FOUNDERS : Dexter Tittil and Chris Jennings Editor In Chief & Creative Director : Chris Jennings Publisher & Managing Director : Dexter Tittil Art Director & Layout Creator : 601 Graphics (Lisan Sootim) Contributors : Writers Shalana Modest aka Toffy Girl Afiya Bishop Mahalia Joseph Lou Lyndon T. Mack Christal Ruby Orielle Jeffery Brenda Rivelle Toussaint Carolina Quero Candice Ross Chris Jennings Photographers : Dwayne Guevara Candice Ross Chris Jennings Assistants : Vanessa Joaquin Anella Phillip
Special thanks to everyone who makes each issue special - the designers, store owners, artist, models, make up artist, hair stylist, event producers, drivers, caterers and last but not least FWTT ( fashion week of Trinidad and Tobago) for allowing us to be there this year to get so many great photographs and designer biographies first hand to feature in the magazine. To all of you, thank you.
Nisa Benjamin Letters to Lou
HYDRATE
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ugust 1st is an exceptional date for Africans worldwide. It is so because on August 1st 1834 the Emancipation bill was passed. It wasn’t until four (4) yrs. later in 1838 on that same day that the slaves in Trinidad and Tobago were finally freed.
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rinidad and Tobago, on August 1st 1985, was the first country in the world to declare a national holiday to commemorate the abolition of slavery. To this day, led by the Emancipation Support Committee, the celebrations continue. From the last week of July to Emancipation Day you can see the festivities.
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he prodigious sounds of the traditional drums moves the feet of the graceful dancers as they dance West African, folk or other types of traditional dances. and also sings beautiful tradi-
By: S. Modeste tional songs. In addition to that you could hear the exquisite music of Trinidad and Tobago national instrument, the steel Pan and the sound of calypso, which was used by the slaves as a cleaver weapon towards the slave drivers.
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he Liji Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village brings a piece of Africa to Trinidad. With boots filled with stunning African garments and accessories and educational facts of our heritage and history.
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inally on August 1st (Emancipation day) there’s Tobago heritage festival which begins at 11am with a street parade which lends at Pigeon Point Heritage Park with a cultural extravaganza. 1
The beauty of it is un-measurable.
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eing Emancipated is not only being loosed from your bondage of physical chains but also mental an spiritual chain that traps us within. Knowledge is the key to total emancipation. So read more and edify yourself. Become fully emancipated.
“Knowledge is the key to total Emancipation.�
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By Christal Ruby
es modes passent, le style est eternal.” (Yves St. Laurent) meaning fashion fades but style is eternal. Whether it’s rocker chic, preppy, punk, urban, retro, bohemian, grunge, or vintage, over the centuries fashion trends come and fashion trends go. A good wardrobe is one that is constantly revisited, edited and updated, but good style permeates and underpins any fashion trend. The most important thing in defining your signature style is being comfortable and confident in who you are and what you’re wearing; expressing your style in versatile and creative ways that may not always follow current trends and allowing your personality to come through in your style. Thus before one’s signature style can be defined, it must be identified.
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hen developing a signature style it is essential to do the necessary research and draw from references you like. Love her or hate her, Bajan superstar Rihanna has done an excellent job of defining her signature style. Transforming from a girl-next-door beauty to bonafide style icon mostly thanks to her celebrity stylist Mariel Haenn, and these days anyone sporting a twotoned mohawk or pompadour with bold shoulder accents is considered a copycat. Locally, we can 3
look to our first female Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, as another example. Drawing inspiration from other female political figures like Hilary Clinton and Michele Obama, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has created a polished yet never boring, effortless style evocative of a modern woman in power.
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ith that said, one of the most difficult things to do is balance your budget and style. That requires some finesse! Having moved back home to Trinidad some 9 months ago, I’m still in utter shock at the price tags attached to clothing and accessories in this country. One thing I’ve learnt in that time is to keep a watchful eye on sales and scan sale racks for wearable items. Having a shop-
“...fashion fades but style is eternal.”
clothing and accessories while being age appropriate.
ping budget doesn’t hurt either!
Tips to help you define your signature style: 1 2
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Invest in wardrobe staples and classic pieces -- try buying a few versatile pieces and get as much wear out of them as possible by mixing and matching.
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Mix the expensive with the inexpensive. Having already established just how expensive shopping is in Trinbago, a budget friendly tip would be to splurge on staple or hard to find items while also scouring discount stores. Creating a wardrobe that is both luxurious and everyday.
