Sign Up With Pulse 8 for a free bag ...

I think last year's offer of free Scotch was much more tempting than a "free" goody bag:

Playing with Pulse8 for Trinidad Carnival 2008? Register in any of these 4 Pulse8 Sections* for the extra Diplomat carnival package!

Sign-Up in a "Diplomat" Section* and receive a FREE bag (along with your Pulse8 bag) full of useful Carnival goodies; Jergens® Cream, Bioré® Facial Wash, John Frieda® Shampoo & Conditioner, Ban deodorant, Perfit Sanitary Napkins & more!

Info: Call 681-9337, 481-4932, 767-5919 or see website for details: DiplomatEntertainment.com

Just tell your Pulse8 rep you're signing up through "Diplomat Entertainment" and you're done; remember this bag is totally COMPLIMENTARY!

This offer is valid until January 4th, 2008. Act now to secure your FREE bag!

Please show the attached Diplomat Entertainment Promo-card upon registering to ensure receipt of your extra Diplomat Carnival Package!

Merry Christmas!!!

Hope you all have a very enjoyable holiday and remember that the average person consumes 6,000-plus calories and 360g fat on Christmas Day; it would take roughly 780 minutes of running to burn off those calories So, knowing that Carnival is RIGHT around the corner here are some tips I compiled from various websites to keep the calories in check while we celebrate:

• Have an alcoholic drink but try to drink plenty of water, too. It will help you stay sober longer and will greatly reduce the likelihood of a hangover!Two glasses of Baileys equals to around 250 calories), if you want to indulge, stick to low-calorie drinks like wine (87 calories per glass) or Champagne (89 calories per glass). Creamy, sweet liqueurs are packed with calories and fat.

• Ignore the high-fat nibbles at parties. We can easily consume 500 calories without feeling we have eaten anything – so they are just not worth it.

• Just say no sometimes when the chocolates and sweets are being handed around. Remember, it takes 20 seconds to eat a single chocolate but 20 minutes of exercise to burn it off!

• Try sending your guests away with a doggy bag if you have too much food left after your party. You really don’t want it hanging around in your fridge!

• Forgo the skin and chose white over dark meat.

• Compensate for those extra calories. Go ahead and indulge an enormous meal in the afternoon but balance that with a light evening meal and a light lunch the next day.

Drinks
Avoid
• 1 large beer
• 2 large glasses white wine
• 1 large Baileys
Total: 592 kcal and 7.6g fat

Choose
• 1 gin and slimline tonic
• 1 glass Champagne
• 1 dry white wine spritzer
• 1 brandy
Total: 284 kcal 0g fat

Carnival Event Schedule

The following is the N.C.C.'s official list of Carnival Events:

click for larger view

Rio Carnival Costumes and the Greatest Show on Earth

The fact that spectators are now allowed to purchase a costume and participate in Rio’s Carnival illustrates that as times advance traditions do change. In this aspect Rio’s Carnival has taken a step in a direction comparable to Trinidad’s Carnival yet the two Carnivals remain distinctly different.

As I had reported before I am on the mailing list for Rio Carnival and frequently get updates, yesterday I got an email saying that costumes were ready for slection:

Dear Saucy Diva,

Thank you for already using Rio Carnival Services.

Per your request, we are pleased to let you know that all costumes for the 2008 Rio Samba Parade are already available.

Come and visit our dedicated page which explains how to buy your costume in order to be able to participate

www.rio-carnival.net/rio_carnival/rio_carnival_costumes.php

We suggest buying your costume in the first two weeks of January when usually all costumes are still available. However you will find costumes, sometimes with huge discounts, even a few days before the Parade for the less sought-after schools.

