Category Archives: High Seas

Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS PINAFORE is gracing the Stratford Festival stage for the first time in 25 years and only the fourth time in the history of the festival. Mounted at the Avon Theatre, directed by Lezlie Wade, and choreographed by Kerry Gage, this production possesses the perfect balance of fun, ridiculousness and sentiment. The music is gorgeous, the company is brilliant and as a whole, it is simply delightful.

The musical opens as guests and staff at a 1917 Manor Home prepares to put on a New Year's Eve production of HMS PINAFORE. We are introduced to all the key players during this overture, albeit in different attire and some of different social rank than the characters they are about to portray. The commentary on social rank and the irrationality of it is a major theme and it is rightfully ever present.

As the play within the play begins, we to witness Douglas Paraschuk's beautiful and clever Set Design to its full extent. As a stairwell turns and reveals the cabin and cockpit of a ship, and the well-choreographed ensemble adds ladders and ropes as they fluidly move about, the Manor-Home transforms into a ship and the audience is immediately transported aboard the Pinafore. At the core of HMS PINAFORE is a love story between a clever yet lowly Seaman, Ralph Rackstraw (the charismatic Mark Uhre) and Josephine, the Captain's daughter (the exquisite Jennifer Rider-Shaw). Josephine's father, Captain Corcoran, played by the always hilarious Steve Ross wants her to marry above her station, not below it, and has arranged for her to meet and hopefully marry Sir Joseph Porter The First Lord of the Admiralty, played by the incredibly entertaining Laurie Murdoch. Meanwhile, Little Buttercup (the fantastic Lisa Horner), a bumboat woman with a wee bit of a crush on the Captain, has a long kept secret that is inevitably going to turn everything upside down, and Brad Rudy's Dick Deadeye is determined to prevent anyone from having a happy ending if he cannot have his own.

What makes this show so delightful is that its sources of humour come from incredibly clever and subversive lyrics and themes as well as incredibly silly melodrama and physical comedy. In a sense, there is 'something for everyone'-which is one of the reasons wHy Gilbert and Sullivan productions have been so successful, but for those who happen to appreciate both types of humour, this production is an absolute gift.

The two leads give stunning performances and are both true stars. Rider-Shaw has a golden voice and a commanding presence when she takes the stage alone for her performances of Sorry Her Lot and The Hours Creep On Apace. She is also fantastic when matched up with Ross and Murdoch for the best rendition of Never Mind the Why and Wherefore that I've seen. She is graceful and funny and can immediately win the audience over with a knowing glance or a well-timed glare or eye roll. Uhre is charming and funny with a knack for physical comedy and gorgeous singing voice. His energy seems boundless and his chemistry with Rider-Shaw is terrific. The love story between the two is intentionally over-the-top (to great effect) but at the same time, it is genuinely touching and honest. That has got to be a tough balance to strike, but they have certainly done it.

What helps to steer this ship (I made it further than anticipated without making an inevitable pun) is the beautiful music, performed by a live orchestra led by Music Director Franklin Brasz, and the outstanding ensemble of sailors and lasses who captivate the audience with their song and dance. The female ensemble members (Sir Joseph's sisters and cousin and aunts) are involved in more of the ensemble numbers than has been the case in some other productions of this musical. This undoubtedly elevates the entire production both from a visual standpoint because there are more performers on the stage and more movement and choreography to see, but also from an auditory perspective, because of the range and variety of voices that are singing the fabulous music. Each ensemble member almost has his or her own subtle story, and I noticed in the program, that the Swings (who cover ensemble parts if someone cannot go on) even have their own separate characters to be inserted if needed. It is clear that a great deal care went into making each and every member of the company, a full and thought-out character. This is the type of show that is worth seeing more than once, just to focus on a different ensemble member's performance each time.

As someone lucky enough to call Stratford home, each season there seems to be a production that I find myself attending multiple times, simply because of the way it makes me feel. This is that production. It has so much heart, is constantly funny, and boasts phenomenal performances. It also provides a social commentary that though specific to a certain time and place, is remarkably relatable even still.

HMS PINAFORE runs in repertory at the Avon Theatre until October 21st.

Photo Credit: Cylla von Tiedemann

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BWW Review: Stratford Festival's HMS PINAFORE Hits the High Seas, High Notes, and High Marks - Broadway World

The Crew on Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber intercepted the suspected drug smugglers.

