CafféLatté Magazine

Car Talk

2014-04-07T06:56:00.002-04:00

I admire car collectors. Vintage cars are not cheap, only if you meet someone with an antique and they give you a bligh, otherwise, no.

Morris Mini Minor 1967

However, I do have my desire to own one black Mini Minor. I remember going to school in Woodbrook, where every afternoon a lady with a 60's beehive would drive home in a sort of olive-jade green mini minor. She kept it well, and sometimes when I go to trini, I would hope to see it again. In fact, I never saw the car parked on the street or anything, I almost always saw her driving around the bend by "Amar", and heading towards the traffic lights. Then, I knew a couple with a blue and black version, they were relatively tall people, but when they sat in it, they looked like they were on the ground. In fact, have you ever saw a Mini Minor in traffic? I did and I thought "exhaust collector", but not even that term would cause me to loose my affection for it.

Monochome works well too...

Now we just have Mini. Its sleek modern with a hint of vintage charm attracts stares wherever it zips around town. Its possible, you can own one for at least $350,000 (TTD), and that may be the cheapest price, at least the last time I checked. My favourite version is the Countryman, only because it has 5 doors. If you do decide to gift me one, please ensure its manual and it is a right-hand drive. ;-P

Finally, the inspiring article that lead me to my Mini-obsession: http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/0,28757,1658545,00.html

2014©LisaMarieBonaparte

Apartment Upgrade

2014-02-17T07:49:00.000-04:00

In Scarborough, I live in a studio apartment. It is something that I always wanted to experience. Some folks like to have a room for everything: bed-room, living-room, bath-room, etc. For some reason, studio apartments are hardly ideal for "roomy section oriented" people. For one, it is an open-concept area with a lot of light, not very claustrophobic, very spacious and an organizational challenge for disorganized people. However, I love that you do save on electricity, I mean one light can illuminate the entire place and there are no "hidden" corners, which makes it easy to find insects like roaches and spiders without feeling like, "I really hope that spider is NOT in this bedroom."

On television channels like HGTV, the viewers are assaulted with terms like "out-dated", or "I wanted hard-wood floors and not laminate" or "this bathroom is tiny" or my favourite, "we will have to renovate this house to put our touches" (even though the home may be move-in ready and the appliances are brand-new). I still love HGTV though, especially, Property Brothers, Love It or List It, Hawai'i Life and House Hunters Intl. I decided to chuck all the renovations and new furniture and whatnot and work with what I have right now:

Its not all white...

Yep, this took me about 30 - 45 mins to plot, measure and recreate and on the right you would see the "cake soap" version of me.

Below is what I dreamt about, still with my original furniture and with a bit of subtractions and additions:

Check out the "Fireman" bed area above the dressing room.

"Tiny" bathroom with dressing area, separated by sliding barn door.

Upgraded kitchen with room to entertain friends.

Dressing room under the bed area.o

Living room layout next to entry.

This look may not be appealing to Caribbean locals, but I can see foreign visitors tackling a layout like this, and there is room for an average-sized dog or cat.

Let me know what you think on FB under Lisa Marie or below in the comments.

2014©Lisa Marie Bonaparte

New Home Design

2014-02-15T01:48:00.000-04:00

Island living. I can't say it is perfect, but it is certainly challenging.

Tobago is a completely different culture, in terms of the people. They love their heritage and to a certain extent the older heads are still respected. While I live in the city, interestingly I prefer the country life here. In some parts, like L'Anse Fourmi, I am reminded of the stories my mom would tell me. She did not grow up in Tobago, but the simple living as a little girl growing up among boys, helps me to visualize how she lived in the 1960's Point Fortin.

L'Anse Fourmi is very quiet and a bit underdeveloped. The villagers are very close and on a Sundays it is endearing to take a walk and talk to some of the villagers there. Did you know that some of the eldest people in Tobago live in L'Anse Fourmi and Charlotteville. These are not rich folks, but they are wealthy in wisdom, health and experience.

Now you have a personal account of a Tobadadian (copyrighted). I might add that unless you have a taste for adventure, you would never really learn Tobago... you have to get up and get out!

