08122016 weekend

The Tribune

Friday, August 12, 2016

art theatre film fashion music podcasts food society fitness

Weekend

belles of the Ball Pages 14&15

Fruits of the sea Compass Point backs local fishermen Food, page 7

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, August 12, 2016

environment

Students join the fight against plastic pollution

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

B

AHAMIAN scientist Kristal Ambrose believes that the earlier children are made aware of and educated on plastic pollution, the better the chance they will change the way they interact with the environment for the positive.

Ms Ambrose, who is also the founder of the Bahamas Plastic Movement (BPM), recently spearheaded a summer camp that taught its young participants about plastic pollution in hopes of sparking youth action and activism around the issue.

For the third consecutive year, the Plastic Pollution Education and Ocean Conservation Camp was held at the Eleuthera Arts and Cultural Centre (EACC) in Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera.

Thirty students, aged seven to 14, from across South Eleuthera, came together to learn about plastic pollution, citizen science and youth activism.

With Eleuthera serving as the main camp, the organisation was able to offer satellite plastic education camps to students on the islands of Exuma, Abaco and Harbour Island through partnerships with youth and environmental organisations, including The Exuma Foundation, Friends of the Environment and Space to Create.

“The five-day camp had its most impressive year yet and was packed with opportunities for young people to creatively interact with the issues of plastics pollution through the incorporation of classroom lectures and activities, exciting field trips, citizen science, youth activism, community service and expression through the arts,” said Ms Ambrose.

After an informative presentation the group headed straight to Winding Bay, a local turtle habitat, to observe, document and remove the massive quantities of plastic accumulated there.

Students learn about the dangers of the plastic pollution in a fun and interactive way

The next day the group visited the Island School for a day filled with scientific exploration, including trawling for microplastics in the Exuma Sound, gut content analysis of mahi mahi fish, and dissecting albatross bird boluses for evidence of plastic ingestion.

“After confronting the realities and understanding the overwhelming scientific evidence of plastic pollution and its impact on our environment and health, students entered the next phase of learning: empowerment,” Ms Ambrose said.

The main thrust of the camp is always to empower participants to change their habits and educate others.

“The remaining days were spent developing community outreach skills and sharing stories through art and media. The young activists used their knowledge from the classroom and the field to encourage local grocery stores and restaurants to reduce their plastic waste by limiting the distribution of plastic straws or providing a more eco-friendly option. Aardvark Paper Drinking Straw donated boxes of paper straws to help facilitate the change. Students also flexed their community service muscles as they constructed trash cans from used plastic bottles and donated them to local organisations on the island,” she said.

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Friday, August 12, 2016

Inside Weekend Interview

4-5 Cara Hunt talks to former Olympian Avard Moncur about his assessment of Team Bahamas and his own memories of the Games.

Food 7 Compass Point serves up colourful cuisine

Art 8 - 10 Popopstudios hosts record number of artist; Angelika Wallace-Whitfield exhibits new work, plus Doongalik introduces “Forever…Harl Taylor Limited”.

Music 11 - 12 Bahamas hosts International Choral Festival; Island Rock Series is a success, plus Compass Point revives musical legacy

My perfect Bahamian weekend Michelle Collie Miss Universe Bahamas franchise holder

“Take me to the beach!”

Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday lunch?

“Sunday lunch or brunch with my girls!”

Q: Wine, Kalik, rum or cocktail?

“I’ll keep it cool and fresh with a vodka tonic and lime.”

Q: Beach or sofa?

“After a long week, the beach and ocean are considerably more reinvigorating than lying on the couch all day. Take me to the beach!”

Q: What could you not do without?

“My besties! You know who you are...”

Theatre 13 Hit play “New Rules of Sex & Dating” comes to Nassau

Q: Weekend away: where would you go?

Belles of the Ball 14 - 15 Belles of PHA’s Sapphire Ball

Things 2 Do this weekend

Charity 17

Friday

Submissions for the Red Dress Soiree’s “Leading Ladies” now open, plus Paradise Plates set for October 1

• Goombay Summer Festival Time: 2pm - midnight Venue: Arawak Cay The summer festival showcases Bahamian music, dance groups, food and arts.

Film 19 “Pete’s Dragon” and “Sausage Party” reviewed

Fitness 20 - 21 Regina Smith presents a power-packed leg workout

Literary Lives 22 - 25 Sir Christopher Ondaatje revisits “The Mosquito Coast” Forgotten Facts 25 Paul Aranha on the long connections to Long Cay Puzzles 26 Animals 27 The B-Humane Award is back, plus Pet of the Week

Gardening 28 Jack Hardy talks tomatoes Cover Photo | Shawn Hanna

“New York City for retail therapy.”

• Art Exhibit – “Through The Screen Door” Time: 7pm - 10pm Venue: Popopstudios Artist Angelika Wallace-Whitfield displays her latest work. All proceeds will aid her final year at the University of Kent. For more information call 431-1118 or e-mail AWallWhit@gmail.com.

SEE PAGE 10

Saturday • Mud Run 242 Time: 8am registration, 9am start Venue: Clifton Heritage Park Bahamian mud warriors will face obstacles that require not only getting muddy, but also balance and coordination, upper body strength, flexibility, willingness and determination to get through three perfectly designed phases. Gym and

sports wear are required.

Participation is $65 for adults and $45 for children. Part proceeds from the event will go towards the Children’s Emergency Hostel.

For more information call 422MUDD or e-mail MudRun242@ gmail.com.

• Polished - Etiquette Essentials for Teens Time: 10am - 2pm Venue: Mario’s Bowling and Family Entertainment Palace The one-day interactive and educational event seeks to build confidence, self-esteem and character.

The event is free. To register, e-mail register@transitionmentoring.org.

• Book signing| – “Odessa and the Professor” Time: 11am - 2pm Venue: The Bible Book & Gift Centre, Palmdale Businesswoman and motivational speaker Dr Melony Nicole Thompson presents her memoir.

“Odessa and the Professor” is a story of church abuse and how to overcome it through the exercise of Christian forgiveness.

• Guinness In The Streets Basketball Tournament Time: 4pm Venue: Centreville Saxon’s Way, Mason’s Addition Enjoy Guinness deals and entertainment as the players battle it out to move on to the next round of the street basketball challenge. The tournament games take place every Saturday through August 13.

• The Return – Barefoot Summer Jam Step Show & After Party Time: 8pm Venue: Meliá Nassau Beach Resort The Pan-Hellenic Council hosts its 2016 step show featuring seven out of its nine Black Greek-lettered organisations. The show will be hosted by Ozzie the Ventertainer.

Tickets are $25.

• Summer Love Beer Fest in the Garden Time: 6pm Venue: Botanical Gardens Admission is $10 before 8pm; $20 after. VIP entry is $30 before 8pm; $40 after.

Jamaican reggae stars Singing Melody and Da’Ville are performing live, backed by the One Harmony Band.

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Friday, August 12, 2016

interview It’s been 16 years since his first Games in Sydney, Australia, but former Olympian Avard Moncur is just as excited for Team Bahamas’s chances today as he was in 2000. Now, with just days to go until track and field competition starts in Rio, he discusses the Bahamas’ athletic potential and his own Olympic memories with Cara Hunt.

Avard Moncur I

f anyone can understand how the Bahamas track and field team might be feeling as they await the start of competition in the Rio de Janeiro, it’s sprinter Avard Moncur.

After all, when it comes to competing on the world stage Avard can say that he has been there done that, and has the medals to prove it.

During his prolific 20-year career, he became one of the most decorated Bahamian track and field athletes in history, winning two Olympic medals and five World Championship medals. In 2001, he became the first Bahamian to win a World track title when he

won gold in 400 metres at the IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Edmonton, Canada. He was also part of the 4x4 relay team that year which won gold as well. Avard is a three-time Olympian, twotime NCAA Division 1 Champion in the 400 metres and an 11-time NCAA All-American.

And although he is now retired and living in Georgia, he is still excited to see how Team Bahamas will perform at this year’s Olympic games in Brazil.

“I am really excited to see the Bahamian athletes compete and do an exceptional job. We are ranked in the top of the world and I am particularly watch-

ing Shaunae (Miller). She looks like she will place top two, although I hope she wins. She does have the fastest time in the world right now. I am excited to see them be successful. We have had some really great female sprinters. Shaunae is definitely a prodigy of that,” he told Tribune Weekend.

Avard said that the Bahamas currently has a great track team and his advice for them is to just stay focused and in the moment, and they will do well.

“Hopefully all of the teams will have great success in representing the Bahamas to the best of their ability,” he said.

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Friday, August 12, 2016

facilitates all phases of the students’ application process, including pairing qualified applicants with financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

He also assists in the establishment and charting of academic course tracks by the students through SCAD’s 100-degree offerings and 41 academic major options. In 2010, he was instrumental in the establishment of the SCAD track and field and cross country programme and served as assistant coach from 2010 to 2014.

and it was just like, ‘Oh my goodness, I am about to run in front of all these thousands of people I cannot half-step.’ I definitely wanted to go out there and compete and compete hard,” he recalled.

“It was my first Olympics and I don’t think there is anything that tops that experience. I was just so thrilled and so happy to be there. It was something that I had always dreamed about and finally I was able to make it happen.

Unfortunately, we didn’t leave that Olympics with any medals. That didn’t come until 10 years later,” he said.

The reason for that was that originally the Bahamian relay team came fourth, but in 2012 the IAAF ruled that American Jerome Young was ineligible to compete in Sydney. The US was stripped of their medal and the Bahamas was given the bronze.

“I just like when a person overcomes any physical adversity to reach their ultimate potential...

When people doubt an athlete and they are able to rise to the occasion, that is an experience that no one can actually capture or explain.”

“But at the same time I was so pure and so innocent and young,” he said of Sydney.

Where he immediately received his medal, however, was when Avard and his fellow “Silver Knights” relay team came second in the Beijing Games.

“I don’t think any other moment tops that for me, because at that moment I had so many hopes and dreams and seeing them come into such full fruition just made me grateful to God for having guided me to that point,” he said.

