette keeps reminding me, my ‘forgetter’ is working better than ever. Having spent almost a decade researching and writing the history of our first airline, I forgot the 56th anniversary of its death (October 7), yet I remembered to write about Oakes Field and Sir Harry Oakes in last week’s ‘Forgotten Facts’. Harry Oakes and Charlie Collar made Harold Christie’s dream of a Bahamian airline come true. Those three were on the first plane that landed on what became Oakes Field. Jonathan Ramsey ‘introduced’ me to Charlie Collar and inspired me to write a book about Bahamas Airways Limited (BAL), which came into being on November 22, 1936. One of the first things I discovered is that I was present when BAL’s first plane arrived in Nassau. Of course, I don’t remember it, because I was two months old, but “I was there”. I was also there when the airline went out of business in 1970 and, that, I remember well because I lost my job. I ‘know’ Captain Charles Collar, BAL’s first pilot, only through his autobiography, but Charlie must not be forgotten. During the prohibition era (1919-1933), Charlie operated a seaplane service, based in Palm Beach, Florida. Most of his flying was between Palm Beach and West End, Grand Bahama. Most of his passengers were bootleggers. When prohibition ended, Charlie brought his Air Yacht to Nassau and tried to operate a charter service here, but business was very slow. One day, he got a letter from a man in Palm Beach asking how much Charlie would charge to fly to
PHOTO/THE MICHAEL KELLY COLLECTION
The orange and black Loening Air Yacht, described by Sir Harry Oakes as an “overgrown shoe”. Palm Beach to pick the man up and take him on a tour of some of the northern islands of the Bahamas. Charlie wrote back and offered to do it for $600 - a lot of money in the 1930s. Charlie would have been ecstatic when he got another letter accepting the price and setting up the date and time to pick the man up in Palm Beach. I can see him, now, gleefully rubbing his hands together, all the way to Palm Beach, expecting to earn more money than he probably made during all his time in Nassau - but the great captain was in for a shock. When the Loening Air Yacht ‘landed’ in Palm Beach, he was met by a man “in an old beat-up slouch hat, worn hunting jacket, faded britches and scarred boots”. Charlie, convinced that this man did not possess $600, made an excuse - probably saying he needed to let people know he had arrived safely - and made a call to his lawyer to ask what to do. The lawyer listened, then asked Charlie for the man’s name. When he heard the name Harry Oakes, the multimillionaire who owned the biggest gold mine in Canada, the lawyer roared with laughter. The tour of the islands went well but the pilot was offended when his passenger suggested that Collar get a real airplane, to replace what Oakes described as an “overgrown shoe”. After pointing out that real planes cost real money, Collar must have choked to hear Oakes tell him to find the plane and leave Oakes to find the money. The result was Bahamas Airways Limited, a company that became one of the Colony’s biggest employers. NEXT WEEK: the excitement of the first flight into Nassau Paul Aranha’s manuscript on the history of Bahamas Airways Limited has been sent to potential publishers and should be on sale in time for Christmas 2017. • islandairman@gmail.com
E Y L TARGETT A BTHE
26 | The Tribune | Weekend
Chambers Friday, November 18, 2016 21st
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.
Century Dictionary (1999 edition)
section
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
DE L EY L TAB
the alphab you have t grid too! U letters and below the g grid is ‘rota symmetric words, it lo you turn th down. Solu
A
HOW many wordsCAN of four The Target youletters crack the or more can you make from the Alphabeater? grid letters shown here? In making a Each Yesterda uses word, each letter may be used Black sq number represents a letter once only. words in Each must contain the 16, 19, 21, 32,in 35, 39 centre letter and there must square. be at – or black As the main National, least one nine-letter word. No Alphapuzzle, every Shoe, letterPloo plurals or verb forms ending in “s”. body of Hiatus, H the alphabet is used. But E Coming, TODAY’S TARGET Chambers Wolf, Pizz to complete the Good 13; very goodyou 20;have excellent Dividers. 26 (or more). Solution tomorrow. 21st Haiku, Bu grid too! Use the given Injected, YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION letters and black squares Century Annex, A cent CENTIPEDE decent deepen Homewar below the grid to start. dent diene dine dint entice Dictionary Zonal,The Fig enticed epicene inept need neep grid is ‘rotationally Extra (1999 nice niece pecten pectin peen symmetrical’ 0907 peened pein peined pend pent – in other edition) pine pined pint teen tendit tine (Deductift words, looks the same
