Despite the Challenge of operating a business during these difficult times, local Companies once again lend their support to Bahamian Illustrated as they host their 2nd annual High School Art Competition, “Bahamas Unite.”  The host company is a Marketing and Graphics Company that strongly believes in the cultivation and development of our Youth through Art and Culture. This company looks forward to seeing interesting Bahamian artwork portrayed by young Bahamian artists.

The Competition will be held on Sunday, March 25th 2012 at 4:00pm in the Arcade of the International Bazaar.  The theme, “Bahamas Unite” will be portrayed through Art as almost 50 participants of the various High Schools will be submitting their pieces for a chance to win this highly competitive, most sort after Art Competition geared towards harnessing the artistic talents of Students between the ages of 15 -18 years old.

The students are currently working on their Bahamian paintings and drawings as they are very eager and excited about this Competition; many of which participated in last year’s competition and is determined to take away a prize this year.

During this year’s event, students will see the value of Art as some of their pieces will be up for a live Auction on the day of the event. Members of the audience will have an opportunity to purchase some of these beautiful pieces. All participants will also have a chance to participate in numerous competitions, games and giveaways during the event.

Exciting prizes will be given to Artists with the finest pieces. Prizes will include: Round Trip Ticket to a Family Island (Regional Air), Book Grants, Cell Phone with Wi-Fi, Digital Camera, Gift Certificates and Complete Art Kits.

Entrance deadline for the Art competition is March 2nd 2012. B.I. anticipates a minimum of 6 schools participation including; Bishop Michael Eldon High, Grand Bahama Catholic High, Jack Hayward High, St. Pauls Methodist College, St. Georges High School and Sunland Baptist Academy.

This event is sponsored by Regional Air, Adagio Art, Grand Bahama Port Authority, DK Griffith and Associates, T’s Perfume Depot, Jewelry Repair, Health Springs Community Pharmacy, Imagine Graphics and Printing, Foto Factory, David Standerwick, Pyramid Propane Systems Services, Paradise Jewels, Sawyers Fresh Market, Martha’s Sons and Daughters and The Smith Family.

Executives of Bahamian Illustrated, encourages the Community to come out and support the talented Bahamian artists of Grand Bahama. Next year the competition will be extended to the Island of Abaco as well.

Can’t Take My love away – Raquel Oliver

JAH CURE & RAQUEL OLIVER – Before I Leave (Remix)

“I competed in the Miss Global International Beauty Pageant held Saturday September 24 in Montego Bay Jamaica as Miss Global Bahamas. I placed 6th overall out of 25 contestants from around the world and won the talent segment of the pageant. This was my first time competing in an international pageant and for me to place 6th was truly a huge accomplishment for the Bahamas. I would like to sincerely thank those of you who supported me throughout the competition. THANK YOU BAHAMAS ………..♥ Raquel Oliver”

Raquel is obviously thankful for the warm support received while away competing for the title and crown of Miss Global International in Jamaica. The entire Bahamas is proud of this Song Bird/ Bahamian Beauty. With this being her first international pageant ever, that’s a pretty big accomplishment.Kudos to you Raquel!

Raquel Oliver did manage to win the talent segment! No doubt Raquel’s melodic voice captivated the judges and audience, leaving the other contestants dazed and amazed, who knows, maybe even a little jealous. We Bahamians can cost quite a stir, all in good fun though. Raquel Oliver, even though she placed 6th, came out on top in our heart’s.

One small step for Raquel, one big step for Bahamians. Don’t be afraid fellow Bahamians, put us on the map. Raquel showed heart and determination. What have you got to show?

[Show as slideshow]

12►

February 14th spells out the word ‘Love’. Valentines Day is a holiday in which we show love, affection and care by spiritual, emotional and tangible means. The love can be demonstrated through a romantic dinner for two. Why stay at home when you can take your spouse or special someone to an intimate restaurant where they can ‘taste’ love?

There are numerous restaurants here in the Bahamas with chefs that work hard to fulfill our desires and allow us to taste their love.

Here are a few dinning options this Valentines Day. Enjoy!

Mermaid Marina Grill  (373 -5466)

Mermaid Marina Grill Valentine’s special begins at 7pm and the fee is $35.00 per person.

Menu:

Complimentary Glass of Wine

Broiled Lobster

Fillet Grouper

New York Strip Steak

Caesar Salad

Clam Chowder

The Love Shack Bar and Grill (688-9567)

Ruby Swiss (352-8501)

Le Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar (374-2804)

Sabor Restaurant and Bar(373-5588)

Churchill’s Chop House(373-1444)

Pier One Shark Feeding and Family Restaurant (352-6674)

Boom Pineapple Wine – Roachie

Yah boom-pine-apple-wine

Yah dollar fifty all the time (2x)

Turn ‘Round and let me see yah

Turn ‘round and let me see yah

Yah boom-pine-apple-wine

Yah dollar fifty all the time (2x)

I gat a new dance

Hot like pepper pot

From di old

To di young

Gonna make yah body rock

It’s really easy

Easy peasy

You can do it anywhere

Jump around like you don’t care

Singing!

