Daily Archives: March 12, 2017

Travel: Paradise found on Alphonse Island in the Seychelles – The Scotsman

Posted: March 12, 2017 at 8:34 pm

On a leisurely afternoon stroll during our stay on Alphonse Island in the Seychelles, we are greeted by an unusual sight: a giant Aldabra tortoise ambling along the road. Welcome to the rush-hour on Alphonse. If you want to get away from it all, youve come to the right place.

The island used to be only famous for fly fishing. But now it is proving it has much more in its tackle-box. The recently refurbished Alphonse Island hotel is offering the destinations first foray into luxury travel for all the family and its a resounding success.

Staffed by 64 very friendly employees, under the auspices of the excellent MD, Gordon Rankin, Alphonse Island has 21 gorgeous, recently-redecorated beach bungalows and five beach suites, each with a direct view of the sea.

You can reach Alphonse via Paris on Air Seychelles. The welcoming in-flight service and delicious tropical food instantly get you into the Alphonse vibe. On landing, you spend the night in the Seychelles capital Victoria. We stay at very pleasant Eden Bleu Hotel, which offers an enviable view of a nearby marina.

Next morning, we board a small propeller plane to fly an hour south to Alphonse, across seas glistening like jewels in the sunlight. It is an appealingly casual airport, whose fire engine is pulled behind a tractor.

As you step off the plane, there are no passport or security checks. It must be the easiest airport to pass through in the world. On the airstrip, we are greeted with refreshing flannels and coconuts full to the brim with milk.

Nature trumps everything else at Alphonse Island. You are never more than a few minutes away from the next amazing animal encounter. On a nature walk, for instance, we see a horned ghost crab and learn that it can bury itself in the sand and hide from predators for up to six hours.

Alphonse Island, which has a maximum occupancy of just 52 guests, takes conservation very seriously. For instance, to protect the delicate coral reef, no motorised water sports are allowed on the island. In addition, those fishing on the island use barbless hooks, and every fish caught on a fly is immediately released back into the water.

One of the many terrific activities on offer at Alphonse Island is snorkelling, and its a breath-taking experience. Like an extra in a David Attenborough documentary, you swim among an incredible array of tropical fish with the most wonderfully exotic names: schooling snapper, bluefin trevally, batfish, moorish idol, milkfish, powder blue tang, moustache triggerfish, nudibranch, yellow-lip emperor, jobfish, damselfish, dog tooth tuna, yellow margin triggerfish, and Picasso triggerfish. Its like being in an aquarium, but with no walls.

On another day, we go on a dolphin-watching expedition. We are searching for spinner dolphins, so called because they are exhibitionists who like to put on a show. They enjoy nothing more than leaping out of the water in front of the boat and twizzling in mid-air.

There is a visceral thrill when we spot a pod of 100 spinner dolphins in the deep waters surrounding Alphonse. As they circle the boat in a gorgeous arc, formation-dance teams of dolphins breach the surface simultaneously in the most amazing sea samba. They pirouette around the boat in a mesmerising routine. Its quite a spectacle.

On the island itself, 50 giant Aldabra tortoises which can live up to 200 years (and so may have been born around the time of the Battle of Waterloo) and weigh more than 300kg freely roam the paths and, as we have seen, block the traffic.

There are any number of other superb activities to participate in at Alphonse Island, from paddle-boarding and cycling around the car-free paths on your own personalised bike to a Flats Lunch, taken knee-deep in water on a spectacular sandbar on the neighbouring island of St Franois.

The staff at Alphonse Island make the experience all the more enjoyable. Guests congregate in the early evening in the bar area, a beautifully designed thatched deck that leads out onto another picturesque beach. There the fisherman swap tales about the ones that got away.

We are encouraged by Gordon to come to the bar barefoot, So you can feel the sand between your toes. A bell is rung in the bar every evening at 7pm for a light hearted celebration of the days achievements. Prizes are awarded in categories such as Biggest Bonefish of the Day and Most Sunburnt Person of the Day.

The bar area is also where the hotels delicious fresh food is served. The only drawback is that the wi-fi in the bar wont allow you to send photos. There must be a smugness block.

Alphonse Island is full of lovely touches. For instance, when you arrive, they leave a welcome tropical flower and kikoy (or sarong) on your bed, to be worn at the last night party.

But the absolute star attraction of the beach bungalows has to be the outside shower at the back of the house. Shielded from prying eyes by a wooden log wall, you can enjoy a wonderful shower open to the elements. Its highly invigorating.

God is in the detail at Alphonse Island. For example, after an hour of a glorious kayaking trip, just when youre beginning to flag, hotel staff meet you on a beach by the end of the runway with cold water and wet flannels.