Regards,

Rio Carnival Services

www.rio-carnival.net

After perusing the many, many websites of Samba Schools which are offering “foreigners” a chance to experience Rio Carnival at a fee, I have come to the realization that the scantily clad samba girls on the float are only ONE genre of costuming in Rio’s Carnival. Sector members are the ones who actually comprise the entire band and each wing has a different costume. These costumes are akin to Mc Farlane, Minshall and even the ostentatious costumes of Trini Revellers to me. However the detail and decoration is theatrical, you can look at these costumes and gather a sense of the theme immediately, the fact that the costumes are only worn for ONE day at the maximum of a few hours affords the designers the flexibility to create costumes that are larger than life. Whereas our costumes in Trinidad for the most part emulate the skimpy samba girls and anything that is too elaborate is seen as cumbersome since we parade our costumes differently; it is two days of street partying for Trinis whereas in Rio it is a much more structured event focusing less on having a good time and more on strict competition:

General rules for participation

You have to have with you and wear all pieces of your costume. Nothing else can be seen with or on you (like other pieces of clothing, bags, cameras etc.) Do not change or substitute any parts of your costume. Most people already arrive in their costumes at their meeting point as there are no changing cabins. If you prefer changing there, just wear some bikinis or shorts and do as some of the locals do and feel free to change in the street.

Be also careful with all your costume items. Do not wear them anywhere before the Parade.

Be careful with the amount of alcohol or any drugs you might take before the parade. If any director of the School or your president notices that you are intoxicated you will not be allowed to parade because you could jeopardize your school's whole year's work.

Video and picture cameras are absolutely forbidden during the Parade, and rightly so, because they could spoil the procession and the glamour of the costume. But nothing and no-one will stop you from taking photographs during the preparation times, still outside the gates, as long as you find somewhere to put your camera before entering the gates (someone with you could keep them for you).

Do co-operate with and follow the instruction given by your president. He/she might prohibit you from parading if he/she finds anything wrong (e.g. with your costume).

During the parade, pay attention to your wing's flow of and cooperate with the stewards. Avoid gathering on only one side or leaving gaps, which can occur if people keep to only one side of the run-way, leaving the other side empty. The wing must parade and proceed in a symmetrical and evenly spread fashion, keeping the lines you formed during the warm-up.

I think the fact that the Samba Schools are allowed to parade in such an organized way through the Sambadrome creates a vivid impact which is relayed around the world. This is what the Savannah Stage was to Trinidad I suppose, an arena to showcase to the public the entire cohesion of your Carnival Band. With mas on the streets this is entirely lost I am afraid and until the coming of the much anticipated Carnival Centre, which mimics Rio’s Sambadrome in design our costumes will continue to be portrayed as a blur of bikinis.

Reading the description of what to expect at Rio’s Carnival I must say that it does not sound like too much fun, exciting yes, since you are in competition and get a chance to observe the entire spectacle from up close but nothing that is as liberating at our “greatest show on Earth!”. There are many rules to adhere to including no alcohol and to me the structure of the Carnival is a bit too rigid being used to “freedom” on the streets of Port of Spain and that is one element in which the two Carnivals vary greatly.

While I do harbour the dream of visiting Rio’s Carnival sometime in the future I am quite happy to enjoy Trinidad’s Carnival; it is all about the excitement leading up to the day for me and the fact that for two days I can let loose from all societal rules and truly let loose in total abandon. From choosing a costume to deciding how I am going to alter it to make it more “me”, the free expression that is uniquely Trinidad’s Carnival translates right through! We can all wear the same costume yet retain an individuality with make up, accessories or even how we choose to dance across the stage. The ONLY rule we need to adhere to is to jump, wave and breakway and that to me is what makes Trinidad's Carnival THE greatest show on Earth.

The following are only a small sample of costumes available for purchase from each of the Samba Schools, to get more information visit the links provided:

G.R.E.S. Mocidade Independente


Unidos do Viradouro


Beija Flor


G.R.E.S. Unidos do Porto da Puerta


G.R.E.S. Sao Clemente


Unidos de Villa Isabel


Portela


Mangueira


Unidos da Tijuca


G.R.E.S. Unidos Do Porto Da Pedra


And finally to read more about Rio's Carnival and what takes place visit this website; it is an interesting read if only to compare it to Trinidad's Carnival.

TRIBE Holiday Opening Hours

The following is the most recent email from TRIBE re: opening hours during the holidays.Note the deadline for costume transfers for all those buying costumes from other persons and the fact that the mas camp will be CLOSED from January 2nd! They are not playing with this early Carnival as costume distribution STARTS on January 23rd and ends on February 1st which is a Friday.. I wonder what is happening on Carnival Saturday?