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Dress for your body type and age, yes I said it, Age! You don’t have to lose weight to look great nor do you have to be 25 years old. Understand what shapes fit your body well, accentuate and play up your physical assets with your choice of
Another cost effective tip is to have your clothes tailor made to fit your body and style. Find a good seamstress or tailor and if you see something you like and can’t afford it, drop by your nearest Yufe’s or Fabricland . Add a pop of colour with eye-catching accessories that create bold statements. And finally… Go slow, remember Rome wasn’t built in a day. Give yourself time to make a few style-missteps and create a few fashion faux pas along the way. Keep in mind not everyone may appreciate your look but that’s why it’s YOUR signature style.
Christal Ruby is an up & coming Fashion Stylist & creator of the Fashion Blog, Phlair Fabulous http://phlairfabulous.blogspot.com/
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isa enjamin B
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Hi my name is Nisa Benjamin. I'm eighteen years, standing 5ft,9", coming from the beautiful village of Plymouth, in Tobago. I'm a young dedicated and responsible individual, currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in general nursing with the College Of Science, Technology And Applied Arts of Trinidad And Tobago (COSTAAT), and I’m also a young aspiring model. Currently I am Tobago's Top Model 2010. I also participated in the T&T Miss Universe national league in 2009. My future major goal is to be a successful business woman, being a general nurse legally( midwife), entering the Miss T&T competition once more taking the title and going out there to bring home the MISS UNIVERSE TITLE back to Trinidad and Tobago. Two of my main role models are Keneisha Thom Selvon and Wendy Fitzwilliam. I know I have a lot of work to do before re-entering the competition, so at this time I am relaxing and finishing school, but keeping in mind my goals for my life.
Letters to Lou
very time there is a life that seems complete, the thought of you pelages my mind. Just when there should be a feeling of contentment and days of joy, it’s never enough, always left with the wondering mind and the curious thoughts of the what ifs and maybes but even that is never answered because each time you enter you make a mess left for the gate keeper to clean once more. Why grant access to a person you know will cause destruction? would be a valued plus. Can a person be so naïve that after being hurt ow do I do this, you wonder? It’s simple, several times that they still have hope? When do what you say you want to do and be does the deciding factor come where you forget who you want to be from the moment you of the few good times shared and say to youroffer to do so, do not say “I’ll start when I am self enough is enough. ready”, as stated before time waits for no one, omehow you think it is ok to keep a bro- and you are no exception. If you do not live up ken soul waiting, never mind the fact that to your end of a bargain, then don’t expect the you are on probation, no take your gracious other party to do so as well. Life is a give and time, it’s not like you have to prove yourself wor- take, if you give a hard time, there is someone thy rite? No, not at all....there is no way possible who just won’t be willing to take it but if you can show progress and that a person who endured your burdens and show an effort mistreatment would not made then at your get tired of you. They weak moments have the patience of a there can be immonk, they do tire or hurt. munity. Disagree? Well your actions would not seem to ounds rough say so, what can be said huh? Guess by your actions is that you what if you think you have all the time cannot, be who in the world. you claim you can be then why oolish person if you someone would know nothing, know wait to see what this, time waits for no one you can offer? and time lost you can Some choose to never get back. Haven’t live in a world of you delayed enough? How smoke and mirmuch more weeks of brorors but not ken promises and commiteveryone enments must one joys deception, experience? When will you if you want to just grow up and do what lie to someone you say you will do, and do it do it to a perwith the consideration and son who has understanding that you are not already ennot the only person involved dured your here, so therefore being mood swings courteous and appreciative and your disof the other party’s time
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honest ways before. Give it to the next sad soul that would get trapped by you only to wake up feeling regret. ust like time won’t wait, it would not be able rewind as well, life is not VCR you can’t go back to the bad parts and get a do over, as stated earlier time lost you can never get back. Now knowing all this precious info, one would be curious to know if you would still treat time like it works for you or would you step up to the plate and assume the position.
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It’s a simple equation, effort put in +honesty = A BETTER FUTURE TRUST
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on’t ask someone to try if you know you won’t and don’t put them on the back burner and say you did the best you could because remember where you fall short now there is always a person who will be willing pick up where you left off.
“It’s a simple equation, effort put in +honesty = A BETTER FUTURE TRUST”
By: Lyndon T. Mack
LOVE! This word has been misinterpreted and
LET'S misunderstood for lust. Its similarities have plagued L O O K mankind with false actions thinking that these fea- FOR THE tures are the same but it’s far different. People talk TRUE CHARabout love here, there and everywhere. Hey! ACTERISTICS OF There’s nothing wrong with that but because soci- LOVE. ety has taken the word so SUPERFICAL, it has led IN LOVE THERE ARE (4) FOUR MAIN CHARpeople away from its true essence of “WHAT LOVE ACTERISTICS THAT MUST BE THERE IN ANY IS” and as a result of that caused pain for many KIND OF LOVE RELATIONSHIP. THEY ARE: SPIRITUAL, INTELLECTUAL, EMOTIONAL & people within their RELATIONSHIPS. PHYSICAL. Within many relationships, women who have been in the past find it hard to trust again. Many of them would build a psychological barrier of around them to prevent those hurtful emotions. This “mental block” is created to prevent Men from making an attempt to reach their hearts while there are some who may just pick themselves up and move on again, and then there are others who would be in the world of hurt or as some people would say “EMOTIONAL RECK.”
ITS SPIRITUAL
GOD IS LOVE. This is the most important thing that people don’t understand. If you don’t have God in your life there’s no possible way you can truly love someone no matter the circumstances of your relationship. Most people wouldn’t agree with this so let’s test my theory for a minute. (e.g. You just came out of your last relationships and it was your most horrible experience. Then some months later you were contacted by the hospital cause that person is in need of your help and it was tested that WHO CAN BLAME THEM? you were a positive match to donate blood or a Most people often fall for the wrong person for so lung, would you help that person despite what that many wrong reasons while the good ones are out person did to you? ASK YOURSELF! Most people there waiting to be a part of their lives but because would be negative but this is what true love is. It they don’t know the true essence of love, they re- would be hard but trust me once you learn to love ject the good ones in the end. It’s good when two as God loves then your love would be UNCONDIpeople meet and everything is wonderful even TIONAL. This is what true love is. when they are married but when they haven’t taken the time to get to know one another, it can cause some serious problems down the road. Talk, talk, talk and more talk. This is where your 9
reasoning skill comes in. When a problem arises, you would truly know if that person not only loves you but respects your opinion as a person. Even if you fail to agree you can disagree but still understand where the other party is going from. I'm not talking about shouting matches here people its about sitting down and working things out by oral communication even if things get a bit rough. Most times people get caught up in bad relationships because they don’t talk time to talk and get to know each other on an intellectually level without the sexual intimacies.
“...once you learn to love as God loves then your love would be
IT'S EMOTIONAL The best thing any person can do is be honest about their feelings. Say, “ I LOVE YOU.” Do it now and then and do the things that the other person can appreciate. Don’t say things that you don’t mean because sooner or later that’s going to hamper what you have with that person. When two (2) people are open with one another in a relationship will share something else that no other relationship shares because that honesty you are working to build grows once both parties are open and honest. Taking time to build trust in someone is not always easy but once you are working on it in an honest way, you will find a complete difference in how the person responds to you.
UNCONDITIONAL.”
IT'S PHYSICAL The simplest part of any relationship to display. Once all the other aspects are there, you wouldn’t have a problem in displaying your physical affection for the person you love. It doesn’t matter how the person looks. The person can be fat, slim, thin. It doesn’t matter what they look like or how many years have pass. You are still supposed to love that person. In any RELATIONSHIP once the spiritual, intellectual and emotional sides are connected then your LOVELIFE will be the most BEAUTIFUL THING you’ve ever experienced. It’s going to be PASSIONATE, HOT, SEXY and SPONTANEOUS all at once.
“Say, “ I LOVE YOU.” Do it now and then and do the things that the other person can appreciate.” 10
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1. What genre of music do you do? My main genre of music is rap music but I also do reggae and soca music as well with me its according to the mood I am in most of my music is based on actual events that happen to me in my life and to others.
2. What made you decide to choose this Genre? Well I chose rap music, because I could remember when I got a Walkman radio; the first cassette I got was Tupac, and I listened to that cassette all day until the battery died, I forever had to get new ones lol. From there on I was in love with hip hop music.
BY: MAHALIA JOSEPH
5. Who is your favorite Local My family and friends inspired me a lot, but it’s star? 3. Who inspired you to do music?
when I got my daughter, that’s when I was inspired the most to make something of myself and follow My favorite local star is Bunji Garlin he always comes good, and he is very lyrical and to me he is my dreams. the most lyrical soca artist in Trinidad and Tobago.
4. Who is your favorite international star?
6. What struggles did you go through or My favorite international star at the moment is Em- are going through to come out into the inem. I think he is so different from the rest and he world of music? always brings to the table what no other would think of, in hip hop and to me he is the best rapper alive.
Well first of all you need money to do music, to pay for recording and stuff. I have to work at the side to support my music, but it’s hard because I also have my daughter to take care of, so money usually is a little tight with me. I could remember a time when 15
a well-known producer, gave me a soca beat and told me to write a soca song for it. I wrote it and he told me I would get a recording for half the price, he told me he'd do it for $3000. I got the money, gave it to him and he recorded the song and when I carried it to the radio station they told me the production wasn’t any good so they can’t play it on the air. I ended up losing $3000 dollars and got nothing. I never saw the producer again. Another struggle is trying to do hip hop in a soca country.
11. How many songs have you written or released? I have about 100 songs written; I released four of them so far. I am also working on my album at the moment and also will be releasing a new mix tape soon, but writing and coming up with songs has never been a problem for me.
7. What were some of your turning points? 12. Who do you hope to do collaborations with in the future? Some of my turning points were: when I did my new video and it aired on Synergy TV, Another was when 104.7fm had a couple of my songs on rotation and also how could I forget, the very first time I heard myself on the radio which was on the 94.1fm boom champions that was when I released a soca song called "Escape."
Eminem of course lol. I will also love to collaborate with Nas, I have alot of respect for these rappers and I love the way they approach their music with feeling.
13. Do you produce your own music? 8. What gave you the encouragement to No I dont produce my own music. A producer by move on? the name of Dane Roper also known as "Sir Popie" Once again my family and friends they're always there for me, encouraging me, they're faith in me also gives me a lot of encouragement.
produced most of my music so far, but I also did music with other studios and producers as well.
14. Besides your music, what would you do, if you had a chance at it?
9. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? Besides music I would have loved to be a Disc In the next 5 years I see myself owning my own studio and being one of many representing T&T in hip hop music internationally.
Jockey. I always wanted to try it when I was younger. I always use to pretend I was a DJ spinning and scratching and stuff and plus it deals with music too, and anything with music in it attracts me!
10. What have you done thus far to market yourself? 15. Any words of advice for young upcoming artists such as yourself? Well thus far I haven't done a lot to market myself other than Facebook & MySpace and stuff I also performed at some parties and been on interviews on radio stations, but I also know that marketing your music is important and I need to put more effort into it.
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My words of advice for young upcoming artists is, "Never give up and don't just do music to get famous, do it because you love it, and always give thanks to the most high because without him you will fail, Blessings."
Winston Jack of Pleasantville, San-Fernando Trinidad landed as one of the Senior Designers of Rapper Jay-Z and Mogul Dame Dash’s well acclaimed and commercially successful Rocawear and State Property Apparel. While living in the United States, Winston began working for a screen-printing company. It was there that he befriended two entrepreneurs who solicited his design services to create four t-shirts, which they then produced and showcased at the NAMSB menswear show, which Winston attended. It was at this event that Winston found the inspiration to pursue the creation of his own line of clothes that he called “COLOR HERITAGE APPAREL”.
W inston Jack
Winston’s pursuit of his own clothing line led him to shop his concepts to various manufacturers. He found his first big opportunity at the Magic Trade Show in Las Vegas. Winston met the representatives of Rocawear Apparel and was hired as a Senior Designer, a position he held for 7 years, until he launched Color Heritage Apparel.
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By: Brenda Rivelle Toussaint Members of the calculus class became swept under the narcotic rug, one by one. Not a prayer could have calculated how nigh the friction was between calculus and death. Months passed after Becky's death, engulfed with pandemonium, leaving the apple of her eye, with a swollen heart. The closest connection he had with her footsteps was his occupation as the school custodian. Anthony was concealed as the sweet paedophile of Becky's life with the creation she was about to bear before her death - her unborn son. She fought on the battlefield against the odds -of parental and society's instincts. The box of birth control pills and packaged baby vests remained scattered on the coffee table, untouched, haunting the devastating memory of losing his child. He became trapped in a vortex that viciously spun his head, knowing the loving contentment of his life was gone. I prayed he would be a man of character to hopefully know better. I remember hearing the echoes of the Fugees' song "Killing Me Softly" and prayed Yahweh would not let us softly, yet simply fall as weak as toy soldiers...
Tick Tuck, the clock fiendishly whispered again, as students headed to their classes. As he began to be haunted by her death again, during his Pine sol-Bleach wiping routine, the pungent smell escalated and began to slowly make him dizzy. This had never helped with his meth addiction. Being confused by the toxic smell and absence of Becky's beauty, never forgotten in his mind, he opened his mouth wide, and absorbed the residue of the bleach liquid. He dropped to the floor on the poorly maintained tiles, having only pine sol to fill his heart, nothing else, never love...
