IslandMode

After weeks of being on the edge of our seats BTC Starmaker:: Season 2 finally revealed its winners last night at the College of The Bahamas' Performing Arts Center.

21 year old, Fanchon Dawkins, has been a top contender in the adult category despite one or two hurdles in the competition and near the finale night there was no surprise that Dawkins was the ideal BTC Starmaker.









Menie Thurston came out swinging with his lyrical abilities in the junior category of the competition.



Both winners won $10, 000 in cash and prizes

Fanchon described the experience as amazing! She stated:

'I had no idea that I was going to win. I didn't do well on some challenges but I didn't want to give up because it was Star- 'maker.' I expected to come out a star.'

A fresh Congratulations from us here at IslandMode. Best wishes to you guys.

Here are a few photos from last night's show.


Jillian Russell




Fanchon Dawkins accepting her 'Face Book Award'




Congratulations Fanchon!

The hottest online magazine just released its latest issue with Broadcast Journalist Kritina McNeil gracing the cover as 'The Girl Next Door.'

Check out this video of McNeil as Styelzine gives you a closer look and follow the link to read the article and much more.

http://www.stylezinemagazine.com/newissue.html

Everyone's rolling out their Spring Surprises and IslandMode is wide- eyed for the unveiling of them all. Ca Mari Magazine wowed its readers with images of model Snow draped in breathtaking threads by designer Theodore Elyett with accesories by Cute Confections and Fashionista.

Check this teaser image out and stay tuned for much more! Photo courtesy: Theodore Elyett and Ca Mari Magazine. Photography by Kovah Duncombe, makeup: Italia Williams

Photo description by Theodore Elyett:

Garment Description:
Stylized cowl neckline with 3/4 pitch dolman sleeves paired with an electric blue/green iridescent fine silk exaggerated drawstring waist short-shorts.

Accessories:
Turban. by Theodore Elyett
Belt. Purple metallic chiffon twisted tie-knot belt by Theodore Elyett
Rings :: L.A.F. Arty Rings
Wooden Bracelets :: FASHIONISTA

The Spring FASHION Issue featuring "Theodore Elyett" drops mid-April!

If you want to get your praise and worship on to something that will make your head bump but fill you up with all the positive message you need, you need to get yourself hooked on Bahamian Christian rapper M.C.K.

In his latest 'Blood' M.C.K goes all the way with praising and spitting the truth about God's grace. Check it out here and also check his music out on itunes today!

E-life 242 Magazine has done it again with their latest issue deemed 'The Female Factor.'

In this issue e-life sits and chat it up with 4 young journalist in The Bahamas about issues facing the country and being females in the journalism industry. Stay tuned for more details.

IslandMode loves reading material and most importantly, reading material about love, sex and relationships. We've finished the book 'How to Love a Black Man' by Dr. Ronn Elmore and we've decided to share it with our devoted readers. This book was a great read and certainly an eye opener. It's real, it's honest and it's totally unbiased. Stay tuned for tidbits from this page turner. It's worth it.

The book starts out with Part 1: 'Reality Check' and in this portion the author attempts to identify the 5 types of women and what their main issues are when it comes to creating a long lasting relationship with men. This portion also talks about women finding out the truth about who black men really are- and AREN'T and what are some love substitutes women are using, which in turn is selling themselves short. Stay tuned as I break them down for you and don't forget: Love freely, love honestly, love wholeheartedly.

Check out this new jam by Bahamian rapper StarGang Santana called 'Girl from The Bahamas. It's a cool, nice vibe.

Check it out here

If you're craving some cultural experience this Spring Transforming Spaces may be the ideal thing for you. This Saturday and Sunday (April 2nd and 3rd) join Transforming Spaces as they take you to 6 art spaces around the island including

D'Aguilar Art Foundation
Doongalik Studios Art Gallery
New Providence Art & Antiques
Popop Studios
PRO Gallery at COB
The Hub

All these art spaces will showcase new art work by more than 50 artists.

There will be an exciting bus tour that starts at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas and patrons will get a chance to view art work at the said galleries. Food and drinks will also be served to patrons and art pieces will also be on sale.

Tickets are on sale at the National Art Gallery for $30. Don't miss it!

If you haven't heard this uplifting tune by Gospel artist Ricardo Clarke then you've certainly been missing out.

Not Settling was produced by Sam Gilly; written by Ricardo Clarke; and Video directed by Travon Patton; and edited by Travon Patto.

Check out the official video here

If you've attended any of the Blackout parties then 'The Party' is the next hot installment for you.

On March 19th at LUNA Nightclub ‘The Party’ promises to deliver an all inclusive event which means FREE DRINKS all night, all the premium brands, entertainment and Blackberry Giveaways for only $20.

The first 500 Blackberry users get in at HALF Price-$10!

Come join Luna and the Blackberry nation for one of this spring's hottest parties.

Event sponsored by Blackberry, BTC and K O Productions.

Be there!

We've all been waiting for it and it is finally here. The College of The Bahamas now offers a BA in Mass Communication. For old and new students that wish to join or move over to this program contact the college of Mr. Hugo Zarate for more information.

The 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan this morning has Japan meteorologist warning a tsunami as high as 20 ft could strike the coast near Miyagi prefecture, closest to the epicenter. Early Friday morning, local television showed dramatic pictures of large waves hitting the coastline.



