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AdvoKit Production ups the ante for the 2016 Trinidad Carnival season with its new hit compilation Road Trip Riddim , available worldwide from all major digital retailers on January 15, 2016, with pre-order available now, from FOX FUSE. AdvoKit Productions ended 2015 on a high note with its massively successful Kan Kan Riddim being one of the top releases in soca music, and looks forward to delivering these new anthems for the soca massive globally. The smooth and groovy Road Trip Riddim spawns four tracks and is helmed by soca star Machel Montano with his invitation to the masses to join him on a “ Road Trip ” to Carnival. Soca senstation Dale Ryan promises he is different with “ Find Meh (Different)” and AdvoKit sings an ode to the ladies with “ Pretty. ” Based in Diego Martin in Trinidad and Tobago, AdvoKit Productions is captained producer Kitwana Israel, who had been producing music for over 12 years as a hobby, before officially establishing his professional production house in 2012. He ups his game as an artist and “ Pretty ” is his debut release, under his fitting performer name AdvoKit. With fingers on the pulse of soca music, AdvoKit Productions is bound to have another success year, taking all of us along for this thrilling road trip. TRACK LIST 1. Machel Montano - Road Trip 2. Dale Ryan - Find Meh (Different) 3. AdvoKit - Pretty 4. AdvoKit Productions - Road Trip Riddim (Instrumental)

West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle has been fined $10,000 for the incident and his club, the Melbourne Renegades, for an " inappropriate conduct " after he asked a TV reporter for a date in a live interview. He was speaking to journalist Mel McLaughlin during a Big Bash League T20 match in Hobart on Monday. Gayle was answering questions from Network Ten's McLaughlin after a match when he made the remark, which was widely condemned as sexist. "To see your eyes for the first time is nice. Hopefully we can have a drink afterwards. Don't blush baby, " he said. Gayle has since apologized, but that the reaction was "out of proportion". The former West Indies Test captain told reporters on Tuesday: " There wasn't anything meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel. If she felt that way, I'm really sorry for that. "It was a simple joke. The game was going on. Entertainment, things get out of proportion but these things happen." McLaughlin has said his date request was "a little bit disappointing because I'm not used to seeing that" It’s not the first time Gayle has been involved in an inappropriate interview. In 2014, he responded to a female reporter’s question about pitch conditions by saying, “Well I haven’t touched yours yet, so I don’t know how it feels.” Do you think Gayle went too far with his comment?

Misleading headline alert: I do indeed deem Villa Being the most fabulous villa on the Caribbean island of Tobago. But in fact the uber-chic property actually feels not like one villa but many—a collection of marvelous mini-homes that seem to have miraculously sprouted in the hills of a lush tropical rainforest, obliterating the line between inside and out. Villa Being, Tobago The property is just 20 minutes from the airport, in the town of Arnos Vale , but you’d never know it; 180 feet above the Caribbean Sea, nestled amid the mangoes, coconuts and papayas of a five-acre organic-fruit estate, Villa Being is not so much otherworldly as no-worldly: Stay here and suddenly there is no world but this very lovely, very faraway one. The décor is essentially Caribbean chic—think bright tropical colors, vivid Carnival CCL -0.61% masks and Caribbean culture books scattered about—but postmodern-pastiche touches, like church-style spires and a bit of Spanish hacienda flair, are playfully perfect. Behold the best features of this best villa: THE BEING SCULPTURE It’s the first thing you lay eyes on upon entering the villa gate: a blue-tiled square in the midst of a grassy terrace, surrounded by four white pillars. What is it?A Yoga pavillian? A funky walk-in sculpture? The caretaker said something about Feng Shui and “cleansing energy” and morning meditation, but whatever it is, I love it. THE POOL It’s said to be an engineering marvel: the only pool in the Caribbean built entirely on stilts. And it feels like one, so precipitously perched over a seaside cliff that every time you swim in the salt water—no chlorine here!—you imagine you’re about to plunge directly into Caribbean waters. Infinity pool at Villa Being THE ROMANTIC ROOM Villa Being has three separate bedrooms, a glass-enclosed living room, a high-tech kitchen and several open dining areas, all connected by stone walkways and grassy lawns. But the “Romantic Room” is the crown jewel of them all. A four-poster bed is surrounded by a dozen doors opening to the sea; a charming loft overhead provides access to a private-pool terrace, and the spacious bathroom is in its own luxurious cove next door. THE SHOWERS Each bedroom features an outdoor shower. Not just any outdoor shower: Like the pool, all hang dramatically over the cliff, as if suspended in mid-air. I waved to passing yachts while washing my hair. THE SOUNDS Nature’s orchestra can be heard at all times, from anywhere in the villa. Cicadas in the bush, frogs in the mini-pond, wind whistling through banana trees, and, most prominent of all, the 220 native species of birds that make Tobago a birder’s paradise: it’s nothing short of a Villa Being symphony. Being-tobago.com (Forbes) ......................................................................................................... About the author, Baz Dreisinger I am: writer, globetrotter, professor, culture-hound. Born and raised in New York City, with one foot fixed in the Caribbean, I have written about travel, the arts and identity politics for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal and many more; I produce on-air segments about global music and culture for National Public Radio (NPR). I am ceaselessly curious, fearless in my journeys, relentlessly ravenous to see and learn more. My global routes marry luxury with local, which is the essence of this travel blog: Welcome to a place where wanderlust meets culture-lust, where otherworldly high-end meets rootsy down-home.

