FEATURE 2012’s Biggest Entertainment Stories for 48 years. He perfected the Bore Lead pan which gave Desperadoes their signature sound for many years. No doubt, the entire pan fraternity and the entertainment fraternity as a whole felt his loss. Condolences to the family of Bertie Marshall… A legend who will surely be missed.
Nicki Minaj
2
012 had several local entertainment highlights, but we at ET&T have narrowed the list down to the very best. Here are the top stories of 2012 in no particular order.
shock to many as Minister Peters himself has been a performer for years and this seemed to be right up his alley. He also made headlines for all the wrong reasons when his sister Lady Gypsy (also a calypsonian) made a song which chastised the Minister and his niece (FayeAnn Lyons) for their lack of interest in family matters. Tsk… Tsk… Tsk.
Tribe Banned Popular mas band Tribe got into some hot water with the NCC after they broke some of the new rules implemented in an effort to ease up congestion on the streets. Tribe took their band up Fredrick Street which was forbidden according to the new parade route and they were accordingly punished by not being allowed to cross the Savannah stage. Carnival is bacchanal indeed.
The ET&T WEEKLY Tabloid is published by ABSTRACT MEDIA GROUP in the Island of Trinidad and is protected by strict copyright laws and is not to be reproduced in full or in part without the written consent from the management of ANGO International Company Limited. © Copyright ANGO International Company Limited 2008. All Rights Reserved. Printed in Trinidad by The Office Authority - Printing Devision
around the world soon revealed that not all was well upon that return. It was alleged that a local producer by the name of Ellis Briggs had fleeced Minaj of over $100,000. Briggs claimed that he was made scapegoat by US-based London Alley Productions who outsourced his services and were yet to pay him. The public moved on from that story before there was any resolution, but it definitely was a talking point. Later, Minaj made more bad news when she mistakenly said T&T had over 250,000 people living with HIV. This prompted the Tourism Minister to embark on a quest to correct those claims. Keshorn Walcott
Unsettling Gypsy It’s only fitting that we start this list from the top. At the top of local entertainment should definitely be the Minister of Multiculturalism and the Arts. The current Government reshuffled their cabinet with an aim to strengthen failing Ministries and Honourable Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters was moved from his culture post and appointed the new Minister of Community Development. He was replaced by Dr. the Honourable Lincoln Douglas. This came as a
Bertie Marshal
A Pan Legend Departs Ace pan arranger Bertie Marshall succumbed to a longstanding illness that included complications brought on by diabetes and hypertension in October of this year. He was a pioneer whose tuning and innovation have been on the cutting edge of technological advances on steelpan
Nicki’s Return Nicki Minaj rode her rising celebrity star back to Trinidad for the first time since she was a child to perform in late 2010. She was mobbed by adoring fans and a surge of national pride prompted her to return to T&T for the filming of her Pound the Alarm video. Unfortunately, headlines
Olympic Fever 2012’s Olympics was the most successful for Trinidad and Tobago in history. In addition, Keshorn Walcott got the country’s second ever gold medal. That equated to nothing short of an abundance of celebratory pace for the rest of the country which lasted for several weeks. Songs were >>
www.etntweekly.com • DECEMBER, 2012 • ET&T
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FEATURE
2012’s Biggest Entertainment Stories
>> made, parties were held in his name and groupies changed their eye direction to Trinidad’s Northeastern coast. Keyshorn became the biggest thing since Brian Lara in recent time. When he returned from his Olympic glory in London, Trinidad received a public holiday to facilitate a grand motorcade from the airport to Keshorn’s hometown of Toco. Entertainers and fans waited to greet him in his village, but the poorly planned motorcade lasted way too long and he only got home in the wee hours of the following day. Party Buss!!!