I did another home. The idea stemmed from a recent disappointment and I had to channel that energy somewhere. It has some pretty unusual features and too many windows. Right now, we are living at a time where we need to have some sort of cooling system, or boiled alive. I call this design the Double-Tapper. First, I took too long to finish it (I did not even design the doors and put in a gate), secondly, I want to upgrade my current apartment design to maximize the space, I will post these soon.

Take a look below and tell me what you think!

I almost forgot, it has: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, living and dining, kitchen, washroom and storage, double parking, patio, and an office. I did not take much measurements but I estimate its about 2,300 sq ft.

Front

Back

Kitchen/Dining area and living room

Dining area and stairs to the bedrooms

Scene from bedroom 1

Bathroom 1

This CaffeLatter Magazine Blog Owner...

2014-01-09T13:40:00.001-04:00

... Is on the job market for a new company adventure.

Have a look at my Cover letter and Resume!

Tobago Beach Home 2

2012-08-06T00:16:00.000-04:00

Nothing much to say here, except I think white houses with splashes of colours are "designingly" better that super bright canary yellow.

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

Tobago Beach Home

2012-08-04T14:49:00.001-04:00

In Tobago, I found that the majority of residents here build massive homes with lots of little apartments and charge really high rents. I have been to some places where it is about 12 feet long by 8 feet wide with one window for $1,500 a month. And I have seen slightly larger for about $300.00 more. One place is a one bedroom with a little window. That goes for $2,200 a month. And if you protest they say, "That is my price, take it or leave it."

So, I decided to 'build' a home on Google Sketchup, because somewhere I think there is potential to have a home and apartments, but make it 'liveable' and get the maximum out of your tenants and home without having to run A/C for an entire day.

I saw a piece of land by the beach, it is very large, so I thought what if I to purchase a piece from it about 30 ft across and about 80 plus feet long. It is narrow, so the home that I built, will be pretty long and narrow, there would be minimal yard space, but will still have enough parking for all. I am not finished with the design yet, but I am pretty happy how its coming along.

The bottom apartment is for rent, this is the side facing the beach.

The unfinished design

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

The Month of May

2012-07-21T15:06:00.002-04:00

Many people have a breaking point. Some folks earnestly believe that they don't, if you are one of those, ask your self, why does the human body have a limit to the amount of pain one can endure? Why do we have to be anesthetized when having surgery?

In the month of May, I was over stressed, my roommate and I were over stressed, we had a limit and then it was time to do something drastic. My end of the deal was done, so I packed up and with a few shed tears and hugs, kisses and take cares, I hopped on a boat looking for euphoria.

My mom was on hand to make sure I was fine, I felt elated, but my body was twisted emotionally, and mentally. I needed rest. So for two days I slept, got up bathe and slept. On the third day I took notes. Then I slept.

Then I worked the streets…

Eventually I found a place and a job and everything else fell into place… just like that. (Feel free to include prayers, tears, reading, phone calls, angry out bursts, etc.) I did not find euphoria, but I found a reason to keep going. I found new challenges and new friends and people in my life. My family has been supportive, in particular my mom and grandmother. Their unwavering support will be of the best things I would remember because, I felt unappreciated and unloved, and they called and made it seemed 'ok' to face trials.

God. Some folks have confidence in Him. I do, but not to the point that I throw it out there like hot water. Some days, I did not want to leave my bed, or go anywhere, sometimes I felt like I needed someone, and mom or granny could not call fast enough, I needed a presence, a feeling that I am not alone in this. That what happened in April really did happen. The feeling that if something like that could happen, then I would take the south and destroy everything. So, I thank God that i did not, and I took the highway, and that this would be the last time I would look back. I am gone… and I will find euphoria.