TRIBE Holiday Opening Hours:




Christmas Eve - Dec 24th – 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Christmas Day – Dec 25th - CLOSED
Boxing Day- Dec 26th – CLOSED

Thursday 27th Dec & Friday 28th Dec – 12:00pm – 6:00pm

Saturday 29th Dec – 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Old Year's Day - Dec 31st - 10am to 2pm

Last day to make payments at the Mas camp & Senvia (Online)!

Last day to make any costume transfers!

New Year's Day – Jan 1st – CLOSED


Jan 2nd – Jan 22nd – Costume Payments Suspended


Costume Distribution & Final Payments – Wednesday 23rd Jan – Friday 1st Feb at Cascadia Hotel

Costume Collection Schedule will be released from Jan 14th via the website, email and newspapers!

Final Payments at Cascadia via cash & linx only





Seasons Greetings from all of us at TRIBE!

Revived and Rewind!

What do you call it when you rewind and remix from you OWN band?

Harts 2000:


Harts 2008:

Ever since I saw the section Showgirls and that "nude" decorated bra it has been nagging at me as I knew Harts had done the exact same costume before. At that time it was a special section and I was wowed that it was not offered to the regular masqueraders. Fast forward 7/8 years and it the design has been revived! At least they did it 8 years apart unlike TRIBE's Anemone 2006 remixed as Jab Jab in 2007

Island People Mas Fas Track Update

This email explains the online payment details for those who had questions:

Hi

If you would like to be eligible for our Fas-Trak system you may do so by paying off your balance by the 31st of December. Fas-Trak has a separate line at distribution, which allows for a faster process when collecting your costume.

For all online registrants interested in paying off costume balances:

Please note that due to the close proximity of Carnival, we can no longer use PayPal to process payments.

Instead, please Western Union your payment to Tiffany Hutcheon.

After sending payment, please send an email to info@islandpeoplemas.com with your transaction number, full name, address and registration details. Please head your email as 'Western Union Balance-YOUR NAME' in the subject line.

We thank you for your continued support and can't wait to see you on the road!!

IP Mas
'the fun has just begun'

As seen at Payless West Mall

While attempting to do some Christmas shopping for myself yesterday I ran into Carnival Jumbie at West Mall who pointed me to the direction of boots at the local Payless Shoe Store which she had discussed before in a comment on Afro Chic's Ate Logo boots find. Oh, a note on the Ate Logo Boots is that the metallic ones are very nice, I am thinking they can be worn as is , no further decoration needed and they are very light.

The boots at Payless West Mall are $240.00 and come in these two styles:

Sizes are somewhat limited at this branch since I saw nothing larger than a 8 and 1/2. These boots are certainly cheaper than the ones at Ate Logo and Piccadilly (check Afro Chic's blog to see photos of those), but will require spray painting to get the desired metallic effect. I tried one style at is it quite comfortable, I like that the inside is lined with a soft material that cushions the leg. As you can see many stores in Trinidad are getting on the boots bandwagon for Carnival!

I also heard from Tiffany (another blogger I ran into) that there are boots at a store upstairs West Mall but unfortunately did not have time to check them out; maybe sometime over the weekend I will brave the masses of shoppers to journey once again to the mall. And there you have it, another boots report for all those still looking for footwear!

Carnival 2008 launches and leaves questions unanswered

All the Minister of Culture, Marlene Mc Donald could say during the launch of Carnival 2008 yesterday was that mas on the move was a success for 2007, therefore it will continue for 2008. There was even an official Carnival song launched "the road so nice we doing it twice" which totally PISSED me off! There they go again with the MYOPIC view that we masqueraders so enjoyed mas on the move that a stage was not necessary; I will however save what I have to say for the subsequent email which I will be sending out along with the petition.

When pressed for answers as to why the initial construction of a stage and spectator stands was demolished and moved to the Eastern end of the Savannah none of the representatives of State or N.C.C. could give an answer; the Trinidad Express gives full details on this soap opera saga of Carnival 2008:

C2K8 launch raises questions
by Wayne Bowman wbowman@trinidadexpress.com

Thursday, December 20th 2007



National Carnival Commission chairman Keston Nancoo made a dash for the exit in an attempt to evade questions from the media, as did Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs Minister, Marlene McDonald, following yesterday's launch of Carnival 2008 at the Hilton Trinidad in St Ann's.

