**From
the shores of the lovely twin-islands of Trinidad & Tobago, small islands
with mighty and diverse people – producer of oil and natural gas – creator of
the steel-pan – land of beautiful men and women – with Gold medalists, Nobel
Laureates Prize winners, Musical Superstars and the BEST and SWEETEST Carnival in
the WORLD – we celebrate 50 years of Independence! J God Bless our small Nation. **
Discipline, Production, Tolerance** Together we Aspire; Together we Achieve! J
Friday, August 31, 2012
Love your Life
I read
this today and wanted to share it with you, my darling readers…live with no regrets –
all is simply – WELL. J
“Like a
string of colourful beads, the days of my life follow one after another. Every
bead, every day, contributes to the whole. As I reflect on the days of my life,
some may seem brighter or more colourful than the others; some may appear
cracked or chipped, yet each day is precious. I have been strengthened by
challenge, broken open in crisis, and sustained through it all by God within. I
have been humbled by my errors and encouraged by my successes. I’ve been
blessed by friends and family as we’ve lived through times of joy and sorrow.
For every loss I’ve grieved, I have been blessed by a time of love. I have no
regrets. I love my life!”
Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. – Psalm 23:6
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Jurassic Park
** This movie changed my life; I will always be an enormous fan! This lovely theme song is powerful and timeless. Love Jurassic Park ! J
Monday, August 27, 2012
The Lesson
Just
like it was in school; when we didn’t get the lesson the first time, we’d have
to do it over and over until we got it right. I believe this applies to all our
lessons in life- our life classes. There are many life lessons – not logical
like Mathematics, but a bit more philosophical with us piecing parts together
to ultimately reveal the ‘whole’. And we are indeed part of the ‘whole’ – all connected,
all on a journey towards spiritual fullness and greatness! J
‘Patience’
happens to be a lesson we humans repeat quite a bit. We can’t seem to wrap
around our heads that ‘we – are – not – in – control’; neither that ‘we – must –
go – with – the – flow –of – the – Universe’. If we don’t get it now; we’ll get
it later. But until we do, we’ll keep butting our heads against the wall.
No-one said it’d be easy, or perfect; it’s usually the ‘easy concepts’ that are
hardest to put into practice.
Whatever
our aspirations or desires are we have guidance with and within our beings to
develop the unique gifts we have to share with the world. There is no need to
rush and there is no need to compare ourselves with others. As the ‘Desiderata’
stated, “…there will always be greater and lesser persons than yourself…” That’s
because we are all on different spiritual pathways and journeys to strength and
resilience to develop a closer bond with God/Universe.
The
sooner we accept, surrender, and stop fighting, the easier and lighter our load
will become; as we are able to move with the flow of life. Believe me. Our
creator knows what we want; our desires would not have been this strong if it
wasn’t put there for a reason – what we must realize though, is that our dreams
are human dreams and have little potential compared to what we could really allow
to happen in our lives.
All we
need is a little more patience. A little more trust. If you want to fight and
control everything…you’ll get what you want eventually…but if you ‘let go’ and
become more trusting and patient in the truth and beauty of Universal flow,
then not only will you become more stress-free; but you will also be bountiful
in confidence, faith and heavenly insight.
It’s
always darkest before the dawn…smile darlings…your blessings and surprises are
just around the corner.
Bless-up!
J
Jair
Underworld - Evolution
I’m not
usually a fan of a string of movies – but I quite enjoyed ‘Underworld’ so of
course I was intrigued to see what ‘Underworld – Evolution’ had to offer! And
now I’ve figured out how ‘Twilight’ and ‘Harry Potter’ sagas do it! Well, let’s
just say it was plenty more gore, plenty more swearing and the sensationally
scourging sex-scene between vampire and were-wolf! :D
Once
again, keep the children out of the room; and you can be sure to enjoy yet another
installment of the ‘Underworld’ clan. I know Kate Beckinsdale is laughing all
the way to the bank with this exciting and adventurous film she is able to
re-visit every 3 years; the first being in 2003, this one in 2006, and the
other 2 in 2009 and 2012. She continues to shine and blossom with her character
‘Selene’, whose gifts aren’t only being ‘super-sexy’ in leather black suits,
but also being excellent at firing 2 guns simultaneously, not to mention
landing gracefully whenever she falls. J They surely don’t make vampyre warriors the way
they used to!