And then there was the Colorado shooter. According to reports, he started planning in May to shoot as many people as he can. He was brilliant, top of his university, shy, and a geek. He also ran cross country and played soccer. So why did he stock up on weapons and went into a crowded cinema to kill people? Why? What did he hope to accomplish? In reference to Albert played by Michael Caine's character in the 2nd installment of Batman, "…Some men just want to see the world burn." Did Mr. Holmes-who-just-sullied-the-greatest-surname-in-the-history-of-fictional-literature-by-becoming-a-villian wanted to see the world burn? Apparently, police refuse to look for a motive. Who would want to? Here it is you took two months to plan a murder? Where is the sense of right, wrong, and moving on?

Every one have a choice. A choice to do right and wrong. Sure we are all imperfect, and we do make mistakes, but there was a choice to be made.

Another thing I can't understand, folks tend to blame others for their actions. Ok so you were bullied in school, could not find a job, someone in your office is a jerk, the boss is a maniac. Whatever, like my sister says, "Deal with it and move on, don't settle for revenge or wasted time talking about it. Besides, you come to work to work/get the job done."

I learned a lot here in Tobago. First, you will not always have your family, cherish them while they are still alive. Secondly, You do have a choice, make sure it is the right one, and thirdly, there will always be office politics, they are hurdles, keep focused and forget the negatives, be positive, and give 110%. After all, it's a battlefield, survive without burning bridges.

The Colorado Murderer and I made plans in the Month of May. He killed people, I got a positive boost and outlook.

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

http://news.yahoo.com/colorado-suspect-brilliant-science-student-230349806.html

Your Moment & Interview

2012-04-26T14:18:00.000-04:00

School days are the best days. It is there we cultivate long-lasting friendships or bitter enemies. However, we may choose to forget the past and move on to something better. Today, I have the honour of posting the interview of one of my former classmates, Mary-Ann Brailey. A Trini callaloo individual with a vivacious smile, an elegant bone structure, and a deep love for culture, who is also a graphic designer, video director and a budding Anti-Child abuse activist, CafféLatté magazine© took the opportunity to drag the mother of one to discuss what goes on in her mind and keeps her determination to continue making creative strides.

Working with her husband, Orlando Dinchong, they meld their creative vibes to create and push for a different type of advertising and video editing techniques. Ensuring that the finished product sets a minimum standard on which they can build their platform to better creative networking.

Mary-Ann Brailey

Q: Briefly, what is the nature of your business and what do you do?

A: I am in the creative business. I do graphic design for all print media. I also partner with my husband in video production as well as CG (computer generated) 3D animation.

Q: What is your current state of mind right now?

A: My current state of mind…hmmm…I am currently very upset about the recent reports of child abuse – it’s something that has been bothering me tremendously and just recently I said to myself, "there must be some way I could help", not completely sure how, but I cannot sit back and not contribute something…even if it’s small…for now.

Q: Who/What influenced you to go into graphic design, and videography?

A: Well, I have always been a lover of art in all its forms and in 2000 I acquired a position as an assistant curator for the gallery 1.2.3.4. There, I worked under Ronald Joseph, who became a very dear friend to me…he was actually the one who got me involved in graphic design, having many years of experience in advertising, he taught me all he knew, and to this day I am still learning. In 2001, my husband decided we should start our own business in video production, but especially focusing on 3D animation. As years went by we taught ourselves and practiced, practiced, practiced and we were able to identify our strengths and become better. It was hard in the early years, as I think people weren’t ready for animation on that level, I was even told that by several senior members in two ‘big’ media houses. So with much rejection, we decided to lay low. We did get a few jobs by word of mouth, and after awhile our clients grew. Now, we have decided to come out and advertise…we will see how it goes.

Q: I see that you mention Pat Bishop a lot, how did you two meet?

A: I met Pat in 2001 at the gallery where we were hosting one of her exhibitions. We didn’t really become friends till 2004, when I started working at the Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago. There she saw our work in animation and video production, and soon after became our biggest client. Pat was gifted in seeing other people’s gifts and she made sure you became great at your gifts. She was an inspiration, a motivator and she loved animation. She was many things, a normal meeting with her and you guaranteed to learn something.

Q: What are some of the projects that you have done, on TV, magazines, or in the newspapers?