FLORIDA, United States, Monday May 29, 2017 Six Caribbean nationals three Bahamians, two Jamaicans and one Guyanese were taken into custody over the weekend after a boat with 750 pounds of marijuana was intercepted by the United States Coast Guard.

Officials said a Coast Guard cutter conducted a safety boarding of a 35-foot sport fisher approximately 11 miles east of Boca Raton, Florida.

As the cutter crew came alongside the vessel, they saw a package being thrown overboard. It was later recovered.

The crew discovered an additional 17 bales and three packages aboard the vessel, and seized approximately 750 pounds of marijuana.

They also took the six people who were on board into custody.

This interdiction is a direct success of our focused efforts to defeat these transnational criminal networks, said Commander Willie Carmichael, acting chief of enforcement for Seventh Coast Guard District.

Our newest fast response cutters have proven critical in defending our maritime border, which these criminal organizations seek to exploit.

Approximately 45 miles separate the South Florida and Bahamian coasts,and the US Coast Guard says it constantly patrolsthe area along withother law enforcement partners to detect, deter and stop illegal smuggling ventures.

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Caribbean Nationals Nabbed In Major Drug Bust on the High Seas - Caribbean360.com (subscription)

SAND art is not a form commonly seen performed, but has given one man the opportunity to share his talent with a wide audience on board a cruise ship.

Coffs Harbour's John Thiering has recently returned from performing to the guests aboard the Princess cruise with only his hands, sand and a light box.

Sand art is about creating a story through pictures, it is constantly changing and usually projected onto a large screen.

"You draw a picture and then to continue the story, you need to wipe that picture away. It's a continually evolving thing, Mr Thiering said.

Seven years ago, Mr Thiering built himself a light box and started mucking around with it.

Since then he has performed a number of different shows with musicians, dance parties, plays and collaborated with artists and singers.

"One of the great things about the medium is how many centuries people have been drawing in the sand or with a stick in the dirt.

After someone mentioned he should perform on a cruise, he did his research and was offered a spot on board the a Princess cruise.

He was flown to Fiji where he boarded the ship and did his performance on the first night to around 1000 people.

"It's been really good for my confidence and to know I can perform on a big stage with a big audience.

Mr Thiering said he has ambition to do a lot of things with his artwork including festivals and perform on another cruise in June from Malta to Spain.

"I'd really like to take my art form as far and wide as possible.

To watch John's artwork, he will be performing a show at the regional gallery in August.

For more information, visit the website http://www.johnthieringart.com.

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Sand man takes to the high seas - Coffs Coast Advocate

Steve Derderian

NANTUCKET Kelly Smith and John Morley didn't know each other when they were both at boot camp while training for the U.S. Navy in California.

They certainly didn't know then that almost 10 years later, despite both losing one of their arms, they'd be reunited when they were invited to ride on one of the over 200 boats competing Saturday in the 46th annual Figawi Charity Race from Hyannis to Nantucket.

Corpsman Smith, who also brought along her service dog Cook, a 2-year-old golden retriever, joined chief petty officer Morley, five-year Air Force veteran Heather MacLeod and Army Sgt. Jason Johns as former military members in their first Figawis among the 20 on the 49-inch Jeanneau D/S Perfect Summer, led by captain Bob Solomon.

For four years now Solomon has brought wounded veterans who are connected with the organization Nantucket Holiday for Heroes.

"We did it the first year and it was incredible," said Solomon, who has competed in 26 straight Figawi races. "We got second place in our class. It was almost like a life-changer. I had never been next to people with prosthetics before."

Perfect Summer, which had two American flags flying between red, white and blue flags honoring deceased Chief petty officer Chris Kyle and deceased Marine Cpl. Nicholas G. Xiarhos, plus a Boston Strong flag, began its race just outside the Hyannis Yacht Club at 10:40 a.m. Though Solomon and his crew had to join other ships by retiring around 1 p.m. due to minimal winds, the boat motored past the finish at the entrance of Nantucket Harbor around 3:30 p.m.

Video: Highlights from Figawi race

Photo Gallery: 46th annual Figawi Charity Race

The ships were greeted on the Nantucket beaches, including one man waving a large American flag in the water, as the members on the ship sang the Marines' Hymn.