Breathtaking,
and decrepit cinematography, loads of action and solid back-story so the
audience wouldn’t get lost. This installment of ‘Underworld’ held the same team
of writers, Kevin Grevioux, Len Wiseman and Danny McBride, with direction once
more from Wiseman. Wonderfully executed story of ancient feuds and forbidden
love exposing secrets in between the film’s fierce battle segments.
Be
careful, you might spill your pop-corn on this one! J Enjoy the ride!
Underworld
In
2003, English actress Kate Beckinsdale showed her dark side in this
action/fantasy/thriller. Besides the film’s immense special effects, glorious
cinematography and amazing camera angles it also showcased her versatility and
strength in acting. The story written by Kevin Grevioux, whom you may remember
from 'Star Trek'; also plays a part in this film; and he teamed up with Director Len
Wiseman and screen-writer Danny McBride to ensure that, this tale was a captivating one.
Raging
wars between any two parties are heartrending and perplexing, but when the war
happens to be among vampyres and werewolves; now that makes for a fascinating experience!
It’s difficult not to be moved by a story of love, and one filled with action,
adventure and longing, makes it twice more thrilling! J
Kate
Beckinsdale plays alongside an English cast of Scott Speedman, Michael Sheen, Sophia
Miles, Wentworth Miller and Robbie Gee to name a few. They and others helped to
make this motion picture a believable one.
With strong violence, gore and some
language I wouldn’t recommend it for the young ones, but for a good pouncing of
the heart and a kick-start to your evening; I’d certainly pop this ‘bad-boy’
in. Think ‘Tomb Raider’ meets ‘Dracula’ it’s a lovely balance between the conventional
with a modern twist – all that changes are the ammunition! J
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Chocolat
“One
Taste is All it Takes…”
It
only took me all but 12 years to taste this remarkable film! J And how could you not say Chocolat without “Mmmm”! J This 2000 film set in the
equally remarkable small and rural 1959 French village was a delicious delight
from start to finish – no ‘pun’ intended J
I wasn’t
quite sure if the audience could handle all that chocolate and Johnny Depp at
once; but somehow it was an ever such marvelous idea! This drama, romance was
written by English Joanne Harris and adapted into screenplay by Robert Nelson
Jacobs and directed by Swedish director Lasse Hallstrom. French beauty and
actress Juliette Binoche starred in this film as the mysterious woman Viviane
who brought ecstasy to this little community. Other well-known and well-loved
actors you may recognize in this quaint film would be the alluring Johnny Depp,
English ‘force-to-be-reckoned-with’ Judi
Dench, Canadian Carrie-Anne Moss whom you may remember from ‘The Matrix’ and
Oscar nominated Swedish Lena Olin and Irish ‘innocent-faced’ Hugh O’Conor you
may remember from ‘My Left Foot’ to name a few.
It was
a film experience similar to none-other; with splendid cinematography, the
simple story of doing what feels right and keeping the balance and splendor of
life as well as one that warmed the heart with fragranced and lovely tang! J With an estimated budget of
$25 million, it was easy to see how all their hard-work was paid off as they
made back a well-deserved $152 million world-wide.
It
made me laugh and cry – I’d certainly recommend for a wondrously luscious night
of fun. Alone or with friends – even if they happen to be some good ole’ blocks
of Chocolat! J
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
The Cave
'Top
Buchanan' is still alive!!!
Sorry
for the spoiler alert – but this is only the name of the character you’ll find
out about after you watch this movie. J Always in the mood for a good thriller/horror and
this one tickled my fancy as it was jam-packed with adventure and action. J
Written
by Michael Steinberg and Tegan West and directed by Bruce Hunt (whom you may
remember from the Matrix Trilogy), this 2005 horror brought a scientific and
mysterious story to life with great implementation. With a plausible methodical
story set in beautiful and historical Romania and with an expert cast stuck in
eerie yet beautiful surroundings of the south-eastern Mexican, Yucatan
Peninsula; exploring and then being hunted by monsters makes any audience
member’s heart race with excitement!
