IslandMode

According to thebahamasweekly.com, Bahamian film maker, Calvin Harris is currently completing his documentary film called "On the Wings of Men" about the Life & Times of the late Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling.

The film which is said to be completed by the end of the year features many political figures from the Bahamas which includes, Rt. Hon Perry Christie, Member of Parliament and Leader of the Opposition in The Bahamas.

To find out more information about the film check out this link for the article in its entirety.



*Photos provided by thebahamasweekly.com


http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/arts-and-culture/Behind_the_scenes_on_Bahamian_film_On_the_Wings_of_Men_-_Part_112027.shtml

Art and Craft by more than 30 artists will be on auction at the Bahamas International Film Festival Big Screen Art Scene Fundraiser this Saturday at Old Fort Bay Club at 7 pm.

Tickets can be purchased from the BIFF office by calling 325-5747.

Theodore Elyett's Miss Teen Bahamas Pageant is proving each and every year to be one of the most anticipated and spectacular pageants on the island. This ear's pageant, which marks 5 years of beauty, talent and community service, was held at the Rainforest Theatre on August 21st, 2010.





Islandmode was there is full effect as one of this year's host - Aneka Stewart- Russell, writer and Journalism Major at the College of The Bahamas alongside Terrance Smith, a graduate of the San Juan School of Theatrical Art in Puerto Rico.



This years showcase, like all the others delivered, BIG TIME, with 21 contestants vying for the crown.

The 21 contestants were reduced to the top 15 withing the first hour of the show.



Next up was the swimsuit competition and the Fashionista Evening Gown Competition before the judges reduced the numbers to the top 10 finalists who later took part in mini interviews.




The show heat up even more with a performance by singer Jevon Mackey, the energetic dance team, Juice Unit and a song by Rhondi Smith.

And as if the moment we'd all been waiting for couldn't come soon enough, the crowning moment had come with 18 year old Ashlee Bain and 18 year old Irina key nervously facing each other, anxiously waiting to hear the judges results. And there it was: Theodore Elyett's Miss Teen Bahamas 2010 winner Ashlee Bain.

Here are some back stage photos from that spectacular evening.

Theodore Elyette's Miss Teen Bahamas 2009- 2010 Shamika Rolle

Represening Island Mode- co- host- Aneka Stewart- Russell

There's nothing like having a total stranger come up to you and tell you what your faults are. Nothing like having that same stranger pick you apart and point out everything you need to change about yourself to be elevated and to be the best you you can be. There's nothing more hurtful, in my opinion, than having someone with far less, be more frugal, more content, more GIVING and far more happy than you've ever been with your family, your money, your beliefs and your lifestyle choices.

No matter how much we claim to be non conformist, we've all, in some way retreated to the laws and teachings of our society [and to bring it a little closer] our culture. Here in the Caribbean we've been told that being 'solid' (shapely) is sexy while European women are in their glory at a size zero.

:: EAT ::

So who decided which foods are 'fine' and the best amongst the land? Just who, who, decided which foods are more costly because of its strange exterior? Eat! Be Merry! and not just the things at the grocery store, at the fancy restaurants or at your favorite fast food joints but eat, eat, eat up all the lessons of this life. Digest the highs, the lows, the in betweens and the not so certain. Fatten yourself with endless prayers and stuff in the clean nature of your conscience!

No matter how much we run, where we hide, who we confide in, what we wear, what we do and what we think there will always be an imbalance when our souls are malnourished. Get your spiritual feeding TODAY! RIGHT NOW!



:: PRAY ::

- 'God dwells within me, as me' -

And when our families treat us like black sheep and shun us because we decided to explore the road less traveled or misunderstood by them, the only thing that keeps us on that road is the love, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. And no matter where we hide out or how far out in the woods we may wander, He resides within each and everyone one of us. It's time we start looking.

And the most difficult of them all

:: LOVE ::

- 'I don't have to love you to prove I love myself' -

There are times I believe I was never meant to be any one's girl friend, let alone, wife. No matter how we place an importance on spirituality, family, education, change, money; etc, there is one *I don't know what to call it that reigns high and mighty in our minds, in our heads and in our hearts and that is love. The need for it, the desire for it, the struggle for it, the heart break over it and the misconception about it. Loving, freely, truly and heavily seems to complete us and make us want to dive further within ourselves to find the true purpose of our existence. But the only real love resides in Christ. Its longevity withstands all! It's purpose saves! Its timing delivers and its nature protects!