“Months passed after Becky's death, engulfed with pandemonium, leaving the apple of her eye, with a swollen heart.� 20
P: WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START MODELING? JM: Well basically my friends and family urged me to start because they thought I had potential, eventually I took their advice and started modeling. P: One piece of advice you received that you will always remember and from whom? JM: “No one or anything could make you happy, only you can make yourself happy” (My Mom) P:
What is your pet peeve?
JM: hmmm liars….and taxi drivers that get themselves stuck in traffic.
P: What woman?
a JM: My greatest joy is watching the sunrise…it calms me and puts me in the right mood to start my day…and also my family and friends JM: Proper hygiene, intelligence, beauty and good manners P: What is your biggest fear? P:
qualities
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What do you like to do for fun?
JM: Spiders! Spiders! Spiders! They scare the hell out of me.
JM: PARTY! Lime with friends and listen to music. P:
Who is your role model?
JM: My Mom P:
What is your greatest joy?
P:
The best book you ever read?
JM:
The Harry Potter Series…it’s awesome
P:
Your most embarrassing moment?
JM: hmm my most embarrassing moment I would have to say…would be when I was walking through 22
choice of course and I chose yes because my uncle came up with this really cool star design and drew it out for me and I liked it so much I had to do it.
POS an afternoon and I was about to step up on the pavement and my feet slipped off and I fell….I laughed it off but I was really embarrassed. P: What are your future goals?
P: What is your most memorable childhood memory?
JM: My future goals are to become a marine biologist which would be my career choice…and probably becoming an international model. P: How would scribe yourself?
you
JM: My most memorable childhood memory is the time I got my first cell phone. I felt like I was on top of the world lol.
de-
JM: I would describe myself as an intelligent, hardworking individual that’s really goofy and clumsy at times. I’m easy going and love to hang out with friends and laugh! All in all I’ll say I’m a happy individual lol. P: What are your reasons for the tattoos?
P: What is your favorite food? JM: Oooohhh good ole’ homemade corn soup like how granny makes it P: What are five things you can’t live without?
JM: My grandmother’s food, my cell phone, internet, A13: umm my reasons for getting tattoos are basi- a brush or a comb because I could be a little vain and cally because in my family it’s kind of a tradition that a camera lol. when one of us turns 18 we take tattoos…it’s a
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“...great grilled food so it’s healthy and not to mention their reasonable prices...” Hi readers it’s me again with more food and more comments. My family loves to spend quality time together and wanted a family friendly place to have lunch. We have both adults and high energy children in our family so a place where children can feel comfortable was needed. We decided to dine at Pollo Tropical which is a casual restaurant that’s situated on the corner of Picton Street and the Queens Park Savannah. We chose there because its bright, breezy, the staff is friendly, clean environment even the toilets were exceptionally clean, great grilled food so it’s healthy and not to mention their reasonable prices in this economically tough time was a definite plus. We got there around two thirty in the afternoon because we wanted to miss the lunch time rush so it was easy to park although they have more than
adequate parking but lunch hour anywhere can be difficult. We got the menu which is pretty much like a flyer so u can take it with you and boy there were lots to choose from. The meals are pretty much in combo style, which made it easy for many of us. You have to go to the counter to order and to our surprise we didn’t have to wait long to get our food. Hhhmm now the best part; the food was delicious. I ordered the roast pork tropical I chose kernel corn and fresh salad for my sides; I know right, eleven sides to choose from and I had corn and salad, the thing is I wasn’t that hungry and wanted something light. My mother who is trying to be more health conscious had the white rice, steak and black bean platter. My cousin had chicken breast which was so tender it was easy to chew. When we visited the condiments counter I had to walk around it twice, there
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were so many sauces and dressings you had to take a minute to decide which (if not all) you wanted. The juices are off the planet; I could have sworn they had just juiced the fruit and bottled it. Then we had desert, did anybody say ice cream? It was only $6.99 so guess who sponsored that. My uncle had the key lime pie and he was all too pleased with his desert.Oh well got to run, but be assured I will be returning to Pollo Tropical restaurant because I have nine sides, three meats and more deserts to sample. Just remember you don’t have to go to an expensive restaurant eat good food; there are lots of great one’s out there you can afford.
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unny thing is each time you said things different I believed you. Every time you said you were sorry I forgave you so why is it after all this time you would not change? Why is it so hard to jus rearrange? Would it have killed you to fix your flaws, nothing major just your behaviour? Why do you come here when I am at my best? To interrupt my life with your anguish only to leave unsettled distress?