each extra
CRYPTIC PUZZLE Down 1 Make minute economies? (4,4) 2 Steak so cooked is by no means rare (8) 3 Inclination to talk sanctimoniously (4) 5 Getting into deep water? (7,5) 6 Society is better off without it (4) 7 The occupant is at home with his wife (6) 8 Bound to come before summer (6) 11 Intrusion which may spoil the reception (12) 15 Used various keys in a composition? (5) 16 Jar, in which to put coal (5) 18 A year’s supply of dates (8) 19 The tales about sportsmen (8) 21 Fits and starts (6) 22 Offer rented accommodation (6) 26 A positive sign (4) 27 A man without work should strive not to lose it (4)
Across 1 The spirit of Hogmanay? (6) 4 They form some unit of the Canadian police (8) 9 Where a girl is turned back after six (6) 10 Pennant flown by vessel with the king aboard (8) 12 Neat portion of spirit I’d yearn for (4) 13 Want, we hear, to work as a baker (5) 14 Famous school of returning reputation (4) 17 They advance and charge (12) 20 Evidently one not represented by another (4-8) 23 A noble look (4) 24 Body in the baggage (5) 25 It must have been sunk skilfully (4) 28 By which railways earn extra money? (8) 29 Await the photographer’s request? (4,2) 30 Emphasised sweets must be returned (8) 31 He has the skills to make a suit (6)
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Yesterday’s Easy Solution Across: 1 Aphid, 4 Besides, 8 Tad, 9 Barometer, 10 In brief, 11 Husky, 13 Equine, 15 Awhile, 18 Fed up, 19 Exposed, 21 Intrusive, 23 Air, 24 Neglect, 25 Siege. Down: 1 Astride, 2 Hidebound, 3 Dubai, 4 Bereft, 5 Somehow, 6 Dot, 7 Surly, 12 Shipshape, 14 Neptune, 16 Endorse, 17 Depict, 18 Feign, 20 Press, 22 Tug.
Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution Across: 1 Inset, 4 Doubter, 8 Pam, 9 Tale of woe, 10 Ill wind, 11 Icons, 13 Detect, 15 Angela, 18 Venal, 19 Upstart, 21 Milestone, 23 Inn, 24 Science, 25 Sonia. Down: 1 Implied, 2 Simpleton, 3 Tutti, 4 Delude, 5 Utopian, 6 Tow, 7 Reefs, 12 Operation, 14 Calls in, 16 Antenna, 17 Furore, 18 Vamps, 20 Steps, 22 Lei.
EASY PUZZLE
Across 1 Amusing play (6) 4 Unimportant people (5,3) 9 State of mind and spirit (6) 10 Cabbage, turnip genus (8) 12 Complain bitterly (4) 13 Search (5) 14 Business transaction (4) 17 In particular (12) 20 Representative sample (5-7) 23 Boor (4) 24 Madness (5) 25 Impetuous (4) 28 Cave in suddenly (8) 29 Limited in outlook (6) 30 Ornamental textile wall covering (8) 31 Merrymaking (6)
Down 1 Consist of (8) 2 Strict disciplinarian (8) 3 Boring (4) 5 Skill in shooting (12) 6 Inventory (4) 7 Frustrated (6) 8 Annual (6) 11 Shakespearean tragedy (6,6) 15 Easily angered (5) 16 Careless (5) 18 Differ (8) 19 Coming (2,3,3) 21 Evoke (6) 22 Bring to a stop (4,2) 26 Male singing voice (4) 27 Long, detailed account (4)
you turn the page upsideFul HOW many words of four letters Yesterday’s Yesterday’s Call 0907 181 2585 for tomorrow. 0907 down. Solution Sudoku Kakuro Answer or more canAnswer you make from the today’s Target solution *Calls cos *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your te letters shown here? In makingplus a your telephone company’s Yesterday’s solution network charge. word, each letter may be used network access Black squares: 6, 7, 14 once only. Each must contain the – Helpline16, 19,202 21, 3390 22, 25,PLAY 26, 29 *SP: Spoke 0333 32, 35, 39, 40. Across centre letter and there must be at National, Debt, Joint, least one nine-letter word. No Shoe, Plonk, Axe, plurals or verb forms ending in “s”.
TODAY’S TARGET Good 13; very good 20; excellent 26 (or more). Solution tomorrow. YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION cent CENTIPEDE decent deepen dent diene dine dint entice enticed epicene inept need neep nice niece pecten pectin peen peened pein peined pend pent pine pined pint teen tend tine
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
Hiatus, Hazy, Quad, Coming, Eat, Abode, Wolf, Pizza, Moat, Dividers. Down: Nibs, Haiku, Bump, Ago, Injected, Draw, Aside, Annex, Alibi, Exact, Fel Homeward, Ova, Stun, Zonal, Figs.
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 network access charge.