The question-and-answer segment, which followed a long-winded NCC public relations exercise masked as a media conference, was over after only two questions from reporters.

And still, only one question received a credible answer from Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Gilbert Reyes, who responded on what assurances he could give that there would be no police brutality upon members of the public during Carnival, as well as what measures would be put in place to ensure that plainclothes officers properly identify themselves before taking action.

Reyes said his officers would be out in full force from February 1 to ensure citizens' safety for the Carnival period.

Nancoo failed to provide satisfactory answers to questions on the challenges of switching from the original plans for C2K8 to the new one that was presented, as well as why the Panorama final was being held at Skinner Park, San Fernando, although the majority of panmen, including some from the South/ Central region, are in opposition to returning to that venue on Carnival Saturday.

Nancoo responded by saying that people need to exercise maturity in such situations, adding that it was Pan Trinbago that chose to return to Skinner Park and that the NCC was only facilitating the organisation's request. Asked how come neither Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold nor any other representatives of the pan body were present for the launch, Nancoo called for the launch to be ended and headed straight for the exit, alongside McDonald.

Arnold was, in fact, on the ferry heading for Tobago at the time of the launch, and no other member of the Pan Trinbago executive had been scheduled to attend. Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation president Michael "Protector" Leggerton was also notably absent.

Although the National Carnival Development Foundation has the majority of large bands in its membership, it was also represented at the launch, during which time the route for the Parade of the bands was revealed.

In her address, McDonald reminded the nation that in spite of their close proximity this time around, Christmas comes before Carnival and she admonished that the two festivals must be kept apart and people, "remain loyal to the traditional Christmas practices that can't be dislodged".

She called on the nation to enjoy the parang and religious celebrations of Christmas before getting started with Carnival.

In the same turn, McDonald said that because of the closeness of the two seasons, as well as the fact that everyone's focus a few weeks ago was the general election, time is of the essence and the Culture Ministry must play catch-up to have everything ready in time for C2K8.

"We will fearlessly confront the challenges and make use of the opportunities created in Carnival 2007," McDonald said, adding that the Ministry and NCC will build and improve on the present foundation as the nation moves towards realising Vision 2020.

SOURCE: Trinidad Express

Happy Holidays from Island People

To all who did not get this recent email from Island People Mas:

Hi

We'd like to take this opportunity to extend warmest Christmas greetings from the IP Mas family to you and yours. We wish you all a wonderful and safe holiday season and a bright and fun-filled New Year.

Please note that due to the short Carnival 2008 season, we are no longer accepting PayPal payments for Animal Instincts. Please inquire for instructions on how to send overseas payments.

As well, please note our altered holiday opening hours below:



Mon to Fri - noon to 6pm
Sat - noon to 4pm
Christmas Eve (24 Dec) - 10am to 2pm
Christmas Day (25 Dec) - CLOSED
Boxing Day (26 Dec) - CLOSED
Old Year's Day (31 Dec) - 10am to 2pm
New Year's Day (1 Jan) - CLOSED

Don't forget that December 31st is the deadline for all Fastrack payments.



The 2008 carnival frenzy has begun and we can't wait to unleash our Animal Instincts with you!!


Thank you,

IP Mas

The Fun Has Just Begun

BLINK Carnival Crew.. posers wanted

Well look how Blink (TSTT's broadband service) is looking for people to be part of their crew to represent at Carnival fetes in "sizzlin hot style":

We want you to go to the HOTTEST FETES and represent BLINK in style!
Join the sizzlin' BLINK promoter crew for Carnival 2K8.
If you are stylish, outgoing, love to fete, come down to TSTT Carpark, corner New and St. Vincent Streets,Port-of-Spain on Saturday 22nd December 2007 at 9:00am.

What do you need to bring?
Walk with 2 photos [head shot and full body]

Call Sharon for more info at 688-3778
Join the BLINK Revolution....Just BLINK, it's CARNIVAL!!!

