Friday, February 28, 2014

All Competition Lineup 2014 Carnival

International Soca MonarchGroovy and Power categories, the King and Queens of Carnival competition, National Panorama Finals and the National Calypso Monarch.

 

Trinidad & Tobago Carnival Musings 2014



Some May Agree & Others Not... This is one perception of the affect of Carnival on T&T

This post has nothing to do with pan, calypso or chutney music but Carnival and the mentality that surrounds the Carnival celebrations.  It's looking at Carnival from a distinct perspective. 


Sex & Carnival Babies

 If your birthday falls in October or November and you live in Trinidad and Tobago, the possibility is very high that you are a Carnival baby.  This is a well known Trinbago phenomenon.  Herpes and the HIV virus have reduced the possibility, because like the rest of the world Trinbago citizens are acutely aware of the life threatening danger of contacting sexually transmitted diseases during the carnival season.  Times have changed and now wise men and some women include a condom as part of their Carnival season partying gear.  Alcohol and sex are easily mixed but there are many who are very sensitive to the possibilities and refrain altogether.   There is no guarantee of getting laid because it’s Carnival

Parties & Fetes


Without a doubt, Carnival is a week long season of parties that actually climaxes at 12 PM on Carnival Tuesday night.  The fetes, calypso tents, Monarch Calypso and Soca competitions and the Carnival King and Queen Show actually start in January and continue throughout the Carnival season.  The season is marked by a series of large “Carnival Fetes” catering to thousands of patrons consuming alcohol or just enjoying the Calypso, Soca and now Chutney music.  

For the more conservative, there are the “all inclusive” fetes or small parties that filter out the poor, lower class citizens by charging entry fees that are the equivalent of $200 to $300 USD.  “All inclusive” means that patrons are allowed to eat and drink everything at the bar and on the menu at no additional cost.   Patrons are ensured that they will be partying with a “respectable” crowd and security to ensure their safety. 

Island Party


Most foreigners believe that the entire population has a big party on the designated carnival days because it is a national event.  Not so, there are thousands of Trinbagonians who head for the beaches, religious retreats or just stay home.  Many despise what they call noise, wanton promiscuity and lewdness of carnival.  They look at carnival as a pagan ritual that contributes to the disintegration of the society.   But that’s only a small segment of the population.

The rest of the population takes the pre-season carnival season seriously.  They spend thousands partying, purchasing costumes, sometimes going into debt, to “play mas” on Carnival Monday, Tuesday or both days.  Carnival also attracts thousands of Trinbago citizens living in various parts of the world and others who could afford to visit including more recently celebrities from the United States.  

God & Carnival   


Trinidad and Tobago is primarily a secular society with most citizens belonging to one of the many religious denominations.  Last year, a group of Catholics launched a carnival band in an attempt to inject some religious flavor into Carnival.  They established band rules that forbade alcohol, lewd dancing or nakedness.  The band attracted a few people but on a whole it was not overwhelmed.
Pentecostals and other “Born Again” denominations usually organize Carnival Camps where the children in the church are taken on excursions or week end camps to beaches and other isolated retreats.  Others, forbidden to join the celebrations, take it in on the television. 

Trini 2D Bone


Trinbagonians who partake in the Carnival celebrations belong to two distinct groups with a little gray area in the middle.  First you have the diehard mas man who plays mas, come sun rain or shine.  Every year without fail is a different “mas”.  They develop concepts and demonstrate amazing creativity and talents in their presentation for the Carnival season.   Some are elaborate floats or concepts taken from any part of the universe, its people and environment.   Others, like what is known as “Ole Mas” are more satirical send messages or make fun of political and public people in the society.  


The other distinct set of Trinbagonians are the ones who don’t play mas ever, they much prefer and enjoy looking at mas.  They can be seen in the streets, in bleachers in the parks, hanging from windows enjoying the Carnival.  They love the sights, sounds and colors of carnival.  Many believe that if they “played mas” they would never see all that they can when they look at everyone else.   Many of these people will never play mas.  

Then there is the gray area of people who would play but for some reason or the other decided they could not.  These people usually describe themselves as having a sickening feeling about Carnival when they can’t play.  In extreme cases, they refuse to go look at the other masqueraders because they feel sick to the stomach.

So there we have it, my musings on Carnival agree or disagree, but this subjective.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Finalist 2014 Calypso Monarch Competition

The Neitional Carnival Commission has released the results from yesterday

"Bodyguard" False Papers




The show at Skinner Park San Fernando got off to a late start yesterday, but the performances that followed were able to ease the dissatisfaction of the audience. The following calypsonians have qualified for Calypso Monarch Finals at Dimanche Gras on February 2 and will Challenge reigning Monarch Pink Panther.