"That was outstanding," Johns said. "Having the beach lined with flags was fantastic."

Though, Solomon said since starting this tradition four years ago, the result has become secondary.

"Once we're really starting to race and it's a windy day, you know you can get a trophy," said Solomon, a UMass graduate. "All these things, when you cross the finish line, all that is gone. I'm next to people without legs, and I don't even notice. That was really the gift."

"Captain Bob doesn't care if we finish first or last," Johns added. "He's just honored to have us."

Johns, who lives in Madison, Wisconsin, spent 10 years in the army.

Johns' army unit was one of the first deployed to Iraq in 2003, and he said he lived in Arlington, Virginia, and could only watch the damage from a plane that crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

Morley, who retired from the Navy in 2008 and now works for the Semper Fi Fund, moved back to the New England area six years ago and was called in to respond after the Boston Marathon bombings.

In 2006, he lost his right arm when trying to disable an improvised explosive device in Northern Iraq. He said he only survived because the device "low ordered" when it detonated.

"It's the only reason I'm still alive today," said Morley, who took the helm when the boat left Hyannis. "My focus is to get back to the way I was."

Smith, who lives in Florida with her husband and joined Worcester native Daryl on Saturday, had a similar incident when her left arm was severely injured after a house exploded in Iraq and her unit was ambushed.

Smith survived but in 2013 had to have the arm amputated. The Organization Paws for Action donated Cook to the Smith family, helping pick things up and act as Kelly's other arm. He is named after Army Spc. Michael Cook, who was killed in action in 2011 in Fallujah, Iraq.

"It was the best way to reunite and just sit and talk," Smith, a 19-year service member, said of her first Figawi. "We're both doing things and able to be there with one another."

The Xiarhos family was also included, with several wearing either sweatshirts or shirts honoring his passing. Steve Xiarhos, who served during the Vietnam War, in his family also passed on buttons with Nick's face reading "Big Nick's Ride For The Cape Cod Fallen," and "Living the Dream," on the bottom.

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PERFECTion on the high seas - Cape Cod Times (subscription)

Sean F. Driscoll @SeanFDriscoll

SOUTH YARMOUTH When the waters of Cape Cod turn warm and boaters return to the seas, Dry Dock Marine Corp. gets hopping.

The boat hauling and storage business keeps about 200 vessels on 5 acres at its Old Town House Road facility and, for the most part, sees its busiest seasons right before and after summer as its dry-docked boats move on and off the yard to head nearly anywhere across the Cape.

We handle a lot of big stuff from a lot of all the major boat yards. Were probably one of the biggest boat haulers on the Cape, said Frank Richard, who bought the business with his wife, Marie, in 1977 and continues to work there with his son, Skip, who has taken over the day-to-day operations.

The business allows boats to be stored on trailers in the yard, too, so during the summer theres a steady stream of customers coming in and out to take their boats on the water for the day. The business also allows owners to work on their boats while theyre in storage, giving them an edge on the marinas that typically provide less access during the off-season.

Video:Dry Dock Marine Corp. in South Yarmouth

What is the biggest component of your business? Skip: Boat hauling is our primary business.

How long have you been in business? Marie: We started in August of 1977. We moved to this location in March 2006.

What did you do before? Skip: Ive been involved in the business since I was 10 years old.

How big is your staff? Marie: Six.

How has the market changed since your business started? Skip: The size and price of the boats. Our customers are a lot more demanding. Were still a do-it-yourself yard; we do some work, the owners do some work, they get contractors to do some work. Its a lot more picky. The boats are a lot cleaner, the boats are lot more expensive. Frank: We hauled a couple of boats to the Boston Boat Show this year that were worth $1 million apiece. And they sold it. Some of the stuff we move, its high value.

What are your plans for your business' future? Skip:Who knows? Possibly a little more inside storage.

What's your most memorable moment with this business? Skip:Id probably say moving up here. Frank: The old shop, we had three-quarters of an acre (and) we had outgrown it by 10 or 15 years easy. We were in an old barracks building that was converted. Skip:Now we come here, we dont have any more dirt, we have asphalt and rock, a wash basin for the bottom-washing and water and electricity all over the yard for the customers. Its just a nice facility.

