10042019 WEEKEND

Friday, October 4, 2019

art books film fashion music food gardening puzzles history animals

Weekend

RUNWAY FOR RELIEF Page 17

In full bloom

Designer hits mark for Housewives’ Eva

page 7

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 4, 2019

art

New group auctions art to assist hurricane fundraising

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

I

n the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, many organisations, individuals and local businesses are combining efforts to do what they can to provide relief to those who were affected by the monster storm.

One such organisation is the a newly formed group of visual artists called the Alleviate Art Foundation. These artists have banded together to host an art auction in support of the ongoing relief efforts for Abaco and Grand Bahama.

The Alleviate auction will take place this Sunday at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas from 6pm to 9 pm.

Although there is no entry cost, organisers are urging the public to bring donations to further assist with the group’s efforts.

Alleviate members include Victor Johnson, Philece Roberts, Renee Caeser, Ivanna Gaitor, Dyah Neilson, Tessa Whitehead and Jodi Minnis.

“We’ve been working for a few weeks now and are looking forward to becoming a non-profit organisation with this mandate,” said Jodi.

Through the new foundation, various artists were asked to donate artwork understanding that 100 percent of the proceeds from sales will be donated to various non-profit organisations already leading the charge. As the group’s name indicates, Jodi said the goal is to alleviate some of the fundraising stress of others non-profits.

The pieces to be auctioned off will be representative of each artist’s style so there will be a wide range of work to choose from.

Art by Kya Nguyen

Art by Justin Moultrie

Art by Dyah Neilson Participating artists in the Alleviate auction include Dyah Neilson, Philece Roberts, Jalan Harris, Justin Moultrie, Tamika Galanis, Anina Major, Nowé Harris Smith, Kya Nguyen, Trevor Tucker, Thierry Lamare, Montez Kerr, and others.

“I thought about the number of artists living and working in Grand Bahama and Abaco. I considered their studio spaces and how they are a part of the community and how the community should come together for them. A very informal call was posted on Facebook a few weeks ago and it grew into this,” Jodi told Tribune Weekend.

She said the number of works to be exhibited is still

growing as more and more artists are donating. The organisation has acquired photographs, paintings, drawings and sculptures.

“Carissa Rho donated a clay sculpture of a snail, but if you look closely the eyes resemble fingers. Dyah Neilson donated a small acrylic on canvas painting of a man appearing to be underwater amongst coral and seashells. The expression evokes an uncomfortableness.

I look forward to all of the work being sold. As well as other artists coming on board so that we are able to have an ongoing flow of resources as disaster relief is ongoing,” said Jodi.

The Tribune | Weekend | 03

Friday, October 4, 2019

Inside Weekend

My perfect Bahamian weekend Kim Clarke Motivational Speaker

Interview 4 - 5 Keysha Edwards Taylor talks about her mother’s cultural legacy and how she is carrying it on in her own unique way

Fashion 7, 17 Celebrity couturier Theodore Elyett outfits Eva Marcille for maternity shoot, plus “Runway for Relief II” fundraiser to aid those impacted by Hurricane Dorian

Food 8 - 9 Atlantis beckons local diners with EAT culinary festival

Gardening 10 Jack Hardy on the start of the cooler season

Music 11, 14 - 15 Bahamian and Caribbean artists rock hurricane relief concert, plus sultry songstress debuts new song in New York

Books 12 - 13 Age ain’t nothing by a number for local author Fay Knowles, plus new releases hitting shelves this week

Celebrity 16 The fashion wows and faux pas at the ‘Maleficent’ premiere

Film 17 Is Joaquin Phoenix’s ‘Joker’ just a joke or a new iconic villain?

Calendar 19 Things to do around town this weekend

Forgotten Facts 21 The Bahamas Historic Society turns 60, celebrates with open house

Literary Lives 23 - 25 Sir Christopher Ondaatje continues with one of Roald Dahl’s darker short stories combining black humour and sexual retribution

Puzzles 26

Animals 27 Happy moments in times of tragedy, plus Pet of the Week

Cover | Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography

Q

: Saturday breakfast or Sunday lunch?

“Sunday lunch, because I take advantage of this day to spoil myself and have a meal with my friends and/or family members. Sunday isn’t a work day. That means you can eat whenever you want. What other day of the week can you sleep until noon and then head off for a fabulous lunch?”

Q Q Q Q

: Wine, Kalik, rum or cocktail?

This weekend in history

• In 1951, the MGM movie musical “An American in Paris,” starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, had its US premiere in New York.

• In 1957, the Space Age began as the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first

: Beach or sofa?

“Absolutely the beach... the calming sounds of the waves and the beautiful view.”

: What could you not do without?

“I cannot live without God and my family, because they have shaped and moulded me into the person I am today.”

: Weekend away: where would you go?

“I would go to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Mona Lisa at the Musée du Louvre and to walk around and eat some really good bread and drink some wine.”

artificial satellite, into orbit.

• In 1970, rock singer Janis Joplin, 27, was found dead in her Hollywood hotel room.

• In 1990, for the first time in nearly six decades, German lawmakers met in the Reichstag for the first meeting of reunified Germany’s parliament.

Today’s birthdays: Author Anne Rice is 78. Actress Susan Sarandon is 73. Actor Christoph Waltz is 63. Singer Jon Secada is 58. Actor Liev Schreiber is 52.

Actor Abraham Benrubi is 50.

Actress Alicia Silverstone is 43.

NBA All-Star Derrick Rose is 31.

Actress Dakota Johnson is 30.

October 5

October 4

“Definitely wine. I love all wines – red, white, rosé, sparkling dessert, sweet sake, fruit, even nonalcoholic versions.”

• In 1947, President Harry S Truman delivered the first televised White House address as he spoke on the world food crisis.

• In 1984, the space shuttle Challenger blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center on an eightday mission; the crew included Kathryn D Sullivan, who became the first American woman to walk in space, and Marc Garneau, the first Canadian astronaut.

(The shuttle disintegrated after launch in January 1986, killing all seven astronauts on board.)

Today’s birthdays: Actress Glynis Johns is 96. Astrophysicist-author Neil deGrasse Tyson is 61. Actor Guy Pearce is 52. Actress Josie Bissett is 49. Actress Kate Winslet is 44. Actor Jesse Eisenberg is 36.

October 6

• In 1536, English theologian and scholar William Tyndale, who was the first to translate the Bible into Early Modern English, was executed for heresy.

• In 1892, British poet laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson died in Surrey, England, at age 83.

• In 1939, in a speech to the Reichstag, German Chancellor Adolf Hitler spoke of his plans to reorder the ethnic layout of Europe — a plan which would entail settling the “Jewish problem.”

Today’s birthdays: Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Dungy is 64.

Actress Elisabeth Shue is 56.

Actress Emily Mortimer is 48.

– The Associated Press

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 4, 2019

inteview

The daughter of a Bahamian cultural icon, this mother-of-three is determined to uphold her mother’s legacy and emulate her special essence. She tells Cara Hunt about her latest music project, a record to help to refresh the soul.

Keysha Edwards Taylor

K

eysha Edwards Taylor has music coursing through her veins. Her mother, Kayla Lockhart Edwards, was a renowned singer who spent more than three decades promoting Bahamian culture through song and performance.

And although she is no longer with us, Kayla left a strong musical legacy behind in her daughter and grandchildren.

Keysha is a talented musician in her own right. For the past 25 years she has used her talents in the gospel music arena in particular.

Additionally, under her stage name Musicvessel Love, she has also been featured as a guest singer for the jazz band Pure State Band out of Miramar, Florida Keysha is now an award nominee Christian/Gospel artist.

“My mother’s influence in my life is colossal,” Keysha told Tribune Weekend.

“My mother had a style of her own... I want to and strive to emulate that essence...In every area of my life I want to resonate that essence. I may not sing like her, but I know and feel and believe in that way, and it is to glorify God in every way.”

“Musically, her influence was deep.

She was unwavering in her encouragement for my musical training in my formative years. As my technique and education grew, she would challenge me and lovingly push me to do greater and become the best at what I was doing. I was always eager to hear her ideas and implement them in my learning, performing and ministry.”

She added that her mother had a special essence that endeared itself to everyone who heard her perform.

“My mother had a style of her own, and I marvelled at how she could capture the audience’s attention and give them the most excellent experience they could possibly encounter. I want to and strive to emulate that essence. I call it the ‘Kaylan essence’. It is a way of excellence, love, creativity, and power,” she said.

“In every area of my life I want to resonate that essence. I may not sing like her, but I know and feel and

believe in that way, and it is to glorify God in every way.”

Growing up, Keysha’s passion was playing the piano, something her father introduced her to. She started lessons at the age of five and also dabbles in guitar music.

From the age of 14, Keysha has been accompanying church choirs and song services and composing love songs. Growing up, she said, she listened to a wide variety of music.

“Mostly classical and jazz music was played in our home. I played mostly classical music and hymns when I was growing up. My musical influences are Chopin, Debussy, Brahms. We also listened to Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, The Commodores, Michael Jackson, and of course, all the Bahamian greats at that time in the 70s and 80s and 90s,” she said.

After graduating from Queen’s College High School in 1987, Keysha went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Piano Performance at the University of Miami in 1993.

The Tribune | Weekend | 05

Friday, October 4, 2019

“I have played just about every genre out there except Asian music. I have not experienced learning any African songs either. I would like to learn it and incorporate it into my already ‘potcake’ musical style.”

Soon after graduating from university, Keysha married Charles Taylor from Macon, Georgia.

And just as it was in her childhood home, music is indispensable in her family today.

Keysha’s mother, the late Kayla Lockhart Edwards who was recognised as a cultural icon.

In 1998, after the birth of their first child, the couple became very involved in the music ministry in their church. Keysha has served as music director, produced two praise and worship workshops, written an Easter narrative play, and helped put together outreach concerts during the Christmas and Easter seasons.

As a woman of many talents, including dance, sewing and art, Keysha has also been able to teach piano privately from within their home. At the end of each school year, the students at Keysha’s piano studio enjoy performing for their parents in an intimate recital held at her home. When possible, other artists and musicians in the community are invited to attend.

She and her husband have three children – Chakeyra, Kiana and Caleb.

“My children are all musically inclined. They can sing and dance.

We have a daughter who is a singer, writer and dancer, choreographer, and a son who is a prolific drummer and plays the trumpet. Our eldest daughter can sing as well and writes piano music. Music is the lifeblood in our home. It is always playing in our home. My husband can sing and writes beautiful songs. We are always listening to varying styles to continue to appreciate all genres,” said Keysha.

“I have played just about every genre out there except Asian music.

I have not experienced learning any African songs either. I would like to learn it and incorporate it into my already ‘potcake’ musical style.”

Keysha’s latest project is called “Piano Works”, introduced this August.

“It is a compilation of piano creations gathered over a period of many years. I have been presenting these songs over the years as music to meditate, relax, refresh and ease the soul. They have helped me even when I play them for my own personal enjoyment. The songs are very simple with classical undertones. The sound is simple in a unique way.”

Keysha added that her plan is to share “Piano Works” in private settings in her community.

“Of course the album is being streamed on all digital platforms and available for download. As ‘Piano Works’ continues to thrive, I plan to make an intense effort in arranging, recording and releasing the next project which is entitled ‘The LITE’ (The Living In Truth Experience).

This is a collection of songs that I have written for praise and worship over the last 23 years. Its theme is that we live on purpose, we are driven to be free and God is at the centre of it all.”

While Keysha has partnered with many different artists, she says her dream list of musical collaborators would include David Foster, Quincy Jones, Fred Hammond, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin and Hans Zimmer.

“This is a wide scope of genres. I chose them because they are writers at their core, and they understand the life of music. They can hear so many other musical nuances and ideas that the average ear does not hear. I think I would take my musicianship to another level,” she said.

06 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 4, 2019

The Tribune | Weekend | 07

Friday, October 4, 2019

fashion

Celebrity couturier Theodore Elyett outfits Eva Marcille for maternity shoot

J

Local designer Theodore Elyett continues to flex his couturier skills with his newest reveal: ‘The Garden of Eva’, a maternity shoot for American actress, fashion model and television personality Eva Marcille.

Photos/Stanley Babb/Stanlo Photography

ust three months after outfitting multi-awardwinning recording artist Michelle Williams, Theodore Elyett shows no signs of slowing down. The fashion maestro recently outfitted American actress, fashion model and television personality Eva Marcille in a custom chartreuse gown for her maternity shoot with the theme “The Garden of Eva.” The look, captured by Bahamian photographer Stanley Babb of Stanlo Photography, quickly became a social media sensation. Images of the gown appeared on the popular blog bravotv.com and amassed more than 448,000 Instagram Fashion designer Theodore likes on sites like The Shade Elyett Room and Fashion Bomb Daily. was a simple situation thanks Surrounded by an orchard to the most amazing team of flowers including roses and ever.” the star’s favourite – sunflowMarcille gave birth to her ers – the “Real Housewives of son, Maverick Sterling, her Atlanta” cast member cradled second child with husband her baby bump in the whimsiMichael Sterling on Septemcal gown. The design features ber 27, just nine days after a sweetheart neckline, merrevealing the jaw-dropping maid skirt with a thigh-high maternity images. split and dramatic five-foot “Eva was a joy to work with silk and ruffle train accented and the perfect muse for my with draped neck detail. design. It was my pleasure “I sent Eva a sketch and she to create everlasting memofell in love with it,” said Mr ries with such a talented and Elyett. “She said ‘yes’ to the dress, and that’s how we ended amazing team. The shoot was a seamless and inspirational up shooting together.” experience, and I hope that we On her Instagram post of can work together even more the image, Eva commented: in the future,” said Mr Elyett.

“So I decided to go ahead and “The Garden of Eva” marks have a little maternity shoot. the designer’s second celebrity You know what they say third maternity shoot this year. In time is a charm so, welcome to the Garden of Eva. It really February, he dressed Marcille’s

fellow “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member Porsha Williams for her maternity shoot held during her babymoon in the Bahamas.

Marcille first caught the public’s attention by winning of the third cycle of “America’s Next Top Model” in 2004, beating fellow contestant Yaya DaCosta. Her prizes included a CoverGirl cosmetics contract, a spread in Elle, and a modelling contract with Ford Models.

She has appeared on the cover of Brides Noir, Women’s Health and Fitness, King, IONA, and Essence.

Marcille has also gueststarred on several series on UPN and The CW Network.

Her guest-star credits include two episodes of “Kevin Hill”, one episode of “Smallville”, one episode of “Everybody Hates Chris”, and one episode of “The Game” as herself.

In 2008, she joined the cast of “The Young and the Restless” as a young mother named Tyra Hamilton. After a few months, her character, who was planned to be temporary was made permanent. In 2009, she was nominated for two NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series for her Y&R role but did not win.

In August 2017, Marcille competed in the first season of VH1’s “Scared Famous”. She joined season 10 of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” as a friend of Nene Leakes and was promoted to a full-time cast member in 2018 for season 11.

08 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 4, 2019

food

Bringing something new to the table

Atlantis invites Bahamians to experience its culinary evolution during EAT

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

F

or the next fortnight, foodies will get the chance to experience firsthand what Atlantis is calling its culinary evolution.

Menus have changed and themed nights have been added for the “Extraordinary Taste at Atlantis” (EAT) culinary festival, now in its second year of featuring specially chef-curated menus offered at fixed rates across 14 restaurants at the Paradise Island property.

This past Sunday, EAT rolled out its offerings with a celebratory brunch at both the Poseidon’s Table and Mosaic buffet restaurants In an interview with Tribune Weekend, Chef Thomas Lunn at Mosaic said he was excited to welcome brunch lovers with a wide selection of treats.

“You can get your breakfast as well as dinner servings here at brunch. You can still have your omelettes made, pancakes and waffles, as well as a

selection of lamb chops, steaks, salmon, macaroni, crack conch, snappers, loaded mashed potato, and more for everyone to enjoy. We have persons coming after church, persons coming to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, and more here at Mosaic just to get away from the home,” he said.

He describes the buffet as a “fine dinning experience” due to the selection of food that is available in small portions, which allows guests to have their meals cooked-to -order.

“Nothing is cold, everything is hot for every time you leave your seat, grab a plate and start again; you will get it fresh,” said Chef Lunn.

For those overwhelmed by the abundance of options, Andres Edgecombe, executive chef at the Cove and the Reef offered the following advice: “It’s best to start at the salad bar where we have Mediterranean influenced salads, then journey down to a soup where

we have conch chowder and pumpkin soup. After that, you can get into anything from sushi, or something heavier such as rack of lamb, grilled chicken, steak, salmon or steam snapper.

“Right now we are at a reduced price as we experience EAT at Atlantis, and we want to bring our locals in to dine with us. We made the menu specifically to attract to local and Caribbean cuisine (lovers). If you’re seafood or meat lover, Mosaic is the place for you. We always think of what our customers are asking for and we base our menu on that,” said Chef Edgecombe.

According to EAT organisers, these Sunday brunches were only to whet the appetite for what’s to come, as Monday, September 30, kicked off the two-week festival; “a taste of the restaurants” – 14 to be exact – until October 13.

“Based on the experience from last year’s first annual EAT, we have had a lot of Bahamian participation, especially in our signature restaurants at a better price point. What we found was that it was a much easier way for them to come back into

The Tribune | Weekend | 09

Friday, October 4, 2019

Photos/Alesha Cadet/Atlantis Atlantis. Atlantis was really previously, before EAT, not their chosen destination.

However, during the EAT programming we made (the resort’s restaurants) available to a lot more people,” said Sean O’Connell, general manager and vice president of Culinary Operations at Atlantis, Paradise Island.

He and his team studied patterns of where and when people came to eat.

“We did this for such a long period of time. And this year we actually consolidated (EAT) for two weeks.

We were originally going to kick-off with Paradise Plates, but with the Paradise Plates’ postponement due to the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian we were unable to do that. We didn’t want to postpone EAT because we wanted to get back to some sort of normalcy and also advertise to locals and international guests, and let persons know that we are open for business, please come and join us,” said Mr O’Connell.

He said the team also took note of feedback at places like Poseidon’s Table, which is considered the less “fancy” buffet by many Bahamians.

To shake things up at bit for EAT, he said Poseidon’s Table is now a bit more lively, the brunch experience has been overhauled and the dinner menu is fresh and new.

“We also added two themed nights: a Junkanoo night on Tuesday which is mainly geared towards in-house guests that were looking for a Bahamian experience; as well as a Caribbean Fish Fry on Fridays not only for in-house guests, but also for locals to come in and enjoy a themed dinner at a reasonable price,” said Mr O’Connell.

He believes EAT is a great way to experience the evolution that has been going on at Atlantis over the last few years.

“We’ve got new chefs, as well as local team members that have developed and have been sent abroad to train. EAT is a celebration of

Chef Thomas Lunn at Mosaic everything they are bringing back to the table. So that is a good way to experience the á la carte. You come in and you get the four courses for $55 and and three courses for $35, and then you have an option to pair that with wine, so it is a great way to dine, relax and just experience,” said Mr O’Connell.

This Saturday, EAT will feature the ultimate “Party in the Village” at the resort’s picturesque Marina Village.

The party will feature an extravaganza of food from select Marina Village restaurants, as well as beer, wine and spirits coupled with the pulsating sounds of Junkanoo, live music, local artists and artisans.

“This year we have also made the ‘Party In the Village’ bigger. We have expanded all over Marina Village – in front of Murray’s, the Pizzeria, and then all the way down to Carmine’s. We added more booths, entertainment, and now we are adding more food stalls so you can come in and get just the beverage package for one price at $35, or you can get beverage and food for $55. You will get a nice coloured wrist band that tells you what it is, which makes it nice and simple. You can participate in the festival, enjoy the live bands and Junkanoo, or go into one of the restaurants and enjoy a prix fixe menu. It is totally up to you,” said Mr O’Connell.

10 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 4, 2019

gardening

A cooler season October is the time when the cool and dry months set in, says Jack Hardy

B

y the end of the month we should be able to plant seeds for virtually all our garden crops but until then we need to hold back on some vegetables that are distinct cool weather lovers such as garden peas and the more delicate Scallions are better than onions when it comes to lettuce varieties. making dishes like egg salad and chicken salad.

But we have another factor in play. The active part of our hurricanes season – besides twice, as with Frances and made with scallions rather spawning the most the most Jeanne. than onions. Egg salad and intense Atlantic hurricane in The mainstream vegetables chicken salad are examples. I history – has produced a great such as tomatoes, peppers, like to grow scallions in circunumber of tropical deprescabbages, cucumbers and lar dishes, spaced two inches sions. During September we squash can be planted this apart. They grow fast and experienced many cool and produce sturdy stems. You cloudy days brought on by low month. In addition we can also start snap beans, radishes, gave a choice when it comes pressure systems and it looks spinach, and some lettuce. I to harvesting, You can pull as though this may continue would suggest the first lettuce scallions roots and all or cut through October. The home you plant be Simpson black through the bulbous part and gardener can weigh up the seeded, a tasty and vigorous leave the roots. New shoots situation and take advantage open-leaf variety that gives will grow from these. As long by planting advantageously. good returns. as you allow some of your The tomatoes I planted in I would avoid sowing scallions to seed your pot – or early August were destroyed eggplant at this time of year. garden area – will be replenby Hurricane Dorian along I have found that eggplants ished throughout the season. with everything else. Half produce much better when Chives are like skinny scala dozen had already been sown in January and February. lions and can be raised in the transplanted to gallon pots. If Sown now they may grow in same way. Two inches apart I had them right now I would healthy fashion but are relucmy sound like too much but be tempted to transplant them tant to bear fruit in the coldest avoid crowing your chives. If into the ground early and let months of the year. sown closer together than two them be watered by rain from Do not ignore scallions. inches the stems will remain tropical depressions. KnowThese are extremely reliable slender and tend to flop over ing my luck this year another producers and are invaluable rather than grow erect. An hurricane will come along additions to the kitchen. So eight to ten-inch pot of chives and thwart my hopes. Unlike lightning, hurricanes can strike many dishes taste better when will appear to last forever. In

reality, the pot is refreshed by seeds from the dry flowers.

Use a good potting mix for both scallions and chives.

Korean kimchi has a popular following and daikon radishes – the main ingredient in kimchi – is a vegetable you may wish to grow. The problem with daikon is that it grows so large and long. Few gardens in the Bahamas have the depth of soil necessary to accommodate them. The solution for kimchi-loving gardeners is to use containers.

A five-gallon bucket can be drilled with holes for drainage and filled with potting mix.

Sow three seeds spaced apart for the initial harvest. More than three daikon radishes in a pot may be excessive but you can experiment once you have harvested the first crop.

Some gardeners consider the Fall feeding of fruit and citrus trees as the most

important of the year. It provides sustenance in early winter when trees such as mangoes bud and flower and helps guarantee a successful crop.

The standard feeding practice is to soak the ground around the base of each tree with five gallons of water to which two or three teaspoons of Sequestrene 138 chelated iron powder has been added.

This may not seem like very much iron but it is enough. In addition to providing the necessary element the presence of iron in the soil acts as a kind of catalyst for the other elements. Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, for instance, tend to get tied up in heavily alkaline soils and iron assists in releasing their potential.

The main fertilizer should be applied in the form of stakes. Fertilizer stakes are very handy because they release their nutrients slowly but surely. A circle of stakes around the dripline will encourage root expansion.

The number of stakes you use depends upon the size of the fruit tree you are dealing with. All you do is read the label and hammer in the right number of stakes.

The final part of the feeding process is to use a long-throw sprayer to apply minor nutrients to the leaves. Add a squirt of liquid soap to the solution and that will encourage the liquid to sheet and stick to the leaves.

If your Annonas – soursop, sugar apple, et cetera – have stopped producing for the year you can give the branches a good pruning. Annonas bear fruits on new branches so pruning guarantees fruit for next year. If now is not the time you can prune your trees in January or February.

• For queries and comments e-mail jacktribune242@ gmail.com

The Tribune | Weekend | 11

Friday, October 4, 2019

music

Sultry singer debuts new song in New York

Bahamian artist uses occasion to shine a light on hurricane victims

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

N

o matter where they are in the world, Bahamians abroad have been touched in a major way by the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian. Many of them have also been doing what they can to shine a light on the plight of those affected.

Bahamian performer Kamilah Gibson, who currently resides in New York, has been keeping her family, friends and her country close in her heart and in her mind. While celebrating the launch of her new single at the Rockwood Music Hall in Manhattan, Kamilah used it as an opportunity to bring attention to the needs of Abaco and Grand Bahama.

“I wanted to celebrate the release of the new single and build anticipation for the forthcoming releases. It was also important for me to use my platform as a way to bring attention to the survivors of Hurricane Dorian in Abaco and Grand Bahama. I used part of my set to talk about the relief efforts and we held a moment of silence for everyone still struggling as a result of the storm and for those who lost their lives. I’m hoping to do more in future shows,” she told Tribune Weekend.

Kamilah partnered with Bahamian artist Angelica Wallace-Whitfield who designed ‘Hope Is A Weapon: Bahamas Strong’ shirts that were sold at the show. All proceeds will go to those affected by the storm.

The show at the Rockwood Music Hall has a capacity of 200 audience members and therefore presented the perfect setting for Kamilah.

“We had around 120 attendees, which for such an intimate space is pretty great. There were quite a few Bahamians in attendance too, which is always awesome,” she said.

During the showcase Kamilah performed with a live band: Torna (electric guitar), Tariq Al Sabir (Grand Piano), Lex Sadler (bass), David Frazier (drums), Taj Sapp (background

vocals), Kola Rai (background vocals), Rachel Winder (saxaphone and flute).

She performed seven original songs – some from the forthcoming project – and the new single “Dangerous”.

Written by Kamilah, produced by New York-based Torna and coproduced with Tariq Al-Sabir, the song deals with contradictory feelings when you are in love, but

Singer/songwriter Kamilah Gibson

intuition, and everyone around says it’s a bad idea and things will likely end in heartbreak.

“The crowd was very attentive. I could feel the focused energy, which I really appreciated. After I talked about Hurricane Dorian and our road to relief and recovery the room was pin-drop silent, which at a busy bar is often difficult to accomplish. We all took a couple of collective deep breaths before I went back into the set and people obliged happily. They were dancing by the end of the show too, which always feels great. We were really in it together, sharing space for the hour and that is pretty incredible,” the singer said.

Kamilah said she has been fortunate to work with a group of musicians who help make her shows events to always remember.

“We work so well together. I intentionally curate the players so we end up with a group who each see the gig as more than just another job. I could feel that in the live performance. I feel so lucky to be able to play with such amazing artists. The crowd was also amazing. Again, I really appreciated their attentiveness, especially when I shared some information about Hurricane Dorian. Everyone seemed connected, which can feel hard to accomplish sometimes. They truly came along for the ride. As an artist, that kind of engagement is so meaningful,” she sad, Kamilah is a vocalist, guitarist and songwriter currently based in Brooklyn. Her forthcoming debut project, “Learning Curve”, slated for release in November 2019, is a blend of genres and influences ranging from jazz and R&B to pop/rock.

The project is a recollection of and reflection on life experiences, exploring thought-provoking topics like colourism and masculinity through a honeyed soundscape.

12 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 4, 2019

books

New releases hitting shelves this week • Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky

(mystery/thriller) Single mother Kate Reese is on the run.

Determined to improve life for her and her son, Christopher, she flees an abusive relationship in the middle of the night with Christopher at her side.

Together, they find themselves drawn to the tightknit community of Mill Grove, Pennsylvania. It’s as far off the beaten track as they can get. Just one highway in, one highway out.

At first, it seems like the perfect place to finally settle down. Then Christopher vanishes. For six awful days, no one can find him. Until Christopher emerges from the woods at the edge of town, unharmed but not unchanged. He returns with a voice in his head only he can hear, with a mission only he can complete: Build a tree house in the woods by Christmas, or his mother and everyone in the town will never be the same again. Soon Kate and Christopher find themselves in the fight of their lives, caught in the middle of a war playing out between good and evil, with their small town as the battleground.

• Rebel by Marie Lu (young adult) Respect the legend. Idolise the prodigy. Celebrate the champion. But never underestimate the rebel. New York Times–bestselling author Marie Lu plunges readers back into the unforgettable world of “Legend” for the grand finale.

Eden Wing has been living in his brother’s shadow for years. Even though he’s a top student at his academy in Ross City, Antarctica, and a brilliant inventor, most people know him only as Daniel Wing’s little brother. A decade ago, Daniel was known as Day, the boy from the streets who led a revolution that saved the Republic of America. But Day is no longer the same young man who was once a national hero.

These days he’d rather hide out from the world and leave his past behind. All that matters to him now is keeping Eden safe―even if that also means giving up June, the great love of Daniel’s life.

As the two brothers struggle to accept who they’ve each become since their time in the Republic, a new

danger creeps into the distance that’s grown between them. Eden soon finds himself drawn so far into Ross City’s dark side, even his legendary brother can’t save him.

• The Man Who Played with Fire: Stieg Larsson’s Lost Files and the Hunt for an Assassin by Jan Stocklassa (biography)

When Stieg Larsson died, the author of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” had been working on a true mystery that out-twisted his Millennium novels: the assassination on February 28, 1986, of Olof Palme, the Swedish prime minister. It was the first time in history that a head of state had been murdered without a clue who’d done it—and on a Stockholm street at point-blank range.

Internationally known for his fictional far-right villains, Larsson was well acquainted with their real-life counterparts and documented extremist activities throughout the world. For years he’d been amassing evidence that linked their terrorist acts to what he called “one of the most astounding murder cases” he’d ever covered. Larsson’s archive was forgotten until journalist Jan Stocklassa was given exclusive access to the author’s secret project.

Stocklassa collects the pieces of Larsson’s truecrime puzzle to follow the trail of intrigue, espionage, and conspiracy begun by one of the world’s most famous thriller writers. Together they set out to solve a mystery that no one else could.

The Tribune | Weekend | 13

Friday, October 4, 2019

books

Age ain't nothing but a number

Local author continues to pursue her passion at 75

L

ocal author Fay Knowles started writing at age nine and now at 75 years old she said she doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon. She has just released her fifth book, “Moonbeams from the Soul: A Collection of Fourteen Provocative Short Stories”, available on Amazon as an e-book and in paperback. From wild temptations to dangerous decisions, “Moonbeams from the Soul” is an eclectic assortment of thoughtprovoking short stories.

“Eager for more from this author!” stated an Amazon fivestar review of “Moonbeams from the Soul”. The review continued: “What a marvellous collection of stories. They will reel you in, entertain and refresh you, and have you eager to go on to the next one.”

“Moonbeams” is Fay’s second book of short stories. The first was “Sunbeams from the Heart: A Collection of Twelve Romantic Short Stories”. The Lady magazine based in London and wrote about one of Fay’s short stories in “Sunbeams”, first published in magazine: “Hugely popular…Charming and surprising!”

“Sunbeams from the Heart” made Amazon’s top 100 paid best-sellers’ list, next to Stephen King’s “Hearts in Atlantis” in the Best-Sellers in Literary Short Stories category.

It was also in the top 100 paid best-sellers’ list in the Literature & Fiction/Short Stories category alongside Agatha Christie’s “Miss Marple - The Complete Short Stories”.

Talking about her work, Fay quoted New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman: “Short stories are tiny windows into other worlds and other minds and other dreams.

They are journeys you can make to the far side of the universe and still be back in time for dinner.”

Fay’s short stories have also appeared in The Broadkill Review based in Delaware.

Author Fay Knowles

“Moonbeams from the Soul” is Fay’s latest book.

Other books by Fay Knowles are “Love at Sunset: A Romantic Suspense” (Book One in her Buchanan Mystery Romance Series); “The Scottish Connection: A Journey Back”, a mini memoir, and a writer’s guide, “How to Be the Best Writer Ever”, all available on Amazon.

Fay is currently working on a new novel, “Oleanders End”, which will be her sixth book and Book Two in her Buchanan Mystery Romance Series. “With ‘Oleanders End’,” she said, “there are some mysterious deaths and lots of romance.”

Fay said her training as a newspaper reporter in her teens gave her much food for thought when it came to writing suspense. And she attributed her bright style, engaging characterisation and descriptive scenes to having moved around a lot as a child (Scotland, Australia and England) and travelling abroad when she became an adult. Her father was in the Australian Air Force during the Second World War. He met her WRAF mother in

Scotland, where they married and where Fay was born.

At age 20, Fay emigrated to Canada by ship, and then to avoid a Canadian winter, travelled by Greyhound coach from Toronto to Miami and flew to Nassau, where she intended to stay for only three months. However, she met her husband Erskine, a Long Islander, a month later and they were married the next year. Apart from several years living twice in the UK with her husband and sons, she said she has actually lived in the Bahamas more years than anywhere else.

“Moonbeams from the Soul” can be purchased online as an e-book and in paperback; or people can ask their favourite local bookstore to place an order for them.

For more information on books

by Fay Knowles go to amazon.com/ author/fayknowles and fayknowles. blogspot.com. Also, follow her on Instagram @faykwrites to get a free e-book.

“Sunbeams from the Heart” was Fay’s first successful short story collection.

16 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 4, 2019

celebrity

FAIL

HIT

HIT

FAIL

SPLIT

Angelina Jolie ’Maleficent’

Elle Fanning ’Princess Aurora’

Michelle Pfeiffer ’Queen Ingrith’

Heidi Klum, model

Bebe Rexha, theme song singer

Karin says: “I guess she was still in character for this red carpet. I know black is basically her signature colour these days, but I wish she’d switch it up a bit. Or if she has to go with a black dress then a least not one that looks like it’s made with garbage bags.

Cara says: “OK, my very first thought was this is just a designer garbage bag with a little sparkle. I’m really not feeling it that much, although I do like her scorpion pins.

I thought maybe it was a nod to her Zodiac sign, but no, apparently she’s a Gemini.”

Karin says: “Everyone was true to character for this premiere! I’ve been on a whimsical kick lately so this romantic looking gown really appeals to me. The vines and the flowers might even be a nod to Sleeping Beauty’s fate?

Either way, it’s pretty. But that yellow blonde hair has got to go. It clashes horribly.”

Cara says: “She does look like a fairy-tale princess in this dress. Very cute and on-theme for the event. We’ve started seeing more of these playful, really feminine and fancy dresses at the big events and I’m really liking the trend.”

Karin says: “The dress is gorgeous. The cut is extremely flattering; very classic. The soft red satin with the blue velvet belt is a great colour combo for her. But I have to raise concern: that hair. It’s too limp. She needed an updo with this look.”

Cara says: “I really love the colour combo. It’s a simple look, but that pop of the colour at the waist just adds enough contrast to make it interesting. Belts rarely work on evening gowns, but it does here, and saves it from being boring.”

Karin says: “Heidi is showing us that women can still be extremely sexy at 46, and right she is. The problem is she’s doing it by wearing dresses suited to clueless young rock band groupies. Seriously, this would not have looked out of place on a contestant of VH-1’s ‘Rock of Love’ reality show. It seems desperate.”

Cara says: “Forget the evil witch, Heidi is just the tacky queen. I really think Heidi needs a prize for consistently just being a miss...or a hot mess in most cases. I really don’t like most things she wears these days.”

Karin says: “What it is with all these celebs wearing clingy, hot, sweaty velvet lately?

Well, this dress is just OK; a bit boring. But she pulls it off; even the high slit and resultant ruching of the material. I’m not crazy about it, but it will do, I suppose.”

Cara says: “I’m really getting Marilyn Monroe vibes with Bebe’s outfit and loving it. I think it’s my favourite of the night. It’s a bit cheeky, but still elegant enough. I also really like the bling she chose. A longer necklace might have not worked.”

Photos/Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

The Weekend Fashion Report Karin Herig ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ Premiere With and Cara Hunt

The Tribune | Weekend | 17

Friday, October 4, 2019

fashion

'Runway For Relief' returns in wake of Dorian

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

T

HE work of 11 fashion designers will be exhibited during this weekend’s “Runway for Relief II” fundraiser to aid those impacted by Hurricane Dorian.

It is the brainchild of former Miss Bahamas World Chantel O’Brian who is presenting the fashion event for the second time. Runway for Relief will be held at Diamonds International on Sunday. Doors open at 7pm for cocktails and showtime is at 8pm.

The former pageant queen told Tribune Weekend that “Runway to Relief” was her initial response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Joaquin back in October 2015.

Unfortunately, Chantel had to resurrect her “Runway to Relief” mission after Dorian ripped through Abaco and Grand Bahama, leaving hundreds for homes flattened and seeing many lives lost. “ ‘Runway For Relief II’ follows the initial show organised in 2015 during my reign as Miss World Bahamas after Hurricane Joaquin. I amongst many have felt deeply about the devastation that Abaco and Grand Bahama succumbed to, and aside from my

volunteered time I wanted to use an avenue that I was familiar with and that I knew could contribute to these efforts. I believe that no matter what industry you’re in, you can give back,” she said.

This time around, Chantel collaborated with fashion designer and stylist Navado Dawkins as well as event planner and consultant Javano Stubbs, both co-founders of the ‘Runway For Relief’.

“With this incredible team we’ve managed to gather some of the best in music, beauty and fashion. With the overwhelming support from our sponsors such as Diamonds International, Greek Islands, Bon Vivants, Miller Designs, PS O’Brian Consulting, Javano Stubbs Inc, Navado Dawkins (Navashion), Tr3Vents and more, we are confident in putting on a show that will bring some (fun) content to the hearts of many considering we’re in such a disastrous period. Some of the models in the show are from Grand Bahama as well and this is just an opportunity to get them back into their element,” she said.

The show will be hosted by Kyle Walkine. There will be

Chantel O’Brian made her way to Abaco after the storm to assist in relief efforts.

Designer and stylist Navado Dawkins live musical performances and giveaways.

“We are excited to have about 11 designers participating, but must highlight how huge our model cast and team of makeup artists and hairstylists is. Many submitted their information to be a part of the show and if we could have accepted all we would have.

Some of the best in the beauty industry decided to lend not

Event planner Javano Stubbs just their time but resources to this initiative and we are most grateful,” she said.

Chantel said the show will be “a night of class and luxe”.

Designers will showcase some of their best work.

“The designers are extremely diverse and so there will definitely be original pieces from lifestyle to gowns to menswear. Without a doubt, the audience will be blown away. Our local talents

are some of the best talent you’ll find in the world, so we encourage the public to come out and enjoy themselves while supporting a selfless cause.”

Chantel said they hope to raise at least $10,000 to aid in hurricane relief.

“This goal is definitely attainable with support and we implore fashion, beauty and music lovers to come and make it happen with us.

These funds will be donated to a credible organisation of our choice. We would love for the public to follow our social media medium - Instagram @ runway4relief to see our official presentation of the funds raised,” she said.

Tickets are $25 for general and $35 for VIP admission and can be purchased at Diamonds International or at the door.

Guests are asked to RSVP at runway4reliefbahamas@ gmail.com.

18 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 4, 2019

film

Review: In ‘Joker’ a villain turns ‘70s anti-hero joker | 122 minutes

A

n air of menace and a cloud of controversy accompany the arrival of Todd Phillips’ “Joker” like a thick perfume. That, in itself, could be something to celebrate.

Danger isn’t a quality often found in the sanitised corporate-made movies of today, least of all in the safe, fanfriendly world of comic-book films.

“Joker,” though, is a calculatedly combustible concoction, designed, like its chaos-creating character, to cause a stir. To provoke and distort. I wish it was as radical as it thinks it is.

Instead, “Joker” is a mesmerising, misjudged attempt to marry the madness of a disturbed individual to today’s violent and clownish times.

It’s a shallow, under-examined movie that renders the dark descent of a troubled man with an operatic fervour. That this feels so familiar, like the backstories of countless unhinged gunmen that so populate our tragedy-filled newspapers, could be seen as a powerful and grim reflection of today.

Since the film has already so stuck a nerve, perhaps it is.

But conjuring psychosis for the sake of a pre-determined origin story, make “Joker” feel cavalier and opportunistic. Its danger, really, is no deeper than a clown’s make-up.

The template of “Joker” isn’t anything from the comics (Phillips wrote the film with Scott Silver) but a pair of Martin Scorsese films about twisted loners: “Taxi Driver” and “The King of Comedy.”

To make the point, Phillips has cast Robert De Niro, the Joaquin Phoenix as the “Joker”. (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros Pictures via AP) star of both of those films, as a late-night host whose show Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoein the human-sized, adultmovie together. It’s imposway, self-actualized. This is, nix), our Joker-to-be, dreams oriented “Joker” there is sible to look away from an of course, who he’s meant to of being on. Phillips, the grit and grime. It’s 1981 in actor so fully, so hypnotibe. And it’s that leap, from maker of male comedies about Gotham, but the fictional city cally throwing himself into a self-pity wallowing to wanton clung-to adolescence (“Road has never been so unmistakcharacter, even if there’s an revenge meted out on a sick Trip,” “Old School,” “The ably New York, home also acting-class self-consciousness society, that has made “Joker” Hangover”), has elevated the to Scorsese’s Travis Bickle to the whole production – one rightfully debated. Rather Joker from DC Comics villain and Rupert Pupkin. Due to surely indebted in spirit to than surround Arthur’s horto ‘70s-movie anti-hero. a strike, garbage has piled Heath Ledger’s whole-body rifying transformation with The Arthur we meet is a up on the sidewalks. Reports transformation in “The context, alternatives or rays clown-for-hire and a wanof “super rats” have hit the Dark Knight.” But Phoenix of light _ whether they fall on nabe stand-up. In the opening has also been better with scene, he’s caking his face with tabloids. While twirling a sign him or not _ “Joker” simply on the sidewalk (“Everything similarly broken souls in films makeup in front of a mirror. hitches a ride on his free fall Must Go”), Arthur is harassed like “The Master” and “The His smile already has a plainly in mania. by a group of teenagers and Immigrant.” forced, unnatural form. It’s There’s a moment when then beaten and mugged in a In close-up, Phoenix’s smiles the crooked outward manithe film could have charted a nearby alleyway. are ghastly. He chokes on his festation of Arthur’s anguish. different path toward a deeper For Arthur, everything has laughter. He’s been raised to Laughter is the symptom of character study. Instead, it gets already gone. His life is pitismile through pain, tragihis heavily medicated disturon with what needs to happen, ful and unrelentingly bleak. cally divorcing himself from bia (“All I have is negative the chaos necessary to unlock, Arthur lives with his mother expressing his emotions. thoughts,” he tells his socialwith a cold-blooded smother(Frances Conroy). His tenuous “Joker” is driven not by any services case worker), a ing and point-blank shooting. grip on employment slips away outside force but the ominous product, we learn, of a childArthur’s pain and psychosis when a gun, given to him by a sense of something bad wellhood of abuse. To those who has been offered up, in the ing up in the unloved Arthur. look at him strangely he hands coworker after the mugging, end, not to lead to any underslides out of his pants while Having won our sympathy a card informing them that he standing of his condition, but entertaining children at a through endless indignities, laughs inappropriately, like a for its violent release, and to hospital. we begin to almost root for condition of Tourette’s.

Phoenix, among the finest him to lash out. When he does, link to the required comicWe are, immediately, in book architecture. actors working, is dramatione night on a nearly empty a realm very far from the cally thinner here, turning subway (a subterranean gloom spandexed world of superJAKE COYLE him sinewy and sinister. His pervades the whole film), hero movies. Where there AP Film Writer is usually superficial shine, face and movement holds the Arthur has, in a troubling

The Tribune | Weekend | 19

Friday, October 4, 2019

FRI 10/4

• Shakespeare in Paradise Time: 8pm (additional performances until October 12) Venue: Dundas Centre for Performing Arts The theatre showcases two plays tonight: “Ain’t Mishavin’ “ and “Measure for Measure”. The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Ain’t Misbehavin’ “ – a celebration of Fats Waller’s music – is being performed in the Bahamas for the first time. Meanwhile, Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” looks at happens to a city when its ruler takes a sabbatical and leaves it in the hands of his ultra-conservative, ultra-religious deputy.

SAT 10/5

• Think Pink with Solomon’s, Jay Fitness, and Tarette Darville

The Tribune Established 1903

Time: 7am - 8.15am Venue: Solomon’s Yamacraw This is the special breast cancer awareness edition with Junkanoo aerobics expert Jay Fitness and yoga instructor Tarette Darville.

The event is free, but bring your own yoga mat. Enter to win a free mammogram with a purchase of $25 or more.

• Bahamas Zumba Fitness Party for Hurricane Relief Time: 9am - 12noon Venue: Meliá Nassau Beach Nassau’s biggest Zumba party is back, featuring instructors The Dynamic Duo (Tiana & Vanessa), Maydi, Ana and Patrice Murrell. Doors open at

|100 Jamz | Y98

What's going on this Being Bound To Swear To The Dogmas Of No Master

weekend

9am, party starts at 10am.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. The event is hosted by Ebony Bahamas.

• Imagining Refuge and Resilience: A Community Healing Event Time: 10am - 1pm Venue: National Art Gallery The workshop is being coordinated by Healing Hands Bahamas, a cohort led by Helen Klonaris, Patricia Powell and Tomi Knutson.

They will be leading a series of hands-on healing interventions across shelters, the University of the Bahamas and the NAGB. This three-hour group healing experience brings us together with healing practitioners to make sacred space together, share stories, and give the soul some light through some age-old spiritual practices.

It is free and open to the public.

• SoundWaves Festival for Dorian Relief Time: 2pm - 11pm Venue: Bahamas National Trust SoundWaves’ second festival is coming to The Retreat

Editior’s Voice

Saturday • Paint the Lanes Pink Time: Saturday, 3pm - 8pm; Sunday, 4pm - 8pm) Venue: Mario’s Bowling & Family Entertainment Palace The ultimate shopping experience in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s edition will feature more than 40 vendors with food, products and services.

There will be lots of prizes and giveaways.

Gardens on Village Road.

All proceeds will go to the Bahamas National Trust and Rotary for hurricane relief. There will be three stages with performances

by Judah Tha Lion and the Truth, Pineapple Down, Von Trap, KrazyRingo, Sacha the Duchess, Foreign Sound, Tanisha Sweeting, Abi-Yah, Militant Fyah, Gary Francis Jr, and more!

There will over 25 vendors and artists serving food and showing off artwork. Tickets are $20 in advance. Get them at www.soundwavesoriginal.com.

• Nassau Night Market Time: 2pm - 10pm Venue: Market Slope, Downtown The relaunch of the outdoor street festival celebrates Bahamian culture and entrepreneurship through offering entertainment, flavorful foods and precious products. It is a familyfriendly event which seeks to enliven Downtown’s dead hours.

• Swirl. Sip. Love: Beginner Wine Tasting Series Time: 5pm Venue: Silver Thatch Company, next to Pompey Square An introduction to wines from all over the globe.

Learn the foundations of wine knowledge; use it as girls’ night out or date night event. Tickets are $55 per person; limited to 10 people. Call 3760832. Advance bookings required.

SUN 10/6

• Fusion Super Brunch Time: 11am - 3pm Venue: Fusion Superplex Enjoy a sumptuous spread every at the Edge restaurant. Explore our new

a-la-carte menu filled with creative dishes like the drunken chicken wings and hot chocolate waffles. Sip on bottomless mimosas in exotic flavours for $25.

• The Best Estimation In The World Time: 4pm - 6pm Venue: The Current, Baha Mar The Best Estimation in the World is a performance accompanying the launch of Sonia Farmer’s latest poetry collection, published

by Poinciana Paper Press.

Limited-edition copies of the book and a letterpress-printed broadside celebrating its launch will be available for purchase after the performance.

A collaboration with Shakespeare in Paradise 2019, the performance stars D Sean Nottage, Joey Gaskins Jr, Beaumont Todd, Yasmin Glinton, and Malesha Joseph. Portrayed as interviews with employees at a resort development, these poems examine the effect of the tourism industry on Bahamian identity.

20 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 4, 2019

history

Team to study historic inscriptions at New Mexico ruins AZTEC, New Mexico (AP) — A Colorado historian is leading a team to survey inscriptions left by settlers and others on the ceilings of 900-year-old ruins in northwestern New Mexico.

Fred Blackburn and his team will study the lengthy messages, or graffiti, left at the Aztec Ruins National Monument to gain insight on how others saw the engineering marvel, the Farmington Daily Times reports . Some of those who left inscriptions were white settlers who tried to make sense of the structures, Blackburn said.

Blackburn wants to know the stories of those folks and add historical context to their inscriptions in as many cases as possible.

“We want families (who) have been here for generations and can shed some light on what this place was like 100 years ago,” he said. “They were the keepers of that early history.”

The monument near the town of Aztec is made of 400 masonry rooms and is an

Colorado historian, author and researcher Fred Blackburn stands outside the West Ruin at Aztec Ruins National Monument.

The signature of Boyd Abrams, one of the members of a family that once owned the Aztec Ruins site, is shown on a latilla in the West Ruin of the park. (Mike Easterling/Farmington Daily Times via AP) ancestral pueblo structure that dates back to the 11th to the 13th centuries. White settlers named it after mistakenly believing it was built by Aztecs from central Mexico.

Amateur explorations of the ruins began shortly after Anglo settlers began moving into the area in the 1870s, said Blackburn, a former Bureau of Land Management ranger.

Blackburn spent years working in the Natural Bridges National Monument in southeast Utah before helping establish the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center near Cortez, Colorado, and the White Mesa Institute at the College of Eastern Utah.

Those early visitors often gained entry to some of the sealed rooms at the ruins by knocking down bricked-up

windows or doors, leaving debris scattered several feet deep. They would stand on that rubble while leaving an inscription with a quill pen and ink or lead pencil on the vigas or latillas that make up the ceilings.

Blackburn emphasised he isn’t interested in trying to shame anyone into returning any artefacts their ancestors may have removed from the ruins before the site fell under the protection of the American Museum of Natural History and the National Park Service. He wants information, not relics.

Blackburn’s team plans to examine 23 of the original and intact rooms at the ruins. It was working on its sixth room earlier this week, a process that got underway in May. He estimated his team would not finish its work until December.

The project is being funded by federal money in the form of a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit grant that is funnelled through the firm Archaeology Southwest in Tucson, Arizona.

Greek archaeologists uncover riches overlooked by robbers ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Archaeologists in northern Greece have explored more than 200 new graves in a vast ancient cemetery that was plundered in antiquity but still retained rich finds, including a gold mask and bronze helmets.

In a statement last week, the Culture Ministry said the most impressive finds came from the graves of warriors who died in the 6th century BC and were members of a powerful military aristocracy.

Recovered artefacts included the valuable face mask, made specially for funerals, four bronze helmets, iron spearheads and fragmented iron swords, a large bronze urn with ornate handles, an iron model of a farm cart and bronze leg armor.

The cemetery at Ahlada, near the town of Florina, has so far yielded nearly 1,300 graves, including this year’s discoveries, from various eras.

The Tribune | Weekend | 21

Friday, October 4, 2019

history

Bahamas Historical Society turns 60 Open house on Saturday to mark the occasion Forgotten facts | Paul C Aranha

I

f you enjoy Forgotten Facts you would probably enjoy a visit to the Bahamas Historical Society’s museum on Elizabeth Avenue, at the corner of Shirley Street. October 5, 2019 marks the Society’s 60th anniversary.

In deference to Hurricane Dorian and the ongoing recovery efforts, the members cancelled plans for a celebratory evening and settled for an afternoon open house at the museum this Saturday, from 2pm - 5pm, to mark the occasion.

The Society modestly refers to itself as “a reservoir of history”, and so it is, but it is far more than that.

The museum is within easy walking distance from Rawson Square and, through the courtesy of its neighbour, the First Caribbean Bank, parking is available in First Caribbean’s lot (entrance on Shirley Street).

Formerly the headquarters of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE), itself an important part of Bahamian history, the building was gifted to the Society as a museum.

The museum offers self-conducted tours of the history and development of these islands – from pre-historic Lucayan inhabitants, to Christopher Columbus, who landed on our island of San Salvador in 1492.

The tour includes the arrival of the Eleutherian Adventurers (1648), the invasion by the

Sir Geoffrey Johnstone at the Bahamas Historical Society

Former Bahamas Airways pilots Harcourt Fernander (left) and Paul C Aranha at the Bahamas Historical Society in May of this year.

Continental Marines (1776), which was the first amphibious landing of what is now the United States Marine Corps, the influx of Loyalist Settlers (1783), the growth of the Out Islands and other important events of becoming a nation.

Monthly evening talks are an important part of the society’s programme and it has been estimated that the public has heard over 400 speeches, on a wide variety of topics, covering every aspect of the history of the Bahamas.

Add to this the Journal, an annual publication since 1979, with an estimated 200 articles published to date, it really is somewhere a history buff should get to know.

For further information, e-mail: info@bahamashistoricalsociety.com http://www. bahamashistoricalsociety. com.

• For questions and comments, e-mail islandairman@ gmail.com

22 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 4, 2019

science

Curious Kids: Can people colonise Mars?

“Can we colonise Mars?”

– Clara, age 9, Newton, Massachusetts

(THE CONVERSATION) In all likelihood, the first Martian will be a person, and the red planet will be humanity’s first extraterrestrial colony.

For now, a robot called the Curiosity Rover – sent to Mars to find out if the planet can sustain small lifeforms like bacteria – is all alone there. But Curiosity has laid the foundation for the human explorers who will come next.

I’m a professor of astronautics and I study space travel.

Today, space agencies across the planet are working to put the first humans on Mars by the 2030s.

How will people get to Mars?

Engineers have developed new rockets to launch an even larger spacecraft than those that have already transported astronauts to the Moon. These new vehicles are designed to be more energy-efficient.

Rockets will enable the crew to leave the Earth’s gravitational pull. But the spacecraft will need an inspace propulsion system to blast it onto its interplanetary flight path. The journey to Mars will take between seven and nine months, almost the length of a school year.

Rocket scientists’ main concern is fuel efficiency. So for fuel, they turn to a form of matter called plasma, which is a very hot gas. It has a positive or negative charge, which makes it behave like a magnet.

It’s sort of like a supersized version of the static electricity you feel when you rub a balloon on your head to make your hair stand up.

An engine known as an ion thruster can use plasma and electromagnetic forces to propel a spacecraft very

efficiently and quickly. These engines have been used before, but not on this scale.

If less fuel is required to make the trip, astronauts have room to pack more supplies: food, water, air and other equipment that future human colonies will need on Mars.

Instead of making 10 trips between Earth and Mars for supplies, astronauts will be able to carry the same amount of cargo in just one because of the fuel efficiency of plasma

propulsion. This will also cost a lot less because there will be fewer trips.

Creating a colony

When astronauts reach Mars, they will circle around the planet, just as the International Space Station orbits around the Earth.

The crew will descend to the surface of Mars in a vehicle known as an entry capsule. Mars’ atmosphere will slow down the capsule

via aerodynamic drag. It’s the same force you feel when you put your hand out the window of a moving car.

To land safely and softly, the entry capsule will use an inflatable heat shield, a parachute to generate aerodynamic drag and retrorockets to slow down. It will take less than 10 minutes to reach the Martian surface after entering the planet’s atmosphere.

Once on Mars’ inhospitable surface, the crew will need

to live in a pressurised and environmentally controlled habitat. This is because Mars has a thin atmosphere, made primarily of carbon dioxide, and a very cold surface temperature of -81 degrees Fahrenheit.

Also, unlike Earth, Mars does not have a strong magnetic field, so its surface radiation levels are higher.

This radiation is energy from the Sun and other cosmic rays.

Levels on Mars are so high that they exceed the recommended maximum lifetime dose for astronauts. So a technology solution is needed to protect future Mars explorers.

One goal of a future human Mars colony is to be able to sustain itself. The astronauts will need to set up solar panels and instal underground living spaces in order to survive. They’ll harvest underground water and build greenhouses to grow vegetables for food and plants that can survive extreme cold to produce oxygen they can breathe.

As engineers around the world develop technologies for propulsion, landing and life support systems, people are closer than ever to the first human footsteps on Mars. Maybe they’ll be yours.

• Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best. This article is republished from The Conversation. Read the original article here: http:// theconversation.com.

Anita Sengupta University of Southern California

The Tribune | Weekend | 23

Friday, October 4, 2019

literary lives – roald dahl and ‘the visitor’

The dark side of a beloved children's book author Part II Sir Christopher Ondaatje continues retelling one of Roald Dahl’s darker short stories combining black humour and sexual retribution.

The following is part two of an abridgement of short story “The Visitor” (Copyright: The Roald Dahl Story Company Limited):

A

t seven o’clock, we all left the swimming-pool and returned to the house to dress for dinner.

At eight o’clock, we assembled in the big living-room to drink another cocktail. The two ladies were both superbly turned out, and sparkling with jewels. Both of them wore low-cut, sleeveless eveningdresses which had come, without any doubt at all, from some great fashion house in Paris. My hostess was in black, her daughter in pale blue, and the scent of that intoxicating perfume was everywhere about them. What a pair they were! The older woman had that slight forward hunch to

Roald Dahl (1916 - 1990) her shoulders which one sees only in the most passionate and practised females. A woman of great passion will develop a curious roundness of the shoulders from continually embracing men. It is an occupational deformity, and the noblest of them all.

The daughter was not yet old enough to have acquired this singular badge of honour, but with her it was enough for me simply to stand back and observe the shape of her body and to notice the splendid sliding motion of her thighs underneath the tight silk dress as she wandered about the room. She had a line of tiny soft golden hairs growing all the way up the exposed length of her spine, and when I stood behind her it was difficult to resist the temptation of running my knuckles up and down those lovely vertebrae.

At eight thirty, we moved into the dining-room. The dinner that followed was a

really magnificent affair, but I shall waste no time here describing food or wine.

Throughout the meal I continued to play most delicately and insidiously upon the sensibilities of the women, employing every skill that I possessed; and by the time the dessert arrived, they were melting before my eyes like butter in the sun.

After dinner we returned to the living-room for coffee and brandy, and then, at my host’s suggestion, we played a couple of rubbers of bridge.

By the end of the evening, I knew for certain that I had done my work well. The old magic had not let me down.

Either of the two ladies, should circumstances permit, was mine for the asking. I was not deluding myself over this. It was a straightforward, obvious fact. It stood out a mile. The face of my hostess was bright with excitement, and whenever she looked

at me across the card-table, those huge dark velvety eyes would grow bigger and bigger, and the nostrils would dilate, and the mouth would open slightly to reveal the tip of a moist pink tongue squeezing through between the teeth. It was a marvellously lascivious gesture, and more than once it caused me to trump my own trick. The daughter was less daring but equally direct. Each time her eyes met mine, and that was often enough, she would raise her brows just the tiniest fraction of a centimetre, as though asking a question; then she would make a quick sly little smile, supplying the answer.

‘I think it’s time we all went to bed,’ Mr Aziz said, examining his watch. ‘It’s after eleven.

Come along, my dears.’

At once, without a second’s hesitation and without another glance in my direction, both ladies rose and made for the door! It left me stunned. I

didn’t know what to make of it. What a blow! I had expected at least to receive a whisper from either the wife or the daughter before we separated for the night, just a quick three or four words telling me where to go and when; but instead, I was left standing like a fool beside the card-table while the two ladies glided out of the room.

My host and I followed them up the stairs. On the landing of the first floor, the mother and daughter stood side by side, waiting for me.

‘Good night, Mr Cornelius,’ my hostess said.

‘Good night, Mr Cornelius,’ the daughter said. ‘Good night, my dear fellow,’ Mr Aziz said. ‘I do hope you have everything you want.’

They turned away, and there was nothing for me to do but continue slowly, reluctantly, up the second flight of stairs to my own room. I entered it and closed the door. The heavy brocade curtains had already been drawn by one of the servants but I parted them and leaned out of the window to take a look at the night. The air was still and warm, and a brilliant moon was shining over the desert.

Well, well, I thought. What happens now?

One thing I knew I must not do in this house was to venture out of my room and go prowling around the corridors. That would be suicide.

I had learned many years ago that there are three breeds of husband with whom one must never take unnecessary risks - the Bulgarian, the Greek, and the Syrian. None of them, for some reason, resents you

24 | The Tribune | Weekend

flirting quite openly with his wife, but he will kill you at once if he catches you getting into her bed. Mr Aziz was a Syrian. A degree of prudence was therefore essential, and if any move were going to be made now, it must be made not by me but by one of the two women, for only she (or they) would know precisely what was safe and what was dangerous. Yet I had to admit that after witnessing the way in which my host had called them both to heel four minutes ago, there was little hope of further action in the near future.

I undressed and took a long cold shower. Then, because I have never been able to sleep in the moonlight, I made sure that the curtains were tightly drawn together. I got into bed, and for the next hour or so I lay reading. That also helped, and at last, somewhere between midnight and one am, there came a time when I was able to switch out the light and prepare myself for sleep without altogether too many regrets.

I was just beginning to doze off when I heard some tiny sounds. I recognized them at once. They were sounds that I had heard many times before in my life, and yet they were still, for me, the most thrilling and evocative in the whole world. They consisted of a series of little soft metallic noises, of metal grating gently against metal, and they were made, they were always made by somebody who was very slowly, very cautiously, turning the handle of one’s door from the outside. Instantly, I became wide awake. But I did not move. I simply opened my eyes and stared in the direction of the door; and I can remember wishing at that moment for a gap in the curtain, for just a small thin shaft of moonlight to come in from outside so that I could at least catch a glimpse of the shadow of the lovely form that was about to enter. But the room was as dark as a dungeon.

Next, I heard feet tiptoeing towards me over the carpet. For one horrible second, it occurred to me that this might just possibly be Mr Abdul Aziz creeping in upon me with a long knife in his hand, but then all at once a warm extensile body was bending over mine, and a woman’s voice was whispering in my ear, ‘Don’t make a sound!’

‘My dearest beloved,’ I said, wondering which one of them it was, ‘I knew you’d ...’ Instantly her hand came over my mouth.

‘Please!’ she whispered. ‘Not another word!’

Friday, October 4, 2019

Here I must pause. This is not like up again and smacked itself over my me at all, I know that. But just for mouth. once, I wish to be excused a detailed Very well, I thought. Let it be for description of the great scene that folnow. Tomorrow morning, downstairs lowed. I have my own reasons for this in the daylight, I shall know for certain and I beg you to respect them. In any which one of you it was. I shall know case, it will do you no harm to exercise by the glow on the face, by the way your own imagination for a change, the eyes look back into mine, and by and if you wish, I shall stimulate it a hundred other little telltale signs. I a little by saying simply and truthshall also know by the marks that my fully that of the many thousands and teeth have made on the left side of the thousands of women I have known in neck, above the dress line - my vicious my time, none has transported me to bite was administered during the greater extremes of ecstasy than this height of her passion - that she never lady of the Sinai Desert. Her dexterity for one moment realized the signifiwas amazing. Her passion was intense. cance of the act.

Her range was It was altounbelievable. gether a most At every turn, memorable she was ready night, and at with some new least four hours and intricate must have gone manoeuvre. by before she And to cap it gave me a final all, she posfierce embrace, sessed the and slipped out subtlest and of the room as most recondite quickly as she style I have had come in. ever encounThe next tered. She was a morning I did great artist. She not awaken until was a genius. after ten o’clock.

True genius I got out of bed is a gift of birth. and drew open It has very the curtains. It little to do with was another brilage; and I can liant, hot, desert assure you that day. I took a Uncle Oswald, or Oswald Hendryks I had no way leisurely bath, Cornelius, is a fictional character creof knowing for then dressed ated by Roald Dahl. He is described as certain which of myself as care“the greatest fornicator of all time”. them it was in fully as ever.

the darkness of I felt relaxed that room. At and chipper. It one moment, after made me very happy some particularly boisterous cadenza, to think that I could still summon I would be convinced it was the wife. a woman to my room with my eyes Then suddenly the whole tempo would alone, even in middle age. And what begin to change, and the melody would a woman! It would be fascinating to become so childlike and innocent that find out which one of them she was. I I found myself swearing it was the would soon know. daughter.

I made my way slowly down the two It tantalized me. It also humbled flights of stairs. me, for, after all, a connoisseur should ‘Good morning, my dear fellow, always be able to guess the vintage good morning!’ Mr Aziz said, rising without seeing the label on the bottle. from a small desk he had been writing At one point, I reached for cigarettes, at in the living-room. ‘Did you have a intending to solve the mystery in the good night?’ flare of a match, but her hand was ‘Excellent, thank you,’ I answered, on me in a flash, and cigarettes and trying not to sound smug. matches were snatched away and He came and stood close to me, flung across the room. More than smiling with his very white teeth. His once, I began to whisper the quesshrewd little eyes rested on my face tion itself into her ear, but I never got and moved over it slowly, as though three words out before the hand shot searching for something.

‘I have good news for you,’ he said.

‘They called up from B’ir Rawd Salim five minutes ago, and said your fan-belt had arrived by the mail-truck. Saleh is fitting it on now. It’ll be ready in an hour. So when you’ve had some breakfast, I’ll drive you over and you can be on your way.’

I told him how grateful I was.

‘We’ll be sorry to see you go,’ he said. ‘It’s been an immense pleasure for all of us having you drop in like this, an immense pleasure.’

I had my breakfast alone in the dining-room. Afterwards, I returned to the living-room to smoke a cigarette while my host continued writing at his desk.

‘Do forgive me,’ he said. ‘I just have a couple of things to finish here. I won’t be long. I’ve arranged for your case to be packed and put in the car, so you have nothing to worry about. Sit down and enjoy your cigarette. The ladies ought to be down any minute now.’

The wife arrived first. She came sailing into the room looking more than ever like the dazzling Queen Semiramis of the Nile, and the first thing I noticed about her was the pale-green chiffon scarf knotted casually around her neck! Casually but carefully! So carefully that no part of the skin of the neck was visible. The woman went straight over to her husband and kissed him on the cheek. ‘Good morning, my darling,’ she said.

You cunning beautiful bitch, I thought.

‘Good morning, Mr Cornelius,’ she said gaily, coming over to sit in the chair opposite mine. ‘Did you have a good night? I do hope you had everything you wanted.’

Never in my life have I seen such a sparkle in a woman’s eyes as I saw in hers that morning, nor such a glow of pleasure in a woman’s face.

‘I had a very good night indeed, thank you,’ I answered, showing her that I knew.

She smiled and lit a cigarette. I glanced over at Mr Aziz, who was still writing away busily at the desk with his back to us. He wasn’t paying the slightest attention to his wife or to me.

‘Good morning, everybody!’ cried the daughter, sweeping into the room.

‘Good morning, daddy! Good morning, mummy!’ She gave them each a kiss. ‘Good morning, Mr Cornelius!’

She was wearing a pair of pink slacks and a rust-coloured blouse, and I’ll be damned if she didn’t also have a scarf tied carelessly but carefully around her neck! A chiffon scarf!

The Tribune | Weekend | 25

Friday, October 4, 2019

‘Did you have a decent night?’ she asked, perching herself like a young bride on the arm of my chair, arranging herself in such a way that one of her thighs rested against my forearm. I leaned back and looked at her closely.

She looked back at me. Her face was glowing and sparkling every bit as much as her mother’s, and if anything, she seemed even more pleased with herself than the older woman.

I felt confused. Only one of them had a bite mark to conceal, yet both of them had covered their necks with scarves. I conceded that this might be a coincidence, but on the face of it, it looked much more like a conspiracy to me. It looked as though they were both working closely together to keep me from discovering the truth.

I must come back again, I told myself, for another visit as soon as possible just to see what happens the next time. In fact, I might motor down specially from Jerusalem in a day or two. It would be easy, I reckoned, to get myself invited again.

‘Are you ready, Mr Cornelius?’ Mr Aziz said, rising from his desk.

‘Quite ready,’ I answered.

The ladies, sleek and smiling, led the way outside to where the big green Rolls-Royce was waiting. I kissed their hands and murmured a million thanks to each of them. Then I got into the front seat beside my host, and we drove off. The mother and daughter waved. I lowered my window and waved. Then we were out of the garden and into the desert, following the stony yellow track as it skirted the base of Mount Maghara, with the telegraph poles marching along beside us.

During the journey, my host and I conversed pleasantly about this and that. I was at pains to be as agreeable as possible because my one object now was to get myself invited to stay at the house again. If I didn’t succeed in getting him to ask me, then I should have to ask him. I would do it at the last moment. ‘Goodbye, my dear friend,’ I would say, gripping him warmly by the throat. ‘May I have the pleasure of dropping in to see you again if I happen to be passing this way?’ And of course he would say yes.

‘Did you think I exaggerated when I told you my daughter was beautiful?’ he asked me.

‘You understated it,’ I said. ‘She’s a raving beauty. I do congratulate you. But your wife is no less lovely.

In fact, between the two of them they almost swept me off my feet,’ I added, laughing.

‘I noticed that,’ he said, laughing of us. The sun was high and it was getwith me. ‘They’re a couple of very ting hot inside the car. naughty girls. They do so love to flirt ‘Not many fathers would put themwith other men. But why should I selves out to that extent,’ I went on. mind. There’s no harm in flirting.’

Again he smiled, but somewhat ‘None whatsoever,’ I said. bashfully, this time, I thought. And ‘I think it’s gay and fun.’ then he said, ‘I don’t deserve quite as ‘It’s charming,’ I said. much credit as you like to give me, In less than half an hour we had really I don’t. To be absolutely honest reached the main Ismailia-Jerusalem with you, that pretty daughter of mine road. Mr Aziz turned the Rolls on to isn’t the only reason for my living in the black tarmac strip and headed for such splendid isolation.’ the filling-station at seventy miles an ‘I know that.’ hour. In a few minutes we would be ‘You do?’ there. So now I tried moving a little ‘You told me. You said the other closer to the subject of another visit, reason was the desert. You loved it, fishing gently for an invitation. ‘I can’t you said, as a sailor loves the sea.’ get over your ‘So I did. And house,’ I said. ‘I it’s quite true. But think it’s simply there’s still a third wonderful.’ reason.’

‘It is nice, isn’t ‘Oh, and what it?’ is that?’

‘I suppose He didn’t you’re bound to answer me. He get pretty lonely sat quite still with out there, on and his hands on the off, just the three wheel and his of you together?’ eyes fixed on the ‘It’s no worse road ahead. than anywhere ‘I’m sorry,’ I else,’ he said. said. ‘I shouldn’t ‘People get lonely have asked the wherever they question. It’s none are. A desert, or of my business.’ a city - it doesn’t ‘No, no, that’s make much difquite all right,’ ference, really. he said. ‘Don’t “The wife arrived first. She came sailBut we do have apologize.’ ing into the room looking more than visitors, you I stared out of ever like the dazzling Queen Semiraknow. You’d be the window at the mis of the Nile...”

– “The Visitor” surprised at the desert. ‘I think number of people it’s hotter than who drop in from yesterday,’ I said. ‘It must be well over time to time. Like you, for instance. It a hundred already.’ was a great pleasure having you with ‘Yes.’ us, my dear fellow.’

I saw him shifting a little in his seat, ‘I shall never forget it,’ I said. ‘It is a as though trying to get comfortable, rare thing to find kindness and hospiand then he said, ‘I don’t really see why tality of that order nowadays.’

I shouldn’t tell you the truth about that I waited for him to tell me that I house. You don’t strike me as being a must come again, but he didn’t. A little gossip.’ silence sprang up between us, a slightly ‘Certainly not,’ I said. uneasy little silence. To bridge it, I said, We were close to the filling-station ‘I think yours is the most thoughtful now, and he had slowed the car down paternal gesture I’ve ever heard of in almost to walking-speed to give himself my life.’ time to say what he had to say. I could ‘Mine?’ ‘ see the two Arabs standing beside my ‘Yes. Building a house right out Lagonda, watching us. there in the back of beyond and living ‘That daughter,’ he said at length, in it just for your daughter’s sake, to ‘the one you met - she isn’t the only protect her. I think it’s remarkable.’ daughter I have.’

I saw him smile, but he kept his eyes ‘Oh, really?’ on the road and said nothing. The ‘I’ve got another who is five years filling-station and the group of huts were now in sight about a mile ahead older than she.’

‘And just as beautiful, no doubt,’ I said. ‘Where does she live? In Beirut?’

‘No, she’s in the house.’

‘In which house? Not the one we’ve just left?’

‘Yes.’ ‘But I never saw her!’

‘Well,’ he said, turning suddenly to watch my face, ‘maybe not.’

‘But why?’

‘She has leprosy.’

I jumped.

‘Yes, I know,’ he said, ‘it’s a terrible thing. She has the worst kind, too, poor girl. It’s called anaesthetic leprosy. It is highly resistant, and almost impossible to cure. If only it were the nodular variety, it would be much easier. But it isn’t, and there you are. So when a visitor comes to the house, she keeps to her own apartment, on the third floor...’

The car must have pulled into the filling-station about then because the next thing I can remember was seeing Mr Abdul Aziz sitting there looking at me with those small clever black eyes of his, and he was saying, ‘But my dear fellow, you mustn’t alarm yourself like this. Calm yourself down, Mr Cornelius, calm yourself down! There’s absolutely nothing in the world for you to worry about. It is not a very contagious disease. You have to have the most intimate contact with the person in order to catch it...’

I got out of the car very slowly and stood in the sunshine. The Arab with the diseased face was grinning at me and saying, ‘Fan-belt all fixed now.

Everything fine.’ I reached into my pocket for cigarettes, but my hand was shaking so violently I dropped the packet on the ground. I bent down and retrieved it. Then I got a cigarette out and managed to light it. When I looked up again, I saw the green Rolls-Royce already half a mile down the road, and going away fast.

The Sinai episode, dated 24 August 1946, is the very last thing ‘Uncle Oswald’ ever wrote. He was never seen or heard from again.

NEXT WEEK: The glamorous but turbulent life of the first black performer to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

• Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of The Last Colonial.

He acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia; Switch Bitch by Roald Dahl; Roald Dahl: A Biography by Jeremy Treglown (1995); and The Life of Roald Dahl by Donald Sturrock (2010).

Yr E APn ATHE G ALPHABEATE t

As in Alp words in Frenchman (6) the main 21 Angry speech, having lost Friday, October 4, 2019 is used. B body of 27 one deal (5) use the g Chambers 22 Place of birth (5) the grid t 21st 24 Enjoyed being equal on NEED HELP? call symmetr 0904 161 Century the day (5) plus your telephone c Dictionary same if y (1999 Solution edition)

26 Round of game corrupted – rest cheat (9) 27 Everlasting point learnt another way (7) 28 Old lady not nowadays pursuing tree (7)

26 | The Tribune | Weekend

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.

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

TARGET

A 8

B ● The cAn you crackof thefour Alphabeater?

HOW many words letters Each or grid C Target number a letter black square. uses more can yourepresents make from the– or letters D As in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet words in shown here? the main is used.

But you have to complete the grid too!

E bodyin of making a word, each letter may be use only. the given letters andcontain black squares below F Chambers used once Each must the grid to start. gridmust is ‘rotationally 21st the centre G letter and the there be at Century symmetrical’ – in other words, it looks the H least one nine-letter word. no plurals Dictionary same if you turn the page upside down.

(1999or verb forms ending in “s”.

I Solution tomorrow. edition)

Yr E APn AG t

39

Ex

09

(De

34each

13 09 4

*Calls you n

J TODAY’S TARGET A 8very31 3042; 23excellent 6 21 5535 31K 34 27 4 Good 28; good B L Solution tomorrow.

HOW many words of four letters or (or more).

C 39 3 28 11 24 38 1 32 16 4 more can you make from the letters D

shown here? call 181272585 E 0907 34 6 20 13 22 28 in making a word, each letter may be forF today’s target solution used once only. Each must contain G 13 23minute 2 plus 29your31 5 the centre letter and there must be at 11 *Calls cost 80p per telephone Yesterday’s Yesterday’s company’s network access charge.

H least one nine-letter word. no plurals or verb forms ending in “s”.

Sudoku Answer

BATTLESHIPS

Down 1 Files put in the wrong order with malicious intent (8) 2 International shipping line (8) 3 Government measure (4) 5 Disconcerted to hear threat in frank exchange (5-2-5) 6 Face the team (4) 7 Your humble servant (6) 8 Jabber and annoy (6) 11 Period of overtaking on the road? (7,5) 15 Story not generally told (5) 16 Fight to protect one’s property (5) 18 Join in, but don’t seize the lot (4,4) 19 Make me turn sharp and sour (8) 21 How a coded message was sent and intercepted (6) 22 Support or delay (4,2) 26 Employer in serious error (4) 27 Note uprising of West African tribe in desert (4)

Across 1 Magnificent Slav round up (6) 4 Knight defending a castle perhaps (8) 9 Hanger-on of low degree (6) 10 A hostile measure (3,5) 12 The way to travel to gain time (4) 13 The needs of Western workers (5) 14 A love outwardly secure (4) 17 Dangerous protagonist is a challenge to the beautician (4,8) 20 Prospective challenge faced by shop assistants? (12) 23 A French veto soon (4) 24 It’s not immediately required to be merciful (5) 25 I follow through with spirit (4) 28 It gives the sculptor’s work some standing (8) 29 Maybe Mr A to Z of music (6) 30 Act when some came in late (8) 31 Sixth century hill hero (6)

1

2

3

4

9

5

6

7

8

18

19

10 11

12

13

14

15

16

17

20 21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Yesterday’s Easy Solution Across: 1 Point, 4 Pass out, 8 Rut, 9 Gold medal, 10 Swelter, 11 Abbey, 13 Leeway, 15 Bypass, 18 Eider, 19 Mindset, 21 Iron Cross, 23 Ass, 24 Tolstoy, 25 Lusty.

Down: 1 Perusal, 2 In the lead, 3 Tight, 4 Paltry, 5 Summary, 6 Odd, 7 Tally, 12 Brass hats, 14 Apricot, 16 Satisfy, 17 Embody, 18 Evict, 20 Nasal, 22 Oil.

BATTLESHIPS

Solution tomorrow

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

D

9 10

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

A

Across: 1 Dutch, 4 Charles Dickens, 8 Cue, 9 Dissemble, 10 Eastern, 11 Tie-up, 13 Stripe, 15 Prison, 18 Maria, 19 Empower, 21 Reputable, 23 Eye, 24 Tapered, 25 Every.

Down: 2 Treasurer, 3 Hedge, 4 Casino, 5 Abettor, 6 Lob, 7 Steep, 12 Elsewhere, 14 Planter, 16 Nursery, 17 Sea bed, 18 Merit, 20 Piece, 22 Pep.

B

E 1 F 2

C

G4

D

H1

E

I

F

J

G

Across 1 To lament (6) 4 Concise (8) 9 High-priced (6) 10 Protesting angrily (2,2,4) 12 Unofficial disclosure (4) 13 Cheerful (5) 14 Collapse (4) 17 Sudden fortunate result (6,2,4) 20 Under way (3,3,6) 23 Uncouth man (4) 24 Put off (5) 25 Loyal (4) 28 Think over (8) 29 Part of a contract (6) 30 Parody (8) 31 Mass departure (6)

Down 1 Violent reaction (8) 2 Slaughter (8) 3 Skilful (4) 5 Without precedent (12) 6 Insincere moral talk (4) 7 Customary (6) 8 Struggle (6) 11 Unfair (5,3,4) 15 Small light boat (5) 16 Frighten (5) 18 Encircle (8) 19 Inactivity (8) 21 Draw forth (6) 22 West African republic (6) 26 Electrified (4) 27 To bend (4)

21

1

3

6 22

11

I

3

P

23

3

1

1

4

0

2

3

1

1 x Battleship

3 x Destroyer

2 x cruiser

4 x submarine

4

■

25

26

27

f

28

29

1

30 31

1

■ cKEI 32

33

34 35

1

KEIJO 3

1

1

1

2 1 x Battleship 1

24

2

3 2

22

● Alternatively, for six Extra3Letter clues to yo text DXBEAT to 84901. Texts cost £1 plus your usu

1

H J

EASY PUZZLE

2

O 22P Q 28R 40S T 3U V 3W X 6 Y 34Z

Answer I 4 40Kakuro 37 19 8 29 37 4 2 J 25 K 27 10 35 21 22 40 19 33 1 L M 28 35 30 23 2 35 831 1 FIND where the fleet of ships shown is34 hidden N call 0907 181 2585 in the grid.

The numbers to the right of and O 6 for today’s target solution 7 how 6 many 22 of 40the8 29 15 6 below the grid 33 indicate *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone P company’s network access charge. squares in that row are filled in with ships or Q 22 39 13 40 12 36 19 19 8 parts of R ships. The ships do not touch each 38 other, even diagonally.

Some squares have S 25 16 36 32 24 33 40 40 1 been T filled in to start you off.

1 2 3 Solution U 31 23 tomorrow 15 6 40 17 36 15 1 4P FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden 21 22 23 in the grid. The numbers to the right of and 1 2V 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 W 15 4 35 37 12 6 16 35 30 3 below the grid indicate how many of the 1 A or X squares in that row are filled in with ships parts of ships. The ships do not touch each Y 38 39 3 23 6 9 35 1 2 18 6 B other, even diagonally. Some squares have text Z been filled in to start you off. C 4 12 13 14 15 8 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 1 2 3

TODAY’S TARGET Good 28; very good 42; excellent 55 (or more). Solution tomorrow.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

M 28

11N 3

2 x cruiser

14

4

2

3

4

3

3

4

1

2

4

41

3 x Destroyer 4 x3 submarine

2

3

2

2

2

1

0

1

3

The Tribune | Weekend | 27

Friday, October 4, 2019

animals

(Photo/Linda Gill-Aranha)

LEND GRAMMY LYNN A HAND!

By THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY Following in the tradition of oddly-named animals, I am a boy cat, but my name is Grammy Lynn, probably because I’m a bit of a grumpy soul. I’m not actually an adoption cat but I do live at the Bahamas Humane Society.

I’ve been watching all sorts of activity and bustling around the shelter ever since Hurricane Dorian passed by.

I’ve been told the shelters in Abaco and Grand Bahama were badly hit by the storm and can no longer hold animals. As a result, many of the adoption animals at the BHS have been sent out to rescues stateside, so there aren’t many to share with you right now. But the BHS does still have adoption animals. And a good way to help is to come and adopt, so we will have even more room at our shelter for the incoming evacuees.

Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday. If you’d like to make a financial donation towards hurricane relief, please e-mail b_humane@hotmail.com; if you’d like to donate supplies or volunteer your time, please contact doriananimalrelief@ gmail.com. Recovery for those islands is going to be a long process and we will need all the help we can get! (And if you’re house cleaning, don’t forget our Thrift Shop; they take donations of all gently used items, including furniture.) Thank you so much!

PS: If you really want to adopt me, we can work that out!

Moments of happiness in times of tragedy Animal matters | KIM ARANHA

A

day at the Bahamas Humane Shelter during this “post apocalyptic” era following the passage of Hurricane Dorian through the Abacos and Grand Bahama is full of very hard work, questions, the unknown, and the need for upbeat thoughts and smiles.

Every day we need our shelter to expand miraculously to accommodate more displaced animals.

Fortunately, some wonderful NGOs have stepped in with some solutions to some of our problems. Enter Wings of Rescue, who were brought to us by the amazing NGO IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare). These organisations know what they are up to, they respond to emergencies all over the world and they have experience to share.

Wings of Rescue is helping us by moving the Bahamas Humane Society adoption dogs to shelters in the States who have low population and are looking for cheerful potcakes who bark, roll over and show their tummies. The more homes we can find for these delightful gawky teenage potcakes, the more space we have to accommodate our Dorian refugees.

Isn’t it amazing how there are people lining up around the US wanting one of these enchanting dogs from the Bahamas and we can’t get people in the Bahamas to adopt them? It is really an interesting phenomenon that the potcake is respected, admired and desired in the US and yet here he has to struggle to get recognition over all the “house dogs’,

Britt Christensen and her daughters adopt a dog from the BHS. “designer dogs”, “bully breeds” and other breeds that are considered “real dogs” at home. Face it guys, our national dog is adorable, special, and highly intelligent, and thank goodness other countries appreciate them!

So before these fortunate pups have a second chance at life and a first chance at a family and happiness, we have to get them ready. The have to be vaccinated, bathed, vet checked, and quite likely bathed again.

They have special collars with numbers, names and profiles. They have special cages for the trip, with ice and water, soft bedding and, last but not least, they travel afar with our love and wishes.

These little four-legged ambassadors take off full of hope and anticipation, and their sweet little faces and enchanting personalities will ensure them a happy life going forward.

So when they have gone, life resumes its usual chaotic pace as we prepare for more owners walking through the shelter looking for their missing, beloved, pet. Every now and then we are all rewarded with cries of joy and excited yapping when owner and pet unite. All too frequently, however, the walkthrough does not reward us and the owner sadly leaves, still hopeful that their friend is still in Abaco.

The fact that owners were not allowed to evacuate with their pets is the cause of significant heartbreak and a huge amount of human suffering. There have been some nasty posts on social media about the care and attention being given to animal rescue after Dorian.

I will refrain form being too unkind in what I have to say, but I will say to tell people who have animals as part of their families to just leave them to fend for themselves

against the elements is very shallow-minded.

Hurricane Katrina showed us just how many people perished because they would not leave their animals alone. We need to find a way forward; those of us who have pets must be allowed to include them in evacuations and in special designated animalfriendly shelters. For those of us who love animals, leaving them is not an acceptable option, and those who were forced to do so suffered tremendously and unnecessarily.

We have to find a way to accommodate the owners; it is a service for the humans.

Today we had huge cause for happiness at the shelter.

We had a lovely family come in. The little girls were as cute as I have seen in many years and they had been wanting a puppy for some time. The two little ones had no idea that their mom had been in previously and chosen a pup. They were happily playing, putting money in the BHS collection box, when their puppy came out. They ran over, still not knowing that he was theirs.

When their mom told them that he was their puppy, it was impossible to keep a dry eye!

He was cuddled and petted and I watched as they left the shelter; one very happy potcake puppy and two ecstatic little girls.

These are the moments that we all live for down at the shelter; the golden moments that make your heart soar and you can’t stop smiling. Even now writing about it I have a grin on my face.

Thank you, Britt Christensen, for bringing your adorable little ones to the shelter and giving us such happiness.

28 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 4, 2019