Bagogyul in NYC

My T&T Carnival Countdown Has Begun!!!

2008-01-02T11:06:00.001-05:00

Ok, I've been a very naughty girl and I probably need a spanking. But in protest I have to say me not posting isn't totally all my fault....after Miami carnival the months just sped by so quickly and I apologize! Chrisnaval is No JOKE people!
But the good news is...I'm back and my Trinidad & Tobago Countdown has Begun!!!!!!

My Checklist:
-Plane Tix
-Costumes
-Jouvert Band
-Suitcases-Outfits(*Still working on this)
-Shoes
-My body (Yeah I must admit...I look hot!!!)
-Accessories

Miami Carnival Review

2007-10-14T22:10:00.000-04:00

I know I promised an entire review of my Miami Carnival experience, but since cousin (http://kaiserball.blogspot.com/2007/10/miami-carnival-review.html) is doing the blow by blow fete ting. I'll just share my Carnival Day experience.

9:oo am HQ an I are up and ready to start our process of costume dressing.
Yeah the parade is starting at 12pm, but Fabulosity takes time (HELLO)!
Kailia,Caramelsista & Reena are joining us in our room to dress, makeup and glitter up.

By the time we are glammed up and piled up in my rental RAV-4 it's already Noon.

WE READY, WE READY FOR MAS AGAIN! EXCITEMENT!

We decide to follow Tallest directions and park @ Bicentennial Park and then cab it over to the Parade starting point.

1:00 pm bands are lined up and we see our truck and fall behind in a nice slow chip.
Unfortunately our slow chip turns into a power walk because the Miami Po'Po's are telling our truck to"keep it moving"

Geesh, can a girl enjoy the street, yes d' sun hot, and I can feel the tar melting under my boots. But, ermmmm, can we enjoy the road a little bit!

Yes the hater's were out in full swing too, and tried to muddy up my "pretty costume". But don't Hate, Appreciate and looking at us should Motivate you to join our band next year. (that's all)
But.....I digress! Back to the MAS!

So as we meet the Causeway (doh ask me the name..I'm not a Miami-ite) the Lieutenant asks us to turn off the music. I'm starting to panic because I'm immediately getting flash backs of Mandarin Martini year 05'. This was the first year at the park and they diverted us away from our music and drink trucks and herd us like cattle in this caged area.

I'm trying to breathe and not freak out and think positively. It's fricking 3pm and the Vibes are low. So our band and all of the bands are escorted by the police into the park; under the highway safe and soundly. As soon as we are IN; music starts back and the trucks are lined up according to MCI's original band # order.

I'm happy so is my crew, we were getting worried because we thought it was all over; turns out it was only the beginning.

Now as you know this year us FlvaGirls, decided to go with Vibrationzzz. I swear we were the smallest costumed band in the entire carnival, but LAWD FADDER. When Walshy Killa and Dawg E Slaughter finally reached the truck (another story that I cannot even share) PRESSAHHHHHH!

Our first judging point, Ricky T was on stage. http://www.toronto-lime.com/music/2007/stl/stl2007_ricky_t_pressure_boom.htm

Need i say more.

According to HQ, there were so many things going on at the same time we couldn't capture everything on film.
This is what I remember:

Rick T, Slaughter on stage at our first judging point

Man trying to dance with one of our plus sized ladies and falling (don't worry guys I wasn't hurt...they didn't get me)

Guinness Moko Jumbies grinding on one of our masqueraders on the side of the truck

A line of 20 Peacock ladies "going down low" to Zoleah's song

Some crazy chick in costume doing a split on the stage (:

Dawg E Slaughter jumping off the truck and teaching us the Vibrationzzz Dance (Wham to dem,superman)

Going back to jump up with d' Dutty Crew from Bklyn, but finding out the truck shut down cause of some fights (dang, u cyah take Bklyn people anywhere)

The carnival finished around midnight; we left before though. Our plan was to go to Jabba Strikes Back. Sleep took over and we missed out on that party @ Bongo's.

We had a time on the road and after a night's sleep my crew and I were ready to go again. T&T next....Hey!

Vibrationnnnzzzzzzzzzzzzz, next year for sure.

Miami Carnival Done....Back to Mi Self NOW!

2007-10-09T19:19:00.000-04:00

OMG....MIAMI SSSSSSWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTT FOR DAYS!

VIBRATIONZZZZZ, smallest band on d' road with the BIGGGGEEESSSSTTT VIBES!
No joke atall.
Allyuh ah real tired eh! So I will have my entire miami carnival review later.

Here they Are!

2007-09-24T09:07:00.001-04:00

These are my boots for Miami Carnival.....and possibly Trinidad on Carnival Monday.

Ok to be totally honest, this is the closest pic of my boots that I could find online.

These badboys are from WetSeal.

Mines are from Charlotte Russe, unfortunately they don't have them online so these will have to do for visual.

Enjoy!

IS IT OCTOBER YET!

Chuneeeeeeee!

2007-09-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Dis is MI CHUNE for Miami!
Ah jess seeing my waist pelting from side to side; left to right with this one.

Is it October yet??????

OHHHH OHHHHH OHHHH OHHHHH!
Tek ah wine Tek ah wine!!!!!!

Allyuh listen to the words of this song....
It's everything CARNIVAL:

"No more sleep till carnival done
Ah jumping up in d' burning sun
And I doh care if you aint come down
Cause dat cyah stop me from having fun"

Party Animal
by Problem Child
St. Vincent Carnival Road March Winner

http://www.toronto-lime.com/music/2007/svg/svg2007_problem_child_party_animal.htm

Link from www.toronto-lime.com
Check them out for More Chunes!

And we goh jam down in MIAMI!

2007-09-04T09:46:00.000-04:00

Labor Day carnival has come and gone. THE OFFICIAL COUNT DOWN IS ON FOR MIAMI CARNIVAL!

Bienvenidos A MIAMI!

Yes, the countdown is on for me! I haven't taken time off from work since Trinidad carnival. Last week I even packed. (Yeah!) Mi Grip is leaning up in the corner of my bedroom with carry-on nestled on top.

So as you can see, I'm itching to get on that plane and head down d' road. Yes you can say I'm "feigning". .... buh I doh care. I loveeeeeeeeeeeeee Miami and I CYAH WAIT!

This year the Flva Girls crew hitting the road with Vibrationzz. http://www.vibrationzz.com/ Peacock section to be exact!
(deemed the Green Goddess section)

Miami Check List:

Plane Tix (Since June...I doh play dat!)

Car Rental

Costume

Mas Boots

Mas Accessories

Hot Outfits (Only fitting for MIAMI)

Sun Block (D'Sun is no JOKE!)

Smoking Body ( Ah ready fuh Allyuh...Assume di Position Men!)

D' Mas Start....Heavy Abs Training

2007-07-30T09:27:00.000-04:00

It's been a longggggggggg time. But I've just been "lying in da cut"! What a fabulous weekend. No I didn't make it to Trinidad to attend's Tribes Launch. But THANKS...MUAH! to
Ms. Saucy D, I was able to view pics from the launch.
Now after seeing Naked Mist and Black Magic......I'm motiviated to amp UP my workout regime. Yes, It's only July, but before we know it February WILL BE HERE.
Carnival is early next year...So NO STICKING.

http://www.guardian.co.tt/features2.html
"Are you training your abdominals correctly" Brian Chin Leung

An ever increasing waistline, which seems to have taken on a life of its
own, is a sure cause for concern by both men and women.
While some men and women harbour secret desires to have some of their body parts larger; all men and women unanimously agree, that the waistline, is one area where they do not
wish to see any increase in size.
Everyone has a six pack; it’s just that some people still have their own in the case.

Aerobics and diet
If you want your abdominals to show, you first have to burn off that layer of fat that
hides your six pack.
Now, since 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.

This can be accomplished by embarking on a structured programme of
aerobic training (running, biking, cardio-karate etc.) at least four times per
week for a time frame of 40 minutes or more in each session.
Aerobic training coupled with a selective low carb diet will drop your body fat
percentage.

Abdominals anatomy
Before I detail proper abdominal training
technique, let’s have a quick look at abdominals anatomy.
The four main abdominal muscles are:
n Rectus Abdominus—This muscle gives you that
six-pack appearance. It runs from the pubic area right up to the rib area.

