OMG Magazine Issue 9

WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT

MAGAZINE

Saturday May 26, 2012 • VOL 1- 9

e l l e h Mic

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WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012

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Luke Silva 19 years, SAN JUAN

HOTTY

Three things I like about myself:

All narcissism aside, I am grateful for my Godgiven talents in the arts: singing, dancing, acting and visual arts.

Raven Symone comes out of the closet Page

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OZY MERRIQUE

My athletic body, which allowed me to do gymnastics when I was younger and which allows me to engage in all my other recent and current pursuits.

I am an excellent masseuse, I have been told I give really good massages and it is something I want to do professionally in the future.

OMG Moment:

That would have to be when my family went to Blanchisseuse and a wave pulled my brother and cousin – who were in knee high water – into the sea. With God’s help my eldest brother and I, swam out and miraculously were able to save them.

Photography Stephen Doobal BACKDROP ART 3Canal

ARTIST OF THE WEEK Jealousy Possessiveness, suspicion, rage and humiliation

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credits Editor

Stephen Doobal info@omgtt.com

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WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012

jealousy

Possessiveness, suspicion, rage and humiliation...

In Trinidad and Tobago we see people in relationships fighting all the time. The questions fly back and forth, overtaking their minds and threatening their very core, questions such as, “Why are you watching my best friend so hard?”, “Who are you going out with?”, “What time you finished work?

Was that a friend with you?”, “You can’t go and lime, I feeling sick”, “What is this in your pocket?”, “Why you have this call three times? I don’t know that number”.

Jealousy in T&T has led to many break-ups, fights and even deadly violence; there seems to be no end to it in the landscape of Trini relationships. You can see it festering in teenage relationships as well as with the adults. Passionate love mixed with passionate possessiveness can never lead to a nurturing and growing relationship between two adults. Many of us need to learn to curb our tendency to be jealous lovers.

Why do we feel jealousy?

According to oprah.com: Therapists often regard the jealousy demon as a scar from childhood trauma or a symptom of a psychological problem.

And it’s true that people who feel inadequate, insecure, or overly dependent tend to be more jealous than others. But the monster actually evolved for positive reasons. It helped many figure out that their mate was actually cheating and helped many to move on to more rewarding partnerships. Jealousy can even be good for love. One partner may feel secretly flattered when the other is mildly jealous.

And catching someone flirting with your beloved can spark the kind of lust and romance that reignites a relationship.

But jealousy can go seriously awry.

Some people, for no apparent reason, become consumed by it, undermining their self-esteem, and even driving their partner into another’s arms — the very thing they had feared. In the worst cases, they become violent.

(Jealousy is indeed a leading cause of spousal homicide not only in Trinidad and Tobago but worldwide.)

So what can you do if jealousy is making you miserable?

First, figure out whether your partner is actually cheating. If they are, you have a different problem: what to do about your relationship. But if you find yourself snooping — going through your lover’s pockets, or reading their e-mails on the sly, stop. This is demeaning to you.

Talk to your partner, explain that you are working to control your suspicion but would like them to help you by not provoking it.

And if you can’t stop spying or obsessing (and many of us can’t), it’s time to consult a mental health professional. Ultimately, though, you may never feel emotionally secure with a flirtatious mate — in which case you might consider some wisdom from Zen philosophy: The way out is... through the door.

How to say you’re sorry

Step 1 – Explain your offence

Explain what you did wrong to be sure you and the offended are talking about the same thing.

Step 2 – Acknowledge the hurt

Acknowledge that the offended person is hurt to show respect for their feelings.

Make things easier by bringing a thoughtful gift, such as flowers.

Step 3 – Take responsibility

Take responsibility for your actions. Do not get defensive or offer excuses while taking responsibility.

Step 4 – Say you’re sorry

Give a genuine apology. The last thing the offended person wants to hear is a bogus apology.

Step 5 – Promise you won’t offend again

Promise you will never commit the offending action again, and stand by that promise.

Step 6 – Ask for forgiveness

Ask the offended person to forgive you.

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How to say I love you for the first time Step 1 – Assess your relationship

Assess your time together. Every relationship evolves differently, but it’s best to wait at least two months before saying the “L” word.

Step 2 – Plan ahead

Think ahead to plan something special such as a night out, dinner at home, or ice cream in the park and seize the moment when it feels right – but don’t force it.

Step 3 – Take a risk

Rely on your inner strength and work up the courage to let the other person know how you feel – and be prepared to hear that they might not feel the same way.

Step 4 – Give the person time

Give the other person time to adjust and think about it, and tell them directly to not answer until they are ready.

Be prepared to wait hours or even days for an answer.

Don’t rush the other person.

Step 5 – Beware of digital traps

Beware of using either e-mail or text messages to say “I love you” for the first time. While they may feel safer, they are too impersonal.

Step 6 – Be creative

Be creative when it comes to saying “I love you”. Signs, notes, and other nonverbal clues can work wonderfully if you keep them personal and genuine.

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s n o i s s e f n o t.com

@omgt s n io s s e f n o c ions to our confess

email y

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ymously n o n a s t h g u eepest tho d r u o y s s e onf A place to c

Proud

No Twin Not too long ago I still thought Lindsay Lohan had a twin sister who didn’t become famous… Stupid parent trap movie. I feel so stupid.