“There were so many times when I thought that track and field would not create certain

experiences for me, but I was able to travel the world and compete in so many countries, and that was the beginning of that journey and I will never forget it.”

Today, Avard is enjoying a new stage in his life. He now serves as the assistant director of Enrolment and Recruiting at the Savanna College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Since 2014, Moncur has been responsible for the development, implementation and execution of high-level recruitment strategies to attract qualified students to the distinguished institution.

In this role, he advises and

Courtesy of Brutha Magazine

“I am really just looking forward to watching them race. I am such a fan of the sport, especially Bahamas track and field, and I will be watching and cheering them home from Atlanta, Georgia.”

Watching from home, he said, surprisingly has something in common with how he experienced the Games as an Olympic athlete.

“Most of the time when we were competing we would be so focused that we would watch the whole meet from TV screens, and so while I won’t be able to be there to give them a high five, I have the best seat in the house and I will be on the edge of my seat cheering them on just like any other Bahamian,” he said.

Avard said overall he is just a huge fan of the Olympics.

“It doesn’t matter if it is track or swimming, or whatever sport. I am just a fan of competition. I just like when a person overcomes any physical adversity to reach their ultimate potential. That is something that just never gets old to me. When people doubt an athlete and they are able to rise to the occasion, that is an experience that no one can actually capture or explain.

“When an athlete can go to their deepest place and find their best self at the moment that matters the most – that is an experience that I have had.

And then being able to see it in other athletes is definitely a joyous thing to watch, whether it be swimming or gymnastics, basketball or track and field. The whole dynamic of competition and what it brings out in an individual is always interesting to watch.”

Avard also shared his own favourite Olympic memory.

“My favourite Olympic moment is probably the very first time I walked out into Olympic stadium as an athlete.

My first Olympics in Sydney (in 2000), I was so in my own world and I remember that moment when I walked out and saw how huge the stadium was. I couldn’t recognise a single individual because that’s how many people there were

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section

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Friday, August 12, 2016

food Photos/Shawn Hanna

Colourful dining at Compass Point

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

A

mongst the most noticeable features of the Compass Point Beach Resort are no doubt its bright, cheerful

colours.

And with this tropical colour scheme comes a fun and relaxing vibe that the resort has been known for since it first opened its doors more than 20 years ago.

This laid-back atmosphere also extends to the resort’s restaurant.

Whether you want to enjoy an indoor or an outdoor dinner, want to enjoy your food in a private gazebo on the pier, or just chill in the sports bar

Compass Point.

and lounge area, the team at Compass Point is always accommodating.

“Compass Point – when people see it and think of it, it is very colourful, reminiscent of a Junkanoo costume type of resort and feel, and we stay within that barrier, focusing a lot on the colourful fun and we don’t stray too far from it. Apart from enjoying lunch here, we also offer day passes and beach passes which gives you full access to the property as well as access to our neighbours, Love Beach,” said Philip Smith, general manager at Compass Point.

He said the restaurant is known for its local seafood, with options like lobster, lionfish and seafood ravioli, paired with Bahamian staples such as the traditional peas and rice and plantain.

They also offer popular options like

their signature salads, burgers, wings and more. In addition to the regular beverages, Mojito buckets are available so that guests can enjoy sharing tropical drinks with friends.

“It is a good deal and by volume you are getting a bucket that works out to eight glasses. We also showcase a lot of live music in the restaurant and take our pride in our fresh seafood display showcase located just as people enter the restaurant. We have a lot of good chefs and cooks here who take pride in their cuisine. We focus on sustainability; as much as we can we purchase locally. That can be seen with the lionfish we have on the menu,” said Mr Smith.

Located just five minutes away from the Lynden Pindling International Airport, Mr Smith said this short distance makes it a great choice for people who

are looking for a quick bite to eat before catching their flight or those who have just landed. It’s also a good option for travellers who have layovers and want to take a quick excursion.

“They can chill in the lounge or grab a spot at the bar or the high tops and socialise. People love the place. The sights and the sounds and the ocean being so nearby gives the feeling of being at home when you are away from home,” he said.

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Friday, August 12, 2016

art

Popopstudios hosts record number of artists (PHOTO/DUKE WELLS)

By CARA HUNT cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

P

opopstudios is bursting with activity this summer as the art studio and gallery is hosting a recordbreaking 21 artists working on a variety of projects.

“I have not been able to find exact numbers, but I do believe that this makes Popop the largest art community in the Caribbean right now,” said Duke Wells, Popopstudio’s managing director. “We have never been so busy and we have never had so many people here.”

The boom in attendance began when the Popop Junior Residency prize winners arrived to begin their summer work at facility .

The junior residency is an initiative which first began about five years ago. It is a prize awarded to art students who show potential through their work, but who could also benefit from the programme’s exposure, according to Heino Schmid, Popopstudios’ chief curator.

Funded by the D’Aguilar Art Foundation and Antonius Roberts, the junior residency is offered free of charge to prize winners. It’s objective is to help young artists develop sustainable practices.

“They are sponsored a one-week trip to New York where they can immerse themselves in art galleries and then they are awarded a stipend and their studio rental space is paid so that they can spend the summer making art,” Mr Wells explained.

“At the end of the summer we usually hold a small exhibition featuring their work.”

This year’s junior residents are Keith Thompson, Navarro Newton and Nowe Harris-Smith.

They are joined by two high school interns, several artists who needed rental space for the summer and the studio’s regular artists, bringing the number of summer artists to 21.

“They range in age from the high school students all the way to Kendall Hanna who recently celebrated his 80th birthday.

And we have them working in all sorts of installations, from sculpture to painting, jewellery making to ceramics, to photography. It is really an exciting time and we are

The summer artists – Centre; back row: Ana-Lisa Wells, Eleanor Whitely, Nadia Campbell and Tessa Whitehead.

Centre; middle row: Angelika Wallace-Whitfield, Heino Schmid, Kendal Hanna and John Cox Centre; front row: Nowe Harris-Smith, Dominique Knowles, Christina Wong, Alex Timchula.

Left flank: Rashad Adderley and Keith Thompson. Right flank: Richardo Barrett and Michael Fawkes Not pictured are Duke Wells, Navarro Newton, Dalton Gillespie, Natalie Willis and Jodi Minnis.

Artist Dalton Gillespie

Artist Keith Thompson

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Friday, August 12, 2016

Artwork by Navarro Newton A mural by June Collie

Keith Thompson puts paintbrush to paper

Artist Navarro Newton

“I have not been able to find exact numbers, but I do believe that this makes Popop the largest art community in the Caribbean right now. We have never been so busy and we have never had so many people here.” actually still getting calls from artists enquiring if we can fit them in,” Mr Wells said.

He noted that Popopstudio’s surge in popularity could be due to the fact that the facility now has a dedicated manager to oversee the operational issues, leaving the artists the freedom to create. He also credited an expanded and dedicated social media presence with the heightened interest in Popopstudios.

Popopstudios – officially Popopstudios International Centre for the Visual Arts – is an independent art studio and gallery dedicated to the preservation and advancement of alternative Bahamian visual culture.

The goal is to educate, promote, expose and defend new and challenging developments in contemporary art in the Bahamas.

Popopstudios exists to harbour both seasoned and developing artists interested in new media and mixed media processes, while projecting these efforts to a national and international audience.

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art

Angelika Wallace-Whitfield leaves her mark at Popopstudios

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

A

rt enthusiasts are in for a treat this evening as Angelika Wallace-Whitfield exhibits her newest collection of work called “Through The Screen Door”.

From 7pm to 10pm, guests will get to view 31 pieces of art which have all been inspired by the permanent and transitory environments found in and around the Popopstudios Centre for Visual Arts.

The event will also feature a performance by Bahamian singer Keeya.

“The works are a collaged response to the space and the interactions that happen within the space. Walking through the property, artworks and referents are left by the many that move through this space. Because of the

The “Through the Screen Door” exhibit is inspired by people’s protected vulnerabilities community’s influence upon the work, I wanted the work to remain gestural; brush strokes as indexical evidences

of an artist’s presence,” Angelika told Tribune Weekend.

Talking about why she chose name “Through The Screen Door” for the exhibit, Angelika said: “We exist in an ambiguous tug of war. There is a master dichotomy governing us all between our inner protected vulnerabilities and our outer; the amount of ourself that we allow others to see.”

She said while people may allow a visitor onto their home’s porch, and will open the solid door and talk through the screen door with them, allowing translucent sights and sounds to be exchanged, the parties remain divided and guarded.

The screen door concept, she said, was conceived on the doorstep of Popopstudios, located off Dunmore Lane in Chippingham, during metaphorical talks on love and life and human interactions.

“We spoke of allowing people onto our porch, but continuously leaving

Doongalik launches “Forever…Harl Taylor Limited” line DOONGALIK Studios is launching the “Forever…Harl Taylor Limited” line from Harl Taylor BAG creations as a part of the art gallery’s offerings.

The collection includes handcrafted Bahamian creations designed by the world-renowned Harl Taylor. It consists of the Harl Taylor BAG (classic and embellished), fashion accessories, business and office creations, as well as unique home décor designs.

The late fashion designer was a graduate of St Augustine’s College and Palm Beach Junior College. He attended the prestigious Parsons’ School of Design in Paris, France, where he interned with fashion giants like Karl Lagerfeld and Givenchy, and also worked as an assistant designer at

The House of Rochas before returning home in 1998.

Mr Taylor loved his birthplace and saw beauty in all things Bahamian.

He created items that incorporated the natural resources and materials of the Bahamas, particularly Bahamian straw. A perfectionist with an unfailing eye for detail, his surprising mix of the luxurious with the simple and natural was breath-taking. He experimented with colours and a variety of palm fronds and sisal to produce unusual straw textures and weaves, combining the use of straw, seashells, wood carvings, bamboo, faux tortoise, shell handles and other embellishments to create a unique product – his Harl Taylor BAG, which has become an

The “Forever...Harl Taylor Limited” display at Doongalik Studios

the screen door closed as a protective mechanism. In the physical sense, Popop’s screen door encompasses an obscure sacredness: a space of liberation to be and to create, without judgment or objection,” said Angelika.