WIZ Records propels classic soca sounds on its latest compilation De Throwback Riddim , available worldwide from all major digital retailers on January 8, 2016, with pre-order available now, from FOX FUSE . Producer Shawn “Mr. Roots” Mitchell, who is at the helm of WIZ Records, has seen plenty of his recent releases become mainstays on soca charts and playlists, and have been taking center stage at the various carnival celebrations around the Caribbean. De Throwback Riddim features four groovy tunes and showcases soca stars Benjai with “20/20,” Ricardo Drue & Blaxx with “Day Ones (Good Company),” Cassi with “Two Dumplings” and P upa Leendi with “Rum.” The calypso-infused, groovy soca rhythm scores another set of hits for WIZ Records, and keeps the studio and the respective artists in steady play for the 2016 Carnival season. TRACK LIST 1. Benjai - 20/20 2. Ricardo Drue & Blaxx - Day Ones (Good Company) 3. Cassi - Two Dumplings 4. Pupa Leendi – Rum

Trinidadian pistol Edghill “MX Prime” Thomas fires off two new hits with “ City Of Love” and “ Hot Like Fiyah, ” both now available worldwide from all major digital retailers (released on December 18, 2015), from FOX FUSE. MX Prime , formerly known as Maximus Dan , is a well-known radio personality-turned soca entertainer and his ragga soca-meets-EDM fusion brings a unique flair to soca music. “ City Of Love ” and “Hot Like Fiyah” are both high-energy, up-tempo dance tracks fueled with rapid-fire lyrics from MX Prime , and are bound to get your hands and flags up whenever you hear them. The thrilling tracks are sure club bangers and shine a spotlight on dance and EDM music originating from the Caribbean. Both tracks are produced by MX Prime , as he evolves as a bonafide triple threat, from radio deejay to soca star and music producer, finding even more ways to reach the ears of his fans across the world.

A cricket star’s comments to a female reporter during an interview broadcast live on Australian television is drawing scorn. Chris Gayle, who plays for the Melbourne Renegades of the Big Bash League, while leading his team to a win Monday night, suggested to television reporter Mel McLaughlin that the pair go out for a drink. He added, “Don’t blush, baby,” during an awkward pause in the interview. The comments drew heavy criticism on social media and were described by Anthony Everard, head of the BBL, as “disrespectful and simply inappropriate.” Channel 10 head of sport David Barham was quoted by the Herald Sun newspaper as saying the network was deeply offended and was seeking an apology. The BBL, one of a growing number of domestic Twenty20 cricket tournaments, is a TV ratings winner in Australia and drew a crowd of 80,000 for a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground over the weekend. “I wanted to have an interview with you as well, that’s why I’m here,” Gayle said live on national television. “I get to see your eyes for the first time, it’s nice. Hopefully we can win and go for a drink after.” As part of the broadcasts, some players wear cameras on their caps or batting helmets and are involved in live interviews during the action. Barham told the Sun Herald that Gayle would no longer be fitted with a microphone for on-field comments. Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry said he agreed that Gayle’s comments were out of line. “We’ll certainly be talking to him in association with Cricket Australia about it,” Coventry said. “The Melbourne Renegades is all about its appeal to kids, families and females. “There’s just no place for that sort of behavior.” With AP and News.com.au