A: My husband and I have completed several animated TV ads. Our biggest challenge was the CEPEPER campaign. We have done video production for Wonderful World, the Carnival Institute just to name a few. I have been doing TUCO’s yearly carnival congratulations full page advert for the past 3 years. I recently started work with the Trinidad and Tobago Energy Guide, I did the cover for their 10th Anniversary edition.

Q: What was the best thing that has ever happened to you in your life?

A: The best thing that has ever happened to me…I have several…but I will say my family, the knowledge I have acquired from working with Pat and mostly knowing our creator.

Q: What are your other hidden talents?

A: My other talents are photography, I have about 8 years experience in event and stage management, I am also a mother, wife and career woman.

Q: If you had one wish that could come true, what would it be? And if possible, who would it be with?

A: A huge, huge house with a gigantic garden with a secret garden and trees, flowers and mazes for my family and I.

Q: Throughout history, some folks have experienced the ups and downs of life, and as a result they said a quote(s). What is your favorite quote, who said it, and how does it apply to you?

A: I have a few favourite quotes, but these days I have been saying this one in my head over and over: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” – Martin Luther King. Jr.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: I am currently working on a few things, getting our company out there. My husband and I are working on a film and I am helping my friend start up a small organization where its soul purpose, is to bring more awareness to people and children on ‘child abuse’.

Q: If you have a comment for CafféLatté magazine, what would it be?

A: CafféLatté Magazine© is always a great, great read, the stories are always interesting and the way it is written makes you want to read more. I look forward to the magazine growing into something even greater in years to come…it has my full support.

Thank you so much Ms. Brailey, we hope to see more of you in the future!

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

# Jeroen Wismans interview

A reflection of Other People's Love

2012-04-26T01:47:00.000-04:00

I try not to be a romantic person, because I can be very sappy to the point that I annoy myself. The enjoyment of crushes is just enough to satisfy that nothing is wrong with me, and I could move on from there. The process of meeting someone, getting to know that person, putting up with all kinds of stuff, and then realizing you want to get married is too long for me, I am rather impatient and will not want to get too emotional, because of the annoying sappy factor involved.

Then there is Ryan and Bethany.

You ever wonder what makes people fall in love. I always wonder about it. And if I see two people courting, I doubt weather they are really in love. Bethany is now a widow, she has been married to Ryan for six weeks before a rare form of cancer came and took him away. I do not know them personally, but yet I feel compelled to say something, because, well some folks get married for money, to show off on others, to receive gifts, to, I don't know, get their groove going. Somehow, there was something special about this couple, the pics, the videos, the family life, while I figured they were not perfect, there is some sort of a solid relationship on both sides among the family. Forget the American Dream, and the well, lack of diversity, but look at the reality, and rawness of the Love and support shown, and surrounding this couple as the Bride and Groom make a public commitment before each other, not knowing when his body becomes ravaged by such a dreadful disease.

What is it like to die? I can't help you there, but I do know that those who are dead now, will live again. John 5:28 states that, "the hour is coming, in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice." Sometimes, the pain and finality of death makes us go into shock, and seeing such a young couple coping with cancer shows how much people need to look past what this world has to offer.

I am heading to Tobago to get some r and r. I'd rather do that than go St.Anns.

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

Small Home on a Caribbean Island

2012-04-18T22:58:00.000-04:00

Just in case you think I have nothing better to do than post my 3D Home designs, or brood about being unemployed... you are right. Doing projects on Sketchup beats sitting at a desk all day, being watched over by a jumbie/creative director who is breathing down my back. Yes, that last statement will win me no favors, but so is being too nice.

Lately, folks from the cold regions are hoping/wanting to retire in the Caribbean. They eagerly, grab, no buy what is left, and hire a local to be a cleaner/maid/house nanny. This has happened before... hmmm. Anyway, sometimes the pay is good, and the person is treated well... ok, that is going into too much red tape. Here is a little home I designed on a whim, I slept and drooled and snored on it like I do with all the others, so I hope you like it. The LandRover was designed by a guy named Rogue, he has a whole bunch of vehicles on Sketchup, and he is one of the best in that department, hands-down.