Cro Cro
Queen Victoria
Mr Shak
Bodyguard
Chucky
Myron B
Kurt Allen
Chalkdust
Skatie
Brian London
Alana Sinette -

See more

Results of the National Junior Panorama Competition

Primary & Secondary School Competition




Overall twelve (12) Primary Schools, ten (10) Secondary Schools and eight (8) Non Schools have qualified for the Finals carded for the Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, on Sunday 23rd February, starting at 9:00 am.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS
1. St. Margaret's Boys AC 252
2. Febeau Gov't Primary Pan Giants Steel Orchestra 248
3. St. Paul's Boys A.C. School 247
4. Couva Anglican Steel Orchestra 244
5. Malabar R.C. Steel Orchestra 241
6. Pres2 All Stars 238
7. Fifth Company Baptist Rising Stars 236
7. Diego Martin Boys R.C. School 236
9. St.Mary's Govt 233
10. Methodist All Stars 232
10. Pt.Fortin A.C. 232
12. Nelson Street Boys R.C 228

SECONDARY SCHOOLS
1. St. Francois Girls 265
2. St. Charles High School 258
3. Providence/QRC 253
4. BATCE 247
5. Mt. Hope Secondary 240
6. Speyside High School 233
7. Bon Air Beacons 231
7. Symphony of Saints 231
9. Goodwill Industries 224
9. St. Madeline Secondary 224

NON SCHOOLS
1. St. Margaret's Boys 268
2. Success Stars 263
3. bp Renegades Youth 261
4. Invaders Youth 257
5. Tropical Angel Harps 247
5. R.I.P.E. 247
7. T.A.G.S. 240
8. St. Benedicts Steel 235



The Ministry of Education in collaboration with Pan Trinbago Inc. TC and the Pan In Schools Coordinating Council will host this year's edition which has attracted record entries. Hon. Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, Minister of Education, is the patron.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Is Beep Xtra vs FlexKom Global Loyalty Discount Card?




A Review of Global Loyalty Cards in Trinidad and Tobago

In September 2013 Trinidad Newsday published an article entitled “FlexKomDevelops a Loyalty Card” the article went on to describe how Flexkom a German company was introducing a global loyalty card, the first of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago. 
Before the introduction of FlexKom the only loyalty cards available were cards issued by private companies such as the HiLo stores and Superpharm FlexKom was new in that sense because it could be used across the board. 
The way it worked is that merchants would sign up to participate in the program for a fee of approximately $10,000 TTD which will enable them to integrate with FlexKom global system and become a part of the FlexKom network of participating stores. 
These participating merchants offer discounts to their customers who are holders of the Flexkom loyalty cards. The most outstanding feature of the Flexkom cards is that if customer owned a smart phone they don’t need to carry a card. It also allows the merchant to send ads to their customers’ phones.
How the customers gets the card is a little bit confusing.  On Morning Edition (youtube video) Ian Driscoll a big pappy with FlexKom told the interviewer that merchants could just sign up their customers and they will be issued a card.  Then up pops this web site that says the customers must pay for theirFlexkom cards. There must be a reasonable explanation. 
Customers would have purchased cards that offer from 5 to 25 percent off when they purchase.  The discount percent is determined by how much the customer paid for the loyalty card which could be anywhere from $250 to $1000 TTD.
Add that to the fact that FlexKom has been getting a lot of negative internet traffic it makes one wonder if there is more in the mortar than the pestle, is that right.  Experience on the net led to a search of the term “FlexKom scam” and articles, YouTube videos and even a Facebook page.  There was one, however, that stood out like a sore thumb. 
IMHO, the article was written by someone with considerable copy writing experience.  Well crafted, it explained accusation away almost as if it was responding to unasked objections.  Well done but it makes you wonder why Flexkom paid to counteract negative publicity that had no substance in fact.See it here.
By now you are probably thinking that I am bias; you’re right, I must admit. In my opinion, Flexkom is predatory; the gentleman on the TV said that they chose to bring Flexkom to T&T before the United States because...a local saw the vision.    
To be perfectly honest with you, I only did research to see what the Flexkom card after I was introduced to the Beep Xtra Card. The Beep Xtra Card is also a global loyalty card; like the Flexkom card it originated in Europe.  The difference is that there is no big local media launch but it has gone viral and is now in over 139 countries, it is in Barbados now.  It was only launched last November 2013. 
The big advantage the Flexkom card has over the Beep Xtra card is that an app for the smart phone has not yet been developed to interface with the merchant QR codes.  It means that customers must carry the cards to get their discount credits.
But t he Beep Xtra card has taken off like a Chinese high speed train for a very good reason; it has gone viral. In this case it means it has simply spread like a virus quickly infects one person then another like the common cold. 
It is spreading because it’s free for everyone, merchants and customers.
I am sure that someone could explain the confusion about whether you can get the Flexkom card free by the merchant registering his customers or whether customers must pay for their loyalty cards but either way nothing beats free’ especially for the merchant.
Because this card is free it does not have the large marketing budget that Flexkom is able to afford but the viral nature of this card will surpass what Flexkom has been able to accomplish in this market. Even with the onetime integration charge to the merchant he begins way ahead of the Flexkom model of charging up front and maintenance fees.
The Beep Xtra Card is only issued by invitation presently.  Take a look at the video of the benefits ofthe card.  Just leave a comment here.
You can only access the card by invitation.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Digicel International Groovy Soca Monarch semifinalists


Semi-Finals Tonight

After tonight some people will be rejoicing and others will go home disappointed.

