Friday, September 25, 2020
Weekend
photography food gardening culture history puzzles animals SINGER BATTLES BACK Page 05
Comic book hero Young artist seeks to be an inspiration
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02 | The Tribune | Weekend
photography
A Rose-Coloured Lens
Scenes with flowers
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EAUTY is all around us in the Bahamas, on land and in the sea. But many of us are too busy with everyday life to pause and really see and enjoy the astonishing sights that surround us. Veteran photographer ROLAND ROSE captures both the ordinary and extraordinary and puts it in frame for us so we can see our environment in a new light.
Continuous as the stars that shine and twinkle on the Milky Way they stretched in never-ending line along the margin of a bay; Ten thousand saw I at a glance tossing their heads in sprightly dance - William Wordsworth
Friday, September 25, 2020
The Tribune | Weekend | 03
Friday, September 25, 2020
Weekend Inside
2 Photography
Roland Rose turns his lens on flowers
4 Art
Comic artist seeking to inspire Bahamians
5 Music
6 Puzzles
My perfect Bahamian weekend Solo Made
7 Culture
Musician
8-9 Art
Q. What are you binge watching this weekend? “I’ll be watching Batman on Netflix.”
10 Art
Q. What is on your weekend menu? “Salmon, salad and veggies.”
11 Gardening
Q. If you had to be quarantined with a celebrity who would it be and why? “It would be Master P so I could learn the music business and investing first hand from him.”
Singer battles back to find self-love
All change for the Emmys during COVID Artist finds passion in resin work Preaching through paint Balance and diversity
12-13 Literary Lives
The life of a famed writer and director
14 Forgotten Facts
Days of overcoming adversity
15 Animals
Not easy being a shark
16 Food
Sweet tooth for grammy’s ice cream
FIGHTING HUNGER WITH MUSIC By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
PRIVATE Ryan, one of the hottest DJ in soca sounds will join local disc jockeys for special virtual battle to raise funds in the fight against hunger, The event, presented by Fight Against Hunger Bahamas, is wooing all lovers of soca and dancehall. The virtual zoom party series take place tomorrow at 9pm and features music by DJ Rann, Dion Da Butcha, DJ Ovadose and Private Ryan, who is the special guest hailing from Trinidad and Tobago. Ryan gained interest in the DJ scene in the mid-90s. Starting out with one turntable and a short stack
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Q. What do you miss most because of social distancing? “I miss church gatherings with family ,friends and colleagues.” Q. if you could spend a weekend anywhere in the world and not worry about COVID, where would it be? “Canada, in particular British Columbia.” of old records, Ryan began honing his DJ skills. As time moved on and his skills grew, Ryan began his own record collection and started his own sound named Detrimental Sound System whose members currently feature prominently on RED 96.7FM. He is one of the most sought after soca DJS. The organisation is asking for donations of $5 and more and will accept donations through Kanoo Pays, Paypal, and Cash app. All proceeds go towards feeding those in need. “Every single dollar goes toward the purchase of food vouchers so everything helps,” the organisation said. The organisation’s first virtual party saw a battle of old school versus new school, featuring DJ Todd, Dion Da Butcha, DJ Ovadose and DJ Ignite. “Thank you to everyone that supported the first party and we are looking forward to seeing you all and having a great time this weekend.”
PRIVATE Ryan
04 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, September 25, 2020
art
Seeking to inspire fellow Bahamians By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
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he days of quarantine and time at home social distancing have allowed many people a chance to fulfill dreams and develop their talents. For Keno Forbes and his friend Zuriel Carey, the days in lockdown allowed them to work on a unique Bahamian comic book/ graphic novel which they hope will eventually inspire other young persons. “The comic book is called ‘Honorable’.” The book features the characters Fox, Snake and Monkey. “The story follows a fox trying to earn the respect of his countrymen after being banished. He’s trying to steal a sword that the most honourable men in the country are said to wield,” Keno told Tribune Weekend.
Keno said he grew up reading graphic novels, comics and Bahamian folktales such as the Ber Bookie and Ber Rabbie tales. “I was inspired by them and wanted to do my own project which could give a positive message to young people,” he told Tribune Weekend. This year was the perfect time to embark on the project considering the lockdown which was the result of the Covid-19 pandemic. “I decided that we had the time to just start it,” he explained. Keno explained that while he dabbles in quite a few things such as writing poems and stories, Zuriel was better at the illustrations, making them the perfect team for the project. “We started this while we were in quarantine and so far, have about 31 stories about 80 per cent completed,” he said. Keno hopes that the story will resonate with his readers. “I would love for it to become an iconic tale for young Bahamians the same way that the stories I read as a child encouraged me,” he said. “I feel that it is very important that Bahamian young people see stories and art that is inspirational that is created by other Bahamians,”he said. He also feels it is important for young people to have local artisans and creatives in their field of desire to look up too. “I really admire the things that artists like (Tribune cartoonist) Jamal Rolle does and what he has been able to achieve. “So seeing Bahamians doing things that you particularly want to achieve is really inspiring.” The complete series of Honorable will soon be available.