Alphonse is very lucky in that it has no snakes, no killer sharks, no terrible mosquitoes, no insect-borne diseases, and no hurricanes (because its too close to the equator). Also, for those of us used to taking dips in the icy North Sea, swimming in the balmy Indian Ocean is like taking a warm bath.

The risk of writing such an article is that it encourages legions of holiday-makers to visit and ruin the unspoilt idyll you have just described. The Eagles sang about this in their classic song, The Last Resort: You call some place paradise, and youre kissing it goodbye.

But the thing is, Alphonse Island really does live up to its paradise billing.

When, as I do, you come from a big city where you cant go anywhere without being crowded out by hundreds of cars and people, it is an uncanny experience to walk for miles along a flawless white beach without seeing a single other soul.

There are fewer and fewer places like this in the world, and they really need to be preserved. There are no cars on Alphonse, and youre more likely to be woken by the sound of a turtle than an engine. There is also no mobile signal on the island, so it is ideal for escaping all those hassly calls asking if you have thought of claiming for mis-sold PPI.

As we pass through the tiny arrivals lounge after our return flight to Victoria, I notice a tourist board poster on the wall. Over a photograph of a Seychelles beach, the caption reads: All the trappings of a truly amazing vacation without the feeling of being trapped.

I couldnt have put it better myself. n

Air Seychelles (www.airseychelles.com) flies from Edinburgh to Mahe, Seychelles from 672 return per person.

A seven night stay in a Beach Bungalow on a full board basis (excluding beverages) including inter-island flights from Mahe to Alphonse Island return is 8,980 per couple. For reservations contact Jordyn Kate Mackenzie at reservations@alphonse-island.com or tel: +248 4229700 (GMT + 04:00). For additional information, visit http://www.alphonse-island.com

Prices for a one night stay in a Deluxe Room at Eden Bleu Hotel start from 265 per room per night, reservations@edenbleu.com

Read the rest here:

Travel: Paradise found on Alphonse Island in the Seychelles - The Scotsman

Posted in Seychelles | Comments Off on Travel: Paradise found on Alphonse Island in the Seychelles – The Scotsman

Hamilton article omits Caribbean’s slave history – Columbia Daily Tribune

Posted: at 8:34 pm

Mail: Open Column, Columbia Daily Tribune, P.O. Box 798, Columbia, Mo., 65205 Fax: (866) 628-5873 / edfax@columbiatribune.com E-mail: editor@columbiatribune.com Trib Talk: E-mail tribtalk@columbiatribune.com Phone: 573-815-1776

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: The maximum length is 250 words. We edit for clarity, accuracy, punctuation and spelling. The letter must be signed, but in some cases we will withhold your name if requested. Please include your name, street address, city and a phone number where you can be reached between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

PAID ELECTION LETTERS: All letters of endorsement of candidates or ballot issues will be published as Paid Election Letters and are subject to a fee of $25 for up to 100 words, plus an additional 50 cents per word beyond 100. To ensure publication, Paid Election Letters must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday one week before an election.

OPINION: Opinion pages appear opposite the editorial page on Tuesdays and Sundays. Deadline is one week before publication. Submissions of 800 words or less can be made to Jim Robertson, managing editor, P.O. Box 798, Columbia, Mo., 65205, or sent by e-mail to jrobertson@columbiatribune.com.

See more here:

Hamilton article omits Caribbean's slave history - Columbia Daily Tribune

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on Hamilton article omits Caribbean’s slave history – Columbia Daily Tribune

Loran Smith: Trip to Caribbean a feast for senses – Online Athens

Posted: at 8:34 pm

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO | There are more than 700 islands in the Caribbean, which has for decades thrived as a playground for people from all over the world. Wherever you stop, youre confronted with an atmosphere which is conducive to maana. For many throughout the Caribbean, every day is a day of rest.

A laptop and an iPhone keep you in touch with whomever and whatever you want, but there are many alluring options to dominate your mood and overwhelm your emotions. An early riser sleeps later in the Caribbean even when on work assignment. A fruit breakfast to start your day, a lunch by the sea, which roars ashore with continual and relentless intensity, and a dinner in a similar environment makes one want to extend the stay.

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory that came to us by way of the 1898 Spanish-American War. You remember Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders? The battle of San Juan Hill? The United States came out of that long-ago conflict with considerable real estate, including the island of Puerto Rico. Although the island is a tax haven for many, Puerto Rico itself is essentially bankrupt.