Vybz Kartel visited The Bahamas this weekend to perform at event promoter, Sebas Bastian's birthday party. Upon leaving the country on Monday, five of the men in his entourage allegedly ganged one of the airline passengers in the men's bathroom according to the Tribune.

"The brawl started where you had these Jamaican men, five of them, in the men's bathroom with three Jamaican girls. The complainant wanted to use the bathroom. Upon entering the bathroom he said 'excuse me' he needs to use the bathroom, 'why are the women in there?' The Jamaican guys attacked him."

This is no funny matter but I can't help but get a kick out of this one! According to the article police were called to break up the fight and the flight was later delayed for a few hours before boarding.

Whether it's a relation- boat, relation- yacht, relation- dream or a relation- shit; oh and of course, a relation- ship, everyone seems whole- heartdely, adamantly pursuing a relationship. Most people says it's apart of us fulfilling our human need to feel wanted and loved and cared for by someone else but I'm beginning to question just how important this is in our lives. No doubt, it feels great to have that 'special someone' that we can call our own, that someone that listens to our desires, woes and even babble but why does society put such pressure on it?

I must admit, I have fallen prey to societies pry to push each and every one of us into platonic relationships with, in most cases, someone of the opposite sex. But when did this become more important than taking the time to get connected with a Higher Power and then yourself? After all, don't we need to know our God and ourselves before we get to know other people?

Don't get me wrong, getting to know yourself does not mean you are incapable of getting to know someone else but I wish society would put as much pressure as they did on relationships with our counterparts as self development. What about dating Jesus for some time? Checking on Him now and then, voicing your opinions and asking Him his thoughts? Why doesn't society not talk about the 'butterfly in your tummy feeling' you get when He takes longer than you'd like to answer you? and then joy and excitement you feel when you know He is right there, guiding and protecting you; surprising you with blessings undeserved and holding you when all falls down?



Indeed, not everyone is concerned about spiritual growth so what about self development? What about checking out an art exhibition by yourself and creating critiques in your head, as though you were putting it together for an audience? And reading? and writing? and expressing yourself? Did relishing in your own greatness become a back seat passenger to hand holding, mixed signals and sweet nothings whispered in your ear?



Relationships are definitely important but relationships with a Higher Power is far more important than that with someone else. Get to know your God and yourself before investing in someone else. We owe it to ourselves to revel in God's embrace and in our own glory.

Things have been like a roller coaster for Simone lately. Work was a drag, friends were a pain, bills were a bitch and loneliness was at her doorsteps every night. Gone were the days of light- heartedly flashing a winning smile and a flash of her cleavage across the crowded room; everyone was taken, it was summer time.

Things may not have been going her way but all it took was being at the not-so-right place at the oh- so- right time, Violas, in the busy uptown area. The place wasn't quite the glam spot for finding potential dates but it was best suited for her crappy Friday night. As she sat and took in everything in the room she couldn't help but think of how pathetic her love life had been for such a long time. She wallowed in her misery, hung her head slightly, wandered off mentally to places only her seemed to exist; until Stephen walked in.

Tall. Dapper. Straight up. Hot!

As he entered the room their eyes met; it was an instant connection. Simone could feel something leap inside her, it felt like the first time she layed eyes on a man. After fifteen minutes of periodically glancing at each other across the room he joined her ....



His hand took hers, gently ... caressing her cheeks and folding himself over her ... closing in on her aching chest. He'd held the sides of her cheeks, pressed gently and smoothly glided over the corners of her orifice ... lathered up a delectable delight on her bottom lip and pressed his forehead against hers. With that, he took her further, to a place, only they existed.

He breathed long and took her back in each time. She felt caught up, nothing could stop them now. He held the arches of her back, pulled her in a little closer and nibbled on her ear. She quivered in the dim light. With little chit chat, she'd sworn they'd be caught. No time for thinking of that now.