Transverse Abdominus—If you were to place your fingers on your abs and then
cough, the muscles that you feel moving would be the transverse abdominus. Its
role is to stabilise the trunk and maintain abdominal pressure.

External
Oblique—These are positioned on each side of the rectus abdominus. They allow
the trunk to twist, but to the opposite side of which external oblique is
contracting.

Internal Oblique—These flank the rectus abdominus and are
located just inside the hip bones. They operate in the opposite way to the
external obliques.

Abdominals training technniques
The most popular abdominal exercise, performed by many gym enthusiasts, is the floor crunch.
Many people perform the floor crunch incorrectly, because of bad elbow and
chin positioning.
After interlocking your fingers behind your neck, keep
your elbows open and wide. If you attempt to draw your elbows close to each other, you are going to engage your neck muscles.
This is why so many people complain about having neck pain during the crunch.
While executing the crunch, also ensure that your chin remains lifted and does not dip towards your chest.
To correct bad chin positioning, try this—take a tennis (lawn) ball
and place it under your chin, so that it is positioned between your chin and
your chest; then perform your crunches. I believe however, that the floor
crunch is overrated as an abdominal exercise. It is effective, but it is
definitely not the most effective abdominal exercise.
Think carefully, if you have not worked your chest (pectorals) for a month with flat bench press; don’t your chest muscles feel very sore after resuming the bench press after a
month’s rest?
Now, if you stay off of floor crunches for a month and then
resume performing them; do you feel any soreness from having effectively worked
your ab muscles?—Probably not.

The most effective abdominals
Hanging knee raises—While hanging from a chin up bar, so that both of your legs are off
the floor and your hands are securely gripping the bar, begin by simply bringing
your knees to your chest and hold for a second while in this position; then
bring the legs back down again.
Do not let your legs swing in the bottom position, as this enables for momentum to take over, which will then take the stress off of your abdominal muscles.

Swiss ball crunches—While I don’t
particularly favour floor crunches, I do believe that Swiss ball crunches are
extremely effective, because the range of motion is deceptively greater without
compromising the health of your lower back.
Lie on a Swiss ball so that the ball contours to your lower back. The more you position the ball towards your butt on your lower back, the more difficult the exercise.

Hanging leg raises—This exercise is similar to hanging knee raises except that your legs are
kept straight, with knees held in a soft position, while you move your legs
through a 90 degree angle to your torso.
Be consistent with your ab routine
and that six pack will appear as your reward.

—Keep Training.

Start D' Mas

2007-05-18T09:16:00.000-04:00

Hey Peter Ray Blood of Trinidad Guardian says it...doh watch me.
I'm getting so excited.....Bring it On!

http://www.guardian.co.tt/pulse.html

HAVING previously warned you of the deluge of mas coming your way for 2008,
the flood gates have opened. Even before the rainy season officially commences,
at least one new mas band is scheduled to announce its arrival next week
Thursday, adding to the fast-changing face of T&T Carnival.
D’Krewe, led by popular south masman Roland St George, is moving up from being a
section-producing entity to that of mas-production outfit. The launch takes
place at The Penthouse of Algico Plaza, 91-93 St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain.
Through the years, St George has been an avid masquerader, thrilling
audiences with his stunning portrayals in the King of Carnival competition. This
year, he portrayed Le Bijou, from Trini Revellers’ presentation of The French
Revolution and was a runner-up in the national king final.
The mas grapevine has been pulsating with new breakouts by enterprising mas people wishing to emulate new producers Tribe and Island People, and now St George and D’Krewe.
Among the names of 2008 debutantes being bandied around have been retired West
Indies cricket captain Brian Lara, Ronnie and Caroline McIntosh, and reigning
King of Carnival Curtis Eustace.
In other C2K8 mas news, Stephanie Johnson, who led 2 Ha’qui for the past two years, has now teamed up with Trevor Wallace & Associates, a winner in this year’s competitions.
Just over the next couple of months, the huge mas band launches are expected to begin, led off by Harts Int and Tribe.

Mas in the streets till 2K9

2007-05-04T08:50:00.000-04:00

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news11.html

But When IS D' Launch?

2007-04-24T11:27:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's only April month-end but geez and ages...can a sister get a launch date.
HELLOOOOOOO!
So this morning I'm going through posts on Carnival Central and my eyes spot a post "Tribe and Island People Launch dates". Well my heart start to palpitate one time, and excitement and adrenalin began to kick in.

BIG STEUPS! When I clicked on "said" topic, this chic was asking when are the launches, and NOT supplying any information. Well you know I give a big steuppppsss and exited the post. I was getting ready to look for my flights to head down d' road to T&T.

Well all is not lost, as of 5 minutes ago TRIBE sent a blast email announcing it's Model Search.
Now if I remember clearly, last year this email was sent in early June. Hence, giving us Mas Fanatics a glimmer of a tentative launch date. Now if my calculations are correct, Launch date should be somewhere Mid to End of July.

Oh yeah...it's on and popping....let the Carnival Craze....BEGIN!

Ah Here...Allyuh!

2007-04-11T12:30:00.000-04:00

Peeps, I'm so totally neglecting my blog these days. No fault of my own though, I had to go back to T&T for an untimely death in the family. It was a bitter sweet moment, as I was not looking forward to the whole funeral "ting"... I am just not one who deals well in these situations. But it was good to go home and get a week off from this so-called "Spring" weather were' having in NYC.

Just imagine me hopping off the plane at JFK expecting cool spring-like breezes, but to be afflicted with threatening ice -cold winds.

Lawd faddah, why did my mother choose this place to migrate to....out of ALLLLLLL the places in this U S of A.

Anyway, I'm back and still looking forward to the NYC-Brooklyn Boatride season. Just added to my list in June -DJ Spice Baby Blue. But first, Miss D's "Eye's Wide Shut" in May.

Still waiting on Tribe to announce their launch date; I did get a snippet of information on Trinidad Guardian: Peter Ray Blood's Pulse Magazine ( http://www.guardian.co.tt/pulse.html) that Dean Ackin will soon announce the theme of Tribe's Ck8 presentation name. Also hints of a tentative launch date for end of July.
Mr. Ackin, hurry up nuh....I want to book my ticket, may even hop over to Barbados for some "wukking up" in Crop-Over.

Wohooooooooooooooooo!

Until

bago

Spring Is Officially Here....

2007-03-21T10:32:00.000-04:00

Ah yes, Spring is finally and officially here in NYC.
Who says New York City's not a beautiful place? Heck, travel around the city and you're bound to see the friendliest squirrels darting about, folks sitting back and enjoying the wonderful Spring breezes and yes, flowers blooming all over.

NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTT!
So why d' jail it still so fricking COLD~ Jeezzzzzusssssss!

Well the good news is, my evenings are much brighter as we moved forward the clocks one hour two weekends ago and "Sprung Ahead". I'm no longer getting home in the pitch dark and I love the fact that it's sunny but still a bit cool on evenings.

Seeing that I don't own a magical time machine and can't go back to Trinidad Carnival a few weeks ago. I'll have to get out of my post-partum carnival depression Funk somehow. Machel Montano concert at MSG on Friday will have to suffice. Center stage seating I'll be there with bells on and my new peep toe pumps; Even if it's cold outside.

I'm also looking forward to "Boat Ride Season". The first one on my list is Eyes Wide Shut. Can't wait for that one~. Yes we Brooklynites know how to throw a party; and what better place than on Pier 82 UP and Down the Hudson River while gyrating to Pelf and Jason Benn's Boat Ride Anthem.
This is my only glimmer of hope for any excitement in this bland NYC life that I'm trying to live.

Later peeps, I'm out!

Bago.

Ah real Lapsing...Oui!

2007-03-13T20:10:00.000-04:00

I'm trying guys. I haven't been able to post something of substance for awhile.
But it's not my fault. Since I've been back from TnT, I just can't seem to get out of my funk.
It actually hurts my heart, I 'm trying to get back to my normal way of life. But I'm seriously going thru some major POST PARTUM CARNIVAL DEPRESSION.

If you're in the same FUNK......How are you guys dealing with this?

Carnival Come And Gone!