Grenadian hit house Monsta Entertainment is armed with new jams on its latest compilation Greenz Warriors Riddim, available worldwide from all major digital retailers on January 8, 2016, with pre-order available now, from FOX FUSE. Short and sweet with three tracks, the Greenz Warriors Riddim delivers dancehall and hip hop fusion sounds. It showcases Grenadian entertainers Muddy with “The Streets” and Mighty Flex with “ Mama Crying Out ,”along with the “ Greenz Warriors Riddim (Instrumental).” Monsta Entertainment , formerly known as J.R.E Productions, is helmed by producerJude “J.R.E” Robertson, who first made a name for himself in the music game by crafting hits for most of Grenada’s top artists. He continues to bring Grenadian music to the international audience and the Greenz Warriors Riddim is another great addition to his growing catalog. TRACK LIST 1. Muddy - The Streets 2. Mighty Flex - Mama Crying Out 3. Monsta Entertainment - Greenz Warriors Riddim (Instrumental)

Trinidadian hit house MillBeatz Entertainment adds another jewel to its fan favorite Orchestra Riddim with “Soca Virus” by Destra Garcia , available worldwide from all major digital retailers on January 8, 2016,with pre-order available now, from FOX FUSE. The riddim was originally released in late 2015 and now adds this brand new tune for 2016 Trinidad Carnival season, much to the delight of soca fans everywhere. Producer David “ MillBeatz ” Millien teams the “ Queen of Bacchanal ” for this infectious track, which was penned by Garcia and Anthony “ Breezy 868 ” Joseph. The groovy rhythm brings beautiful island vibes for revelers beyond carnival and is bound to find a home on playlists internationally. Regularly combining native sounds including soca, chutney, calypso, Latin, reggae and dancehall, Millien has managed to capture and fuse the essence of Caribbean music into each of his productions for MillBeatz Entertainment. This strong addition to theOrchestra Riddim keeps the studio on the frontlines for the 2016 soca season

Recently the second cycle of Caribbean's Next Top Model came to an end and after weeks of intense competitions and exciting challenges, Kittisha Doyle from Grenada capped the title. Doyle, is nineteen and six feet tall, has been modelling for a number of years and began making her dream a reality by signing with a modelling agency in Grenada. As the winner of Caribbean's Next Top Model Cycle 2 , Doyle was awarded US$25,000 in cash, an international modelling agency contract with Mint Model Management NY , a cover feature and editorial in SHE magazine , an iPhone with three months of free calls up to $500 USD per month, a digital painting by Tani Kunitake of Cyber Blue Productions , which will be featured in the graphic story book for the film ' Cerulean' by Tani Kunitake shot by Pedro Virgil Photography, and an invitation for a walk-on role in the film 'Cerulean.' Caribbean's Next Top Model Cycle 2, is sponsored by Flow and is produced by Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam . The reality television competition is based on the original production America's Next Top Model . The series is hosted by Fitzwilliam who is accompanied by fellow judges; international photographer, Pedro Virgil and Caribbean fashion expert, Richard Young . Over 20 finalists from across the Caribbean vied for the top spot in the competition. Casting calls were held in Barbados, Cayman, Jamaica and Trinidad, as well as online. To be part of the next Caribbean's Next Top Model - Season 3 Visit here. Casting ends January 31, 2016