Her goal is to have persons understand the concept of the show and feel the community presence within Popopstudios itself.

“It is part of the reason I wanted Keeya to perform. Besides her live performances being everything, she has always been an integral part of the young visual arts community, specifically Popop’s. I just really want everyone to enjoy the art and the performance as a collective. As all of the proceeds go towards funding my final year of education, I hope to raise enough money towards that,” said Angelika.

Angelika will return to school on Friday, September 16, with the intent to finish her final academic year strong.

international status symbol of high fashion.

His Harl Taylor BAG creations have received numerous awards posthumously for their exceptional quality.

Now his legacy lives on through “Forever… Harl Taylor Limited”, the company which was established by his mother, Beverly J T Taylor in June 2008.

“It was important for me to continue to keep Harl Joseph’s legacy alive through continuing to create his exquisite designs, as well as bringing his sketched designs to life,” said Mrs Taylor. “Each Harl Taylor creation is produced with a whole lot of love and I find happiness and satisfaction in this process. Harl Joseph insisted that the word ‘BAG’ should always be capitalised, because each creation is different and should be treated as such: a Bahamian treasure; a family heirloom.”

The Doongalik gallery is open to the public on Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 4pm.

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Friday, August 12, 2016

music

Bahamas International Choral Festival 10 days away Free daily concerts for the public

N

assau will come alive with the sound of music this month when 13 choirs from eight different countries gather from August 21- 31 for the America Cantat 8 Bahamas International Choral Festival.

America Cantat is the premier cultural music festival of the Americas, and is the only noncompetitive choir festival to unite singers, conductors and festival choirs from North, Central and South America in a 10-day cultural and musical immersion program.

Several of the workshops held throughout the week will focus on Bahamian classical music, Junkanoo

music and folk music of the Bahamas.

Along with workshops for the more than 400 visiting and local participants, the festival will also include seven days of free concerts at various venues throughout Nassau.

Mid-day concerts will be held at 1.30pm to 3pm. The evening concerts will kick of at 8pm.

Participating Bahamian choirs include Bel Canto Singers, National Youth Choir, COB, Concert Choir and Highgrove Singers.

Choral groups from Estonia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Cuba and Canada will also be performing.

The local and international choirs will take turns displaying their country’s culture through song at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, St Matthew’s Anglican Church, College Of The Bahamas Performing Arts Centre, Zion Baptist Church and Trinity Methodist Church.

The choral festival, the first of its

kind in the country, aims to attract visitors to the Bahamas and promote Bahamian choral music and culture.

The Ministry of Tourism is partnering with Organización America Cantat and the American Choral Directors Association to host this international choir festival.

Cleveland Williams, senior manager with responsibility for Cultural Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, said the Choral Festival will breathe new life into the City of Nassau and enhance the area’s economy.

The America Cantat 8 Bahamas

Compass Point revives its rich musical legacy

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net PLACING special emphasis on live music acts has been an ongoing effort

by Compass Point Beach Resorts.

The resort has taken its cue from its developer, Chris Blackwell, whose rich musical background includes the founding of Island Records and introducing reggae legend Bob Marley to the world.

Over the past few years, many local bands and artists have been featured at the property, giving guests a unique and vibrant musical experience. For four nights a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the resort features live performances at 10pm.

Bands such as the Soulful Groovers,

Ira Storr & The Spank Band, Santana, Willis & the Illest and Tebby are regulars. On a Friday night the musical acts are rotated, with Tebby performing the first Friday of every month and Willis & the Illest the final Friday in the month.

General manager Philip Smith told Tribune Weekend that the resort aims to tie in Mr Blackwell’s musical history with current activities happening every week.

Mr Blackwell founded Island Records in 1959, which became a powerhouse in the music publication industry, featuring hundred’s of successful artists.

In 1977, he opened the Compass Point recording studios, where many hit albums by popular international acts came together.

When Island Records was sold in 1989, Mr Blackwell directed his energy

Ira Storr & The Spank Band towards creating a small number of boutique hotels in the Caribbean under the Island Outpost umbrella.

Compass Point was opened in 1995 and immediately became the place to stay for artists recording at the studio.

“The revival of music at Compass Point has been going on for sometime now,” Mr Smith said.

“Just down the street from us is the recording studio where a number of

International Choral Festival opens on August 21 at 7.30pm in the Imperial Ballroom at Atlantis.

“The opening ceremony will welcome the international choirs to the Bahamas with an amazing display of Bahamian culture in the form of song, dance, and storytelling. It will also be the first opportunity to introduce well known international choral directors and composers to Bahamian music,” Mr Williams said.

For the full schedule of free midday and evening concerts, visit www.TourismToday.com. musical acts have performed, and of course a lot of musical acts have been featured on our property as well. So we thought we would just increase the number of live acts that occur on this side of the island.”

Mr Smith said while the resort is known as a place people can come to enjoy good food restaurant and the intimacy of a small property, the intent is for the resort to also be synonymous with a place that offers a consistent venue for live music.

“The idea being if you are looking for a place that consistently plays live music, we are that spot. Some places have once-a-week if they are lucky.

We do it four nights a week and then some if it is a holiday season. So that is the driving force behind us supporting live music. We have so many eclectic groups with different styles that we get to introduce a lot of locals – the variety of local music from rake n’ scrape, soulful music – and it is good,” he said.

“I think is it important to place attention on the live band music, because it is supportive of the local live musicians and it is also a recognition of their work.”

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Friday, August 12, 2016

music

Rockin’ the island Musicians compete for international trip

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

O

ver the last six months, Bahamian musicians had the chance to prove who rocks the most as the Hard Rock Café hosted its new concert series.

The Island Rock Concert Series features live performances by different artists every Friday at 9pm.

Hosted by comedian Sawyerboy TV, it will culminate with a local band winning a trip to an international Hard Rock Café location to play live.

Last week, the series featured artists Jah Doctrine and Tamara Lyric. It continues tonight with an act of three local rappers.

Alex Holden, sales and marketing manager of Hard Rock Nassau, said since launching the concert series six months ago they have gotten a huge response from members of the local music community. The concerts have also proven to be a big hit with the restaurant’s guests.

“We must have had just about every Bahamian artist here. We definitely had over 20 of them come and perform since we started,” he told Tribune Weekend.

“Hard Rock hasn’t had much happening recently, but people are coming out, enjoying it and getting to know the artists. We have had a great response from the general public. Obviously, some of the bands also bring their following has well,” he said.

The competition, Mr Holden said, was open to any artist performing any genre of music.

“We had two Bahamian artists every single Friday and different artists every single week. So what we are doing for the next six months is finalising,” he said.

The Island Rock Series has proven to be a hit with both musicians and guests

The process of determining the final bands and artists who will perform over for a chance to win the grand prize is being finalised now. The result will be revealed at a later date.

“We are narrowing it down to eight bands and artists. We are going to put them on a monthly cycle – two bands every week – and these will be the finalists,” said Mr Holden.

When the finalists are revealed, fans will have a chance to vote online for their favourites. The winners will then be sent off to an international Hard Rock location to perform. The location has not yet been revealed.

Proceeds from the event go to Royal Nassau Skate Park and is sponsored

by Hard Rock Café Nassau and Heineken.

Tickets for the concert event are available at Stub Haven.

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Friday, August 12, 2016

theatre

Hit play “New Rules of Sex & Dating” comes to Nassau

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

A

fter playing to capacity audiences in Grand Bahama, the hit play “New Rules of Sex & Dating” is coming to Nassau next weekend.

From August 19-21, at the College of the Bahamas Performing Arts Centre, the comedic stage play will tell the story of women who have experienced drama, scandal and heartbreak in their relationships, but are now seeking a new way to approach love, sex and dating.

The play is by Kerel Pinder, who has already had a smash hit with her previous production, “Sarah’s Wedding”.

Following that success, she said people kept approaching her, asking when she was going to write a new play.

Wanting her next production to be just right, Ms Pinder did not rush things. In fact, it would be two years before inspiration hit.

The idea for “New Rules of Sex & Dating” came to her during a speaking engagement for her book, “The One Year Challenge”, which encourages singles to abstain from dating for 365 days.

A young woman in attendance asked Ms Pinder if the book would be made into a play.

“When I replied, ‘No’, it gave me the idea to write a play that was not based on the book, but largely influenced by the themes surrounding the book. I learned about the one year challenge from a sermon series by Andy Stanley entitled ‘The New Rules of Love, Sex and Dating’, so I thought what better way to address these themes,” said Ms Pinder. “(The play) is simply a way of telling a story that evokes emotion and a consciousness of how people approach dating and relationships. It’s your story; it’s my story. It’s honestly so close to reality there is barely anyone who can watch this play who hasn’t gone through a similar experience or had a

The cast on stage in Freeport at the Regency Theatre friend who has gone through it.”

It is her hope that in the midst of all of the laughter and jaw-dropping suspense the play promises, the stories of these women and men help audience members to reflect on their own lives and how they approach love, dating and relationships.

The lead actors are Marlena Leonard, Nina Laing, Jillian Lightbourne, Clarisse Pelanne, Corey Damianos, Remardo Russell and Evan Williams.

Two supporting roles are played by Donovon Munroe and Imani Roberts.

Producers are Alfred Anderson and Preston Knowles. The play is directed

by Gloria McGlone.

While in the planning phase for the Grand Bahama summer production of “The New Rules of Love, Sex & Dating”, Ms Pinder said she recalled how many people from Nassau had also begged for another play after “Sarah’s Wedding”. So instead of planning with just Freeport performances in mind, Nassau dates were scheduled as well right from the start.

“With Grand Bahama being home, of course we had to host our first

performance there, but just as we expected, as soon as Grand Bahama dates were released, the social media buzz about when the Nassau dates will be released began to build momentum.

We had a really great turnout for the play (in Freeport) for a theatre that holds a little over 350. Our Saturday performance had well over 300 theatregoers and an average of 250 during our other performances. Competing with several homecoming events, a holiday weekend and summer vacation fever, we were very pleased at the amount of persons that came to see the production,” she said.

Ms Pinder described the experience of preparing, rehearsing and executing the show as “exciting and exhausting” at the same time. She said she took on a lot more responsibility this time around by putting the production together independently from start to finish.