2007-03-04T17:14:00.000-05:00

Tuesday: Eyes Wide Shut
Wednesday: Bacchanal Wednesday
Thursday: Tribe Fete
Friday: Fantastic Friday Soca Monarch
Saturday: Dawn
Sunday: Jouvert (Chocolate City)
Monday: Tribe Mas
Tuesday: Tribe Mas
Ash Wednesday: Tobago

Trinidad carnival was Sweet!
I wish I could turn back the hands of time and go back to 2weeks ago.
All of the parties were jamming, the vibes were amazing.
From Jouvert to Carnival Tuesday was an extraordinary experience.
Tribe is my band and I enjoyed my carnival experience, with no stress because of them. I LOVE IT!
Next year, I'm there.
Next stop, Crop-Over!

I'M BACK!

2007-02-24T10:24:00.000-05:00

Still a little jetlagged, but will come back later with my carnival experience.

Open d' Gate

2007-02-12T12:36:00.000-05:00

Or maybe I should say: "Open d' plane door!"
People, I'm out!
Have a Happy and Safe Carnival.

PEACE!

P.S. Just incase you've lost all hype or you are not going to TnT for carinval.
Check out lot's of new videos on www.trinijunglejuice.com

IS IT CARNIVAL YET!

2007-02-06T09:30:00.001-05:00

Allyuh, IS IT CARNIVAL YET!
I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!
I can hardly type this message right now, i'm so excited.
Yesterday Machel Montano release d' Jumbie in Woodford Square and straight into my headsets. I was listening to him live during his B-Mobile Concert in d' Square; thanks to www.red967fm.com

Today is RoyCape All Stars

Check it out guys, it starts at 12:00pm T&T time.

Later,
Happy packing!

New Name...Same Ole BWEE!

2007-01-24T10:40:00.000-05:00

So yesterday I took mi fass self and decided to log on to http://www.caribbean-airlines.com/ to check my travel itinerary. As you all may recall from my blog entry about "Tek ah towel and band mi belly "http://bagogyulinnyc.blogspot.com/2006/11/tek-toweland-band-mi-belly.html .
I purchased my tix for carnival in November, so the memories of my flight specifics: like date, time and suitcase requirements are very FRESH in my mind. The flight I purchased on bwee's website specified that I was leaving on Tuesday February 13th @ 11:59pm and Arriving in POS on Wednesday February 14th @ 6 am.

Well who tell me, Trust that this information remained the same. Surprise, Surprise! My flight is on Tuesday February 13th @ 12:15 am.

Ok, maybe I'm just tired and reading the itinerary wrong. It's been a long day at work and my Task list is piling up. After all it is a midnight flight. RIGHT!
So I decided to call and have a customer service rep, explain to me exactly the date of my flight and what DAY I should be in the JFK. ( Just for my clarification!)

The conversation went as:
Me: Hello, Good Afternoon I would like to clarify my travel times for my upcoming trip next month.
Agent: What is your Last Name?

Me: JO

Agent: Melanie Jo

Me: No, that's Bagogyul Jo

Long Pause....All I hear is typing. Do I even have a reservation. Lawd! Ok I'm Calm!

Agent: Yes we have your reservation here Confirmed.

Me: What day and time am I supposed to be in the airport for Check-In?
I'm a bit confused with this midnight flight schedule!

Agent: Monday Night @ 9pm Check-In begins.

Me: Monday Night, February 12th @ 9 pm is Check-In!
Great, Thanks for your help!

Could I have gotten some sort of email, a phone call, hey I don't know a tele-gram letting me know of this change. Imagine me going to the Airport on Tuesday night and Bawiling, Crying, and Rolling on JFK's tiled floor because I missed my flight and Of course there are no more. Because it's the week before Carnival and all flights are completely SOLD OUT! Somebody was getting me to POS. Even if I was going to sit on the Captains lap.

Please Beware, check your itineraries, CaribAir, American, Continental.
Just Check them!

Licensing Fete Was Da BOMB!

2007-01-22T10:47:00.000-05:00

So this was my fete outfit eh: Furry Cashmere socks, quilted red and white blanket and my Tommy Hilfiger Cotton V-neck nightie.

No I wasn't there physically, but thanks to 96.1 WeFM http://www.96wefm.com/ live broadcast & Dell Desktop.....I was jamming along with the other 10,000 patrons.

Now it wasn't all great at the beginning of the fete, the kiss mi tail feed kept on buffering. I'll have to send Mr. Laundry an email concerning this. Besides the touch-and -leggo feed I got to hear almost all of my favorite bands and artists.

First up was Mr. Bunji Garlin-Lyons, well although the Fyah Man voice was gone and he asked us patrons to help him sing. His performance was high energy and he kept blazing all of his 2k7 chunes one after the other. At one point he said “Jesus Christ, look at crowd!”

Classic ah tell yuh!

Next up was mi gyul Ms. Saucy Wow herself, (not Saucy Blog) but Denise Saucy Wow Belfon. (Bwahha) All I could do was picture home-girl onstage doing d' damned ting self "Bicycle Wine".

*Attached is a picture I found on the Trinidad & Tobago Newsday of Ms.Belfon in Mid-wine.

The announcer had to interject at this point and tell us listener's what and how this was being done. Well I cannot wait to see dis ting, cause we all know Ms. Saucy Wow can throw dong a wine.

After that was Shurwayne and d' BIG Band Traffik. Mr. Winchester gathered all of the big flags and went back into his "Look D' Band Coming"---------all the way up to "Open D' Gate"

Nuff said about that!

Next up was KMC and his Band Red White and Black....well I have to be honest here. I fell asleep for about 20 minutes. I was tired allyuh! And the dammed feed kept on buffering. So falling asleep was inevitable. I only got the last bits of his performance where he brought on FireBall.

Ok...I was NOT about to fall asleep here cause Machel Montano and HD were up next. There was a buzz all week on almost all of the T&T news blogs that he would be releasing his new chune "Jumbee". Well let me say if anything could have dragged me out of my slumber it was Mr. Machel. He came on the stage full force and didn't stop until the announcer said "We have to cut this feed to Licensing Fete, thanks for listening!"

Allright, back to Mr. Montano's performance....well HD really should mean "HOT Damned" cause the energy was OFF DA CHAIN. I'm talking non-stop hit after hit. Patrice Roberts sang her hit "Sugar Boy". Her vocals were really ON POINT!

At one point Mr. Machel asked the crowd "Like allyuh Tired". And this man was not even breathing hard or sounding the least bit out of breath. Then he stated: "Ah going an release ah new chune for allyuh tonight....it will drop sometime next week!"

Well doh ask me who, what, or why! Cause I was so in a trance when he started singing that I don't even remember what the lyrics, catch-phrases or harmonies are.

All I know is this: D' Chune Wickettttttttttttttttttttt!

It's like a Retro- Machel bass, jouvert-ish ting.

Lawd Fadder, I cyah wait to hear it again.

Next Saturday night, same place, same time, new fete: GAL FARM

Later, Peeps. I'm out!

It BRICK Outside!

2007-01-17T11:15:00.000-05:00

Lawd fadahhhhhhhhh! It bleeding cold today!
Thank God I have a mini gym in my basement, cause there was no way I was driving to Lucille Roberts last night.
Winter is finally here and I think the big clock said -20 deg Celcius. OK!

Yeah It's That Cold.

Going back to work now, or atleast trying to work!

Later People!

My count down is going down, 27 days till I land in Sweet Sweet TNT!

MI BACK BONE HURTING MEH!

2007-01-09T09:49:00.000-05:00

....And mi two eyes burning me!

This waking up at 5am is no joke, but i'm not giving up.
An hour on the bike and then some pilates. Last night I also had a "Butt and Gutt" class so I am in some serious pain this morning from all of that squatting and squawking.

That unforgiving bat costume needs me to look hott!
Don't give up my fellow bloggers we are a month away, keep it moving!

Carnival is here! Are you getting the Feeling!
I AM!

Somebody Call my Supervisor!

2007-01-05T09:48:00.001-05:00

Allyuh, yesterday I put in my time off for Carnival to my manager!
She was like " oh D' I'm sorry I didn't reply to your email about your vacation days, but those dates are fine"

Riggggghtttttttt O!, Heifer!

OK, like I wasn't going to go on my vacation if you didn't approve my days off. Puhleasseee!
They are really clueless about this carnival thing eh! BWAahhhaaaaa!
I cyah help buh laugh at that one!

So for all of those who are making up 10million and one excuses for your job's release.
Remember this song: Supervisor- Atlantik featuring Marvin "Marlu" Lewis
I'll post a link to this song later!