While soccer is big in Puerto Rico, it was also the birthplace of one of the greatest baseball players of all time, Roberto Clemente. It was home for golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez until lately. For health and financial reasons, Chi Chi now lives in south Florida. Lest we forget, one of Puerto Ricos most accomplished sons is Manuel Diaz, the Hall of Fame tennis coach at the University of Georgia.

An invitation from Jay and Clare Walker led to a brief respite here, which was enhanced by sun, captivating views, breezes, moon-splashed outdoor dining and the ever-present waves of the Caribbean ringing in your ear which led to reminiscing about other years and other places like St. Croix, St. Thomas, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

Mealtimes can be an adventure, and every hour can be social hour when you come to the islands. I met a couple of new drinks that I really liked Lynchburg Lemonade and Coconut Sunset. The basic ingredients of the first are Jack Daniels, Cointreau and lemon. Try it, you will like it. The Coconut Sunset becomes addictive created with Bacardi rum, coconut, guava, a splash of ginger ale and mint.

Its best to enjoy such drinks with the Caribbean in view, rambunctious seas thundering, blue skies, waving palms, and mynah birds tweeting staccato, squawking sounds as they forage for crumbs.

The sun is always kissing bikini-clad bodies at the Caribbean beaches some fit for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition and some needing to be reminded that the calendar has taken its toll.

Traditional Caribbean music still falls pleasantly on the ear. Especially old-time reggae if you stop in Jamaica, along with calypso and traditional folk songs. On an earlier trip to the Caribbean this year, I was having lunch one day at a snack bar in the Dominican Republic, which softly featured the aforementioned music on the house system when a favorite folk tune sounded forth.

It carries the title, Shame and Scandal in the Familee.

Seems that this young boy from the islands became enraptured with a certain young girl and decided to marry her. He went to see his father and told him about his plan. He then told the father the name of his bride-to-be. To his amazement, his father was aghast, saying, Oh no, that girl is your sister, but your mama dont know.

Dejected, the boy decided he would not go against his fathers wishes and broke up with the girl he had selected to be his mate. Soon he found another girl and thought she would be the right one for him. Again, he disclosed his plans to his father, who came with the same refrain, Oh no, that girl is your sister but your mama dont know.

With the passing of time there was a third girl in whom the boy developed a serious interest. The same scenario surfaced once again with the father espousing the redundant disclaimer: Oh no, that girl is your sister, but your mama dont know.

In exasperation, the boy sought out his mother and told her what was going on. His mother laughed and told him to marry any girl he wanted, explaining that, Your daddy aint your daddy, but your daddy dont know.

Loran Smith is a contributing columnist to the Athens Banner-Herald.

Read more here:

Loran Smith: Trip to Caribbean a feast for senses - Online Athens

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on Loran Smith: Trip to Caribbean a feast for senses – Online Athens

The Caribbean can always count on Cuba – Jamaica Observer

Posted: at 8:34 pm

This past week, Cuba was once again the capital of the Caribbean, serving as venue to different regional meetings aiming to dialogue about key issues for our region like tourism, commerce, transportation, sustainable development, the environment and climate change.

The First Cooperation Conference of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), held in Havana, last 8th March, focused on two important areas: the fight against climate change, and the connection by sea. Representatives from ACS member states as well as United Nations funds and programmes were in attendance. The strengthening of the concertation and cooperation capacity will favour ACS member states and associates to be in better conditions to face the issues and problems affecting the region.

As stated by Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment of Cuba Ileana Nez Mordoche, who visited Jamaica last May, 2016, the conference represented an opportunity to assess capacities, join forces, and integrate in order to achieve sustainable development in all Caribbean countries.

The capital of Cuba also hosted the XXII Ordinary Meeting of ACS Council of Ministers from 9th-10 March, chaired by ACS Secretary General June Soomer, and President of the Republic of Cuba, Raul Castro Ruz. Representatives from ACS members states participated. The Jamaican delegation was presided over by the Honourable Attorney General Marlene Malahoo Forte.

To discuss our common interests and the risks that Caribbean nations share was the main goal of the meeting. ACS member states were able to review the implementation of the agreements adopted at the Seventh Summit of the Association held in Havana on June 4, 2016, during which the Heads of State and Government, driven by their commitment with ACS and determined to strengthen its role as a platform for political dialogue, coordination and cooperation, approved the Havana Declaration and Plan of action.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla stated that in the face of the walls intended to be built, our choice should continue to be unity, solidarity and complementarity to defend the most legitimate interests of our peoples. Given the current scenario, we could only achieve that if we coordinate and concert our actions in an effective way around the consensus attained in those areas at the Seventh Summit. In this regard, we should enhance the possibilities of our Association to come up with a joint response.