over-beating and duning out the hind quarters of the individual in question. This scandal made its way to several other radio programs (even rival stations). Instead of denying the allegations, Sachy tried to make a brand out of the scandal by pretty much copywriting the “Maximum Dun Out” term. Jerseys were printed and more while we just wished it would all go away. Hollywood Sachy
Maximum Dun Out God forgive the creators of Blackberry Messenger voice notes, for they know not what they have contributed to. Popular radio announcer Hollywood Sachy’s unmistakable voice was recorded saying some vile and graphic things to an apparent unidentified airline worker. Among the things he professed via voice note was his propensity toward over-biting, 2
Panorama Pong up Apparently steel pans weren’t the only thing taking a beating at Panorama. At the popular Panorama semifinals at the Queen’s Park Savannah, unruly patrons were met with the batons and fists of Police officers trying to maintain order and safety as a situation grew out of hand. Patrons were denied access to the Northern Greens dues to overcrowding and the police erected a barrier to prevent the flow of human
ET&T • DECEMBER, 2012 • www.etntweekly.com
traffic. Irate patrons responded by pushing down the barrier and forcing their way into the greens. The police responded with force – some of which can be considered unnecessary. When all was said and done, good sense prevailed and the party continued. Celebrity Same Sex Scandal As salacious a story as it was, nothing could be proven concerning what must have been the biggest entertainment story outside of the 2012 Carnival Season. It allegedly involved a prominent male Soca entertainer being caught by his wife having sexual relations with another man. As juicy as the tankalang may sound, the entertainer whose name was mentioned in the debauch frivolity vehemently denied and rebuked the claims and has been seen with his wife in tow on several occasions since.
Machel’s Multiple Stories Regular Carnival cash cow Machel Montano became even more of a money magnet in 2012 when he followed up his Soca Monarch and Road March 2011 titles with a Road March, Groovy and Power Soca Monarch treble. After roughly three million dollars in prize money for Carnival alone, ‘Double M’ procured a five million dollar contract from the government to create an Independence album to commemorate 50 years of selfgovernance in our nation. With the year pretty much done, there seems to be no signs that Machel has even gotten close to releasing the album which was purported to feature stars from around the world. While those stories are big, they were all topped in December when Machel was found guilty of several charges (including assault) stemming from an incident at Club Zen in 2007. Sentencing is in January 2013.
FEATURE I
t is evident that we listen to our favourite artistes when we want to be entertained, but who do they listen to? They are people just like us and their emotions depend on specific triggers as well. ET&T decided to find out the favourite Christmas renditions some of today’s artistes hold dearest to them. Here is what those questioned had to say about which songs truly strike up their Christmas spirit.
Celebs Share Their
Favourite Christmas Songs got older I discovered the hidden meanings.
Shivone Lil Bitts Churche: Actually, I have two favourites… "Ribbons" and "Mummy Kissing Santa Claus. Classics!
transports me back to my childhood. Christmas is always special for children. It brings back so many memories.
Athaliah Samuel: There is this Scrunter song that I absolutely love… It’s where he lists various things… “Homemade Wine”… Yes, that’s it! I heard that song when he performed it at an event recently and it put me right where I needed to be.
Sunny Bling: My favourite Christmas song is “Not One Fork” by Sunny Bling. It’s a fantastic number. It tells a tale of being broken for Christmas and not having one fork. The song is a smash hit. You can even say it’s bigger than life itself. Oh… I like Chestnut (The Christmas song) too.
Chucky Gordon: I can’t remember who sang it, but the song that goes “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” There’s also this Baron Christmas medley that is great and I like “It’s Christmas Again” by the Baron.
Nesta ‘Sekon Sta’ Boxhill: “Homemade Wine” and “Piece Of Pork” by Scrunter are my favourites. They just have a captivating vibe that I can really appreciate. Pork resonates with me becauses I’m greedy. It was only when I 4
Giselle Laronde-West: “Feliz Navidad” really invokes the Christmas spirit in me, but “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) is my choice for nostalgia. They are both favourites for different reasons. Keisha Marie Charles: I love “Laughing Children.” That song
ET&T • DECEMBER, 2012 • www.etntweekly.com
Denice Millien: I have a few, but I love “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” I love the lyrical content in it. It puts me in the Christmas mood. Strangely it keeps me calm. To quote: Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Let your heart be light, From now on all troubles will be out of sight.”
Patrice Roberts: Aside from the authentic Christmas songs that we all grew up loving as children I love me some Soca Parang which definitely reflects the ‘Trininess’ in me. I love anything that Baron sings, these days I cannot get “Spanish Woman” out of my mind it is without any hesitation on the top of my list of Christmas songs that I love.
FEATURE “T
hey love how Trini does talk…talk…talk…talk… talk”: Benjai “I’m A Trini” You can identify a Trini by the trademark swagger in our walk and the slickness of our tongues when we talk. Trini speech is unmistakable. Our local twang is revered on the continents and respected within the region. That still does not stop us from constantly evolving our vocabulary by inserting new slang and phrases each year. In fact, the use of some of this vernacular can help locals to be identified within districts in Trinidad and Tobago itself. However, some words and phrases outgrow their original communities and become nationwide. Check out some of the most used Trini slang in 2012 (in no particular order).