Dancehalll recording artiste Kirvan Cole , known as Desperado , will be changing his very popular stage name to ‘ Prado’ to start the New Year. The artiste, who re-energized his recording career in 2015 after being off the scene for a number of years, sees this rebranding move as a positive one for 2016. “The change has to do with a fresh new look, sound and attitude, reinventing Desperado as Prado relates to what is going on now for my career. It is also an acronym that stands for Proud, Righteous And Determined One ” Desperado shared. Desperado ; who first propelled to stardom in the early 2000’s with singles like Line-up/ Style-up on the Applause Riddim, Big Pimpin on the Juice riddim, and Desperado on the Diwali Riddim, has seen his career blossom in 2015 with the brand new single Turn Wid Yuh Liquor. The single hit number 1 for two weeks on the Jamaica Dancehall Single Charts and climbed on charts in U.S., Italy, Germany, the UK and other parts of Europe. Turn Wid Yuh Liquor also hit the Reggae Top 10 Playlist in the United States. The music video for the single also charted on Entertainment Report on TVJ, Hype Tv and other video charts in Jamaica. With the rebranding to Prado , Desperado believes this continues his 2015 mandate, presenting the people with a new and improved sound and image, releasing new material that consists of the high energy dancehall feel, social commentary and other hardcore and conscious songs. “I definitely have lots to say and will allow the music to speak for itself in 2016, prepare for a combination’ of fun songs and conscious material from Prado” Desperado added. For 2016 Prado is putting energies behind new singles while still keeping the attention on his hit single ‘ Turn Wid Yuh Liquor ’. New singles include ‘Wild Out’ on the Wild Out Riddim produced by Baby G as well as ‘No Prison’ produced by chart topping artistes RDX on their Apt. 19 label.

Finding time to workout is tricky in any season, but with a crammed holiday schedule, it can seem nearly impossible. Thankfully, high-intensity interval training—the trending fitness philosophy that combines bursts of cardio and strength training—makes the most of small windows. "Scientifically, you burn more fat by including short spurts where you work your absolute hardest," says Ellen Latham, a trainer and founder of Orangetheory Fitness studios. Here, Latham's 20-minute routine designed to torch calories and firm you up all over. All you need is a jump rope. Do the routine three times a week for body-con, dress-worthy results. WARM-UP Do 20 high-knee marches while pumping your arms, 15 jumping jacks, and 10 standing straight-leg side swings—lifting your leg out to the side while balancing on the other, then quickly switching back and forth. CARDIO BURST (4 minutes) Jump rope with a skipping style, alternating each foot (rather than hopping on them together). "You'll know your heart rate is at the right intensity when your breathing becomes too hard to say your full name and address without stopping," advises Latham. Aim to keep it at that level for the full four minutes. BURPEES TO PUSH-UPS (1 minute) Starting in a standing position, bring your hands to the ground, kick your feet out behind you into a plank position, and do a push-up (drop your knees if necessary). Hop your feet back underneath you and spring straight up, jumping as though you were trying to touch the ceiling. Repeat. SIDE PLANKS (1 minute) On the floor, place your right elbow directly under your shoulder while propped up on your side. Stack feet or stagger them, and elevate your bottom hip to make a straight line from head to toes. Slightly pinch in your shoulder blades (without hunching). Drop your right knee down for support if need be. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat. CARDIO BURST (5 minutes, 30 seconds) Jump rope, skipping again, getting your heart rate back up. After two minutes, jump with a slight jog, as if you were running in place. At the 10-minute mark, hop with feet together, like traditional jump rope, for 90 seconds. "For your knee health, land on the balls of your feet, not flat-footed," notes Latham. Be sure you're breathing hard the whole time. SQUATS TO LUNGES (1 minute) Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, and with your weight in your heels and your hands out in front of you, sit back to a squat—like you're sitting into a chair with your behind stopping at seat level. Stand and lunge your right foot straight forward, keeping the knee above your ankle as you lower your left knee until it hovers above the floor. Step back to standing, then lunge with the left leg forward. Stand, return to squat position, and repeat. FRONT PLANK (90 seconds) Facing down on the floor, prop yourself onto your elbows and toes with your knees lifted. Focus on pinching your shoulder blades and pulling your belly button away from the front waistband of your pants. Latham's tip: "The ab muscles that kick in when you cough—those are the muscles you want to be engaging." Hold for 90 seconds. CARDIO BURST (4 minutes) Jump rope with a running step for three minutes, then jump with feet together for one minute. BICYCLE (1 minute) Lying on your back, bring your right knee up to your chest and stretch your left leg straight out, lowering it as close to the floor as you can without arching your lower back. Then, with your hands behind your head, bring your left armpit toward your right knee and your right elbow back. Alternate sides continuously, focusing on bringing the back elbow far behind you. BACK EXTENSIONS (1 minute) Face-down, tuck your toes under, and place the backs of your hands under your forehead for support, elbows out to the sides. Using your back muscles, lift your chest as high as you can. Lower and repeat. FINISH Gently stretch out your back, hips, chest, and the front and backs of your thighs. (December 2015/January 2016 issue of Harpers BAZAAR)