According to Chicago Sun Times :'“This is a rare major quake, and damages could quickly rise by the minute,” said Junichi Sawada, an official with Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

Officials were trying to assess damage, injuries and deaths but had no immediate details. Police said at least one person was killed in a house collapse in Ibaraki prefecture, just northeast of Tokyo.

A large fire erupted at the Cosmo oil refinery in Ichihara city in Chiba prefecture near Tokyo and was burning out of control.

Public broadcaster NHK showed footage of a large ship being swept away by the tsunami and ramming directly into a breakwater in Kesennuma city in Miyagi prefecture. Similar destruction was seen in dozens of communities along the coast."





Let's keep these people in our prayers!

An 8.9 Magnitude earthquake swept away homes, cars and many more in Tokyo, Japan early this morning. A Tsunami warning was also issued for Hawaii and the Pacific Coast of the U.S.

It seems like more and more artist are collaborating with reggae stars to add a nice flavor to their singles and Bruno Mars was sure to do the same. In his latest 'Liquor Store Blues' Mars collaborated with reggae wonder Damian Marley. Bruno's voice is a little annoying to me but Damian Marley sounds oh so good on this one. Check it out.

The cool and sexy months are ahead of us. Before you know it, Spring's here, the hot parties are on the calendar, Summer is right around the corner and it's time to let loose and enjoy yourself. But it's all possible with proper funding of course. There will be no shot taking, booty- calling, partying or shopping without MONEY. So check out these steps that worked for me. Enjoy!

1. Make a list

One of the best ways to spend money wisely when you DO have it is to create a list of things you NEED. Stick to the list. If it's not on the list, then you don't need it!



2. Put aside something (even if it isn't much) every chance you get.

No matter if it's $20 dollars or even less those numbers add up. Make time to put aside something when you have some money and you'll be surprised to see how much they add up.




3. Give yourself an allowance.

Sounds weird right? But I mean it! Every time you get an allowance or paycheck put the majority in savings and give yourself an allowance for lunch for the week or whatever needs you may have. This is a perfect way to learn how to budget as well.



4. Ask yourself: 'Do I need this?'

I'm guilty of it! Saving and then I walk into a store and suddenly I see everything I 'NEED' all of a sudden. To keep yourself on track ask yourself :'Do I need this?, Do I have something like this already?' If you can't answer those questions put the merchandise down and step away from the cash register!



5. Tell a friend

If you're saving; whether it's for something important or just to watch your money pile up, tell someone you trust and when you start to fall of or wander that friend can snap you right back to reality; reminding you of your goal. Careful though, that same friend may need a loan. Don't tell them exactly how much you have; just tell them your need to save some funds.




Another cool way to save is to find your own unique way to save. Make the experience personal and then it becomes easier for you.

So the ladies are loving it. A few easy steps to make your white v- neck blouse work and here's another way to look fabulous for less. All you need is the following:

1. A white v-neck (or color of choice):



2. A pair of cute short:



3. A leopard cardigan or colors of choice:



4. Sequence Ballet Flats




Mix it up as you wish and you have yourself a simple chic look for this Spring. Here's how I did it :)

Remember, there's no rules when it comes to dressing up and feeling beautiful!

Ladies, there's no doubt that we all like to look good and sometimes it can become a little taxing but no worries; here's one way to dress up a basic v- neck blouse and still look your cutesy best.

Here's what you'll need:

1. A plain white v- neck (that can be a couple sizes too big) like this one:



2. A black pencil skirt (or the color of your choice):



3. A skinny black belt



4. A head band/turban/hairclip:



5. Black ballet flats (but a color will really jazz up your look)



6. Funky/ colorful jewelry



Throw all these pieces together and leave the blouse on the outside of the skirt. Add the belt around your waist, throw on a pair of funky earrings and you're good to go. Here's how I did my look for work and school. Remember there's no rules when it comes to dressing up and feeling beautiful!

You know him from 'The Bourne' trilogy, 'Oceans 11- 13', 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Good Will Hunting' amongst many others. And now, Matt Damon is in the latest 'The Adjustment Bureau.'

This Romance/ Thriller took a very interesting twist on the typical love story which shows what one man would do for the love of his life. Matt Damon's acting chops shined through in this film. His ability to bring the drama with pure charm was a big success and his British co- star Emily Blunt fit perfectly in the story line.

Can we maximize our full potentials while in relationships?
Are some people only meant to pass through our lives to propel us?
Are we really deserving of free will?
Can we ask God or 'The Chairman' to re- write our destiny?
Are human beings mature enough to take care of ourselves, our loved ones and our planet?

These were all questions that went through my mind as I watched this film and it attempted to answer all the above. If you haven't seen it yet, make sure you do.

Check out the trailer here.

Come and join Bahamian poets, musicians and dancers at 'Spotlight 2' this coming Friday, March 11th at St. Andrew's School Auditorium. There will be performances by Telcine Turner, Obediah Michael Smith, Patricia Glinton, Adrian D’Aguilar and The Bahamian Dance Theatre along with many others.

The show starts from 7pm- 9pm at St. Andrew's School Auditorium located on Yamacraw Hill Road. Tickets are $10 for Adults and $5 for Students. Tickets can be bought from St. Andrew's School Office on Yamacraw Hill Road or at the door on the night of the performance. All proceeds will benefit the scholarship programme at St. Andrew's School. Refreshments will be on sale. To RSVP call 324-2621 or 324-2622