Most Used Trini
Slang in 2012 “Tun up” As with most local slang used by teens, this particular phrase had foreign origins – Jamaica to be exact. Thanks to Baby Cham and O boppers across the board were using the phrase “tun up” to describe anything awesome. In the original song “Tun Up” was used to describe a part of the female anatomy men just could not get enough of. Deejays in Trinidad soon adopted the phrase and would use it to say things like “The dance tun up.” It was all over from there. “DBU” The abbreviation above stands for “Doh Beat Up.” The phrase has been around for a while, but it has undergone a resurgence with
the advent of Zuki and Tim Tim’s remake of DBanj’s Oliver Twist song. The phrase means “Don’t get exasperated” or as Ian Alleyne would say “Doh Hot Yuh Head.” “Dun Out” This phrase was borne of scandalous origins. A popular radio personality was caught saying he would “Dun out” the posterior of an unidentified person via BBM voice note. The phrase could be understood to mean “Thoroughly destroy” or “Abuse.” Now that we know the definition of the phrase, the voice note just got that much more disgusting. “Mentz” This word is not really a word in itself, but it serves as a suffix of
Zuki and Tim Tim
sorts. People arbitrarily added “mentz” to every word possible to suggest they were taking part in a particular action. Someone about to have a shower would announce verbally or via social networking “Showermentz”. Going on an excursion? “Excursionmentz.” The sad thing is, everyone understands what is meant when such statements are made. The English language will continue to die an agonizing death it seems, but at least we’ll keep or Trini-ness intact.
Great Gift Ideas for Techies T
is the season for giving. That does not mean that everyone knows exactly what to give. In fact, many people don’t even know what they want, so it’s hard to give Christmas presents. Then there are some of you lousy individuals who probably balked at the thought of having to buy gifts to begin with. I’m sure a few people wish they were Jehovah’s Witnesses around this time of year. In any event, we are helping you guys purchase the perfect gifts for your family and friends. It’s 2012, so we are going all tech.
Solar Charger You don’t have to be a tech geek to appreciate these devices. Everyone would like the ability to charge their phones without an outlet. 6
Solar Chargers make it possible.
market share worldwide. Join the revolution and choose from a multitude of Apps to keep you connected in 4G.
Beats by Dre Do you like music, but prefer to selfishly keep your playlists to yourself as you stroll about town? The get the Beats by Dre headphones. They’ve been around a while and they aren’t leaving soon. Kindle Fire HD It doesn’t compare to the iPad or Android, but this tablet is really cheap. If the one you are thinking about loves to read, it’s a definite must. There are great additions to the HD versions as well. Samsung Galaxy S3 Smartphone Trinidad is still stuck in the Blackberry world, but abroad people have moved on. You may think I’m going to suggest the iPhone, but the Samsung Galaxy S3 is the better bet. In fact, Samsung actually has the most
ET&T • DECEMBER, 2012 • www.etntweekly.com
3M Mpro Pocket Projector They've shrunk every other tech device, now it's the projector's turn. This pico projector lets you show videos, photos and presentations stored on any video source (your PC, a camcorder or
even an iPhone/iPod Touch). Fits in your hand, or you can attach a tiny flexible tripod.
FEATURE
Paranging Etiquette
T
here is no other time in Trinidad and Tobago where people share in the feeling of giving, caring and joy like Christmas. Of course, Carnival creates its own special atmosphere, but we don’t traditionally invite people to our homes for Carnival to entertain them. Moreover, Carnival is no reason to just show up at someone’s home demanding that they “Bring Drinks!!” This all happens at Christmas. In our twin island republic, this act of going from house to house in the name of free drinks and food is known as “Paranging”. However, there are rules to Paranging a house and they should not be taken lightly. Without further ado, here’s Paranging 101: The Don’ts.
1
Don’t parang without at least attempting a parang. It’s called Paranging for a reason. You are supposed to sing for your meals. Throw that pride outside and muster up an “Alegria.” It can even be a rendition of your own. It will definitely add to the fun (especially if you sound horrible). If you want to eat door to door for free try Diwali. At Christmas we work for our food.