CARICOM-CUBA

During the V Ministerial Meeting Caricom-Cuba, on 11th March, Cuba ratified the permanent compromise to maintain the traditional cooperation with the countries of this regional organisation in key areas like health, education, construction and response to natural disasters.

The meeting also served as an opportunity to convey our profound appreciation for the support of the Caribbean nations to our people and Government, especialy, in the fight against the economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed by the United States.

The ties between Cuba and the nations of the Caribbean are strongly based on solidarity and marked by a high political level. Cuba continues to feel proud of the excellent relations it maintains with every country of the Caribbean, and it shall continue working side by side with ACS and Caricom member states toward the strengthening of the diplomatic and economic relations. Likewise, it reiterates the willingness to continue and strengthen cooperation with ACS and Caricom in areas like health, education, sports, etc.

As stated by Chancellor Rodriguez Parrilla: The Caribbean can always count on Cuba. Our country will continue defending, at regional and international fora, the legitimate interest of the Caribbean nations, who deserve the gratitude of our people and Government for the permanent solidary and brave support.

Bernardo Guanche Hernandez is Cubas Ambassador to Jamaica, based in Kingston

Go here to read the rest:

The Caribbean can always count on Cuba - Jamaica Observer

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on The Caribbean can always count on Cuba – Jamaica Observer

Royal Caribbean Will Break Its Own Record for World’s Largest Cruise Ship – Travel+Leisure

Posted: at 8:34 pm

Royal Caribbean announced plans to build the largest cruise ship in the world on Wednesday.

The cruise lines next ship, Symphony of the Seas, is expected to be the largest in the world when it premieres next year.

In a phone call with journalists, Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley said that the new ship was the latest, greatest, newest, most beautiful baby thats coming soon, according to Skift. On their website, Royal Caribbean also referred to the ship as a mic drop.

Symphony of the Seas will have a capacity of 5,494 passengers when it debuts in April 2018. The ship is already under construction at a shipyard in France. Upon completion, it will weigh a record-breaking 230,000 tons. Bayley said that the ship was slightly longer and a tad wider than Royal Caribbeans current Oasis ships.

The ship is teased to have a whole new variety of features that have not yet been premiered aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. Although its yet unclear what these new features are, the cruise line has confirmed that a multi-deck water slide area and a Bionic Bar (where the drinks are made by robots) will have a place on Symphony of the Seas. The ship is slated to sail for the Caribbean and Europe once put into operation.

The record for worlds largest cruise ship currently belongs to Royal Caribbean for its Harmony of the Seas ship, which premiered in 2016. That ship is capable of accommodating 5,400 passengers and weighs 226,963 gross tons. It has 28 less rooms than the Symphony of the Seas.

Read the rest here:

Royal Caribbean Will Break Its Own Record for World's Largest Cruise Ship - Travel+Leisure

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on Royal Caribbean Will Break Its Own Record for World’s Largest Cruise Ship – Travel+Leisure

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez take their romance to the … – Fox News

Posted: at 8:33 pm

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez are taking their love to the tropics!

The new couple was spotted at the Bakers Bay Golf & Ocean Club in the Bahamas on Friday, according to the New York Post.

WATCH: Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez Are Dating

The outlet reports that J.Lo and A-Rod flew by private jet to the exclusive locale, where they were caught getting cozy on a power boat. The pair are expected to spend the weekend alone at a friend's home.

Lopez sported a chic nude coat in pics obtained by Page Six, as she cuddles close to her new beau, looking sharp in a dark suit.

It seems the mother of two is enjoying her time off with her new fling. Earlier this week, the 47-year-old singer spent quality time with her twins, Emme and Max.

WATCH: Alex Rodriguez Shares Sweet Pic With Daughter and Ex-Wife At Parents-Teacher Day Following Jennifer Lopez Dating News

Lopez rocked a gorgeous floral dress for the mid-day outing with her kids, where she snaked on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and even posed for a sweet photo taken by her son.

More:

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez take their romance to the ... - Fox News

Posted in Bahamas | Comments Off on Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez take their romance to the … – Fox News

Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez vacation together in the Bahamas – New York Daily News

Posted: at 8:33 pm

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Sunday, March 12, 2017, 11:35 AM

Alex Rodriguez's relationship with pop star Jennifer Lopez appears to be proceeding harmoniously.

The former Yankees slugger and the "Let's Get Loud" singer vacationed together in the Bahamas over the weekend, People magazine reported.

The star-powered couple dubbed J-Rod after news of their romance broke last week reportedly arrived in the island paradise southeast of Miami on Friday.