Feast your eyes:

It is built for a small piece of land

Check out my shutter windows

Ample kitchen area space is a must, in the Caribbean

Living/Dining room. Couple or Single

Restroom on your left, closet on your right

View from the Bedroom towards the kitchen

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

Blacklisted....

2012-04-18T11:07:00.000-04:00

I believe I am blacklisted for some reason, in terms of employment. So, I did a piece of art work reflecting it. My career is dead in the graphic design field, so I will use it as a hobby, and jump start my career by returning to school. However, this does not cancel my copyright of my art, and I will still have my blog, because the interviews have been getting feedback.

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

A Milestone Article from Yahoo!

2012-04-14T15:02:00.000-04:00

Yes, there is a hint of sarcasm in the heading. Before in the days of yore, when online articles address the beauty need of dark-skinned women, it was very rare and almost always in the dark cave of the http:// world. You could spend hours searching for that *watchamacallit* that keeps your hair soft, or the natural no scented oils that does not ravage your eczema sensitive skin, with nary a peep of info. Then something happened and changed the way how beauty is pushed down our throats, and whatever it is, reinvented the way we look at ourselves as what we are, and what we have, as opposed to what we can be. It can even be summoned up into one word:

'NATURAL.'

Interestingly, this word has sparked a long list of 'natural accessories', like: jewelry, hair products, skin products, etc. Now don't get me wrong, these things were here for a very long time, I mean if you really think about it, people who lived during the time the Jesus was on Planet Earth, and before that (B.C.E. wise), was equivocally natural. They used olive oil (and I mean the "real unadulterated version"), ate lots of fruits and nuts, built natural homes by the materials they made themselves, and cooked natural food and meat. At least that is what I read in the bible. I must add though, that Egyptians had some pretty questionable means of getting rid of illnesses. Ok, I will name one: using feces of any kind as a cure for anything. Look it up!

"I am getting my hair did y'll."

Then, when the Israelites came around, you began to hear of 'natural' food like barley, honey, leeks, garlic, fig, nuts, grapes, olives, etc. I mean, even in the hot arid desert, can you imagine anyone of the women back then waking up looking like LiLo in the morning? Their bodies were pure, smooth skin, voluptuous shiny hair, stuff like that.

Today, we cannot escape the fact that chemicals are everywhere. And you could forget about the Low-Fat anything, what do you think they use to make 'low-fat coffee-mocha whipped cream moccachino alpine nutrasweet frappe with a cherry', huh? That is right, chemicals. If you doubt me, ask yourself, do you know one cow who insists on eating low-fat grass, and is always on a diet? Drinking evian and chai tea?

Talking about the Egyptians, I could do with some of their cotton fabric, that would be lovely.

So, there I was browsing through the web on a break, and I stumbled onto a an article in Yahoo, that spoke about natural hair and relaxer. Huh? This is one of many sites who under an article stating "The Best foundation for those under 100* years old (*hint)" states various shades under a variety of brands. I see the shades, I put my swarthy hand next to them and hiss, "As usual, nothing for me." If I have to get a foundation at a make up counter, I sometimes have to ask, "Anything darker in this brand?" One too many times of that, and I now only wear pressed powder, cream-to-powder foundation against very oily skin in a humid climate makes my skin very slick, so I avoid them. In addition, they had Essence magazine links!

By the way, walking around as an "Afro-Natural" is the most exhilarating thing I have done so far. It feels so good not to spend extra money on relaxers and others. I use coconut oil alot, my skin has taken to it beautifully, and my hair as well. One thing though, why do people keep wanting to touch it?

Grow Yah Own!™©

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

Final Take On the Tiny piece of Land...

2012-04-09T00:42:00.000-04:00

That is no longer for sale. Do you remember this? Well I did a second version, and I am happier. I included parking for two cars, two bedrooms, a look out, and a cute T.V. space.