“It took a lot of hard work and a lot of faith, especially when it came to funding a project of this magnitude.

However, the hard work was definitely worth it, because when I write and rehearse and watch audience members respond and react to the words I put on a page, I truly understand why all of this had to be done. It reassures me of the purpose that God put me on earth to do. It is only through God that any of this was made possible,” she said.

Ms Pinder said she is also grateful to corporate Bahamas for believing in her vision, especially companies like Keen I Media, Renu Day Spa, FOWLCO Import, Export, Long’s Custom Carpentry, Alfred Anderson, Preston Knowles Photography, Dragon Head Design Studio, Sawyers Fresh Market, Freeport Ship Services, The Copier Limited, Sky Bahamas and Imagine Graphics and Printing for their continued support.

‘The New Rules of Love, Sex and Dating” will be presented by Sisbro Productions, which said it is looking forward to hosting various events throughout the islands to take Bahamian nightlife to the next level.

14 | The Tribune | Weekend

The Tribune | Weekend | 15

Friday, August 12, 2016

Friday, August 12, 2016

society

Belles of the Ball – PHA Sapphire Ball

E

mployees of the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) dressed to the nines and gathered at the Meliá Resort on Saturday, July 30, for the annual PHA Employee Recognition Awards and Sapphire Ball.

To fit the sapphire theme, many of the ladies dressed in shades of blue. Others opted for bright colours like yellow and red, while several of our belles stuck with the classic black in different finishes, be it a sparkly shine or a satin sheen.

Prime Minister Perry Christie and Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage took the lead in presenting the Long Service, Performance Excellence and Clinical Excellence awards.

Jen Fernander-Rolle

By the end of the evening, more than 180 employees had been recognised for having served 30, 35, 40 and 45 years. The PHA had also crowned employees in the following categories: • Institution of the Year – Princess Margaret Hospital • Department of the Year – Communications; C/O and GBHS • Clinical Excellence Award (three categories): 1. Physician – Dr Tiadra Johnson 2. Nurse – Stephanie Williams 3. Allied Health Professional – Heather Hanlan • Leader of the Year – Valdez Bodie • Employee of the Year – Martin Luther Rolle

Lolita Colebrooke

Moyia Taylor

Janet Watkins

Janae Watkins

Bernadette Rolle

Eloise Rolle

Anne Smith

Tanya McKinney

Sherell Sturrup-Antoine

Sherrine Sears

Dorothy Hepburn

Dr. Tiadra Johnson[

Elizabeth Morley

16 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, August 12, 2016

fashion The Weekend Fashion Report TCA Summer Tour

SPLIT

SPLIT

HIT

SPLIT

FAIL

Jennifer Hudson (“Hairspray Live!”, NBC)

Kristen Bell (“The Good Place”, NBC)

Heida Reed (“Poldark”, PBS)

Patina Miller (“Mercy Street”, PBS)

Carly Chaikin (“Mr Robot”, USA Network)

Karin says: “It’s fine; nothing special, but fine. It’s a bit of a drab colour and print, but Jen looks great in this form-fitting mini-length dress. Her hair and makeup are on point.”

Cara says: “First, I am liking Jennifer’s hair; it looks great.

If I am totally honesty though, I really don’t care for the dress or those shoes. The print reminds me of those dusters my grandmother used to wear back in the day.”

Karin says: “No. Kristen is 36, but dresses like woman over 60 who found a stylish summer outfit at JC Penney’s for her trip to Florida (no offence). It is simply too pedestrian and soccer mumsy.”

Cara says: “This is the perfect summer outfit – cool and fresh. I really like it. Her makeup is nice, too. Most importantly, it’s light and natural. As are her beachy waves.”

Karin says: “I could say it’s a bit demure, but I love it. It’s so dainty and feminine. It’s the perfect, elegant, little white summer dress. The only crime here are those studded sandals – a failed attempt at giving the ensemble an edge.”

Cara says: “I am in love with this eyelet dress that reminds me of my mother’s linen tablecloth and napkins (but in a good way!). And her curls are giving me life. But then I look down and see the horrible shoe choice she made.

Don’t get me wrong, the shoes are nice, they are just to chunky for such a delicate dress.”

Karin says: “It’s a plain jumpsuit (always a great alternative to a dress), but the colour makes this stand out.

The bright red is stunning on her. I’m just not sure if I like the belt tied quite that high.

But anyway, her hair looks fab.”

Cara says: “I am fan of rompers and jumpsuits; they are just so fun and easy to wear. The word that comes to mind with this one is serviceable. It is nice; nothing to write home about, but it’s OK. I don’t know how I feel about those shoes though.”

Karin says: “A mega fringed flapper dress, oh joy. Only not. This is hideous. It almost looks like she is wearing some Yeti’s fur. It’s a bit more high fashion than the others, but it’s fail from me. (Also hate the hair and zombie makeup).

Cara says: “I just want to run my hands on this outfit.

I don’t really care for that eye makeup; it makes her look frightful. The ensemble itself is not that bad; it’s not complete a mess, and the shoes are cute. But still probably a miss overall.”

AP PHOTOS

With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

The Tribune | Weekend | 17

Friday, August 12, 2016

charity

Public invited to nominate “Leading Ladies” for 2016 Red Dress Soiree

S

ubmissions for Leading Lady nominees for the third biannual Red Dress Soiree are now being accepted.

Dubbed the glamorous giveback, the Red Dress Soiree is a high-energy fashion event that honours exceptional Bahamian leading ladies and celebrates Bahamian designers, all while supporting the work of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation.

The public is invited to nominate Leading Lady candidates based on their career achievements and contributions to society by visiting the official website, www.reddressbahamas. com. Nominations will be accepted through August 31.

“The Bahamas AIDS Foundation is pleased to participate in the Red Dress Soiree 2016 as this event recognises and celebrates the contributions of the many deserving ladies in our community,” said Camille, Lady Barnett, president of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation.

An independent selection committee of past Leading Ladies will select the 2016 honourees from the pool of

Ministries, the Salvation Army, the Bahamas AIDS Foundation and the Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home, among others.

“One million pounds of food delivered is a major milestone but we still have a lot more work to do to accomplish our mission to eliminate hunger and reduce food waste,” said Hands for Hunger executive director, Zeleka Knowles. “Thanks to the support of our presenting sponsors, JetBlue and Island Luck, we are planning an event that is truly worthy of the occasion.”

As usual, guests can expect to sample the finest delicacies prepared by Nassau’s top chefs, but this year special dishes will also be served up by some of the best chefs in the Family Islands.

To complement the fine fare, wellknown vintners, brewers and beverage purveyors will shake up signature drinks for guests to enjoy.

“Guests can expect to see some of the best restaurants Nassau has to offer at Paradise Plates, including Nobu,

Mahogany House, Luciano’s of Chicago, and many more. We are excited to announce that for the first time we will also have some of the finest restaurants from the Family Islands such as 1648 Bar and Grille in Governor’s Harbour and Xuma’s Restaurant and Bar in Highbourne Cay, and Bahamian Chefs living abroad,” Ms Knowles added.

A host of prizes and surprises throughout the night will also be sure to keep guests in high spirits. While sampling fine food and enjoying good company, guests will be doing their part to help the less fortunate members of society. One hundred per cent of the proceeds will go toward eliminating unnecessary hunger and food waste in the Bahamas.

Tickets are $175 and are now available for purchase online atwww. handsforhunger.org. Tickets will also be available for purchase at Hands For Hunger in the New Providence Community Centre, Blake Road, starting on August 18.

The Leading Ladies of 2014 nominees. The 12 selected Leading Ladies will be announced in October.

Each Leading Lady will grace the runway in an haute couture red gown created by a Bahamian designer at the Red Dress Soiree gala event to be held Saturday, December 10.

Paradise Plates 2016 celebrates one million pounds of food delivered Night of culinary compassion to feature Family Island chefs and prizes HANDS For Hunger’s Paradise Plates has long since established itself as one of the most anticipated charity benefits in Nassau, but this year promises to be an extra special event as the non-profit prepares to celebrate a major milestone.

This year’s Paradise Plates is set for October 1 at 7pm in Atlantis’s Imperial Ballroom.

“This year we are opening the nomination process up to the general public to ensure that the pool of nominees is diverse and encompasses women from various islands within our archipelago,” said Tyrina Neely, founder and director of the Red Dress Soiree.

The event will feature world-class entertainment, a gourmet meal and an expertly curated silent auction where 100 per cent of the proceeds will benefit the Bahamas AIDS Foundation’s work with adolescents infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. “Our goal is to create a fantastical night of luxury for our guests and wow them at every turn,” said Ms Neely.

“The Red Dress Soiree was launched after I had a chance encounter with a child infected with HIV and our aim has always been to celebrate him in grand fashion while supporting the work of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation.”

The Red Dress Soiree has raised more than $40,000 for the Bahamas AIDS Foundation over the last two events.

“This year, the foundation will be the beneficiary of the silent auction.

We encourage Red Dress Soiree patrons to support the silent auction as those funds will go directly to support our Outreach Programme for Adolescents Infected and Affected by HIV and AIDS,” said Lady Barnett.

This year’s Paradise Plates is set for October 1 at Atlantis Now in its eighth year, Hands for Hunger has delivered one million pounds of food to members of the New Providence community facing hunger and food insecurity. Its food rescue programme currently serves 13 recipient agencies, including the Bahamas Red Cross, Great Commission

18 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, August 12, 2016

podcasts

Shows that aim for Olympic gold The Scribble

By Stephen Hunt shunt@tribunemedia.net

W

ith the Olympics in full swing, many podcasts along with plenty of their listeners - are turning their attention to the sporting festival. Here are two of the best podcasts to listen to as you share the action - and one of the worst.

Hidden Brain NPR’s science and medicine show Hidden Brain takes a look at one of the aspects of the Olympics less focused on amid the fanfare of anthems and medals. Most of the athletes who go to the Olympics will come home defeated.

The show looks at what losing does to athletes, to fans and to teams.

