11292019 WEEKEND

Friday, November 29, 2019

art books film fashion music entertainment history puzzles animals

Weekend

TIPSY CANVAS Page 12

Avant glam

Belles turn out for the Red Ribbon Ball

pages 14 & 15

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Friday, November 29, 2019

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Friday, November 29, 2019

Inside Weekend

My perfect Bahamian weekend Sean Munnings Karaoke DJ

Interview 4 - 5 Today is Janet Hutcheson’s 65th birthday and she is looking back at 40 years of service to her country, as she hopes for many more to help make the Bahamas a better place.

Music 7, 17 New artist Rika Bee sets the music scene abuzz, plus Big Bruh spreads ‘holy hip hop’

Art 8 - 9, 12 Imann’s Crafts get creative for unique décor pieces made from recycled PVC pipes, plus Stefan ‘Legend’ Davis urges you to let out your inner artist with ‘Tipsy Canvas’

Gardening 10 Jack Hardy marvels at the durability of the Moringa tree

Entertainment 11 Jacaranda House hosts special jazz concert series for hurricane victims, plus Laughfest 2019 finally gets the go-ahead

Society 14 - 15 The Belles of the Red Ribbon Ball

Calendar 19 Things to do around town this weekend

Film 20 - 21 ‘Queen & Slim’ is a beautiful and urgent romance; ‘Knives Out’ is a delightful whodunnit

Books 22 The latest releases hitting shelves this week

Forgotten Facts 23 Paul C Aranha takes a trip to Cat Island

Literary Lives 24- 25 Sir Christopher Ondaatje rediscovers a tearful tale

Puzzles 26

Animals 27 Surgery and your furry family member, plus Pet of the Week

Cover | Terrel W Carey, Sr

Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday brunch?

“Sunday brunch. It reminds me of family, church and Mom’s good cooking.”

Q: Wine, Kalik, rum or cocktail?

“Cocktail. If I were to drink I would cherish and try to learn the artistry of the mix.”

Q: Beach or sofa?

“Sofa. It’s intimate and I have had many a blush-filled night on a sofa.”

Q: What could you not do without?

“A smile. Just one held for 10 seconds makes the day seem so much better.”

Q: Weekend away: where would you go?

“I would return to Treasure Cay, Abaco.

There is something magical about the soft white sand in between your toes and the clear turquoise water on the horizon.”

This weekend in history 64. Actor Don Cheadle is 55.

Pop singer Jonathan Knight (New Kids on the Block) is 51.

Actor Chadwick Boseman is 43. Rapper The Game is 40.

November 30 November 29 • In 1910, British explorer Robert F Scott’s ship Terra Nova set sail from New Zealand, carrying Scott’s expedition on its ultimately futile — as well as fatal — race to reach the South Pole first.

• In 1981, actress Natalie Wood drowned in a boating accident off Santa Catalina Island, California, at age 43.

• In 2001, George Harrison, the “quiet Beatle,” died in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer; he was 58.

Today’s birthdays: Hall of Fame sportscaster Vin Scully is 92.

Comedian Howie Mandel is

• In 1782, the United States and Britain signed preliminary peace articles in Paris for ending the Revolutionary War; the Treaty of Paris was signed in September 1783.

• In 1900, Irish writer Oscar Wilde (”The Picture of Dorian Gray”) died in Paris at age 46.

• In 1982, the Michael Jackson album “Thriller” was released by Epic Records. The motion picture “Gandhi,” starring Ben Kingsley as the Indian nationalist leader, had its world premiere in New Delhi.

Today’s birthdays: Movie director Ridley Scott is 82. Actor Mandy Patinkin is 67. Former football and baseball player Bo Jackson is 57. Actor-director Ben Stiller

is 54. Actress Kaley Cuoco is 34.

Model Chrissy Teigen is 34.

December 1

• In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln sent his Second Annual Message to Congress, in which he called for the abolition of slavery, and went on to say, “Fellow-citizens, we can not escape history. We of this Congress and this Administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves.”

• In 1952, the New York Daily News ran a front-page story on Christine Jorgensen’s sex-reassignment surgery with the headline, “ExGI Becomes Blonde Beauty”.

• In 1955, Rosa Parks, a black seamstress, was arrested after refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus; the incident sparked a year-long boycott of the buses by blacks.

Today’s birthdays: Actor-director Woody Allen is 84. Actress-singer Bette Midler is 74. Actresscomedian Sarah Silverman is 49.

R&B singer-actress Janelle Monae is 34. Actress Zoe Kravitz is 31.

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Friday, November 29, 2019

interview

Over the last 40 years, this veteran public servant has made a true and measurable impact on her community. She has served her country as part of the police force, adopted two little girls, shaped the future of the younger generations as a teacher, and uplifted youth in her neighbourhood. She tells Jeffarah Gibson that even though she is now retired, she has no intention of stopping her efforts to help make the world a better place.

Janet Hutcheson

T

oday is a bittersweet day for Janet Hutcheson.

The veteran educator celebrates her 65th birthday and bids farewell to 40 years as a public servant. Over the span of four decades she served in multiple capacities, but most her profound experiences were as a teacher and guidance counsellor.

This week, Janet cleaned out her office, packed personal items into boxes and gave some things away that had accumulated in her office at the Centreville Primary School. She served the school body since November 2015, providing guidance and sound counsel to the little ones whose lives she has touched.

“It is bittersweet, but my mind has been prepared to move forward,” Janet told Tribune Weekend.

According to the official process, upon nearing one’s 65th birthday public service workers are issued a letter of retirement. Janet received hers in July of this year and immediately made preparations for her last day.

“I will miss the interaction with thee children the most. Most days I would come in and they would run and give me a hug,” she said “I actually remember the first time I went into a class where we talk about different aspects of life, challenges and other things they needed to learn about – safety, good manners. I extended my arm for one child to hug me and before I knew it I was on the ground and they were all on top of me. They all wanted to be hugged. They hug me all the time. So I really love the kids.”

Janet said the school, with a little over 400 students and about 40 staff, was like a home away from home for her. One that she will miss a great deal.

It was it was a comfortable environment to work in because it allowed her the freedom to put her creativity to use.

“I started the art, poetry and essay competition, and I did that for four years. We printed four books to commemorate the successes of the children because they are so talented. So that was a bit of encouragement for me. I loved just being able to have the freedom to be creative and do things to help the children. I also did a lot of fundraisers to get uniforms, shoes and books for the

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Friday, November 29, 2019

children who are less fortunate and may have needed (things),” she said.

Though she is now officially retired, Janet said she will remain close to the students and hopes to volunteer her time and services in any way possible.

“I also want to continue with the competition. That is something that I birthed so I don’t expect another person coming in to carry it forward or not have the passion and love for it that I have,” she said.

Retirement is met with fear, dread and uncertainty by many. But Janet said she is embracing it fully and entering this new season of her life with vitality, creativity and a spirit of selflessness.

“Making the transition to retirement is not really an easy thing because your salary is now cut in half. But God is a provider and I am a creative person. I make jewellery, I do sewing and other crafts,” she said.

“As I move forward one thing I am not going to do is sit down. I always want to go out and see if I can be a helper somewhere, volunteer and even look for a part-time job if necessary.”

Janet said she will use all the free time she has now to further develop herself professionally and engage in experiences she never had the chance to before.

“I really want to do some medical training. I love working with the elderly. I have already signed up to assist at the Geriatric Hospital. So in the new year that is what I will be doing as well as going back to the school to help out as well,” she said.

“I want to get into painting, I want to learn pottery. But mostly I want to be able to help others, because when you help others you are also helping yourself.”

To commemorate her four decades of public service, Janet recently hosted a special gathering at Christ Community Church where she was joined by family, friends and relatives who celebrated her hard work and dedication over the years.

Janet’s early education started at the Woodcock Primary, Western Junior and Harold Road High Schools. Her tertiary studies took her to the Prairie View A & M University in Prairie View, Texas, in September 1973 where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology. There, she was also a member of the university’s renowned choir and the synchronised swimming

“

I want to get into painting, I want to learn pottery. But mostly I want to be able to help others, because when you help others you are also helping yourself.”

team. After returning home she obtained other certificates relating to her profession.

She is the mother of two adopted daughters. Melissa Anne came to her at 15 months; she is hearing impaired.

Now 39-years-old, she is a graduate of BTVI and an accounts clerk. Leeia Mirelle, who came to her at seven months, is now 27-years-old and a gifted musician. She graduated from

the University of the Bahamas and followed in her mother’s footsteps to become an educator – a music teacher in her case.

Very much involved in her church for the past 24 years, Janet is a member of Christ Community Church where she serves as a deaconess, assistant to Senior Pastor Bishop Dr Deanza Cunningham, is a liturgical dancer and hymnologist, soloist, and participated in the Prison Ministry up to 2018. She has received two Crown Awards, one Spirit of the Acts Award and an award for dedication to the Beautification Ministry, as well as awards for service to the community

from the first Bahamas Games in 1995, the Deaf Ministry at Grace Gospel Chapel (now Grace Community Church) and the Bahamas National Council for Disability, to name a few.

Janet makes a weekly effort to mentor young people residing on the street she lives and encourages them to make changes in their lives which will honour God, She said she has seen a tremendous change in particular in some of the young men she has spoken and who are now pursuing higher education in the United States and Canada. She also enjoys music, writing, songwriting, reading, gardening, decorating, sewing, making jewellery, cooking, and is a dog lover.