What advice do you have for someone starting out in business? Frank:Theyve got one tough nut to go. If someone went to start this business up in the position we're in right now, Id hate to think what theyd have to have for money just to start off with. Skip:Stay small. You dont always have quality people working for you.

What's the biggest challenge about having a business on Cape Cod? Skip: Employees. You cant find the quality here. Marie: We had a guy come in on a bicycle for a driving job. He didnt have a license.

What's the best thing about having a business on Cape Cod? Skip:In this business, its being independent. Our business slows down for the summer, so we can enjoy it a little bit more.

Follow Sean F. Driscoll on Twitter: @seanfdriscoll.

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Take 10: Keeping boats safe from the high seas - Cape Cod Times (subscription)

The infamous Jack Sparrow is back in the fifth "Pirates of the Caribbean" film, "Dead Men Tell No Tales." The Disney franchise continues in its effort to reel in viewers who love Johnny Depp and his drunken pirate antics. A few new additions join beloved characters in an attempt to keep it fresh, but this version is nothing more than a soggy mess.

Henry Turner's (Brenton Thwaites) father, Will (Orlando Bloom), has been lost at sea, taken by the curse placed upon him. Young Henry vows to find Poseidon's trident, the one item that can break the curse and return his father to his rightful state. Henry's quest leads him to the dead Capt. Salazar (Javier Bardem) and Sparrow. As with all these movies, there's a young, beautiful damsel in distress who actually is quite smart and savvy on her own. This fare maiden, Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), holds the key to unlocking the map to locate the trident and, in turn, Sparrow's safety. Meanwhile, Capt. Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) makes a deal with the devil of the sea and Sparrow and his gangly entourage must outwit the dumb-witted seafarers and Red Coats.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" is filled with exactly what you would expect: nonstop chase scenes, spectacular acrobatic stunts and amazing CGI. If you're a fan of this franchise, you're used to quite a bit of humor, too. Unfortunately, this version, in its 2-hour-and-9-minute running time, lacks it. The few laugh-out-loud moments are rather off-color. Double entendres aren't the signature style of Disney. The violence, sometimes graphic, also seems harsh by Disney standards.

Ultimately, it's slow-paced, even in the midst of high action. The film meanders, piecing together subplot after subplot. Between Capt. Salazar's soliloquy and Capt. Barbossa's long-winded mutterings, it is difficult to stay focused. Focus is exactly what this film needed and couldn't produce. And that's not even to mention all the inconsistencies in the story.

While the plots are lost at sea, the one-dimensional characters can't breathe life back into the drowning film. Depp, although the lead, has more stunts than lines, and Rush seems to have lost his edge on this evil character. Bardem, always an intimidating "bad guy," serves his role well, but the CGI upstages his portrayal. Thwaites is the handsome "prince" and hero, and Scodelario counters his looks with her beauty -- and that's as deep as these characters go. There's just no personality.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" is a lackluster story filled with mesmerizing special effects. The amount of violence and off-color humor gives this film its PG-13 rating, but it also gives Disney a different look as well. Spending your time and money on this one would be like walking the plank. I'd advise against it.

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High seas just a soggy mess - Kankakee Daily Journal

World travelers Bob and Linda Bilec took a step back in time to an era of elegance and sophistication on the high seas when they boarded the Queen Mary 2 last October.

They sailed to Southampton, England, to visit their daughter, Jennifer, and her family for the Christmas holidays.

As they stood on the deck of the QM2, they watched the skyline of New York City fade into the background. For Bob, it was the realization of how small Manhattan Island really is, a mere 22.82 square miles of land inhabited by 16.36 million people.

For Linda, it was watching the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island shrink in size as the boat pulled away from New York Harbor. She said she couldnt help but think of all the people who immigrated to the United Sates on a ship, seeing Lady Liberty for the first time, and hoping for a better life.

The Bilecs are residents of the world. They have traveled and lived all over the globe for pleasure and work. But this was their first transatlantic crossing on an ocean liner. So when Jennifer asked her parents to spend the holidays in England, Bob knew right away that they didnt want to fly.

I wanted to take the Queen Mary, he said. I wanted the experience of sailing on the boat.