Lured by lovely beaches and well-priced resorts, many travelers never see Jamaica beyond scenes of sun and sand. But this multi-faceted island offers so much more than the expected tropical vistas. The “Land of Wood and Water” also boasts mountains, historic architecture and unexpected adventure excursions. Check these things off your Jamaica bucket list on your next visit: Devon House, courtesy of Jamaica Tourist Board. 1. Devon House One of Jamaica’s most significant national landmarks, Kingston’s Devon House is a stately 19th century mansion that was the home to the island’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Besides striking history and decor, Devon House draws hundreds of visitor’s to its legendary I-Scream shop, considered the best on the island. Credit: Wolmadrian / WikiMedia 2. Blue and John Crow Mountain National Park Shrouded in mists and rising to the island’s highest point at 7402 feet, the Blue Mountains are as significant to Jamaica’s landscape as its beaches. Combined with the connecting John Crow Mountains, the National Park is a World Heritage Site and sprawls over 200,000 acres of tropical rain forest. Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica 3. Dunn’s River Falls A stunning example of why the indigenous Aarawk people named the island Xayamaca; land of rivers and springs, Dunn’s River Falls is one of Jamaica’s most dazzling hallmarks. Flowing across more than 600 feet and one of the few rivers that flow directly into the Caribbean Sea, a climb up the falls near Ocho Rios should not be missed. The Bob Marley Museum, courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates 4. Bob Marley Museum Jamaica’s most famous son inspires a host of monuments, historical sites and locations all over the island but the Bob Marley Museum, which is the Kingston house that Bob lived in during the height of his career, is an important highlight. The tour features his gold and platinum albums, studio workings and a life-sized hologram. Scotchies jerk meat grill, courtesy of Jamaica Tourist Board. 5. Scotchies It should be a requirement for all Jamaica visitors to sample authentic jerk before leaving the island. The process of grilling meats over an open pit with various seasonings has been much copied but it’s not real jerk unless it’s been grilled over an open pit of sweet wood and pimento logs and few places do it better than Scotchies Jerk Centre. It’s the wood, not the sauce, that gives the meat such delectable flavor. Check out locations in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Kingston. Rafting the Rio Grande, courtesy of Jim Smith 6. Rafting on the Rio Grande Thank the late Hollywood icon Errol Flynn for the unforgettable experience of floating down the gentle waves of the Rio Grande River on a bamboo raft. The rafts were only used to transport bananas to Port Antonio’s busy harbor until Flynn popularized it as an ideal way to enjoy the area’s lush scenery. Rose Hall Great House, courtesy of Jim Smith. 7. Rose Hall Great House The white witch of Rose Hall is one of Jamaica’s most enduring legends and a tour through the restored 18th -century plantation house conjures up the details of Annie, the mistress of the house who deposed of three husbands and many lovers with witchcraft. Day and night tours of the Montego Bay landmark are available but be aware that many still glimpse Annie’s ghost roaming through Rose Hall. 8. Rick’s Cafe This scenic cliff-side bar is a famed Negril hotspot that boasts awe-inspiring vistas and sunsets. Rick’s is also a popular location for cliff jumping, so there’s always something to see, no matter what time of day. Mystic Mountain Jamaica bobsled ride, courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates. 9. Mystic Mountain Jamaica Bobsled Inspired by the legendary Jamaican Olympic bobsled team, this Ocho Rios attraction swoops down the mountain and through the rain forest driven by gravity. Mystic Mountain Jamaica Bobsled is an exhilarating ride that combines Jamaican innovation and tropical landscapes. 10. Doctor’s Cave Beach Jamaica is covered with lovely beaches but none boast the intriguing history or prime location in the middle of Montego Bay’s Hip Strip, like Doctor’s Cave Beach. Named for the doctor who used a cave to get to the beach and its reported curative waters during the early 20th century, the beach is now a bathing club with pristine sands and a lively bar, open to the public.rative waters during the early 20th century, the beach is now a bathing club with pristine sands and a lively bar, open to the public. (Orbitz.com) ................................................................................................................ About the Author Rosalind Cummings-Yeates Rosalind is a writer/author/blogger/teacher based in Chicago. Follow her hyphenated adventures with her blog, Farsighted Fly Girl, as well as on Twitter and Instagram @FarsightedGirl.