One of our main issues as a society is that we constantly fail to hold those we’ve placed in office to their word. I find it hard to believe that despite the very apparent minus column in our pay slips we continuously forget that it is OUR money which funds the government. I’ll repeat it for the people in the back; the billions of dollars being spent on failed initiatives, incomplete plans, repaving ALREADY PERFECTLY PAVED ROADS comes from YOUR paycheck. A portion of the money you generate with every sent email and pointless meeting goes towards ensuring that our Prime Minister has a private helicopter at her beck and call , the cost of which usually runs between 5 – 10 THOUSAND USD per hour.

Added to this egregious spending we then have the friends and family syndrome so common to our shores, contracts are awarded to persons affiliated with government officials, companies often run by their families or those who have been open financial contributors during the party elections. So why are we allowing this? We are aware that this is the time where a high of number of Trinidadian nationals are going into business for themselves and diversifying the monopoly we’ve felt in a number of fields for several years. Then why is it that the same companies continuously hold government contracts? How is it that persons have made mint off no other business than that paid for with our money?

Consider simply nothing more than due process being afforded to us in the dealings of this country’s finances? Why can’t we have open tender processes and transparent selections? It is time that we move away from the Banana Republic image that the financial world has of us and the only way we can do that is to start taking steps to reduce the amount of corruption we have. With a clearly failed Intergrity Commission, what is going to be put in place to level some semblance of fairness?

Understanding that we can never truly eliminate corruption is it still totally utopian of me to think that we could at least try to limit it? This is a discussion that needs to be mentioned and needs to be given a fair amount of thought or we’ll be stuck in the same old cycles no matter where we place our X. Politicians only do as they please because we allow it, we have no one but ourselves to blame for the multitude of issues we presently face. What do we, the consumer, who place our government into office plan to do? How are we planning to get better not just for ourselves, but for the better use for our taxpayers’ dollars, instead of it just being used to give them nice things?

1.) THOU SHALL WEAR CLOTHES FOR THY BODYTYPE

First things first, you cyah be a size large and trying to fit into small swimwear. It’s just wrong. Wear something to flatter the body you already have not the dream body ya want.

2.) IF THOU TAKETH IT OFF THOU SHALT NOT BOTHER

What’s the point of wearing an article of clothing to the dance if you know 30 minutes into it your gonna take it off? Come na man..I mean, unless we have a guest performance by Nelly, try an keep it on nah.

3.)THOU SHALL DRESS FOR THE HARBOUR MASTER NOT THE CLUB

If it is an outdoors event, and we mean sun, sea, and RUM…why dress like yuh goin in AC? It don’t have no time for that, is pump! Cah be in the dance lookin like Maximus Dan, right?

4.) IF THOU CANNOT BUBBLE IN IT WHY WEAR IT?

We shouldn’t even have to explain that one na ..

5.) THOU SHALL ACCESSORIZE IN MODERATION

Confidence is the best accessory and a little goes a long way. Ya doh wanna be that girl in the party fixing herself every minute.

6.) THOU SHALL WEAR COLOUR

We mean, it’s summer time. Throw on some colour, mix it up! But we not telling yuh to go outside looking like a pack of skittles. So unless yuh offering a pot of gold, nobody trying to find the rainbow. At least not on you.

7.) THOU SHALL KNOW THYSELF

If yuh know yuh perspiration levels abnormal, WHY would you wear silk, rayon, or anything light colored? Word of advice, don’t do it to yaself..Red Flag.

8.)THOU SHALL NOT CAKE UP

Usually we outside in hot sun. Ladies dis one is for allyuh self. Minimal make up goes a long way. Try yuh best not to be the one who face rub off on every one you hug.

9.) THOU SHALL GROOM THYSELF

If yuh wearin’ one of these hot bikinis that are trending at the moment, ya bikini area should have a wax to match. Nothing further needs to be said.

So that pretty much sums up the mandatory guidelines to NEVER POP DOWN. Take in heed in the word of SCORCH and you shall prosper. Stay tuned and see alyuh soon!

Whether it’s a full length analysis of a serious issue, a quick tweet updating yuh on a trending topic, a brief commentary on a current event, a light scoop on a hot piece of gossip, or a random meme we came across, SCORCH go always have something to say and share.