Apocalypse now

No one in my family knew that I had been addicted to drugs for ten years. I was very good at hiding my habit. I decided once and for all to leave it all behind me. I divorced my husband, who was also addicted. I have been drug-free for almost four years now.

Finally, I also quit smoking cigarettes.

I have very good reason to be proud I think.

Please pass the tissues There’s nothing like a good, randy make-out session. Unless, of course, you’re me and your nose likes to get involved. You may think this is funny, but I assure you, it’s (s)not.

Seven out of 10 times when I kiss someone, my nose drips.

I kid you not! If I’m in a relationship, it becomes a running joke (oh, the puns). It’s not as if I’m a sniffler in my day-today life. It’s just something about the pressure of someone’s face against mine that tells my nose it’s OK to let down and add some saltiness to my sweet lip lock.

I get to live through three widely-believed “apocalypses” in my life.

Two have already happened.

1) Y2K. On New Year 1999/2000 everyone thought the computers would take over the world. People hid out in bunkers, man.

Bunkers.

2) May 21st 2011- The Rapture. Enough said.

3) And last, but not least, 2012. I can’t wait for it, because even the people I know who make fun of Y2K and the Rapture still defend the “Mayan Prophecy”. Really, you guys? THIS is the apocalypse that’s real?

And I can tell my dad all these three stories, he’ll say “that’s BS! Those people are crazy!” and then he’ll talk to me about the book of Revelations in the Bible.

Now, I know we want to take everything on Earth to hell with us, but it’s just not going to happen. In fact, scratch that. I don’t even think we can destroy ourselves.

It would have to be a pretty big nuclear war. We’re like cockroaches.

Okay, so we may or may not be able to destroy ourselves. But the world? The world will be fine. There isn’t going to be an “End of the World”. The world was here before we were and it’ll be here when we’re gone.

Those eyes I hate roaches…they are just nasty and gross but that’s normal for a girl, right? The real thing that scares the life out of me is… goats… Just the way they seem to always be staring at you wherever you go freaks me out so bad. Their eyes are like portals to a dark world…no emotion… it’s just so freaky!

The old hag

The old hag (my mother-in-law) asked me yesterday…”so what does the MIL do for the anniversary of her son and his wife?” I said, “I am going out alone with my husband to celebrate finally with some peace and quiet on the beach”..but what I really wanted to tell the old bat was “feel free to make a huge deposit to my bank account as a nice gift for all the crap I have had to deal with from you”…but of course I try with every ounce of my being to be nice to her cause karma is a b……. and well, I don’t need any more stress in my life.

Wasn’t even worth it When I was younger, in primary school, my friends and I went to Hi-Lo to buy some snacks. When we were leaving you know all the chocolates and stuff by the cashier? I slipped a fruit and nuts bar into my uniform and left… I felt so bad for shoplifting and what kept bothering me was the fact that after all that it didn’t even taste good! Sigh.

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WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012

SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE!!!

SHAKERS ON THE AVENUE

As you enter Shakers you are greeted by a homely atmosphere, laughter, 80s/90s music and a decor littered with memorabilia of all kinds. For those who are old enough, Shakers has the rustic warmth of Pelican Bar, the legendary institution that was located where the Carlton Savannah now stands. We were even pleasantly surprised to see a 70s jukebox lurking in a corner and anxiously went over to see if it was still working. Sadly it was not.

The owner says if anyone can fix it he has lots of 45s he can slot in. Shakers also has many cozy areas inside and outside for the intimate rendezvous or the lime with the gang.

The staff is easy-going, fun and relaxed and the OMG team was quickly made to feel part of the family. They treated us to some of their signature cocktails and eats. Many bar hoppers would know owner Clayton Archer who has been involved in the business for over 20 years. He and his wife started their first bar ten years ago at Movietowne and have now settled on The Avenue. Besides the long line of famous cocktails served at Shakers, you can take advantage of their daily beer specials that cannot be beaten. The music changes according to the mood of the crowd and their DJs on a weekend keep the place pumping.

Shakers even features local rock bands.

Tonight you can go down and take in Jointpop and Midnight Parliament perform live. The owner is a fan of rock music and this is his way of lending support to the local music scene. You can also have lunch at Shakers with a chicken sandwich called “Tribute to the Zinger” (it’s a Zinger done home-style), Maracas bake and shark without Maracas, Shakers burger, shepherd’s pie, lasagna, gourmet salads and chef’s salad.

On Saturdays you can have some home-style oildown with callaloo bush in it or some hot ox-tail soup. They also boast of their platter filled with six different cutters to enjoy with your drinks. Shakers boast of their Thirsty Tuesdays with $9 beers; on Watering Hole Wednesdays and Thursdays you can get three beers for $25 and, well, the weekend starts pumping on Fridays.

The folks at Shakers were very happy to have the OMG team visit and as usual we wanted to share this experience with our readers, so Shakers sent it up a notch – they are giving a lunch for two to one OMG reader and a lime for four friends. All you have to do to win this great lime is go to Facebook, like the Express OMG Magazine page and write on our wall, “I want Shakers LIME” or “I want Shakers Lunch”.

WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012 Page 9

BROADWAY MUSICAL FOR T&T

Love, horror, comedy and aliens The leads from Little Shop of Horrors, Aurora Tardieu and Marvin Dowridge, in character

The award-winning Broadway musical, Little Shop of Horrors, comes to Trinidad and Tobago for the first time ever next month.

The acclaimed producers of the Pulitzer prizewinning Rent, Proscenium Theatre Company, brings the 1960 comedy film to life at Queen’s Hall from June 9 to 17.

Part proceeds of the show go towards Lifeline which for 30 years has been one of the few sources of telephone-aided support for the suicidal, the violent, the abandoned and the desperate.

Little Shop of Horrors, by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, features music in the vein of early rock and roll, doo-wop, and early Motown. The show mixes rock and R&B music with a campy and macabre script for fantastic results. It’s great music, fun characters and alien invasions and it has enjoyed much success around the world since it opened Off-Broadway in 1982.

It is the story of Seymour Krelborn (Marvin Dowridge), a lowly, ne’er-do-well assistant in a failing flower shop on skid row. His boss, Mr Mushnik (Keino Swamber) has just announced to him and his beautiful blonde co-worker, Audrey (Aurora Tardieu), that the shop will be closed due to bad business. It is then that Seymour tells his co-workers about a strange new plant he found and has been nursing back to health. Some type of Venus FlyTrap, Seymour suggested that this exotic plant may just attract more business. And sure enough, after five minutes of being in the window, the plant, which Seymour named Audrey II, attracts a customer who buys $100 worth of flowers. Thus begins the good fortune for the shopkeeper and his two employers.

With business suddenly booming, Seymour’s fears of unemployment are replaced by his usual preoccupation – hopeless devotion

to Audrey. Sweet but dim-witted Audrey is in an abusive relationship with sadistic biker-dentist Dr Orin Scrivello (Mark Ewing).

The same day Seymour almost tells Audrey how he feels is the same day he realises that the reason his prized exotic plant, Audrey II, has taken a turn for the worst is because he is yet to feed it – blood. Understanding that the plant is directly linked to his good fortune, Seymour keeps feeding it. But the bigger Audrey II gets, the harder it is to satisfy the monster foliage. How far will Seymour go to keep the plant fed, and as a result keep his perfect life, and maybe even Audrey?

Proscenium Theatre Company was founded in 2010 with the aim of expanding the theatre landscape in Trinidad and Tobago and discovering new talent. Its first production, the Broadway musical Rent, was an overwhelming success, garnering glowing reviews and attracting

audiences from as far as St Vincent.

Andrew Seepersad, Proscenium Theatre Company’s executive director and director of the production, promises another quality musical.

“I feel we set the bar really high with Rent, but we want to use that as our minimum standard. Most people in Trinidad and Tobago don’t experience the quality of a Broadway production, so we want to bring it to them.”

Visit prosceniumtheatrecompany. com for more details.

OMG readers can win free tickets to Little shops of horrors. Little shops of horrors is giving away free tickets to one lucky OMG reader, so if you would like to be there at the Gala Opening night just like Express OMG Magazine on facebook and say “I want Little Shops of Horrors”.

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Shake things up in the office...

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Models: Naila Mohammed, Andy Pierre Makeup: Ghyanne Jack Stylist: P . Noire Vou Image and

Promotional Agency Clothes: Bang Bang Photographer: Stephen Doobal

style

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WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012

Mich Michelle X or Michelle Xavier or Miche –whichever name you know her by – you know she is a ball of energy with a burning passion for life and music.

Michelle, one of the headline acts in Imij and Company for the past 10 years, decided last September to start a career as a solo artiste. “Imij and Company is all I ever knew in the music business.

That is where I learnt everything and grew as an artiste. It was my first job as a professional singer. I gave the band 10 years of my life and felt it was time for a new journey, a new adventure. We have no bad blood between us. I miss them terribly.

“I still go to Uncle George for advice. In fact a few weeks ago I performed at the Friends of Hannah Janoura cancer fundraiser and Imij and Company was performing also and Joey asked me to come on stage to sing a set. After, Uncle George came on stage, something he never does, and he kissed and hugged us. That was such a special moment for me. I hope someone got a picture. I would love to have it.

I love and miss all of them very much.”

“When I got into this solo career I don’t think I knew what I was getting myself into but I knew I had to give it a try and I feel I am ready. It was my first Carnival as a solo act and I had the good fortune to work with my friend and previous Imij and Company alumni Kes Dieffenthaller on a song called ‘Head Bad On The Road’ http://www.youtubecom/watch?v=gKHI0g_sM7E. We are nominated for an International Soca Award (ISA) in the Best Collaboration category. I won an ISA last year for Best Uptempo Soca (Female) with ‘Fettin’ For Days’ www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJdtxpE4FrQ. That was the first song that ever became a hit for me and it took nine years to get there, but it felt really amazing. Nothing happens before its time and I could not have dealt with a solo career before now.”

Michelle laughs at having more trophies for parading in Junior Carnival than singing. She played mas in Rosalind Gabriel’s band for over ten years as a junior masquerader.

“I love doing different genres of music. With Imij I sang dancehall, pop, rock, soca, chutney, anything they gave me. They called me “Xerox” in the band room because I could make my voice sound like many different voices.”

For the past three years Michelle has been working on a rock-pop album. We are happy to let you hear one of the tracks on it which she sang with Dale

helle Ryan, produced by “Sheriff” of Black Ice Studios. You can take a listen just click on this link www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbsKRTmFjmg and let us know what you think.

The album was a side project because work with the band was always foremost, but now she is fully immersed in it and is very excited to see what will unfold. Most of the songs are written by her and she feels you will really get to know her once you listen to them. She was always afraid of writing, but eventually got the confidence to open up and let her emotions out and into her lyrics. She says, “you should really get to know me from my songs, it is like an open book”.

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Michelle says being a fair-skinned soca singer in this country is not the easiest thing in the world. For a long time people would meet her and say, “Oh, you’re the white girl that’s singing soca”, or “for a white girl you could real wine boy”. People only accepted her after many years of performing. She has always looked up to Denyse Plummer and the battles she went through. She admires the fact that Plummer is still performing and is loved by so many.

She feels in this business you have to let all the old talk flow off your back and concentrate on doing the work and getting better at your craft. That is where her energies will be focused.

We mentioned to Michelle that most of the artistes OMG Magazine interviewed wanted to stay away from the age question. She says, “It is only because they are over 30, but I have not begun to hide my age yet, I am a proud 27”. She looks forward to having kids and getting married one day and being a wife and mother. My mother is an incredible woman.

I just hope I can be half the mom she was to me, she did everything for me. She even moved the family from San Fernando to Port of Spain just so I could be with the band. I loved living in San Fernando and when I have kids I want them to grow up in south.

Asked about some of her most memorable moments on stage, she recalled when the band performed at the Tobago Jazz Festival and was billed to appear on the same stage as Whitney Houston and Rod Stewart. She says, “I still have the paper up to today where it says ‘Whitney Houston, Rod Stewart and Imij and Company’. How amazing, wow”. Another great moment was when she was chosen to sing on stage with six-times Grammy award winner Christopher Cross, who came to Trinidad to do a concert. When his main female singer could not make it, Michelle was asked to fill in. She had to learn three songs in two hours and performed with him on stage the next night. That was truly an amazing experience for her.

One of Michelle’s biggest OMG moments was being chosen to be on the cover of Caribbean Beat magazine together with Machel Montano, Daren Ganga, and Wendy Fitzwilliam. She says she holds them in high esteem and to be put in the same light as them was really a precious moment for her.

Photography and Story by:

Stephen Doobal Makeup: Krysta G www.facebook.com/MakeupByKrystaG Location: Drink! Wine Bar www.facebook.com/drinkwinebar Lighting: Ronaldo Roberts

Scan the QR codes to see her video and listen to her tracks

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WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012

Control your HOW

TO’S

Step 1 – Count to 10

temper Step 4 – Practice deep breathing

Declare a “time out” when you feel anger rising. Remove yourself from the situation. Counting to 10 can buy time to defuse your temper.

Correct patterns of thought through deep breathing, or visualize pleasant memories. Use a mantra or a private word that triggers a peaceful reflection. Listen to relaxing music.

Step 2 – Do something physical

Therapists and anger management professionals are trained to help you defuse anger.

Take a brisk walk or go for a run to exhaust an angry impulse. Swim, dig in the garden, anything that may interfere with the rush of negative feelings.

Step 3 – Keep an anger log

Log your thoughts in writing when anger intrudes. Recording these moments limits the effects of your rage.

Step 5 – Practice expressing anger

Yoga and meditation can also temper the effects of rage.

Practice expressing anger to a neutral party. This allows you to clear the air before exhibiting behaviour you might regret.

Step 6 – Use “I” statements

Think carefully before you speak. Use

“I” statements, such as “I feel as if…,” so that you don’t offend someone by placing blame and escalating tensions.

Carry small objects or pieces of paper with advice. These items can serve as cues to avoid sudden eruptions.

Step 7 – Use humour

Use humour to defuse friction. But be careful not to overestimate your charm.

Step 8 – Ask yourself what you want

Analyse what look, tone, speech, action – even breathing – you exhibited in anger. Return to the original situation and attempt a different approach.

How to clean the clutter out of your life Step 1 – Have a sale If you want a little extra cash, take the items in best shape and have a garage sale.

Step 2 – Look at your stuff

Look at your stuff and ask yourself, “Does having this make me happy right now?” Disregard if the possession meant something to you in the past; consider the feelings it gives you right now.

Listen to your gut. Research shows this really does work—we know the right answer subconsciously, even if we don’t want to admit it.

Step 3 – Take a photo If the item you’re considering tossing has sentimental value but takes up a

lot of room, like a trophy, take a photo of it and place it in a special album.

Seeing the photo will remind you of your achievement just as much as the real thing.

Before you get rid of anything old—a postcard, a train set – check online to make sure you’re not tossing a valuable collectible.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Step 4 – Find it a home

Consider whether someone else could use the item. Has anyone told you they liked it? Giving something away is much easier if you know it’s going to someone who can use and appreciate it.

Step 5 – Get good karma Donate as much as you may to charity. Not only will you feel good about helping someone else, but you can even score a tax deduction if you ask for a receipt.

Step 6 – Recall

Think of when you last used the item. Research shows if you haven’t touched something in the past year, there’s an 80 per cent chance you never will again.

Step 7 – Have a “time out” box

Take anything that you’re worried you might need in the future, put it in a box, and date it. If six months go by and you still haven’t needed it, chances are you never will.

WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012 Page 15

Ozy Merrique

Is me, everybody know my discography De man who always champion self discovery From ttt to Kisskidee I represent originality In sound and light I speak 1 philosophy.

Give yuhself a chance let de world see yuh majesty.

Here I am once again, the one and only Ozy. http://www.facebook.com/FGDISCO Scan QR code to go to Ozy’s facebook page

artistof the week

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WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012

Shayne Barran 20-year-old TRINCITY LONG DISTANCE RUNNER

Photography and Story by Stephen Doobal

Shayne is a fast-talking, fiery young man with a passion for sports, athletics in particular.

He started just three years ago and is one of the founding members of the Cougars Athletic Club, which was judged the best juvenile club in Trinidad and Tobago by the National Amateur Athletics Association. He has had several personal triumphs in the many races he competed in. This encouraged him to work towards an athletic scholarship and even try to become a 1,500 and 5,000 metres competitor for T&T in the 2016 Olympics.

He feels fit and ready for the challenges that heavy training will bring and has started training for “Fusion VI”, a gruelling 35-kilometre trail race made up of teams of four runners. Fusion VI is organised by the Port Authority.

Shayne is very competitive and when asked what drives him as a runner, he says, “It’s the individuality of the sport. You are really competing to be your best, whatever that is.

It is not dependent on another player or team member. You run and you are responsible for the results”.

He would love other young people to not only look on at sports, but to try them out, because looking at a sporting event is not the same as participating in it. When he was younger he looked at athletics and thought nothing of it. However only when he got involved, he saw the gains that could be made, not only physically but mentally and socially. Shayne says, “sport can change everything for a young person, so get out and try all and you may find one that invigorates you like running did for me”.

Shayne’s biggest OMG moment is when he kayaked from Blanchisseuse to Toco. He loves the sea and enjoyed that entire experience.

He was able to challenge himself, his body and mind, to make that journey and was lucky enough to see a turtle in the open ocean swimming alongside the kayak. The journey was amazing.

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Simba Amani presents The Notepad Trinidad and Tobago artist Simba Amani gets ready to drop his new album entitled The Notepad.

This project features tracks produced by a handful of T&T’s and Jamaica’s top producers and consists of a variety of genres which include soca, reggae and dancehall. Here is what Simba had to say:

Simba Amani

Difference...let’s start with that word. It›s more than just a word to some of us. So too are the words: change, team, effort, ambition, dream and belief..I can go on and on. These words are written all over my notepad..maybe not in the literal sense but figuratively. The Notepad for me, serves as an escape through which I can be myself without fear of being wrongfully judged. Its pages, similar to a blank canvas provide a platform for self expression...in this context, it’s a true reflection of one’s inner being. No long talking, no over explaining, no excuses.

Simply allow the music to speak for itself. This is a project that I’ve been conceptualizing over the past few months, although small in quantity, I guarantee that its quality will stand out. Consisting of a variety of genres including soca, reggae and dancehall, I set out to reveal not only a versatile singer/songwriter but a variety of emotions that most of us can relate to. The Notepad....my notepad....is something that has been created out of my mind and now comes into fruition with the help of a team of gifted and dedicated professionals; from the songs which were produced by some of Trinidad’s and Jamaica’s finest to the custom designed album cover. The Notepad opens in June. You can see one of Simba’s videos by clicking on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1Yy8lf5J5I Scan the QR code to see the music video “Hold my peace”

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WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012

T&T

ramping up tourism projects In an effort to boost Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism sector, the Government is launching a series of projects aimed at developing domestic tourism, according to Tourism Minister Dr Rupert Griffith.

“In an attempt to diversify the economy, Cabinet has agreed to undertake six projects to develop local tourism as the

tourism industry plays a major part in the local economy,” Dr Griffith said. One major project includes the development of a tourist resort in Debe. “We are looking at developing the area where the doubles vendors are into a tourist resort,” he said. “We will encourage more vendors to apply to ply their trade there.”

Also under development is an Amerindian village in Santa Rosa.

For that project, 25 acres of land have been allocated. That initiative is part of a group of 370 heritage projects the

Government said it will undertake.

Griffith also pointed to the development of the Las Cuevas and Vessigny beaches to bring them up to international standards.

The Las Cuevas area is home to Fort Abercromby, a 19th century British fort the government is also looking to renovate into a tourist site.

Last fall, Trinidad and Tobago was named the World’s Best Tourist Destination for 2012 by the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade.

US Spoken Word artistes coming US-based spoken word artistes Hilton Young aka GF Soldier and Jackie Hill are scheduled to make their T&T debut on June 1-3 when Renaissance Productions presents Mmmmmm….Love? Food For Thought at Queen’s Hall.

Born in New Orleans, GF Soldier is known as a powerful spoken word artiste who does not compromise his Bible-based message.

His objective is to reveal the link between theology and psychology and their relation to the issues people struggle with daily. His mission is to spread the gospel through his craft.

Jackie Hill grew up fatherless. She was molested and bullied at school and turned to a lifestyle of porn addiction and drug use. She eventually realised that her dangerous lifestyle would soon catch up with her. She turned her life around, sought and got delivery from her old lifestyle and now ministers to people across America through her spoken word performances.

The two artistes, who only met each other at a spoken word gig in the US recently, are looking forward to performing for a local crowd.

Jackie Hill

Hilton Young aka GF Soldier

Mmmm……Love? Food For Thought is the 26th production staged by Renaissance , led by J Errol Lewis. The show features Lewis, his singers and a full band and Voices of Valencia. Tickets are on sale now. For more information call 753-5827.

WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012 Page 19

Make way for Milbeatz Milbeatz Entertainment was formed by music producer David Millien who resigned from Studio 12 productions two years ago. Milbeatz offers a wide variety of music production options.

Millien has worked alongside some of the best in the music industry in Trinidad and Tobago. Some of these artists include Benjai, 3Suns, Ziggy Rankin, Chucky, Problem Child, Millionaire Family, Positive, Scarface, Erphaan Alves, Denise Belfon, Isasha and many more.

He has also worked with international recording artists such as Romain Virgo (Jamaica), TOK (Jamaica), Emrand Henry (St Lucia), Sniper (England), and has recently been in talking of signing his company into the marketing hands of record label “JT Records” in Jamaica.

After contributing to the success of JW and Blaze’s “Palance” during the Carnival 2010 season, he had hits in 2011 such as Chucky’s “My Bad Thing” as well as

Buhwamoder’s “Slap Chop Man”. “Bend Right Over” during the 2012 Carnival season, contributed to the music industry with his sweet productions during the Carnival season with the famous “The Sesame Street Riddim” and “The Old Iron Riddim”.

The young producer is well known with his collaboration entitled “The Shatta Glass Riddim” which has taken the airwaves by storm. “The Shatta Glass Riddim” has no doubt been one of the mostly anticipated dancehall riddims for the year thus far and features nine Trinidad-born artists.

The riddim has been a collaborative effort with super producer Lackaz from Central Records who has been responsible for other dancehall hit riddims such as The Swing Bounce Riddim and The Redemption Riddim.

Anyone who has a song and needs an instrumental to accompany it as well as anyone who is looking for riddims to purchase can contact Millbeatz Entertainment at millbeatzentertainment01@ gmail.com.

Millien

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WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012

Konshens shoots video for

‘A So Mi Tan’ Red hot dancehall artiste Konshens continues his assault on the music scene with his latest single and video, “A So Mi Tan”, which has been ripping up the airwaves in recent weeks and fans have been showing their appreciation for the Daseca-produced track. It is the latest in a string of hits from Konshens who debuted in 2007 with the number one smash, “Winner”.

performed at the end-of-semester concert at the Manhattan Community College in New York. His next assignment will be on May 25 at the Kenyan Open Day reggae celebrations in Texas.

Female fans of Konshens can look out for an exciting promotion with a Jamaican alcohol company. Details will be announced shortly. To see video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5WppRwRfsQ

Konshens on the set of “A So Mi Tan” video

The video for “A So Mi Tan” has been released to television stations across the Caribbean.

The clip was directed by a team from the New Yorkbased Unique Impact, and shot on location in New York while Konshens was promoting his recently released Mental Maintenance album.

The clip contains live footage of performances and interactions with his fans. Konshens has been on a roll over the past few months. Smash hits such as “Gal a Bubble” and “Do Sumn” have topped the charts in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.

“Stop Sign”, another single from Konshens, has been climbing the charts rapidly. Last weekend, Konshens

Scan the QR code to see the music video “Ah so mi tan”

St Lucia plans free island-wide Wi-Fi TANYA STEPHENS St Lucia’s government is taking steps to increase Internet and WiFi penetration on the island, with an ultimate plan to make it free across the country.

This year, the government will launch what it says is a major project to make St Lucia “Wi-Fi country,” looking to make Wi-Fi services available at any point or location on the island. According to Dr James Fletcher, whose portfolio includes Technology, the government views the development of information and communication technology as a “key avenue” for development. “This year, we will be setting up a project to establish island-wide Wi-Fi in St Lucia,” he said. “That is one of the promises government made in our election manifesto, and we will this year be establishing free, island-wide Wi-Fi.” The programme will not be completely rolled out by the end of 2012, however; the government said it hopes that, in two or three years, one could go to any public place in St Lucia and access the Internet via a wireless connection free of charge.

“That’s something government believes is absolutely important, because we can’t have a

situation where some parts of the country are connected and others are not,” he said.

Fletcher said the government would also lobby Internet service providers to make their products more affordable for St Lucians, similar to work the government did regarding mobile phone prices.