Turn ‘Round and let me see yah

Turn ‘round and let me see yah

Yah boom-pine-apple-wine

Yah dollar fifty all the time (2x)

I young man broke his leg

Old granny broke her back

And Jamie got a migraine

From a falling coconut

Di doctor was confused

He has the solution

A bottle of di apple wine

Was his prescription

He cure di broke leg

He cure di bad back

He cure di migraine

He even cure di heart attack

Di people start a jumping

Cuzz dey was feeling fine

Di sweetest medicine

Was di boom-pine-wine

Turn ‘Round and let me see yah

Turn ‘round and let me see yah

Yah boom-pine-apple-wine

Yah dollar fifty all the time (2x)

Woah (Nah Nah)

Nah Nah (3x)

Woah, Woah, Woah, Woah (Nah Nah)

Nah Nah

Woah

Yeah yeah yeah yeh yeah yeah

All you gat to do

Is just move yah waist line

Move is to di left

And then move it to di right

Move it up and down

And then move it all around

Shake till di whole night

The sun come down

Sing again

Nah Nah

Sing again

Nah Nah

Sing again

Nah nah

Woah

Nah Nah

Sing again

Nah Nah

Sing again

Nah Nah

Woooaaahh

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Everybody

Turn ‘Round and let me see yah

Turn ‘round and let me see yah

Yah boom-pine-apple-wine

Yah dollar fifty all the time (6x)

AN EVENING OF FUN, ART, FASHION AND MUSIC and it was that!

THE Meeting of Minds Expo at the Canal House on Saturday night WAS a fun event that enlightened Grand Bahamians and guests to the amazing art, fashion, photography and musical talent on the island.

The evening showcased an eclectic collection of artworks from Alisa Robinson, Del Foxton, Jacki Boss, Ken Heslop, Ken Sandberg, Helen Madill, Shirley Blain and Sheldon Saint.  It was the opportunity for guests to meet several of the artists in person and invite them to view more works at the Glory Banks Art Gallery in the Rand Nature Centre.

The artists of the Grand Bahama Artists Association joined artisans from Saint George Fashion House, Le Maison De Besh, John Heath Jewelers, Lyndah Wells Photography and Mango Tree Media.

The evening offered champagne, hors d’oeuvres, prizes, fashion shows and amazing shopping opportunities.

The organizers of Meeting of the Minds, Ashley Baker & Sean Johnson are donating proceeds to the GB Humane Society because HSGB holds a special place for them and they believe that as a community we need to come together to help the HSGB more!

For more information about the Grand Bahama Artists Association call 242 343 4333. 

[Show as slideshow]

Many Bahamians, particularly 25 – 45 years old grew up listening to the melodious sounds of Whitney Houston.  She had the perfect voice and image: a beautiful singer who had sex appeal but was never overly sexual, always maintaining perfect poise. She influenced every aspiring young Bahamian Artists.

Houston was pronounced dead Saturday afternoon in her room on the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills police Lt. Mark Rosen said. “There were no obvious signs of any criminal intent,” he said.

Search: Watch Whitney Houston videos

The cause of death was unknown, said Houston’s publicist, Kristen Foster.

Houston’s death came on the night before music’s biggest showcase, the Grammys. She will be remembered Sunday in a tribute by Jennifer Hudson, organizers said. Houston had been at rehearsals for the show Thursday, coaching singers Brandy and Monica, according to a person who was at the event but was not authorized to speak publicly about it. The person said Houston looked disheveled, was sweating profusely and liquor and cigarettes could be smelled on her breath.

At her peak, Houston was the golden girl of the music industry. From the mid-1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world’s best-selling artists. She wowed audiences with effortless, powerful and peerless vocals rooted in the black church but made palatable to the masses with a pop sheen.

Her success carried her beyond music to movies, where she starred in hits like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale.”

Photos: In Memoriam: Whitney Houston

But by the end of her career, Houston became a stunning cautionary tale of the toll of drug use. Her album sales plummeted and the hits stopped coming; her once serene image was shattered by a wild demeanor and bizarre public appearances. She confessed to abusing cocaine, marijuana and pills, and her once pristine voice became raspy and hoarse, unable to hit the high notes as she had during her prime.

“The biggest devil is me. I’m either my best friend or my worst enemy,” Houston told ABC’s Diane Sawyer in an infamous 2002 interview with then-husband Brown by her side.

It was a tragic fall for a superstar who was one of the top-selling artists in pop music history, with more than 55 million records sold in the United States alone.

Her longtime mentor, Clive Davis, went ahead with his annual concert Saturday at the same hotel where her body was found. He dedicated the evening to her and asked for a moment of silence. Houston was supposed to appear at the gala.

Aretha Franklin, her godmother, said she was stunned.

On Facebook: Share your thoughts about Whitney Houston

“I just can’t talk about it now,” Franklin said in a short statement. “It’s so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn’t believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen.”

Houston seemed to be born into greatness. In addition to being Franklin’s goddaughter, she was the daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston and the cousin of 1960s pop diva Dionne Warwick.

She first started singing at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., as a child. At the church on Sunday morning, a couple of sympathy cards were tied to a fence post. “To the greatest songstress ever,” one said, and tied next to it was a small bouquet of fresh flowers.