They started planning for their trip a year in advance, watching fares and looking for the best and most economic time to travel. They even downloaded a schematic of the ships decks to find the right mid-ship state room to help mitigate the potential for seasickness.

While Bob wanted a themed crossing, Linda said she looked forward to the elegance of a bygone era of dining and dancing the night away in the ships formal restaurant a stark contrast from the downhill skier and outdoor enthusiast she is.

I was really excited about the dancing, Linda said, admitting that she and Bob took private foxtrot and waltz lessons before they sailed.

I was thinking about Titanic, the movie, Bob said. I looked at the staircase, the chandelier its all very elegant.

Their search led them to Road Scholar, a nonprofit organization that offers educational and adventure tours, domestic and abroad, with an intellectual twist for seniors 50 and older. Not only did Road Scholar have a trip planned for Southampton with a murder-mystery theme, and four nights in London, it also included return airfare to Austin for both of them.

The RMS Queen Mary 2 is a transatlantic ocean liner and not a cruise ship so the crowds are not as big (around 4,000 people including staff and passengers). There is a strict set of guidelines, including casual and formal dress codes. On formal nights, men must wear a tuxedo and women must wear a gown or after-five dress.

If you want to enjoy the experience, get a tuxedo and (for the ladies) a formal dress, Bob said. You can pick up deals at thrift stores and discount stores.

Bob found a designer tuxedo jacket and pants in a thrift store. After adding a white tuxedo shirt, tie and cuff links, he had a tux for under $100. Linda, a former costume designer, picked up a basic black dress at a discount store and embellished it with sequins across the neckline. With a change of accessories and jewelry, she was able to make the dress look different for each of the formal evenings.

All the women have on a black dress and (they) drip in pearls, every pearl they own. They wear lots of pearls, Linda said, smiling her smile that never seems to fade.

The passage took seven days and followed the same route as the Titanic, in reverse, when it sailed from Southampton on April 12, 1912, on its way to New York, a destination cut short by a collision with an iceberg.

I actually looked for icebergs, Linda said. There were none.

The weather cooperated the whole way sunny skies, calm blue waters and smooth sailing. When it was time to retire for the evening, they chose an inside cabin, above the water line but with no portholes to look out onto the sea.

We wanted the experience of sailing on the boat, Bob said. When you are sleeping, you dont need an outside window. When you look out the window, all you see is ocean.

The views didnt change for seven days, Linda added.

Although jet lag is often a problem when flying through time zones, Bob said sailing on the ship wasnt so hard to deal with because time advances one hour every day. By the time they reached Southampton, they were adjusted to the time change.

It takes two or three days to recover from jet lag, Linda added.

Linda Bilec was born in Colorado, grew up in Michigan, and attended college in Utah, before transferring to Lake Superior State College (now University) in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., on the border of Canada.

An avid downhill skier, during winter Linda spent as much time on the Michigan slopes as she could, either skiing by herself or coaching a high school ski team during her college years.

Sault Ste. Marie was less than 200 miles from the town of White River, Ontario, Canada, where her aunt had a summer vacation trailer park. White River was also Bobs hometown. He and his twin brother, Michael, are known to be the first set of twins ever born in this small town of about 1,000 people. He also has three older siblings.

The population hasnt changed in 40 years, said Bob, a U.S. citizen since 2009.

White River is also known as the coldest spot in Canada. Bob recalls one morning when he looked out the window of his home and the thermometer read -68 Fahrenheit. Summer temps can reach as high as 75, but the season only lasts four weeks.

Summers in White River were short and recreation was scarce. For fun teens would cruise the parking lots of businesses, listening to their music, looking to see what was going on in their small town where the sun didnt set until after 10 p.m. One summer evening while Linda and her cousins were working at her aunts trailer park, Bob and his friends drove through the lot. Bob was in the back seat. Linda saw the boys in the car and intercepted their fun. I threw them out of the park. I made them leave, she said.

While Linda didnt see Bob tucked away in the back, he saw her.

The next day Linda took a break from work to walk over to the service station where her car was towed after it ran out of oil. Bob was up on a scaffold at the service station painting a sign that read, White River, the Coldest Spot in Canada. Linda didnt notice Bob, but he noticed her as soon as she walked by. He remembered her from the trailer park. Calling down to her he asked, Hey, do you want to go to a party?

She looked up and said, Yes. Later that evening, Bob walked over to her aunts house to pick her up for their date. They walked back to his familys home for the party, but his parents were not there and as it turned out, the party was intended just for two. His parents returned home, interrupting their first date, but that didnt stop the young couple from spending time together that summer.

When the season ended, Linda started classes at Lake Superior State College in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and Bob headed to Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Though 400 miles apart, their romance ensued and they traveled by bus back and forth between colleges to see each other, splitting the fare.

Linda graduated from Lake Superior State College in 1972 with a B.A. in English and emigrated to Thunder Bay as a landed immigrant to be near Bob. She took a job as a porter at a psychiatric hospital for two years before entering Lakehead University to earn her B.A. in English, so she could teach.

On one of her days off from the hospital in 1975, they married.

Both graduated from Lakehead University in 1976 and moved to Alberta, Canada, where Bob pursued his MSc in chemical engineering while Linda taught school. Following graduation, Bob was hired by Exxon Mobile and the couple stayed in Alberta for eight years until Bobs job transferred him to Toronto for two years, then New Jersey for one year before he was transferred to Spain. That is where their life of travel really began.

Travel is definitely in Bob and Lindas DNA. Over the years, theyve traveled extensively as a couple to China, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina and the southernmost point of Chile, where they sailed around Cape Horn. As a family living in Spain, they traveled extensively throughout the European continent.

Moving around the world with two children was challenging but Linda always made it an adventure. She got Jennifer into kids acting and their son, Chris, continued hockey.

In Spain, they visited the beaches often and traveled around the country, learning the history. Christopher and Jennifer played soccer in the courtyard of a 12th or 13th century castle, and on a side trip to Greece one of Bobs most memorable moments was when the children ran across the finish line at the original stadium in Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were held.

The family also skied downhill in Kitzbhel, Austria, the children learning from their mother who has been skiing since she was 12. Linda did an excellent job of moving, leaving family and friends, Bob said. She would always find something the children could do in their new home that they couldnt do in their previous home.

When their assignment in Europe ended in 1989, the family returned to Ontario, Canada, where Bob continued his career with Exxon. In 1992, Exxon Mobil transferred Bob back to New Jersey. During that same period, Linda entered Rutgers University where she earned her law degree and served as Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey. Bob retired in 2006, after a career working in the oil and gas industries at refineries around the world. They stayed in New Jersey until 2012. When Linda retired from her job and they moved to Texas.

But of all their travel adventures, except for their latest trip on the Queen Mary 2, most trips come in second to Lindas love of Disney World. Shes been 14 times, including a side trip to Paris Disneyland on their recent trip to England, with their daughter and grandson.

Bob said traveling has expanded his horizons and made him more understanding of people. He said it has given him a new world view and a new appreciation of how others live.

Travel has enriched my life. It has given me a new perspective, Bob said.

You learn tolerance, understanding and not to be so judgmental, Linda added.

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Elegance on the high seas - The Killeen Daily Herald

This image released by Disney shows characters Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, right, and Moana, voiced by Auli'i Cravalho, in a scene from the animated film, "Moana." (Disney via AP)(Photo: Disney, AP)

On the surface, the Disney animated film "Moana" is an adventure story about a young girl on an ocean voyage who encounters powerful gods and mystical objects.

The organizers of a Friday evening screening are hoping that a deeper look at the 2016 film might reveal more about ourselves than the characters on the screen.

The Kellogg Community College Center for Diversity and Innovation along withRace Conscious Families BC are holding a free dinner and screening of the film, which will be followed by creative workshops for adults and kids who want to talk or create art about their own knowledge or lack of it of their ancestors, a theme featured in "Moana."

KCC Director of Admissions Meredith Stravers came up with the idea after seeing the film and reflecting on her own ancestry and how earlier generations impact people's lives today.

"The movie for me, personally, prompted me to begin thinking about those things deeper than I already was," Stravers said, "and I just wondered how many other people were probably in that position of not really thinking about that."

The Center for Diversity and Innovation, which works to promote an understanding of race in the Battle Creek area, has held film screenings before, thoughthey've mostly been documentaries.

Filmscan have the power to influence how people see themselves and others, said Emily Joye McGaughy, a trainer at the center.

"That can be used for great things, and that can be used for not great things," McGaughy said. "If theyre being used for liberation and bringing about equity in our society, its probably because the story line is doing things like complexifying our notions what it means to be a human being."

Film is often an art form "that allows us to see deeper into something you may not be aware of or not identify withand something that we may identify with and didnt know we did," Stravers said.

McGaughy pointed to the 2016 documentary "13th" as one of the best examples of a film impacting how people think about race, in that instance, how race comes into play in the American incarceration system.

"We can sit and teach people these concepts, or they can witness them and then we can teach," McGaughy said. "It makes it alive and real time for people."

The workshops after the movie include a quiet one for adults who want to write or just think about their own experiencesand another that will be a conversation.

The kids' workshopsfeatureartists who will helpthem create art or use theater skills to make their bodies show what they're thinking.

Organizers hope the event brings families of multiple generations.

McGaughy said the community "has a ways to go" when it comes to confronting issues of race without getting defensive, but she's seen change.

"Ive seen a huge shift particularly in the way it relates to race, in large part because the work that CDI is doing and the work that Kellogg Foundation has been sponsoring locally around raising consciousness around race," McGaughy said.

Contact Andy Fitzpatrick at 269-966-0697 orafitzpatrick@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter:@am_fitzpatrick.Hear him on "The Jump Page" atsoundcloud.com/thejumppage.

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Race, family and a high seas adventure story - Battle Creek Enquirer

The crew rescued from the MV Maria 3 included nationals of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

The Indian Navy has rescued six crew members of a Maldivian ship which was adrift in the high seas for five days after propulsion failure, official sources said on Wednesday.

The crew rescued from the MV Maria 3 included nationals of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives and also a woman. The ship has since been towed back to Male.

The Indian Navy statement said the ship left Male on May 15 but lost contact on May 16, following which the Maldivian Coast Guard requested the Indian Navys assistance in search and rescue operations.

A Dornier aircraft, during an aerial surveillance, located the ship drifting about 150 nautical miles south-east of Male on May 20, with all survivors safe onboard, the statement said.

Subsequently, Indian Naval warship INS Kirch was informed and the Maldivian vessel was towed back to Male.

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Indian Navy saves Maldivian ship adrift in high seas, rescues crew ... - Hindustan Times

Fresh from a successful debut last year, patrons say they are ready again for another motion on the ocean, making the Jazz Cruise an additional major element on the programme of the International Ocho Rios Jazz Festival once more.

The 2017 renewal of the cruise sets sail at 6 p.m., from the Port Royal Street Dock, downtown Kingston, on Sunday, May 28, beginning aboard the double-decker Caribbean Queen for a cruise around the Kingston Harbour, sailing past the Newport Port West industrial centre and the historic fishing village of Port Royal, and returning to shore at 10 p.m.

"We came up with the idea of a jazz cruise last year, and it truly exceeded our expectations," says festival director and co-founder Myrna Hague, so we're delighted to bring it back this year. We've worked on improving some of the logistics and the service so that our patrons can enjoy the experience even more."

Last year's cruise was indeed a rollicking affair, with the Belgium-based Freddie Loco ska band kicking the beat all the way across the harbour. Before and after their set, the evergreen selector Gladdy and the Wild Bunch kept patrons rocking with the waves and the sounds of the great tunes.

This year, there will be Carl Winther and the Grand Beat from Denmark, while the seagoing jazz lovers are in for a real treat with the addition of South African star Lorraine Klaasen to the jazz line-up. Once again, Gladdy will be at the controls in-between to keep patrons dancing.

The 27th annual International Ocho Rios Jazz Festival gets going on May 27 at the FDR Resort in St Ann and culminates on June 4 inside the bandshell at Kingston's Hope Gardens. In addition to the cruise, this year's programme includes a jazz workshop at the Mico University College Lecture Theatre for music students, free concerts and jam sessions at various venues, and a special 'Eastern Edition' at the famous Somerset Falls, in Portland.

Sponsors who continue to support the festival include The Jamaica Tourist Board, The Gleaner, KOOL 97, LS Labels and Supplies Centre Limited, Stage Records, Chung's Catering, Moon Palace Jamaica Grande and Somerset Falls.

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Jazz returns to the high seas - Jamaica Gleaner