2
Don’t bring along uninvited crew or strangers. If you were invited, that means you were catered for. If you weren’t invited, you were probably still catered for. Your friends on the other hand… not so much. Besides, why make your friends or family uncomfortable with these strangers they have to feed. Worse yet, if you are rolling with a team of ‘guntas.’ They may be good guys, but the Clarks without laces might send the wrong message.
3
Don’t do anything but #1 in the bathroom. You are enjoying the hospitality so much that you feel like you are right at home… 8
except… well… you’re not. That means bathroom breaks should be minimal and only for freshening up or taking the occasional tinkle brought on by the effects of alcohol on the bladder. Anything else would be uncivil. If your belly is working overtime, then you shouldn’t be Paranging anyway. Unless you are Paranging Trevor Sayers. He might have something for that.
If they are going through all this trouble to entertain you, at least put on something proper. Women should be especially careful what they choose to wear. Imagine visiting a married male coworker and his wife has to watch you eat her black cake in an extra mini skirt. You get the point. Don’t make her feel her husband could be eating ‘black cake’ outside too.
taste their hand. Do you really need to take the half tin of Pringles? And please don’t tell me those are peanuts in your pocket… Sigh. One for the road means something to prepare you for your journey, not something to take with you. Put down that bottle of scotch and walk away. Christmas is no time for stealing.
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Don’t overstay your welcome. The lime is so nice you want to do it twice. However, twice in one day is madness. Even once can be too much if you come through and linger long enough to devour everything in the house and still wait till the stove is lit again. Unannounced Paranging should not cross a couple hours. The objective is to hit one house and move on. Consume a couple drinks, but do not let your feet grow roots.
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Don’t Parang the wrong house. Everyone is usually in high spirits, but don’t make that an excuse to visit an enemy. Word is that Lanate mixes well with sorrel. Also, refrain from going to people’s homes you barely even speak to during the rest of the year. Why should they treat you? They might be Jehovah’s Witnesses for Christ sake. To avoid the Epsom salts garnish on your food, parang by the right people.
Don’t engage in hawk and spit behaviour. The drinks may be flowing, but you are not at a bar. This is someone’s private residence so keep the discussions private. Leave the excessive noise to the radio and refrain from the obscenities. If Machel could get charged for cussing, who’s you? Try not to let the alcohol get the better of you and cause you to act lewd or inappropriate either. There could be kids watching.
5
Don’t neglect dress code. You may be visiting a friend or family member, but consider the occasion.
ET&T • DECEMBER, 2012 • www.etntweekly.com
7
Don’t Leave with Food and Drinks: Your peeps were gracious enough to let you enjoy their home and
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Those are a few don’ts courtesy ET&T. It may be a bit lighthearted, but it should not be taken lightly. In terms of the Do’s? Do enjoy your Christmas and have a Happy New Year!
INTRODUCING
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model mania Model Mania photos supplied by: Richard Munroe, Nigel Reid and Sancho Francisco
Name: Kima'Lee Joseph Age: 22 Height: 5'8 Hometown: Princes Town Southern hottie Kima’Lee seems to have sass by the flagon. She is down to earth and bubbly and her personality almost seems too big for her petite frame (well, mostly petite frame). She started modeling as a hobby just over a couple years ago. Now, she
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has to plan her days as she splits them between her full time job, school, promotions, castings, shoots and more. Miss Joseph also does pageants. In fact, she was 2nd runner up for Miss Chaguanas Carnival Queen 2012. Kima’Lee admits to continuously working on her physique since modeling brings in the extra bucks. In her spare time, Joseph studies a lot and reads. It seems fitting for
the eldest of four siblings to get her brainiac on. Otherwise, she loves being adventurous and meeting new challenges. Case in point, she is training to DJ and also getting into acting. Seems like she has a ton of full days, but don’t be fooled. The vixen finds to time to party when she can. It is also one of her passions. I guess she really is a model after all.
ET&T
HOT
The Incredible Myron B some that come to mind are Zandolie “Stick Fight” Sprangalang “GRRRT” and the Magistrate by the Mighty Spoiler… (Yes I would be bringing some of these classics back to life very very soon.)
SEAT
ET&T: What have you worked on for Carnival 2013? MB: I have a done a Pan Calypso “PAN FIREWORKS” and a couple Humorous Calypsos… not letting that cat out the bag. Sorry!
