Paul Campbell -
Walk and Live

You know him from his roles as a murderous gangster, a rogue police officer, a tainted pastor and even…well…a lunatic. However, there is so much more to the man who has graced local and international movie screens and theatre stages with the trenchant conviction and execution that has characterised his performances over the years.

It started from his first lie, or so he joked, and took flight after top shelf literary critic and radio announcer Archie Lindo gave an encouraging and ultimately self-actualising review of his early Mello-Go-Roun' performance. From this point, he has blossomed into the most recognisable face in the Jamaican acting fraternity.

In a recent Buzzz interview, actor extraordinaire Paul Campbell, with his chiselled features and all, unfolded like a daffodil in spring - hardly the simile one would use to describe one of Jamaica's most convincing on-screen tough guys. However, it only takes a few minutes for one to realise that once off-camera, the characterisations of Campbell fade into the background. He clearly emerges as a man living a life filled with ambitions, triumphs and pleasant surprises at every bend.

The violence-ravaged streets of Kingston 13 served as his childhood playground and proved to be a springboard for his future exploits. The "lessons of the street" had far-reaching influences and ultimately formed the blueprint of this tremendous ability, which is manifested in his capacity to portray hard-line characters despite his opposing persona.

"It's not difficult to adjust. It's based on my experiences growing up…life teaches so much and shows us so many pictures. In playing the part, I become the character in every sense of the word. That is my method," said Campbell.

He related an experience, which to date, still lingers in his mind.

"I remember when I was a little youth growing up…I was sitting in a tree one day when I saw a man chasing another man. He caught him and promised him a telephone cut before pulling out his ratchet knife and cutting him in his face."

This real life incident was lifted from Campbell's memory and transferred to the big screen as a scene in the epic Jamaican film "Dancehall Queen"

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Throwing the perfect Christmas ‘Bashment’

Martha Stewart won’t have anything on you this holiday as you bake ham, sweeten sorrel and dash some white rum in your egg nog. There is really no better time to throw a big ‘bashment’ than at Christmas.

The yuletide season is upon us, but there’s no need to be overwhelmed. Planning is everything, so before you start your guest list, here are some fool proof ideas to make things merry at your function all night long.

First and foremost, preparation is the key. Avoid leaving things to chance or last minute and always check off completed tasks as you go along. This way, you will know exactly where you stand as time begins winding down. At least four hours before the big event, take a moment to get centred and calm yourself down. Whatever your means of mediation is, indulge in it. Be it a scented bath, a glass of wine, a good book or a quick nap, do it to ease away that last minute stress.

Décor and food
Now your house, or at least the rooms you will be entertaining in, should be as festive as possible. Lighting and decorations are essential in conveying that holiday cheer. White lights are always a classic touch for outdoors and corridors, but you can do more with less if you know how. According to ace decorator Stephen Jones of Barbican Grades/Boon Hall Oasis, you can jazz up any setting if you just employ some creativity.

“You can use the same decorations, but just change the overall presentation or containers. Sorrel is a staple drink at Christmas time, but few would think to use the sorrel flowers as a main floral arrangement or a centre piece on a table. Foliage and leaves also work well for décor and don’t forget palms with red berries that provide a lovely contrast.”

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Shop safely for toys this Christmas

Some parents absolutely refuse to buy them, while others go all out to stock up on them. One thing is for sure though; just about every child seems to adore them - toys, toys, toys!

In the early days, as our parents and grandparents (especially those who grew up in the country) can attest, most Jamaican children had to make their own toys, or make do with the one single doll or ball that was given at Christmas. Usually, sticks, stones, cast-out pieces of wood, cloth and other odds and ends were the materials used to create homemade toys. All it took was a little imagination, a little time and 'voila!' - the toy was good to go.

Nowadays, most children have become accustomed to receiving heaps of toys right throughout the year and especially at Christmas. Needless to say, they expect these toys to be bought ready-made from a store and not fashioned at home. They also expect the toys to be the latest models from the hottest brands, regardless of the fact that many of them cost an arm and a leg. So much for trucks made from orange juice boxes with four limes for wheels!!!

If you're the kind of parent who buys toys, there are certain things that you need to take into consideration that relate to safety. Dorothy Campbell, communication specialist at the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), is warning parents to be on the alert for hazardous toys this Christmas. She explained that the free market system has contributed to the increase of a large group of informal retailers who are often less discriminating about the manufacturing standard for toys that they stock.

However, what is more disconcerting for the Commission is the recent spate of recalls of cartoon character toys, children's apparel and accessories that are manufactured in China. These toys expose children to the risk of injury and lifelong developmental problems..

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Making the best of holiday travel

Year end travel comes with crowded airports, delays and misplaced luggage. A cool head, a sense of humour and the acceptance that airport personnel are just doing their jobs are travel essentials during this period.

What can you do to make things easy for yourself? For starters, book early to catch the best fares. Your visa may be intact, but re-check travel documents one week before. On travel day, arrive at the airport for check-in three hours before your departure time, as required. This will allow you enough time to get through most things that pop up under Murphy's Law.

Dress comfortably and wear slip-on shoes, as you will have to remove them during security screening. As sexy as you might be, if you are going into the dead of winter, it is necessary to cover up…pneumonia is definitely not sexy.

Aunt Icy in New York can find ackee and breadfruit there, so you don't need to 'luggo luggo' with them. If you must take your famous fruit cake, laced with JB, wrap it in cellophane and place in your hand luggage, which must conform to size and weight specifications. Use hand luggage to transport snacks, a sweater, reading material, valuables, change of clothing and medication. The latter must be in the original bottle with the name of the passenger. Containers with liquids in excess of three ounces must be stowed in your checked luggage. Travel size containers with liquid must fit into one transparent zip top bag.

Separate formula and medication and 'nicely' request a visual check. Remove items from the undercarriage of strollers before approaching the security check point to prevent annoying other passengers. If parts of your body (e.g. replacement hip or pacemaker) are likely to beep, ask your doctor for a letter and request a private screening.

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The true meaning of Christmas

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays across the globe. As early as November, preparations go into high gear for this much-anticipated "season of giving and good cheer".

However, this holiday period has evolved into a materialistic revolution spurred on by self-indulgent pleasures like partying, drinking, wanton spending and other "irreverent" acts. There was once a period in history when Christmas actually had a sacred meaning. Back then, peace, joy and an abundance of love ruled in the human heart.

There is some amount of confusion about the origin of Christmas Day, which is celebrated on December 25. There are theories that link its roots with paganism, where it marked a celebration of the Italic god, Saturn, and the rebirth of the sun god. All of this preceded the birth of Jesus, who later became the reason for the season.

The holiday took on sacred significance when it was adopted by Christianity, via the Roman Catholic Church. In this context, it was initiated as a religious festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure in Christianity.

The word "Christmas" is actually a Roman Catholic term, which is a combination of "Christ" (meaning the "Messiah" - the title given to Jesus) and "Mass", a religious celebration. As early as 400 A.D., Christmas had special significance on the Christian calendar.

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