There is a long list of semi finalist, see the list below.  Most are either not sophisticated
enough have uploaded their songs to youtube or prefer not to.
Below you will find a couple of the tunes that will be performed tonight:

Also tonight we have some changes:

SuperBlue (Austin Lyons) will be defending his Power Soca Monarch title is now
also in the Groovy category.  So also is Johnny King, Kurt Allen and Ronnie McIntoch
are now in the Power Soca category.  Bunji is to make a guest appearance.

There will be 40 finalist in the Groovy category and 36 in the Power Soca category.  Order of appearance will be drawn today.

Destra Garcia  "First Time"







Digicel International Groovy Soca Monarch List of Semifinalists 

  •  Johnny King (Ainsley King) — “Doh Over Expose” 
  •  Preedy ( Akeem Chance) — “Winning Champion“ 
  • 5 Star Akil (Akil Borneo) — “To Meh Heart“ 
  • Amrika (Amrika Martoo) — “My Business“ 
  • SuperBlue (Austin Lyons) — “Spanking“ 
  • Biggie Irie (Carlton Cordle) — “Need a Rhythm“ 
  • Cassi (Cassiano Sylvester) — “Man in Yuh House“ 
  • Tallpree (Cecil Wilt Cambridge) — “Jab Nation“ 
  • Farmer Nappy (Darryl Henry) — “Big People Party“ 
  • Saucy (Denise Belfon) — “Chuku Chuku“ 
  • Destra Garcia — “First Time“ 
  • Lyrikal (Devon Martin) — “Conquer Meh“ 
  • Devon Matthews — “Greedy“ 
  •  Blaxx (Dexter Stewart) — “Fetting Away“ 
  • Erphan Alves — “Contagious“ 
  • Skinny Fabulous (Gamal Doyle)— “Behaving the Worst“ 
  • Jahmoun (Jahmoun Mendoza) — “Party Non Stop“ 
  •  J Angel (Jenelle De Leon)— “Nah Leaving“ 
  •  Jo Jo (Joanna Hutton) — “Shake Dat“ 
  •  Mr Famous (Junior Noel) — “Play More Local“ 
  •  K-Rich (Kenneth Richards) —“Go Down“ 
  • Kerwin Du Bois — “Too Real“ 
  • Kurt Allen — “Mountain“ 
  • Mr Renzo (Lawrence Adams) — “Take Control“ 
  • Nadia Batson — “Bad Influence“ 
  • Tasha (Natasha Benjamin) — “Keep Them Moving“ 
  • Olatunji Yearwood — “Wining Good“ 
  • Patrice Roberts — “Doh Rough Meh“ 
  • Ravi B (Ravi Bissambhar) — “Bread“ 
  • Ricardo Drue — “Socaholic“ 
  •  Benji (Rodney Le Blanc) — “Lick It In“ 
  •  Chucky (Rodrick Gordon) — “Blazing“ 
  • Rossi Gray (RKG) — “Multipumpin“ 
  • Santeney (Santeney Rampersad) — “In De Mood“ 
  • Shal Marshall — “Feel 2 Wuk“ 
  • M1 aka Menace (Sherwin Jeremiah ) — “Big People Thing“ 
  • Lil Bitts (Shivonne Churche ) — “Roll It“ 
  • Syo (Simon Delph) — “In De Air“ 
  • Timothy Watkins (The Baron) “Irie Party“ 
  • Yolande Nedd (Fya Empress) — “Ah Ketch It“

Kurt Allen "Mountain"





Can you take a shot at who will win tonight.

Monday, February 3, 2014

The Most Dangerous Mistake Most Small Businesses Make

Easy To Fix - But If You Don't Know; You Never Will

The video below identifies one of the biggest mistakes made by small business owners and includes an unusually innovative solution.

The Beep Xtra Card is a solution that inherently eliminates this mistake while adding a profit center to small retail and service businesses globally.

First, view the video to find out about these mistakes and how the Beep Xtra Card can address them.  



              


Opportunities are available for individuals to build a solid business.  Get residual income by introducing these free cards to your local businesses. 

Click this link for an invitation to your Free Beep Xtra Card. 

Is T&T Carnival Still The Greatest Show On Earth?

In Defense of We Carnival Recently, a situation has arisen where differing perspectives prompt contemplation.   I am referring to two inst...