A-Rod, 41, and JLo, 47, stayed at the high-end Baker's Bay Golf & Ocean Club, a private resort on the Great Guana Cay, a source told the magazine.

Alex Rodriguez, Jennifer Lopez have been dating for four months

Rodriguez, who retired from the MLB in 2016, and Lopez were each in Miami on Friday before meeting up for their trip to the nearby Bahamas.

The longtime third baseman who is currently serving as a special instructor for the Yankees at their Spring Training facility in Tampa spoke at a Wharton School of Business event in Miami before his vacation with Lopez.

Rodriguez and Lopez's relationship was first reported last week, with a source telling the Daily News that they've been seeing each other for about four months.

Lopez was previously linked to hip-hop star Drake after the duo appeared in several photos and attended multiple events together late last year.

Jennifer Lopez dodges question about Drake amid A-Rod dating news

A-Rod, meanwhile, recently attended one Lopez's shows at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, where he was seen backstage. JLo is currently hosting a residency in Sin City.

17 photos view gallery

The three-time American League MVP broke up with his last girlfriend, Silicon Valley tycoon Anne Wojcicki, several months ago.

In addition to his gig with the Yankees, Rodriguez recently joined Fox Sports full-time as an MLB analyst.

View original post here:

Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez vacation together in the Bahamas - New York Daily News

Posted in Bahamas | Comments Off on Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez vacation together in the Bahamas – New York Daily News

Carnival Cruise Line Set to Announce New Cruise Port in the … – Cruise Fever

Posted: at 8:33 pm

Share on Facebook Share

842

Share on Google Plus Share

2

Share on Pinterest Share

0

Share on LinkedIn Share

1

There is good news for cruisers who are looking to visit new tropical cruise ports. The Tribune 242 is reporting that Carnival Cruise Line has come to an agreement with the Bahamian authorities to build a cruise port on Grand Bahama Island. The new cruise port will take two years to construct and while the exact location has not yet been revealed, it will be on the north shore 2 and 1/2 miles west of Stat Oil.The location has been selected because of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

This $200 million cruise port has been in the works for almost two years. Cruise Fever first reported on Carnival being interested in opening a new cruise port near Freeport back in August 2015.

It is no secret that Freeport is one of the least desirable cruise ports in the Bahamas and Caribbean. Bahamian Prime Minister Perry Christie said that this new port will significantly benefit the island.

Carnival Cruise Line currently does not have their own private cruise port. However, parent company Carnival Corporation has built several in the Caribbean including Grand Turk, Mahogany Bay, and Amber Cove. Many Carnival ships visit these ports including the award winning Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

Read the original here:

Carnival Cruise Line Set to Announce New Cruise Port in the ... - Cruise Fever

Posted in Bahamas | Comments Off on Carnival Cruise Line Set to Announce New Cruise Port in the … – Cruise Fever

‘Kong’ King In $81.6M Offshore Bow; ‘Logan’ Leaps To $437M Global Intl Box Office – Deadline

Posted: at 8:33 pm

UPDATE, WRITETHRU 3:54 PM PT: Warner Bros/Legendarys Kong: Skull Island stomped into offshore play this weekend, planting an $81.6M footprint at the international box office. The Great Ape roared on 20,400 screens in 65 markets and ranked No. 1 in most majors including the UK, Korea, Russia, France and Germany. The global cume is $142.6M.

The gorilla also faced off with the Wolverine in most markets as last weeks champ Logan shredded another $70.3M for an overseas cume of $285.6M ($436.6M worldwide). The sophomore offshore frame reps a 56% drop from open with Fox/Marvels well-reviewed R-rated pic tracking nicely versus other X-Men titles.

WB

At least one rival distributor calls it a very good launch considering Logans sharp claws. However, some saw it opening higher, saying its good, not great. That $185M production budget and estimated $136M P&A are casting a cloud on potential profitability, as my colleague Anthony DAlessandro has noted.

While both Kong and Logan should have muscular legs, the hirsute duo will be joined by a Disney-haloed Beauty And The Beast in global play next frame. Different demos, but the anticipated live-action pic is expected to be a monster and is opening in most majors, including China, but not France and Japan. Kong doesnt beat his chest in China and Japan until March 24 and 25, respectively. Those were the top plays on 2014s Godzilla, and Kong has comped well against that film in some markets already.

Logan, which is waiting until June for Japan, is currently in 79 markets with an overall 2nd frame thats 20% bigger than X-Men: Apocalypse and 10% behind X-Men: Days Of Future Past at current exchange rates. With $5.9M in Brazil this session, Logan provided Fox with its biggest second weekend ever in the market. In China, the James Mangold-directed threequel is headed towards a phenomenal $90M. But it did lose some ground this frame to Amblins A Dogs Purpose which overtook the No. 1 slot in its 2nd walk around the Middle Kingdom block.