The Tribune | Weekend | 05
Friday, September 25, 2020
music
BAHAMIAN singer KayGeni
Self-love in a world of change By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net
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HE journey to success for Bahamian singer KayGeni has been harder than for many - as she had to undergo an emergency mastectomy. The artist, who is fairly new to the Toronto Canada music scene, continues to develop and build connections through her music, but she told Tribune Weekend her journey has been fuelled by her life-altering change. She said her music features a strong message of self-love and acceptance - none more so than her new single, Coco. “The song came to me during a jam session with my best friend Tee Scott, who is also an artist. This beat started to play, and I immediately connect to it. The horns, drums, emotion, and everything about the beat reminded me of home. It felt so familiar and made me think of the sweet, simple joy of summer love, and fresh coconut water. I just started to sing the words as they came, and went with the vibe. It’s crazy because that entire song was a freestyle. And for me, the song always names itself,” said KayGeni. “I hoped that ‘Coco’ would serve as a reminder of how powerful or joy is, in spite of adverse situations, and the feedback for ‘Coco’ has been incredible. I’ve had so many messages of people saying that they love the song and video. The outpour of love, and encouragement has been overwhelming in the best way. Seeing people
make videos to my song, and be inspired to smile because my music is a form of happiness I find difficult to put into words. I’m so grateful,” said KayGeni. The singer’s music emanates soulful, eclectic sounds that she believes feeds the “hungry” for good music, vibes and soul. KayGeni shares her personal experiences through captivating, and infectious melodies, along with entrancing vocal execution. She attributes her eclectic style within her work and artistic influences to her Bahamian heritage. Her past music releases include EP’s “ The Interim” and “Indigo”. With a music video to accommodate the single, KayGeni said shooting “ Coco” strangely enough, felt like home for her. “When thinking about the visuals for “Coco”, it was really important for me to capture as much of that island vibe I was craving so badly without actually being able to travel back to The Bahamas. With the help of my team, we sat down and brainstormed places in Toronto that spoke to the energy of the Caribbean, found the perfect beach location, and shot everything in one day. “Having my sister Kejuana Beneby providing pieces for the music video was important not only because I trust her vision, but it made me feel even more connected to home. We planned where the shots would take place, but everything else was very free form and impromptu. I really
wanted to be lead by the emotions and feelings of the moment,” said KayGeni. As the temporary “new normal” calls for social distance practices and at-home celebrations - KayGeni said she was a bit nervous to release a song during a pandemic. And she was a bit worried that people might not have connected to “ Coco” with all the crazy going on in the world. “The biggest piece of advice I would give anyone is to trust your intuition. No one knows you better than you do. Get to know yourself in depth. That includes the good, the bad and the ugly. Everything else is just outside noise. You reclaim your power when you realise that the only opinion in regards to your life that should matter, is your own. I feel like I’ve always been a determined person, but the more I began to truly explore myself, and trust in my abilities, I felt more rooted and sure of who I am. The greatest gift I ever gave myself was self love,” said KayGeni. KayGeni’s music is available on major online platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, and more. Her music is also available on YouTube by searching KayGeni. All those interested in KayGeni’s journey as an artist are encouraged to follow her on Instagram @KayGeni or visit www.blackpuss.ca for more.
26 Long-established problem with seeded peat (4-6) 27 Collapsed around part of church (4)
06 | The Tribune | Weekend
22 East; 23 Register. missile (4) down: 2 Elector; 23 Corrupt foundation (4) 3 Disdain; 4 Shopping Friday, September spree; 6 Vampire; 7 Retreat; 8 Stroke; 13 Pervade; 14 Outlets; 15 Oblige; 16 Madness; 17 Nurture.
i t r EAE rE t
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
● The Target uses words in the main body of Chambers 21st Century Dictionary (1999 edition)
HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here? in making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. no plurals or verb forms ending in “s”. TODAY’S TARGET Good 11; very good 16; excellent 22 (or more). Solution tomorrow
Yesterday’s call 0907 181 2585 for today’s target solution Sudoku Answer *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.
BATTLESHIPS CRYPTIC PUZZLE Across 1 Reserve player is being considered (10) 6 A cat scrap (4) 10 Woolly animal is all over mother (5) 11 Serious actor skilled at reading parts (9) 12 Example of fashionable attitude (8) 13 Uncommon Elgar variation (5) 15 Possibly flies in groups (7) 17 Pay trio for putting the shrubbery into shape (7) 19 His mark was made in India (7) 21 Bird pecked another (7) 22 Set method of communication (5) 24 They have some point in the desert (8) 27 Costly farmer writers I’ve gathered together (9) 28 Consumer items that are cut and polished (5) 29 Not quick or not quick enough (4) 30 It’s very well known to have had a festival (10)
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Down 1 It’s not fair (4) 2 Doing as is required for identification (9) 3 Trace out a way to respond (5) 4 Aunt set about making a complaint (7) 5 The talk of the district (7) 7 Object made of thin string (5) 8 Putting down some of the main dangers of war (10) 9 Pet cried out on its last legs (8) 14 Twisted killer bent on finding Peter Pan’s friend (6,4) 16 Mixed Asian settlement (8) 18 Change for the better? (9) 20 A loathsome creature repel it perhaps (7) 21 Be sure about including a thousand Easterners (7) 23 HQ of the French vessel (5) 25 Mother making the final move? (5) 26 Drop woman a note (4)
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Yesterday’s Easy Solution Across: 1 Lockjaw, 5 Crass, 8 Old school, 9 Ore, 10 Edgy, 12 Ill-fated, 14 Primal, 15 Senior, 17 Learning, 18 Deal, 21 Too, 22 Be one up on, 24 Crete, 25 Masonry. Down: 1 Loose, 2 Cod, 3 Jack, 4 Wholly, 5 Cold feet, 6 About time, 7 Slender, 11 Go it alone, 13 Damnable, 14 Politic, 16 Inform, 19 Lanky, 20 Less, 23 Pan.
Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution Across: 1 Reproof, 5 Pedal, 8 Corpulent, 9 Pat, 10 Ribs, 12 Novelist, 14 Arrive, 15 Scraps, 17 Duty call, 18 Herb, 21 Nun, 22 In the dark, 24 Arson, 25 Hotspur. Down: 1 Recur, 2 Par, 3 Onus, 4 Faeroe, 5 Patience, 6 Duplicate, 7 Litotes, 11 Baritones, 13 Eviction, 14 Addenda, 16 Clutch, 19 Baker, 20 Rest, 23 Amp.
EASY PUZZLE
Across 1 Avoid being involved with (5,3,2) 6 Sudden sharp pain (4) 10 Roman goddess of hunting (5) 11 Traveller in space (9) 12 Game of chance (8) 13 Nominate for election (3,2) 15 A part of speech (7) 17 Inspection (4-3) 19 As a substitute (7) 21 Oozing (7) 22 Homo sapiens (5) 24 Accept responsibility for (8) 27 Of a piece (2,7) 28 Deep humming sound (5) 29 Certain (4) 30 Ingrained (4-6)
Down 1 Lose colour (4) 2 Alluring (9) 3 Walk wearily (5) 4 Encourage (7) 5 Ingredient of porridge (7) 7 Separately (5) 8 Break down (2,2,6) 9 Means of evasion (8) 14 Make overfine distinctions (5,5) 16 Evergreen flowering shrub (8) 18 Fall guy (9) 20 Notwithstanding (7) 21 Temporary expedient (7) 23 Manufacturer (5) 25 Shelf (5) 26 Take care of (4)
FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden in the grid. The numbers to the right of and below the grid indicate how many of the squares in that row are filled in with ships or parts of ships. The ships do not touch each other, even diagonally. Some squares have been filled in to start you off. Solution tomorrow 1
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I B R E D N A V
S M D B R O W N
R L C Z R R H P
I C H I G A N R
C P C V X E A I
25, 2020
E O F D L R E N
R Z L A T F K C
B A Y U B C U E
P G L I M U D T
N G M N P B M O
THE ALPHABEAT
TARGET 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.
E G R O E G Z X
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targEt thE alphapuz cAn you crack the Alphabeater? Each grid number represents a letter – or blackFeelgood, square. Amoe MEgaphoNE across: apogee gamp gape heap hemp Howdah, Chortle, Nymph As in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet hempen hope MEGAPHONE mope Tic, Far, Puce, Truly, Atta isnape used. But younope have toopen complete theSilver grid(clue), too! Ba neap neep opah Jocund, pagethe pane pang letters peahen pean down: Nowadays, use given and black squares belowEpoxy peen peon phagegrid phonis ‘rotationally Tactile, Graphic, Herb, Cl the grid topeonage start. the phone phoneme poem pome Dash, Fetlock, Seltzer, Lu symmetrical’ – in other words,Adequacy. it looks the pone pong pongee same if you turn the page upside down. Solution tomorrow A 11 35 4 38 B C 24 39 5 2 D E 25 22 13 2 F G 9 25 29 14 H I 27 25 27 40 J K 26 12 32 15 L M 10 31 11 22 Yesterday’s N O Kakuro 16 2 Answer 33 19 P Q 30 4 20 19 R S 26 28 10 26 T U 31 12 14 2 V W 12 10 22 34 X Y 39 40 35 17 Z
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● Alternatively, for six Extra Letter clues t text DXBEAT to 84901. Texts cost £1 plus your
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Friday, September 25, 2020
The Tribune | Weekend | 07
culture
A very different Emmys
By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
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t was not the typical Emmys we were used to seeing with a slew of beautiful actresses walking the red carpet doing pre-show interviews Instead, host Jimmy Kimmel welcomed viewers to the 2020 “Pandemmys” in an empty theatre with screen shots of audiences from past awards shows as he quipped, “you cant have a virus without a host”. The big winner of the night was definitely Schitt’s Creek. The comedy series about a wealthy family forced to relocate to a small town won nine of its 19 nominations including a sweep of all the acting awards, a writing award and outstanding comedy series. It was the most Emmy wins for a single show ever. On the drama side, HBO’S Succession (a show that follows a family that owns a media empire) was the night big’s winner. In addition to the top prize of best Dramatic series, it also took home six additional Emmys. The superhero drama Watchman took home the most Emmys of the night, with 11. Watchmen and Succession’s big wins meant it was a very good night for HBO. In addition to the big wins, there were the usual acceptance speeches touching on social issues including nods to COVID19, encouraging people to vote in the US presidential elections and mentions of the racial tensions that have plagued the US over the summer. And while many of the stars were at home for the festivities and despite the absence of a red carpet, many still took the time to get dolled up giving some much needed fashion eye candy to red carpet watchers. It was like Jimmy Kimmel said - a little bit of happiness in the midst of a difficult year.
Emmy’s Big Winners • Outstanding lead actor in a limited series or TV movie. Mark Ruffalo (I Know This Much is True) • Outstanding lead actress in a limited series or TV movie Regina King (Watchmen) • Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (“Watchmen”) • Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Uzo Aduba (“Mrs America”) • Outstanding lead actor in a comedy series Eugene Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”) • Outstanding lead actress in a comedy series Catherine O’Hara (“Schitt’s Creek”) • Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Dan Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”) • Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Annie Murphy (“Schitt’s Creek”) • Lead Actor in a Dramatic Series Jeremy Strong (“Succession”) • Outstanding Lead Actress in a Dramatic Series Zendaya (“Euphoria”) • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”) • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Julia Garner “Ozark”
10 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, September 25, 2020
art
Preaching through paint By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net
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OME preach from a pulpit; Tanya EvansMason however preaches with paint. The Bahamian artist whose message is the same but ministry and methods are slightly different has a goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through art. Tanya has created a variety of art pieces in various forms, styles, and subject matters. Now has turned her love for art into a ministry where she gives colors and picture to the scriptures. She calls this latest venture Godly Tings. Godly Tings is a Christian art ministry catering to persons wanting to enjoy the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Her aim is to watch the bible come to life with colorful modern artwork and comics. “God inspired me to do Godly Tings, being a Christian, I wanted to win over souls for the kingdom. I am very passionate about his ministry because there is not anyone else out there that is doing what I am doing in terms of drawing and putting art to scripture but I am really passionate about this. I feel like I can reach a lot of persons who can relate to situations,” she said.
The artwork feature on Godly Tings that is only an online platform currently features Tanya’s interpretation of scriptures she reads. She said creating drawings and art pieces gives the scripture and even great impact. “My inspiration comes from reading the bible consistently and using my imagination to depict what I believe the scriptures are saying. And creating images in a modern way is of utmost importance. “I always want to create images of people in my artwork that people can idenify and relate too,” she said. Being an artist for most of her life and a Christian for just as long, Tanya said she wanted to merge faith and art. The great commission she believes – one of Jesus’ final commandments to this disciple before he left this Earth is not only for those who work in the church but for all those who are Christians. “When he said ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel, he wasn’t only talking to his disciples or people who work in the church, he was talking about all of us, regular folks like you and me,” the artist told Tribune Religion.
Tanya said she has always been passionate sharing about the love of Jesus Christ with others. At her previous high traffic job Tanya said she shared about God with anyone who came into the establishment and was interested in listening. “There were many who came in and out those doors who I shared to about Christ. And it was so amazing how once I started talking, they got so interested. “I have to tell people about Jesus and that he is coming back. People must know so they can prepare their hearts and their households. The writing it all over the wall. Do you see how many things are happening right now? It’s clear that Christ coming is soon and he will rescue his people, she said. Even today as a high school teacher when the time allows, she shares with her students about the gospel of Jesus Christ. “The gospel is the power that saves people. I want everyone to know about the loving Saviour who came so that we may be save and have eternal life. Until the day I leave this Earth I will use my talents to communicate this wonderful message,” she said.
The Tribune | Weekend | 11
Friday, September 25, 2020
gardening
Balance and diversity
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here is a very slight cooling in the evening and morning air, this minute change signals that it is time to get planting! Having discussed a few seed options in the last couple of weeks, how are you planning to use them? Seeding into trays is the simplest method, as it allows each cell pack in the tray to develop a decent root on each seedling or group of seedlings planted, allowing for a strong plant for when the time comes to transplant. Some plants are better planted straight into the garden rows, mostly the root vegetables (beets, carrots, etc). Often the seedlings will need thinning to avoid crowding. Look at it like this, during a pandemic, nobody wants another person to be standing close into their personal space, many vegetables are the same, they want a little elbow room as it were. Try to avoid clumping, and space the seeds evenly apart if you would like to avoid thinning them out. Garden planning is something that some gardeners are meticulous about, others, as in my case, plant wherever there is space, without much regard to planning. One thing that does benefit to plan is companion planting. Some plants produce toxins in the roots that discourage others to grow nearby. Here is a tip on companion plantings for tomato from seed company Burpee: Plant with asparagus, carrot, celery, cucumber, onion, parsley. Basil repels flies and mosquitoes, improves growth and flavor. Bee balm, chives and mint improve health and flavor. Borage deters tomato worm, improves growth and flavor. Dill, until mature, improves growth and health. Once mature it stunts tomato growth. Marigold deters nematodes, tomato worm and general garden pests. To avoid: Corn and tomato are attacked by the same worm. Mature dill retards tomato growth. Kohlrabi stunts tomato growth. Potatoes and tomatoes are attacked by the same blight. Some plants when planted together will benefit each other, some will detract from each other. It is not fun to plant out a gorgeous garden only to have some things under perform because of what it is planted next to! Some planning
can go a long way to a more productive garden. Diversity. The more diverse a garden is, the more balanced it will be. Not only is companion planting a benefit, so is increasing the number of species in the garden. I too often see newer gardeners overreacting to a bit of whitefly, scale or mealybug on their pepper plant or soursop tree. Please remember, balance is key. There will always be garden pests and without them there will be no beneficial insects! The more species of plants that are on a given property, then the higher likelihood that there will be some sort of ecological balance. This does not mean that it is recommended to go out and get every type of exotic plant to add to your property. Native plants are essential and a few exotics to add splashes of color
and texture can add great aesthetic benefit. Many of our native plants are not so “showy�, and tend to be scorned, which is in my opinion, is a shame. Native plants (Maiden Bush, Necklace Pod, Granny Bush, Stoppers, etcetera) help to create balance. The more species that are present then the more chance of balance and the less need for preventative or remedial spraying. It is that simple. Milkweed is another example of a beneficial plant to have around the garden. By planting these and many others, pests are attracted to them, they will in turn attract beneficial insects and in turn again decrease the need to treat for pests. Now is a good time to add some fertilizers to fruit trees that have finished their fruiting cycle, avoid
high nitrogen on mango. If you are getting ready to fill that lovely raised planter or garden space, consider companion planting, also consider adding flowering perennials to attract beneficial insects and pollinators. Adding compost to existing garden beds will improve soil health. If earthworms are present, let them be, they are giving you gold in the form of their waste. Encourage some pests to encourage some beneficials, and do not freak out at the first sign of whitefly or mealybug. Aim to create balance, and the workload will decrease. Please follow label directions when using any pesticide. If you decide to not do so, you are not helping yourself, your crops, or the wider environment. The labels are specific, and they are created after loads of research and tests on residual effects et al‌. consider alternating treatments rather than interpreting directions on your own. Balance is key. A healthy garden is a contributor to a healthy ecosystem, and a healthy ecosystem is a contributor to human health. Be kind to your garden, and the rewards are yours to be reaped. Happy gardening!
12 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, September 25, 2020
literary lives
John Huston, 1906-1987 Part 1
Sir Christopher Ondaatje explores the life of the flamboyant American film director, screenwriter, actor, and visual artist who wrote the screenplays for some of the greatest Hollywood film classics between 1941 and 1985. “Each picture with its particular environment and unique personal relationships is a world unto itself – separate and distinct. Picture makers lead dozens of lives – a life for each picture. And, by the same token, they perish a little when each picture is finished and that world comes to an end. In this respect it is a melancholy occupation.” John Huston John Huston was born in Nevada, Missouri, on August 5, 1906. He was the only child of Canadian-born Walter Huston and Rhea (née Gore) Huston. His father was an actor in vaudeville and later in films. His mother worked as a sports editor for a local newspaper until John Huston was born. Huston’s parents divorced in 1913 when he was six – so he spent a great deal of his childhood in boarding schools. He travelled separately with each of his parents during summer vacations – with his father on his vaudeville tours, and with his mother to various sports events. He was fascinated with his father’s performances on the stage and loved seeing him taking on different characters. It was inevitable that he would be magnetised by acting. Travelling with his mother, however, was a fickle unstable life. She had difficulty maintaining any relationship for very long. But he was devoted to her – and she was the central and most influential part of his life. He was a sickly child and was treated for an enlarged heart and
kidney ailments. After a long bed-ridden period in Arizona, he followed his mother to Los Angeles where he attended Abraham Lincoln High School. He dropped out after two years to become a professional boxer. By the time he was 15, he was a top-ranking lightweight boxer in California. This career ended when he suffered a broken nose. Living in Los Angeles Huston had many interests: ballet, English and French literature, opera,
horseback riding and painting. He studied painting at the Art Students League of Los Angeles. Inevitably he was also drawn to the ever-present movie industry and motion pictures – but only as a voyeur. In those early days of Hollywood and silent pictures, Charlie Chaplin was a newly arrived genius. He fascinated Huston, who was like a beggar looking into a candy shop. He didn’t need much encouraging to join his father in New
The Tribune | Weekend | 13
Friday, September 25, 2020
York who was acting in off-Broadway productions. He got a few small roles and, while watching his father rehearse, became mesmerised with the science of acting.
simple uncluttered style, much as you would imagine the novel’s narrative. Unusually for a director Huston used his sketching talent to map out each film scene before it was actually shot, including camera positions, lighting, compositions and close ups. He was a perfectionist.
“What I learned there, during those weeks of rehearsal, would serve me for the rest of my life.”
“The directing of a picture involves coming out of your individual loneliness and taking a controlling part in putting together a small world.”
John Huston Huston worked for a while on the stage, but when he was nineteen he travelled alone to Mexico and somehow obtained a position as an honorary member of the Mexican cavalry. But he returned to Los Angeles in 1926 and married Dorothy Harvey – a high school girlfriend. Their marriage lasted seven years. While he was in Mexico, Huston wrote a play called Frankie and Johnny based on the old American ballad. He was amazed how easily he sold it to a publisher and decided that he would embark on a writing career. American Mercury (whose editor at the time was HL Mencken) bought two of his stories: “Fool” and “Figures of Fighting Men”. Over the next few years Esquire, Theatre Arts, and The New York Times bought his stories and articles. The New York Graphic also bought some of his work, but his mind was set on the film industry and in 1931, when he was 25, he moved back to Los Angeles where his father was having some success. Silent films were giving way to sound and “talkies” were becoming the new vogue. His writing talents helped him and Samuel Goldwyn Productions gave him a meagre contract – but no work. Disappointed, he left and, with some help from his father, got a job in the script department of Universal Studios where he father was working. He began by writing dialogue for films which included Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932), A House Divided and Law and Order which starred his father. It was his first experience in the production of the film industry where he was befriended by the Austrian director William Wyler. They were to become good friends and eventual collaborators. “Most people never have to face the fact that at the right time and the right place they’re capable of anything.” John Huston In a series of misadventures and bad luck, the young Huston developed a reputation as a talented, hard-drinking playboy. He divorced his first wife Dorothy Harvey in 1933, and when a car he was driving crashed and killed actress Tosca Roulien he was charged with manslaughter which left him traumatised and depressed. A coroner’s jury eventually absolved Huston of any blame but he was advised to leave Hollywood. He drifted to London and Paris living aimlessly, certain that any hopes he had had of a movie career were over. However in 1937 the 31-year-old Huston swallowed his pride and returned to Hollywood intent
John Huston
JOHN Huston collection on pursuing his film writing career. He married Lesley Black, an English actress, got a job with Warner Brothers Studio as a scriptwriter, and for the next four years co-wrote scripts for films that became successful: The Amazing Dr Clitterhouse (1936), Jezebel (1938), Juarez (1939), Dr Ehrlich’s Magic Bullet (1940), and Sergeant York (1941). He was good at what he did and was nominated for Academy Awards for his screenplays for both Dr Ehrlich’s Magic Bullet and Sergeant York, the latter being directed by Howard Hawks and a stunning success for Gary Cooper who played the young mountaineer. Despite his wild ways, Huston was recognised and respected as a screenwriter and he convinced Warner Bros to give him a chance to direct a film – provided that his next script for them was a success. This script, High Sierra (1941), directed by Raoul Walsh, turned out to be the hit that Huston needed and Warner Bros kept their side of the bargain and gave Huston his choice of subject for his first directing assignment. Huston chose Dashiell Hammett’s detective story The Maltese Falcon – a film that had failed at the box office on two earlier versions produced by Warners. But Jack L Warner kept his word and allowed Huston to make the film. “They indulged me rather. They liked my work as a writer and they wanted to keep me on. If I wanted to direct, why, they’d give me a shot at it and if it didn’t come off all that well, they wouldn’t be too disappointed as it was to be a very small picture. John Huston Huston kept the screenplay of The Maltese Falcon (1941) very close to the novel, keeping much of Hammett’s dialogue, and directing it in a
He also selected a superb cast giving Humphrey Bogart, a drinking companion, the leading role. Bogart, the complete acting professional, liked Huston and his methodical approach. They would make a lot of good films together. He also picked other good supporting actors: Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, as well as his own father Walter Huston. He was given a small budget and, as they had limited expectations, only a minimal publicity allowance by Warners. The entire film was shot in eight weeks for only $300,000. The Maltese Falcon was, surprisingly, instantly hailed as a film classic, and received an enthusiastic response by both the public and the critics. The New York Herald Tribune critic called it a “triumph”. It surprised Warner Bros. Huston received an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay and, after this film was allowed to direct all his screenplays. In 1942, he directed two more hits: In This Our Life (1942), starring Bette Davis, and Across the Pacific – again with Humphrey Bogart. During World War II, Huston served in the United States Army with the rank of Captain. Controversial, as usual, he directed and produced three films: Report from the Aleutians (1943) about soldiers preparing for combat; The Battle of San Pietro (1945), which was censored, about the failure of America’s intelligence agencies, which resulted in many deaths; and Let There Be Light (1946), about psychologically damaged war veterans – a film censored and banned for 35 years. It was not shown until 1981. Huston was promoted to the rank of Major and received the Legion of Merit award for “courageous work under battle conditions”. The single Huston screenplay (an Anthony Veiller’s rewrite) which he did not direct was The Stranger (1946). He was unavailable. Orson Welles, who played the leading role of a high-ranking Nazi fugitive who settles in New England under an assumed name, directed the film instead. Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of The Last Colonial. The author acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia; The Hustons (1989) by Lawrence Grobel; John Huston: Courage and Art (2011) by Jeffrey Meyers; and An Open Book (1980) by John Huston.
14 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, September 25, 2020
history
Days of overcoming adversity Forgotten facts | Paul C Aranha
The trials we have faced “I had no shoes and I complained ... then I met a man, who had no feet.” (Khalil Gibran, The Prophet) Over the years, there have many life-threatening situations to complain about, yet we are still here, as living proof of the will to survive. In 1648, the lives of the Eleutherian Adventurers were put at risk, when their ship hit a coral reef, and sank, leaving those new Bahamians clinging to life, by the skin of their teeth, until relief arrived from Britain’s 13 North American colonies. Hardly the best way to start a new Colony. Since then, our ancestors battled many setbacks, including yellow fever and cholera, each of which took a lot of lives, a long time before the Coronavirus came on the scene. I have tried, and failed, to find details of HOW we coped with cholera and yellow fever, but all I came up with is reference to the cholera graves, in the Eastern Cemetery; but a friend sent me a photo of protocols, published in England in 1666, about the Great Plague, often called the Black Death. Unfortunately, the cutting is small and the words hard to read but, what I was able to decipher is offered here:
RULES and ORDERS To be observed by all Justices of Peace, Mayors, Bailiffs, and other Officers, for prevention of the spreading of the Infection of the P L A G U E. ________________________________________ Published by His Majesty’s Special Command “That Fires in moveable Pans, or otherwise, be made in all necessary public Meetings in Churches, etc. and convenient Fumes to correct the Air be burnt thereon. That care be taken that no unwholesome Meats, stinking Fish, Flesh, Musty Corn, or any other unwholesome Food be exposed to sale in any Shops or Markets. That no Swine, Dogs, Cats, or tame Pigeons be permitted to pass up and down in Streets, or from house to house, in places infected. That the laws against Inn-Mates be forthwith put into strict execution, and that no more Ale Houses be Licensed than are absolutely necessary in each City or place, especially during the continuance of this present contagion. That each City and Town forthwith provide some convenient place remote from the same, where a pest-house, huts or sheds may be erected, to be in readiness in case any Infection should break out; which if it shall happen to do, That able and faithful Searchers and Examiners be forthwith provided and Sworn to Search all suspected bodies, for the usual
signs of the plague, viz. Swellings or Risings under the Ears or Arm-pits, or upon the Groin, Blains, Carbuncles, or little spots, either on the Breast or back, commonly called Tokens. That if any House be Infected, the sick person or persons be forthwith Removed to the said pesthouse, sheds or huts, for the preservation of the rest of the Family And that such house (though none be dead therein) be shut up for fourty days, and have a Red Cross, and Lord have mercy upon us, in Capital letters, affixed on the door, and Wardens appointed, as well, to find them necessaries as to keep them from conversing with the sound [healthy]. That at the opening of each Infected house (after the expiration of the said Fourty Days) a White Cross be affixed on the said door, there to remain Twenty days more; during which time, or at least before any stranger be suffered to lodge therein. That the said house be well Fumed. Washed and Whited all over, with Lime; and that no Clothes or Householdstuff be removed out of the said house into any other house, for at least Three Months after, unless the person or persons so infected have occasion to change their habitation. That none dying of the plague be buried in Churches, or Church-yards, unless they be large and have a place designed for that use (where other bodies are not usually buried, Boarded and Paled in, Ten Foot High) but in some other convenient place, and that a good quantity of Lime be put into the Grave with such bodies, and that such Graves be not
This weekend in history Friday, September 25 • In 1957, nine Black students who’d been forced to withdraw from Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, because of unruly white crowds were escorted to class by members of the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division. • In 1789, the first United States Congress adopted 12 amendments to the Constitution and sent them to the states for ratification. (Ten of the amendments became the Bill of Rights.) • In 2018, Bill Cosby was sentenced to three to 10 years in state prison for drugging and molesting a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home. Birthdays: Broadcast journalist Barbara Walters is 91. Actor-producer Michael Douglas is 76. Model Cheryl Tiegs is 73.
after opened within the space of a year or more, lest they infect others.” Yet, here we are, developing ever-changing Protocols and giving me, my fellow Bahamians and Residents, reasons to complain - not stopping to think what life would be like, if we had no feet.
Actor Mark Hamill is 69. Actor Heather Locklear is 59. Actor Will Smith is 52. Actor Catherine Zeta-Jones is 51.Actor/rapper Donald Glover (AKA Childish Gambino) is 37. Saturday, September 26 • In 1960, the first-ever debate between presidential nominees took place as Democrat John F Kennedy and Republican Richard Nixon faced off before a national TV audience from Chicago. • In 1777, British troops occupied Philadelphia during the American Revolution. • In 2015, visiting Philadelphia on the final leg of his six-day US trip, Pope Francis extolled America’s founding ideals of liberty and equality while warning that religious freedom was under threat around the globe. Birthdays: Singer Olivia Newton-John is 72. Actor Linda Hamilton is 64. Actor Melissa Sue Anderson is 58. Actor Jim
Caviezel is 52. Singer-actor Christina Milian is 39. Tennis player Serena Williams is 39.Today is Sunday, September 27 • In 1964, the government publicly released the report of the Warren Commission, which concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald had acted alone in assassinating President John F Kennedy. • In 1825, the first locomotive to haul a passenger train was operated by George Stephenson in England. • In 1939, Warsaw, Poland, surrendered after weeks of resistance to invading forces from Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union during World War II. Birthdays: Rock singer Meat Loaf is 73. Singer Shaun Cassidy is 62. Actor Gwyneth Paltrow is 48. Rapper Lil’ Wayne is 38. Singer Avril Lavigne is 36.