EXPOSE!

2007-01-04T12:15:00.000-05:00

Oh MY FRICKING....GAWDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!
CHUNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
EEEEEEEEXXXXXXXXXXXXXPPPPPPPPOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Ok, can allyuh say fiyahhhhhhhhhhh chune!
I can see mi self on d' road exposing myself!
Oh gosh...ah cyah breathe....somebody fan me...fan me!
I can barely type...
Take ah listen:
http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/socamusic.html

Song: "EXPOSE"
EL A Kru feat Tizzy

MEK UP ALLYUH MIND!

2007-01-04T09:25:00.001-05:00

Geez and ages, wah d' tail going on!
Okay so I done mek up mi mine to prance around town all day without a destination "Savanah".
Now to be reading that civil engineers deems Jean Pierre Complex and Skinner Park "unsafe" venues for some of the major carnival events.
Come on nuh, mek up unno mind!
SSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news1.html
"More mas worries Skinner Park, Jean Pierre Complex deemed unsafe"

BY CORDIELLE STREET
The state of both venues was of such concern to the civil engineers, that the information was passed onto the SIGs before the official report has been sent to Minister of Works and Transport Colm Imbert, said another spokesman.
Meanwhile, the Urban Development Corporation of T&T (Udecott) has yet to issue a detailed timeline for the demolition of the Grand Stand.
Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs Joan Yuille-Williams and members of the National Carnival Comission (NCC) board were convened in a late night meeting (last night) at the NCC’s savannah head office.
In attendance, the Guardian was informed, was Minister in the Ministry of Culture Eddie Hart, Pan Trinbago President Patrick Arnold, National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) vice-president Felix Celestine, Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco) president Michael “Protector” Leggerton, NCC commissioners Paula Atherley and Sigler Jack.
However, sources said the election of a chairman and deputy chairman was to be made at the meeting and Jack was tipped for the highest-ranking position.
Ironically, Jack is the commissioner in charge of construction of Carnival facilities.
The Ministry of Works is the body that overseas and facilitates all of NCC’sconstruction for the Carnival period.
The argument has been presented by many Carnival shareholders that the Government should allow Carnival at least one more year in the savannah.

The Count Down Is ON!

2007-01-03T10:46:00.000-05:00

Oh goshhhhhhhhh ah ova Excited!
Allyuh, not excited!
T&T here I come!

No More Skylarking!

2006-12-31T23:44:00.000-05:00

But if you were not serious about working out, with six more weeks to go till carnival; you just might make your costume look hottt!
Check out this great article from Trinidad Guardian, my favorite trinidad trainer:
http://www.guardian.co.tt/features1.html
Six-week carnival shape-up

So despite my warnings, you were intent on devouring that artery-clogging
black fruit cake and the tempting bottle of ponche de crème given to you by your
grandmother. Now that Christmas is over, you are worried about shedding
those extra pounds you gained during the yuletide season.
Carnival is looming around the corner and you have approximately six weeks
to fit into that costume you ordered since September.
You are probably conjuring up images of slabs of fat hanging over your wide carnival belt, or wondering if there will be a shade of stockings dark enough to hide the dimpled quantity of cellulite stored at the back of your legs, which now gives your
thighs a cottage cheese appearance.
Dark stockings and glitter can only take you so far. You now have to be prepared to pull out all the stops which would entail tightening your diet and sticking to your fitness programme.
Strictly speaking, if you are playing mas, you should have stepped up your fitness and your nutritional programme since September.
However, asking the average Trini to train and eat properly during the Christmas season is a monumental task.
Nevertheless, if you are prepared to work hard, we can have you
looking fairly decent in your carnival costume. Bear in mind, these are general
guidelines. You may desire a more specific programme relative to your body type.
Week one
During the first week in January 2007, I want you performing
only aerobic training. You could jog, walk, bike, run or perform Tae-Bo for at
least 45 minutes per session. Use a heart rate monitor to ensure that you
are within your training zone. Your degree of intensity in any of the above
mentioned disciplines will depend on your present level of fitness.
Do five aerobic workouts in this week. Abs must be done five times per week during the next six weeks. At this point, start eliminating junk foods which include
chocolates, fried foods, soft drinks, ice cream etc from your diet. Choose your
carbohydrates carefully by using the Glycemic Index rating as a general guide.
From the Glycemic Index, you will notice that white flour (white bread),
white rice, mashed potatoes etc all have very high ratings.
Stay away from these foods. Quality carbohydrates with low glycemic index ratings include: sweet potatoes, yams, oats, brown rice etc. If you want a specific diet consult a certified nutritionist. For the full six weeks be disciplined with your eating
habits.
Week two
In addition to some aerobic training, you are now going
to add weight training to the equation.
At Carnival time, two body parts that are usually quite noticeable on women and men are legs and abdominals.
Women in particular need to work legs very hard, because most female
costumes begin life as a bikini. Men sometimes feel that there is no need to
work legs, because most times they wear baggy short pants.
They are wrong; women will still notice your leg size even when you are in your baggies. Apart from that, what about your calves?
Unless you intend to play sailor mas, it is a good idea to work your legs.
In week two concentrate on basic movements which include squats, clean and press, bent knee dead lifts, barbell curls, military and bench presses. Weight train for approximately 1 hour, four times per week.
Continue your aerobic training with at least two long sessions (45
minutes) on the days that you don’t weight train and on your weight training
days put in at least 20 minutes of aerobic training just before you start your
weight training workout.
Week three
Begin to refine your weight training workouts. Work whichever body parts (muscle groups) are giving the most amount of trouble, with a wide variety of exercises Use the same format as in week two for your aerobic training.
Week four
In week four, I only want two weight training sessions and in both sessions I want you to continue to work difficult body parts. Increase your aerobic workouts to four long sessions (45 minutes each) for this week.
Week five
Most big gyms carry weight training circuit workouts with specific machines. Circuit train four times in this week and ensure that you keep your heart rate elevated, as you move quickly to each station. Work all muscle groups during circuit training (45 minutes).
Week six
Perform three long sessions (45 minutes each) of aerobics for
this week then cease all aerobic training.
For the rest of the week and remaining days till Carnival Friday concentrate only on various weight training routines and include some basic movements: squats, clean and press etc.

Happy Holidays to one and All!

2006-12-27T13:49:00.000-05:00

Proof...allyuh I finally have proof of Sanell Dempster song "Chocolate"
"Yes ah...yes ah want it......"
"I craving d' dark chocolate......"
Ohhhh GAWWWWWWWWWWDDDDDDDDDDDDDD! CHUNEEE!
Allyuh have to listen to this song...d' jab jab beat in d' song WICketttttttttttttttttttt!
Thank you Trinijunglejuice.....
http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/socamusic.html

Open d' Gate

2006-12-18T12:27:00.000-05:00

Track Name: My Land
Artist: Kes d' Band fet. Nadia Batson & Kees

"this is our time, the season is comming again.....!"
Chuneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Oh gosh! d' bass guitarist real real getting on! Dummm Dummm Dumm Dummmmm~
Allyuh mark my words...roadmarch contender!

Wah allyuh think!
Take a listen, courtesy of Toronto Lime, Of course!
http://www.toronto-lime.com/music/new_music.htm

High..Higher than High

2006-12-15T10:03:00.000-05:00

Oh goshhhhh....it start! Machel Montano release another chune!
I heard it on : http://www.toronto-lime.com/music/new_music.htm
"Higher than High" slow and fast versions both available, so take a listen.
Wah allyuh think?

Ah Broken Record!

2006-12-12T10:23:00.000-05:00

I feel like a broken record, almost every other post is about the
Savannah. But I just have to let it out...it's my blogg...SO BE IT!

This morning the Newsday has an artilce along with a picture of the Grand Stand.

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,49041.html

Govt declares - No Savannah Carnival

TWO months before Carnival, confirmation has come that the Queen’s Park
Savannah (QPS), Port-of-Spain, will not be the main venue for the greatest show
on earth.
The Urban Development Corp-oration of Trinidad and Tobago (Udecott)
yesterday made the announcement in a media release, as promised by Culture
Minister Joan Yuille-Williams over the weekend. However no venue for the main
events — Panorama finals, Dimanche Gras and Parade of the Bands — has been
announced. For months speculation was rife that next year’s Parade of the Bands
will be confined to the streets of Port-of-Spain.

Recently too, there has been talk that the popular Panorama finals will be held at Skinner Park, San Fernando. National Carnival Commmis-sion (NCC) president Kenny de Silva said yesterday he was not surpised by Udecott’s statement about the destruction of the Grand Stand.
“What surprised me was that it took so long to make the statement. It was clearly indicated since last year that the Grand Stand would be demolished and Carnival 2007 would not be held there,” he said, adding that it’s possible that the other side may be available. De Silva said he was sure that by the end of the week, “something definitive” would be said about “the direction of the national festival 2007.”

He added that while he was privy to discussions on the issue “it would be premature” for him to announce any decision. “Let the Minister make the statement,” he said. But some Carnival stakeholders want more than word from the project managers, insisting they get hard evidence from the Minister.
Udecott’s late afternoon statement yesterday said it “regrets to inform the national community that it must proceed with the demolition of the Savannah Grand Stand, and therefore the site will be unavailable for Carnival 2007.” It explained that the demolition was expected to take up to “three months and will commence early in the new year.” Construction of the new National Carnival Cultural Centre, initially touted to cost between $400 and $700M, will start “as soon as possible.” Udecott said the cost of the new facility was almost double what Cabinet had authorised, and as project managers, it was forced to address the issue of “value engineering and methodology” in an effort to bring the project within budget.

The company said tenders will be sought early next year. Udecott said because of the “incremental nature of the construction of the Grand Stand, and the various supporting buildings in the Savannah, it is absolutely imperative that the tenders be let for the immediate demolition of the existing structure.” In the meantime,
hoardings will be constructed around the perimeter of the site.
Sources however said the Grand Stand could very well remain standing during Carnival, as no firm date for demolition has been given. Udecott explained that a condition survey revealed that many of the connections were bolted, with large angled roof trusses. The forecourt area comprises rectangular hollow section trusses which were recently constructed.

Also because of the way utilities were sourced to the complex, Udecott said great care must be exercised in the demolition process. Udecott said the value of materials salvaged from the Grand Stand will likely be in the range of millions of dollars and demolition will take place in a similar manner to the North Stand, so that the materials could be reassembled for use in other areas of the country.
In response to the announcement, president of Pan Trinbago, Patrick Arnold, said the “whole story is yet to be told.” He said a meeting will take place today with Yuille-Williams at which he expected disclosure about plans for Carnival 2007. He said if in fact the Grand Stand is demolished then Pan Trinbago will have to resort to other plans, that is, to host pan semis at the western side of the Savannah and the finals in San Fernando. President of the Trinbago Unified Calypso Organisation, Michael Legerton, said until he sees hard evidence in his hands only then he will
believe or have a comment. Efforts to contact the National Carnival Bands
Assocation (NCBA) proved futile.

2 Down 1 More to Go....

2006-12-08T10:25:00.000-05:00

Holiday Work Parties that is!

On Wednesday night was the Equities Party at Chelsea Pier. 62 to be exact! After hanging up my coat my co-worker and I were greeted by 6 young and attractive men all balancing Champange & Mojito's on a silver platter.

Well you know I went for the latter (Mojito...Hello) . Well on to the food, let me tell you about the menu. There was this guy making pasta with any sides you want. I steered clear of this section. Then there was the bread, oh the bread! And the appetizers... Ahhh! Shrimp coctails, mini crabcakes, hotdogs wrapped in more bread, chicken kebabs, seasoned fries, won tons and these decadent fried nacho thing-ee's. Need I go on! It was pure hell!

For dinner I had a small salad and steak....very small portions and quite filling. The dessert table is where I collapsed and caved in, I had one small (shot glass) filled with strawberry short cake thingy...I couldn't resist! It was delicious!

I'm strong and still have 1 more to go...allyuh pray for me. I desperately need it!

Who Knows? We Could Be Jumping Up On The Greens For 2007

2006-12-04T09:32:00.000-05:00

This is the headline on Island Events http://www.islandevents.com/entertainment/article_3305.shtml

As I said last week, me eh care where in town they want to re-route or discombobilate the carnival parade...As long AS I and I have a STAGE!

The Piccadilly Greens, East Port-of-Spain, is
being offered as an alternative “big stage” for Carnival
2007.

Chairman of the Uptown Carnival Improvement Committee
Winston Brown said yesterday that Piccadilly Greens “behind the bridge” is a
perfect choice for one of two mandatory judging points for the Parade of Bands.

South Quay, downtown PoS, and the Queen’s Park Savannah were
formerly the two mandatory judging points for mas bands.

However,
with the pending construction of the $400 million Carnival Cultural Centre at
the QPS and an expected announcement by the Government to bar Carnival events
being staged there, an alternative compulsory judging point is now needed.

The National Carnival Bands’ Association (NCBA) and the National
Carnival Development Foundation (NCDF) have both submitted proposals concerning
mas routes for next year.

Carnival Jumbie

2006-11-30T09:40:00.000-05:00

Oh gosh allyuh, I'm seriously low today.
All of this talk about mas being played on the streets for next year's carnival and no STAGE....really have me down.

And just think, was only last night that I popped in my "Parade of the Bands" DVD by Advanced Dynamics. I was so moved that I pulled out my new gold boots and my costume from Miami carnival (headpiece included)! And I start to throw some serious waist all over mi house, you swear I was going mad. But me eh care....I was looking hot and was picturing myself crossing the "Stage" on carnival Tuesday next year.

If a proposal from the NCBA is accepted, there will be no crossing of the stage next year. This real hurting mi heart, I'm praying to all of the carnival Gods, Goddesses and Deities that this plan does not go through.
I am hoping that as the NCC has recommended to use the Savannah for just one more year. Just one more year....that's it....after that they can build 10million dollar stage, with diamond's encrusted on each foot path and flying music trucks to lessen congestion at the Savannah.

As Mr. Machel say "One More Time...One More Wine" Please NCBA!

Ermm...Still No Decision on Carnival Venue!

2006-11-29T10:43:00.000-05:00

Where are we going to parade?
While perusing the TrinidadExpress this morning, this article peaked my interest.
Basically, it still doesn't answer anything. Now i'm hearing we might be in the Stadium, I mean the fricking stage is still up in d' kissmiass Savanahh...just let us use it and done. Geez don't you just love the T&T government!
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161058682

Discouraged, Cold Weather Getting You Down!

2006-11-27T12:32:00.000-05:00

This morning I was doing my usual web browsing and ran into this beautiful clip from trinijunglejuice.com

Hello can we say Release D' Riddum,
http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/videos.html
Click on TNT Carnival 2006 Clip....and the background music just making me EXTRA HYPED!

Thanks TJJ TV!
Hello, Carnival is almost here, let's get Hyped!
Shitttteee, I know I am!

New Music...New Carnival Music!

2006-11-27T10:46:00.000-05:00

Ah find dem rolling out d' chunes hot and heavy this year boy!
Is it because carnival is earlier next year or the creative juices from all of the artists are pulsating.

I think it's the latter, (Right!) but i'm glad for it anyway....thanks to the almighty internet and Iwer George's 91.9. www.soca919.com ; I can listen to new music on the station or I can go onto www.torontolime.com to listen to my favorite songs over, and over and over again.

Allyuh check it out....I ain't see mi crazy song"ColdSweat" up yet, but lots of new tunes people. LOTS!

Carnival Hair...Wah Allyuh Doing!

2006-11-21T11:27:00.000-05:00

Ladies, wah allyuh going to do with your hair come next carnival.
My hair is natural, but due to the weather change, I've been rollersetting to make it straight so I wouldn't have to wet it and bump it every night.
But for carnival I'm not going to have time between fete's and meet and greets to be sitting under no dryer for 40 minutes.

I was thinking about braiding, dry twisting it or a cute ponytail?
I doh know wah d' asssssssss to do...... I like versatility. And depending on my outfit I like to rock a different style.

My recent trip to Trinidad in August did a number on my natural curls, my products did not work at all. And it took forever to dry.

Any suggestions, what are your carnival hair plans?

When yuh grind on me....

2006-11-16T12:53:00.000-05:00

Ah get Cold Sweat!
With dat sexy wine wukking up she spine!
Keep it comming, comming, comming!

Oh Gosh!
Chunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Oh Gosh! Dis is mi Song!

I just picturing myself bending over and real wining to dis chune.

Wah allyuh tink about Crazy Song..."Cold Sweat"

It sweetttt tooo bad!

Tek a Towel...And Band Mi Belly

2006-11-14T11:06:00.000-05:00

Oh gosh allyuh....ah cyah take it.
I have almost everything ready for my carnival trip.
Carnival Boots --Check
Costume--Check
Monday Wear---Check
Place to Stay---Check
Car Rental---Check

Flight from JFK to POS---????

Ah mean lawd, why dem trying to kill we so with price so. Geezzzzzzzz and peas! Is like ah have to take ah towel and band mi belly. The pain ah feeling when I seeing these prices for Carnival flights.
And the travel agents not helping at all, dem and all dropping frigging price on mi tail!
Geesh whatever happened to the days of PanAm when tix were reasonable......steupppss!

So I've decided to "tek d' towel and band mi belly": yes I'm going to pay mi money.
Shitteeeeeee, I done get everything line up. Ah have d' money...so ah go use it Oui!

How are you foreigners, going to pay for your plane tix to Trinidad Carnival?

Sou Sou, Prostitution, or Fundraiser?

Later Peeps!
Bagogyul....Out and About!

Ah only Day Dreaming Oui!

2006-11-09T12:26:00.000-05:00

Buh wah d' jail is dis! I on d' train this morning listening to my Ck6 playlist; when Mr. Shurwayne crooning "Release d' riddummmmmmm!"

Well ah start to see myself crossing the stage in all of my carnival Tuesday fabulousness ( is that a word), getting my picture taken in mid air jump!

Lawddddddd faddah, when I ketch mi-self, is only goose bumps all over mi hand. Shiteeee! Ah getting cold bumbs all now just thinking about it!

Tell me allyuh and Kevian, doesn't this sound like some serious carnival fever to you?

Ah cyah wait....Ah cyah wait to put on mi costume on Tuesday! Whooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Release d' Riddum!

New Soca....Dont' you just love it!

2006-11-07T09:47:00.000-05:00

I know Thanksgiving aint even reach yet, and Christmas is about 1 month away.
But aren't you guys getting excited! Carnival is like 3 months away.

Now I've been listening to TriniBashment (91.9) religiously to hear some new music.
I have to say if this is what is the first rounds of music then: I CYAH WAIT to hear what's next from Machel, Shurywayne and the rest of the Soca fraternity.

So far the "Greatest Riddum" is it for me!
FireBall (Yeah Yeah it's FireBall Again.....Ahhhhh Allllllll Ahhhh Neeedddd iiissss Youuuuuu") Then there is another hot number from H2Phlo and Ms Alysha.....(something about wine and goh down) oh goshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh pure riddum.
Still waiting to hear Shurwaynes Alequa. I did hear some new KMC last week (Carnival Story)
And I know Mr. Montano will not dissappoint his eager fans either!
For a groovy soca vibe check out Ms. Patrice Roberts "SugarBoy", it very rude.....listen to the words carefully. Let's not forget Mr. Sheldon

As Saucy mentioned in her blog: go to www.torontolime.com to check out new soca for 2007.
Or click on my Online- Radio Stations List to get TriniBashment Radio and Red96.7 throws some new soca in from time to time.

P.S. : I got my mas stockings! I just ordered them on Friday and got them already.Hello!
Very close to securing my plane tix, and Monday gear(might be a Cow Girl after all)!

Happy Carnival Hunting, I'm Out!

Ah not Playing.....

2006-11-03T15:28:00.000-05:00

I ordered my boots, stockings and car today.
I am not a sticker, carnival is almost here.
Still need my plane tix......... (bwahhhaaa)

Have a good weekend peeps!

Bagogyul
I'm out!

Buh Bye Bwee....and Hello Caribbean Airlines

2006-11-02T15:10:00.000-05:00

This morning I received my last email blast from BWEE. " We thank you not only for participating in our e-promotions, but for supporting BWIA West Indies Airways over the past 66 years" Oh how I'm going to miss my beloved BWIA!

I have been supporting BWIA for the past 20 something years. When I first flew on this glorious airline, I was about 6 months old; no I don't remember any of it but I'm sure it was the best.

To this day my mom and I still have our collection of the airlines cutlery; silver spoons which we MAFFED from the plane ofcourse.( I think this is why presently all airlines use plastic everything! )

I remember being sung to sleep by the Mighty Sparrow himself. Ah yes, even the Mighty King of Calypso flew with Bwee. It was the airline of choice for many!

And let's not forget the food, now I've dipped out on Bwee for a couple of years and flew home with another airline. Although Bwee has alot of work to do in their Customer Service area. The Food! was the bomb..... when you stepped on the plane you knew that your were not getting pretzels or biscotti!
It was the real deal...ah tell yuh! Real ting, curry chicken and rice, lo-mein etc. Real home food and home juice and drinks.

Through the good times and the bad (leaving our luggage in Trinidad when it was supposed to come to Tobago with us) it is and will always be my preferred airline to travel home with.

Nothing beats BWEE!

Hopefully I will be able to create some new memories with Caribbean Air!

Later Peeps!

Oh thank you....Farmers!

2006-10-30T11:05:00.000-05:00

Yes, Saturday/Sunday the clock rolled back. I Fell back (jokey..joke) one hour and this morning when i woke up the sun was actually "UP" too.

Now i can re-start my morning routine of bike riding, without fear of being mugged or kidnapped in the dark.

Tomorrow i'm gonna put on my thermal undies, fleece and ear muffs and go out.....
how many more months before Carnival.....4.

No time for slacking off now....time to get Serious!

Next thing on my list : Ticket (Ahhhhhhhhhh)

Later peeps....happy Monday!

Yes, Carnival is almost Here....More launches!

2006-10-26T09:23:00.000-04:00

Wow, my aunt played in this band this year and it's great for people who love the Minshalesque carnival ting....me I not ready for that yet...I say if I keep working out and eating healthy. I got about 10 more years of playing myself in a bikini mas.
Peeped this article on Red96.7...i believe the launch is on November 24th (check Saucy's Blog)

http://www.red967fm.com/ViewStory.aspx?id=213
Brian Mac Farlane's "A Story of Boysie"

Bandleader/designer Brian Mac Farlane has revealed the theme of his 2007 Carnival: "India.....The Story of Boyie". The presentation will feature fifteen colourful sections, characters, a king, a queen and specially designed props to bring to life the story of "Boyie". According to Mac Farlane, the production celebrates the many festivals, cultures and places of India. Mac Farlane says he researched several books, documents and interviewed persons about the theme to develop the story line and designs. He intends not only to defend the downtown band of the year title but compete in the large band category next year. "India.....The Story of Boyie" will be launched next month.

I've Conquered the Almighty Blog

2006-10-24T15:49:00.000-04:00

Many thanks Saucy, you need to email your instructions for "Links" to these people who own this blog ting.
For the life of me with the instructions given in the "Help".........I just couldn't get the Links thing going.

Ahhhhhhh, I've conquered the opressor called "Templates" and allyuh aint see ting, I even divide up the links into various sections. Oh yes, I'm really proud of myself.

Dem almost ketch me with the computer blurb in the template.
But as Saucy pointed out "Don't be intimdated, that is just the computer speak for the layout of your blog."

Thanks again saucy for your guidance
Happy Eid, Everyone!

D' Guardian Features is On Point!

2006-10-23T10:41:00.000-04:00

Every week there is a great article on Fitness and Health.....I just love it.
Well this weeks article is about choosing the correct aerobic workout.
I have been slacking off on the biking since coming back from Miami carnival.
1. It is to flicking cold in the morning. (Ole Man Winter is ah coming)
2. It too flicking dark...(hello, nobody aint trying to kidnap my tail @ 6'Oclock in the morning...this is America...OK!)
But I have been able to do the treadmill and eliptical at the gym, will really have to try and push my workout up to the 45mins as this trainer (Brian Chin Leung) suggests:

http://www.guardian.co.tt/features2.html

Choose The Correct Aerobic Workout

A well structured aerobic programme helps to ensure that your cardiovascular system stays healthy and your body fat percentage remains at acceptable levels relative to your age.
Combining a proper aerobic programme with sound nutritional habits is a good start on your quest for a healthy and fit lifestyle.
A good aerobic programme can help to strengthen your heart, lower your blood pressure, lower your triglyceride level and keep your arteries and lungs healthy while maintaining low body fat levels.
When the word aerobics is mentioned, many people automatically conjure up images of women in spandex jumping up and down to the latest dance music. This, however, is only one form of aerobics, more specifically referred to as aerobic dance and it certainly does not have the monopoly on the term aerobics.
Aerobics can be defined as any exercise that elevates your heart rate progressively and continuously into your target training heart rate zone and keeps it there for a period of 45 minutes or more.
Based on this definition, many activities such as running, cardio-karate/ Tae Bo, spinning, swimming, biking and circuit training can be considered as being aerobic in nature.
The key to a successful aerobic programme is to find an activity that you genuinely like. Do not choose running if you hate running. Likewise, don't choose swimming if you hate swimming, or if you can't swim; because drowning could be a down right unpleasant experience. In all seriousness, you must select a form of aerobic activity that you will find interesting. By doing so, you will be minimising your chances of quitting the aerobic programme.
Let's have a look at some great forms of aerobic exercises.