T
he Incredible Myron B has been doing his thing in the entertainment arena since 1999. In his short time in the arena he has amassed a formidable arsenal of songs. His Soca Parang and humorous tunes are the most memorable. Here he chops it up on the holiday Hot Seat. ET&T: Name your top 5 Christmas songs in any order. MB: “Parang Soca” (aka Maria) by Crazy (which ironically is the first song I learned to play on a guitar). “All I Want for this Christmas is You” By Kenny J. “Bring Out de Ham” by Marcia Miranda. “Home Made Wine” by Scrunter and “Come Go” by The Baron. ET&T: What is your greatest childhood Christmas memory? MB: Going to bed seeing the entire house in an uproar… and waking up to a well organized and decorated house with gifts under the Christmas tree with the smell of fresh baked hops and ham in the air. Mmm… Ah could smell it now. ET&T: What is the perfect material gift someone could give to Myron B this year? MB: Well I am not a materialistic person, so this one kinda hard. Ummm… Maybe a gaming console. I haven’t had one of those in over a decade. ET&T: Do you think Christmas is getting enough respect on radio or is it being lost in the Carnival frenzy? MB: I think Christmas music is shown a lot of respect on the airwaves. We have some radio stations dedicating their entire
programming to Christmas music while others shift to 50% Christmas 50% other during this time. The Christmas season falls right at the beginning of the carnival season so there will always be some overlapping happening so I don’t have a problem if some stations choose to play more carnival music than Christmas music. ET&T: What must be on your Christmas lunch plate? MB: Soy Pastelles… I’m a vegetarian… ET&T: You are known primarily as a humorous composer. Do you have any songs that are not humorous or festive? MB: Yes I do… I got my foot into the
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entertainment door as a Humor/ Festive singer/performer, but that type of material only accounts for about 20% of my written material. I am releasing an album in 2013 called I SING CALYPSO that would showcase some of the other work ET&T: Name your dream collaborator. MB: The Mighty Spoiler ET&T: You usually create funny songs with funny video treatments to match. Is there any song sung by at artiste that you wished you could have done a video for? MB: Yes there are many. A lot of the old Calypsos have very great stories that would make great Videos…
ET&T: What do you think is the main reason our calypso culture is not progressing as fast as Dancehall or Reggaeton? MB: There are many reasons for this, but for this interview I will discuss just one. We did not respect our roots and by so doing lost our identity. Calypso is the Mother of all genres practiced locally. i.e. Soca, RagaSoca, Soca Parang, and Chutney and instead of strengthening our Calypso roots we branched off into these different sub genres leaving the Calypso brand (which was more popular than rock and roll globally) behind. Dub, Roots Reggae, lovers Rock and Dancehall were all branded and packaged as REGGAE MUSIC and this allowed the Reggae brand to grow. Had we adopted a similar approach our music would have been in a much better place today, but that is just one part of the argument. ET&T: If you were not an entertainer, what would you be? MB: A Spirit waiting to be born ET&T: Share your Christmas greetings MB: I would like to send out Season’s Greetings to the entire nation. Remember Christ, the reason for the season and respect the way we as Trinis celebrate the season as well. Be safe in all celebrations and try to make someone’s Christmas a memorable one… especially the children… Visit www.incrediblemyronb. com for more from the Incredible Myron B
DREAM
GUY NAME: Ani Saliasi AGE: 26 HEIGHT: 6’ WEIGHT: 195 lbs CAREER: I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. Currently I work as an EMT in NYC. I also have a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Political Science. BRIEFS OR BOXER: I prefer briefs, I look better in them.
FAVOURITE SCENT: Cool Water Cologne has been one of my favorites for years. Brut and Old Spice are my favorite deodorants. FAVOURITE THING: I am not one for caring about possessions, but my favorite thing is my book collection. FAVOURITE GIRL: My favorite girl is smart, has a sense of humor, pretty, athletic and caring. YOU WERE YOU HEARTBROKEN: Yes I have been heartbroken and it’s not a good feeling. YOUR HERO: Growing up I never had any heroes. Now, I idolize people who have achieved great things throughout history, Alexander the Great being one of them. FAVOURITE FOOD: One of my favorite foods is Sushi. THE WAY TO YOUR
HEART IS: The way to my heart is through love, support, and compassion. YOU’D NEVER DO: I always stood by the notion that you have to try everything at least once, as long as you are not harming anyone else in the process. WHAT ABOUT PETS: I love animals. I have owned many pets in my life. Currently I have two dogs (a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua) and one cat (Persian). THE ONE THING HE WANTS TO DO BEFORE HE DIES: There are so many things I want to do before I die. Most importantly, I want to leave a legacy behind. I want to accomplish something great. I haven’t figured out what it is yet. FAVOURITE ARTIST: One of
my favorite artists (painter) is Salvador Dali. My favourite actor is Al Pacino. My favourite singer is Michael Jackson. My favourite rapper is Tupac and my favourite author is Dostoevsky. FAVOURITE MUSIC: I like all types of music, but my personal preference is Hip-Hop. FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A MEAL: I take pleasure in cooking and eating in, but if I had to eat out I prefer restaurants by the water. ULTIMATE DATE: The ultimate date would be a Hot-Air Balloon Ride, followed by a picnic. THE FREAKIEST THING HE HAS EVER DONE: This one I’ll keep to myself. WHERE’S HIS WEAK SPOT: My weak spot is my neck, it gets me every time.