Universal

In other notable performances, Lionsgates La La Land broke the 30M milestone in the UK this weekend to become bigger than three of the Twilight movies and two of the Hunger Games films. Also, Sonys Resident Evil: The Final Chapter crossed $300M worldwide and Disneys Moana opened in Japan, getting ready to sail across $600M global.

Breakdowns on the above and more have been updated below.

NEW KONG: SKULL ISLAND

Warner Bros

In IMAX, Kong grossed $12.4M globally from 674 screens in 63 markets. Its the 2nd biggest global March opening ever in the format without China. With $4.8M internationally, Kong is the 4th all-time biggest March bow and the 2nd highest sans the Middle Kingdom.

Overall, despite competition from last weeks champ, Logan, Kong ranked No. 1 in most majors including the UK, Korea, Russia, France and Germany. Logan retained No. 1 notably in Brazil.

Looking back, 2005s King Kong minted more than $332M abroad, opening to $83M in a December bow (the UK, France and Korea led markets); and 2014s Godzilla debuted to $103M abroad and finaled at $328.4M overseas led by China, Japan and the UK. Another major offshore comp title is 2013s Pacific Rim which made about 36% of its full $309M overseas gross in China with Russia and Korea also big fans. WB is also pointing to its own Mad Max: Fury Road which in 2015 grossed $225M overseas led by Korea, the UK and Australia.

This weekend, Kong landed on top of Pacific Rim and Fury Road in Europe. In Asia, where the Jordan Vogt-Roberts-helmed movie has resonated with audiences, the regional haul is $27.1M. That includes Vietnam where it scored the biggest opening weekend of all time (the film was partially shot there as well). Despite coming in at No. 2 behind Logan in Brazil, Kong topped comp Godzilla in nearly all Latin American markets. As a region, the Tom Hiddleston/Brie Larson-starrer bested Pacific Rim and Fury Road.

The top offshore market on Skull Island is currently the UK with $7.6M on 1,268 screens and 50% of the Top 5 market share. WB has the action adventure tracking 17% ahead of Godzilla, 59% ahead of Mad Max: Fury Road and triple the opening weekend of Pacific Rim.

Korea opened to $7.3M on 980 screens, more than doubling the opening of Logan and coming in 90% higher than Godzilla. At $6M, Russia bowed 19% bigger than Pacific Rim and 16% over Godzilla. This was a top market on Pac Rim. Mexico opened with $5.6M on 2,691 screens, outperforming Pac Rim by 54% and even with Godzilla. In France, Kong scaled $4M on 541 screens, capturing 33% of the Top 5 films.

In Taiwan, the gorilla saw a 101% increase from Friday to Saturday and ended the weekend with $3.6M on 271 screens, outperforming all comps. Australia has a holiday coming up in several areas and started off with $3.5M on 524 screens. Germany saw $3.2M turn up on the Island with 792 screens generating 40% of the Top 5 and double the start of Pac Rim.

Malaysia gave the ape a $2.6M welcome on 520 screens, topping all comps and making for WBs 2nd biggest opening ever behind Batman V Superman. Its also the top start of 2017. In Brazil, Logan dug its claws into the top spot with Kong at No. 2 on 915 screens for $3.4M. Its 11% ahead of Godzilla there.

Also notable, Vietnam, which figures in the pic, gave Kong the biggest opening weekend of all time with $2.2M on 377 screens. Spain bested Godzilla by 60% with $1.6M on 413 and Italy had the highest per-screen average on 491 for $1.5M.

China and Japan are due next on March 24 and 25, respectively. In the next frame, the major competition comes from another hairy player with Beauty And The Beast debuting day-and-date.

HOLDOVERS/EXPANSIONS LOGAN

20th Century Fox

Despite 14 minutes of cuts and a parental advisory, Logan is nearing $90M in China. The 2nd frame saw it dip to No. 2 as Amblin/Universals A Dogs Purpose benefited from the involvement of Alibaba Pictures locally and the markets love for canines and pawed its way to No. 1 this session. Nevertheless, Logan added $18.6M for an $87.6M cume thats 17% bigger than Days Of Future Past at the same point. That film ended at $116.5M in the Middle Kingdom.

In Brazil, Logan held his grip on No. 1 with a 29% dip for $5.92M and Foxs biggest second weekend ever in the market. The cume there is $18.2M. The UK added $4.9M for $21.1M to date and with a 2nd frame thats 11% bigger than DOFP. Korea dipped 35% for a total $13.2M with Australia now at $11.3M. Russia is another top play with $13.9M to date and running 31% bigger than DOFP and 34% better than Apocalypse.