With an
estimated budget of $30 million dollars; and with intricate and unique horror
cinematography; most of which is in a large cave and with characters we do not
know too much about – they managed to balance out at $33 million dollars.
If you’re
in the mood for a fast-paced, visually appealing, and equally gripping film
with the added bonus of the character 'Top Buchanan' remaining alive; then you
should tune in to this enjoyable thriller! J
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The Hunger Games
This
2012 Action/Adventure/Sci-fi film was reminiscent of ‘Harry Potter’ and had
elements of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and glimpses of the brilliant novel ‘Brave
New World’ by Aldous Huxley. ‘The Hunger Games’ written by Suzanne Collins and
screenplay adaption by Suzanne Collins, Billy Ray and by director of the film Gary
Ross had all the key elements for making of a booming and thrilling teenaged movie.
Backed by Lionsgate films and with a cool budget of $78 million dollars; it’s
easy to see how it made back $672 million worldwide. Teenagers in love and
teenagers fighting to the death is very ‘becoming’ right now! J
The intensely
beautiful and talented Jennifer Lawrence stars in this film and plays the
character Katniss Everdeen with wonderful grace; she is calm, focused and
triumphantly believable. She plays alongside others like: Wes
Bentley, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, ‘too-sexy-for-his-own-good’ Lenny
Kravitz, a barely recognizable Woody Harrelson and new-comer and uber-talented
Amandla Stenberg who plays one of the youngest at battle ‘Rue’ from District
11.
With such
support, talented cast and a vigorous budget it’s easy to see how well
put-together this film was. Grand camera angles, fantastic lighting, splendid
soundtrack, magnificent special effects, CGI and without a doubt, a seamless team-work in place, as continuity, story,
dialogue and dramatic moments were all on point. Certainly recommended for
pre-teens and teenagers; maybe not as stimulating for adults as the action
happened mostly and was focused on that specific age-group from 12 to 18 years old. But I must say, it still makes for
a cool night of fun! J
Monday, August 20, 2012
Tell Him
**
Where have all the ladies and lovely lyrics disappeared to???
**Let
me be patient, Let me be kind, make me unselfish, without being blind. Though I
may suffer, I’ll envy not, and endure what comes, cause’ he’s all that I got…
I need him, I love him, it’ll be alright…
I may
have faith, to make mountains fall, but if I lack love, then I am nothing at
all. I can give away everything I possess, but I’m without love, then I have no
happiness. I know I’m not imperfect and
not without sin, but now that I’m older, all childish things end…**
Love
you Lauryn Hill J
J J
Prayer-Fast-Job
During
my first and hopefully not last prayer-fast I gained knowledge on some useful
things. One that sacrificing food puts your mind in a much more clearer and
peaceful place, and Two that Gandhi was a boss-man to survive that long without food! Fasting is a practice you can get used to; but practicing it in the
summer and in an environment where everyone around you is sharing flavourful,
exotic foods, it can appear to be a bit more complicated.
Nevertheless,
my experience was an overall good one; and I had the pleasure of reading ‘The
Book of Job’; among other things throughout that time. What I learnt was that
the Almighty creator/Supreme being always tests us with what is most beloved to
us. Why is this? Well it’s to see how faithful we are and to make sure that we
do what we were created to do. We were all created for the same reason; to be
sincere, close and loving with our heavenly father; to be loving to our
neighbours, friends and even enemies.
The
Universe/God sees and hears our hearts and knows our desires and what is
pumping within our beings; therefore we must always be grateful and must always
share dominion with him. We are not in control of everything, especially in
divine timing and when un-pleasant situations or change arises. We need to
remain steadfast, true, and positive right through our tricky periods.
According
to this book of Job, our human blessings/gifts/materials may be increased or
decreased at any given time. And that our occupation is our livelihood, but not
our lives; we were designed perfectly to complete specific tasks and the
greatest of them is living, practicing and being ‘love’. We are all one – part of
the greater whole – and we must not forget that! J
Discouraging
at times and a struggle always to remain positive, as even Job complained
effortlessly during his low moments; but we should not compare ourselves with
others; life is not a race and the sooner we let go of the negative things of
our past, the sooner we realize that these people and situations have no power
or control over our thinking and future greatness; only then can we truly hold
freedom and joy that comes from the peace of mind.
