Happy New Year

“This is what the Lord says, ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.’”

SEASON'S GREETINGS

MERRY CHRISTMAS
TO ONE AND ALL!!!

Christmas Calories

Check out Trinidad Carnival Diary for a calorie guide to all those delicious Christmas goodies that I will eat despite the fact that they go straight to my hips and bum!!

http://www.trinidadcarnivaldiary.com/2008/12/christmas-calorie-counting.html

Cocaine in de pepper sauce

Well not exactly IN the pepper sauce.....

$40M cocaine taped to hot sauce dividers
TORSTAR NEWS SERVICE
December 24, 2008 05:26

Bottles of bright orange hot sauce had an unusual travel companion on the freighter bringing them here from Guyana recently. Thin packets of cocaine worth a total of $40 million were taped to cardboard dividers in boxes of the sauce destined for a food distribution company in Etobicoke. The shipment — one of the largest drug busts in Ontario history — was seized two weeks ago in Saint John, N.B., police said yesterday. The hiding method was “very ingenious,” said Det. Sgt. Mario Lessard of Durham Region police. “I’ve never seen it before.” The 276-kilogram seizure of high-quality cocaine followed a year-long investigation into the source of drugs found on street gang members and drug users. A man was arrested last Friday after unloading all 1,250 boxes at a rented storage facility in Etobicoke.

My NYE Pick......Stroke of Midnight!!

SOCACIZE 2009 Winter Schedule

With Ayanna Lee-Rivears, Certified Fitness Instructor & Dancer

The Winter schedule for Socacize has been announced. Check out the Socacize website for all the locations, times and fees.
Website: http://www.socacize.com

Ayanna will also be offering a Boot Camp for all you lucky 2009 Trinidad Carnival masqueraders.

SOCACIZE™ Trinidad Carnival Boot camp Schedule

Tropicana Community Services
670 Progress Avenue, Unit 14 (Progress & Consillium Place Dr.)

Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm
January 6 | January 13 | January 20
January 27 February 3 February 10

Scarborough Youth Resource Centre (SYRC)
300 Borough Road (Inside Scarborough Town Centre Near Children’s Place)

Saturdays 10:30-11:30am
January 3 | January 10 | January 17
January 24 | January 31 | February 7

12 sessions $168.00 | Drop-in $16.00 per class

Registration | Ayanna Cell: 416-728-5545 | ayanna@socacize.com | www.socacize.com

Coming soon: New Socacize DVD

Carnival Nationz 2009 Theme

Carnival Nationz revealed their theme for Caribana 2009 at the Appreciation Fete last night at Hickory House. For 2009 Carnival Nationz will be presenting "In Full Bloom......Fruits & Flowers". More to be revealed next year.


* CNZ will be No. 5 on de road
* Next CNZ fete is January 17th, 2009

Restaurant Makeover......De Great Iron Pot

Tonight's episode of Restaurant Makeover features "De Great Iron Pot".
Check out the transformation at 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on the Food Network.
WEBSITE: http://www.foodtv.ca/ontv/titledetails.aspx?titleid=86270

Wacky Trinidad news....

Cellphone hidden in shoes......LOL!!

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,91228.html

CELL SHOES: The cellular phones hidden in the pair of sneakers.
Author: RALPH BANWARIE

All I want for Christmas.....

A Guitar Pan Hoop Ring by Liz Mannette

BYE BYE SAM....

Raptor fans....its official!! Sam Mitchell has been fired as head coach.....I guess last night's embarrassing loss sealed his fate. Assistant head coach, Jay Triano, takes over as interim head coach. Triano is the first Canadian-born head coach in the history of the NBA!!!

Keyshia Cole in T&T

On tonight's episode of Season 3 of Keyshia Cole....The Way It Is, Keyshia and her ghetto family take a trip to T&T. Be sure to check out BET at 10pm to see all their shenanigans!!!

SAS-E Thursdays inside Menage

D'Bandit is providing an after-work lime for us downtowners starting with a "Taste Test" next Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Food, drinks and music......sounds good to me!!!

Yuh ever feel haunted on a Thursday but can't handle staying out til all of the wee hours of de morning. Yuh ever in yuh office and yuh co-workers say "hey lets go for a brewsky!!! Come on a couple shots before we head home...Hey there...how 'bout some wings BUD!?!!?" YEEEEEEESSSZZZZIIIIIRRR for all you folks that wanna lime on a Thursday evening de SAS-E Thursday taste test is here. Bring yuh co-workers come have a Stress Reliever after such a hard week at work...YOU DESERVE IT! Oh and don't worry Menage has a great kitchen so there will be great food to munch on while you dig some tunes! I got all kinda music to throw down. I might even take requests on the fly so bring yuh list of tunes! The vibe is gonna be real nice I know I'm ready are you!?!? This Thursday is only a small taste the real thing starts in Jan. Tell a friend/co-worker and make a pass...what you got to loose IT'S FREE!!!!