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very time I walked away I said I won’t turn back but each time I took a few steps forward you were right there behind me on the attack. I gave my all to you and in return you gave me nothing. Left me broken like a blonde after shopping, you hurt me in more ways a person should ever be hurt and with no discretion you treated me like dirt.
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ie after lie I sat here and cried...mad at no one more than me. How could I do this to myself? How could I be so stupid to allow history to continue ignoring how I felt? This never ending pain I put myself through never thinking of me, but always of you. Memories of betrayal
and disappointment, wet pillow cases lay upon with a heart of resentment. All the broken promises and shortcomings seem to flow as punishment and still I stayed with no fulfilment.
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stuck by you even when I knew this was the tragic end to a teenager's heart....even after broken I did not depart. How could I leave you had me from the start. You were selfish you were unkind considered your feelings but never mine. I hate you for what you did but I hate me more for allowing it...If I could I would wish and wish to press the reset button on my life for even I know it’s the solution to end my strife.
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ad to say it does not work that way, you live and you learn , live some more and get burned. Who would have thought that after all these years I would be here still broken? Seems I have no value, not even that of a subway token. So I still hurt still feeling left with no self-worth.... The power of you, the power of what I thought was an emotion so rare that only with the right person I would share, share the emotion of love.
Where do we go? I alone must answer this, I can’t drown in sorrows nor can I dismiss.
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uch Is life, it can stab you slow like a dull rusted knife painful with no point intended just like that our closeness faded and relationship ended. Unbroken I am as today fades I look forward to dawn, so just like you I too can move on. I will have my glory day in the sun; you my friend have not yet won. I break this chain of pointless misery; goodbye to nights left cold to think alone no more sadness I am no longer withdrawn. Reborn I say so long to shivery for this is it, the last chapter to our history "The dog days are over, the dog days are done the horses are coming so you better run". For this is the day I shot cupid.
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andy dreams and fairy tale endings, never to come, forever pending. Left me lost in space and stranded, sadden and fuelled with haste but time lost can never be replaced. I wish you knew the look of disappointment, the look of hurt, yes if only you know the feeling of being crushed into the earth. Unfortunately I alone share the pain; while you have sunshine I have rain. Good bye my almost lover good bye my almost dream even though this is my nightmare I somehow never scream.
“Every time I walked away I said I won’t turn back but each time I took a few steps forward you were right there behind me on the attack.”
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o where now, do I start over again? , bit by bit I soon shall mend. My courage comes from within, I have no shoulder only on I can I depend.
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o I hurt and feel while you bask in eternal bliss as I sit here as I reminisce? Memories of the good times, reminders of the bad, life in motion and the learning experiences I once had. Reflecting on what was shared around the time I thought you cared only awaking to my greatest fear, sadly to realize you are no longer there, never to return, and never to reappear.
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By: Carolina So it’s that time again where we all wonder where, where has the summer gone? And it’s back to reality time for both students and parents. But do not be afraid I am here to 'console' you all. If you are like me you are probably freaking out and wondering what to buy, of course the essentials right well I am going to share some tips beyond the school essentials and a couple extra 'ingredients' that will make this new semester a very descent and not so boring one. School bags are of course a big MUST please ladies and gents stop buying those horrible Jan sport bags with cartoons what are you five? Or perhaps you are looking to make the wrong impression at your first day of class. Stick with neutral patterns girls a lovely baby pink goes a long way and guys stop pretending to be some sort of "rock
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star" with skulls and bling all over. Once again a simple neutral colour goes a long, long way. If you are like me and you are attending to university the best and most comfortable invention ever done was the 'mail man bag' yes guys this has got to be the best thing ever not only your laptop fits perfectly but you can choose from a wide variety of colours , patterns and styles. I would only recommend these to the females some guys and only SOME can rock this bag. Books, well even though we are all living on the 21st century some high schools do not allow their students to bring their laptops to school, how lame is that right? Well don't panic note books still in session, note there are so many cover note books but if you are like me express yourself use your creative inner artist and create your own cover note books. Here is a tip, buy those note books that book store sells it is about four books for the price of three. Buy a very reasonable paint set (no need to get on like Picasso) colour the front with whatever colour you feel and stick any
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wacky picture or article from the newspaper or magazines . If you can buy stickers then the tricky part comes, buy a clear sticky cover and place it on your new cover this will protect the note book from getting wet. BUT if this is NOT!! Your style I will recommend those MEAD note books they are reasonable in price and you can find them in a wide variety.