What
one person achieves is their achievement; what YOU achieve will always be
something precisely engraved particularly to your existence here and now. Make promises to yourself and declare what you
know is the truth. My darlings, for ever and a day be thank-full – we have no
right to be complaining…
Bless-up!
Jair J
The Sweetest Thing
If you
like nonsensical, fluffy, overly sexy comedies, then you’ll love ‘The Sweetest
Thing’! This 2002 film written by Nancy Pimental and directed by Roger Kumble
was a simple film about dating and relationships; about being tired of the
games that people play and really wanting something more meaningful in life. It
was filled with ‘Bollywood-type’ sing-dance numbers, loads of giggling and
plenty of predictable and un-savory dialogue. Great line of actors in this film
including the wide-smiled and leggy Cameron Diaz , serious and chic Selma
Blair, bright-eyed Christina Applegate, as well as actor, director, producer Thomas
Jane and child star turned hardest working actor in America Jason Bateman. As
much as I tried to get into this movie; I felt that it gave romantic comedies a
bad name; and although there was a message; it was so weak within the story
that it seemed more to be a series of horny scenarios and situations than to have a worthy or serious message ring true.
An
estimated budget of $43 million dollars and making back a cool $68 million
worldwide it goes to show that time and time again, that sex sells. Sure we
have all kinds that make up the world – but constantly it seems to be the
bratty reality shows and uncouth, lewd behavior that attracts and sells more
than anything else.
Not at
all my cup of tea. But would I call it entertaining for viewers; perhaps for a
group of teenagers; I’d find it fair enough. J
Friday, August 17, 2012
My Mighty Lord Kitchener
** In my opinion - the latest and greatest performer of calypso in Trinidad & Tobago. His lyrics, his melody, heavenly and unforgettable! :)) My favourite song to play on pan! Missin' yuh muh sweet tenor! :)) ENJOY!!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Despicable Me
I
know, I know, I’m a bit late seeing this crime, comedic animated special
written by Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio, and Sergio Pablos. Directed by Pierre Coffin
and Chris Renaud and with a number of amusing voices to add luster like, Steve
Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Mindy Kaling, Julie Andrews, Kristen Wiig, Jack
McBrayer, and Miranda Cosgrove it was an adorable and smart movie with a lot of
heart.
Behind
every tough exterior there’s always a warm heart hoping to be found out! J This would be the case too for
‘Gru’ the clever yet kind-hearted villain that wants nothing more than to make
his mother proud. Along his journey he realizes that he needs to do what his
heart desires and not try to please anyone; for the love we desire comes when
we least expect it. J
Looks
are always deceiving; nothing is as it seems; the last act is always the most
interesting! Wonderful and hilarious and made for a good night of giggles!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Truth
“The
truth was a mirror in the hands of God. It fell, and broke into pieces.
Everybody took a piece of it, and they looked at it and thought they had the
truth.” - RUMI
Monday, August 13, 2012
Accept your Blessings
We all
have crosses to bear; or burdens, tasks and obstacles in life; there are none
of us as human-beings living on earth that is free from this. We must remember
though, that we are not alone in our turmoil, difficulties or struggles. We
must utilize the power of prayer to communicate with the heavenly realm and
truly envision the way we wish our lives to transform. We are given that gift
of imagination, and despite outward appearances and inner doubts we know that
with the Universal Good/God that we can manifest all our desires!
Forever
is how much the Universe/God loves you; you were created special and with
purpose just as all the mighty mountains, running streams and lovely meadows.
Believe that! Whatever you are going through at this moment; release it;
surrender the hurt, guilt and pain. Forgive yourself and forgive the persons
and or situations – open your heart and feel the divine love and joy that is
always encircling you! The painful memories have no control over who you are
today; let those attachments be replaced with healing and restoration; to
freedom!
Connecting
with this higher force ensures that you flourish spiritually and once you live
in that mindful space and carry that light of God within you, you will always
be safe, protected and have a healthy peace of mind. Is this your desire? Are you
tired of living with regret? Tired of wasting energy in vain? Don’t try to
impress anybody! Impress your heavenly father/mother, your supreme creator. Now is the
only time there is; why not make a fulfilling and blissful change in your life;
and claim your power and beautiful experiences today.