First of all, they chat to US judo competitor Jimmy Pedro, who from the age of five was trained and encouraged by his father with the goal of winning the gold medal in the Olympics. He went to Sydney with the spotlight on him to bring home America’s first gold medal in the sport... and then he lost his first bout. He rallied, though he said he wasn’t feeling right, that his body wasn’t responding. He strung together four wins to set up a bronze medal match... then lost again.

You can hear the heartbreak as he talks about that, and he’s very honest and refreshing about not getting over that moment for a long time.

He discusses the nature of being a competitor, and how he came to understand that for all his preparations, it was not meant to be.

The show also examines other aspects of losing - how sales of unhealthy snack foods go up in areas where fans of

teams who are on a losing streak live, how statistically being behind by a point at half-time means a team is more likely to win, and more intriguing facts about the nature of success - and failure.

A fabulous show, well worth a listen.

• http://www.npr.org/podcasts/510308/hidden-brain

Radiolab I’m delving back into the Radiolab archives here for one of their more intriguing shows about the Olympics.

Cut And Run, from 2013, investigates what has helped Kenya to establish such a formidable reputation in longdistance running. In just under 26 minutes, they uncover all kinds of fascinating detail about the country’s success in the sport.

For starters, it’s not just

that Kenya has had success, it’s one particular group of Kenyans, the Kalenjin. To begin with, they look back to the success of Kipchoge Keino at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico who was suffering from a gall bladder infection and was told by a doctor if he was to take part in the 1500 metre race, he could die.

On the day of the race, it is said he sprang from his bed and went to take part, saying if he was to die, he would die on the track.

Early in the race, he was last, but he moved up the field to third position and then, astonishingly, went past the favourite for the race, known for his kick in the final stretch, and held on to win, starting a legacy for his nation that persists today.

Gregory Warner, also of NPR, expertly leads the way through a series of theories

about why the Kalenjin runners have had such success.

All manner of theories have been advanced - from the way the food is prepared in the area, to the commonplace running in the community, such as running to school.

More controversial theories are also discussed - with some scientists reportedly hiding evidence of a genetic advantage among people from the region, and the hosts discussing a cultural belief involving minor surgery to men’s genitals that instills an expectation of being able to withstand pain.

There is no definite answer - but it’s a fascinating exploration of how a tiny proportion of the world’s population have managed to have such a powerful impact on the global sporting stage.

• http://www.radiolab.org/ story/runners/

There are a lot of shows jumping on the Olympic bandwagon, and some of that is a good thing. After all, one of the goals of the Olympics is to turn people’s eyes towards sport and achievement.

But some shows are doing little more than a name-check and tweeting about it to draw in listeners, and this awful show with host Jeremy Bradley does exactly that.

I followed a tweet from Bradley saying “Is the ‪#Olympics more about ‪#politics or about the actual sports competition? Discussion on the ‪#podcast” There is no discussion. You get a minute or two at most of Bradley saying maybe it’d be better to have something less competitive in this time when the world is so divided. And how he didn’t really do sport when he was at school. And hey, being third is still great, right? And that’s it.

This buried in a show that is so much about his birthday that he first talks about how awkward it is mentioning your birthday and then people wishing you well - before unveiling a segment of the show recorded weeks before with a Big Brother host ringing to wish him a surprise happy birthday.

Weeks before. Sure it was a surprise, honest.

Add to that his urging to join in live tweets while admitting it’s not actually live and he’s programmed the tweets to go out earlier, and showing a disdain for Facebook followers by saying he’s got better things to do than be on Facebook, and you have the worst show I have ever listened to. Honestly, this is the first show of his I’ve listened to and on this evidence, he’s more self-centred than a gyroscope. The link is below, but avoid this like the plague.

• http://www.thescribbleshow.com

The Tribune | Weekend | 19

Friday, August 12, 2016

film Photo/Columbia Pictures

review

Audacious ‘Sausage Party’ is a delicious feast Sausage Party running time: 89 mins

It’s happened. Someone has outdone the “Team America” puppet sex scene and even made it look somewhat quaint in comparison. Anyone even vaguely interested in the very R-rated animated film “Sausage Party “ has likely heard whispers about the food orgy. Words can’t even begin to do

‘Pete’s Dragon’ (pleasantly) stays earthbound pete’s dragon running time: 103 mins

After an exhausting summer buffet of set pieces, superheroes and whatever word you might use for “Suicide Squad,” the gentle “Pete’s Dragon” is a welcome palate cleanser.

Where other summer movies are

enough for Pixar.

In the grand tradition of “Toy Story,” ‘’Sausage Party” imagines the lives of the foodstuffs in the local supermarket aisle. But it doesn’t merely anthropomorphise the food. It gives them sexuality, lust, ethnicities and even religion. “Sausage Party” is just as much a sweet story about belief and faith as it is a vehicle for the filthiest jokes you’ve never dared imagine.

Frank (Seth Rogen), a non-descript hot dog, waits somewhat impatiently with his fellow mates to be selected

this sequence justice, but I guarantee you’ve never seen anything like it in a mainstream studio movie. It’s jawdropping.

Of course it’s compliments of the minds that blew up a foreign leader in “The Interview” and revelled in the comedy of rape by demon in “This is the End.” Yes, co-writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have used their singular and delightfully twisted imaginations once more to concoct what is easily the year’s most audacious film.

And it’s packaged in animation cutesy chest-thumping, it’s quiet; where others are brashly cynical, it’s sweetly sincere; where others are lacking in giant cuddly dragons, “Pete’s Dragon” has one.

Few may remember the 1977 Disney original, in which a young boy’s best friend was a bubbly dragon invisible to others. As part of Disney’s continuing effort to remake its animated classics in live-action, “Pete’s Dragon” has been confidently reborn as an earnest tale of green-winged wonder.

David Lowery’s “Pete’s Dragon” still maintains the homespun feel of an American fable. Spielberg-light, you might call it.

The film begins, in the “Bambi” tradition, in parental tragedy. Pete’s family is driving through a remote Pacific Northwest forest with Pete nestled in the backseat of the station wagon, reading a children’s book about a dog named Elliott. A deer sprints out and, in poetic slow-motion, the gravity of the car’s interior is upended. The car flips off the road and Pete staggers from the crash.

Flashing forward six years, Pete (Oakes Fegley) is a wild 10-year-old

Pete (Oakes Fegley) and his dragon Elliot

Photo/Disney

review

Brenda (Kristen Wiig), Frank (Seth Rogen), Sammy (Ed Norton) and Lavash (David Krumholtz) in “Sausage Party”.

by the gods (humans) to be taken to a paradise in The Great Beyond (purchased). Everyone in the store knows something good is out there waiting. The foods and condiments and sweets begin every day with a rousing song about The Great Beyond and the Gods, each putting their own spin on it.

For Frank, it’s all about paradise and the chance to match with his soul mate Brenda (Kristen Wiig), a sexy hotdog bun with Barbie legs and a desire equal to Frank’s. They’re waiting for the gods to choose them before they act on anything.

Things go awry when they are chosen. A jar of Honey Mustard (Danny McBride) that was returned to the store by a customer is so traumatised by what he’s seen “out there” that he jumps out of the cart to his death. A few follow him out of their packages to try to save him and get tossed from the cart, including Brenda, Frank, Sammy Bagel Jr (Edward Norton), Lavash (David Krumholtz) and a Douche (Nick Kroll), who becomes dead set on killing Frank for preventing him from reaching The Great Beyond.

Those that made it to The Great Beyond, including Frank’s hot dog buddy Barry (Michael Cera), experience the horrors of dinner time.

LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer

orphan living in the woods alone except for his magical companion, the dragon Elliott. As far as CGI creatures go, Elliott is an irresistible one. Furry as a fairway, he’s like an enormous emerald-green puppy. Far from the “Game of Thrones” dragon variety, he’s more adept at chasing his own tail than breathing fire.

He’s also the subject of local folklore, mostly as told by Robert Redford’s wood-carving storyteller. But it’s his forest ranger daughter Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) that first encounters Elliott and ultimately leads to the dragon’s discovery.

Grace coaxes Elliott back into society and into the fold of her family.

She has a daughter, Natalie (Oona

Laurence) and lumber mill-running husband Jack (Wes Bentley). It’s the push by a logging company — where Jack’s brother, Gavin (Karl Urban), is a gun-totting lumberjack — into the forest that simultaneously begins flushing out Pete and Elliott from their home in the trees.

When competing interests come for Elliott, they are really fighting for the soul of the forest.

There are Spielbergian gestures here of magic and family and faith, perhaps better orchestrated than Spielberg’s own recent try at a Disney film, “The BFG.” But it’s missing a spark, a sense of danger and maybe a little humour.

JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer

20 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, August 12, 2016

health and fitness

Dumbbell squat 1

Dumbbell squat 2

Squat jump stabilisation 1

Squat jump stabilisation 2

Power-packed leg workout

By REGINA SMITH

E

very now and again our workouts need a little pick-me-up. Workouts can become monotonous when we move in the same plane of motion repeatedly. Adding different elements to a workout can help you avoid muscle plateaus (muscular adaptation to a particular weight volume or exercise because of repetitive movement). Plyometric exercises are a great addition to any strength training programme.

What are plyometric exercises?

Plyometric training is defined as: exercises that generate quick, powerful movements.

While typically a training style used by professional athletes, beginner plyometric exercises can be safe alternative for the average fitness enthusiast. While we can’t promise that you will perform lay-ups like your favorite NBA

player or sprint like an Olympic athlete, here are a few benefits of adding plyometric exercises into your workout routine: • Improved hip abductors (outer thigh) and hip adductor (inner thigh) activation • Enhanced anaerobic power • Enhanced muscular balance ratio between the quadriceps and hamstrings • Stronger knees • Massive caloric expenditure (increased calorie burn) Plyometric training has a systematic progression sequence that allows the participant to begin with less demanding exercises and progress to more advanced exercises as he or she adapts. As a precaution, you should only incorporate plyometric exercises or progress to a more difficult exercise after you have obtained the proper base of total body strength, flexibility, core strength and balance. As always, consult your doctor before beginning any exercise programme.

Lateral walk with resistance tubes 1

Lateral walk with resistance tubes 2

The Tribune | Weekend | 21

Friday, August 12, 2016

Leg curl end Leg curl start

Long jump 2

Long jump 1

Shake up your leg day!

I’ve put together a power pump leg workout that involves three traditional resistance training exercises and three level one plyometric stabilisation exercises. This workout is sure to the legs singing the morning after! Enjoy!

(Perform each traditional resistance exercise immediately followed by the plyometric stabilisation exercise.

Rest for thirty seconds to a minute before completing another set. Proper description of knee, ankle and foot placement are provided.)

• Dumbbell squats and squat jump stabilisation (pics #1-4, in that order) Squat jump stabilisation; how to do it: Stand with feet shoulder width apart and pointed straight ahead. Knees should be aligned over the middle of

Long jump 3 the foot with arms held at your sides.

Squat slightly as if you are about to sit on a chair, jump up and extend your arms over your head. Land softly with ankles, knees, and hips slightly flexed.

Return your arms to the side of your body and stabilise for 3–5 seconds.

• Lateral walks with super band and lateral jump with stabilisation (pics #5-6, in that order) Lateral jump with stabilisation; how to do it: Stand with feet shoulder width apart and pointed straight ahead. Squat slightly as if sitting in a chair. Jump laterally (to the side).

Land softly, maintaining flexion in the knees and hips, but do not collapse to the ground. Maintain optimal postural alignment and hold for 3-5 seconds.

• Leg curls and frontal jumps with stabilisation (pics #7-11, in that order) (Leg curls can be performed on a

regular leg curl machine, stability ball or TRX Suspension Training system) Lateral jump with stabilisation; how to do it: Stand with feet shoulder width apart and pointed straight ahead. Squat slightly as if sitting in a chair. Jump forward (long jump) as far as can be controlled. Land softly maintaining flexion in the knees and hips, but do not collapse to the ground.

Maintain optimal postural alignment and hold for 3-5 seconds. Return to the start and repeat as instructed.

Plyometric exercises add an element of fun, dynamism, and energy to any exercise programme. They provide the right amount of challenge so you feel a sense of accomplishment. You don’t have to be an athlete to train like one.

You can be just as strong, agile and fast without the pressure of an endof-season championship. Get fit! Get healthy! Stay active!

• Regina Smith is a certified personal trainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She can be reached for personal training and consultations at regina. tonia.smith@gmail.com. Follow her on instagram: ginag_cpt or her fitness tips and tweets on Twitter @ginagcpt.

22 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, August 12, 2016

relationships

When did relationships become electronic?

By DR EDRICA RICHARDSON

E

-mail, Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, blogs, of course, and many, many other sites are all part of the new and wonderful ways we can now connect with one another electronically; each with its own culture and unique set of rules. In one sense, the planet has never been more interconnected. And yet, this interconnectedness, while wonderful, has come with a cost.

How many of you are in ‘text-ships’?

Relationships that only exist through some electronic device, whether it be a cellphone, computer or tablet. To build a successful relationship you need more human contact than text messages can provide. You will need some good old fashion quality time to learn about each other. As we know, there are many forms of miscommunication that happen via electronics, because at some point we’ve all had text remorse, wishing we could take back a message, but we pressed send. Text-ships can become game-like. Many people also use text-ships to play games in relationships when they have no intention of actually taking responsibility for the feelings they arouse. If you’re in a good relationship, the only playing that should happen should be in the bedroom.

Can you see an immediate problem that you may encounter with your electronic relationship as opposed to your offline ones?

The biggest problem is perception.

Perception, as we understand it, is the process of attaining awareness or understanding of sensory information.

So perception is about sorting and processing the information that we receive through our five senses: touch,

Electronic relationships can often result in misunderstandings and in people playing games with each other sight, hearing, taste, smell (we can also insert a sixth sense if we want to – intuition).

Unlike in the offline world where we use all five senses to gain information, when online we can only primarily use one sense to gain information – sight.

We are also very limited in our use of sight because we can’t benefit from the normal cues we pick up through non-verbal communication. We can see words that are typed, we can see someone’s avatar if they choose to post one, and we can watch video or see someone through a webcam. So clearly most of our perceptual equipment cannot be utilised in our electronic relationships. Consequently, we miss out on huge chunks of information about other people that we would normally have. Various studies have been carried out to explore how much of our communication is verbal as opposed to non-verbal. The major disadvantage of electronic relationships and communication is that there is no body language to read. One study shows that 93 per cent of communication is through non-verbal means (including body language) and only seven per cent is down to verbal communication. So online we’re stuck with having to try to do all

of our communicating (both listening and speaking) with seven per cent of the tools we would normally use.

Some disadvantages of electronic relationships include the following: 1. We often don’t make the effort to check things out properly. For instance, if we’re having difficulty with someone in the work place we may check out if they are having a personal problem that is impacting on their behaviour.

People online rarely do this. Why bother when there are a billion other people you can talk to instead.

2. There is a huge potential for misinterpretation of what people are saying and what people mean when they type.

3. Many people are better at expressing themselves verbally than through the written word and so are at a disadvantage electronically.

My aim in writing this article is to help us all develop our awareness and understanding of the kinds of psychological hazards that we can experience in our electronic relationships, and through this awareness either have a chance of averting problems before

they arise or be able to see them for what they are afterwards. Stimulating a person takes more than just a device; it should start between the ears. So let’s start courting the mind first.

• Dr Edrica D Richardson is licenced marriage and family therapist in multiple states in the US and an AAMFT approved supervisor. She currently runs private practice in Nassau and the US. Her clinical specialities include relationship issues, stress management, family conflict and life coaching, to name a few. She works with adolescents, couples and families.

For more information, visit her website at www.dredrich.com.

The Tribune | Weekend | 23

Friday, August 12, 2016

literary lives

Mosquito Coast revisited Sir Christopher Ondaatje was keen to experience the jungles of Belize inspired by Paul Theroux’s dramatic and best known novel

winds of up to 150mph leaving behind only a thick layer of mud. The 57,000 inhabitants represent every ethnic group in the country.

Creoles, descendants of former slaves, and British Baymen - the descendants of 16th century British buccaneers - form the dominant population element.

It is a very Caribbean atmosphere. Food vendors jostle for pavement space and dope is often smoked openly in the streets.

After a brief visit, we drove on the Northern Highway back to a humble roadside diner where we were encouraged to have some local food - gibnut, rice and beans. Gibnut is a local delicacy – a nocturnal rodent – and it was delicious, particularly washed down with some local Pelican beer. In fact, the Queen, asking for something Belizean, was given gibnut to eat on her her 1994 visit to Belize. She wasn’t told what she had eaten until after the meal. She hasn’t been back to the country since.

After lunch and another hour’s drive, we reached the New River from where we were ferried to Lamanai Outpost Lodge. Raul Manzanilla, our guide, pointed out a host of Central American birds during the blazing hot trip, some of which I had never seen before: Snail Kites, Great White Egrets, Osprey, Glossy Ibis, Black Vultures and various Kingfishers. We arrived at our destination late in the afternoon and were guided to one of 15 thatched cab-

E

ver since reading Paul Theroux’s spell-binding, but also terrifying, 1981 adventure story “The Mosquito Coast” about an American family that finds a simpler life in the jungles of Central America, I have desperately wanted to go to Belize, formerly British Honduras.

The country is on the north-eastern coast of Central America, the mainland is about 180 miles long and 68 miles wide and is bordered to the north by Mexico and to the south and west by Guatemala. There are still only 332,000 inhabitants - the lowest population density in Central America.

Actually, it is the jungles of Belize that lured me to them, but to get there one must first go to Belize City. It is quite a shock when you first see the town, with its narrow congested streets, decrepit wooden structures that stand right up to road edges, and stagnant canals still used for drainage.

It really does look as though the City is recovering from some horrible calamity. This is partly true, as there have been several devastating hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Hattie in October, 1967, that tore the City apart with

Sir Christopher Ondaatje in the Belizean jungle

Continued on page 24

24 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, August 12, 2016

Continued from page 23

“The Mennonites have been severely criticised that their agricultural prosperity has been achieved without regard for environmental laws, and that they have ruthlessly killed protected species like the jaguar which raid their cattle� ins overlooking a lake adjoining the New River, a jungle paradise, totally secluded.

We rested, but there was little time for relaxation because, after a hasty Belizean dinner, we embarked on a two-hour night boat safari - a wonderful experience searching out nocturnal birds and mammals with a spotlight: more Snail Kites, a solitary Limpkin, a very large crocodile easily over 10 feet in length. The temperature dropped considerably, particularly when speeding across the lake and narrows.

Early next morning, through troops of endangered Black Howler monkeys and swarms of aggressive mosquitoes, we made our way through ancient Ceiba trees to the Lamanai temple

The New River near its estuary into the Caribbean Sea

The toucan is the national bird of Belize complex which sits on the western bluff of the New River lagoon only a short walk away. Lamanai was occupied by the Mayans continuously for over 3,000 years. Its remoteness contributed to its continuous occupation, well beyond other Mayan sites, until at least 1650 AD. Although hundreds of ruins are said to remain unexcavated in the nearby jungle, three of the most impressive temples have been restored: the Jaguar Temple, named for its boxy jaguar decoration; the Mask Temple, adorned by a 13-foot stone mask of an ancient Mayan king; and the High

Temple offering incredible panoramic views from its summit. The tiny on-site museum crowds a fascinating collection of impressive Mayan artifacts depicting Mayan gods and animals.

The Black Howler monkeys, among the largest primates in the Neotropics, make the forests around the Lamanai ruins their home and their loud, territorial howling calls gave us a magnificent morning chorus. They could be heard two miles away. Only the dominant male did the howling while the browner protected females either nursed their young or gave out much

weaker grunts. We must have seen 20 or 30 of the monkeys with their long prehensile tails displaying acrobatic and quite sensual feats. A pair of keelbilled Toucans - the national bird of Belize - flitted over us. The extraordinary bird is 17 to 22 inches long, and its colourful bill is one third of its length.

We were lucky. A social bird, it is only found in the lowland rainforests.