For your table bookings email me info@dbandit.com or call 416-930-9650 or 416-508-6132

WEBSITE: http://www.dbandit.com

Snowflakes on Steel 2009

Advanced tickets are:

$25 Matinee Show
$30 Evening Show

Leah Posluns Theatre
4588 Bathurst St, just North of Sheppard Ave

Wendy 416-286-7756
Earl 416-245-6411

Ticket Outlets ($1 service charge may apply)

A Different Booklist
746 Bathurst St.
Toronto, On
416.538. 0889

Caribbean Cuisine
145 Heritage Market Square, Unit 15
Brampton, On
905. 426.3352

Website: http://www.panartsnetwork.ca/

Carnival Nationz 2009 Theme Launch & Appreciation Fete

Saturday December 13th, 2008
"CARNIVAL NATIONZ THEME LAUNCH"
@ The Hickory House - 440 McNicoll Ave
Music By: D Bandit and Kold Fusion
Adm: FREE for all 2008 Carnival Nationz Masqueraders
The appreciation and theme launch of Carnival Nationz

Email from D'Bandit......
So how do we appreciate our masqueraders? Well how about throwing a FREE fete for all of our masquerader of 2008 on Saturday December 13th. We'll be releasing the theme for 2009 and giving you inforamtion for the road...like what is our position in the parade and all kinda t'ing. Also see never footage and pics from Caribana 2008. Yuh never know yuh might just see yourself getting on BAD BAD BAD! We will also be giving away special Carnival Nationz Ts with the theme print. Music by D' Bandit and Kold Fusion. It all takes place inside Hickory House - 440 McNicoll Ave. Where is that you ask? How about 2 blocks west of the Mas Camp at Victoria Park and McNicoll Ave. So if yuh came to pick up yuh costume yuh well know where it is.

WEBSITE: http://www.dbandit.com

Downsview Park's Trail of Lights

Christmas time is here, time for love and time for cheer!!!

If you're looking for something to do to get into the Christmas Spirit, Downsview Park may just have the answer. From November 28, 2008 to December 31, 2008 you can experience Canada's largest walk-through holiday light show.

Dates: November 28th – December 31, 2008

Time: 5PM-10PM daily

Admission:

Sundays – Thursdays: $10 per person

Fridays & Saturdays: $12 per person
Holidays: $12 per person (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve)
Children 2 years of age and younger are free.

Group rates apply to groups of 20 people or more.

For more information, call 416-597-0965 or click here.

Check out the website for all the details:
http://www.pdp.ca/en/events/trailoflights.cfm

Point Fortin R.C. wins!!

Congratulations to my old school.....YAY!!!

Article in today's Guardian:

Point Fortin RC takes National Primary Schools Parang title

Best female vocalist Kerisse Rawlins performs with her school Point Fortin RC.

Photo: Trevor Burnett

Best Female Vocalist Kerisse Rawlins leads her school, Point Fortin RC, to cop the National Primary Schools Parang competition on Saturday. The school scored 170 points.

Some 21 schools took part in the 30th edition of the competition held at the the auditorium at St Augustine Girls High School.

Second was Good Shepherd Anglican of Tunapuna with 161 points and San Juan Girls Government and last year champions Arima Boys RC tied in third position with 159-points.

Other placings
Dow Village Government 155 points
Sangre Grande RC 152 points
Brazil RC 148 points
St Joseph Girls RC and St Pius Boys RC 146 points
Sacred Heart Boys RC 145 points
Belmont Boys and Girls RC, Basse Terre RC and Carapo RC 144 points
Diego Martin Boys RC and Gran Couva RC 141. Dow Village Boys Group 137 points
Arima Girls RC and Flanagin Town RC 131 points
Malabar Government 91 points

Pon D Corner

Check out the first episode of TJJ TV's Pon D Corner hosted by a madman named Chris aka Jillionaire Juice........real Trini wildness!!!

Chris aka "Jillionaire Juice" talks about all the HOT & JUICY topics going on in Trinidad, the Caribbean and around the World each and every week. This one will be very STICKY!! A new Pon D Corner episode will be aired on TriniJungleJuice.com TV every Tuesday!

http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/tjjnews/articles/298/1/TJJ-TV-Pon-D-Corner-Episode-1-Season-One/Page1.html

Just because he's........SWANKY!!!

South Schools presents.....A Christmas Party

SOCA WARRIORS

FOOTBALL FANS celebrate Trinidad and Tobago's 3-0 win over Cuba, in a World Cup qualifier, at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain Wednesday night.
Author: ROGER JACOB

YAY!!! Trinidad and Tobago has qualified for CONCACAF'S Final Round of the 2010 World Cup scheduled to begin on February 11, 2009.

CONGRATULATIONS SOCA WARRIORS!!!

Tribal Knights Theme for 2009

The Tribal Knights website was recently updated with a sneak peek of their theme for Caribana 2009.......BIRDS OF PARADISE.

Can't wait to see all the pretty wings for this theme!!

In other Caribana band news:

Callaloo's 2009 Caribana theme is entitled " THE GANGES MEETS THE NILE"

AND

The Carnival Nationz Appreciation Fete and 2009 Caribana theme launch is set to take place next month........Saturday, December 13, 2008. Look out for more details coming soon!!!

Parang in Toronto

Saturday November 29th, 2008
DR. JAY & Mom, alongside SOCA SWEETNESS & Mom proudly co-present....
THE BIG PEOPLE COMEDY & PARANG SHOW
@ The Armenian Community Centre (45 Hallcrown Place at Victoria Park & 401)
FEATURING THE BEST IN PARANG & CHRISTMAS SOCA:
LEON COLDERO - Trinidad's own performing hits such as "La Sapa", "Curry Christmas", "Ron", "Parangin' In Brooklyn"
alongside two of Toronto's top Parang bands:
LOS PAJAROS (featuring the "Toronto Scrunter")
LOS AMIGOS (featuring Connector)
FEATURING COMEDY TO MAKE YUH LAUGH TILL YUH BELLY BUSS BY:
TOMMY JOSEPH (legendary Comedian from Trinidad)
JEAN PAUL (Toronto via Trinidad)
JAY MARTIN (Toronto via Jamaica)
WITH MUSIC BY:
Dr Jay De Soca Prince, Soca Sweetness and Jay 'Stretch' McNeilly
For the VERY FIRST TIME, we are combining TWO SOLD OUT shows into ONE HUGE EVENT!
This would be the 5th Annual BIG PEOPLE PARANG SHOW & DANCE brought to you by DR. JAY and MOM,
and this would be the 3rd Annual COMEDY & PARANG SHOW brought to you by SOCA SWEETNESS and MOM;
so we combined the two to create one amazing event for the entire family to enjoy!
Plenty traditional Caribbean Christmas food will be on sale as well. So come join us on SATURDAY NOVEMBER 29th and get in touch with your culture at the BIG PEOPLE COMEDY & PARANG SHOW!
LIMITED $25 advanced tickets in outlets now.
TICKET OUTLETS
CENTRAL:
Play De Record - 416.586.0380
EAST END:
Dr. Jay - 416.245.6411 (ex. 2)
Soca Sweetness - 416.806.3383
Dianna - 905.428.3639
Kay Adams - 416.286.0667
WEST END:
Charlie's (Mississauga) - 905.896.3663
Drupati's (Etobicoke) - 416.745.4189
DOORS OPEN AT 6p. SHOWTIME 7p

Soca Baby for and Fay-Ann and Bunji

Fay-Ann, Bunji expecting

By JOAN RAMPERSAD Saturday, November 15 2008

THERE is a soca baby on the way and due to arrive shortly after Carnival 2009.

Reigning Road March champion Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez is four-months pregnant and her baby is due sometime next April.

She and her husband, reigning International Soca Monarch Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez are “happy, happy, happy” and totally “elated”.

The “baby bulge” was first noticed on Thursday night when Fay-Ann performed at a media appreciation function at the Zen Night Club, hosted by the Unit Trust Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago.

A proud Bunji told Newsday that Fay-Ann was having such a very good pregnancy that they intend to fulfill performing commitments for Carnival 2009. He added, however, that as she would be almost seven-months pregnant in February, she would only perform if she “felt comfortable” doing so.

Yesterday the couple left for New York to perform at a College function.

The couple has already released two tracks for Carnival 2009, Bunji’s “Banana” and Fay-Ann’s “Heavy T”, both on the Buss Top Rhythm, produced by Bunji and Darrel Braxton.

They intend to release their full Carnival album by year-end and according to Bunji, they are looking forward to the season. Fay-Ann’s father, Road March and Soca Monarch legend Superblue (Austin Lyons) is said to be very happy about the impending arrival of his grandchild. The couple wanted to start their family this month, but it happened earlier than planned. They got married on December 23, 2006.

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,89899.html

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO OFFICIAL CARNIVAL 2009 EVENTS

Saturday February 7th, 2008
* Junior Calypso Monarch Semi-Finals - Strand Entertainment, Dundonald St, POS - (10am)

Sunday February 8th, 2008
* Pan Trinbago National Panorama Semi-Finals (Savannah Party) - Conventional Bands (Small/Medium/Large) - Queen's Park Savannah 9am

Monday February 9th, 2008
* Young Kings Calypso Monarch Final

Tuesday February 10th, 2008
* Northern Region Soca In Pan - Northern Greens, QPS (7pm)

Wednesday February 11th, 2008
* National Extempo & Limbo Prelims - Strand Entertainment, Dundonald St, POS (10am)

Thursday February 12th, 2008
* Downtown Carnival Launch - City Hall, Hart Street, Port-of-Spain, 5pm
* Kings & Queens Prelims - Northern Greens, QPS (8pm)

Friday February 13th, 2008
* International Soca Monarch Semi-Finals

Saturday February 14th, 2008
* Red Cross Kiddies Carnival - Port of Spain (11am-1pm)
* Single Pam Semis - Victoria Square, POS (6pm)
* Calypso "Fiesta" Monarch Semi Final - Skinner Park, San Fernando (12pm)

Sunday February 15th, 2008
* Junior Panorama National Finals @ Queen's park Savannah
* NCBA Junior Kings/Queens/ Individuals Prelims - Jean Pierre Complex (9am)
* St. James Junior Street Parade - Western Main Rd, St. James (1:30pm)

Monday February 16th, 2008
* Junior Panorama Finals - Northern Greens, QPS (9am)
* Junior Calypso Monarch Finals - Northern Greens, QPS (10am)
* Unattached Calypso Monarch Finals - Picadilly Greens, POS (7pm)

Tuesday February 17th, 2008
* Sr Kings Semi-Finals / Jr. Queens Finals - Northern Greens, QPS (8pm)

Wednesday February 18th, 2008
* South Central Zone Calypso Finals - Skinner Park, San Fernando (7pm)
* National Small Bands & National Single Pan Bands Finals (7pm)
* Senior Individuals/Traditional/Conventional Mas Competition - Northern Greens, QPS (8pm)

Thursday February 19th, 2008
* Pan Trinbago Panorama Finals (Small Orchestras) - Skinner Park (San Fernando)
* National Extempo & Limbo Finals - Jean Pierre Complex, POS (7pm)

Friday February 20th, 2008
* Canboulay Re-Enactment - Duke St (5am)
* Parade of Traditional Mas Characters - Downton Port-of-Spain (noon)
* International Soca Monarch Finals - Queens Park Oval, Woodbrook (7pm)
* Sr Queens Semi-Finals / Jr. Kings Finals - Northern Greens, QPS (8pm)

Saturday February 21st, 2008
* NCBA/Sunshine Snacks Junior Parade of the Bands - St. Vincent St to Queen's Park Savannah Judging Site (8am)
* Pan Trinbago National Panorama Finals (Large & Medium Conventional Bands) (5pm)

Sunday February 22nd, 2008
* Nostalgia (Traditional Parade) - Piccadilly Greens to Adam Smith Square (8am)
* Dimanche Gras (Kings & Queens of Carnival / Calypso Monarch Finals) - Northern Greens, QPS (7pm)

Monday February 23rd, 2008 (Carnival Monday)
* J'Ouvert - South Quay, Port of Spain (4am)
* Parade of the Bands - Streets of Port of Spain (11am-8pm)
* Pan on the Road - Victoria Square & Streets of Port-of-Spain
* Monday Night Mas - Victoria Square, Port of Spain

Tuesday February 24th, 2008 (Carnival Tuesday)
* Parade of the Bands - Judging points @ Adam Smith Square, Piccadilly on the Greens, Queen's Park South (11am-8pm)
* Pan Trinbago Pan on the Road - Victoria Square & Streets of Port-of-Spain
* Pan Trinbago Las' Lap - Western Main Rd, St James


http://www.toronto-lime.com/carnival/tnt_events.htm

Poetry Corner......Derek Walcott for Barack Obama

Mr. Derek Walcott, 1992's Nobel Laureate for Literature, has penned a poem entitled Forty Acres to mark the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. The piece was exclusively written for The Times.

Please enjoy Mr. Walcott's piece....... Forty Acres: a poem for Barack Obama from Nobel winner Derek Walcott

Out of the turmoil emerges one emblem, an engraving —
a young Negro at dawn in straw hat and overalls,
an emblem of impossible prophecy, a crowd
dividing like the furrow which a mule has ploughed,
parting for their president: a field of snow-flecked
cotton
forty acres wide, of crows with predictable omens
that the young ploughman ignores for his unforgotten
cotton-haired ancestors, while lined on one branch, is
a tense
court of bespectacled owls and, on the field's
receding rim —
a gesticulating scarecrow stamping with rage at him.
The small plough
continues on this lined page
beyond the moaning ground, the lynching tree, the tornado's
black vengeance,
and the young ploughman feels the change in his veins,
heart, muscles, tendons,
till the land lies open like a flag as dawn's sure
light streaks the field and furrows wait for the sower.

Chocolate City J'ouvert 2009

New events for Caribana 2009

New events for Caribana 2009
by Gerald V. Paul

At a special Scotiabank Caribana appreciation and awareness cocktail reception for sponsors and potential sponsors recently, three new events were unveiled for the 2009 festival: Caribana Lime, featuring the Miss Caribana Queen Pageant; VIP, Taste of the Caribbean with Chef Robert Rainford and Laugh and Lime Comedy. At the "Feel Good Vibe" event it was revealed that Scotiabank will retain sponsorship of the event in 2009, and that this year, some 600 Scotiabank staffers volunteered at the event. John Doig, Senior Vice President, Marketing said, "Scotiabank Caribana enriches our community by celebrating the amazing diversity of this wonderful city." Meanwhile, with Scotiabank Caribana showing a profit in excess of $100,000 according to a reliable source, a senior official with the Festival Management Committee (FMC) will be stepping aside due to other pressing engagements. Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer Eddison Doyle will demit office at the appropriate time.

COTT Award Winners.....

WINER BOYS: The Mighty Sparrow and Machel Montano dance backstage after receiving their respective awards for International Achievement and Songwriter of the Year at the 2008 COTT Music Awards at Queen's Hall, St Ann's, on Thursday evening. -Photo: JERMAINE CRUICKSHANK

The tenth edition of the Copyright Organization of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT) Awards was held this past Thursday and the winners are:

Groovy Soca of the Year - "Chipping" - Darryl "Farmer Nappy" Henry and Margaret "Ginga" Alexis.

Rapso of the Year - "Never Give Up" - Wendell Manwarren, Roger Roberts, Stanton Kewley and Sheldon "$hel $hoc" Benjamin.

Parang Soca of the Year - "The Sweetest Christmas Lime" - Jason Seecharan and Richard "Charsu" Ahong.

Pop/Rock Song of the Year - "Fallen" - Alan Tiah, Allan Reece and Bobby Afzal Ramdeen.

R&B/Hip-Hop of the Year - "What I Want" - Rohan "Fireball" Richards and Richard "Charsu" Ahong.

Chutney Soca of the Year - "Bring It" - Lalchan "Hunter" Babwah.

Reggae/Dancehall of the Year - "Who Do You Want" - Troydon "Blazer" Cruickshank and Ray Roopnarine.

New Female Songwriter of the Year - Augusta Louis

New Male Songwriter of the Year - Dwain Antrobus

Soca of the Year - "Get On" - Fayann Lyons.

Pioneer of the Year - Timothy "Baron" Watkins

International Achievement Award - Slinger "Sparrow" Francisco

The night's big surprise was a special performance by British reggae artiste Maxi Priest, who performed alongside Shurwayne Winchester and his new band YOU. Also performing were Destra, Baron, Jadee, Mungal Patasar who opened the show and Nadia Batson.

In his feature address, COTT president Lutalo "Brother Resistance" Masimba said the COTT Awards gala had outgrown Queen's Hall and must now search for a new venue that could accommodate its entire membership.

At the awards, Montano hinted at a name change for his HD band, which may soon be known as the Caribbean Planet. It was also revealed that Fireball's "What I Want" is currently the number one most downloaded song in the world.

Click here for the entire article in the T&T Express.

Dance Caribe.....Vini Tay-Lay-Lay

Soca Monarch 2009.....revolutionized

In today's Trinidad Guardian........

SEAN NERO
Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts (CPP) has outlined an aggressive plan to soundly place T&T’s soca music on the world map, but without the assistance of the State.

Using the popular International Soca Monarch and Groovy Monarch competitions which are already regional brands, producers of the contest have set themselves an ambitious task to revolutionise how the event known as “Fantastic Friday,” is packaged and broadcast.

It will cost not less than $14 million, up from last year’s $8 million, to produce the event which officials hope would transform soca music’s status of the world stage.
In return, CPP has projected income from the cultural exercise to be in the vicinity of $50 million.

There was no mention of the role the Trinbago Unified Calypso Organisation (Tuco) would play in this new frontier.

At the October 29 launch of the 2009 edition of the popular Soca Monarch contest, held at the Jaffa Ballroom at the Queen’s Park Oval, Woodbrook, Gregory Fernandez, president of the foundation, said the United States Superbowl, as well as the Miss Universe Pageant, would be used as models for what the International Soca Monarch Competition and Groovy Soca Monarch should evolve into.

“Through our media partner (the) Caribbean New Media Network, who have recently installed their own satellite up-link, we will be sending the broadcast to several countries throughout the world through various distribution partnership agreements,” he said.
Fernandez said: “So far, that figure is 31 and we hope to up that number by the time we get around to Carnival Friday.

“We also will be providing a full screen, high-definition, quality pay-per-view platform on the Internet. Last year, people from 129 countries viewed Soca Monarch for free.”
Fernandez, in his estimation, said the revenue impact on the local economy would be more than $100 million with a huge impact on Carnival and soca tourism.

Further to that, he believes that global exposure generated by the new format would also bring huge benefits for soca artistes who make it to the finals and the soca genre in general.
“Reggae is a US$10 billion industry worldwide. Who knows how far we can reach if we invest in soca,” said Fernandez.

Prizes galore
More than $3 million will be at stake in next year’s International Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch competitions.
And, the Power Monarch winner walks away with $1 million.
“If we accomplish our financial objectives in 2010, the winner of the Groovy will get $500,000 as first prize,” said Fernandez.

New judging system
Having a totally local panel of adjudicators for the two-prong contest would now be a thing of the past.

Fernandez announced that radical changes would also come to this aspect of the event.
“The judging panel will be restructured with five judges from the other Caribbean islands and three judges from Trinidad. The highest and lowest scores will be removed to minimise bias,” said Fernandez.

Time is money
In an effort to complete the production within the stipulated time frame, one band will be commissioned to provide musical accompaniment to all finalists.
Fernandez said: “Because we are presenting the competition to the world, we have a number of changes to the format of the competition. These include the one-band concept, with each artiste being allowed, at most, two musicians to work with the band. This will allow the competition to be concluded within the three-and one half hours, just right for the global viewing audience.”

New initiatives
Condensing the marathon show into a three-hour package for pay-per-view.
Power Monarch gets $1 million.
An international judging panel.
A celebrity commentary panel headed by Danny Glover.
One music band to accompany all contestants.
Regional Ministers of Culture to accompany their contestants on final night.
Generating an estimated $100 million for T&T Economy.

Byron Lee dies in hospital

Byron Lee dies in hospital

Posted: 2008-11-04 12:38:52 (The Jamaica Gleaner)

Calypso Musician Byron Lee has died in hospital after a long battle with cancer.

The leader of the world-famous band, Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires was hospitalised at the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital of the West Indies, after being flown home two weeks ago.

Lee, who was 73, had been fighting transitional cell cancer and was being treated in Miami Florida.

He was also diagnosed with bladder cancer two years ago.

Just last Sunday, he was conferred with the Order of Jamaica for outstanding service to the music industry in a special ceremony at the hospital.

Lee had been previously conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander in 2007.

Lee was born in Manchester on June 27, 1935 to parents Oscar Lee and Evelyn Chung-Lee.

He was educated at Mount St Joseph School in Mandeville, where he learnt music then later at St George’s College in Kingston.

He became bandleader of Byron lee and the Dragonaires in 1956, with the band’s first record being released in 1960.

He was the first person to promote live Jamaican music in North America and also introduced carnival to Jamaica.

Other awards Lee received include the Silver Musgrave medal for his contribution to music in 1978 and the institute of Jamaica centenary medal for the development of music in Jamaica in 1981.

________________________________________________

Are you tired of telemarketers?

As you may or may not know Canada now has a National Do No Call List. So if you're tired of receiving unwanted call from telemarketers you can register your phone number (residential or wireless) with the National DNCL. Keep in mind that those annoying calls won't stop immediately as telemarketers have up to 31 days to update their lists. You may still receive calls within those 31 days.

For more information on how to register your phone number visit the following site: http://www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca

Time Change

Don't forget to turn back your clocks tonight!! We get an extra hour of sleep.....SWEET!!

Why do we do this.....check out this article: http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2008/10/31/f-timechange.html

CALLALOO......Vicotry/Appreciation Party

Trini Revellers....Sweet T&T

The Trini Revellers website has been updated. Only 9 out of the 22 listed sections have images available but if you're interested in this band take a look: http://www.trinirevellersmas.com

The Ultimate Girl's Day Out......

The National Women's Show is coming to Toronto.....Friday, November 7, 2008 to Sunday, November 9, 2008 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Show times are as follows:

Friday November 7, 12 noon - 9pm

Saturday November 8, 10am - 6pm

Sunday November 9, 10am - 5pm

Tickets are $14.00 at the door or they can be purchased online for $12.00

I'll be checking out this event with my girlfriends. The show is divided into the following themes/zones: Fashion & Style District, Beauty & Wellness, Health & Fitness, World Of Taste, Business & Career Centre and the Home Style Pavilion. Something for everyone!!

Check out the website for more info....http://www.nationalwomenshow.com/toronto/index.html

1000 and counting

Woohoo, I've hit the 1000 mark!!

Thanks to all those who have taken the time to visit since I started this blog a few months ago. Its much appreciated. Hopefully, you were able to find something interesting enough to keep you coming back :-)

SteelBandits

The SteelBandits have finally finished our cd project and we are very excited to share it with everyone. We encountered many obstacles from start to finish....from recording to packaging.....but we learned quite a lot along the way. Iridescence was recorded for all our beloved family members and friends who have supported the band through the years.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the SteelBandits' Iridescence please send an email to info@steelbandits.com. Please also visit the band website at: www.steelbandits.com

Crick Crack.....Paul Keens-Douglas in Toronto

Saldenah Appreciation Party

Cell phone rash....

Are you allergic to your cell phone? Doctors in the UK have recently discovered a new condition called "mobile phone dermatitis".

Doctors are being warned to be alert to a new allergic skin disorder,
caused by mobile phones, according to the British Association of Dermatologists.

A new phenomenon called “mobile phone dermatitis” has been discovered,
in which people who spend long periods of time on their mobile phone develop an
allergic reaction to the phone’s nickel surface.

The problem was identified in several published case reports of
patients with unexplained rashes on their face and ear. Closer investigation
revealed that the reaction was caused by nickel in the mobile phone handsets,
where it is often found in the casing or buttons, particularly in the most
fashionable models.

Click here for more info: http://www.bad.org.uk/public/public_media_section/press_releases_sept_-_oct_08.asp

2008 International Soca Award winners

Monday October 20th, 2008 – Machel Montano HD again dominated yet another awards celebration. This time copping six (6) accolades at the pretigious International Soca Awards held in St Kitts on Saturday. Montano’s 2008 SAO awards included ‘Album of the Year’, ‘Male Soca Artist of the Year’, ‘Performer of the Year’, ‘Best Soca Collaboration’, ‘Soca Band of the Year’ & ‘Song Writer of the Year’ (w/ Kernal Roberts).

Lucian star Ricky T walked away with a whopping four (4) awards including ‘Favorite Up-Tempo Soca’, ‘Best Soca Re-Mix Collaboration of the Year’ (w/ Mr Vegas), ‘Soca Road Mix of the Year’ and ‘Soca Song of the Year’ (tied with Faye-Ann Lyons).

Also grabbing up four (4) awards was female sensation Faye-Ann Lyons (‘Female Soca Artist of the Year’, ‘Soca Song of the Year’, ‘Female Performer of the Year’, ‘Favorite Up Tempo Soca of the Year’). Songstress Patrice Roberts was given the nod for ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ and ‘Favorite Groove Soca’ for her song ‘Wukkin Up’.

DJ Spice from New York won ‘International DJ of the Year’ for the 2nd time in a row and TORONTO-LIME.com received honours for a 3rd consecutive year as ‘Favourite Soca Info Website’.


The complete list of winners are as follows:

Best New Female Soca Artist
Zoelah

Favorite Up-tempo Soca – Male
Pressure Boom by Ricky T

Female Soca Vocalist of the Year
Mo Wuk by Patrice Roberts

Favorite Soca Information Website
www.toronto-lime.com

Best Soca Compilation Rhythm
Lego Me Riddim

International Soca DJ of the Year
DJ Spice

Favorite Groove Soca – Female
Wukking Up by Patrice Roberts

Favorite Groove Soca – Male
Soka Junkie by Mr Dale

Soca Humor of the Year
Phone Card by Crazy

Soca Song Writer of the Year
Kernel Roberts & Machel Montano - (Unconditional Love, Blaze D Trail, Make Love)

Best Soca Re-Mix Collaboration of the Year
Pressure Boom (Remix) by Ricky T. ft. Mr. Vegas

Best Soca Collaboration Groove
Gyal Farm by Kerwin Du Bois & Shal Marshall

Best Soca Music Video
Desire by Skhi

Best DJ Soca Mix CD of the Year
Soca Twins Addicted 2 Soca Mix CD 08

Soca Artist Album/CD of the Year
Flame On by Machel Montano

Soca Road Mix of the Year
Leh Go Me Riddim - Ricky T - Pressure Boom (Road Mix)

Soca Producer of the Year
Kerwin Du Bois - (Breathless, 2 Days, Gyal Farm)

Soca Chutney Song of the Year
Bring It by Hunter

Overall Female Soca Artist of the Year
Faye-Ann Lyons-Alvarez

Overall Male Soca Artist of the Year
Machel Montano

Soca Song of the Year
Get On by Faye-Ann Lyons
Pressure Boom by Ricky T

Best New Male Soca Artist of the Year
Problem Child

Favorite Soca Online Radio
www.soca919.com

Male Soca Vocalist of the Year
Carnival Please Stay by Shurwayne Winchester

Female Soca Performer of the Year
Faye-Ann Lyons

Male Soca Performer of the Year
Machel Montano

Soca Duo or Group of the Year
3 Canal

Best Soca Collaboration up Tempo of the Year
Machel Montano & Mighty Sparrow - Congo Man

Best Soca Compilation Album/CD of the Year
Soca Gold - Various Artist 1 2008

Favorite up Tempo Soca of the Year – Female
Get On by Faye-Ann Lyons

Over All Soca Band of the Year
Machel Montano HD

Over All Soca Chutney Artist of the Year
Hunter

Over All Soca Chutney Band of the Year
JMC Triveni

Best Soca Chutney Collaboration of the year
Hunter & Bunji Garlin - I Want Meh Rum


Courtesy of Toronto-Lime.com

Legacy Band Launch

TnT Carnival 2009
"Kingdom of the Dragon"

Come be a part of the premier LEGACY Mas experience for Trinidad Carnival 2009. Consistently in the top three bands,
Legacy will feature a new and improved package for 2K9. This includes 45-foot rolling bars and food distribution facilities,
premium all-inclusive service, breakfast cocktails on Tuesday, the Digicel all-star celebrity music truck, mobile toilet facilities, medic service,
body paint options, costume adjustment facilities and new costume distribution centre.

Look out for:

Legacy Band Launch
October 18th 2008
The Anchorage

You are invited...

Costume designs and all registration information will be up on our website right after the band launch.
For more information, email us at info@legacycarnival.com or call 868-622-7466

2009 Panorama Schedule

Pan Trinbago has released their 2009 Carnival shedule:

Fri Jan 23 to Mon Jan 26
North/East/South/Central/Tobago - National Preliminaries - Single Pan Bands` In Bands Respective Panyards / Communities

Tues Jan 27 to Tues Feb 3
North/East/South/Central/Tobago - National Preliminaries - Conventional Bands
In Bands Respective Panyards / Communities

Sun Feb 8
9:00 a.m.
Small/Medium/Large - National Semi Finals - Conventional Bands
Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain

Mon Feb 9 to Thurs Feb 12
North/East/South/Central/Tobago - Junior Panorama National Preliminaries
In bands respective schools / panyards / communities

Sat Feb 14
6:00 p.m.
National Semi-Finals (Single Pan Bands)
In Front of Victoria Sq. Part St., Port of Spain

Sun Feb 15
11:00 a.m.
Junior Panorama Finals
Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain

Wed Feb 18
7:00 p.m.
National Small Bands Finals and National Single Pan Bands Finals
Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain

Sat Feb 21
7:00 p.m.
National Finals (Large & Medium Conventional Bands)

Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain

Boots for Carnival.....in today's Trinidad Guardian

A model shows off a pair of crackled bronze high heeled boots at Tribe’s band launch.

Suzanne Bhagan

After Carnival 2K8, did your feet hurt? Why did you cram your toes into those impossibly high heeled, strappy sandals? Despite warnings, you did not dare downplay your costume with a pair of dowdy sneakers, spray-painted or otherwise. So for Carnival 2K9, what can you do? Adrian Dick, company director of Suri Shopping Company, offers a solution.

His company, the authorised local distributor for Piccadilly shoes, offers a new line—the Piccadilly Carnival Collection. Dick explains that when women returned to his shoe store after Carnival, they complained that they lost toenails, even broken their toes after “jumping up.” Dick’s brain cogs went into overdrive. He realised that suitable yet fashionable footwear was absent from the total Carnival costume package. He said, “Something was missing from waist down.”

Piccadilly is well-known for producing uber-comfortable office and casual footwear. Dick worked closely with the Brazilian shoe manufacturers to design the Carnival Collection. The company was delighted that Dick suggested an alternative market for their products. He adds, “We are, so to say, the pilots who came up with a niche market. Piccadilly can also be fun and what represents fun in Trinidad more than Carnival?”

This is the not the first time that Dick’s company has ventured into the Carnival market. For Carnival 2K8, Suri Shopping supplied boots to Island People. Masqueraders from other bands also bought Piccadilly boots off the shelf at the company’s shoe stores.

For 2K9, Dick has already launched the collection at Tribe, Trini Revellers, Wee International and Spice band launches. His company is no longer taking pre orders for boots but Dick assures masqueraders that if they visit any Shoekeepers’ branch, they can choose from a variety of boots on display.

Piccadilly’s Carnival Collection offer a wide range of boots. Made from man-made materials, all boots are lined and padded, ensuring absolute comfort for the wearer. Flat, slouch boots that lace up at the back promise a snug fit for any wearer. These come in crackled gold, silver, bronze, even red finishes. There are also high heeled boots for the “divas” out there in the same colours.

Available at $400 a pop, these boots are surprisingly affordable, given the comfort they offer. If you are sold, pick up your boots at any Shoekeepers branch.

The high heeled boot- up,close and personal.

more info

Piccadilly Carnival Collection is available at:

* Shoekeepers, No 10, A&S Mall, No 96 High Street, San Fernando.

* Shoekeepers, No 26, Excellent City Centre, Frederick Street, Port-of- Spain.

* Also, check out their Facebook group—Shoekeepers.

EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT!!!

Hey people, its election day!! So don't forget to exercise your right and get out there and vote. If you are unsure of where to vote or you are looking for more information about the process then visit Elections Canada at: http://www.elections.ca

Maxwell in Concert......

Last night Maxwell made a stop in Toronto on his pre-triple album release tour. All I can say is that he was absolutely AMAZING!!! Jazmine Sullivan was his opening act and she was also quite good. Great voice and a lot of positive energy on stage. I don't think I've enjoyed a concert as much as I did this one.......at least since the last time Maxwell was in Toronto. He certainly made me very thankful this Thanksgiving. His stage presence and musicality is truly to be appreciated. I can't wait for the release of BlackSummer's Night.

In the meantime enjoy enjoy some pics from the concert:

Toronto Revellers Theme for Caribana 2009

Toronto Revellers announces it's theme for the 2009 Caribana Festival.

TORONTO, ON, October 10, 2008 – Toronto Revellers is delighted to announce the theme for their presentation in the 2009 Caribana Festival. Brazil – Bacchanal in Rio will be a shimmering celebration of the colour and vibrance that is Rio Carnaval.

Brazil – Bacchanal in Rio will prove to be one of Toronto Revellers’ most ambitious presentations to date. Following in an unexpected trend of geographic themes; Brazil Carnaval is the next logical choice following their very successful portrayals of Viva Las Vegas (2007) and Alkebu’lan (2008) which earned them back to back Band of the Year titles.

Toronto Revellers is confident that it will be able to provide Toronto Revellers Masqueraders with yet another incredible experience, one that that upholds the richness of Brazil and delivers on the authentic detail of Rio Carnaval.

As the “Peoples Band”, Toronto Revellers caters to all masqueraders; the young and young at heart!

If you would like to join our mailing list, or would like more information regarding membership, please email, info@torontorevellers.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About Toronto Revellers:
Toronto Revellers Inc. is a cultural non-profit organization developed to embody the distinctive qualities of the Caribbean by showcasing its rich traditions. We endeavour to achieve a standard of excellence, focusing on innovation while servicing the community with astounding customer service that exceeds expectations.

Visit Toronto Revellers on the web at www.torontorevellers.com.

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For more information, contact:

Marion Magloire
Managing Director
Toronto Revellers Cultural Association

Fax: 416-352-1738
Email: mmagloire@torontorevellers.com