The Tribune | Weekend | 15
Friday, September 25, 2020
animals
Not easy being a Shark By KIM ARANHA Animal Matters
Y
ou certainly don’t want to be a shark now days. Apart from being vilified at every turn, you are increasingly at risk whilst unscrupulous people thumb their nose at the conservation laws put in place for their protection. Social media and chat groups have been alive with several different occurrences here in The Bahamas. The first one that caught my attention is a video clip of a man standing ankle deep in water holding two very small, very dead, sharks by the tail claiming that on Marshall Road, Seaside Estates, the collapse of the sea wall is causing sharks to “float in the road”… one shark, upon carful examination of the photo, appears to have a hook in its mouth. The narrator of the clip is seeking assistance because of sharks “floating in to the road”. Hmmmm, these really are “pups” and too small to do much harm, the water behind the man is a considerable area but certainly could not accommodate a shark of any stature. There is no explanation as to who killed them and why, if they were swimming in that extended puddle I would have thought being so small they could have been netted and returned to the sea, They are small enough for him to comfortably hold them both, one in each hand, by the tail and stand there during the filming…I wonder who and why they were killed in the first place? Was there any effort to find out? Second, very alarming was an article on enews about an American family visiting the Abacos on their boat who caught, killed and ate a shark (Tasted just like chicken, smiley face). Photos accompanied the article of a young woman, jubilantly holding a protected Bull shark by the tail. This outrageous behaviour took place at Nunjack Cay, which is a protected cove, a sanctuary for marine life such as sharks, turtles, stingrays, and lots of other precious inhabitants of our sea. Of course the shark was small, can’t imagine she would have had been stupid enough to try that stunt with a big one, and of course they killed it. She further laments missing catching a larger shark the day before that was allegedly eight feet long and then as the story evolves the shark gets bigger. She was so disappointed that the larger shark threw off the hook she had so gleefully thought “had set” and got away. I suppose she was planning on cooking a ten-foot shark for dinner for her family that evening? I personally find it off-putting to hear the delight in her account of “this one was all mine” almost a lustful boast. “It was my first bull shark catch, and it was awesome,” she is quoted saying. What was most awesome? The killing of an endangered species? The struggle to remove it from its natural
habitat? The euphoria of removing an endangered, protected, species, from a protected area? Or the simple joy of blatantly ignoring the law that you never bothered to educate yourself about in the first place? I would love to hear her replies.
They heard the outrage and quickly removed their disgusting report but not before many of us saw it and were shocked and disappointed. When tourists come in to our country by boat, they pay a nominal fee to cruise our waters, and clearly many with a flagrant disregard of our rules and conservation efforts. Obviously there must be stricter laws, we constantly are hearing of this kind of behaviour. There was the couple in the Berry Islands ignoring quarantine, there was the disgraceful affair on Hog Cay with boaters who killed and ate a protected whistling duck The Bahamas have limited resources to make money from, we have virtually no manufacturing and we have little to export or sell: But we have our marine life, our beaches and those amazing animals that patrol our shores. How can we take their existence so casually? It is imperative that foreign vessels are well versed in our laws and customs, They need to be charged higher fees for cruising permits, there needs to be control, and vigilance and stricter penalties. People come and visit The Bahamas and basically in many instances do precisely what the want to. The almighty dollar is king. Extraordinarily these same visitors are frequently those who are bringing in the least money to our country yet we walk on eggshells and try not to confront them. If we allow them to plunder our natural resources, there will be nothing more for them to come and see, it won’t bother them any, they will just move on to other shores, find another country where abuse is ignored and we, will sit, isolated through our own inaction, a little country who could have, but didn’t, and suddenly it will be too late.
PET OF THE WEEK
been thinking of adopting a senior dog? (No puppy training involved!) Sheba might be your match. Come in to meet her or call the BHS at 323-5138 for more information. Sheba looks forward to meeting you.
Looking for an old friend? BY THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY
S
heba is an older potcake looking for that perfect spot to rest her head. This lanky lady gets along well with her paddock mates at the Bahamas Humane Society but really might prefer a one-onone situation. She’s outgoing
Patricia Vazquez and friendly with adults but would prefer to have no young children around her. Have you
The BHS Thrift Shop is now back to its regular days! Wed/ Thurs/Fri 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wear your mask. Bring your bag. Please leave your children at home! We are allowed only limited numbers inside, so please bear with us if you are asked to wait a bit. We look forward to seeing you! Gently used donations always gratefully accepted.