So look out for us on a social media outlet near you, and look out for yourself too, as yuh never know if yuh might end up in a piece about fashion f*ck ups or that “sex tape” yuh make in Miami….

And if there’s anything we didn’t mention or you want us to talk about more, feel free to drop us a line and let us know. Feedback is always welcome, like a long weekend.

Side Note: there are quite a few hot MILFs walking around the savannah getting fit for carnival.

10. Baby Momma Body
While some women have the ability to bounce back after a pregnancy, most women, sadly, do not. To put it in politically correct terms, this is NOT a showroom car anymore. #StretchMarks

9. Replacement Father
Don’t ever think she is looking for a replacement for the child’s father who is no longer in her life, and this can get even more complicated if you have a child of your own. So be open and take your time.

8. Things move slower than usual
As a single man you are probably accustomed to running through girls apace. But a woman with a child is “most likely” looking for some stability. So she is probably going to feel you out before you get to “hit that”.

7. Commitment Issues
State your intentions early. Ask her if she is looking for a fling or a long term relationship – manage your expectations. She is
building her career and taking care of a child, so no need wasting time.

6. De Chile Father
This is a tricky issue. If he is in the child’s life then you are going to probably see him or at least hear her complain about him. There is bound to be tension, after all, your are probably having sex with his baby momma.

5. You’re not my father
One day you are probably going to have to correct/discipline her child and that could make for drama. Handle this situation with kid’s gloves (pun intended).

4. If You Don’t like Kids…LEAVE
If it’s just a booty call when she has found a babysitter, all well and good. If you decide to get into a relationship, remember that child is there forever and that baggage may be too much for you to handle. Just be honest with yourself!!

3. Second Place
Don’t be a tourist to the truth. You are always going to play second fiddle to her child. Accept it and move on.

2. Pumping Ahead
If your girl has a child, you can’t call her up on a Friday evening and say let’s go Miami for the weekend for Carnival. She has to get a babysitter to start with. So plan your outings weeks in advance.

1. Financial Implications
While she may be an independent woman, every purchase you make from here on in, you make by three. Whether it’s a simple thing like ice cream or renting a place for the three of ya’ll to live. So just bear that in mind.

Here is a short workout that can help you be picture proud in your Tribe Mohican costume by Scorch come next year. Mohican Morning Blast! Try these exercises first thing in the morning.

Push Ups
Traditional move that is still relevant. Place arms shoulder width apart, shoulders directly over palms (use knuckles if you have easily aggravated wrists). As you draw shoulder blades together, lower body to ground till about a fist’s height off the ground. Then drive back up. Do as many as you can in 30 seconds, rest for 60 seconds and repeat once.

Push up

Side Lunge + Lateral Raise
Grab a pair of dumbells, a weighted ball or even two bottles of water. Making a lateral step, ensuring the toes stay pointed in the same direction and feet are in line with each other still (parallel). As you make this step, raising the weight(s) upward, till level with the shoulders. Return the weight to your side or in front of you as you push off the bent leg and return to standing. Repeat on the other side and keep alternating Do as many as you can in 30 seconds, rest for 60 seconds and repeat once.

Side Lunge + Lateral Raise

Squat Jumps
Standing with feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart, interlock the fingers in front your chest and open the elbows as wide as you can, maintaining this position throughout the exercise (draw shoulder blades together). Lower the body into the squat, pushing hips down & back. Coming up through the squat in a quick & controlled jump as high as you can. Land cushioning the landing & initiate the next squat. Do as many as you can in 30 seconds, rest for 45 seconds and repeat once.

Squat

Jump

Cross Leg Crunch
Lying flat on the back, in the traditional sit up position, cross legs. The crunch is performed bringing the elbow towards the opposite knee. This exercise is 2 sets, one for each crossed leg. Be mindful NOT to jam your chin towards your chest. Do as many as you can in 30 seconds, rest for 45 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Cross Leg Crunch

d Body Architect
IG & Twitter: @dbody architect
E-mail: dbodyarhitect@gmail.com

Model: Reshma Razac

Doh say I say, but a lil birdie told me that a good bit of “said” equipment has already passed through the port… I’ve also been hearing that ticket sales weren’t going too well… so, what’s the real deal here?