The pastor asked for strength for Houston’s family, said churchgoer Shawn Cooper, 32, of Newark. He said he hadn’t regularly attended church but felt compelled to go on this Sunday.

“The Houston family means a lot to this community, they have done a lot for this community, and being there for them is the best thing we can do as a community,” he said.

In her teens, Houston sang backup for Chaka Khan, Jermaine Jackson and others, in addition to modeling. It was around that time when music mogul Clive Davis first heard Houston perform.

“The time that I first saw her singing in her mother’s act in a club … it was such a stunning impact,” Davis told “Good Morning America.”

“To hear this young girl breathe such fire into this song. I mean, it really sent the proverbial tingles up my spine,” he added.

Before long, the rest of the country would feel it, too. Houston made her album debut in 1985 with “Whitney Houston,” which sold millions and spawned hit after hit. “Saving All My Love for You” brought her her first Grammy, for best female pop vocal. “How Will I Know,” “You Give Good Love” and “The Greatest Love of All” also became hit singles.

Another multiplatinum album, “Whitney,” came out in 1987 and included hits like “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”

Her decision not to follow the more soulful inflections of singers like Franklin drew criticism by some who saw her as playing down her black roots to go pop and reach white audiences. The criticism would become a constant refrain through much of her career. She was even booed during the “Soul Train Awards” in 1989.

“Sometimes it gets down to that, you know?” she told Katie Couric in 1996. “You’re not black enough for them. I don’t know. You’re not R&B enough. You’re very pop. The white audience has taken you away from them.”

Some saw her 1992 marriage to former New Edition member and soul crooner Bobby Brown as an attempt to respond to those critics. It seemed to be an odd union; she was seen as pop’s pure princess while he had a bad-boy image and already had children of his own. (The couple had one daughter, Bobbi Kristina, born in 1993.) Over the years, he would be arrested several times, on charges including DUI and failure to pay child support.

But Houston said their true personalities were not as far apart as people may have believed.

“When you love, you love. I mean, do you stop loving somebody because you have different images? You know, Bobby and I basically come from the same place,” she told Rolling Stone in 1993. “You see somebody, and you deal with their image, that’s their image. It’s part of them, it’s not the whole picture. I am not always in a sequined gown. I am nobody’s angel. I can get down and dirty. I can get raunchy.”

Brown was getting ready to perform at a New Edition reunion tour in Southaven, Miss., as news spread about Houston’s death. The group went ahead with its performance, though Brown appeared overcome with emotion when his voice cracked at the beginning of a ballad and he left the stage.

Before his departure, he told the sell-out crowd: “First of all, I want to tell you that I love you all. Second, I would like to say, I love you, Whitney. The hardest thing for me to do is to come on this stage.”

Brown said he decided to perform because fans had shown their loyalty to the group for more than 25 years. During an intermission, one of Houston’s early hits, “You Give Good Love,” played over the speakers. Fans stood up and began singing along.

It would take several years for the public to see the “down and dirty” side of Houston. Her moving 1991 rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl, amid the first Gulf War, set a new standard and once again reaffirmed her as America’s sweetheart.

In 1992, she became a star in the acting world with “The Bodyguard.” Despite mixed reviews, the story of a singer (Houston) guarded by a former Secret Service agent (Kevin Costner) was an international success.

It also gave her perhaps her most memorable hit: a searing, stunning rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” which sat atop the charts for weeks. It was Grammy’s record of the year and best female pop vocal, and the “Bodyguard” soundtrack was named album of the year.

She returned to the big screen in 1995-96 with “Waiting to Exhale” and “The Preacher’s Wife.” Both spawned soundtrack albums, and another hit studio album, “My Love Is Your Love,” in 1998, brought her a Grammy for best female R&B vocal for the cut “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay.”

But during these career and personal highs, Houston was using drugs. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2009, she said by the time “The Preacher’s Wife” was released, “(doing drugs) was an everyday thing. … I would do my work, but after I did my work, for a whole year or two, it was every day. … I wasn’t happy by that point in time. I was losing myself.”

In the interview, Houston blamed her rocky marriage to Brown, which included a charge of domestic abuse against Brown in 1993. They divorced in 2007.

The rise and fall of Houston’s career shows Bahamians that her level of fame did not come without a costly price. The road became very rough with her struggle with drugs but nevertheless, Whitney has made a great impact in the lives of Bahamians.

Houston dropped out of the spotlight for years but eventually staged what seemed to be a successful comeback with the 2009 album “I Look To You.” The album debuted on the top of the charts, and would eventually go platinum.

On behalf of the people of the Bahamas, we send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Whitney Houston. May her soul rest in peace.

You are invited to meet the artists of the Grand Bahama Artists Association on Thursday February 9th, 2012 at 7 pm, Rand Nature Centre’s Glory Banks Art Gallery Freeport GBI, at their annual Valentine Art Exhibition.

They will be presenting an eclectic collection of artworks from professional and emerging artists. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

They look forward to seeing you!

The Valentine Art Exhibition may be viewed until February 29th.