Janet is a trained social worker who has worked for the Bahamas Government for the past 40 years and 11 months in various capacities: teacher, guidance counsellor, physical education instructor, insurance officer for the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Ministry of National Security for 13 years, and as an official at the Passport Office and Parliamentary Registration Departments.

Janet also served her country from 1998-2011 as a corporal in the Police Reserves, and was very instrumental in organising the Historical Reserve Fire Squad in 2002.

Additionally, is a published author of a book of poetry entitled “Reflections”. Her other writings include four children’s books for Centreville Primary School through her initiative in the art, essay and poetry competition from 2016 to 2019, which she hopes to continue with the students after her retirement.

After her two dogs, Thor and Shadow, were stolen – but thankfully recovered – two years ago, Janet wrote a book called “If Only Dogs Could Talk”, which outlines her battle with depression and how she maintained her faith through it all. The book will be published in 2020.

Janet has lived a very full life, and said she is thankful for her faith in God which has kept her through “many dangers, toils and snares”.

She encourages those facing life’s challenges to acknowledge that: “He who created you; knows you best”, and urges everyone to pursue their passions, follow their dreams and all that is wholesome which brings joy and fulfilment.

“Be hopeful, be strong, be blessed,” she said.

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Friday, November 29, 2019

music

Newcomer Rika Bee sets the music scene abuzz

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

| Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net

S

HERIKA Bastian is brand new to the music scene, but she is ambitious about leaving a legacy, so she kicking off her career by dedicating of her debut single to the victims of Hurricane Dorian.

The singer, who goes by the stage name Rika Bee, recently released the track “We Bahamas Strong”, written and produced by Raquel P Forbes. The song seeks to empower and bring hope to victims.

The two have been friends for many years, Raquel being a mentor and big sister to Rika. They decided to partner on the song which is now steadily been gaining airplay on both local and international radio stations.

“Since Dorian (Raquel) was constantly checking up on me and my family to ensure our well-being, as I too was displaced for a while after the storm. After a long conversation about the poor state Grand Bahama and Abaco were left in after Hurricane Dorian had passed, I mentioned that she should write a song about the storm. She did not hesitate one bit, she immediately took me up on the challenge and told me she was going to call me back in a few hours. To my amazement, within 15 to 20 minutes she rang me and said, ‘Rika, guess what?

I already finished the song.’ I was in complete disbelief. God truly had his hand in all of this. I suggested and she created something truly beautiful,” the singer told Tribune Weekend.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up with the link to the single for people to purchase the single for $1 and a portion of the proceeds earned will be donated to the government of the Bahamas for the hurricane victims.

“We are hoping to inspire all citizens of the Bahamas to love and help each other, regardless of race, politics or religious beliefs, also to unite and let the world see how strong Bahamian people. Many persons abroad were on social media claiming that the Bahamas is no more, so it was an honour to sing the verse about our 700 islands, sun, sand and sea. This was the motive behind spearheading the ‘We Bahamas Strong’ campaign and single,” she said.

While the song is uplifting, Rika said she loves the fact that it has also elements of surprise.

“Initially when the song begins it captures your attention. I’m sure most

of the listening audience anticipated a slow song after the intro, then bam!

Out of nowhere the beat drops with lyrics that are not only empowering and comforting, but also catchy,” she said.

A video for “We Bahamas Strong”, she promised, is in the very near future.

Rika Bee got her nickname back in 2003 when she attended the Windy Gap Camp in North Carolina. She was asked to sing as a part of a talent show and obliged.

“They asked me for my stage name and I went blank and I jokingly used it as my stage name and it seems to have

stuck, and the rest was history,” she said.

Rika, who plays several instruments, feels like she was destined to be musician.

“My musical career began at the tender age of four. Singing is like breathing to me. I’ve always been musically inclined. I’ve even had my first-grade teacher tell my mom that I would play the drums someday as I would always beat on the desk in class.

She was right. After moving on to high school I joined my high school band in seventh grade and worked my way up to lead drummer by 10th grade. I know how to play four different types of marching drums, the violin and the alto sax. My favourite quote in recent times is: ‘When words fail; music speaks’.

One should never underestimate the power music carries,” she said.

Much of Rika’s motivation today comes from her daughter Synai, whom she calls “an inspiration”.

“During my darkest hours she always seems to be that beacon of light that motivates and encourages me to always be the best version of myself.

She is truly my little ray of sunshine,” she said.

Rika is now looking forward to an interesting, successful journey in music as she continues her partnership with her songwriting friend Raquel.

“I am quite sure Raquel has a lot of exciting music for us to dabble in as I am now singed to her record label, Reacapp Productions Bahamas. I am excited to go on this musical journey with her and her team. With her creativity and writing skills I have no doubt that we will have an interesting variety of songs filled with Bahamian flavour,” she said.

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Friday, November 29, 2019

art

More than a pipe dream

James finds success with recycled art

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

L

ooking at PVC pipes, most people will probably fail to see any potential for beauty in them. But James Sands takes a different view. The artist and craftsman has found a new purpose for this widely used piece of hardware.

Recycling the solid plastic pipes, he and his team spray-paint and shape them into decorative objects for the garden and other spaces – and most people never guess where their new favourite piece of art actually came from.

This was certainly the case at last weekend’s Jollification, where patrons milled around James’ Imann’s Crafts display, admiring the colourful flamingos – some up to six feet tall – which graced the Bahamas National’s Retreat gardens.

“We are a recycling company that takes PVC pipes to create lawn ornaments for outdoor purposes. We cater to anyone that wants something decorative for their yard spaces and landscaping centrepieces; anyone who loves art and decorative pieces in their yard spaces can and will appreciate it,” said James.

And flamingos are only the start. James’ love of PVC pipe art includes making pelicans, frogs, cats, dogs, and more.

Before stumbling on this particular medium, he created art from recycled tyres.

“It’s all handcrafted right here in the Bahamas. This is the latest chapter in my art career, but I

Photos/Alesha Cadet started making straw bags some years ago when I attended the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute,” he said.

“It was lucrative for me, as after I graduated I worked a bit in the industry for persons like the Plait Lady, the Straw Market, and my Out Island customers.

However, during this time I also had a 9 to 5 job so I had to make a decision, which was to go full-time into my crafting.

From the straw bags I

went into jewellery and expanded into paper mâché and the recycled tyres.

We turned the tyres into lawn ornaments, tyre pots for the gardens, and much more.”

James first got an inkling that PVC pipes could be a viable medium after he uploaded a tutorial video to YouTube showing how to turn a pipe into a bird. The video received a lot feedback and from there, he said, the business bloomed.

For those not aware, James explained that PVC pipes are normally used in the household for plumbing purposes. However, he said Imann’s Crafts can turn them into practically anything.

Friday, November 29, 2019

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When asked to give Tribune Weekend a quick rundown of how to make PVC pipe art, James pointed out that you should get started with piece of white or grey PVC pipe.

Then you draw a pattern before moving on to making your marks and cutting the pipe with a jigsaw. After this step a heat gun is used to shape the piece, in this case a bird.

“We then sand, which leads into the three-layer spraypainting process that takes a day. The spray paint, I would say, can lasts up to six months to a year without cracking or anything like that. There is no rust, it is very flexible, and it takes a lot for it to break. On a concrete base, they weigh at about 30 pounds. But if it taken off the base, PVC is naturally really lightweight.

people commissioning him for original pieces.

“I think these events like Jollification are really important to small entrepreneurs and artisans who just want to introduce themselves and their work. I have a friend here right now just opposite my booth whom I encouraged to take part. I told him he needed to get onto this because it is a good showcase.

Even if you don’t make your desired turnover, it is good for exposure and experience.

Now he is excited to take part again next year. I am going to encourage more of my artist friends to get membership in the BNT. We have to get this Bahamian-made thing solidified. I actually had a lady that came in from Canada who wanted a bird sent off to her.

She wanted to know how to take it off its base so it can be shipped. I am just trying to learn more and build more,” he said..

It brought him great joy to see Jollification patrons stop at his display and ask to take a picture next to the birds.

James said he received similar attention last year as well, but this time it was much more pronounced because he had people from all over the world express interest in his work.

“These are pieces you can look at and appreciate all year round. You can change the colour if you’d like to, so it is a workable piece of art. I think that everyone should look into shopping Bahamian,” he said.

James added: “There is one store that carries my art right now, and it is the Turnquest Gallery, Downtown Nassau and Charlotte Street. We are hoping to expand to more stores soon.”

He is hoping to grow his business to include signage and largers pieces using PVC pipes in an effort to get his work into hotels and bigger markets.

To keep up to date with James’ work, follow Imann’s Crafts on Facebook or call 448-2876 or e-mail imannscrafts@gmail.com for more information.

THE IMANN’s Crafts team at this year’s Jollification.

“These are pieces you can look at and appreciate all year round. You can change the colour if you’d like to, so it is a workable piece of art. I think that everyone should look into shopping Bahamian.”

For transportation, you can just detach from the base. The base is for stability,” he said.

After taking part in both the Summerfication and the Jollification events held at the BNT last year, James said he received great responses from the public, with a number of

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Friday, November 29, 2019

gardening

The 'tree of life' Jack Hardy is amazed his nutrientrich moringa tree survived Hurricane Dorian

M

oringa oleifera is known as the miracle tree. Actually no miraculous properties are claimed for the tree, but the foliage is so rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals the name is justified.

During Hurricane Dorian I found Moringa had another remarkable property.

I was sitting on my southern porch as Dorian screamed in from the north. Already pine trees were down in adjacent property. As the storm changed gear from Cat 3 to Cat 4 a branch dropping from my Moringa tree caught by eye. Within a minute or so every branch had fallen and the Moringa was an eight-foot bole with no vegetation. This, of course, allowed it to survive the Cat 5 stage of the storm without being blown over.