Accept
your blessings – you deserve it darlings – you’re one in a million! J
Bless-up!
Jair J
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Don't be Afraid of the Dark
I’m
always in the mood for a good scary movie and this rainy evening seemed just
right to snuggle into ‘Don’t be Afraid of the Dark’. I’d seen so many shoddy
reviews when this 2010 horror-thriller came out; but I am a TREMENDOUS Guiermo
del Toro fan and any film by this Mexican genius is a must-see for me! A
collaborative effort with Canadian director Troy Nixey and another film starring
the upcoming child star Bailee Madison, whose been in numerous movies lately,
including ‘Just Go With It’, ‘Brothers’ and ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ to name a
few. She shone once more playing the character ‘Sally’ and exposed her dexterity
for acting well beyond her short years.
Brilliant
back-story and lovely way of executing this 1973 television classic; from the
careful painting of characters, to the wonderful shots of cinematography and
smooth camera angles; it was easy for the audience to be completely invested in
what was being shown. I honestly found myself cringing and heart racing at some
points; it made for a good night of chilling fun! J
Coming
towards to end of the movie though; I found that ‘the creatures’ became ever
more cunning and clever and scenes where characters had to fight off these magical
vermin made it all the more close to laughable as the situations made the
humans seem completely helpless next to them. The echoed small voices also I found to be a bit much, as I found it didn't match well with the darkness of the seedy creatures. Katie Holmes who plays ‘Kim’,
grew on me gradually, as her half-smile had less and less effect when all she
could do was scream. Guy Pearce whose character was ‘Alex’ was believable every
step of the way; for who would truly in modern day agonize over stories of a troubled
little girl, despite that little girl being your daughter?
Although
thoroughly predictable there was a surprise ending and exceptional graphics
throughout; I’d certainly give it more than 5 out of 10 stars for the pure
excitement and entertainment of it all. Unquestionably another enjoyable
thrilling tale with just enough ounces of fairy and disbelief to make you want
to do your own research! J
The Company Men
This
2010 drama starring Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper, Tommy Lee-Jones and Kevin
Costner made for a serious recipe of cinematic status – however despite its
serious cast, its ingredients weren’t enough to keep its audience enthused
every step of the way. USC Graduate John Wells whom you may remember from ‘One
Hour Photo’ or television shows ‘ER’ or ‘The West Wing’ wrote and directed this
film. Set in Boston, I found the Boston accents most amusing in this movie.
The
story is a solid one and we follow men through their agony, fears and
frustrations as they are ‘let-go’ or down-sized from their company. All of them
successful and living in opulence and learning once again how to move forward
and transition despite the grim-looking options presented to them. I found Ben
Affleck’s character, ‘Bobby Walker’ quite daft as everyone but he moved with
the flow of things, and he kept fighting against the reality of what was
happening to him.
Thanks to the American Economic Crisis/Recession, times are incredibly rough and only those that adapt and are resilient can survive. It doesn’t matter what you were paid before or your performance before – everyone is given a clean slate; it is all about survival. No fancy camera-angles, beautiful cinematography or action sequences; it was a poor attempt at gaining a steady interest from its viewers because we didn’t have enough back-story or connections with the characters. When they lost it all – we could not ‘feel’ or empathize with them.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
“You’re
my knight in shimmering armor. Did you know that?”
“I
think you mean shining.”
“No
shimmering. You shimmer and you glow.”
It isn’t
everyday that a movie truly touches your heart; and 1993’s ‘What’s Eating
Gilbert Grape’ does exactly that. This American drama starring Leonardo
DiCaprio and Johnny Depp, written by Peter Hedges and directed by Lasse
Halstrom received 6 wins and 1 nomination that year. Wrapped up with subtle
jokes and warm cinematography it was an intimate look between the relationship
between a boy and his family, of him reaching his breaking point and wanting
more out of life, and also about him discovering true love.
Set in
a small town of Endora, it’s easy to live a simple life and keep out of
trouble; I feel that this film was special because despite it lacking any fancy
footwork, the story stood solid on it’s own and the actors brought it home by
truly connecting with their characters. Johnny Depp who played Gilbert Grape showed
immense gentleness and Leonardo DiCaprio who played Arnie with a mental
condition gave marvelous execution. I also enjoyed watching Juliette Lewis who
played the free-spirit and love interest Becky and Darlene Cates who played the
loving but helpless obese mother Bonnie.
In
addition to the lovely soundtrack, this film easily had its audience hanging on
to see what happened next; and for me brought tremendous joy and sadness. It isn’t
everyday you see a story of people ‘really’ doing things that matter and have
their priorities in order. It isn’t everyday that you find romantic moments
that are true, stops time and make you feel something magical inside either! J
Life
can be awkward and unfair but we must learn to adapt and do the best with what
we have. Change comes but you must prepare yourself for it; you’re never given
more than you can handle, so breathe and let things be. Keep doing the right
thing; you’ll be blessed for it! J
“Tell
me what you want as fast as it comes to you!”
“But
what do YOU want?”
“I
wanna’ be a good person.”
Gratitude
Thank You God!
Thank You God!
Whether
your heart is filled with thanksgiving at this moment, or whether it is filled
with unhappiness, discouragement, or fear, these words are for you. “Thank You,
God, Thank you, God”.
What
is your need right now? Is it for healing, supply, guidance, peace? The words “Thank
You, God”, spoken and affirmed, silently or aloud, will charge your being with
new assurance, peace and the awareness that good is happening to you at this
present time and in this present circumstance. As you repeat, “Thank You, God”
you will have a new feeling of oneness with the Father and a new confidence that
you can meet, face, and overcome victoriously whatever needs to be met, faced,
and overcome.
Thankfulness
is a builder and a strengthener. Thankfulness is a healer, a multiplier of the
good, and a dissolver of the negative. Thankfulness is a lifter and a
life-giver. Thankfulness is a fortifier and a comforter. Thankfulness is an
attracting power for blessings, a lightener of any load or burden, an
ingredient of Spirit that produces miracles in the life of anyone, in any
situation.
Let
these words, “Thank You, God” life you up right now! Let them bring you out of
darkness into the light. Let them build for you a new realization of the
powerful potentials that lie within you, ready to come forth through the very
challenge you face at this time. Let the words “Thank You, God” become a habit.
Let them start your days and fill your nights, until you consistently think and
feel and know thankfulness through and through your whole being, from tip t toe
and inside out.
Thank
God in the good times and in the bad. Thank Him when you feel like it and when
you do not. Thank Him for your environment and for the people around you. Thank
Him for the healing of the body and for the growing of the soul. Thank Him and
thank Him and then, thank Him again!
Say
the words “Thank You, God” aloud firmly, or whisper them softly, knowing that
they are helping you to climb out of every pit of despair up into the light of
Truth and reality.
Say,
“Thank You, God” when even the little light dawns, or a small degree of
understanding comes through. Say it in the face of apparent setback or
disappointment. Establish, through thanksgiving, the habit of closeness to your
heavenly Father, no matter what the condition or circumstance. Continue to say “Thank
You, God” when things go your way, or if they do not. Let thanksgiving become
the predominant characteristic in your disposition and your day.
If
the word comes to you concerning dear ones who are having seeming
insurmountable problems, let your first reaction be, “Thank You, God,” knowing
that His presence is there and in charge. If someone very precious to you is
going through a heartrending circumstance, let your thoughts be constant in
their attention to the words “Thank You, God” knowing that nothing but good can
come to this child of the Father.
“Thank
You, God, Thank You, God” say these words when you feel well and when you do
not when you feel lost and when you feel assured, when you do not know the way
to go and when you do, when you laugh and when you cry, when you feel filled
with faith and especially when you do not! Persist; persist, until your heart
begins to feel a lift and everything in you begins to ring with joy.
“Thank
You, God, Thank You, God” Listen to your own voice say this. Build your ladder
of praise. Old negative states of limited thinking will begin to crumble and
fall away. You will experience victory – inside and out.
By
Mary L Kupferie
With
Love – Jair J
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