I have to confess that when I was younger I did a party promotion for a certain brand of Vodka during Carnival with my friend and though it seems kind of lame and corny at first, when you were done with your "job" (pouring shots into guy's mouths) you were free to party! Best thing of all was that we also got paid so that was even better. What can be better than being paid to party ?

Anyways I have no idea if this BLINK promotion involves payment but at the very least it's an easy way to get into fetes for free if you are "hot and sizzlin"!

3 Canal is looking for talent

If you attended the 3 Canal Carnival Show this year you know it was a phenomenal performance. Well, auditions are now on for singers and dancers for next year's show, if you've got the talent this one is for you:

Are you ready to SHINE?
3canal is looking for "triple threats" [singer/dancer/actors] for The 3canal Show 2008.

The Hunt is still on for talent for The 3canal Show!
We resume auditions on SUNDAY 23 DEC at The Little Carib Theatre from 2:00PM

Potential performers will be required to come with a prepared song, dance or dramatic piece no longer than 1 minute.

Please come suitably attired i.e clothes that you can be flexible in, Track Suits, Tights, Leotards, etc. Jeans are NOT recommended
If you are interested come dong! to
Venue:The Little Carib Theatre
Cor White & Roberts Sts.
Woodbrook
Date: Sun 16th Dec
Time: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

more info call 623-7411 or email 3canal@gmail.com

Boots Alert!!

Ever the industrious boots hunter, Afro Chic has found some gold and bronze boots on sale locally at Ate Logo; check out her blog for photos, price and commentary! This is an excellent find for those of you in Trinidad, so get to Ate Logo and try on a pair if you are still looking for footwear.

Bling Fanny Packs

I am not a fan of fanny packs for Carnival, but I still see lots of people wearing them, I guess you can always sling it over the shoulder if it is that indispensable and wear it like a baguette! Thanks to "triniwifey" who is playing in Island People's Egret (frontline) for finding this Patricia Field sequined fanny pack:

The fanny pack comes in several colours and patterns as shown below and cost $24.00:


You can check them out at Patricia Field Online!

Spray Painting Suede

I had a question asked concerning spray painting suede boots, as popular opinion is that suede boots cannot be spray painted. My boots are "faux suede", or should I say more like faux nubuck and I have every intention of spray painting them gold. Blogger cb also bought faux suede boots and had great success spray painting them using FABRIC spray paint; here is the website of the actual brand that she bought and her photos:

click on photo for large view

The type of spray paint that cb used is called "Stencil Spray Paint For Fabric" the colour she applied is copper and it took two cans to spray paint both boots to the finish you see above. The boots look great , shimmery without any type of cracking or peeling. In fact I am so impressed with the patina I am getting the exact same paint for my boots in gold. It costs $6.50US which is around the same price one can of the regular vinyl spray paint.

So, now you know that you CAN spray paint suede, just look for the right type of spray paint for your project.

Silver Mist Boots

Everyone is getting into the boots business for Carnival 2008.Customised Silver Mist Boots are now available, here is the email that I got:

click on photo for large view

"Silver Mist Boots"
for Sale!

Custom Designed Especially for YOU!!!!

We found a fabulous pair of Sexy faux suede slouch boots, in Grey!!!
They match the costume PERFECTLY!

AND!!!!...they're super comfortable!...with a 1" wedge rubbe r heel : )

We are trying to decide whether or not to bring them in...
Depending on how many of you want them ....and how soon you reply to this email,
will make all the difference.

We did up a sample for you to see....
We trimmed the boot out in matching Grey fur around the top with assorted silver gems delicately scattered to enhance the boots front. Rhinestone fringe hangs freely
beneath that, giving your boots sass and movement.

Silver gems are also placed all over body of boot for that extra shimmer-shimmer!

The best we can do on price is.... $560TT 0r $86 USD

If you are interested in getting a pair?

Your Order MUST be in by this THURSDAY in the morning please!!!
Thursday 20th December, 2007 by 12noon

To place your order:

* Please see attached (A) Pic of boot & (B) Ord er form.

* Please download and fill out form, re-attach completed form and email back
to me.