www.etntweekly.com • DECEMBER, 2012 • ET&T 13
FASHION
Buying the Perfect
Wristwatch The life of mechanical watches can be almost infinite, as long as skilled watchmakers are available. Their finely crafted parts can be repaired, replaced and even remade by a skilled watchmaker. Since quartz watches contain electronic components, their parts often cannot be repaired, but must instead be replaced. The life of a quartz watch can certainly be limited by the availability of those parts. Factor In Watch Maintenance The type of maintenance the watch requires, which will ultimately determine the watch's life expectancy, should also influence your purchase. Mechanical (manual and automatic) watches should be cleaned and serviced every three years or according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure trouble-free time keeping and to retain the value of the watch. In quartz (battery operated) watches, the watch should be serviced when the battery is replaced. A watch battery usually lasts between two and five years, depending on the type of watch. Some watches are equipped with lithium-iodine batteries that have a theoretical lifetime of ten years.
W
atches are often underrated accessories that we tend to put on last when we dress. Some of us do not even use them to tell the time anymore since we always have cell-phones in our palms. However, forget to put on your watch and you may very well end up feeling naked. Watches are one of the most common accessories and they make perfect Christmas gifts. Here are tips to buying watches. Decide whether you simply want the correct time or need some extra bells and whistles. Watch measurement functions (in addition to the hours, minutes and seconds) are referred to as "complications." The best-known complication watches are calendar watches, the most common of which display only the date. There are also chronographs with a center second hand which can be started, stopped and brought back to zero using one or two push-buttons on the side of the watch. Other additional functions include second time zone, alarm, moonphase, repeater, perpetual calendar, etc.
What Are You Willing to Spend? In most cases, the cost of a watch is a consideration, but there is no formula for determining how much you should spend. However, you should take into account value and quality because it can be far more economical to buy a good watch that will last for years rather than several economical
14 ET&T • DECEMBER, 2012 • www.etntweekly.com
"disposable" watches. However, there is certainly nothing wrong with having a nice collection of shorter-lived fashion watches, if that is your aim. Consider the watch's life expectancy. Another important consideration in your purchase of a watch is the life expectancy of the timepiece.
Be guided by your environment. The selection of a watch, in terms of style, design and brand, is purely based on individual taste. But there are a few factors that you should consider when selecting a watch from the thousands of models that are available. To get started, ask yourself a few simple questions: • What is your lifestyle? • In what type of environment will you wear the watch? (water resistance should be considered) • In what types of activities will you participate while wearing the watch?
FAN
Readers Share
MAIL Christmas Greetings I
t’s Christmas again and we at ET&T are proud to have been able to share in the beauty of this blessed season once more. Not only do we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, but we signal the end of yet another year providing the best entertainment, beauty, fashion and celebrity news, views and features to you the adoring public. With that said, we wish you a most joyous holiday season. Now, we leave it up to you to spread the love. Here are some reader Christmas wishes.
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year because I have so many gifts to share. To the young and the old, the meek and the bold, I share with you the gift of peace, love and happiness! Merry Christmas to all my Soroptimist sisters in Trinidad & Tobago. Also, to all my family and friends, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Latoya Webster
Just want to send season’s greetings out to my mom Tricia; my sisters Tracey, Tenisha, Omitawade and my little brother Efun-Komaya. I also want to send an extra Christmas shout out to my close friends Arlington, Kedejah, Daina and Afiesha... I’m wishing you all an extra Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. May the New Year bring positive change and blessings to you all. Kelshon
To My First Born Kyla, I just want to send you all of God’s love and blessings this Christmas. I thank God for sending you into this world just a month ago and I look forward to spending every minute of your first Christmas with you. I could not have asked for a better Christmas Gift. Merry Christmas baby girl! From Your Proud Daddy, Akim-Jho'hance Chandler
Merry Christmas to the love of my life Joshama Bishop. Thank you for being all that I could have ever wished for and more in a partner. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you when God unites us on April 20th, 2013. LOVE YOU Baby From your fiancée, Natalia Mark
I want to wish my kids Aaron and Safi and my mom Verna a very special and Merry Christmas. Safi is also celebrating her birthday this month, so it is doubly special. Happy New Year to everyone! Terry Ann Joseph
I wish a Merry Christmas and lots of love to all my friends and my family local and abroad. All the best goes out to my mom Ingrid and dad Neil for the holidays. Happy New Year to everyone who loves Moose the Legend. Big up to Leron Archie and Lester Chadband. Dillon
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my close friends and family in Arima. Also, season’s greetings to all my coworkers at Niherst. Finally, Merry Christmas to my girlfriend with lots of love. Revon Phillips
Merry Christmas to my friends and to Brendan Young and Kurtis Quashie. A special Christmas greeting goes out to my brother Kempess who will be back in Trinidad soon and my lovely daughter Tianna. Trisha Bethelmy www.etntweekly.com • DECEMBER, 2012 • ET&T 15
ased on the name on could expect that Noir was going to be some sort B of black-themed event. The black dresscode shindig took place at the Noir Levels Bar and Lounge on Ariapita Avenue. A small mixed crowd turned up for the intimate affair which had its fair share of looseness. ET&T paparazzi slipped into something black and stormed the event so that we could share these photos with you.
Very comfy together
Enjoying the ambience
Making a case for class over swag
Trying to be suave
A young and free threesome
The DJ’s were in black too
Smiles to light up the dark
events
Hope he can handle them both
It wouldn’t be Levels without great cutters
Nice
www.etntweekly.com • DECEMBER, 2012 • ET&T 17
events
range Grove Tacarigua was where the pace took O called “Dubs Till Dawn. The event Dubs Till Dawn hostedplacebyforLuthe& Fuevent Entertainment featured a plethora of
DJ’s brandishing their vinyl to provide the music for their sets. It was not long before the event turned in to a true sound clash with the likes of Mr. Slaughter offering up some ill dubplates. ET&T caught the action first hand and we are sharing the wealth. Enjoy!
Warm smiles
Can’t fight her
A fair amount of ladies showed up
Dreadlocked swag
Welcoming smiles
Cute chicas
Slaughter doing his thing
Lighter inna d air
18 ET&T • DECEMBER, 2012 • www.etntweekly.com
Still promoting at the party
A good guzzler
events
hen the promoters have trouble spelling their W event’s name, one can only assume that copiof liquor would be involved. At Sotally Sotally Tober ous amounts
Tober aboard the Harbour Master, drinks, drinks and more drinks flowed all night long. Some familiar faces on the boatride/party circuit showed up as well as some newbies (who we can only assume didn’t know the kind of drunken debauchery they were getting into). Here are some photos. For more, check ET&T.
Very well put-together
Cute!
Easy Shantal…
Not bad
Awesome Avo
We dare you to make eye contact
Repping the States hard
I bet nobody interfered with his chick
Friends take a photo opportunity
Hawt
Two thumbs way up!
There’s something about flowing dresses…
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events
Ah playing mas!
We are ET&T and we approve this photo
Looking sober so far
They like it from behind (pics of course)
Hey! It’s that daring dress again
Daring dress
An all male team prepares for the ribaldry
Denim is hot in the streets
Hollywood on board
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n Saturday 3rd November, The Queen’s Park Oval was the venue for an event O featured no shortage of stalls, marquees, bars and mixology spectacles. T&T Drinks Festival came right on the heels of the cancelled Sauté Trinidad Souk Soukwhich and made up for much of what was missed in that event. Lots of gourmet food samples and premium drinks passed from hand to mouth while fine entertainment filtered around the background and through the air. ET&T captured the essence of the event and we are sharing some photos here. For more, check our Facebook fan page.
Who say Shandy?
We like!
events
Wine girl wine
Not bad
Jazzing up the vibe
Magic martinis
Two cocktails each? Hmm…
Cheers
Aww…
Too hot for captions
Service at your pleasure
Sexy bottle poppers
Kes and his wife/assistant
Easy Hans
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events
Bueno
Satisfying the shot lovers
Rrrr…
Ooh la la
A daringly dressed duo
Pretty ladies in a row
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Looking well
events extra
Red Runway 2012 F
ashion aficionados bombarded the Cascadia Hotel for the latest installment of Red Runway. The fashion show presented its audiences with a look at various local clothing lines and featured kids attire as well. Models and designers flooded the floors of Cascadia while photographers fought for the best angles to get their shots. ET&T’s photographers did not disappoint. We have some pics here. For the rest, check us on Facebook.
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Misdemeanors Are Crimes Too T he Christmas spirit has consumed us despite the lack of Christmas music on urban radio and no real Christmas sales at our favourite stores. That is still no reason to think we are going to kick back and enjoy some ponche a crème while people publicly flout fashion laws. We are taking everyone down for the holidays - even the perpetrators of minor crimes. After all, misdemeanors are still crimes. So you leave your house to hit a party in a see-through lace top knowing fully well that the bra underneath is a bright red. Now your “headlights” have become stop lights, but you are not stopping. Lock up!
A minor offence it may be, but that visible tag was cause for punishment. Why brandish it (especially since it clearly isn’t a brand name top? She should have just cut it off. With a tube top, it was bound to pop out.
‘Darkers’ in the night. Fail! Earrings that don’t match the ensemble… Fail! Positioning Me Too phone in bosom for a pic… Fail! Hope the handcuffs didn’t leave permanent marks on your hands.
ISLAND CELEBRITIES
paparazzi
Chromatics and Big Pun hang out at Dubs Till Dawn
Comedienne Nikki Crosby spotted with who must be her sister at an event. Look at the resemblance
Sexy Serala posing at a Tribe event
www.etntweekly.com • DECEMBER, 2012 • ET&T 27
Books
Four Fantastic Christmas Books impersonate Santy Claus and to steal the Whos’ Christmas presents. But come Christmas morning, the Grinch is in for a shocking surprise. He did not stop Christmas from coming! And the Grinch realizes something new. That maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. That maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more!
B
Frosty the Snowman by Jack Rollins (2003)
ooks make terrific Christmas gifts. If you know any young book-reading buffs or tiny tots with vivid imaginations, these books may be the right gifts for them. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr Seuss (1957) The Grinch hates Christmas, and wants to stop it from coming. So he forms a devious plan: to
Everybody's favorite snowman comes magically to life in the pages of this picture book. Featuring the festive spirit and rollicking lyrics of the original song, it's the perfect read-aloud for this holiday season. The Autobiography of Santa Claus:The M a g i c Of Santa Claus Revealed by Jeff Guinn (2006) This enchanting, unusual book tells the complete story of Saint Nicholas. It's written in autobiographical form and is both fun and educational. Will be enjoyed by older children and adults, it blends facts and fantasy and is a most entertaining holiday read.
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum (2003) Every child k n o w s about Santa Claus, the jolly man who brings gifts to all on Christmas. There are many stories that tell of his life, but the delightful version relayed in The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is by far the most charming and original of all. Only L. Frank Baum, the man who created the wonderful land of Oz, could have told Santa's tale in such rich and imaginative detail. Acclaimed children's artist Michael Hague has created strikingly beautiful illustrations for this wondrous holiday story.
movies
Where Are The Christmas Movies?? D ecember is usually family fun time at the movies with a host of traditionally cheery, romantic or comedic films ruling the box-office roost. However, 2012 seems to be a different kettle of fish. There are few to no outright holiday themed movies. Instead there are a couple movies the entire family can watch and a few other films that have little to do with the holidays, but make for a good watch (if you aren’t concerned about Parental Guidance ratings). The first Family offering (while almost – it has a PG 13 rating) is Les Miserables. It is a musical featuring several big stars including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway. It is set in 19th-century France, where Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's
daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever. Then, there is family friendly flick Parental Guidance starring Billy Crystal and Bette Midler who agree to look after their three grandkids when their type-A helicopter parents need to leave town
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for work. Problems arise when the kids' 21st-century behaviors collide with Artie and Diane's old-school methods. Finally, there is Django Unchained. It is Quentin Tarantino fare which means children should
be banned from seeing it at all costs. It stars Jamie Foxx as a slaveturned-bounty hunter who sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio). For some reason it opens on Christmas day.
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