He undressed her with his mouth, easily connecting with every aching part of her body; making his way from one part of her origin to the next.



He hoisted her in the air, perching her right above his temple, devouring her every inch. Firmly clasping his hands to the ends of her ribs, allowing his tongue to roam like a lost pup in the Woods ...

his wood guided her to places she's never seen.

Her wine glass falleth over ... her fingers shaketh uncontrollably ... her nails dug deep into the wooden table tops ... on top ... she'd taken him for herself. No one could ruin this for her.



He gently placed her on her side, hoisted her left leg, gloved her from behind like he would on a cold winter night, relished in her ear and grooved his way to her trembling bones, her tightened lips ... her everything ... she'd been gone far too long without something like this ...

'Hi, my name is Stephen. Pardon me for staring, you're just so beautiful. Would you like a drink?'

This rollercoaster of a love story gone terribly wrong by Nicholas Sparks has hit another key with his readers with this eye raising novel that depicted the life of a young woman, Julie who lost her husband. After his death he left her a note and a dog, encouring her to move on with her life and do the things that make her happy. After a few years of debating wether she should move on, Julie finally built up the courage to go on the dating scene again and after dating a few hit and miss, Julie decided to give it a break; well not before deciding she would go out with the oh so charming Richard Franklin. After whinning and dining Julie with great food, plays at the Opera and quite picniks on the beach, Mr. Charming turned out to be anything but Charming; especially after deciding that there hadn't been a connection between the two of them and she was better suited for Mike, her long time friend and dead husband's best friend.

The story spiralled out of control as Julie starts to fight for her life in the mystery to come as Police officials, family and friends try to figure just who is Richard Franklin. This is def a must read.

Although the drama took a long while to come, which irritated me, the book is one that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. Check it out!

Nicholas Sparks has sold over 43 million copies of his masterpieces with 6 of his 11 novels making the #1 New York Times Bestsellers list. A few of his books were made into major motion pictures with some that may ring a bell like The Notebook, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, Nights in Rodanthe and Dear John.

A good friend of mine gave me Dear John and as I started the book I got the feeling right away that this was far more than any other cheesy love story.

The story followed the life of a bold Soldier John that unexpectedly fell for the fragile Savanna. Their world wind of a relationship over seas for a couple of years test their love for each other and the faith they had in their future. With illness and a series of unexpected events like the September 11th disaster, this pair encountered far more than they could ever imagine.

With more than too many highs and lows to put you in shock and near to tears, this book ultimately teaches you one thing above all; love is not selfish. I must say the book is far more entertaining, realistic and detailed than the movie so if you want to watch the film, I suggest you check the book out first. The ending is the biggest surprise of all.

Kutos to Mr. Sparks, he can easily become one of your favorites.

Yes! This feels amazing. IslandMode took a little vacae but is back and ready to introduce the film, (500) Days of Summer. I am a sucker for romantic films and this one hit the nail right on the head but with a very interesting twist. If you can appreciate great cinematography and fun quirks topped with unexpected happenings this film is PERFECT!

The trailer paints a picture of a typical love story but Lord knows it's a little far fetched from the typical.

The story surrounded a young man by the name of Tom Hansen that fell for the very interesting Summer Finn. Get it? 'Summer' Finn? Hence then name (500) Days of Summer. Pleasant surprise if you ask me. Here's the trick though, dear Summer doesn't believe that true love exist and her nonchalant take on relationships combined with Tom's eagerness for companionship with this wildflower sets the tone for a roller coaster of emotions, boiling points and flip outs. The pair are soooo good looking and Summer reminds me of Katy Perry.



And if you have any sense of good taste in music the soundtrack to this movie sets the tone just right; opening with one of my faves by Regina Spektor with the song 'Statue'

Perfect for date night or a weep fest with the girls. And the ending, and even close to it, makes you take a second look at how we view relationships and how people and feeling change over time. Absolutely amazing.



And I cannot forget the styling. I loved the polished school boy look on Tom and the 60's vibe on Summer. So classic and very clean cut.

"Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love. Girl doesn't. This is not a love story. This is a story about love."

Check out the trailer.