“We have done a very good job in ensuring that St Lucians can talk to each other using cell phones, so as far as our government is concerned, the next battle which has to be fought is allowing St Lucians to access the Internet to get more information, do research and use it for educational purposes, so our battle and interaction with the service providers is to reduce on the cost of Internet,” he said.

St Lucia’s is the latest Wi-Fi initiative in the region, from a drive in Barbados for a similar island-wide programme to a plan to put Wi-Fi in Antigua’s schools.

Tanya Stephens outlines story of endurance on single ‘Dirty Thoughts’ Reggae/dancehall artiste Tanya Stephens is known for her lyrical mastery and thought-provoking lyrics which resonate with music lovers all over the world. On her latest single, “Dirty Thoughts”, the artiste outlines a story of endurance and standing by her man.

“The song is really about endurance and just being there for your man during his ordeal.

However I am telling the story in a little raunchier and more humorous tone,” Stephens said in a release to the media.

“Dirty Thoughts” was produced

by Adrian “Donsome” Hanson and

Peter “Shady” Harrison. It is among a number of tracks featured on the revamped Mr Brown rhythm.

Stephens described working with the producers as a memorable one. “Shady and I are brethrens so it made the project even easier. It was a good vibe,” she said. The Mr Brown rhythm compilation is the latest project out of the Donsome Records stables. The label is best known for its chart-topping rhythm projects including “Life Journey”, “Kill Dem”, and “Crime Stop” rhythms. Stephens’ new album, Guilty , is set for release later this year.

To LISTEN TO HER TRACK http://www.youtube. comwatch?v=fduXwJeeOgw Scan the QR code to listen to her track

Anya Ayoung Chee talks technology at HP Summit in China

WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012 Page 21

Project Runway Season 9 (PR9) winner and Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Ambassador Anya AyoungChee, was recently featured as the keynote speaker at the Hewlett-Packard Global Influencer Summit in Shanghai, China.

Anya Ayoung-Chee, Designer and Project Runway Season 9 winner, launched the HP ENVY SpectreXT at the Global Influencer Summit 2012 on May 9.

Anya addressed an eager audience indicating how integral her PR9 prize of an all encompassing HP suite is to her fashion business. With an attendance of over 700 media influencers from over 70 countries worldwide, Anya’s presentation featured an exclusive sneak peak of her summer 2012 collection which is being designed using technology from the IT giant.

After the fashion show Anya told the audience that the Spectre XT is perfect for her fast-paced lifestyle since winning Project Runway; she said “From the

design end to running a business like any other business owner, I use the technology for everything, from designing, to marketing, to running the company, to communicating with my fans, everything!” With changes in technology being the underlying theme of the summit, HP unveiled over 80 new products that are poised to be game changers for many industries world-wide.

This is the second major event in which HP has asked Anya to help promote their products. In January at CES, one of the world’s largest consumer electronic shows, Anya’s presentation focused on the strong connection between technology and fashion for HewlettPackard. With HP technology giving a more personal touch to her designs, her eagerly anticipated resort-wear collection is set to debut exclusively in New York City this June and promises to continue featuring dynamic patterns as seen on Project Runway. For more on Anya and her designs visit her website www.anyaayoungchee.com.

Kajol and Ajay Devgn to pair up onscreen soon!

After Aamir Khan, it’s this B-town power-jodi who will try and tackle the grave issue of female foeticide, which is the practice of aborting female foetuses. And here’s how…

AJAY DEVGN

KAJOL

Celebrity couple Kajol and Ajay Devgn have decided to pair up on screen for a film based on female foeticide. The script for this movie has been prepared by Ajay Devgn and it has been wholeheartedly accepted by Maharashtra state’s health department. What’s more, Health Minister

Suresh Shetty has promised that he will try and make the film available to a maximum number of theatres.

Confirming this news, Ajay Devgn’s publicist said, “Yes, both Ajay and Kajol will be acting in the film. In fact, the Maharashtra government had approached them for the film which will be a part of their campaign against female foeticide.”

And what makes us applaud this B-town couple’s effort is the fact that they have decided to help a social cause without charging a single penny.

Kudos!

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WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012

top5 music videos of the week

1

DJ Khaled (ft Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne) – “Take It To The Head”

2

B.O.B ‘‘Play for keeps’’

3

David Banner ft Chris Brown ‘‘Amazing’’

4

Nikki Minaj ft Chris Brown ‘‘Right by my side’’

5

Teairra Mari ft. 2 Chainz “ U Did That ”

SCAN the QR CODE with your SMARTPHONE to see this week’s Top5 Music Video

HOT TRACKS

1 2 3 4 5

Far East Movement ft Cassie – “ Fly With U “ Rick Ross ft. Usher “Touch ‘N You”

Haley Reinhart ft. B.oB“ Oh My ” Ne-Yo “ Lazy Love “

T-i“ like-that “

Just What’s Inside Those Breasts?

When writer Florence Williams was nursing her second child, she read a research study about toxins found in human breast milk. She decided to test her own breast milk and shipped a sample to a lab in Germany. What came back shocked her. Trace amounts of pesticides, dioxin and a jet fuel ingredient — as well as high-to-average levels of flame retardants — were all found in her breast milk. How could something like this happen?

“It turns out that our breasts are almost like sponges, the way they can soak up some of these chemicals, especially the ones that are fat-loving — the ones [that] tend to accumulate in fat tissue,” Williams tells Fresh Air’s Terry Gross. “Unfortunately, the breast is also masterful at converting these molecules into food in the way of breast milk.”Learning that breasts soak up lots of chemicals made Williams wonder just what else was going on with breasts.

A lot, as it turns out. In her new book, Breasts:A Natural and Unnatural History, Williams offers her take on — among other things — why breasts are getting bigger and developing earlier, why tumors seem to gravitate toward the breast, and how toxins from the environment may be affecting hormones and breast development.

She says many of those toxins, including the flame retardants found in her breast milk, may come from ordinary household items like couches and electronics, which often contain flame retardants. Some animal studies have shown that certain types of flame retardants interact with hormone levels. “The flame retardants are known to react with the thyroid receptor, and it turns out that thyroid hormones are responsible for all kinds of important functions in our body, from neuro development in our brain to temperature and metabolism,” she tells Gross. “We don’t know at what levels these substances may be affecting humans, but it’s certainly enough to make us stand back and say, ‘Do we really need to have this furniture covered in flame retardants, or is there a better way here?’ “

Did Tia Mowry quit or get fired from ‘The Game’?

Twitter is the new press release. Tia Mowry confirmed via Twitter that she would not be returning to BET’s The Game for its sixth season. Her abrupt Twitpress (Twitter + press release) followed the buzzing rumours that the bubbly twin who plays Melanie Davis, the non-practising doctor, on BET’s highest rated show, was actually fired.

HipHollywood.com first reported the news, which they attributed to a “well placed source.” Hoping to quiet the chatter, Med School (we can’t help but call her that after all these years) tweeted, “Just wanted to let all my fans know that I will not be returning to The Game for season 6. It was an incredible run and I had lots of fun along the way. I am looking forward to my upcoming projects…the release of my book, season two of @TiaTameraShow on @mystyle premiering in June, and my movie coming out in December… more to come! love u so much.”

As if one star’s exit weren’t devastating enough for fans of the show, who have a reputation for passion since they petitioned to get it back on the air, Pooch Hall may not be returning either. His last tweet on May 5 said he has love

for the network and they are working everything out. In his responses to fans, it sounds like he wants to continue to work with the series, but his new show, Ray Donovan, may be causing a scheduling conflict. One thing’s for sure, Derwin and Melanie Davis were the crux of The Game. We loved them, then hated them, then loved them again. As cliched as it is to write, the show just won’t be the same.

WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012 Page 23

Raven Symone

comes out of the closet

Raven Symone reportedly came out of the closet as a lesbian, and already there’s speculation that the actress is dating a woman named AzMarie Livingston who was a contestant on America’s Next Top Model.

Raven Symone

The report, which has not been confirmed by the actress, originated the National Enquirer, which isn’t always the most reliable of sources. However, the story goes that the actress is ready to come out and is “in love with AzMarie.”

There have been a number of stories suggesting the That’s So Raven star

was a lesbian, but she’s shot down the reports over the years. At the time of this writing, she had yet to comment on the new report.

As for Livingston, she’s a 25-year-old model from Milwaukee and competed on the British Invasion version of the reality TV show. She is nearly 5 foot 10 inches tall, and has a shaved head and tattoos. She is also a former basketball player. Livingston, whose real name is Ashley, said she “loves Grace Jones” and enjoys rocking the androgynous look.

She said in an interview about her look and sexuality: “My sexuality has nothing to do with my work and what I do in the industry. I mean, yes, although, I’m open, I never use it as “I’m the lesbian who’s doing X, Y, and Z.”

AzMarie LiVIngston

Mystikal

Watch Ya Self ...

I’m Back in the Slammer Rapper Mystikal – famous for his 2000 hit “Shake Ya Ass” – recently checked into a Louisiana jail where he’s expected to serve out the rest of a 90-day sentence for domestic abuse.

Mystikal- Michael Tyler

Mystikal – real name Michael Tyler – was arrested in Baton Rouge on a domestic

abuse charge back in February, and a judge ruled it was a violation of his probation. The circumstances surrounding the arrest are unclear. He was put on five-year probation following a six-year prison stint for sexual battery and extortion. In 2003 the entertainer pleaded guilty to those charges.

The judge has already given Mystikal credit for nine days served while he was detained following his February arrest.

Terminator 3 actor Nick Stahl missing Terminator: Rise Of The Machines actor Nick Stahl is missing, according to LA police sources.

City, but is perhaps best known for playing John Connor in the third instalment of the Terminator franchise.

The actor was first reported missing by his wife Rose Murphy on May 14. The actor was last seen on May 9.

He’s next set to take the lead in The Unknown Son, playing Noah Prentice, a man who uses a mysterious tattoo on his wrist to uncover the secrets of his past.

Stahl appears in several of Total Film’s favourite films, including Bully, The Thin Red Line and Sin

We hope Nick returns to his family soon. We’ll follow the story as it develops.

Nick Stahl

WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE | Saturday May 26, 2012 Page 24