I returned to Abaco in mid-November and could hardly believe my eyes. Not

only had my Moringa survived the storm, it had put out new branches laden with compound leaves and even flowers. Ten weeks after a Category 5 mauling and the tree was back in action.

Moringa oleifera comes to us from India, in the foothills of the Himalayas. It bears the common names of horseradish tree, drumstick tree, and ben oil tree. It is the fastest growing tree I know of and reaches well over 30 feet when planted in moderately fertile sandy soil. It demands well drained soil but is otherwise not fussy.

The branches are brittle and bear masses of compound leaves. The edible flowers are yellowish-white or ivory leaves that are fragrant. From the flowers come long green seed pods that are the ‘drumsticks’ of the common name. These become triangular as they mature beyond the eating stage and enclose hard round seeds about half an inch in diameter from which ben oil – also edible – can be expressed.

The roots can be shredded and made into a condiment that indicates the name horseradish tree. Moringa grows readily from seed and can also be grown easily from cuttings.

Moringa is one of the most popular supplements to be found on the shelves of supermarkets and pharmacies. A tea is made from the ground green leaves that guarantee a host of beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants in the form of vitamin C and betacarotene, quercetin to lower blood pressure, and chlorogenic acid to moderate blood sugar rates. Contents in the leaves may also help to lower cholesterol levels.

The super aspect of Moringa can clearly be seen in this analysis: Seven times the vitamin C of oranges, four times the vitamin A of carrots, four times the calcium of milk, three times the potassium of bananas, and two times the protein of yogurt. Moringa trees have ben planted in areas of Africa where malnourishment is rampant.

MORINGA oleifera is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree.

MORINGA foliage If we have a Moringa tree in our yard we would naturally want to take advantage of the dietary benefits it offers.

Unfortunately, our high humidity does not allow us to air dry leaves naturally and we need to resort to a low oven, carefully watched. You may be disappointed in the taste of moringa leaf tea which is earthy and somewhat bitter.

It is definitely not a tea one drinks for pleasure but it can be helped by adding ginger or mint to the prepared tea. You can, of course, skip the drying of the leaves altogether. You have plenty of fresh green leaves and can make Moringa tea from these.

When using the leaves for nutritional value we can submerge washed stalks of Moringa in boiling stock until the leaves free up, then add

remaining ingredients to make a soup or curry.

The green seed pod drumsticks must be cut into bite-size sections and precooked before adding to curries. This is done Asian countries by parboiling in seasoned coconut milk before adding to the main dish.

I mentioned earlier the flowers are edible. Sprinkle them over a bowl of prepared curry and provide visual decoration.

Getting all the leaves you want from a rapidly growing Moringa tree is awkward. The tree should be pruned to stay at about 10 feet but, as the experience with Dorian shows, the rate of growth will be rebellious. Commercial Moringa growers have stands of tall trees but also plant seeds

every year and treat the young trees as annuals.

Home gardeners can do this by planting a seed in a 20-gallon or larger container.

After a few months there will be plenty of leaves to harvest at eye level. After a year or so – once you have a new seed in a new container – you can pull up your yearling and harvest the roots.

The skin of the roots is toxic and should be peeled away.

Thereafter, the white flesh can be shredded and turned into a horseradish-like condiment using the same techniques as for horseradish.

Moringa seeds have ‘wings’ to help them escape from the mother plant when the pods break open. If picked while the pod is green the seeds can be boiled and used as peas. If the pod is dry the seeds can be roasted and seasoned for a pleasant snack.

I have noted that the skin of the roots is toxic. It has been found that the regular beneficial nutrients of the moringa tree somehow affect the uterus and therefore it is not advised for use by pregnant women. It is further advised that nursing mothers should avoid using powdered leaf products as the effect is not fully scientifically known.

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

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Friday, November 29, 2019

ENtertainment

A jazzy holiday concert for hurricane relief

By KIM ARANHA

Music lovers rejoice!

Jacaranda House is once again throwing open its doors to invite aficionados of the sweet sounds of the saxophone to a series of jazz concerts – and it’s all for a worthy cause.

Patricia Oakes-Leigh-Wood and her husband Robert Leigh-Wood have painstakingly restored their beautiful home, Jacaranda House, right in the centre of Nassau City on Parliament Street. Jacaranda was one of the many homes of the Oakes family, and Patricia is one of Sir Harry Oakes’ grandchildren.

As huge fans of jazz and music, the Leigh-Woods have successfully held “Jazz at Jacaranda Sundays” over the past few years, showcasing the amazing talents of a myriad of Bahamian musicians.

Mrs Oakes-Leigh-Wood is also the founder and chair of the very popular event “Eleuthera all that Jazz” held on the island of Eleuthera in the Spring.

This Sunday, December 1, at 6pm at Jacaranda, she will introduce the first of the three “Dorian Series” jazz concerts, a Christmas special, to raise

funds for those affected by the devastating Category 5 hurricane.

The objective is to raise money and collect gifts for the children orphaned or displaced by the storm. The funds and gifts will be divided between the Ranfurly Homes for Children and the Children’s Emergency Hostel.

Tickets are $75 per person, plus a wrapped Christmas gift for a child. Each guest will be treated to two glasses of wine, a snack, and some fabulous music.

The world-class and renowned musician Adrian d’Aguilar has some surprises in store for his audience, while the highly talented vocalist Stazzie Appleyard will take on the role of lead singer. Anybody who has heard these two coupled together and in action know just how wonderful the evening will be.

The two following Dorian series concerts in February and March will be to raise money for the animals affected

by Dorian (Bahamas Humane Society) and the elderly.

For reservations, contact: jacarandanassau@gmail.com.

All gifts should be labelled with age and gender.

'Where|in the World is Wally?' gets TV DEBUT |

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

WHEN Bahamian filmmaker Travolta Cooper set out to make his series “Where in the World its Wally?”, his idea was to have 60-second episodes air on Instagram. However, the show was a much bigger a success that he initially envisioned and so it will now make its way to cable television in the new year.

It has been announced that “Where In the World is Wally?” will premiere on January 20, 2020 on Our TV and Rev Platforms.

The show follows the titular character Wally who finds himself popping up all around the world with no memory of how he got there. The inspiration for the series comes from childhood stories as well as from Mr Cooper’s personal travels over the last few years.

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

“The more the Instagram shorts were viewed by prospective buyers, the more I kept getting told to develop and make it into an actual full-length TV or digital series. It’s a dream come true and it’s been an amazing ride. This is might be the greatest assembly of Bahamian talent on screen ever,” he told Tribune Weekend.

In addition to Mr Cooper, the core cast includes Renal Brown, Timico Sawyer, Leah Eneas, and Jonathan Belle. International talent will also be employed down the road.

And while the length of the show has changed, the filmmaker said viewers can expect to everything else is pretty much the same as the Instagram series.

“It’s a simple premise: Wally is missing and his family and friends are

looking for him. The twist is Wally is also lost and trying to locate himself in the world,” he said.

However, some changes were of course necessary.

“For one, it took more money. And once the money came I had to re-imagine what this world would look like on TV. The reviews we’ve gotten back so far have been amazing. Everyone feels like this is something new and exciting,” said Mr Cooper.

“Artist and culture critic the late great Jackson Burnside (predicted) that by 2020 the Bahamas will no longer just be known for its sun, sand and sea, but that it will also be known around the world for its art and culture. I can only hope Wally plays a small role in making that a reality.”

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Friday, November 29, 2019

art

Let your inner artist out at 'Tipsy Canvas'

By ALESHA CADET

C

| Tribune Features writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net

reative entrepreneur and artist “Stefan Legend” Davis always liked the idea of hosting his own a paint n’ sip party, but he wanted his version to be different from all the other events of this nature that have become so popular among Bahamians.

Those familiar with the artist and his work at the Airbrush Junkies know that his style offers a hip and modern twist on traditional art.

The artist told Tribune Weekend after recently closing Airbrush Junkies at the Mall at Marathon, he is now re-branding himself as “Stefan Legend”, focusing solely on his canvas art. This change has afforded him many new opportunities such as being able to take part in live paintings at special events here in the Bahamas and abroad. He has also been commissioned to do paintings for celebrities. His newest main venture, however, is the Tipsy Canvas paint n’ sip party held at Seven at The Pointe every Saturday from 8.30pm to 10.30pm.

“I was brainstorming for over a year working on how to make this an unique experience. One of my biggest concerns was the venue, but one day it just popped up into my head that I wanted to do my event at Seven at The Pointe. I had heard so many great reviews from persons who had attended the venue so I reached out to them and they loved the concept,” he said.

“Stefan Legend” at work “When you enter the venue you’re immediately greeted by their friendly staff, and the bar is very spacious and fully stocked. There are an array of activities going on like bowling, video games, pool tables, a movie theatre and even karaoke – none of which will distract you from Tipsy Canvas paint n’ sip sessions.”

Stefan explained the concept of Tipsy Canvas is to leave your stress at the door, as it is a happy place. As patrons get into their painting led and instructed by Stefan himself, they get to enjoy their favourite top-shelf drinks, especially Seven’s signature cocktails, as well as various food options.

The artist’s goal is to have people create new memories with old friends, meet new ones, and dance and party to the best ‘90s music by DJ and host Supa Mario.

Stefan believes events like this are becoming more popular because it’s a great new way for a group of friends, family and couples to enjoy a night out beyond your typical night club visit, movie dates or even dinner. Parties like Tipsy Canvas allow patrons to take

an actual piece of their night out home with them.

“I also believe that the event is beneficial, mostly because it’s a stress reliever.

During this time of dealing with the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, participants can come to a space where they can express their emotions through art. Whether it be after a hard work week, or getting away from the kids, or just an outing with your crew, you can come to unwind, drink a little, create beautiful art and let loose,” he said.

Stefan encourages all to attend with an open mind; there is not need to be intimidated or worried about a perceived lack of skill, he said.

“Remember,” he said,”when the drinks go in, the artist comes out.”

“The most fulfilling part of the event for me is when participants are all doubtful in the beginning about painting their art and at the end of the session they realise that they’ve created masterpieces. And this is where I get my joy. My vision for Tipsy Canvas is for it to expand from just Saturday nights to three nights of the week,” he said.

The Tribune | Weekend | 13

Friday, November 29, 2019

celebrity

PART

I

The Weekend Fashion Report 2019 American Music Awards

HIT

FAIL

SPLIT

HIT

Lizzo

Selena Gomez

Shania Twain

Lil Nas X

Karin says: “Lizzo’s teensy, tiny purse was the talk of the red carpet. ‘Bag big enough for my f***s to give,’ she said on Instagram. But she didn’t really need the gimmick because she looked great. The soft dreamsicle orange looked gorgeous on her. And it’s just such a playful, fun little dress.”

Cara says: “Lovely colour. I think it’s a hit. It’s very ruffly. But I don’t think it’s that overpowering on her, in fact it is very flattering. It is, however, very short, so I think it would have been equally great with some leggings to finish off the look.”

Karin says: “This just does not fit at all. How did she even sit down in this?

I get she wanted to show off some cleavage, but this neon green mini dress looks like it is squeezing the life out of her. With a better fit this ensemble would have actually been cute.”

Cara says: “OK, her poor girls look very squashed. The dress is just too tight; it’s not flattering in my opinion. I am on the fence regarding the colour, and the choker is too ‘80s by far and looks like it is actually choking her.”

Karin says: “Sadly, Shania looked (and sometimes sounded) like someone’s drunken auntie up on that AMA stage. And this red carpet outfit kinda fits with that theme. I’m sad that it has come to this. The satin top is hideous; the hair is way too much, and the rest just makes her look like a Disney villain.”

Cara says: “I don’t remember the last time I saw Shania on a red carpet.

But she doesn’t disappoint here. I like the top and I like the skirt and the updo quite a bit. If I had to be picky about one thing it would those two wing things on the side; totally unnecessary.”

Karin says: “I like how bold and out there Nas is with his fashion choices.

No boring tuxes for him. I’m not 100 percent sold on the cheap satin material, but I love he decided to go with the brightest neon green possible so that there is no chance you miss him. And don’t let us forget the zebra print!”

Cara says: “Clearly this neon green is in this season. I am getting some Grinch vibes with this outfit. It’s not too outrageous yet makes a statement.

A weird statement, granted, but do you, honey! His suit was definitely an attention-grabber.”

• See PAGE 16 for more hits and misses from the AMAs

Photos/Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

16 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, November 29, 2019

celebrity

PART

Photos/Jordan Strauss/Invision/A

The Weekend Fashion Report 2019 American Music Awards

II

HIT

FAIL

Megan Thee Stallion

Dua Lipa

Karin says: “Oh wow! This sparkly red number is giving me Jessica Rabbit vibes; it’s a very sexy look. It’s very old-school glamour, right down to the wavy hair. The only thing I would tell her is to lay off the highlighter a bit; you can see the tip of her nose from space.”

Cara says: ““She looks amazing; such a vixen! And this simply screams ‘holiday fabulous’. Dare say it? This is my favourite look this week. And I am just loving her pretty side-swept hair as well. An all-around winner.”

Karin says: “Dua’s on her way to becoming a pop powerhouse, but this is a terrible, tragic look. First of all, she should have stuck to her signature black bob, much more striking.

Second, she must have thought the theme was ‘ironic prom’, because this is one ugly dress. What is that black velvet bow?”

Cara says: “Let’s count all the things wrong with this outfit. One: the dress is ill-fitting. Two: it looks wrinkled and cheap. Three: that bow was just unnecessary. This is like the cheapest Marilyn Monroe imitation ever.”

The Tribune | Weekend | 17

Friday, November 29, 2019

music

'Holy Hip Hop' artist Big Bruh sings for the children

By CARA HUNT

C

| Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

lifford “Big Bruh” Riley wants his music to be a blessing to everyone who hears it. He especially hopes it will be blessing for the youngsters at the Ranfurly Homes for Children for whom he is performing today, The “Holy Hip Hop” artist is using his unique blend of contemporary gospel and rap to inspire everyone he comes into contact with.

“Music has always been a part of my life. I grew up listening to classic albums

by Mahalia Jackson and the Chuck Wagon Gang. I also really enjoyed ‘white boy’ groups like Journey and Air Supply,” he told Tribune Weekend.

And as he got older, his tastes continued to evolve and

he became interested in hip hop, while also remaining true to his gospel roots “I enjoy performing so much because music is me and I just love when I have have an audience I can express myself to,” he said. “I also just really get a lift out of doing something I love and knowing people appreciate it.

Big Bruh uses his personal experiences to give him inspiration for his song lyrics.

He writes all his own music but says he doesn’t limit himself to a particular style.

“I’m an original. I do a lot of hip hop, but really it is whatever I feel or whatever style of music is pulling at me, that can be hip hop, rap, gospel,” he said.

Big Bruh is currently working on making a name for

The

Billboard

Top 10

himself, both here at home and abroad.

His song “Yes, I Have A Dream” was recently nominated as the Holy Hip Hop Song of the Year and Urban Contemporary Song of the Year at the 2020 Rhythm of Gospel Awards which will be held in Alabama early next year. He is also nominated for Best Performance by a Holy Hip Hop Artist.

In addition to wanting to bless audiences with his music, Big Bruh also strives to be a motivator for his friends. In fact, that is actually how he got his stage name.

“I was also the one to be giving advice to my family and my friends and so people considered me to be like a big brother to them and hence we came up with the name Big Bruh,” he said.

‘Holy Hip Hop’ artist Big Bruh He also loves to give back to the community and today he will be joined by several of his fellow gospel artists for a special concert at the Ranfurly Homes for Children.

“This is a cause dear to my heart,” he said. “My father left my mother with us four kids (his brother and two sisters) when I was little. She could have given up after that and where would we have been.”

by Post Malone 1. . Circles Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi 2. Good As Hell by Lizzo 3. Memories 5 4. Lose You Toby Maroon Love Me by Selena Gomez 5. Senorita by Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello 6. No Guidance by Chris featuring Drake 7 . Everything I wanted byBrown Billie Eilish 8. 10,000 Hours by Dan + Shay 9 . Truth Hurts by Lizzo & Justin Bieber 10

Unfortunately, he noted, both his sisters have since died.

Big Bruh doesn’t only enjoy singing on a stage, but also during his day job in the transportation industry where he likes to serenade visitors to the Bahamas.

“It is such an exhilarating experience when you know people love your music,” he said.

18 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, November 29, 2019

entertainment

After two postponements, Laughfest 2019 is finally here

T

hird time’s the charm for Laughfest 2019. After being postponed for the first time in August, and then again in September due to Hurricane Dorian, the third and final date has now been set – December 7 at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar – and the night of comedy promises to offer the best in stand-up from the US circuit.

The event’s headliner will be Gary Owen, who has been entertaining American audiences for more than a decade.

Having performed to sold-out audiences in all the major comedy clubs and theatres across the country, Owen is one of America’s most beloved comedians. He was even proclaimed by Ebony magazine to be Black America’s “Favourite White Comedian”.

Audiences can see Owen in his most recent comedy special, “I Got My Associates”, currently on Showtime.

Last year, Owen starred in his eponymous docuseries, “The Gary Owen Show”, on BET, which chronicled his dynamic and interracial family life with his wife and children in smalltown Ohio. The series marked the first time a Caucasian actor had starred in his own series on the network.

Owen has had massive success as a comic actor on the big screen. Last year,

he starred opposite Mike Epps and Mike Tyson in the comedy “Meet the Blacks’”.

He is also one of the stars of the popular Screen Gems’ franchise “Think Like a Man”, having appeared in the first instalment and its successful follow up “Think Like a Man Too”. In 2014, he starred in the Universal comedy “Ride Along” with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart. Other film credits include “Little Man” (2016) opposite the Wayans Brothers and “Daddy Day Care” (2003) opposite Eddie Murphy.

On the small screen, Owen co-hosted TruTV’s sketch series “Upload with Shaquille O’Neal” (2013). After meeting Tyler Perry on “The Tom Joyner Morning Show”, Owen was cast in the recurring role of Zach the barber in the fifth season of the TBS comedy series “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.”

Owen has also starred in multiple televised standup specials, including “I Agree with Myself” and his onehour comedy special “True Story”, both of which aired on Showtime in 2015. In 2014, he served as the host of the hugely popular comedy special “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam – Live from Orlando”.

In addition to his comedic work, Owen works closely with the non-profit Facing Addiction, an organisation

dedicated to finding solutions to the addiction crisis in America. Having lost his own brother to heroin addiction, Owen regularly speaks and performs to raise awareness and support for the organisation’s mission.

Owen will be joined on the Laughfest stage by Brian “Da Wildcat” Smith, winner of the Nationwide Shaq Allstar Comedy Competition. His latest credits are featured roles in the new Fox TV show “REL”, “Watchdogs” (Ubisoft’s video game), Xfinity’s “Defender” with Defensive Lineman Brian Urlacher, and Tostitos’ “Inspired to Dip” commercials.

He has done live comedy and improvisational shows for US troops stationed in Frankfort, Germany and is a five-time winner of “Showtime at the Apollo”. Smith’s goals are centered on following his dreams without compromising his morals, standards, or family values.

Rounding out the trio of performers for Laughfest is “Say Em”, an Asian-American comedian, actor and designer who frequently opens for Gary Owens.

The event will be hosted by The Tribune’s very own Inigo “Naughty” Zenicazelaya, the Bahamas’ only touring professional stand-up comedian and host of one of the most

Headliner Gary Owen

Brian “Wild Cat” Smith

Say Em

popular radio shows in the country.

Having begun a career in comedy almost two decades ago, Naughty has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy, representing the Bahamas in many cities across the US. He is also the house comic of the Jokers Wild Comedy Club at Atlantis.

Tickets for the December 7 show start at $50 and are now on sale at Radio House on Shirley Street, and from Fine Threads and John’s Shoes locations. All pre-sold tickets and giveaway ticket wins from the original August date will be honoured.

The Tribune | Weekend | 19

Friday, November 29, 2019

FRI 11/29

• Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis Time: 12noon Venue: Imperial Arena, Atlantis Celebrating its ninth year of elite collegiate tournament play, the 2019 Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis includes UNC, Oregon, Michigan, Gonzaga, Iowa State, Seton Hall, Alabama and Southern Miss. This is the last day of the 12-game, three-day tournament which is regarded as one of the most challenging earlyseason tournaments.

• Bahamian Night at the Beach Time: 7pm - 10pm

The Tribune Established 1903

Venue: Rosewood Baha Mar Experience a truly authentic Bahamian beach party complete with a wide selection of Caribbean specialties, bonfires and live island music. Includes local beers, mojitos and soft drinks. Reservations required. E-mail bahamar. concierge@rosewoodhotels. com. Tickets are $160.

Michelle “Shelly” Haven.

Clients enter to enhance their outer appearance, but leave feeling renewed thanks to the heart-to-heart discussions they had with friends and neighbours.

• Fire and Flow Fridays Time: 8.30pm - 11.30pm Venue: Studio Café, Compass Point Enjoy live performances by featured artists Von Trap, Bey Chaino and Rah Vision, as well as open mic and freestyle battles

• Haven – A Stage Play Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm (encore performance on Saturday) Venue: Dundas Performing Arts Centre The hit faith-based production returns for two more performances. The play explores life’s struggles, joy, faith and love within a barbershop owned by Benjamin “Ben” Haven and

SAT 11/30

|100 Jamz | Y98

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

weekend

• ACE Diabetes Health Expo Time: 10am - 2pm Venue: Baha Mar Convention Centre The expo explores all aspects of diabetes and the prevention of the disease, as well as other chronic health conditions plaguing the Bahamian public. There will be prizes, giveaways, a grand raffle, healthy cooking demos, physician booths, free routine testing, and more. Admission is free.

• St Anselm’s Fall Festival Time: 11am - 10pm Venue: St Anselm’s Catholic Church Enjoy the annual steak-out featuring games for the kids, eating contests for the

Editior’s Voice

Saturday • Tree Trimming Party at the Zoo Time: Saturday, 2pm - 5pm Venue: Ardastra Gardens Kick off the holiday season at the annual Tree Trimming Party for the whole family. Enjoy full zoo access, play reindeer games, create Christmas crafts, take a picture with Santa and more. Non-members pay $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. Members pay $5 per person. There will be free treat bags for the first 100 children.

adults, Junkanoo, a grand raffle and more.

• Introduction to Photography Time: 10am Venue: Queen’s College Learn how to master your camera and get perfect exposure. Commercial photographer Rashad Penn introduces photography in a way that is easy to understand and appreciate. This five-hour, one-day session will take you off automatic and teach you how to shoot in all kinds of different creative modes. Call 677-7639 to register.

• Light Up! Christmas Event Time: 12noon - 6pm Venue: Sandbox, Harbour Bay It children clothing’s store is celebrating its first holiday launch event with Yuletide inspired beverages, Christmas stockings, facepainting, Henna tattoos, sweet treats and balloon.

The holiday lighting begins

at 5.30pm, and may even feature a visit from Santa.

• Runway to Parris Sip & Shop Time: 12noon - 4pm Venue: Bon Vivants, Sandyport Runway to Parris is dropping its first holiday fashion collection at this pop-up event featuring free signature cocktails, styling sessions with experts, Instagram keepsakes, and Black Friday sales.

• The Nassau Night Market Time: 2pm - 10pm Venue: Market Slope, next to the Straw Market The street festival highlights 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.

SUN 11/31

• Fusion’s Farmers Market Time: 8am - 1pm Venue: Fusion Superplex In partnership with Chiccharney Farms, enjoy a slightly different farmers market, featuring fresh produce and homemade goodies.

For more information e-mail kmdavis@fusionsuperplex. com.

• The Chain Time: 6pm - 9pm Venue: National Art Gallery Join author Denise Major and observe World AIDS Day at the NAGB, featuring mini-talks, theatre, prizes, free HIV testing and a longoverdue discussion on the state of STIs among women in the Bahamas. Admission is free.

20 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, November 29, 2019

film

Review: ‘Knives Out’ a delightful take on the ‘whodunit’ knives out | 126 minutes

R

ian Johnson’s “Knives Out” unravels not just a good oldfashioned murder mystery but the very fabric of the whodunit, pulling at loose threads until it has intricately, devilishly woven together something new and exceedingly delightful.

For all the detective tales that dot television screens, the Agatha Christie-styled whodunit has gone curiously absent from movie theatres.

The nostalgia-driven “Murder on Orient Express” (2017), popular as it was, didn’t do much to dispel the idea that the genre has essentially moved into retirement, content to sit out its days in a warm puffy armchair, occasionally dusting itself off for a remake.

But Johnson has since his 2005 neo-noir debut “Brick” shown a rare cunning for enlivening old genres with densely plotted deconstruction. He makes very clever movies (“Looper,” “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”) that sometimes, like in the madcap caper “The Brothers Bloom,” verge on showy overelaboration, of being too much.

But in the whodunit, too much is usually a good thing.

Give us all the movie stars, plot twists and murder weapons you can find. When done

well, there is almost nothing better. And “Knives Out,” while it takes a little while to find its stride, sticks the landing, right up to its doozy of a last shot. The whodunit turns out not only to still have a few moves left but to be downright acrobatic.

The film begins like many before it: with a dead body that needs accounting for.

Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), a bestselling mystery writer, is found with his throat cut in a small upstairs room in his sprawling Victorian mansion. Production designer David Crank deserves much credit for the film’s fabulously ornate and much-panelled setting — a Clue board come to life and a home that could rival the modernist abode of “Parasite” for movie house of the year.

Thrombey is extremely wealthy with an expansive family of spoon-fed, entitled eccentrics that would likely mix well with the dynasty of HBO’s “Succession.” And as much intrigue as there is about Harlan’s death, for his children there’s even more about his inheritance. There’s his relator daughter Linda (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her cheating husband Richard (Don Johnson), a vocal Trump supporter; his son Walt (a sweater-wearing Michael Shannon) who runs his father’s publishing house

DANIEL CRAIG, from left, Chris Evans, Noah Segan and Lakeith Stanfield in a scene from “Knives Out.” (Claire Folger/Lionsgate via AP) and is married to Joni (Toni Collette); and his grandson Ransom (Chris Evans), the arrogant black sheep of the family.

There are others, too, most notably Harlan’s trusted caregiver Marta (Ana de Armas). The Thrombeys casually refer to her as “the help” and, in a running gag, are all over the map when it comes to her native South American country. A deeper political dimension slowly takes shape as the family’s cavalier indifference to Marta plays a role in the movie’s unspooling mysteries. Juggling themes of class privilege, immigration and ethnocentricity, “Knives Out” is a whodunit for the Trump era.

Some mysteries first submerge themselves in set-up, the crime in question and the entrance of its central detective. Johnson is too restless for such an approach. He favours flashbacks, by the boat load, to go along with elaborate plot mechanics of reversals and

perspective switcheroos. That gives “Knives Out” a somewhat clunky and imperfectly paced first act, something Johnson makes up for with the payoff of his finale. But for a movie with so many fine actors having so much fun, we get surprisingly little of the Thrombeys as a whole.

Instead, our detective calls almost immediately. Enter Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), a flamboyant Louisiana investigator of such renown that he’s already been profiled in the New Yorker as “the last of the gentleman sleuths.” Even with such immaculate set dressing all around him (the mystery writer’s house is decorated throughout with murder weapons, including a throne of knives), Craig still manages to chew plenty of scenery with his heavily accented Southernstyle Poirot. One calls him “Foghorn Leghorn,” another “CSI: KFC.” He’s accompanied by another detective (an underused Lakeith Stanfield) but he quickly makes Marta

his sidekick; she has a useful aversion to lies, throwing up every time she tells one.

There isn’t much that isn’t knowing in Johnson’s dialogue. He delights in playing by the genre’s rules and remaking them at once.

There are winking references here to “Hamilton” and “Baby Driver,” and “Knives Out” more than once risks being overwhelmed by self-satisfaction.

But “Knives Out,” in the end, believes earnestly in the whodunit, it just wants to turn it inside out. To say more about that would spoil the fun. But keep an eye here, and elsewhere, on de Armas. The “Blade Runner 2049” actress (soon to be seen in the next James Bond film, also with Craig) isn’t the biggest star in a film awash with A-listers. But with neither cloak nor dagger, she seizes “Knives Out.” It’s hers.

JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer

The Tribune | Weekend | 21

Friday, November 29, 2019

film

Review: 'Queen & Slim' is romantic, urgent and beautiful queen & slim | 132 minutes

R

arely has a Tinder date ended so poorly than the one shown in “Queen & Slim.”

Even more rarely has a bad Tinder date produced such a great film.

The remarkable “Queen & Slim” is a romance and a road movie, a film about outlaws on the run, two journeys of self-discovery and a nuanced social commentary. It’s not perfect but it’s close — an urgent, beautiful and socially conscious trip through the American racial psyche in 2019.

“Queen & Slim “ is the feature-film directorial debut from Melina Matsoukas, who has directed episodes of HBO’s “Insecure” and helmed Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning video “Formation.” The script is from Emmy-winner Lena Waithe (Netflix’s “Master of None”) with, bizarrely, an assist from disgraced “A Million Little Pieces” author James Frey, and a nod to “Thelma & Louise.”

The film starts in a Cleveland diner with a mismatched pair who have connected online. She’s a stiff lawyer in a turtleneck; he’s a peaceful retail worker in Carhartt. She picked him because his profile picture looked sad. (“I felt sorry for you,” she says.) This date is going nowhere.

Driving her home — we don’t learn their real names until the very end — Slim is pulled over for failing to execute a turn signal. The white police officer’s aggressive style cycles out of control and ends with the cop shot,

Queen injured and three lives forever altered. The couple can’t wait around to explain they acted in self-defence: They’re both young and black and a white cop is dying. They have to go. Now. The script has Queen and Slim travel from Ohio through Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida, encountering different people along the way. The film starts in snowy darkness and ends in warm sunshine. The characters shed their old identities — clothes and hair as well — for new ones, growing more human and empathetic each mile that rolls past.

Daniel Kaluuya of “Get Out” fame takes Slim from a sad-sack who obeys the rules to a man deeply in love and ready to fight for it. Jodie

Turner-Smith, in her first feature film lead, makes an astonishing debut, stiff and understated when we meet her and evolving into a vulnerable warrior in a leopard mini dress. Both are haunted, anxious and guilty. They end the film undaunted.

Intriguingly, the couple travel without access to Twitter or Facebook or Instagram.

Queen has advised the pair to toss their phones in case authorities are tracking them, leaving them in a social media blackout. (The couple who met on Tinder are now cut off from the world.) We know they are being pursued from screaming newspaper headlines and TV snippets of viral video but Queen and Slim are really left in their own bubble

— usually the confines of a car — with the radio playing.

And, wow, is the music good. The soundtrack is a tour through black music, from soul to Afrobeat to hip-hop and New Orleans bounce.

What makes “Queen & Slim” more than just a road movie is the subtle and yet devastating way in which these would-be lovers are seen by those they come across. A black man in a parking lot holds up the Black Power fist while a white woman in genteel Savannah, Georgia, wants to turn them over to the cops. A white gas station clerk hopes to hold Slim’s Glock, while a young black boy is so moved by their actions that he provokes a fight with police.

Queen and Slim are just scared and falling in love.

They don’t see themselves as revolutionaries or cowards or symbols. Yet their very presence frays marriages, strains the blue bonds between police, fractures the notion of black solidarity, and tests a father and son.

There are lovely small roles

by Indya Moore and Bokeem Woodbine. Sturgill Simpson plays the officer who starts the manhunt off, and Chloe Sevigny and the Red Hot Chili

Peppers’ Flea are the bickering Georgia couple. The look of the film is arresting in its focus on lived-in decay and seedy, weedy poverty and the filmmakers, intriguingly, have given the actors dialogue never spoken out loud but communicated almost telepathically.

Matsoukas handles comedy and drama expertly, and she directs a pivotal dance sequence with slinky care — it signals the relationship between Slim and Queen moving into lustful territory — but stumbles slightly juxtaposing the couple’s intimate love scene with a clunky violent street demonstration.

Otherwise, she keeps the tension going wonderfully, with music and fake-outs and frightened glances. “Queen & Slim” is a powerful look at places and issues not often explored in movies, and it’s unusual for being a big studio film starring two people of colour created by people of colour. There is much talk in the film about legacy — what we leave behind — but everyone involved in this film should be proud of what they’ve offered the world.

MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer

22 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, November 29, 2019

books

New releases

hitting shelves this week • Spy by Danielle Steel (romance/thriller) At 18, Alexandra Wickham is presented to King George V and Queen Mary in an exquisite white lace and satin dress her mother has ordered from Paris. With her delicate blond looks, she is a stunning beauty who seems destined for a privileged life. But fate, a world war, and her own quietly rebellious personality lead her down a different path.

By 1939, Europe is on fire and England is at war. From her home in idyllic Hampshire, Alex makes her way to London as a volunteer in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry. But she has skills that draw the attention of another branch of the service. Fluent in French and German, she would make the perfect secret agent.

Within a year, Alex is shocking her family in trousers and bright red lipstick. They must never know about the work she does – no one can know, not even the pilot she falls in love with.

While her country and those dearest to her pay the terrible price of war, Alex learns the art of espionage, leading to life-and-death missions behind enemy lines and a long career as a spy in exotic places and historic times.

Accused by Edgerton’s family of framing him for murder, Cross fights to clear his name as the case against him builds. And as more notes - and more bodies - start appearing, Cross is determined to put an end to this case once and for all.

• Criss Cross (Alex Jones #27) by James Patterson

A girl who sees monsters. A stalker who saves lives. Is this a dream come true, or are Calli’s nightmares coming to life?

“Aged out of foster care, two jobs to keep me afloat, and finally on my own…until Mr Sexonlegs dives into my life. Literally. This guy may be the sexiest man alive, but his stalker tendencies and disappearing scales are freaking me out. I’m in danger. The Unseelie Queen is after me. Yeah right! Maybe

After witnessing the execution of Michael Edgerton, a man he helped convict of several murders, Alex Cross thought he could finally put the case behind him. But when a body turns up with a note signed by ‘M’, Alex knows that the nightmare is far from over.

• Shades of Human by J L Myers (young adult)

I’m losing my mind. Maybe my crazy childhood memories are real. If I don’t run for my life, I need my head examined. Guess I better book that shrink, because I can’t get away, and now I’m not sure if I want to anymore…”

• JAY-Z: Made in America

by Michael Eric Dyson (biography) This book wrestles with the biggest themes of Jay-Z’s career, including hustling, and it recognises the way that he’s always weaved politics into his music, making important statements about race, criminal justice, black wealth and social injustice. As he enters his 50s, and to mark his 30 years as a recording artist, this is the perfect time to take a look at Jay-Z’s career and his role in making this nation what it is today.

The Tribune | Weekend | 23

Friday, November 29, 2019

history

A trip to Cat Island Forgotten facts | Paul C Aranha

H

ave you ever visited a place called Labourin-vain? Well, it’s on my map and it’s not too late to take a trip to Cat Island.

Cat Island is an ideal place for sightseeing by plane and, in the days before digital cameras, my passengers would start taking pictures as soon as they saw the amazing beauty between North End Point to Russell Creek at the very top of the island. It was easy to believe that that man had ever set foot there.

Near the southwestern part of the island is a settlement called McQueen’s, once the plantation of my fourth great-grandfather, Alexander McQueen. In the early 1800s, his son, Neil McQueen, was the publisher of Nassau’s newspaper The Royal Gazette and Bahama Advertiser.

Of course, Cat Island’s claim to fame is Mount Alvernia, the highest hill in the Bahamas. Originally called Como Hill, it rises to 206 feet above sea level. There you find the personal hermitage (and final resting place) of an English architect, Monsignor John Hawes (1876-1956), who first came to the Bahamas as an Anglican priest and designed the baldacchino that covers the altar of St Matthew’s Anglican Church. He also designed St Paul’s Anglican Church in Clarence Town, Long Island. Afterwards, he left the Bahamas, converted to Roman Catholicism and came back here as a Catholic priest.

Father Jerome, as he was best known, designed the Catholic church of St Peter’s and St Paul’s, in Clarence Town, next door to his Anglican church. Another of his designs is St Augustine’s Monastery on Bernard Road.

I have spent just one night on Cat Island, when I flew Sir Harold Christie (1896 - 1973) and Godfrey Kelly to campaign for re-election. Since I had nothing else to do, I accompanied the candidates as they trekked from house to house, and I was particularly impressed to hear Christie greet every man, woman and child by name. By 10pm, I was exhausted and went to bed, while the almost 70-year-old candidate just kept going, and going, until I know not when.

If you would like to read more about Cat Island, The Cat Island Guide is a booklet full of interesting information about the history of the island, starting with the Lucayans.

“Terribly Well” by Davidson Hepburn (2014) recounts the life of a Cat Island boy who became the President of UNESCO and Hepburn’s new book “Cat Island, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” (2019) expands on the story of life, and change, on the island of his birth.

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

Cat Island has long been considered the ‘obeah’ capital of the Bahamas. One day I flew some mechanics to the island to make repairs for Esso. On our way back to the airport it was hot and everyone was thirsty, so the driver stopped for us to buy sodas. The chief mechanic, a Cat Island man, would not go near the shop because the storekeeper was an ‘obeah’ woman; nor would he touch the soda we bought for him.

MOUNT ALVERNIA, the highest hill in the Bahamas, was originally called Como Hill.

24 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, November 29, 2019

literary lives ELIO Vittorini (1908 - 1966) is best-known for his antifascist novel “Conversations in Sicily”.

Sir Christopher Ondaatje discovers a recently published book of Italian short stories – translated in 2019 and edited

by Jhumpa Lahiri – which includes a sensitively brilliant short story by Elio Vittorini.

O

Rediscovering a tearful tale

ne of the luckiest of my discoveries this last Summer was a book of Italian short stories featuring 40 Italian writers that reflect over a 100 years of Italy’s vibrant and diverse short story tradition, from the birth of the modern nation to the end of the 20th century. The writers represent a wide-ranging dynamic cross-section of Italian society, curated by Jhumpa Lahiri, and include well-known authors such as Italo Calvino, Elsa Morante, Luigi Pirandello and Guiseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa.

The stories are ordered in reverse alphabetical order, by author’s last name – an arbitrary sequence. It is serendipitous that a story by Elio Vittorini appears first.

In 1942, Vittorini published “Americana”, an anthology of 33 largely unknown American authors – among them Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry James and Willa Cather. But this was no mere gathering of authors; it was a massive, collective translation enterprise featuring contributions by some of the most important Italian writers of the time, including Alberto Moravia, Cesare Pavese and the Nobel Laureate poet Eugenio Montale.

“The objective of ‘Americana’ was to introduce iconic American voices to Italian readers. For America, too, was a fabulous projection in the minds

of many Italians of that generation: a legendary place that stood for youth, rebellion, freedom and the future. But this projection, at least Vittorini’s version of it, was no escapist disconnect from reality, but rather a form of both creative and political dissidence, a heroic, courageous connection, by means of literature, to a new world.” – Jhumpa Lahiri, 2008

The first edition of “Americana” was banned by Mussolini’s regime. It passed the census only after Vittorini removed his critical commentaries on the individual authors. Emilio Cecchi, a critic who was in the good graces of the fascist government, wrote an introduction. Elio Vittorini was Jhumpa Lahiri’s guiding light as he assembled Italian Short Stories. He was born on the tiny Sicilian island of Ortigia in 1908 – a railway worker’s son who left Sicily when he was 19 years old to work on a construction site in Venezia-Giulia. He became a proofreader for a newspaper in Florence, and it was there, thanks to a co-worker, that he learned English during his breaks, by translating, word for word, Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe.

In 1939 he moved to Milan. At the foreign books division of Monadori he was commissioned to translate a book by D H Lawrence, and he also

translated Edgar Allan Poe, William Faulkner, William Saroyan and John Steinbeck. This passion for translation culminated in the epic anthology “Americana” (1941). An outspoken critic of Benito Mussolini’s regime, he was arrested and jailed in 1942. He joined the Italian Communist Party and began taking an active role in the Resistance – the basis for his 1945 novel “Men and Not Men”.

Vittorini was part of the ingenious editorial collective that galvanised Italian literature after the Second World War. His first major novel, “Conversazione in Sicilia” (Conversations in Sicily), reflects the cadences of the English language which he had read, translated, absorbed and reconstituted into Italian. It contained a glowing preface by Ernest Hemingway.

After the war Vittorini concentrated on his work as an editor, helping publish work by young Italians. His last major published work of fiction was “Erica and her Sisters” (1956).

In 1959 he co-founded Il Menabò – a cultural journal devoted to literature in the modern industrial age. This elusive story, “Name and Tears” by him, is a parable touching on supernatural elements. It showcases Vittorini’s penchant for dialogue and for ambiguous endings.

The Tribune | Weekend | 25

Friday, November 29, 2019

Name and Tears

by Elio Vittorini (translated by Erica Segre and Simon Carnell)

I am writing in the gravel in the garden and it was dark already; lit for a while now by the lights from all the windows.

The guard passed by.

‘What are you writing?’ he asked.

‘A word,’ I replied.

He bent down to have a look, but couldn’t make it out.

‘What word is it?’ he asked again.

‘Well,’ I said. ‘It’s a name.’

He jangled his keys.

‘With no ‘Long Live ...’? No ‘Down with ...’?’

‘Oh no!’ I exclaimed.

And I laughed as well.

‘It’s the name of a person,’ I said.

‘A person you’re waiting for?’ he asked.

‘Yes,’ I replied. ‘I’m waiting for her.’

Then the guard walked away, and I resumed my writing. I wrote and reached the earth beneath the gravel: I dug and wrote, and the night turned blacker still.

The guard returned.

‘Still writing?’ he asked.

‘Yes,’ I said. ‘I’ve written a bit more.’

‘What else have you written?’ he asked.

‘Nothing else,’ I replied. ‘Nothing except that word.’

‘What?’ the guard shouted. ‘Nothing except that name?’

And he rattled his keys again, and lit his lantern to have a look.

‘So I see,’ he said. ‘There’s nothing there but that name.’

He raised the lantern and looked into my face.

‘I’ve written it deeper,’ I explained.

‘Is that right?’ he replied. ‘If you want to continue, I’ll give you a hoe.’

‘Give it to me,’ I said.

The guard gave me the hoe, then went off again, and with the hoe I dug and wrote the name deep into the ground. In truth I would have inscribed it as far down as seams of coal or iron are found, down to the most secret metals, which bear ancient names. But the guard came back again and said: ‘You have to leave now. It’s closing time.’

I climbed out of the name ditch.

‘All right,’ I replied.

I put down the hoe, wiped my brow and looked at the city around me, through the dark trees.

‘All right,’ I said. ‘All right.’

The guard grinned.

‘Americana’ was first published in 1942.

‘She hasn’t come, right?’

‘She hasn’t come,’ I said.

But immediately afterwards I asked: ‘Who hasn’t come?’

The guard lifted his lantern and looked into my face like before.

‘The person you were waiting for.’

‘Yes,’ I said, ‘she hasn’t come.’

But then once again, straight away I asked: ‘What person?’

‘Damn it!’ the guard said. ‘The person with the name.’

He shook his lantern, rattled his keys and added: ‘If you’d like to wait a little longer, don’t mind me.’

‘That isn’t what matters,’ I said. ‘But thanks.’

But I didn’t leave, I stayed and the guard stayed with me, as if to keep me company.

‘Lovely night!’ he said.

‘Lovely,’ I said.

Then, carrying his lantern, he took a few steps towards the trees.

‘I wonder,’ he said. ‘Are you sure she’s not there?’

‘I knew that she could not have come, yet I was startled.

‘Where?’ I whispered.

‘Over there,’ said the guard. ‘Sitting on the bench.’

The leaves rustled as he said these words; a woman stood up in the dark and started to walk on the gravel. On hearing her footsteps, I closed my eyes.

‘So she had come after all, had she?’ said the guard.

Without answering, I followed after the woman.

‘We’re closing!’ the guard shouted.

‘We’re closing!’

THE OBJECTIVE of ‘Americana’ was to introduce iconic American voices like Mark Twain to Italian readers.

Shouting ‘We’re closing’, he disappeared amongst the trees.

I followed the woman out of the garden and through the streets of the city.

I followed after what had been the sound of her steps on gravel. Or you might say, rather, that I was guided by the memory of her footsteps. And it turned out to be a long walk, a long pursuit, now amidst the crowd, now along deserted pavements until, raising my eyes, I saw her for the first time, a passer-by, by the light of the last shop.

What I saw, actually, was her hair.

Nothing else. And fearing that I would lose her, I started to run.

The city in these parts alternated between meadows and tall houses, dimly lit parks and lit-up funfairs, with the red eye of the gasworks in the background. Many times I asked: ‘Did she come this way?’

Everyone told me that they didn’t know.

But a mocking child came up, quickly, on roller-skates and laughed.

‘Haah!’ she laughed. ‘I bet you’re looking for my sister.’

‘Your sister?’ I exclaimed. ‘What’s her name?’

‘I’m not telling you,’ the girl replied.

And again she laughed, doing a dance of death around me on her roller-skates.

‘Haah!’ she laughed.

‘Then tell me where she is,’ I said.

‘Haah!’ laughed the girl. ‘She’s in a doorway.’

She skated her dance of death around me again for a moment,

then sped off up the endless avenue, laughing.

‘She’s in a doorway,’ she called back from afar, still laughing.

The doorways were all occupied by abject couples, but I arrived at one that was abandoned and empty. The door opened when I pushed it. I went up the stairs and began to hear someone crying.

‘Is it her crying?’ I asked the concierge.

This old woman was sitting asleep, halfway up the stairs with her rags in her hand – and she woke up and looked at me.

‘I don’t know,’ she replied. ‘Do you want the lift?’

I did not want it, I wanted to go where the crying was, and I continued to climb the stairs between the black, wide-open windows. I finally came to where the crying was, behind a white door. I went in, felt her close to me and turned on the light.

But I saw no one in the room, and heard nothing more. And yet there, on the sofa, was the handkerchief, damp with her tears.

Elio Vittorini died in Milan in 1966.

NEXT WEEK: The charmed, but ultimately tragic life of an AustrianFrench film actress who made some of the most critically acclaimed films of the 20th century.

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

He acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia; and The Penguin Book of Italian Short Stories (2019), edited by Jhumpa Lahiri.

22 Insect missing copper coming in 14 (6) Abs, 15 NASA, 17 Rounded, 19 Even so, 24 Drunk leader in theFriday, Pen20 andSergeants.

November 29, Sponge (5) Down: 1 Populate, 2 Eyes, 3 Rip,

26 | The Tribune | Weekend

● The Target uses words in the main body of Chambers 21st Century Dictionary (1999 edition)

HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here? in making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. no plurals or verb forms ending in “s”.