The kitchen remained the same, and I added shutter windows. I was always looking for an excuse to design with shutter windows because in the Caribbean, the humidity could be merciless. The only way I can see that being defeated is to have shutter windows and a high ceilings. I also have the option of A/C. Air Conditioning has its benefits, but soon there will be an increase in energy costs with T&TEC raising the bill, and I am looking for simpler ways to design homes with as little materials as possible, I hope this clenches it. Later, I am going even simpler, it will be my third wooden home design with a distinct Caribbean flair, and yes there will be shutter windows. I can't wait!

Now for CafféLatté Magazine's Minimalist Caribbean Home.

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

Life with a twist

2012-04-07T01:30:00.001-04:00

Hey folks! I kind of lost my mojo for a few weeks, but I should be back on track next week. Life has been throwing some really hard coconuts, and I got a few hits, however all is not lost. I went to visit an old school friend on Thursday, she encouraged me to keep at this blog, because she really enjoys it. It felt so good to see her, since it has been years.

One thing I love about the life I have, is that I had a really good class: Ms. Sagar Form 3 at Bishops Centenary College. We all had our nerds and our comedians, our wild child and our fashionable muses, our loud-mouth debaters and our quiet dignity torch holders.

The majority of us stayed until we became Form 5 General. Our class room was in the Biology lab, and there was our cafeteria, our lunch room and and our stand up comedy central place. We discussed and studied anything and everything: religion, race, life at home, siblings, subjects, etc. I guess, I am supposed to say we were normal. But we were never normal. I can't remember anyone in my class liming outside of it, the Bio Lab was our liming spot, our comfort.

Fifteen years ago, we all graduated and went our different ways. Then Facebook came along, and it has been so easy to get in check with each other. Some have children, some got engaged, some got married, some went to the weddings of those who got married, others got married in a very simple and small ceremony, two people had beach weddings, and very few are still single, maybe one.

We have nurses, artists, flight attendants, accountants, self-employed, etc. And we all live around the world and marry folks from around the world, ha! My sister once suggested, "Y'll should definitely have a tea-party!" The thing is we were not a convent, nor a prestigious school, we were just a bunch of young women who made a life for themselves and are still living.

I got permission to add a pic. I am adding it in its raw form, it is from Cadell ("The so-called wild one who had a boyfriend with a motorcycle!") I did not now about that one, lol.

Form 3 Sagar at Bishops Centenary College

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

Part 2 of the Post-Stress House

2012-03-26T14:10:00.001-04:00

I am working on some new stuff so I am cruising. Yesterday, I finished the house and I liked it but I was disappointed. I felt I could have had two bedrooms instead of one roomy bedroom, so I made preparation for it in the event I may need to add a 2nd Bedroom in another version of the design.

Feast your eyes!

Psssst: Many of the lighting fixtures I designed to fit the slightly odd decor. I also design the furniture as well, since I believe that most people would like to have rare original pieces. :-).

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

Post-Stress Home

2012-03-21T10:21:00.001-04:00

We were offered somewhere to buy, the seller positively saying, "Yes you will get it." Only to rescind the offer a few days later. During that period we went to see it, and it was a pretty small plot of land with a very old house on it.

So, with my Google Sketchup© mind in full gear, I thought of a layout for a fictional newly married couple who wants to build their own home. There was no room to expand across, so I thought about going up. In that way, they can still have covered parking, own two dogs, have a wash room, and still comfortably hold a party. In addition, because the area is near to the city, I want to have as much light passing through the home.

This home has parking, kitchen, dining, lounge areas, toilet/bath, washroom and one bedroom with space for more if needed.

The City Escape

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

Just a little note

2012-03-17T01:27:00.002-04:00

Lately, I have been under some intense stress, and I have been having panic attacks. My panic attacks usually come when I perceive that a terrible event, or an experience that I had before, or something new, is going to occur.

And last week, I had three panic attacks, and so I slept alot. I slept so deeply, that I did not dream, and I always almost dream in full vivid colour. Before I get a panic attack, I become highly observant, and I can focus intensely. It is funny how I can even explain what is going on in my head. What I hate is that, I can almost always tell, when something is going to happen...this does sound crazy, but it is true.