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Uniforms! Well, what can I say about them, they are all horrible and I hate them up to this day I still do. There are not to many things that you can do to them all I can say is that ladies if you can cut those skirts to show just a bit of those legs do it , but do it in a very smart way if you are like me and is to wear your skirt ' 2 inches below your knee just wear them to your knees no body is keeping track of that if you have pockets decorate them hair accessories anything ( make sure you don't look like a circus) and for the men do not I repeat do not wear tight pants you all look horrible ridiculous it’s not sexy not cool. A not so baggy pant goes a long way. Make up. Please I beg of you it is not carnival season yet nor you work for the Revlon, Sacha or pennywise store so please ladies don't use those flaming very intensive colours. Stick with very earthy creamy colours. If
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your school does not allow it, which I am sure they don't and if you are a makeup freak like me use the cream colour collection a not so heavy use of the mascara a simple cream colour lip gloss goes well. Teachers won't really see it so not to worry. If you are attending to university and like wearing makeup play with the colours of your polo uniforms and tshirts as I said it’s not carnival so don't overdo it.
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Shoes and pencil cases this is very straight forward a small yet spacious pencil case is the winner of all. You can keep yourself together by throwing all the necessary tools in it such as pen , pencils, high lighters , ruler set, eraser blah, blah, blah. Shoes if the school code says black please just do it puma , Nike and Addidas have the best black shoes and the old school black and white converse don't fall into this category so remove such thought from your mind. Hair styles!!!! ok this has got to be my favourite part about going to classes. Hair, I am all about trying different styles and colours. But not everyone can do it or will look good. As a red woman that I am dreadlocks is a big HELL NO. Ladies now days I've seen a lot of sleek straight hair which is not bad the simple the better you don't want to make an entrance to your class room looking like you have a bird nest on the top of your head. Men don't like that, stick to your 'all naturel' look some red or gold high lights go well. A cute bang and a hair band go good. If you are constantly feeling warm then a pony tail goes good use ribbon laces ( like me) and use them where your woogie or scrunchy is located. Small not so long earrings are of a great help. Men what can I say there is nothing better than seeing a man with short
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hair well-kept with not so much facial hair, this is a good simple yet accurate look for you guys. Some universities allow their male students to let grow their hair from my point of view not ALL THE MEN know how to use this look so if you don't like to take showers for whatever reason then I say to yo!!! FORGET about this long hair do. NOTE: Ladies don't go wild and apply 3 or 4 hair colours I know you miss carnival but please can't you just wait March is right around the corner. Perfumes & lotions Interesting topic I will make this short and simple do not buy lotions or creams with a strong scents you are definitely looking to get insulted likewise with perfumes. Stick with mild scents such as the Dove body lotions peach, cucumber, strawberry those are sweet mellow smells. My ultimate favourite all the Victoria Secret's line, Men enough with the axe smell try something else. Do like the Old Spice guy and try new smells. AXE is over rated.
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Music. Now am not saying that you guys have to play music while being in class but a good iPod with your favourite type of music is good while recess or break time starts. Nail polish, watches, jewellery is something that is a MUST the simple the better or if you are an art freak and want to look like you are trying to fit all the hand bands that you have in one hand then I say go for it. Schools unfortunately do not allow their students to wear too much jewellery which to me is completely bogus but just so you don't get sent to the principal’s office stay with me on this. We all know you have a great sense of style and the colour of you uniform
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is driving you insane not to worry my dear I got the perfect solution who said cheap 20ttd's watches are not in style. You can get these in every colour they are simple very old school not digital and they are made from plastic YES PEOPLE plastic. These little babies go well with any 'not so cool lame uniforms'. As I said small earrings are just perfect guys please stick with the not so bling, bling wannabe rappers watches we all know you got them at the 10tt$ store so just relax. Nail polish I love them I colour with them basically every day once again girls if you are under the rules of school as much as I would like to say break them please don't because for sure you will win a date with the principal of your school, for those females who are in university I say go wild!! Right about now my hands look like a rainbow and who cares is all about enjoying life right!!! The mentality the most important thing is to enjoy and try to learn as much as you can. Start your school year with a brand new and fresh mind-set prepare your goals and make them through trust me I know this from experience these are the best years of your life.
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Hope my tips have helped a bit, remember it’s all about making your own style, making you for who you are. Don't follow the wrong trend nor make the wrong decisions stay on top by being nothing but yourself that's the most important statement about surviving school. I will see you guys soon.
Sandra Hordatt Sandra has been a freelance makeup artist for 10 years working with top advertising agencies in Trinidad and Tobago. This exciting career has taken her all over the Caribbean and U.S. Her artistic talents vary, from set design to costume design. Sandra has gained years of experience on television and photo shoots, her keen eye for detail has since brought her into the field of Styling. Her vast clientele includes Trinidad’s top businesswomen, soca stars and models.