Rihanna World Tour Opening Performance

One really has to wonder if there’s any connection between the postponement of Robyn’s concert and the fact that the Barbados Light and Power had to take a trip down Kensington last week to cut off the electricity due to an unpaid utility bill of $400,000. Reports show that the average monthly bill of the Oval is about $60,000 and the bill had not been paid in months. I dunno about yall, but I starting to put 2 and 2 together and I getting 4.

Regardless of what the reason is (cause to be honest, we ain’t buying yuh cover story live nation!), the press release stated that refunds may be obtained between Wednesday October 30th through Saturday, November 1st at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. To return tickets bought using ticketmaster.com, you can call 1 (800) 745-3000 to have your ticket cancelled. They’ve also given ticket holders the option of holding their ticket until the next concert (of no date thus far) to gain entry.

Meanwhile, I would have expected at least a tweet from Rih apologizing or at least saying something regarding the postponement in her homeland, of ALL the places, but so far she seems to still be enjoying herself at the other world tour locations, instagramming pics with as many zoo animals as she can from all over the world… :/

So WHAAAT NOWWWWW?? *riri voice* Idk, but if you were planning to be at the world tour on Friday, do yourself a favor, stop toting, get your money back and organize your package for SCORCH Bim’s Ramajuvay one time. Who say #PaintPumpRinseRepeat!?

Well Ricarda blows that stereotype to pieces. Not only is she a 7+ Stunna but she also has a lot more to offer as well. She’s a “fly-girl” in every sense of the word!

What’s your age and profession?
I recently turned 23 and I’m
a Helicopter Pilot.

How did you decide that was what you wanted to do?
From small I can recall thinking to myself I didn’t want to be cooped up in an office. I knew I needed something that was a little bit more exciting. At first my goal was to be an airplane pilot, just being in control of this large machine, feeling the turbulence etc, the whole idea of it fascinated me.

So you’re an adrenaline junkie?
Yea, I got a rush from it; most people may be scared or shy away from it but I loved the thought of it! My cousin who works offshore is the one who put forward the idea of flying helicopters. So I researched it, found a school and set off on my journey to be the best damn helicopter pilot out there.

7+ Stunna & Helichopter Pilot -Rircarda Thompson

So you completed it last year; where did you go from there?
Well right now I’m freelancing. I work with a company out of Mexico called Comesa. I’m on call as the need arises, so they will fly me out there to work probably for a few weeks to a month, then I come back home. I normally would be responsible for transporting machinery and people out into the field.

So how long did it take you to complete your training?
It takes as little as 6 months to do it. For me it took about 1 and a 1/2 years, because I wanted to travel as well so I flew to Miami, Orlando, California just to name a few places. I was 20 when I left TnT at that time.

How would you describe your profession to a five year old?
It is VERY cool! I get to fly Helicopters! *laugh*

Watch out World!

What do you think is the hardest part of your job?
Multitasking on a high level and the fact that you have to concentrate a lot. At the end of the day it’s my life and other people’s lives in my hands, so there is no room for error. The
helicopter alone costs a few million dollars (US).

How do you manage that? For someone so young that’s plenty responsibility.
The first thing is maturity, definitely. You just have to motivate yourself to get the job done and more importantly get it done right the first time!

What do you think was your hardest day on the job?
To me every day brings new challenges, but my first day out alone just so happened to be my most challenging. It was my first solo flight and I had a communication failure. It wasn’t on the job
but still in training and I couldn’t speak to anyone to get clearance to land. I had to do an emergency procedure, circling the landing zone till I figured out the most practical solution possible. It was a bit nerve racking but while in it I didn’t really think about anything else but a solution. It was all my call and in the end it turned out pretty well. I landed on the taxi way where I knew it would be clear.

Being in a male dominated profession how have you adapted?
Well that’s one of the reasons I don’t have a job in Trinidad right now. There is a lot of politics down here. I got a chance to prove myself by taking jobs outside of TnT. Experience is everything,
plus you get a chance to build a name for yourself. I think outside of Trinidad they focus more on your skill set and not the fact that you’re a female. For instance one of my first trips to Mexico I was in a camp of a hundred plus men and lil’ ole me was the only female. Now when I say camp it is literally that. It was port-a-potties, the full works but I had to
adapt.

At first my fellow pilots were intimidated by me but now it’s all cool. One of them even told me that it was great to see a woman doing the job.