That afternoon we drove six miles out of the rain forest to the Baptist Mennonite Community that edges the jungle. It was a shock to suddenly come across extraordinarily lush farmlands that had been cleared by the Anabaptist sect named after the Dutch priest Menno Simon in the 16th century.

Because of their pacifist objection to military service, they had been forced to move to Switzerland, then to Prussia, and in 1663 to Russia. The fiercely religious sect were then forced to move to North America, Mexico and finally in 1958 to British Honduras – a country desperate for settlers. There are now over 10,000 conservative Mennonites in Belize.

Hard workers, they have contributed substantially to the agriculture of the country, turning tropical jungle into productive farmland. They are easily recognisable with their denim dungarees and white straw hats. Women wear dark long dresses and head covering.

Their houses are tidy and simple and they travel in horse-drawn carts. Nevertheless they have been severely criticised that their agricultural prosperity has been achieved without regard for

The Tribune | Weekend | 25

Friday, August 12, 2016

Forgotten facts Paul C Aranha Published in 1981, “The Mosquito Coast” is Theroux’s most successful novel

Birdrock Lighthouse

Long connections to Long Cay

T Best-selling A m travel writer an erican novelist Paul d Theroux environmental laws, and that they have ruthlessly killed protected species like the jaguar which raid their cattle.

Mark Howell, who owns and runs the Lamanai Lodge, showed me a night film clip of a large male jaguar eating one of his victims. The beast is known to have killed 26 cattle. We looked in vain for the beautiful nocturnal cat although we did see fresh droppings and some recent territorial markings on trees.

There are 56 different species of snakes in Belize, but only eight are considered dangerous to humans.

Therefore, when we went on walking safaris, we were particularly careful where we put our feet. The narrow rough paths seemed safe enough but the jungle floor, with its mottled shades of dark and light, required particular caution. Apart from looking for jaguar tracks, we saw more Howler monkeys, White Tailed Deer, Great Curassow birds and both the rare Boat-billed Heron and the Tiger Heron. Needless to say we continued to be plagued by mosquitoes. No amount of insect repellent seemed to keep them away.

We revisited the Mayan Jaguar temple through a separate path in the

rain forest and came across an old 1856 sugar mill now in ruins with trees growing through its brick foundations.

It is rumoured that the British owner paid his workers in rum rather than currency - with the inevitable disastrous consequences.

All too soon our short Belize jungle experience ended with another beautiful boat journey back down the New River and then to the Belize City airport by road. What a change from the seclusion of the rain forest, away from the wildlife excitement and the warm friendly Belizean staff.

And their exotic Central American cooking. Despite the difficulty getting there Lamanai must surely be one of the most unique getaway havens for fishing, ruin exploration, night safaris, crocodile encounters, and even jaguar tracking. I was homesick for the Belizean jungles even before I had left them.

• 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 “Hemingway in Africa: The Last Safari”

his week’s article was inspired by Dr Ian BethellBennett, who wrote about his recent visit to Long Cay (often called Fortune Island), that almost-abandoned island which played such an important part in the history of our Bahamas.

Here are some of that island’s unsung heroes.

Ian’s great, great grandfather is James Edward Aranha, who is my great grandfather, so Ian is my ‘first cousin twice removed’. If that isn’t complicated enough, James Aranha’s older brother was John Miguel Aranha, who married Helena Augusta Julie Scavella, of Long Cay, in 1881.

John Aranha was a long-serving Out Island Commissioner (by whatever titles were in use during his time) and was stationed in several of them, but at least two of their seven children were born at Long Cay (1886 and 1902).

Helena Scavella was one of 12 children of Henry Scavella (1805-1884), who was born, and died, at Long Cay. Henry’s father, John Scavella, came from Messina, Italy, and died at Long Cay around 1831. He married Eliza Moss, of Crooked Island, and their five children were born, and died, at Long Cay and Crooked Island.

Ian’s article included a photo of the ‘Lighthouse off Long Cay’, which is called Bird Rock Lighthouse and was built by Francis Jessemy de Souza Leal Aranha, the father of James and John Aranha, who was born in Brazil and settled at Inagua around 1849.

John and Helena’s daughter, Elizabeth Blanche Aranha, married Mitchell Stafford Bullard, of Exuma, and I met their son, Frank Bullard, a Canadian by birth, some years ago, when he knocked on my door and introduced himself. He looked so much like my late father, William Aranha (who had been Crown Lands Officer), that I was almost speechless.

Although I have flown over Long Cay hundreds of times, I went there only once, when Frank chartered one of my planes to take Sloane Farrington and several engineers to Long Cay, where Frank hoped to develop family-owned land. Sloane, a realtor, was to handle sales.

We landed at Pitt’s Town, Crooked Island, and hired two outboarddinghies to take the 10 of us to Long Cay, which Ian describes just as I remember it.

In the late afternoon, on the way back to Crooked Island, the engine on our dinghy broke down and it looked like we might spend a hungry night, stranded at sea, hoping that the anchor would hold.

Remembering that Sloane and Sir Durward Knowles had been world champions of Star Class sailing, I suggested to Sloane that with my shirt and his sailing skills, he could sail the dinghy to somewhere on Crooked Island - and this is exactly what he did.

After a long walk back to the plane, we managed to get airborne before sunset.

• islandairman@gmail.com

I N C TARGET H L GTHE

26 | The Tribune | Weekend

Chambers Friday, August 12, 2016

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.

21st 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

N E C I N C H L G

the alphabe you have to grid too! Us letters and below the g grid is ‘rota symmetrica words, it lo you turn th down. Solu

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HOW many words of four letters The Target CAN you or more can you make from the crack the letters shown here? Alphabeater?

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Coupling, body of the alphabet is used.

Ovation, B TODAY’S TARGET Prospect, Chambers Good 12; very good 18; excellent you have24 to complete Adjutant, (or more). Solution tomorrow.

Down: Sc grid too! Use the give 21st Rupee, Do YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION letters and black squa Halve, Int Century aeon ante atone ATTENTION Influenza, below the grid to star inane innate intent intonate Smug, Th Dictionary intone neat neon nett nine grid is none ‘rotationally Extra l nonet notate note oaten tattie (1999 symmetrical’ – in othe 0907 teat tenant tenon tent tine tinea edition) (Deduct tone tonne tontine tote words, it looks the sath each extra

CRYPTIC PUZZLE Down 1 Bet a long striding gait is natural for it (8) 2 Announced a number have cleared out (8) 3 Cold anger upsets him (4) 5 Minor economies that attract some interest (5,7) 6 Soundly fastened in the current (4) 7 They act diplomatically so envy is disguised (6) 8 Leave on desert island in the shade (6) 11 Initial repetition is only repetition after all (12) 15 An ambassador needs skill and compassion (5) 16 Audible bit of tranquillity! (5) 18 It’s put on for service (8) 19 Lacking bite? (8) 21 Girl’s pen had broken (6) 22 A holiday is needed to make it safe (6) 26 Farm butter (4) 27 Set up a capital arrangement (4)

Across 1 Bad tot given guidance (6) 4 It’s shown by weatherman in his other map (8) 9 Discretion in control is expedient (6) 10 Give applause in excess (4,4) 12 Look on the present age as a burden (4) 13 Silly mistake artfully hidden (5) 14 Wild orgy that may give one a turn (4) 17 Odd time departed could be quite intentional (12) 20 As commanded by tennis umpires or judges? (5,2,5) 23 Enthusiastic opera-singer in a comeback (4) 24 Free to be at it - that’s great! (5) 25 Knocks over box (4) 28 Its choir could be famous (8) 29 A minimum investment in the Marshall Islands (6) 30 Demanding much in either effort or money (8) 31 A stinker in more than one way (3,3)

1

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10 11

12

13

14

15

16

17 18 20 21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

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19

Yesterday’s Easy Solution Across: 1 Guess, 4 Guarded, 8 Rap, 9 Rio Grande, 10 Apropos, 11 Drill, 13 Detach, 15 Reared, 18 Miser, 19 Empower, 21 Mackenzie, 23 Dub, 24 Contend, 25 Style.

Down: 1 Garland, 2 Euphrates, 3 Strip, 4 Grouse, 5 Abridge, 6 Din, 7 Dwell, 12 Irrawaddy, 14 Cortege, 16 Durable, 17 Seized, 18 Mimic, 20 Press, 22 Can.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution Across: 1 Baird, 4 Accepts, 8 End, 9 Certainty, 10 Sighted, 11 Imply, 13 Dearth, 15 States, 18 Litre, 19 Authors, 21 Depressed, 23 Are, 24 Emerald, 25 Steed.

Down: 1 Blessed, 2 Indignant, 3 Ducat, 4 Abrade, 5 Chariot, 6 Pen, 7 Shyly, 12 Patronage, 14 Theresa, 16 Suspend, 17 Paused, 18 Ladle, 20 Tides, 22 Pie.

EASY PUZZLE

Across 1 Approach and address (6) 4 Detested thing or person (8) 9 Hold out as inducement (6) 10 Basically (2,6) 12 Lacking enthusiasm (4) 13 Graphic (5) 14 Impose a duty on (4) 17 Repeatedly (4,3,5) 20 An unfeeling nature (5,2,5) 23 A clever remark (4) 24 Reproach mockingly (5) 25 Prejudice (4) 28 Set going (8) 29 Choice (6) 30 Hard wood used in furniture (8) 31 Illusory (6)

Down 1 Intrepid boldness (8) 2 A clear soup (8) 3 Resentful mood (4) 5 I refuse! (7,5) 6 Captured (4) 7 Give rise to (6) 8 Fleet of warships (6) 11 Nursery school (12) 15 Auctioneer’s hammer (5) 16 Booth (5) 18 Irrefutable (8) 19 Directed to an individual (8) 21 Wriggle (6) 22 Cease (6) 26 Boxing arena (4) 27 Whirl (4)

you turn the page ups Full HOW many words of four letters Yesterday’s Yesterday’s Call 0907 181 down.