Sandra Hordatt 31
1. What genre of music do you do?
By: Mahalia Joseph
The genre music I do is gospel, R&B and reggae 2. What made you decide to choose this Genre? My tone of voice determined my area of music. My vocal tone is not simply on the Caribbean level but is equipped for the international market as well which is highly influenced by genres like R&B and reggae. 3. Who inspired you to do music? My mother was my real inspiration for me doing music. She was one of the best female vocalists I have ever seen in this country. 4. Who is your favorite international star? My favorite artiste is Pastor Donnie Mc Clurkin. 5. Who is your favorite Local star? I don't have a particular local artist that I favor the most but if I had to choose one I would most likely say Sean Daniel. 6. What struggles did you go through or are going through to come out into the world of music? Well as a gospel artiste the struggles are a lot. Financially it has been a struggle since local artiste are generally under paid for what we do so when it comes to having to record songs and market them for everyone
to hear it’s a challenge. Also as a Christian involved in music my struggles comes from having to fight off the attacks of the devil each and every day to keep my music ministry alive and that the message of Jesus Christ is preach in song. 7. What were some of your turning points? My most definite turning point was when my mom died on September 6th 2008. Since then my life has never been the same. It has also been the reason for my music going in the direction as it is going now, in other words all for Jesus. 8. What gave you the encouragement to move on? After my mom died God was the only one that could have helped me because of His love, I gain the en-
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couragement to do what I needed to do for Him. 9. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? I see myself as a world renown gospel artiste and also owning many businesses all of the world and also being a Pastor preaching the word of God to men and women all over the world. 10. What have you done thus far to market yourself? Well I do live performances in various parts of the country and also I just got involved in management and some promoters who have really been expanding my marketing range. 11. How many songs have you written or released? I have over 16 written songs and I have my single called Ancient of Days which is recorded and released on the air ways. 12. Who do you hope to do collaborations with in the future? My best friend and recording gospel artiste "Udo Ibeleme" 13. Besides your music, what would you do, if you had a chance at it? Other than music if I had the chance to become a national sprinter I would. I love to run I competed in many national games before and have excelled and I would have loved to run in an Olympic stadium one day even. 14. Any words of advice for young upcoming artists such as yourself? Well my advice is pretty simple God gave every one of us our gifts and talents use it to glorify Him. Don't be proud in all things stay humble; Humility is the key to success. Work hard, do everything with excellence and never give up until God tells you to stop. Finally, be an example to many young people, young people are dying today because there are no examples in society. Be an example God bless you all.
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How did we come up with the name HYDRATE? Well it’s the same way all great ideas come up, by accident! My brother Kevon was in work and apparently he got thirsty and said to himself I need to HYDRATE and he called me one time and ask me what I thought. And I was instantly on board. The Party in itself was a spur of the moment kind of thing.
Concept behind it
Concept wise it was pretty simple, we had the Venue = Star House which had a pool, which went with the water theme i.e. HYDRATING and we just wanted to do Crazy Drinks Specials. At a point in time in the party everything by the Bar was $10. Everyone was gone. 35
List of my Committee Members Kevon Auguste (Brother), Kristoff Headley, Asim Jackson,Keyon Mitchell,Shenella Edwards,Gazelle Lezama,Nichola Torres,Adaffi Edwards,Hiram Tobias, Vishal Sookoo,Aziza Mohammed,Mackell Doyle,Marlon SKinner, Reese Spence,Letina Mata ( Hard Working individuals who make the events a success. ) - The DJ's that night really brought the fire. (RAPID RESPONSE/ MAZEL & Junior K/ READY MIX & Mikey Singh/ Sounzamatic/J2M & everyone else who touched the set.) The Party finished 5:15am....and the patrons wanted more. 36
Starr Struk Entertainment was founded in May 2009 by my brother (Kevon Auguste) & myself (Michael Doonie). We both always had a drive and yearning for success and this was just our most recent avenue. The name itself didn't take long to come up with maybe a day at most. We wanted a name that encompassed a diverse crowd and a broad reach business wise. We have done 6 major events thus far. In order of date: COLLISION (Where Music meets Fashion) August 15th @ Star House//// BREAK OUT (remember the 1st. time) @ The CAVE, November 6th.////// DAIZ IT @ the Green House Nightclub on May 22nd////////LITTER>>> THROW WAIST @ ALCHEMY on July 17th...//////// H.Y.D.R.A.T.E @ Star House on September 4th... 38