Running--This is a relatively inexpensive way to improve the health of your cardiovascular system. All you need is a good pair of running shoes and plenty of road. Running trims you down very quickly, once you are also eating properly. However, it is important to adhere to proper running technique at all times, because you do experience a great deal of shock in your joints; especially your knees, hips and ankles.

CARDIO-KARATE/TAE-BO This is a great workout. It is a wonderful marriage between martial arts moves and aerobic dance and is tailor-made for women's bodies. It effectively works the hips, butt, legs, waist, back, arms and shoulders; and the class can be structured by the instructor to be either high impact or low impact. This workout helps you to burn fat while giving you great muscle tone.
SPINNING--You can lose a lot of weight on a proper spinning programme. It is virtually shock-free, unless you fall off the stationery bike; then everybody will be shocked, because I have never heard of this happening. On a more serious note, spinning is performed in a safe and comfortable environment where you can workout to the beat of the latest dance music.
SWIMMING--This is a time-tested, great form of aerobic exercise, whereby your body muscles are constantly stretching and contracting, which is great for muscle tone. It does however require that you have regular access to the sea or a pool.
BIKING--This can take the form of road cycling or mountain biking, depending on your individual choice. It is a great alternative for people who hate running but love being outdoors. My personal preference is mountain biking, because I love the training effect it offers, which involves riding over difficult obstacles and sometimes having to lift your bike over certain areas of a trail that may be impossible to ride.
You can get extremely fit doing road cycling, but you must remember that your arch enemy is the car. Unfortunately many motorists in T & T feel they own the road and do not respect the rights of cyclists on our roads.
CIRCUIT TRAINING---As I write on this form of activity, I am thinking of the great circuit workout that is available off the Chaguaramas golf course. Circuit training offers you a total body workout. The Chag circuit has many different stations which include monkey bars, parallel bars, log-jumping, balance beams, chin-ups and step training. It is also great fun running to the various stations.
For any aerobic programme to be effective, it must be done for the correct duration, it must be performed frequently and at the right intensity. Keep training.

SOS....fellow bloggers

2006-10-23T10:39:00.000-04:00

I need some help with setting up my links.
I thought I followed all of the directions correctly but..........steupppppppppsssss!
It Nah WuK! (it's not working correctly)
HELP! ME Somebody!

Happy Divali

2006-10-20T14:31:00.000-04:00

Yes I kow Diwali is tomorrow. And no I'm not of East Indian descent (maybe by injection...LOL) but that is just one the great things about being Trinbagonian. Celebrating each other's cultures. Be it Diwali, Independence day or our now new addition Chinese Arrival Day! It's part of being us, and it's what makes us so unique.

My first memories of Diwali are from Tobago. We lit deya's all over our gallery (porch) and front steps. Some neighbors who didn't have deya's would use candles. Mind you our small village had like one (1) East Indian family and by the looks of it....You swear you were at Rockefeller Center viewing the big Christmas tree.

Later I'm going to partake in a bag of Krumar. I know, I know it's not part of my NO Sugar and NO Flour carnival diet. But it's for Diwali and I'm in the spirit so what's a sweet or two...or three!

Happy Divali fellow bloggers.

Bagogyul

Well she told us.....

2006-10-19T09:38:00.000-04:00

Going thru my daily internet trini newspaper readings I bumbed into this snazzy article.
The author questions "where has the mas gone?"
Now i'm all for shaking up some of these mas bands and leaders, and sqeezing out some sort of creativity out of them. Besides the almighty beads and feathers theme....but people act like if 20 years ago there was not one single bikini clad band.

I remember my aunts would come to Tobago after carnival and bring me a palleted umbrella or some other part of their fabulous costume, this was what made me want to hurry up and become an adult so i could play mas with them. And if my memory serves me correctly they wore bikini costumes then. In fact, my mom has albums full of them in their bathing suit costumes. Yes i agree the bikini has shrunken and more flesh is exposed but the fact remains that it was a Bikini or (Bath Suit)

I hate when they (the older folks) try to compare their Hay Day...to our's! You had your fun.....now it's MY TURN Now!

Hello!

Here is the article.....http://www.guardian.co.tt/features4.html
Carnival costumes need a new look
I have been patient with mas in T&T as few people have, but after waiting out approximately five band launches in a handful of weeks there is nothing left to do but sigh.
Having given up on masquerading quite some years ago, and I fully confess this mainly as a disclaimer for the ranting which will come, how impressionable and hopeful I remain still shocks this cynical heart.

I also find it necessary, unlike most women, to willingly put a figure to my age (but with a dash of reserve) only to emphasis the point that I am not a doddering masquerader unable to keep pace with the younguns.
With my twenty-something eyes and apparently aged spirit I perused the pre-offerings of Carnival 2007 and ask—Mas where have you gone?
For many beads and bikinis as most costumes are nowadays referred are the height of mockery for a festival that began itself as a mocking rebellion to our colonial rulers.
Yet, I have always given ear to the argument laid by staunch defenders of new bandleaders that they are giving the masses what they want.
Young women who fanatically diet and cram exercise bouts around district savannahs and exercise gyms into the two-month race to Carnival, do not plan on burying their sexy bodies under yards of cloth and pantaloons.
Fine, but what does that have to do with creativity?
And here comes the rant. What many young bandleaders today have not practised, and older bandleaders of yesteryear clearly have failed to pass on, is the absolute notion that Carnival is the pinnacle of creativity.

And all who have become legion to the festival must be worshippers at its altar.
Knock me if you like but it’s a criticism that I extend to all sectors that culminate at Carnival—so Pan Trinbago; Trinbago Unified Calypso Organisation (Tuco); National Soca Monarch competitors; National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA); National Carnival Development Fund (NCDF); and, National Carnival Commission (NCC), please take your share of the licks.
But, as I begin with mas I will stick with mas and forward the argument that the most devastating virtue we have imported from Brazil is not the skimpy bras, lowering brocade lines on bottom pieces or the staple thong costume that proves a constant problem for full-figured women.
We have taken to heart the redundancy of a festival meant to showcase Latin dancers and their dance schools and introduced it into a festival borne out of the blood, sweat and tears of freed slaves and the utter disdain of nonconformists.

What has mas become? Where are the portrayals? Where is the tongue in cheek mimicry of our hypocritical society? Where is the ingenuous play on fantasy worlds, fallen empires and such?
Where are the mas-queraders?

Now I’m not picking on the Tribes, the Island Peoples, the Pulse8s, Dream Teams, the Legacies and their ilk, fortunately for them I’ll not make a dent in their registrations as the masses continue to flock, fight and cry to get into their bands.
But, other long time mas men aren’t, doing much better by avoiding the beads and bikinis, just to fall into the trap of recycling past and often outdated ideas.

Neither am I being paid by traditionalists to tout the purity of ole time mas.
All I am crying for is a ceasing of the bastardisation of mas with portrayals of bikini-clad pierrot grenades, aimless but sexy wild Indians, token head pieces of feathers and shimmering cloth supposedly to represent Bedouin tribes in the Sahara and cocktail girls to serve who exactly?
Or we can continue with the “tiefing of meh costume from last year.”
Let’s start with a fresh idea in an ageless festival in the spirit of rebellion and I’m sure even beads and bikinis can be fashioned into an expression of creativity.
Is that just too much to ask? Somehow I believe it is.