In total, the current international cume is 1% higher than DOFP and 3.6% over Apocalypse through the same point in release. Next weekend will see increased competition from newcomer Beauty And The Beast while Kong looks to keep beating the drum. Japan bows Logan on June 1.

A DOGS PURPOSE

Universal Pictures

Of that, an estimated $21M comes from China. Thats a 24% increase over last frame and lifts the total in the market to $52M. Released locally by Huaxia, its also the first film from Amblin since Alibaba Pictures took a minority equity stake in Steven Spielbergs company. Under the deal, the production arm of Jack Mas China e-commerce giant will team with Amblin to co-produce and finance films for global and Chinese audiences, and collaborate on the marketing, distribution and merchandising of Amblins movies in the PROC.

Chinese audiences love dogs and movies about dogs Hallstroms 2009 film Hachi: A Dogs Tale (never released theatrically in the U.S.) is very popular there and this film was marketed direct to pet owners both on- and offline. Alibabas Tao Piaopiao is the principal ticketing platform for the film, and the company organized a series of dog adoption activities in cinemas and shopping malls across the country. There were also special screenings with audience members bringing along their pets to watch the movie together. This echoes screenings of The Secret Life Of Pets in Tel Aviv last year which were also attended by furry companions. Word of mouth spread to give the film the highest scores this year on Tao Piaopiao and Maoyan.com.

The modestly-budgeted ($22M before P&A) film has now reached $140.5M worldwide, despite the disturbing video and fallout earlier this year. Universal is distributing in 20 territories and Mister Smith has the rest of offshore. There are three more releases: Trinidad March 15; Russia March 30 and Japan September 23.

LA LA LAND La La Land

Lionsgate

MOANA

Disney

RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER Passing $300M worldwide, Screen Gems/Constantins sixth franchise installment delivered $6.5M this weekend from over 4,200 screens in 34 markets. That lifts the international cume to $280.2M for a global total of $306.9M.

SING Illumination and Universals Sing put another $5.7M in the coffers from 39 territories this weekend, for an international total of $309M. Worldwide, the animated pic is now at $577.7M. In the 2nd frame, Russia held at No. 3 for an 11-day total of $13.8M. In China, the pic is No. 6 in week 4 with a 24-day total of $29.4M. Japan releases this Friday to close out the show.

FIFTY SHADES DARKER With another $5.2M in the playroom, Universals S&M fest now has a $255.9M cume in 57 territories. Globally, its cuffed $368.8M. There were no new openings this weekend while Germany continues to show its affinity for Ana and Christian with a total $30.4M to date and a No. 3 hold. Behind Germany in the Top 5 are the UK with $28.4M, France at $23.2M, Brazils $20.6M and Italys $15.8M. Still to come are the UAE on March 23 and Japan on June 23.

HIDDEN FIGURES

Hopper Stone

MISC UPDATED CUMES/NOTABLE

Sony

LOCAL-LANGUAGE

Dharma Productions

MORE

Read the original:

'Kong' King In $81.6M Offshore Bow; 'Logan' Leaps To $437M Global Intl Box Office - Deadline

Posted in Offshore | Comments Off on ‘Kong’ King In $81.6M Offshore Bow; ‘Logan’ Leaps To $437M Global Intl Box Office – Deadline

Offshore Drilling – Part I – Complete Overview Of The Drillships … – Seeking Alpha

Posted: at 8:33 pm

Source: Drillship Pacific Mistral - Courtesy Offshore Energy Today.

Investment Thesis:

The offshore drilling industry plays an important part in the Oil & Gas supply chain.

Did you know that Oil production from offshore locations accounts for approximately 29% of the global crude oil production in 2015, according to the EIA? This percentage has been nearly constant since 2005. I was not able to find the repartition for 2016, yet. However, It is highly likely that offshore accounts for 28% to 30% as well.

The main locations are in Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Mexico, Norway/UK and the USA and represent a total of approximately 27 Million BOE/d.

The bulk of the crude production is still in the "shallow waters", which are generally cheaper and less technically challenging.

In this area, Oil and Gas producers will need a rig less expensive anchored to the rock floor, called Jack-up.

However, there has also been a move toward "deep waters" and "ultra-deepwaters" projects the past 5 to 10 years. Exploratory drilling in deeper waters and ultra-deep waters is naturally more costly and complex for O & G companies, but technology advancements and the near exhaustion of shallower prospects have forced oil majors to explore increasingly deeper waters, particularly in Brazil, West Africa and in the Gulf of Mexico.

The rigs required to perform the drilling in the "deep waters" segment are called floaters or mainly Drillships and Semi-submersibles. Let's have a look at the Drillships situation here.

A quick review of the Drillship fleet Worldwide as of March 10, 2017.

Note: I have used what has been publicly available on InfieldRigs website and translated to easy-to-read graphs that will help you to understand the situation as we go through 2017. I will update this article every quarters.

Basically, the Drillships segment represents a total of 149 rigs including the ones under-construction as of March 10, 2017. The main categories are as follows:

Excluding the "under-construction" segment we actually have 119 rigs in the market and drilling, ready to drill or waiting to drill. Actually 47.9% of these rigs are working and receiving a day rate from a client. The others are moored, on standby or idle in different states.

Most of these rigs are fairly recent and the average age is 9 years (built 2007).

I have identified 6 different locations where 57 rigs are drilling as of January 1, 2017:

As we can see, North America and more particularly the US Gulf of Mexico, is the main player

together with Brazil they represent approximately 67% of the total drillships contracted. Since the oil crash, West Africa has lost approximately 50% of its drillships fleet.

The middle East and Europe are active both in the jack-ups and Semi-submersibles segments, not really in the deep waters segment.

Brazilian offshore production increased by 58% between 2005 and 2015, making Brazil the second-largest offshore producer in 2015 and probably in 2016 as well. Below a very interesting repartition per location.

This production growth in Brazil was made possible by the expansion of deepwater pre-salt project, which is "deep waters".

Until recently, this field was exclusively owned by Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) (National Oil Company NOC), however, On October 2016, Brazil approved handing Pre-salt oil reserves to Oil Majors such as Statoil (NYSE:STR) or TOTAL (NYSE:TOT) which is expected to boost production.

With production increasing from approximately 41,000 barrels per day in 2010 to a million in mid-2016, Petrobras believes Brazil's pre-salt discovery is one of the world's most important in the past decade. It is believed that reserves of over 50 billion barrels could exist in the basin, nearly four times the current national reserves of roughly 14 billion barrels.

The United States offshore production has been boosted by recent strong production in the Gulf of Mexico.

According to EIA in February 2016:

Between 2008 and 2016, offshore production has grown nearly 19%, with several large projects coming online in 2016 and 2017. The Gulf of Mexico saw a production of 1.728 MBOEd in December 2016, according to EIA (From 0.72 MBOEd in 1982).

West/East Africa segment has seen a huge decline in Deep waters and the actual production of 4.6 MBOEd is set to dip to 2.6 MBOEd by 2030, unless CapEx is restored in this area, according to WoodMcEnzie.

Wood Mackenzie claims planned oil and gas investments in Sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years have been reduced by $100 billion. Major oil company cutbacks account for the bulk of the reductions.

Conclusion:

The deep waters segment is an important segment and investors should not avoid this sector as a long-term investment just because it is experiencing a terrible downturn. Yes, it is struggling but.

As Mark Twain once commented to a reporter "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." after "hearing on good authority that it was thought to be dead", offshore drilling is definitely struggling but is far from dead.

The main issue for us all, is to apply the right trading/investing strategy by following closely what is going on. The drillship segment is quite small and easy to follow.

The actual situation is not positive, and the near-term may likely bring more pain. However, It is clear to me that we have reached a bottom though, if oil prices can trade above $50-$60 a barrel in the second part of 2017? Oil prices are of a paramount importance.

Last week, we experienced some serious oil price weakness after the EIA reported a record US stock pile now at 528.4 Mbo. However, it is clear that OPEC and non OPEC will likely continue to cut production despite the US Shale booming again, with a production approaching the 9.2 MBOPD again...

Please read my most recent article about this situation. Click here.

Understanding the industry through simple numbers helps to decide and pinpoint the right timing and the right company. One of my main companies in this sector is Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) -- the strongest in the drillship/semi-submersible sector by far with a backlog over $11 billion comprising of $7+ billion for the floater segment -- Other such as Noble (NYSE:NE), Ensco (NYSE:ESV), Rowan (NYSE:RDC), Diamond offshore (NYSE:DO) could be also selected as good candidates.

Important note: Do not forget to follow me on the offshore drilling. Thank you for your support.

Disclosure: I am/we are long RIG, ESV, RDC.

I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Additional disclosure: I may add NE and DO?

See more here:

Offshore Drilling - Part I - Complete Overview Of The Drillships ... - Seeking Alpha

Posted in Offshore | Comments Off on Offshore Drilling – Part I – Complete Overview Of The Drillships … – Seeking Alpha