TODAY’S TARGET Good 13; very good 20; excellent 26 (or more). Solution tomorrow

Yesterday’s call 0907 181 2585 Sudoku Answer for today’s target solution *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.

BATTLESHIPS CRYPTIC PUZZLE Across 1 Told untruth about the street being in the directory (6) 4 Type of porcelain food container (8) 9 Sort of hats we put bands round (6) 10 Extremely difficult and not properly finished (8) 12 Capture a scene on film (4) 13 It may appear this writer won’t get credit for his work (5) 14 A North African doctor gets nothing right (4) 17 The chairman of the directors could be in deep water (3,9) 20 With pathology Ron turns to the study of man (12) 23 Disorientated IndoEuropean god (4) 24 Load the vehicle and leave (5) 25 A quarter refuse to bathe (4) 28 Goes and returns (8) 29 Light breeze round the West (6) 30 Time soon modifies feelings (8) 31 Barney moved close (6)

1

2

3

4

9

EASY PUZZLE

5

10 11

12

13 15

17

20 21

22

23

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

Down 1 Mislay one’s watch Across: 1 Jeans, 4 Bonanza, and get held up? (4,4) 8 Set, 9 Equitable, 10 Inquest, 2 Fine form of punishment (8) 11 Built, 13 Enigma, 15 Decamp, 3 Classical maid who always 18 Lay on, 19 Uncover, 21 Veritable, 23 Nil, 24 Demerit, had the last word (4) 25 Piety.

5 Painter wins town in Down: 1 Jasmine, 2 Antiquity, local elections? (12) 3 Scene, 4 Bounty, 5 Notable, 6 Told to go north 6 Nub, 7 Avert, 12 In advance, in a group (4) 14 Monitor, 16 Parsley, 17 Turbot, 7 Conversion is done by 18 Livid, 20 Cheap, 22 Rum. inventor (6) 8 Lehar composition about love set in Pakistan (6) 11 It gives a long smoke for the parochial Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution representative (12) 15 Uniform the leader required Across: 1 Nudge, 4 Umpteen, for an occasion (5) 8 Ear, 9 Telephone directory, 16 Vicar has no head 10 Laconic, 11 Lobby, 13 Drogue, for crime (5) 15 Ground, 18 Tryst, 19 Freedom, 18 Not so enthusiastic 21 Deferment, 23 Egg, about an item of kitchen 24 Subedit, 25 Rises. equipment (8) Down: 1 Needled, 3 Eaten, 4 Unlock, 5 Popular, 6 Ego, 19 How road travellers go, 7 Needy, 12 Boundless, incidentally (2,3,3) 14 Uttered, 16 Damages, 21 Type of car to 17 Affect, 18 Tides, 20 Enter, hold fifty two (6) 22 Fib. 22 A book Kipling wrote on love - popular in Japan (6) 26 Still one unresolved Himalayan myth (4) 27 Unusual item, something very small (4) Down Across 1 Predict (8) 1 An embarrassing failure (6) 2 Atmosphere 6 7 8 of a place (8) 4 Strenuous effort (8) 3 Example (4) 9 Sturdy (6) 5 300th anniversary (12) 10 Sweetsmelling (8) 6 Advocate strongly (4) 12 Ship’s 14 complement (4) 7 Without charge (6) 16 13 Command (5) 8 Magnitude (6) 14 Portent (4) 11 Make 17 Deeply ingrained known (5,2,5) habit (6,6) 18 19 15 Slink (5) 20 In a reckless manner (4,3,5) 16 In all sincerity (5) 23 Shut forcibly (4) 18 Genuine (4,4) 24 Splendour (5) 25 19 Expression of 25 Couple (4) approval (4,4) 28 Give and take 27 21 Go mutually (8) up (6) 29 An antiseptic (6) 22 Scamp (6) 30 A 26 Suspend (4) representative (8) 27 Region (4) 31 Merely superficial appearance (6)

24 26

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31

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

Solution tomorrow 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9 10

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4

B

2

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2

D

2

E

0

F

3

G

1

H

2

I

2

J

2 1

3

2

3

1

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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

2019 black squares

4 Playhouse, 5 Hold on, 6 Rites, 8 Degrades, 11 Strong, 13 Above, 16 Seat, 18 Don.

TARGET Best described as a number crossword, the task in Kakuro is to fill all of the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so the sum of each horizontal block equals the number to its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the number on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro increases from Monday to Sunday.

THe ALP

4

1

1 x Battleship

3 x Destroyer

2 x cruiser

4 x submarine

2

B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

7

17 18 22 5

16 6

40 15 40 21 24 28 10

27 32 18 30 34 31 10 3 8

32 23 35 32 26 11 29 7

30 4

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12 8

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19 10 12 5 8

27 25 16 4 40 17 2

35 18 32

18 38 2

32 10

36 12 28 18 29 6 Yesterday’s

Answer 23 16 39 16 12 22 22 4 30 40 39Kakuro

34 24 5

13 36 14

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29 19 29 15 30 12 40 30 29 23 2 2

35 4

40 8

29 37 38 4

31 24

22 30 17 13 7

40 14

33 29 26 18 4 16 27 31 9

1

19 24 25 28 4

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

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29

W P

11

12

13

14

15

16

30 31

32

33

34 35

36

10

■

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17

■ 37

● Alternatively, for six Extra Letter clues to your mobil text DXBEAT to 84901. Texts cost £1 plus your usual operat

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

Solution to

1

1 Drunka

2

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3

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4

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5

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6

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7

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The Tribune | Weekend | 27

Friday, November 29, 2019

animals

Surgery and your pet Animal matters | KIM ARANHA

L

ast week I took Buddy to have a lump examined and to see if it should be removed. The lump had been there for a while but had not grown much, but I had noticed of late that it was bothering Buddy and he was licking it and chewing at it. Bud also had a small growth over his left eye, which was growing somewhat larger.

Upon examination, Dr Grant decided that both the lump and the growth should be removed.

As Buddy is of an advanced age – 12.5 years old – all precautions need to be taken to ensure successful surgery with not side effects or setbacks.

No more food after 8pm the night before and remove access to water after 10pm.

The eating bit is simple, the water part a little more complicated, especially if there are other dogs in the house. It is also essential to make sure there are no other sources for drinking that you may have overlooked – the swimming pool, the open toilet, the pot in the garden gathering rain water, the saucer underneath the air-conditioning unit that the condensation drips in to. All of these are potential dangers when your pet has a surgery booked. We kept Buddy in one specific area of the garden where there was nowhere to get a drink and in our bedroom where the water bowl was put up. The other dogs had the run of the house and access to other water bowls, but it was essential to keep Buddy away from any intake at all.

We went to the vet’s office for 10am and the first thing done was taking blood to be able to check his organs and their functions. Buddy was a total angel and allowed the fur to be shaved off a small area

pet of the week SWEET AS CHERRY PIE

By THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY

BUDDY on the X-ray table of his front leg and then the vein was quickly located and the blood taken.

We went back into the waiting room before Bud had to have a lung X-ray. This was slightly more complicated as Buddy is a big boy, just under 80 lbs. He needed to be lifted up and put on the X-ray table.

How is it that when dogs do not wish to do something their bodies turn to rubber and their legs stick out like sticks? Too funny!

There were four of us in this small room and finally he was settled on the table, on his side like a good boy. I had to leave the room whilst the X-ray was taken, but was back with my boy in no time.

Immediately following was the all-important EKG to make sure that his heart was strong enough for the anaesthesia. This was complicated by poor phone lines from Nassau, but finally the information was successfully transmitted and the results analysed.

The happy news was that Buddy was good to go, and shortly after I was with him for his first tranquillising shot before he was carried into the operating room.

I knew the surgery was going to take over an hour and tried to keep myself occupied so as not to over-think the fact that our boy was having a couple of lumps and bumps cut out of him. I felt I wanted to be there when he woke up, but realised that we have to allow the doctors to do what they do best.

Shortly after, as I was trying to find something more to entertain my mind, the phone rang. Buddy was doing well, the surgery was successful, both lumps were out and off and he was resting well; I could pick him up in a couple of hours.

When I got to the office he was still a bit groggy and his legs wobbly, so he was ceremoniously carried out to the car and driven home. He insisted on getting out of the car on

his own at home and had a little wobble-walk around his garden.

We chose to sleep downstairs in our guest room that night so that Buddy did not have to navigate a staircase with weak legs. We brought down one of the dog beds and he settled down and slept like an angel.

The next morning he was a happy, hungry boy, ready for some attention, but the strength in his legs had not come back completely, so another night in the guest room was on the books. By the following day, he was his old self again and ready to navigate the stairs for bedtime.

He has been such a good boy and never needed the cone once. The stitches come out on Monday and Buddy can put all of this behind him.

With an elderly dog it’s important to ensure his health can sustain surgery. We say thank you to Dr Grant and his team for the great care.

Cherry is a one-yearold female potcake with a very sweet and outgoing personality. While at first glance her coat appears black, she’s more of a brindle-black, making her very distinctive looking.

Cherry’s looking for a home where she can run freely in the yard and perhaps even eventually be allowed in the house.

Beach? Probably! Not sure about cats, but would be fine with children.

Do you have a spot for Cherry? If so, come in to the Bahamas Humane Society to meet her or call 323-5138 for more information. Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday. Cherry looks forward to making your acquaintance!

• Stop by the art sale at the BHS Thrift Shop this Saturday from 10am to 2pm. There are many lovely pieces to choose from, both prints and originals, and all at reasonable prices. Come and check it out!

28 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, November 29, 2019