PLAY MORE CR
The Tribune | Weekend | 27
Friday, November 18, 2016
animals
Two tales of sadness and hope
M
atthew’s story could have ended like so many others that we do not know about; it is a story about when an animal is cruelly abandoned, is never looked for and never missed by anybody, until it ultimately meets a painful and frightening death. But thank goodness in this case the ending is different. A couple of days after Hurricane Matthew, the Bahamas Humane Society was busy cleaning up the damage and devastation it endured during the storm when a phone call came in. A very nice lady was reporting that she was hearing the cries of an animal and had been hearing them over a period of a couple of days, but she had assumed that they were from her neighbour’s dogs. She had now ascertained that these cries were not coming from next door and that she thought they were cries for help. BHS Inspector Ventoi Bethune went out immediately to the area and met with the woman. It did not take him long to discover where these cries were coming from: a small head was poking desperately out of an open cesspit. A very dirty and anguished dog was pulled to safety by Inspector Bethune. The poor animal was only skin and bones and was so terribly weak that he was unable to stand up. He was quickly loaded into the BHS ambulance and rushed to the shelter where the first order was a very thorough bath. Of course they had to be careful not to rub too hard because he has hurting all over. He was also scared, cold, frightened, dehydrated and hungry. This is how Matthew started his days at the BHS shelter. After the first month of shelter care and then fostering, Matthew has put on a lot of weight and his bones are no longer visible. His injuries are consistent with abusive treatment and we have every reason to suspect that he was intentionally thrown into the cesspit. After various veterinarian consults it
PET OF THE WEEK
Personable Pandora By The Bahamas Humane Society
“N
o, I’m not completely asleep. I’m just dozing quietly while I wait for you to adopt me.” Pandora is two years old and she is one of the many cats available for adoption at the Bahamas Humane Society. Pandora is mellow and friendly, loving to curl up at your side while you work or watch TV. She promises not to be a box full of sorrows, but to keep you good company each day. Do you have a space ion your place for Pandora? If so, come in to the BHS to meet her and the other adoption cats, or call 323-5138 for more information. Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday. • Come and check out the BHS
PATRICIA VAZQUEZ
Animal matters Kim Aranha
table at this weekend’s Jollification at the Retreat on Village Road. Dog toys, cat toys, gifts for your favourite pet lover and more will be available. We look forward to seeing you there! (Save some money for the Thrift Shop Jewellery sale on Saturday, November 26)
Matthew was rescued from an open cesspit
was decided that the best route to take with Matthew is to feed him highcalcium food and hope that his injuries continue to heal as they have been doing. He is still too week and lacking in muscle mass at present, so he would not be a good candidate for surgery, especially orthopaedic procedures which can be long and tedious with the patient being under anaesthesia for hours. In spite of all the horrible things that happened to him, Matthew can be considered one of the lucky ones. Somebody actually called the BHS to report his cries. A few hours more and his little head would have sunk into the putrid exposed filth and he would have not even been a statistic. He would have never known kindness, let alone love! Now Matthew the potcake has a rosy future with a home in the United States awaiting him. We are still trying to raise the funds to fly him to his new home and also for the expenses incurred during the month he was at the shelter and his medical care up to now. Donations would be gratefully accepted at the shelter and we would be happy to provide you with a gift receipt and a photo showing that you participated in his rescue. You could gift it to an animal lover this Christmas in their honour. Not to leave cats out of the stories of unfortunate but lucky animals, I will tell you a tale of a small kitten. Recently an animal lover had cause to stop her car on the side of the road and saw a plastic bag hanging from the branches of a small tree. When she went to investigate she discovered a small kitten inside. It had been left to suffocate and die in a bag hanging from a random tree. The woman was able to rescue the little one, who is now is in a foster home, being bottle fed, and will be looking for a home soon. I share these stories because I need to get the message out to you and through you that these are everyday occurrences in the Bahamas that the BHS has to deal with. We depend on charity and generosity in order to save and rehabilitate these poor animals and to teach the people who have inflicted such suffering that it is wrong and to try and rid the country of animal cruelty. Won’t you join us at the Bahamas Humane Society by becoming a member? Come and see us at our booth at Jollification this weekend.
28 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, November 18, 2016
gardening
Herbs and spices Sage is sa id Colonel S to be one of a ingredien nders’ secret ts for his KFC chick en.
Jack Hardy explores popular and underrated spices which can do wonders for Bahamian dishes.
I
would suggest that sage in the most underused of the Mediterranean herbs in Bahamian cuisine. Like oregano, it is most often used in dry form for added pungency. It does wonders for chicken and pork and is one of the KFC Colonel’s secret ingredients. A single plant is sufficient for most families so buy a seedling from your nursery instead of a whole packet of seeds. Sage rarely lasts through the summer but grows very well in the cooler months. Another cool weather lover is chervil. A reader sent me some seeds last year in autumn and I had no germination success at all. I should have waited until January. The seeds of chervil should be sown in the place the plant is to grow because chervil is notoriously hard to transplant successfully. The seeds need light so should be sprinkled on the surface of the soil, seated with light knuckle pressure, and misted daily. Chervil is one of the fine herbs and has an anise flavour. The plant much resembles lightweight Italian parsley and there is a turnip-rooted form that may be easier to start. I love omelets and a chervil omelet is a French classic. The prettiest of all herbs is borage, a handsome hairy-leafed plant that produces clusters of sky blue pendant
Mexican tarragon is the “champion of tropical herbs”. flowers. On a sunny day the backlit hairs on the foliage look like ice spicules that along with the cool blue of the flowers make the plant serenely composed. The leaves have a cucumber flavour and can be used in herbal teas, but I always grow them solely for their beauty. There are several tropical plants that have flavours very similar to European herbs. Spanish thyme has fleshy leaves and a strong thyme presence that is coarse like dried thyme rather than the delicate aroma of fresh English thyme. Fresh leaves can be added to the late stages of a soup or stew to give a thyme flavor but this is usually an emergency measure. The leaves of Mexican oregano are also fleshy but I cannot tell you how well it seasons a pot because I always use it raw, chopped for a tomato and pepper salsa. It gives salsa a genuine Mexican flavour. Both Spanish thyme and Mexican oregano are easily grown from cuttings. The champion of tropical herbs, to my mind, is Mexican tarragon – sometimes called Mexican mint or tiruhumara. It is grown as a flowering annual in temperate climates but here in the tropics a plant will last forever. It may
die back at the end of summer but always springs anew. A word of warning: I bought Mexican tarragon seeds in the past that were obviously meant to produce marigold-like flowers rather than a herb. The taste was insipid and useless for culinary purposes. Fortunately I have had a robust strongly-scented version for years that I propagate vegetatively by root division and ground cuttings. Root division is a savage and primitive form of propagation. I use an old serrated breadknife to cut the roots of a tarragon plant that has been grown in a three-gallon pot into four. Each quarter plant is then planted into potting mix in a three-gallon container. When a Mexican tarragon plant reaches maturity – about 18” tall – the outer stems bend towards the ground and then soar back skywards. A few one-gallon pots of soil can be placed around and the low point of the adventitious branches anchored an inch or so into these pots, leaves removed from the underground section. Hair pins or straightened paper clips bent once make good anchors to hold the cuttings underground. Rooting is quite fast, usually within a month. Regular cuttings can also be made from lower
branch sections. I understand Mexican tarragon is being used by many US restaurants instead of the traditional French tarragon, which is virtually impossible to grow in The Bahamas. With your own tarragon you are able to make Eggs Benedict for breakfast or brunch. Tarragon loves chicken and chicken loves tarragon. A couple of long leafy stalks in a bottle of vinegar give the basis for some mighty fine vinaigrettes. A bay laurel tree in the garden is a source of great pleasure. Although the tree can grow quite large it can be kept to handy shrub size with judicious pruning. I consider bay leaves indispensable for soups, stews and souses. Drop a leaf or two into the boiling water you are using to cook potatoes for a potato salad. You’ll notice the difference. Fennel and celery are vegetables, of course, but they are also herbs. There are varieties of fennel and celery that do not grow large and have intense flavour in their foliage; chopped into egg or chicken salads they season without (in the case of celery) those irritating lumps of stalk. Herbs are mainly leaves. The seeds of plants, when suitable, are spices. Both fennel and celery seeds are highly aromatic and can transform dishes. Ever wondered why your home-made Spaghetti Bolognese does not taste as good as the one in your favourite Italian restaurant? You left out the fennel seeds. Dill is another herb that produces wonderfully tasty seeds. The flavour of dill is irreplaceable as I have found when piqued by a sudden hankering for German potato salad on a Sunday in the old days when all shops were closed. There is no substitute, though pickle juice can sometimes help out. The foliage – dill weed – is mild but the seeds are redolent of Scandinavian delights. You can flavour vinegar with seeds, strain them out once the right strength is reached, then add sprigs of dill weed for show. I mentioned souse earlier and all Bahamian souses feature allspice berries, better known to Jamaicans as pimiento. Allspice trees are well behaved and quite attractive. The berries they produce go from green to black and at this stage can be picked and air dried. The aromatic leaves are used for teas and can be thrown onto barbecue coals while cooking Jamaican jerk. • For questions and comments e-mail j.hardy@coralwave.com