2585Solution for tomo 0907 or more can you make from the Sudoku Answer Kakuro Answer today’s Target solution *Calls cos 80p per minute plus your te letters shown here? In makingplus*Calls ayourcost telephoneYesterday’s company’s solut network charge. word, each letter may be used network access Black squares: 4 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, once only. Each must contain the– Helpline 0333 *SP: Spoke 202 11, 3390 PLAY 27, 32, 35, 37. centre letter and there must be at Across: Trade, least one nine-letter word. No Unionism, Pink, plurals or verb forms ending in “s”.

TODAY’S TARGET Good 12; very good 18; excellent 24 (or more). Solution tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION aeon ante atone ATTENTION inane innate intent intonate intone neat neon nett nine none nonet notate note oaten tattie teat tenant tenon tent tine tinea tone tonne tontine tote

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

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PLAY MORE

The Tribune | Weekend | 27

Friday, August 12, 2016

animals Animal matters Kim Aranha

PET OF THE WEEK

The B-Humane Award is back

By The Bahamas Humane Society

B

PATRICIA VAZQUEZ

A

t the Bahamas Humane Society we believe that it is essential to recognise members of the public who go above and beyond the call of duty; people who give greatly of themselves to help the animals of the Bahamas.

For the past few years we have been awarding the B-Humane Award. Traditionally, we give one award to a person or persons residing in New Providence, and another award to somebody in the Family Islands.

In the past few days it has become apparent that we really need to broaden our horizons and introduce two more award categories. We find that many corporations and businesses are extremely kind and supportive towards the Bahamas Humane Society, and after some deliberation we thought creating an award in this category might be a perfect way to show our gratitude, so we will now be awarding the Business B-Humane Award – something that they can display with pride and animal lovers can see, and this will encourage people to patronise that business.

The biggest problem will be knowing where to start. There are quite a few very socially conscious businesses that bend over backwards to accommodate and assist the BHS. It will take a few years to work our way through all the businesses that deserve that recognition.

Another category that will be new this year is the International B-Humane Award, especially created for those non-Bahamians, visitors, who have aided and supported us in one way or another. We want to let them know how special their, sometimeslong distance, helping hand has been and what a difference their involvement has made.

The four B-Humane Awards will be

Hit the water with Beach Bum

Beach Bum with one of the BHS summer volunteers

each Bum came to the Bahamas Humane Society from Eleuthera.

This one-year-old male loves to swim, knows how to shake a paw and how to sit.

He’s a very sociable fellow who enjoys the company of other dogs and children.

He was found starving and mangy, but is making a good recovery now that he’s in a place with regular meals and treatment for his skin.

Now Beach Bum is hoping to find a home where he can spend his days lounging about with his new family and swimming whenever possible. Do you have room for Beach Bum in your

Persons and businesses who have extended a helping hand to animals or the BHS can now be nominated for a B-Humane Award presented for the year 2015 on September 29 at the John Watling’s Distillery.

We are having a fun fundraising event, which will also include the winners of the Bahamas Humane Society Photograph Competition.

Entry to the party is only $20 for adults and $10 for children. Delicious food by Conchie Joes will be available at very reasonable prices, with food items that will also please the junior photographers. A cash bar, silent auction and mini raffle will also make the evening’s entertainment more diverse.

A DJ will provide music to dance to

and the BHS will be handing out the photographic awards and the B-Humane Awards.

It promises to be a terrific evening and one that you need to already mark on your calendar. Tickets will be available at Windermere Day Spa and Salon in the Harbour Bay Shopping Centre and at the Caves, the Bahamas Humane Society, and perhaps other venues to be announced. Tickets will also be available at the door on the actual night, but it is very helpful to us to sell most of the tickets beforehand.

We are actively soliciting nomina-

family? If so, come in to the BHS to meet him or call 3235138 for more information.

Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

Beach Bum has his towel packed and ready to go!

• The 2016 BHS Summer

Fun Photography Contest is underway. This year, the contest entries will be submitted online and by e-mail.

For more information call the shelter at 325-6742 or check out the event page on Facebook. Entry forms can be picked up from the BHS, Windermere East and West, and at Graham Realty.

tions for the four categories of the BHumane Awards. If you know of an individual or a business that you believe deserves the award, then please submit your nomination to: bahamashumanesocietymembership@gmail.com.

Please be sure to put in the e-mail subject box: “B-Humane nomination”.

We also require a short paragraph explaining what your candidate has done or does for them to warrant receiving this prestigious award.

Clearly there are many way to show kindness, and we must never forget the widow’s mite; quantity is not necessarily quality. Caring, love, compassion and selflessness have no monetary value. Everybody will be judged on the merits of their actions. Your short explanation of the good works your candidate does may well tip the scale.

We hope that you will make a point of attending this event. If you wish more information about the BHS Photographic Competition you can go to the Facebook page called “BHS 2016 Summer Fun Digital Photography Competition”. There you will find all the information you need on the various categories, age groups and prices, as well as how to submit your photos digitally.

Meanwhile, the nominations for the B-Humane Awards close at noon on September 1. We are anticipating an interesting selection of nominations.

28 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, August 12, 2016

gardening

You call that a tomato?

When it comes to tomatoes, bigger is not always better, and a nice appearence does not guarantee taste. Jack Hardy lists some of the best tasting varietes of this popular red fruit.

I

t’s that time of year when we have no tomatoes in the garden and have to buy imported from our local store. They look lovely: round, firm, pinkish-red. Cut into one, however, and you have a spider web of white tissue dominating. There is no juice. There is no taste. You call that a tomato? Me neither.

You cannot blame the farmer. He grows and sells exactly what the market demands and the market demands tomatoes that are going to be firm so they will not bruise, short of ripeness so they will last shipping and storage, and red so they will be attractive to buyers.

The FDA of the USA categorises ripeness in a tomato on a six-point scale. There is 1 – green; 2 – mature green (10 per cent pink); 3 – turning (30 per cent pink); 4 – pink (up to 60

Cherry tomatoes are juicier and usually taste better than large tomatoes, making them perfect for salads per cent pink); 5 – light red (60+ per cent red), and 6 – red (90 per cent red). The farmer chooses his harvest point on this scale, usually at 2 or 3, and sprays his picked tomatoes with ethylene, a gas that causes tomatoes to ripen naturally. Being forced into the red stage by an overdose of ethylene is not quite what happens in nature, of course.

As a tomato travels from Mexico to Miami to Nassau it goes with a red colour that does not show its real ripening stage. It has been suggested that consumers place their tomatoes in a paper bag and let them sit at room temperature until they soften a little.

All very well, but the tomatoes have been refrigerated at a low temperature for days, sometimes weeks, and this kills the natural production of ethylene that promotes ripening. You may find your tomatoes rotting instead of ripening.

All commercial tomatoes are hybrids that have been bred to grow fast but ripen slowly. Were you to grow these same hybrids in your back yard you would have no reason for complaint. You would pick your tomatoes at exactly the stage of ripeness you like and they would taste far better than those you bought from the store, of course.

Hybrid tomatoes bear heavy crops, have uniform size and shape, and are satisfactory in every way except for taste. It is not that they taste bad; some

Not all tomatoes are cre

ated equal

of them are quite pleasant. But cross breeding is for size, colour, rate of growth and other factors, leave taste purely to chance. Listen to the old timers: Chicken doesn’t taste like it used to. Bread doesn’t taste like it used to.

Tomatoes don’t taste like they used to, etcetera.

I’ll leave the chicken sandwich up to you, but we can do something about the taste of tomatoes.

The hybrid tomatoes you buy in packages at your local nursery or from seed house catalogues are not the same as those used by large scale commercial farmers. Home gardeners usually only get to try some commercial tomatoes when they have been superseded by newer strains. Seed houses make their money by providing farmers with thousands and millions of seeds, not packages of 10 to you and me. The first rule when looking for tastiness in tomatoes is to think small. One hybrid that tastes really nice is Fourth of July, but it is much smaller than the regular beefsteak tomato loved by Americans.

You will have noticed that cherry tomatoes are juicier and usually taste better than large tomatoes. There are many varieties of cherry tomato that are quite large – Large Fruited Cherry comes to mind – and can provide for a sandwich if you use four to six slices instead of one or two.

Then there are heirlooms; stop thinking about size now because the very largest of all tomatoes are

heirlooms. An heirloom tomato is one that is open pollinated (which means you only buy seeds once) and has been preserved for a long time because of a distinguishing feature. That feature in most cases is taste.

What is the world’s best tasting tomato? Some say Brandywine Pink, or Pineapple, or German Yellow, or Great White, or Rainbow – and these are all heirlooms. Heirlooms may taste great but they do have a downside. Perhaps I should say downsides. Brandywine is a notoriously shy bearer. The vine grows huge with large potato leaves yet produces maybe three or four tomatoes.

Some heirlooms have green shoulders that never ripen so part of each fruit has to be cut away. Skin cracking and cat facing – irregular shape and surface texture – are common. Heirlooms are what they are and cannot be advertised as having particular qualities such as disease resistance. Some heirlooms just cannot grow properly in certain conditions that are different from their breeding source.

Although small hybrids tend to taste better than large hybrids, that does not apply to heirlooms. The archetypal heirloom is large and one slice of tomato covers and overlaps a slice of bread. The seeds tend to be few and close to the skin. The whole centre of an heirloom is firm ‘meat’ of wonderful texture and real tomato taste. Personally, I would swap a bushel of hybrids for one perfect heirloom.

If you have never tried heirlooms, check your local nursery’s seed displays because more and more heirlooms are becoming available to the general public. Cherokee Purple is full of flavour and produces well; just get used to the green shoulders. Snap up any green tomato seeds you see, such as Cherokee Green. When green tomatoes ripen they show a little pink or yellow and have intense flavour. Black tomatoes come from the Crimean area of Ukraine and are not really black but dark and rich looking, which is how they taste. Black Krim, Paul Robeson and Black from Tula are noted black tomatoes. No heirloom that you buy will let you down when it comes to taste.

Every year I grow hybrid tomatoes (for bulk), cherry tomatoes (for salads and munching), and heirloom tomatoes (for exquisite taste). That’s a pretty full gustatory palette that you may wish to create as well.

• For questions and comments e-mail j.hardy@coralwave.com