Great Article on Trinidad Guardian about Bikini Body

2006-10-16T09:21:00.000-04:00

Just my luck after posting about my Miami Carnival costume pic, i ran into this great article in the Trinidad Guardian about how to tone up for a bikini clad body.
The author even points out that although....yes it's a carnival costume almost 90% of them are bikinis covered in feathers, pallettes and other fru fru la la la's. So the point is Ladies, not to focus on costume, but to think about how you will look in you bikini: covered in beads, feathers and sequins.

http://www.guardian.co.tt/features2.html
The dissection of a bikini

Many women, who participate in T&T Carnival, wear costumes that are glorified looking bikinis. Frills and feathers are added, but the basic starting stock is a bikini.
As I write this article, a tremendous amount of potential female masqueraders have already started to train their bodies, in preparation for the 2007 Carnival celebrations.
The idea of having to fit into one of these bikini-type costumes brings on a great deal of stress to hundreds of female revelers.

Wearing a one piece is not an option for many of our female masqueraders. They know that sometimes it (the one piece) can detract from giving you those all important lines that enhances the feminine physique.
Let’s have a look at the bikini and examine the body parts that are most on display.

Abdominals
Without a doubt, a toned mid-section is number one on the priority list for all bikini clad females. Wearing a sexy Carnival costume and having flabby abdominals is like eating peanut butter with your doubles. The two just don’t go together.
If you want your mid-section to look defined and toned for Carnival 2007, you should begin your ab programme immediately.
Spot reducing is a myth; for your abs to show, you have got to drop your overall body fat percentage. This can be accomplished by performing cardio (running, cardio-karate, spinning, biking etc) for at least 45minutes, four times per week and following sound nutritional guidelines. Everyone has a six-pack; it’s just that some people still have their own in the case. Drop your overall body fat percentage and your six-pack will appear.
Once you have decreased your overall body fat percentage, you can then begin your series of ab conditioning exercises, such as crunches, hanging knee raises and modified sit-ups.

Legs
Dark stockings and glitter can only take you so far. Legs are one of the most visible body parts on any bikini clad female. Legs take up approximately half of your body. Keeping them toned and fat free is essential for any masquerader.
The shape of your legs is vitally important, with this in mind, you have got to methodically go about sculpting your legs, if you want them to look great at Carnival time.
I have always maintained that the best leg shaper is the free squat. I recommend squatting at least twice a week, if legs are one of your sagging body parts. However, apart from squats, remember to perform specific exercises such as leg curls and dead lifts to work your hamstrings. It is my belief that the hamstrings are the most sensuous looking muscle on a woman’s body. A woman with well shaped hamstrings will elevate my heart rate immediately.

Arms
Having toned, tight, biceps and triceps are also of paramount importance. The tricep area on women is a fat storage site. The last thing you want at Carnival time is to be jumping and waving your flag, only to realise that your triceps has taken on a life of its own and is also waving uncontrollably.
There are a variety of tricep exercises that are geared for working this most difficult and troubled area. Work your triceps at least twice per week.
Other areas that may be cause for some concern are your butt and your back. Usually a certain amount of frills can keep your butt under cover. However, if it is broad and shaped like an egg omelet, you may want to consider performing an assortment of lunges, which is the most effective exercise for working the glutes (butt).
The back can be kept toned and defined with chin-ups, bent over barbell rows and seated pulley rows.

Please note that even though your short term goal may be Carnival 2007, you should use that self-generated exercise momentum to keep you working out throughout the year. Keep training.

I'm having Costume Choice Withdrawal Symptoms

2006-10-16T09:07:00.000-04:00

I found one (1) pic of me in miami carnival.....i must say that i look OKAY!
It was a side angle pic and the photographer caught me way off guard so i wasn't able to suck in mi gutt in time....so basically i look like a 4 month pregnant whale.

Well, the good thing about the pic is I have a realistic point of view of how i look in my a carnival costume, since my 20lbwieght lost. I must give some credit to myself, my arms and legs look very toned and not jiggly at all.

I am however having thoughts about my costume choice for tribe.........will my gut lap over my costume? do i have enough time to get it into my back before carnival?

I'm not going to make that one pic a negative and screw up my diet and excersise regime....but instead i'll push foward and continue what i've been doing.

in the imortal words of Machel and Doug E Fresh "We not giving uppppppppppppppp!"

Amen to dat!

p.s. and hell no i aint posting the picture!

Ah Reach Back!

2006-10-11T10:42:00.000-04:00

Oh gosh MIAMI was sweeettttttttttttt! I had so much fun.
My costume fit perfectly.......the jump up was nice. And after I jump up with my band GenX my cousin and I went searching for the Mud and Camo band....lawd it was pure wildness.

Did I mention they put my cousin in a shopping cart......on top of some passed out drunken guy.
Yeah...It was that wild!
Big up to Back to Basics and Natural Freaks.....dem was real shouting out us Flava Girls.

Now i'm back in this wretched city and back to work in my business attire, no more half nakedness....not until Trinidad!

Heyyyyyyyyyyy ya'll good to be back!

Aurora Borealis-Generation X

2006-10-03T14:41:00.000-04:00

yup, that's the name for my Miami costume.
What do you guys think?
Usually my cousin Cliv has a section in a band for Miami Carnival, but for some reason this year things didn't work out.
I blame the lack of registration numbers to early registration for Trinidad Carnival 2k7.

I think to enjoy Miami to it's fullest ( or any NorthAmerican carnival) you definitely need to play mas, whether pretty, camo or mud, something........why be a spectator when you can be IN IT!

So we ended up being in this section and a few of the other flvagirls in Giza.
This is my first time in a Blue costume, so i'm a little confused about what stockings to wear and shoe color.

I peeped that the headpeice has a bit of brown in it, so maybe i can get away with brown boots. I won't get try on the actual costume until the day before the carnival since i'm getting in on Friday.....

What do you guys think?

Brown boots or White boots:

Fiyah in mi front seat! (lol)

2006-10-02T09:54:00.000-04:00

As you guys know, i'm heading down to Miami carnival next weekend.
Well as my duty as a Carnival HO, i had to travel all the way to Staten Island from Brooklyn this Saturday to get my pre-carnival Brazillian Wax. (ouch)

Thanks to ampy and "V" : I can skin up mi leg and wine without worry cause it will be hairless. (although i really don't behave in such a way unless Machel's cock back and roll is bussing on d' speaker)

I haven't had one in months so i knew i was going to be in some pain...but lawwwwddddddd fadderrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr......eh ladies....humph! let's just say i was a little sore!

But the outcome is ohhhhhh so worth it, and the BF seems to like it alot! (teheeeeeeee)
And i feel like a kid again! (bwahhhaaaaaa)

Back to wuk today, and counting down till i touch down in beautiful MIAMI!

This is Bagogyul, signing off!

LOVE You ALLL! (in Ruppee Voice)

Dis Morning

2006-09-29T09:50:00.000-04:00

This morning i woke up at 6:00 am....yes oui!
I wanted to go and ride my bike around the track a couple of times.....
but it was so fricking dark.......i waited until 6:30 (mind you i have to catch a 7:20 train eh)
when i finally put on my riding gear and popped in my djSpice work out mix.....it started to lightly drizzle.... then it started to rain
steupppsssssssssssssssssssssssssss
i went anyway......it's for the good of my body and the good of my frontline bat costume.....

Later my fellow bloggers
This is bagogyul signing out.......have a good weekend.

Miami ah comming!

2006-09-27T10:05:00.000-04:00

It's like how many days before ah touch down in MIami..........
not as excited as i was last year....but by god it's better than being in NYC
Last night i sorted out my outfits.....just need to get a few more things....

Note to self: pack all toiletries in my suitcase....they not getting my tail again this time...
dem Heifers at security the last time threw away my almost empty bottle of "Levita Empicka"....i could have cried.....:(

Anyway.......so far so good with diet and all lost about 5 lbs.....my goal is 15 before tnt carnival....need do that Bat costume some serious justice and possibly cowgirl for Monday....

Oh yes i'm seriously considering being a 2 section HO' and i will glorify and live it up to it's Divaful utmost duty!

Signing out....this is Bago, on the 17th floor on 7th Avenue.

Peaceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Tell Dem Ah reach

2006-09-25T12:19:00.000-04:00

But wait....ah reach oui!
Well is Saucy fault.....she started it!
And i'm here!