01262024 WEEKEND

Friday, January 26, 2024

Weekend

food interview gardening history entertainment puzzles animals

Barefoot dining Page 07

Poetry in motion Meet the renowned ballet dancers coming to the Bahamas pgs 08 +09

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, January 26, 2024

food

A restaurant crawl through Western New Providence for a unique Valentine’s Day

By CHEF SIMEON HALL, JR

1. Pre-entrée drinks at Bon Vivants

Set the stage for a romantic and intimate evening at Bon Vivants, the Bahamas’ premier craft cocktail bar and sister establishment to the recently acclaimed best bar in the Caribbean by The Caribbean Journal, The Dilly Bar. At Bon Vivants, the bartenders transcend their roles, becoming true beverage artisans who meticulously craft each cocktail with precision and elegance.

Moreover, for those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, Bon Vivants offers an array of alternative beverages, from decadent espresso drinks and hot chocolate to refreshing mocktails and soft drinks. The venue features a cozy and inviting interior and exterior.

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s we say goodbye to the holiday season and the echoes of New Year’s celebrations gradually fade away, numerous establishments are now gearing up for the universal day of love – Valentine’s Day. This eagerly-anticipated day isn’t just the busiest; it’s the most-booked night in the entire calendar for restaurants all over the world.

If you’re keen on leaving a lasting impression on your date, I encourage you to break free from the traditional “dinner and a movie” routine and embrace something more adventurous and indulgent—like a multi-course restaurant crawl.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, a crawl involves a thoughtfully planned itinerary, guiding you through multiple restaurants and bars in a single evening. Below, I’ve curated a restaurant crawl guide, pairing some of my favourite local establishments, designed to elevate your romantic evening with your significant other.

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2. A conch salad to share from Dino’s Gourmet Conch Salad Stand in Gambier Village

After sipping on a cocktail or two, make your way to Dino’s Gourmet Conch Salad Stand in Gambier Village – just a 10-minute journey – for a delightful native appetiser: conch salad. While seafood often carries an aphrodisiac reputation (though I can’t vouch for its truth), I suggest conch salad as an appetiser for its light, refreshing, and tantalising flavour – all without being too heavy on the stomach. The Gambier setting provides a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for calming any nerves. Picture sitting along the shoreline, savouring a conch salad with your partner, the cool evening breeze, and the soft glow of moonlight setting the scene. For added intimacy, you and your date can enjoy conch salad at the secluded Love Beach nearby.

3. Korean BBQ at Namul Korean Restaurant

Now, at this point in the evening, I suggest adding a hands-on element to your evening (no, not in that way). Studies have shown that the most memorable dates often involve shared activities. People tend to connect more deeply when engaged

in an action, which is why, instead of opting for a traditional entree, I propose exploring the Korean BBQ menu at Namul, a Korean fine dining restaurant located less than 10 minutes from our last stop.

I can’t envision a more intimate and exciting Valentine’s Day dinner than grilling fine cuts of meat at a tabletop grill with your date. Collaborate, or perhaps engage in a friendly culinary competition, as you both work to cook the food to perfection!

4. Pastries from Bakehouse

This aspect of the restaurant crawl will require some planning, proactivity, and proper food storage, given that Bakehouse—or any bakery, for that matter— doesn’t operate in the evening. Bakehouse has earned its reputation as one of the top bakeries on the island, and for good reason.

Chef Ivana Moncur has mastered the art of creating a delightful sweet experience, consistently delivering pastries that garner endless praise.

On the morning of your crawl, or whenever you have a chance, stop at Bakehouse and grab two pastries for you and your date— ideally something striking a balance between sweet, salty and crispy. Feel free to enjoy your pastries either at the previous restaurant or in your vehicle, just be sure to come prepared with a few plates, flatware and napkins.

Most importantly for food safety, if the dessert requires refrigeration, place them in a cooler with ice packs in your back trunk until you and your date are ready to enjoy!

5. A Nightcap At Goldwynn’s The Atria

End your romantic evening at the stylish and chic ‘The Atria’ bar, nestled within the newly-unveiled Goldwynn resort—a perfect spot for a post-dinner drink. Instead of reaching for the usual digestif or craft cocktail to conclude your night, I urge you to explore The Atria’s exceptional tea service. Yes, you read that right—tea! Having enjoyed this experience firsthand, I can assure you that it’s a treat and if Ty happens to be your server, you’re in for a double treat. The tea service at The Atria offers an intimate and meticulously curated experience, standing toe-to-toe with any spirited drink you might choose.

I am confident this handpicked restaurant crawl guide will not only tease your taste buds but also leave you with the sweetest memories of a truly unique Valentine’s Day. Breaking free from the usual routine, you and your special someone are in for a treat – not just in terms of delicious food and drinks, but in the shared moments that will make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable.

The Tribune | Weekend | 03

Friday, January 26, 2024

community

All-Stars Youth Band has big plans for the future

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

T

he Bahamas AllStars Youth Band is eyeing possible tours of both the United States and Europe over the next year.

Yonell Justilien, director of the band, said they hope to create more opportunities for young people to develop and showcase their skills on an international level.

The marching band, which was founded 10 years ago, closed out 2023 in an eventful way when they hosted their All-Stars Battle of the Bands in November at the National Beach Soccer Stadium with an invited group, the Millwood Mighty Falcon Marching Band from Oklahoma.

Prior to that, in October, the band was invited and performed at a STARS Performance at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

The marching band had the chance to perform through the streets of the popular theme park in front of an international audience and cheering spectators.

Yonell said their team of directors is currently exploring two ideas to make a reality between 2024 and 2025.

One would be a trip to a populous city in the US where the band could participate in a college tour. The other possible plan is a European tour and performing at one of the major festivals there.

The All-Stars Band continues to create paths for success for the development of the Bahamas’ youth, he said.

To help with achieving that goal, the band has expanded its team to provide more expertise and training for its young members.

THE BAHAMAS All-Stars Youth Band performed at Universal Studios in Orlando last October and at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. Mark Turnquest joined recently joined the team as an assistant director.

At the moment, the band has 155 active members, six directors, two instructors and 16 parent chaperones, all of whom volunteer their time.

As the band grows in numbers there is always a need for more assistance for band

equipment and uniforms for the kids.

Yonell said the collective effort of everyone involved helps to keep the band making steady progress.

“The band has continued to set the pace, whether its opening new stadiums, creating performance activities and platforms at various

festivals, official events or tourism and cultural activities,” he said. “For the kids…nothing is taken for granted and so all experiences, activities or events we consider milestones because of the positive impact and experience associated with it. The most notable accomplishment is seeing over 20 of our members move on to university on various band and academic scholarships in the United States.”

For 2024, the band’s team hopes to continue making a difference in the lives of its participants and the community at large.

“The members as well as directors, we are all governed by a code of conduct.

The team of directors is phenomenal; all bringing different styles and expertise,” said Yonell.

“In addition to that, we continue to be encouraged by the level of parental support for the kids that come to us on an (almost) daily basis. So, we owe as much to the parents who entrust their child to be in our care to receive the most positive and beneficial instruction. As it relates to the kids, I believe they have an understanding that the team of directors pour into them daily and so they take the instruction, not only applying it to music or dance, but also in everyday life.”

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, January 26, 2024

interview

Raphael Munnings As a young singer-songwriter he and his band created one of the most iconic and successful songs in Bahamian history. A member of an extremely musical family, he tells Cara Hunt about the origins of ‘Funky Nassau’, how it impacted his life, and how it lives on to this day.

W

THEN and now: Raphael Munnings

hen Raphael Munnings was four years old, his father, local musical legend Freddie Munnings Sr, invited him to take the stage at the popular Nassau night club the Silver Slipper.

“He promised that he would give me some money, and then when I got on stage some of the patrons also threw money at me. It was then that I realised that hey there is something to this musical business.”

Of course, being born into the famous Munnings musical family also helped. Raphael was born on July 7, 1947, in Nassau to Frederick and Winifred Munnings. The Munnings have always been a very musical family.

In addition to his father, his brothers, Leroy, Frank and Freddie Jr, were also well known musicians.

And growing up, music was a staple in their household.

His father was the man behind the world-renowned Cat & Fiddle Club, where musical greats like Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Flip Wilson performed in the 1950s and ‘60s.

Accordingly, Raphael’s childhood included hanging out with a who’s who in the industry, including stars such as Nat King Cole, Harry Belafonte, Jerry Butler, Aretha Franklin, The Impressions, and James Brown.

He clearly remembers one Saturday morning when instead of being allowed to play basketball, he ended up on a boat with his father and a few friends.

“My father told me at the time that he really wanted me to meet his friend Dr Martin Luther King. Looking back, I am so happy I got the chance to meet him, but at the time I really just wanted to go play ball,” he joked.

Music remained in Raphael’s life as he performed in various bands in high school at St John’s and then at popular night spots around town after graduation.

Eventually, he and his brothers, Leroy Munnings, guitar, Frank on drums, Fred Henfield on bass guitar and Ray who provided vocals and played on the keyboard, formed a band.

The band was called Beginning Of The End and together they created one of the most iconic songs in Bahamian history, “Funky Nassau”.

The members of the band were Fred Henfield on bass guitar, Leroy Munnings on lead guitar, Frank Munnings on drums, and vocalist Raphael on the keyboard. Assisting with the lyrics was Tyrone Fitzgerald, “Dr Offfff”, who died in 2003.

The song was both popular and controversial at the same time.

“A lot of people loved the song and it was getting a lot of play, but at the same time there were some persons who were offended by the use of the word ‘funky’ and thought it had a negative connotation.”

The Tribune | Weekend | 05

Friday, January 26, 2024

Raphael said the song was meant to capture a particular moment of pride and determination of the Bahamian people as they moved towards becoming an independent nation.

“I like to put the song in its historical context. We were coming out of the 1960s and Majority Rule had just happened and there was all this talk of, ‘OK, we have Majority Rule and so we have to be our own country with our own independence, and people were excited about the future of the Bahamas and the song was meant to capture that feeling - Nassau’s gone funky. Nassau’s gone soul. We’ve got a doggone beat now. We’re gonna call our very own, uh!”

Raphael said one day he got a call from a Bahamian deejay who said, ‘You really need to come to Miami because you have a hit on your hands.’

So he called his wife and told her, ‘We are on the way to the airport’, and the rest is history.

The song became an instant hit worldwide – it was number one in the Bahamas and was soon picked up by Henry Stone of Alston Records, a Miami company, for distribution. It quickly became the No 1 song on WMBM radio station in Florida where the deejay was Bahamian Fred Hanna. It was then picked up by Atlantic Records for worldwide distribution and moved up the East Coast to New York radio stations WBLS (with DJ Frankie Crocker) and WABC (DJ Cousin Brucie).

It charted on Billboard, Cashbox and Record World and climbed to the top ten of all music charts, crossing over from the R&B to pop charts.

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BEGINNING Of The End band members Raphael Munnings and Leroy Munnings receive the first gold record to be awarded to a Bahamian group in 1971, Hialeah, Florida, from Henry Stone (far left) and Milt Oceans.

By July 1971, every radio station in the US was playing “Funky Nassau” – and it reached No 31 on the UK singles chart.

By then, it was the first certified million seller from the Bahamas.

Despite the international success, the band never toured. They were scheduled to tour with Marvin Gaye and also Bob Marley, but both tours were sadly cancelled.

Beginning Of The End disbanded and Raphael went on to perform solo, performing at all the top hotels in the Bahamas before relocating to Miami Beach and going on to work around the world, including in Amsterdam, Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Las Vegas.

Raphael toured for about ten years and appeared at New Orleans’ Jazz and Heritage

Festival; he was even awarded a key to the city.

As a solo act, he worked with many top international entertainers and musicians, including Natalie Cole, who was his opening act in Miami Beach where he headlined.

“Funky Nassau” also hit Hollywood – featuring in the movie “Blues Brothers 2000”, where it was performed by stars Joe Morton, John Goodman, Dan Aykroyd and Erykah Badu, arranged by Paul Shaffer. It has also been covered by stars from Carlos Santana to Herbie Mann.

Raphael has three albums to his credit, “Funky Nassau”, “The Beginning Of The End” and “It Can Happen to You”.

While the band may not have had the opportunity to quite leap into the international spotlight, “Funky Nassau” continues to have new life breathed into it. Most recently, it appeared on the “John Wick” soundtrack.

Raphael has been the recipient of many honours over the course of his career. Last year, for the Independence Honours, he was bestowed the Order of Distinction (Companion).

More than half a century since it was first written, “Funky Nassau: is still finding new fans, and bringing the sound of Bahamian music to a fresh audience. The song opened many doors for Raphael – and it continues to show what Bahamians can bring to the world.

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Boxing, Furious, Brake, Acne, Jam, Ivy, Harm, Pleat, Ability, Nudity, The Tribune Weekend Dredge, Evidence.

Down: Blizzard, Odour, Juniper, Sunbeam (clue), Twee, Fantasy, Ecru, Impound, Disobey, Antic, Disquiet.

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WORDS

SUMTHING

FIRES

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SMALL CROSSWORD

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TV CROSSWORD

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1 2 1

TARGET

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Yesterday’s Call 0907 181 2585

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

BATTLESHIPS

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Across: 1 Out cold, 5 Match, 8 Fine-tuned, 9 Lea, 10 Rife, 12 Glorious, 14 Attend, 15 Stodgy, 17 Athletic, 18 Brag, 21 Don, 22 Time limit, 24 Needy, 25 Rapidly.

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Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution Across: 1 Penguin, 5 Amend, 8 Collector, 9 Ida, 10 Rips, 12 Fearsome, 14 Arabia, 15 Office, 17 Monogram, 18 Flip, 21 Eli, 22 Navigator, 24 Sofia, 25 Seedbed.

Down: 1 Pacer, 2 Nil, 3 Uses, 4 Nutmeg, 5 Aircraft, 6 Editorial, 7 Deadeye, 11 Plaintiff, 13 Virginia, 14 Aimless, 16 Canvas, 19 Pared, 20 Ague, 23 Tab.

EASY PUZZLE

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

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

Verb forms ending in S permitted.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

1 2 3

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

Solution tomorrow 1

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

WORD BUILDER Answer the clues so that each word contains the same letters as the previous word, plus or minus one.

Solution tom

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1 Single

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2 Sole

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3 Slowly

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Friday, January 26, 2024

The Tribune | Weekend |07

food

A barefoot culinary experience

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

L

ocated at the water’s edge, Tingum on the Sand seeks to introduce elements of Bahamian cuisine to a new clientele in a unique setting. It is the perfect spot for a toes-in-the-sand culinary experience at the Rosewood Baha Mar. Guests are invited to indulge in an unforgettable beachside meal in a tropical hideaway surrounded by the natural beauty.

Lunchtime at Tingum on the Sand is an exciting addition to the dining experience at the Rosewood, offering a unique blend of Bahamian flavours and international influences.

Alvaro Acebal, director of Food and Beverage at the resort, said there is no experience quite like Tingum on the Sand.

“Tingum was inspired obviously by the Bahamas. So far, it is a good way to present Bahamian food to the different clientele that comes here. We also have a daily special that will include conch, fresh fish, lobster when in season and more,” Alvaro told Tribune Weekend, who is learning new things about the Bahamas.

“I’ve been here for months and I had to find out what the term ‘tingum’ meant, but that is also another story. A lot of guests also ask what it means, so our team explains it.”

The local slang word is often used by Bahamians to describe a person, place or thing - something we all know exists but cannot quite put a name to.

Oriane Gurland, director of Communications at Rosewood believes the “Tingum” name captures the essence of the casual, laid-back, beachside atmosphere.

She said the restaurant aims to create a memorable dining experience through its menu, inviting atmosphere, and beachside location. The restaurant offers daily breakfast from 8am until 10.30 am, and has now added lunch from 12pm until 4pm.

“The food menu at Tingum on the Sand features a delightful fusion of Bahamian and international cuisine, including corn ribs, chicken patties, grilled jerk shrimp and more. From fresh seafood to inventive dishes, the menu is curated to satisfy diverse palates, offering a taste of the local flavours blended with global culinary influences,” said Oriane.

“Each dish at Tingum on the Sand is crafted to be one-of-a-kind, blending local ingredients with innovative culinary techniques. Personally, the Bahamian wood smoked brisket sandwich stands out for its local flavours and BBQ flavour profile providing a truly unforgettable dining experience.”

One of the breakfast dishes with a Bahamian twist is the ‘Slam Bam Egg Sand-Vich’ , which is made with Johnny cake, Scotch Bonnet mayo, bacon, cheese and fried egg.

Meanwhile on the lunch menu, the ‘242 Pork Ribs’ come with roasted Eleuthera pineapple.

There are also curried chicken patties and grilled jerk shrimp.

The restaurant launched quietly at the beginning of this month, Oriane said patrons so far, both local and visitors alike, have praised the beachfront ambiance, the cocktails and food menu, and the exceptional service.

The décor, she said, is inspired by the natural beauty of the surroundings, creating a tranquil environment that complements the Cable Beach location.

“Looking ahead to the rest of 2024, Tingum on the Sand has exciting plans, including special events, menu expansions, and perhaps collaborations. The restaurant aims to continually surprise and delight guests with new culinary experiences, ensuring its place as a must-visit destination at Rosewood Baha Mar,” said Oriane.

10 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, January 26, 2024

gardening

Leaf drop

G

ood day, gardeners.

As we are in the middle of the cool season; it is officially wintertime. Some trees are dropping their leaves. This is perfectly normal at this time of year.

Soursop and sugar apple are two that have normal leaf drop in January and February. This is perfectly normal.

Poinciana, cassia and the tropical almond tree are three others that are affected by the cool weather, which is a signal for them to shed last year’s leaf growth. This gives the tree a chance to rest and to refocus the new growth into rejuvenated energies to put into a new year’s worth of leaf growth.

This new foliage gives the tree a brand-new solar power plant for stronger, fresher energy. The renewed energy gives the tree high power to grow strong into the following months of March onwards, where it warms up gradually, to produce the flowers that take quite a lot of energy for them to then bloom and make fruit and seed.

Usually after leaf drop, the tree quite quickly creates new buds. I’ve observed some sugar apple trees that are shedding and budding at the same time, often it’s a very short time without foliage, as we don’t have a true winter with cool enough weather for the trees to go fully dormant.

Grape vines are another popular fruiting plant that drops leaves in the winter.

According to grape growers, this is the time to cut back the grape vine(s) to maximise fruiting in the next season. I’ve experimented with this some, and found that after cutting back, the yield of grapes is higher in the next season than when the vines do not get cut back.

I won’t go too in depth on that here, but it’s worth the research if you’re growing grape vines.

The cool breezes that we experience through January and February can affect trees and cause leaf drop as well, especially if it’s dry. It’s been unseasonably wet where I am, but the cool ocean breezes tend to force trees to drop leaves, but they do bud right back out, very quickly.

I’m noticing bougainvillea pushing lots of bracts, which are the colourful parts of the plant that surround the flower of the bougainvillea plant.

It may be a good time to fertilize bougainvillea if the leaves are looking pale or smaller than they ought to be.

I had dinner at an established location this week that always wows me in its beauty. One of the joys of living in the subtropics is palms, for me, and I’m a big fan of palms, fan palms and others, because they hold their foliage throughout the year and help to create a very cozy, warm feeling

with their large textures and swaying fronds.

For the busy professional, a planter or two of edible plants, fruits, vegetables, or aesthetic plants, can bring a wonderful feeling into a home, without much care or thought to design and maintenance.

There are a couple of easy ways to reap the rewards of gardening without having to spend half one’s life in the garden.

One house I’m working on, has a few small hydroponic systems located in the garage, so it’s unavoidable to pay attention to a few leafy greens or tomato plants immediately upon arriving at the house.

Another has planter beds just outside the garage, so that again, it is unavoidable to pay attention to the vegetable garden, without much time or effort involved. Both methods provide year-round herbs and vegetables with minimal care involved.

Don’t crowd the beds or planters, give plants their own space to grow and less problems will be incurred as far as pests and fungus, or disease is concerned.

If you have fruit trees that are dropping leaf, do not be too concerned. If there are black tips on branches, there may be issues with fungus or disease, but otherwise many plants in our region require such minimal care that really, anyone can grow something beneficial or

beautiful with very little effort involved.

Start small and grow from there.

It is not too late to get growing, if you’ve been too busy so far. There’s still time in the growing season to reap rewards that can help to feed your family fresh, healthy foods.

When a tree drops leaf, it’s a good time to prune them back some to allow for fuller, stronger growth in the new season. Are you having any issues in the garden or is there something you’d like to read about that is relative to our climate, instead of inaccurate info found on most websites? Send me a message and I’ll be happy to discuss! As always, I wish you happy gardening.

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The Tribune | Weekend | 11

Friday, January 26, 2024

history

A deep interest in Bahamian history and how Oliver Cromwell figures into it

M

y first article in the FORGOTTEN FACTS series was published on January 9, 2015.

It was the brainchild of Eileen Dupuch Carron. I suspect that, like me, she had no idea how long the series would last, but here we are, nine years later, and readers are asking me not to discontinue them.

I was pleased to hear from one reader, an old friend, who has been saving all my articles; more precisely, nearly all of them, so I’ve spent this afternoon sending her scans of those she is missing.

The early articles filled only one or two columns, but to my delight, they grew in size to fill a full page, and a few of them were even longer.

So many readers have encouraged me to publish these articles in book form and I am considering that possibility.

I am often asked how I know so much. The fact is that I don’t. Not everything is stored away in my head, but I have more than 1,000 books about the Bahamas, and I’ve spent hundreds of happy hours at the Department of Archives doing research. The staff there are very helpful and their records well worth one’s while.

My deep interest in Bahamian history was prompted by my wanting to create my family tree.

The more I researched, the more fascinated I became.

My ancestors, both maternal (Taylor, Forsyth, McQueen, Nairn, going back to 1783)) and paternal (Minns, Aranha going back to 1800) played active parts in Bahamian history.

Just recently, my son – Dr Stephen Aranha – showed me excerpts from the writings of Clement Walker, an English lawyer, politician and author, who died as a prisoner in the Tower of London in 1651.

In his 1648 book “The History of Independency, with the Rise, Growth, and Practices of that

PORTRAIT of Oliver Cromwell by Samuel Cooper, 1656 Powerfull and Restlesse Faction”, Walker wrote that: “The Eleutheran settlement served a purpose entirely independent of the reliPAUL C gious and/ or economics ARANHA goings on in FORGOTTEN FACTS Bermuda, namely preparing a potential safe haven as a possible exile site for Oliver Cromwell and his supporters, should they lose the Civil War.” The fact that this was written in 1648, the year when the Adventurers

A STATUE of Oliver Cromwell stands outside the House of Commons of the United Kingdom in Westminster, London. came to Eleuthera gives reason to reconsider is part of our Bahamian history.

Oliver Cromwell (April 25, 1599 – September 3, 1658) was an English statesman, politician and soldier, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of the British Isles.

He came to prominence during the 1639-1653 Wars of the Three Kingdoms, initially as a senior

commander in the Parliamentarian army and, latterly, as a politician.

A leading advocate of the execution of Charles I, in January 1649, which led to the establishment of the Protectorate, Cromwell ruled, as Lord Protector, from December 1653 until his death in September 1658.

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12 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, January 26, 2024

literary lives – Elizabeth Taylor (1932 -2011)

The violet-eyed queen of Old Hollywood - Part III Sir Christopher Ondaatje looks back on the life of the British/ American actress who was one of the most popular stars of the classic Hollywood cinema in the 1950s. She became the highest paid movie star in the world.

“Never let yourself think beyond your means … mental, emotional or any otherwise. Humour is the only way to stay alive.”

- Elizabeth Taylor Despite their incredible success in the United States, Taylor and Burton did not get the same kind of adulation in England. They performed Doctor Faustus (1966) for a week in Oxford to benefit the Oxford University Dramatic Society, and then Burton produced it as a film. It was panned by every critic and grossed only $600,000 in the box-office. They next performed in Franco Zeffirelli’s The Taming of the Shrew (1967) which they also co-produced. It was an interesting experience as Taylor was the only actor with no Shakespearian experience. Zeffirelli later observed that she “invented the part from scratch.” Critics were kind and the film grossed $12 million.

“I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened.”

- Elizabeth Taylor In 1967, Taylor made John Huston’s Reflections in a Golden Eye, without Burton, about a repressed gay military officer and his unfaithful wife – slated to co-star Montgomery Clift whose career was in a steep decline. However, Clift died of a heart attack before filming began, and he was replaced by Marlon Brando, who was having his own personal problems. The film was both a critical and commercial failure. Reunited with Burton in Graham Greene’s The Comedians (1967), they had to endure another critical and box-office disappointment.

By the late 1960s Elizabeth Taylor’s career was in decline. She had gained a lot of weight and could not compete with Jane Fonda, Julie Christie and the new popular Hollywood stars. The public

was tiring of Richard Burton too and critical of their constantly boastful expensive lifestyle.

In 1968, Taylor and Burton starred in two films directed by Joseph Losey: Boom!

And Secret Ceremony – both failures. She did one more film The Only Game in Town (1970) with Warren Beatty – also unsuccessful. But she kept on working and kept on being paid well: X Y & Zee (1972) with Michael Caine (where she unexpectedly won the David di Donatello award for Best Foreign Actress); with Burton in Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood; and Hammersmith is Out – her tenth collaboration with Burton – not successful but got a good review from Vincent Canby of The New York Times:“ … she has a certain vulgar, ratty charm.”

She won the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin Festival.

Taylor and Burton’s last film together was Divorce His, Divorce Hers (1973), fittingly named as they divorced the following year. Her other films released in 1973 were Night Watch and Ash Wednesday, and got a Golden Globe nomination for the latter. Her only film released in 1974 was Muriel Sparks adaptation of The Driver’s Seat another failure.

“I’m a survivor – a living example of what people go through and survive.”

- Elizabeth Taylor Taylor married again and took fewer roles after the mid-1970s and focused on supporting the

career of her sixth husband, Republican politician John Warner, a US senator. But that marriage didn’t last either, and she re-married Richard Burton in 1975 in Botswana, which ended after only ten months. She only did three films in 1976 and `1977: The Blue Bird; Victory at Entebbe (TV); and the critically panned Stephen Sondheim A Little Night Music in which she sang.

After a period of semi-retirement from films, Taylor starred in The Mirror Crack’d (1980), adapted from Agatha Christie’s mystery novel and featuring an ensemble cast of actors from the studio era, such as Angela Lansbury, Kim Novak, Rock Hudson, and Tony Curtis. Wanting to challenge herself, she took on her first substantial stage role, playing Regina Giddens in a Broadway production of Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes.

Instead of portraying Giddens in a negative light, Taylor showed her as a victim of circumstance,

The Tribune | Weekend | 13

Friday, January 26, 2024

explaining:“She’s a killer, but – sorry fellas, you put me in this position.”

The production premiered in May 1981, and had a sold-out six month run despite mixed reviews.

“Taylor’s performance as Regina Giddens, that malignant South bitch-goddess … begins gingerly, soon gathers steam, and then explodes into a black and thunderous storm that may just knock you out of your seat.”

- Frank Rich The New York Times She then appeared as the evil-socialite Helena Cassadine in the day-time soap opera General Hospital in November 1981, in the famous Luke and Laura two-part wedding episode which drew over 30 million viewers (Taylor was a big fan of the show and the couple), and the following year continued performing The Little Foxes in London’s West End, but only got negative reviews from the British press.

TAYLOR and superstar Michael Jackson shared a 30-year friendship

Taylor certainly changed her on-screen, on-stage personality.

Alice in the eponymous Western (1987). She teamed up again with Franco Zeffirelli in his biopic Young Toscanini (1988), and had the last starring role of her career in a TV adaptation of Sweet Bird of Youth (1989) – her fourth Tennessee Williams play.

Encouraged by her success in The Little Foxes, Taylor and producer Zev Buffman founded the Elizabeth Taylor Repertory Company. Its first and only production was a revival of Noël Coward’s comedy Private Lives, starring Taylor and her former husband Richard Burton. It premiered in Boston in early 1983, and although commercially successful, received generally negative reviews, with critics noting that both stars were in noticeably poor health.

At this time she also began receiving honorary awards – the Cecil B DeMille Award, and the Film Society of Lincoln Centre’s Chaplin Award.

In the 1990s, Taylor focused her time on HIV/AIDS activism. Her few acting roles included: Captain Planet and the Planeters (1992), The Simpsons (1992/1993), and cameos in four CBS series The Nanny, Can’t Hurry Love. Murphy Brown and High Society.

“I had a hollow leg. I could drink everyone under the table and not get drunk. My capacity was terrifying.”

- Elizabeth Taylor Taylor admitted herself to a drug and rehabilitation centre after Private Lives ended.

Richard Burrton died the following year. She met and married her seventh and last husband, Larry Fortensky, a construction worker at the Betty Ford Rehabilitation Centre.

The wedding was at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, and Taylor sold the wedding pictures to People for $1 million – which she used to start her AIDS Foundation. Taylor and Fortensky divorced on October 31, 1996, but remained in contact for the rest of her life. She left him $825,000 in her will.

After the failure of Private Lives, Taylor dissolved her theatre company. Her only other project that year was the television film Between Friends.

Her last theatrically released film was in the critically panned but commercially successful Flintstones (1994), in which she played Pearl Slaghoople in a brief supporting role.

TAYLOR married her seventh and last husband, Larry Fortensky, a construction worker, in 1991 From the mid 1980s Taylor acted mostly in television productions. She made cameos in the soap operas Hotel and All My Children in 1984, and played a brothel keeper in the historical miniseries North and South in 1985. She also starred in several television films, playing gossip columnist Louella Parsons in Malice in Wonderland (1985), a fading movie star in the drama There Must Be a Pony (1986), and a character based on Poker

She received American and British honours for her career: The AFA Life Achievement Award in 1993; the Screen Actors Guild Honorary Award in 1997; and a BAFTA Fellowship in 1999.

In 2000, she was appointed Dame Commander in the Chivalric Order of the British Empire in the millennium New Year Honours List by Queen Elizabeth II. After supporting roles in the TV film Those Old Broads (2001) and

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Friday, January 26, 2024

On her death, the British newspaper The Guardian estimated that her $600 million - $1 billion estate consisted mostly of revenue from fragrances.

In 2005, Taylor also founded a jewellery company, House of Taylor, in collaboration with Kathy Ireland and Jack and Monty Abramov.

She collected jewellery throughout her life and owned the 33.19 carat Krupp Diamond, the 69.72 carat Taylor-Burton Diamond, and the 50 carat Peregrina Pearl – all of which were gifts from her husband Richard Burton. She wrote a book about her collection in 2002: My Love Affair with Jewellery”.

After her death her jewellery and fashion collections were auctioned by Christies to benefit her AIDS Foundation, ETAF. Her jewellery sold for a record-breaking $156.8 million, and the clothes and accessories for a further $5.5 million.

Taylor struggled with health problems for most of her life. She was born with scoliosis and broke her back while filming National Velvet in 1944. It caused her chronic back problems.

TAYLOR with General Hopsital actor Anthony Geary.

She appeared on several episodes surrounding the famous Luke and Laura wedding in November in the animated sitcom God, the Devil and Bob (2001), Taylor announced that she was retiring from acting to devote her time to philanthropy.

She gave one last public performance in 2007 when, with James Earl Jones, she performed in the play Love Letters at an AIDS benefit at the Paramount Studios.

“I’ve been through it all, baby. I’m Mother Courage. I don’t pretend to be an ordinary housewife.”

- Elizabeth Taylor Taylor was honoured with more awards for her philanthropic work. She was made a Knight of the French Legion of Honour in 1987, and received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1993. She received the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award for Humanitarian Service in 1997; the GLAAD Vanguard Award in 2000; and the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2001.

Taylor created a collection of fragrances, whose unprecedented success helped establish the trench of celebrity-branded perfumes in TAYLOR and her two-time husband Richard Burton in the later years. In collaboration with Elizabeth Arden, 1970s she began by launching two best-selling perfumes – Passion in 1987, and White Diamonds in 1991.

According to biographer Sam Kashner and Nancy Shoenbergen, she earned more money Taylor personally supervised the creation and through the fragrance collection than during her production of each of the 11 fragrances marketed in her name. entire acting career.

In 1956, she underwent an operation in which some of her spinal discs were replaced with donated bone. She was also prone to other illnesses and injuries which often necessitated surgery.

In 1961, she survived a near-fatal bout of pneumonia that required a tracheotomy. Selfmedicating and an addiction to alcohol and prescription painkillers added to her problems.

She was the first celebrity to openly admit herself to a drug rehabilitation clinic. She was a heavy smoker until her severe bout of pneumonia in 1990.

She survived surgery for a benign brain tumour in 1997, and successful treatments for skin cancer.

She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2004. Six weeks after being hospitalised she died of the illness aged 79 on March 25, 2011, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles. Her funeral took place the following day at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. At Taylor’s request, the ceremony began 15 minutes behind schedule. She even wanted to be late for her own funeral.

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The Tribune | Weekend | 15

Friday, January 26, 2024

animals Animal matters Kim Aranha

PET OF THE WEEK

H

ello, my name is Biscuit.

You probably don’t know me, but my late dad was a well-known Bahamian. He was an ambassador and a doctor, and he and I were good friends.

It was very sad when he passed away. I was very confused and didn’t understand that he wasn’t there for me anymore. You know there is an extraordinary bond between man and dog. I know everybody likes to say that we don’t understand, but they only say that because we don’t speak. I knew what my dad said to me and I believe he understood my answers just by the way I reacted.

I have been living with Dr Elwood Donaldson ever since he adopted me from the Bahamas Humane Society in 2019. We were good buddies from the beginning. I spent my time outside, but we still were able to have chats when he came outside to talk to me.

Yesterday, the Bahamas Humane Society came over to “evaluate” me, whatever that means. They seam delighted when I greeted them with the waggiest of tails, kisses, and then I sat down for a treat and gave my paw.

That was a really big hit. I can tell because she (and the other lady, Fiona) were smiling such big smiles. They stayed for awhile talking to one of the humans related to my late dog dad.

They stroked me and rubbed my head; I am a pushover for affection.

I didn’t like it when they left. They told me that they would find me a home, and that they would be back.