* Your confirmation will follow as soon as we have sufficient size requests to
make the actual buy.

* 50% deposit due on or by Friday January 11th...
Balance can be paid when picking up boots.

* Pick-up dates: The entire week, st arting
Friday 25th Jan -Sun 3rd Feb...Carnival Sunday 12 noon


Contact JanineRenee - chula605@yahoo.com
Contact numbers: 212.926.2217 now
& 868.796.4475 from Dec 29th onwards....

To view actual sample: Contact Leasel Rovedas your Section Leader

Thank you...
And looking forward to seeing you on de road!!!!

Happy Holidays!
Happy New Year!!!
And
Here's to an Amazing Carnival 2k8!!!!!

JanineRenee`

And here is the order form that you can copy and email to Janine Renee:

SILVER MIST CARNIVAL BOOTS

LAST NAME: FIRST NAME:

SHOE SIZE:

(WE SUGGEST YOU GO ½ SIZE TO 1 SIZE BIGGER FOR EXTRA COMFORT AND NO BIG TOE ISSUES)

EMAIL: CONTACT #

Sunday Lime

Sweet Eye's Christmas show yesterday was unbelievably almost sold out by the time I got there, which was around 35 minutes after the official start. I still managed to score a necklace and a pair of ear rings that will match my costume! yay for me, sorry to all the people who turned up later and left empty handed:

It was amazing to me that the jewelry was gone SO quickly, and there were some gorgeous pieces that I missed out on, like the matching bracelet to my necklace. Hopefully after Carnival we will again be treated to another show.

After that little soiree at Sweet Eye it was off to Triniscene's Christmas Lime in Valsayn which was a "thank you" to their friends, supporters and well wishers. Twas a nice get together; I had fun, enjoyed some pastelles, ruined my diet and even bounced up a blogger!

The lime was not only in Trinidad over the weekend as the bloggers overseas met up for a baby shower AND a birthday brunch. I saw the photos, you ladies looked like you had a great time!

Myths and Magic Kings and Queens

Forgive me if I am late with this one, yesterday was a hectic day for me so now catching up on the new developments over at TRIBE. If you don't know what I am speaking about, take a look at the sketches that have been revealed on TRIBE's website for the "King" and "Queen" of 5 sections:

Isis Queen


Pixie Dust Queen


Silver Mist Queen


Sungod(dess) King


Water Nymph King

The King costumes I like, especially Water Nymph but the only Queen costume I am liking at the moment is Pixie Dust which looks as if a scaled down version could have been a frontline option! Isis does not match up with the Goddess theme to me, where does the top hat and hoop skirt come in though I love the idea of the corset? Silver Mist looks quite avant garde, and one I will have to see how the drawing translates to the real life.

The good news is that these costumes are available for anyone desirous of portraying a King or Queen and the designs can be tailored to the individual, so bits and pieces can be added or removed within the context of the design, all at a cost of course; price range for the King and Queens are not cheap! So, if you are interested contact TRIBE's mas camp for more details.

A.W.O.L. 2008

With the trend of all-inclusive fete prices starting at $400.00+ for Carnival 2008, the cost of rigorous partying will surely buss some people's pockets as one weekend of fetes will drain you at least $1000.00! Thinking about it, if one was to hit up all-inclusive fetes every weekend for January they will spend MORE than the average cost of a costume!

Amnesia is $575.00 by the way and tickets go on sale from Monday the 17th of December at the IF house (628-wish/9474); I am sure by the time the actual party date rolls around on January 5th the price would go up, crossing the $600.00 mark.. that is $100.00US to you people overseas.

Anyway, I was pretty surprised to see that A.W.O.L. is "only" $350.00, though this may not be as popular a party as others during the Carnival week I heard it was very good this year and might be an option for those looking for an enjoyable fete that will not leave you broken!

And on the topic of parties rumour has it that Diamond Vale Breakfast party tickets are SOLD OUT!! Sources say this rumour is spread every year among foreigners, but those in "the know" will be where they are supposed to be on Boxing Day. Good luck in securing your tickets!

Free Costumes to be Won !!!

TRIBERs take note if you have not yet gotten the email: