Sohani Mehendi

Whenever I am browsing the net I take note of things that might be of interest for Carnival and I recently came upon this group on Facebook called Sohani Mehendi offering henna designs for Carnival:

"I will be doing henna/body art for Carnival 2009. I would start taking appointments from Carnival Friday Evening straight up to Carnival Monday night. I will be on the Savannah on Carnival Tuesday also.

I Will have

Henna ( these people who want henna for Tuesday should come for it on the Sunday preferably)

Glitter designs ( applied with a skin safe glue that can last up to a week, even in this climate)

Gems

Harquus ( a skin safe skin paint that goes on dark blue - black. Can last up to a week and easily removed with rubbing alcohol. Ideal for Fake Tattoos, guys this is for YOU)

I specialize in fine detailed mehendi. My clients choose their own pattern from field of hundreds. What the client wants is what they would get. You wont see the same design on all my clients ( some are repeated as some liked the same design).

All styles are available, Indian, Arabic, fusion, modern and various African styles."

Email: nfsingh@yahoo.com
Office: 868-716-6851
Location: Curepe, Trinidad and Tobago

Henna would look gorgeous on those in Mc Farlane's Africa to create the effect of tribal tattoos and the glitter tattoos can be dressed up with gems to make your own body jewelry instead of getting the ones from the pack; I did this option last year but I chose the regular henna, not the one with glitter. It is a bit tricky getting the design on your stomach as you have to make sure not to bend while it dries, however it is ideal if you want to get something done on your back, arms or hands.

Masquerader in Mc Farlane's India with henna decorated hands:

There is an extensive portfolio of designs on the group's page with designs ranging from simple to elaborate, where you can check out more photos!

A sample of Sohani Mehendi's work:






PHOTO SOURCE:
Sohani Mehendi

New Music!!!

Yesterday I heard the newest Iwer George for 2009 called "Ready" in classic Iwer style this is one you must hear as he repeats "ready" like 5o times, not to mention he also threw in a "han,han,han,han,han.. nah,nah,nah" as well! Only Iwer.

Other songs putting me in the Carnival mood these days since I am not into the fa-la-las and ho,ho,hos are "Frontline" by TC (a song for the frontline H.O.s) , "Daggering" by Squeezy Rankin and"Nah Nah" by Ziggy Ranking.

Soca 2009 releases can be found on Toronto Lime and Trini Jungle Juice!

TRIBE Carnival Fete Schedule

Ay ay, TRIBE has their own fete schedule out! Got this in my inbox tonight:

TRIBE CARNIVAL FETE SCHEDULE 2009

Season Passes Available Soon!!! Look out for further details.

Right, so ICE is a new event, sounds interesting, cooler fete so you can use up all the extra alcohol stock from Christmas, nice one. A lil too early in the season for me personally, but I am happy to see that ONE is on a Saturday! I hope the price is right this year and that they have as many artistes, including Machel, as the usually do; putting ONE on my list.

So, these dates contradict that other fete calender I posted yesterday (which I got via email so doh beat meh up!). I am waiting for THE OFFICIAL fete calender from Peter Ray Blood which will be published on Boxing Day even though Mr. Blood stated in his Pulse column today that he nearly did not publish the annual calender as enterprising fete promoters in North America and travel agents have been using his calender carte blanche with no care for copyright!

Peter boy I feel you with that one, I just happy that you actually doing the calender and I always give credit to the source of material republished from the Guardian! Others, take heed.

Jouvert 2009

The Sweet 7 has already compiled a list of Carnival 2009 Jouvert Bands, as a consequence I will not feature those that are listed on her blog; for the Sweet 7's list of Jouvert Bands click HERE.

Today I am featuring another Jouvert Band which is not on the list, this one is "Isle of Moss" a Sex and The City Premium Presentation":

For more information visit their Facebook Group .

Bling Bling!

So, I have to confess that I really do not like the necklace for my costume, it is probably the one thing that I am definitely going to change, among other upgrades I plan on doing.

On my quest for a suitable necklace I have discovered some gorgeous pieces made of rhinestones that cost as much as the costume itself! And though I still haven't gotten a replacement for the flimsy necklace that just does not go with the rest of the fabulous feathered frontline costume, I have found some other accessories that add la little bling at prices that will not break the bank..too much:

Fredericks of Hollywood - 39.00US

And for those who can find a shade to match, my dancer friend recommended these Capezio rhinestone studded tights for a little bling, the caveat is that it only comes in two skin tone shades:

Capezio -36.00US


Rhinestone Vest - $49.99.. Monday wear?

Rumour has it...

That the President will be in one of these sections in TRIBE which will mean that the section he graces with his presence will be in the top 5!!! Can you guess which one?

Which Section Do you Think The President is in ?
	Hummingbird?
	Owl
	Kiskidee
	African Love Bird
	Pheasant
	Caged Canary
	Spangled Cotinga
	Green Honey Creeper
	Brazilian Macaw
	Parrot
Free polls from Pollhost.com

The Domino Effect

There is a phenomenon that seems to affect all bands in their debut year and it is the issue of distribution problems; no band is in immune. When TRIBE launched in 2005 collection of costumes at the Rosalino Street Mas Camp turned into a nightmare with long lines, long waits and too many people for such a small venue. They solved that problem the following year by moving costume distribution to a larger venue and instituted a very organized system of delivery. Island People encountered problems their first year as well, several sections not arriving on time to be distributed which led to a host of problems for masqueraders eager to collect their costume.

And then there are the horror stories one hears of certain bands that leave you without a costume or a refund for missing parts of the costume that were never distributed; Evolution and D Krewe are two of the offenders for 2008. Pulse 8 had a section disappeared their inaugural year and masqueraders had to be accommodated in another section; this was blamed on materials not arriving into the country on time.

Why all these problems in costume distribution? Some can be attributed to factors beyond the band’s control such as producers/employees falling ill or delays in shipping of costumes and materials from overseas. Other problems occur when bands do not sell many or even ANY sections until a few weeks before Carnival. What happens is that when there is slow registration everyone involved in the band becomes concerned and while some bands might forge ahead with production others take a position to minimize losses that might incur. So, they halt costume production and it becomes a wait and see game.

After the Christmas season is over and potential masqueraders get an inkling that they want to play mas the mas camp tours and costume pursuits begin in earnest, thus for SOME bands there is a sharp increase in masqueraders registering say only four weeks before Carnival. Others get so caught up in the windfall of new masqueraders that they continue to take costume registration right through Carnival week, with registration on Carnival Sunday not unheard of. While this is great for the band that has been struggling with registration numbers, it immediately puts a strain on producers as at the last minute costumes have to be rushed to be completed.

I was told belts, headpieces and other costume accessories are not a big problem when it comes to last minute costume building (not withstanding quality) however bra sizes become a major issue as the bra manufacturers do not take rush and late orders, which explains why so many masqueraders are left without proper fitting bras when these start up bands go through their melee of costume distribution. In order to accommodate irate masqueraders with missing costume pieces, unscrupulous band and section leaders simply take costumes pieces from other masquerader’s boxes not even thinking that the problem is simply transferred to another masquerader.

The last part of the domino effect is that when bands take registration up until the very last they cannot adequately cater to the number of masqueraders that signed up to play with them. When do you give the caterer a listing, for example, if you registered a group of ten on Carnival Sunday night? How do you budget for drinks or even drinks trucks AND security needed? These are all road management and proper planning practices that have to be put in place in advance, so as a band leader you can ensure having adequate drinks trucks, drinks, meals and security. I know several masqueraders were hopping mad when lunch ran out this year and their drinks truck was a mini drinks cart in comparison to what other bands had!

So, how do you the masquerader protect yourself from these problems? I would say choose a band that has a solid reputation and that has been around a few years but problems do occur even with the best of them, however if you do have an issue be sure that the band in question DOES have a reputation of compensating you fairly. Beware of bands that are accepting registration even after they have posted their costume distribution listing; chances are they will not be able to whip up a costume for you magically within a week.

Get a feel of how well a band is doing in terms of registration by visiting their mas camp or checking to see if they have sold out any sections at all. If bands are producing costumes in spite of low registration they should be able to have costumes for you to try on and/or view, especially if it is after the costume distribution date. When buying a costume at the very last minute do not wait to collect on another day, buy a costume that is already made. I would also advise masqueraders that waiting until the very last minute to get a cheap costume is doing a disservice to yourself as well, it is better to register in advance and ask for a discount than to go looking for a dirt cheap costume on Carnival Monday unless you do not mind a costume with a missing bra or headpiece !

It is also in your best interest to ask bands straight up what their registration has been like, if they tell you "we have sections sold out", ask how many people are signed up in the sections, if they tell you we have sections “going fast, close to selling out” again, ask how many people are signed up. Put your ear to the ground, listen to what the public is saying; ask friends and people you know what band they are playing with. Join the band's facebook group, stalk their "roll call" sections or even their disccusion board to see how much interest there is in the band you are contemplating playing with. If their facebook groups are dead, chances are interest in the band is dead as well; if you know no one playing in the band or don't hear the band mentioned when an informal poll on who is playing in what band comes up take that as an omen.

In conclusion, remember the longer bands take to sell out the more panic sets in for the band and section leaders; not a good sign. The longer section stay open without any indication of a favorable response by masqueraders, the more concerned you should be about if the band can and will be able to produce at the very last minute and what kind of product they will be able to offer doing rush jobs. Right now there are bands with ZERO masqueraders registered in any section and I have been reliably informed that some section leaders are even contemplating cutting their losses and getting out now. As a masquerader be careful how you wager with your hard earned money!

Vintage Tuesday

We have come to the end of the Vintage Tuesday series, wrapping up with the year 1963, the inaugural year of official steelband competitions.

As much as I would have like to continue the series to present day the compilation of news paper articles end with Carnival 1963. I hope you enjoyed a look back at our Carnivals of the past!


To read the last two articles online click on the book below:

Or you can download them HERE.

Some photos of Stephen Leung's "Japan - Land of the Kabuki" - 1963




Photo Source:
noelnorton.com

Amnesia 2009...

Peeps you got it first!!

Hot white clothing is highly recommended if you are to be a part of the illusion...

2 months, 14 days.. you can do it!!!

This article is for all the procrastinators who have delayed working out each week and suddenly realize that Carnival is only two months away!

Not to mention with the holiday season (and endless excuses to overindulge) looming ahead, that familiar feeling of panic is just about setting in when you think about how skimpy your costume is! By now you should have had a Brazilian samba dancer's body if only you had stuck to the promise of working out when you made your costume deposit! I am right there with you all:

Brian Chin Leung is a certified personal trainer. e-mail: briancl@wow.net phone: 689-1512

Carnival is just around the corner, and most people would love to be in a position whereby they will have to decrease the size of their ordered costume belt; especially if this is due to firm, hard abs.

Everyone has a six pack; it’s just that some people still have their own in the case.

Individuals who live a sedentary lifestyle, usually have a thick layer of fat (the case) throughout their body; this layer also covers the abdominal area. We all know that spot reducing is a myth and that body fat is lost proportionately; it would seem that the logical thing to do in your quest for defined abs, is to first drop your overall body fat percentage.

Once this layer of fat is burnt off, through a combination of diet and exercise, the visibility of the abdominal area becomes more apparent.

Diet—A major player

What you eat during the next eight weeks will determine to a great extent whether you will have to increase or decrease the width of your costume belt.

The obstacles that lay ahead are—pastelles, ponche de crème, black fruit cake, garlic pork, stuffing, etc. In general, you have to be able to identify good carbs from bad carbs and understand carbohydrate timing. This is important because bad carbs are one of the major contributors to an ever increasing waistline.

Don’t be foolish and try to eliminate all carbs from your diet; be selective in your carbohydrate intake. Read up on the Glycemic Index and stay away from carbs that carry a high GI rating, such as white flour and white sugar. Avoid eating fruit, pasta, bread, etc, at night; this could trigger an insulin rush which would indirectly result in fat storage. Remember, most people are not very physically active after their last meal. During the day, stick to carbs like sweet potatoes and snacks like gala apples, both of which carry low GI ratings.

Exercise priorities

If your goal is hard, flat abs; do cardio (running, Taebo/cardio karate, brisk walking, etc) five times per week for 45 minutes in each session; do this for the next eight weeks.

The cardio will help you to burn lots of body fat and raise your endurance level for the two days of carnival. Concentrate on the following abdominal exercises and weight training exercises; this would add quality muscle to your body and help increase your metabolism.

Abdominal exercises

Dropping your body fat with cardio is good; but you still have to tighten and tone your abdominals. Perform the following exercises daily: Swiss ball abs, hanging knee raises, hanging leg raises, inverted abdominals and various types of crunches. In each exercise do four sets of 30 reps.

Marguerite works her abs at Chin Leung’s Gym in Woodbrook.

Weight-training movements

The more muscle you have on you means an increased metabolism.

If your metabolism increases, you are going to be burning more calories effectively, which indirectly will help you to lower your body fat percentage resulting in more abdominal visibility.

Concentrate on muscle building exercises like the free squat, clean and press, bench press, shoulder press, barbell rows and chins.

Follow the above strategy and by the end of January you will be anxious to take your shirt off, or wear a short top.

Keep training.

What I like about Brian's articles is that he takes into consideration the time span we are working with to get fit for Carnival and he is always positive that we CAN do it. I guess it is time to break out the ab machine and say bye bye to my beloved pasta, bread and cookies! Only 10 more weeks!

SOURCE:
www.guardian.co.tt

D Harvard Boys & D Harvard Posse

I have always held the belief that there are bands in Trinidad that cater to each masquerader's pocket, with many small and medium family bands providing persons interested in an intimate and affordable opportunity to play mas. Most times, however, these bands do not advertise online taking a more informal approach to the mas as opposed to the mega bands that pull out all the stops. So, I was quite happy to discover a website for D Harvard Boys and their Carnival 2009 presentation "Douglarisation".

For those of you unfamiliar with the term "dougla" it is a Trini word used to describe someone who is of both African and East Indian parentage. Hence the tag line for D Harvard Boys ;"Introducing Shaka Singh to Indra Abekiwe. A fusion of Indian and African dress creating a cultural expression."

The band comprises four sections as shown below:

Prices are ALL INCLUSIVE catering to between 200/250 masqueraders and music will be provided by a D.J.,St. James Tripolians (steelband) ,Indian and African drummers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Grantley Auguste (868) 684-5949

Wayne Camps (868) 680-0545

Garvin Allamani (868) 767-9936

Roland Ford (868) 684-5459

The Harvard Club (868) 628-7597

OR visit D Harvard Boys website HERE.

AND, on Carnival MONDAY you can be part of PCS Starlift with The Harvard Posse presentation of "Blaze of Glory" in Starlift's presentation of "Razzle Dazzle" for a whopping $180 TT$ ($30 US$)!

Masqueraders will be provided with a printed t-shirt and a cotton outback hat, and the "semi-inclusive" section will be provide corn soup, sandwiches, rum, beer, bottled water and chasers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Garvin Allamani (868) 767-9936

The Harvard Club (868) 628-7597

Email: gobrave@hotmail.com

Website: harvardposse.50webs.com/HarvardPosse.html

TRIBE Costumes Still Available!!

Are you still looking to be a part of TRIBE for Carnival 2009? Well you still have a chance to get a costume in the SOLD OUT band! The caveat is these are only INDIVIDUAL costumes and are priced accordingly:

TT$7,500 (USD1,250)


TT$7,500 (USD1,250)


Parisian Frilled Canary - TT$7,500 (USD1,250)




Snowy Owl - TT$7,500 (USD1,250)


Scarlet Ibis - TT$7,500 (USD1,250)

I am surprised Parisian Frilled Canary is still available, I really love that one!The down payment on the individual costume is 50% (TT$3,750 or USD625).

If interested please email info@carnivaltribe.com or contact the mas camp for more information 868-625-6800.

TRIBE Infoblast!!!

CARNIVAL PREPARATIONS
INFO BLAST

As we gear up for the 2009 Carnival Season, please take a minute to read the information below regarding final payment and costume distribution.

Further Payments on Costumes

Payment Location	Final Date for Payment	Accepted Forms of Payment
www.senvia.com Online	Sunday 11th January, 2009	Credit Card Only (Mastercard & Visa)
TRIBE Mas Camp	Friday 16th January, 2009	Cash & Linx Only
Cascadia Hotel	On Distribution Dates	Cash & Linx Only

For more information on paying via Senvia, please visit the following link:

http://www.senvia.com/carnival/masbandinstructions_tribe.pdf

PAID IN FULL - Fast Track Costume Collection

Masqueraders who have PAID IN FULL for their costumes by Friday 16^th January, 2009 will be eligible for TRIBE's Fast Track Collection thereby minimizing wait time.

Mas Camp Opening Hours

Mon to Fri: 12 noon – 6pm

Closed on Weekends and Public Holidays except for
Sat 20^th Dec 2008 & Sat 10^th Jan 2009 : 11am – 3pm

Costume Resales & Transfers

Please note that the masquerader’s ID is required to collect a costume.

Therefore, if you have sold your costume, please contact TRIBE at: info@carnivaltribe.com or by Fax (868) 625-6800 with the following information for the new owner: Name, Contact Number, Email Address & Mailing Address.

The last day to transfer names on costumes is December 31^st, 2008.

Collecting Costumes for another Person

You must present a copy of the registered costume owner's ID (with Signature) along with a signed "Authorization to Collect" letter. This letter must be presented at the time of Costume Collection. If you wish to email this letter in advance, it must be sent by Friday 16^th January, 2009.

Costume Distribution

The Distribution Schedule will be emailed to you and posted on the website at a later date.

Happy Holidays from

( 8 6 8 ) 6 2 5 - 6 8 0 0

Carnival Makeup

So, yesterday a friend of mine was busy searching the blog for a list of makeup artiste for Carnival 2009 when I realised that I had not done a compilation this year! Unfortunately many of the popular makeup artiste are booked however I also have information on a few that are doing makeup for Carnival and who still have availability:

Defining Perfection

Contact:Keisha Stephen-Gittens
Phone-762-8875, 303-6055
email - keishaagittens@gmail.com
Facebook Group
232 Lapwing Avenue, Phase 3 Malabar Arima.


Image & Design Associates Ltd.
Contact: Jo-Anne Edwards
Phone - 672-2635, 620-9388
Fax - 672-2635
email-imagdesn@carib-link.net
website- http://www.imageanddesign.biz
810 Farollon Road, Lange Park, Chaguanas

Cosmeticon Prime- Makeup Artist

You will be able to book and save your spots for your Carnival makeup appointments. Please also submit a picture of your costume: I will be having pigments custom blended for those who need outrageous color choices. :) Please email me with any questions: cosmeticonprime@gmail.com or visit the Facebook Group for more information and photos.

Other makeup artistes who I have featured before:
Kirk Thomas - beautymakeupaart@hotmail.com
Ephraim Hunte - beautyhunte@yahoo.com
Leigh Rachael Marhue - 637-5312, 718-7579
Kamla Koon-How Regrello - sales@sachacosmetics.com
Makeup Artistry by Jaime - jaimer@carib-link.net/682 -9388
James (TRIBE's airbrush artist) - 786-0684

Another new mas band!

Just when I thought the debut of new bands for 2009 was over comes another band launch for another new band! The Trinidad Guardian has information on the launch which took place last Friday, unfortunately when I was not in Trinidad:

Weekend entertainment along busy Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook got off to an explosive start last Friday when Carvalho Mas hosted one rollicking C2K9 launch.

Held at the Carvalhos’ landmark Alaska Bar, the evening’s fare included the modelling of costumes by a bevy of exotic beauties, a delicious creole dinner, live entertainment by Brimblers Steelband and good company.

After much success in producing mas bands, the Carvalho family, led by Glenn and his wife Charmaine, migrated to the United States, taking a hiatus from local competition.

Carvalho Mas is a welcome return to the Carnival landscape, and next year’s portrayal The Journey Begins, includes nine sections enticingly named Friendship, Passion, Euphoria, Peace, Love, Twilight Zone, Sky, Earth, and Dark Side.

Notably absent on Friday were veteran masman Glenn Carvalho and popular King of Carnival competitor Fareid Carvalho, both being out of the country. However, Elizabeth Carvalho was more than up to the task as an outstanding host.

I have been hearing about Carvalho's return to Trinidad Carnival since 2006 and looks like it is finally happening for 2009! Good luck to them.

The mas camp for Carvalho Mas is located at Alsaka Bar at 73 Ariapita Avenue and will be open to the public on Monday December 8. Costumes have been quoted at a price of under $2500.00, I was informed.

For more information call 868-622-8811.

SOURCE:
www.guardian.co.tt

Hot Hot Hot Promotion

While other bands are still caught up with Friday mas camp limes, parang limes as the Christmas season is upon us, Pulse 8 has taken another approach by offering the chance to win free costumes:

Santa Says!

Register between December 5th and 30th, 2008 and you could JUMP UP FOR FREE.

Hi Masqueraders,

This could be your best Carnival in Christmas

Tis the season for giving and Pulse8 celebrates with you giving 3 Hot Christmas options

* Give your love one a HOT...HOT...HOT Christmas
Voucher for his/her C2K9 costume

J U M P U P F O R F R E E

* Register between December 5th and 30th and 4
costumes will be won - FREE! FREE! FREE!

* Pay off your costumes before December 30th and 3
masqueraders will win full payback on costume.

Other prizes: Stag Hampers - J.W. Scotch wisky(sic) - Pulse8 Tees.

Draw takes place - January 15th, 2009

To you and your families Pulse8 extends a Happy and Holy Season and we look forward to you jumping with us for C2K9

ITS ALL IN THE SIZZLE!

But, I have to add that Evolution is offering any " Group of 5 get 10% off there Costume on that night ....(sic)" at their mas camp parang lime tomorrow; at least they are giving patrons something extra (that actually has to do with Carnival) instead of free rum!

New Venue for Beach House!!

Edited to add:

My sources have indicated that the new venue is going to be in the WEST, the vicinity of Macqueripe Beach to be exact! Interesting.

Vintage Wednesday

The year is 1962, only two articles this time as this was all available on record. To read online simply click on the book below:

Or, download today's Vintage Wednesday HERE.

I am back.. and lots to catch up on!

Here is hoping everyone had an excellent long weekend celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. I know I had a most relaxing weekend in my little bubble of paradise. Back to reality, unfortunately, and there is so much to catch up on in the Carnival world!

First off, I see that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago announced that part of the 5.3 billion dollar cost cutting measure in face of falling oil prices upon which the 2008/2009 budget is based, will be putting the $750 million Carnival Centre on the back burner. Between you and me, the Carnival Centre has always been on the back burner! If plans had proceeded as they should when they announcement came in 2006 that construction on the Centre would being forthwith, mas would have been back in the Savannah for 2009!

Instead the powers that be have been haggling over the Centre since 2007 as the Savannah lay bare in the wake of the Grand Stand being demolished. And while construction never started on the Centre, mas on the streets was proclaimed to be a success; clearly mas back in the Savannah has never been on the agenda. President of the NCBA (National Carnival Bands Association) Owen Hinds has proposed to finally ask the question for which we masqueraders have been anxiously awaiting and answer, as reported by the Trinidad Express:

"Preparations for Carnival 2009 have already started taking place. The Parade of Bands remains on the road but we want to know if we could go back to the Savannah. All this will be discussed at the meeting," he said.

Let's hope once and for all he gets an answer; will mas ever return to the big stage at the Savannah ?

Ok, so unto some more pleasant news, if you are a member of Mas Jumbie's Facebook Group from now until December 15th they are running a special where you get 12% off any section in their 2009 Jouvert presentation "Diabolus Imperium"

Simply print and write in Christmas Promo and mail with payment. Those wishing to pay via credit card, contact masjumbiesinfo@yahoo.com for a payment link.

This offer excludes past masqueraders (2007-08)

http://masjumbies.com/mail_registration.htm

1) Luxuria- TT $440; Luxura w/Wings -TT $493
2) Cupiditas- TT $440
3) Superbia- TT $326; Superbia w/standard- TT $387
4) Ira-TT $326; Ira w/standard- TT $387
5) Accedia- TT $326; Accedia w/standard-TT $387
6) Gula- TT $387; Gula w/standard- TT $440
7) Invidia- TT $326; Invidia w/standard- TT $387


Contact
Annette Mark-754-366-1933
Ann Dardine-868-744-3660
Barry V. Pierre- 868-360-1659
Tisha-Marie Dayal- 868-484-6368

In the SOLD OUT Section Update two more sections are gone in Harts, Simurgh and Zaranka leaving 10 more sections left!

Ami Club Wear has in stock these awesome thigh high boots in silver, bronze and gold.. only for the daring F.H.O. who can rock heels..hmm maybe these can be your "crossing the stage" boots!

And finally, Island People Mas is all into the spirit of giving for Christmas with a charity food and toy drive for underprivileged homes and children. More about how you can contribute below:

Islandpeople Mas invites you to share a ‘little heaven’ with the little ones this Christmas. We are teaming up with the Rotary Club of Maraval in their Children’s Learning Centre Christmas programme, for a toy and food drive. Our collective efforts will bring smiles to the faces of 12 differently-abled children and joy to the hearts of their families, who come from economically-challenging situations. The toys and the food hampers will be presented to the youngsters and their parent/guardians at the Learning Centre’s annual Christmas concert on December 19, 2008. This is how it works:

Toy Drive December 02- 09

All you need to do is drop off your toys at the Mas Camp: 11 Stone Street, Port-of-Spain. Now this does not have to be an expensive undertaking, for those of you who have children or family and friends with children, you can donate previously-used toys (used toys must be in good condition). See it as a way to create space for those shiny new toys you intend to purchase for your children/family/friends this Christmas and in the process you have an opportunity to bless others less fortunate than ourselves.

Food Drive December 09 – 16

Christmas in Trinidad and Tobago is synonymous with sumptuous food and other delicacies. However, for some this is only an experience they can dream about. We want to positively impact this situation, if only briefly, by contributing hampers to the 12 families of those children who attend the Learning Centre. We are kindly requesting that you donate foodstuff (dried foods, canned items) and toiletries to this cause. A box will be provided for collection of the items at the Mas Camp.

Presentation December 19

Islandpeople Mas will be there our local Santa to deliver our basket of goodies to the young ones and their families at the Learning Centre’s Christmas concert. Don’t worry you won’t be left out, we’ll be sure to send you the photos.

Mas Camp Opening Hours:

Mondays – Fridays 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturdays from 12 noon – 3:00 p.m.

One more day...

Back to reality tomorrow...

Stil.. on.. vacation!

On Vacation...

For thr first time in history of TCD the blog will be on vacation this weekend....See you on Monday!


my view this morning..

Are you up to the challenge? D.I.Y. wings.

I have been looking online for hot pink feathered wings for the longest while and my searches have been turning up fairy wings and baby pink feathers wings, but not hot pink! Finally I stumble upon hot pink feathers wings AND instructions on how to make them yourself.

The instructions are very easy to follow and the wings are surprisingly simply made; here I was thinking more effort went into them. The end product looks awesome, exactly what I was looking for, so I am going to attempt to make these wings for my Monday wear! The best part is that the basic wings can be spruced up however you like so it is open to many a creative interpretation.

- More cool how to projects

For those up to a bigger challenge, these wings look amazing but I don't think I have the patience or aptitude to tackle this project; all the instructions and directions are included to create these wings if you dare.

- More cool how to projects

So, even though your costume does not come with wings you can create your own with a little time, effort and creativity!

Bring out the Brolly???

Last Tuesday, the 18th of November, Port of Spain and environs flooded as if we were in the days of Noah! With just a brief shower in the afternoon a sea of water covered South Quay and homes from the capital to the East were flooded with four feet of water; the devastation numbers in the millions. Added to that headache was the massive gridlock that stranded passengers, commuters and motorist trying to head out of the city. November marks the end of the hurricane season, but these rains were not even storm related, just a regular afternoon shower that turned into a nightmare for hundreds of people, myself included.

View of South Quay under water on Tuesday November 18th;
the building on the upper left with the black roof is City Gate!


Now I am sure you are thinking when you land in February the rains are long gone and the thoughts of floods on Carnival days is a remote possibility. Well, with the climatic changes occurring in the 21st century, the "rainy season" in Trinidad seemingly never ends! I am sure all of us who played with TRIBE 2007 remember only too well when the skies opened on South Quay, just as the first section crossed the downtown stage, and drenched masqueraders. As I stood under my shelter under Royal Bank, many a drooping wet masquerader with faces stained from the dye from wet feathers passed me by looking stunned that the weather had changed so suddenly.

Warrior Spirit with wet feathers TRIBE 2007


And even though the sun played hide and seek until evening, we were sprinkled intermittently for the rest of the day. That was the first time I can recall being rained on for Carnival Tuesday, I had experienced showers early a j'ouvert morning one year but nothing like being soaked in 2007 (albeit I was technically seeking refuge under the bank!).

Most masqueraders seemed to not let the sudden showers dampen their spirits and partied on through the rains all day. For the most part headpieces survived with feathers plumping back up nicely when they dried, others ran and stained not only feathers, but faces in blue and red. My costume that year was ruined though (it was white) along with the long skirts of those ladies in Peter Elias' Jean and Dinah section whose skirts were caked with mud and dirt!

Jean and Dinah section TRIBE 2007

God forbid it rains for Carnival and Port of Spain floods as it did last Tuesday, all the fletch dry powder in the world is not going to help when what you need is a boat and a paddle!! So here are some tips to help you weather the storm if it ever comes:

*Walk with a plastic bag in your pouch/man purse - this can be used as a rain poncho or to stash your headpiece in the event that it rains and also to spread on the soggy, muddy grass in the park when you stop for lunch; an all purpose weather gear!

*Wear Boots vs Sneakers - When wading through flood waters boots are essential. You will have the last laugh at all those who wonder why on earth you were buying knee high, water proof boots for Carnival when boots keep your legs so warm.

*At the first sign of ominous looking dark clouds hop up on the music truck - these may be the only vehicles that can navigate the flood waters in the event that South Quay is under four feet of water. Besides when the DJ switches to "Wet Meh Down" you can have your own rain party and an excellent view of others scampering for cover.

*Bling out your Brolly - this will be the hottest trend for 2009, decorated and embellished mini tote umbrellas to match your costume.

The case eve matches the costume!

* Don't even bother to try and head back to your hotel /home in the event that it floods - apart from the massive gridlock to escape Port of Spain you have all the supplies you would need to weather the storm right in the band; rum, music and captive people to wine on. Turn the streets into one big block-o all-inclusive fete since you are already dressed for the occasion in bikini and board shorts.

*And finally,adopt the attitude that when life gives you lemons make lemonade- so what if it rains, your costume gets soaked and you wake up the next day with a hacking cough? It beats being snowed in and freezing your a** off! The fete never stops.. it is C A R N I V A L!!!

PHOTO SOURCE:
www.carnivalscene.com

Wasting even more webspace because I pay for it....

After day long deliberations with my panel of eagle eyed costume critics, we have come to a conclusion that these two bras look very similar.. imitation and inspiration!

We have all agreed that the placement of beads are very similar, however it is the combination of this as well as the fact that the appliques mirror each other in placement as well as the scalloped edge makes BOTH bras look like one is inspired by the other.

Boy, that took us ALLLLL day to deliberate but it was a unanimous decision all around; clearly we allllll had nothing to do and I was really digging deep down.... after daily blogging, 365 days a year (since August 2006) to find SOMETHING to write about today. Oh and look! I made ONE topic two posts today; genius!

Inspiration or Imitation?

Inspiration comes from many places I guess.. ...but where is the line drawn between inspiration and imitation?

Belly Dance Costume 2004




Kaotic 2009




p.s. thanks for the very keen eyed blogger for the pics!

Vintage Tuesdays

1961 continues with the history of Carnival and memories of "Old Mask".

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