I stood watching them leave my yard with my ears forward, willing them to get me a home now. But I heard the other lady, Kim, tell me that it was a process, and I would need to have a check-up (what’s that I wonder?) and to get my shots (I remember shots from when I was a puppy at the adoption center at the BHS.) Those two ladies really seemed

(PHOTO BY LINDA GILL-ARANHA)

A Biscuit in need of a home

sincere. They said I was best to stay where I know until they can place me because the shelter is so full. Then I heard Kim say that she will write an article about me and put it in the paper…that means that I will become famous!

I can see it now: “Biscuit the wonder dog!” Too much? Maybe it would be better to say, “Wonderful dog, Biscuit, needs a new home because his human has gone to heaven.” Yes, I think I like that better, less pretentious.

It is really difficult to be a dog who has lived somewhere for a long time, ever since being a puppy and then

Soft Sadie

By The Bahamas Humane Society Ten-month-old Sadie doesn’t mind hanging out with all the other cats at the Bahamas Humane Society but she’d really like to have a home of her own with her own humans to curl up next to. Sadie loves to be cuddled and will thank you with a great deal of purring! Do you need a cuddlebug in your life? Sadie will be happy to fill that spot for you. Come in to the BHS to meet her or call 323-5138 for more information. Sadie looks forward to purring with you.

having to start over. I tell you I did my very best to ingratiate myself with Kim and Fiona. They both thought I was special. They even went so far as to say, “Wow, I wish we could take him”.

I heard some of my owner’s relatives who have come over to visit his wife say they would take me, but they don’t have a yard.

I want to tell you all: I am a very good boy. I am friendly, and I believe I am also very intelligent (Kim says that I am smart as a penny). How many other dogs do you know who could write all I have written today?

Oh, and did I mention that I am

• Operation Potcake is almost over. Today and Saturday are the last two days. Spay/neuter your dog or cat for free and they will be vaccinated at the same time. There are five clinics across the island. Please call your local clinic directly for more information. Dog only clinics are Kemp Road: 4574427; East Street: 457-4429; The Punch: 457-4430, and Carmichael: 457-4428. Cats only at BHS: 457-4426. Save lives! Spay and neuter!

very handsome. I heard them both say that.

In short to recap this rather long message to you:

People I do not know come to see me; they ask questions that others do not know the answers to. I think you will find out I will do all I can to please you.

If you knew my dog dad Dr Donaldson, you know that he is watching to see that I am cared for. I was around for his last years and I know it would make him happy to know I will be somewhere safe, dry with a warm bed and a full tummy. sometimes he would tell me about the time he was an ambassador. I would like him to know that I have a safe home for the rest of my life.

Please consider adopting me. Once I have all my papers and medical shots I can go anywhere. I look forward to knowing who thinks I will be a good match for them.

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16 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, January 26, 2024

crafts

A light in the dark

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

I

n the darkness of COVID-19, Kelley Miller lit a candle…a candle she created herself. That was the start of her new business, Wicks by Sticks.

As was the case with so many aspiring Bahamian entrepreneurs, the pandemic and its resultant hardships inspired Kelley to build her own small business from the ground up.

“Let’s just say, COVID-19 did not bring about all bad things,” she told Tribune Weekend.

“Our candle business started in September of 2020, and we literally started out with just making candle refills with our client’s existing or refurbished candle jars and our scents. As time grew and we continued to step out in faith, we began purchasing our own inventory of glass candle jars to eventually have our own candle inventory ready for sale. We are forever grateful that we took the risk when we did.”

Wicks by Sticks, Kelley said, gives her the opportunity to express the creative side of her personality as a part of her branding - which is vibrant, bright, different and unique.

The home-based business offers soy-based candles in various vessels such as glass jars, travel metal tins, and hand-poured concrete jars. In addition, Wicks By Sticks also offers room and linen sprays, and a plethora of fragrance oils and scents for all four seasons.

“We create our own concrete vessels where we offer one-wick and three-wick candle concrete jars,” said Kelley.

The brand offers various candle scents based on the season.

“For example, Spring scents are usually ‘Coconut’, ‘Sea Salt & Orchid’, and ‘Day at the Spa’.

We also provide special occasional candle labels for special seasons such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day,” said Kelley. KELLEY Miller offers scented soy candles for all occasions.

Now at the start of 2024, she said, the most popular scent

requests are for either their signature fragrance ‘Sea Salt & Orchid’ or for Valentine’s Day items (love-themed 4oz tin candles).

New in the shop are their ‘Lavender’, ‘Bamboo & Coconut’, and ‘Eucalyptus & Mint’ scents.

Although Wicks

By Sticks is homebased, Kelley said they also offer mobile delivery services.

And to reach the widest market of potential customers, the brand offer Family Island and international shipping, as well as customised candles along with wholesale candles.

“We have three different candle vessels that you can try, and a plethora of different scents as well, all using natural soy wax, which is friendly to the environment and provides a clean and safe burn,” said Kelly.

And she teased an exciting new product: “In addition, we are launching a brand-new product this year that will allow you to have beautifully scented product in your home, offices or work space without running into the problem of burning candles.”