Anyway, my PA sensors was right, and I received a bombshell on Thursday. In addition, I came to the realization that, sometimes, even those closet to you, do not know YOU. What is sad is that, the feelings that was there before has effectively dried up, and I no longer feel obligated to act as before. Instead, its like my mind and body has put up a large fortress with an active dragon living there. And I feel as though I cannot process anything simple, only complex things are being actively solved at the moment. After the solution, I forget what I was thinking and my mind needs to rest. If you do know what is happening to me, please leave a note. I am thinking I am heading for a big whoop, and my body is stocking up on ammunition.

Or maybe, I need a vacation.

Next month I am having another interview, an old school friend of mine, she is beautiful and talented, and very willing to be interviewed. I will take a break until then, to get my bolts checked and rest, because as I write to you, my eyes are closing.

Check out this link on panic attacks.

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

Beautiful, Smart & Paletable Personalitiy

2012-03-14T05:25:00.000-04:00

Unlike my illustrations, in person, I have absolutely no movie star looks. I think that is a good thing, because Madeleine Albright, who was one of the most, or the most powerful woman during the Clinton Administration as the United States Secretary of State, was no Sophia Vegara. Now, I am not questioning the abilities of these two women, please consider some facts:

Madeleine Albright can speak English, French, Russian and Czech, also Polish and Serbo-Croatian. She taught at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. Is awarded a B.A. from Wellesley College with honors in Political Science. She also Studied at Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University…Career wise, Ms. Albright is extremely brainy and experienced, and I would not like to be a contestant on Jeopardy with her, especially if one of the topics are American History and Politics. By the way, did you ever see the website of Johns Hopkins University? I would love to study there one day, if I have the time. Biophysics could be interesting.

Sophia Vegara, also went to a university in Colombia studying pre-dentistry, and she is so beautiful, that she gained many opportunities to work as a model and actress. It all depends on what you want out of this life, so don't knock her choices. From what I have read she has starred in many shows in her native Colombia and the U.S.

Depending on what you want out of this life, you must have the abilities, cajones and determination. If you have the beauty and/or brains to make it happen, by all means. What if you are beautiful with smarts? Geena Davis, is a member of Mensa (an organization for really bright people). She has starred in one of my most favourite action movies, A Long Kiss Goodnight, with Samuel .L. Jackson. Her I.Q. (intelligence quotient) is 140.

About two weeks ago I stumbled upon an article on the internet, the question was, why are smart people ugly? Not all of them are ugly, its just some of them. Just as not all beautiful people are models and movie stars, some volunteer in lands that need assistance.

Intelligence only happens if you learn from your mistakes and you try to never allow history to repeat itself. That's my take. Learning from experience. How can history never be allowed to repeat itself? I do not know. What is intelligence, or being intelligent? According to my pocket Oxford dictionary: Intelligence (noun) is the mental ability to learn and understand things or information. Intellect (noun) is the mind's power of reasoning and acquiring knowledge. Intelligent (adjective) is having mental ability. I guess most folks has some sort of mental intellect, even the fictional Patrick Starfish. Fact: SpongeBob SquarePants was created by a marine biologist. Ok I am trying not to get excited, I love SpongeBob episodes too much!

What would I rather have? On the one hand there is beauty: the envy of other women, the most popular girl in the group, and the arm candy to a Prince or an immensely rich tycoon. One person I know is so beautiful that she has hardly gained the experience of actually being single, for as long I have known, there was almost always a guy around, and he always had wealth and popularity. Or you can be intelligent and educated enough to make up for your lost looks, here you don't have to worry about guys, although, if you do have a boyfriend its because you have enough smarts to keep him on his toes and he pursued you enough not to let go. You can work and be good enough to be a Secretary of State or an Attorney General, or even write an interesting blog or a book! The successes are almost endless... and you are not limited by how long your looks are going to last.

You know, given the way how people are most cynical today, I am secretly hoping that someone comes and says: "Yadda, yadda! A blog by an ugly chick who is hoping that she is eventually accepted for who she is... like a Hollywood movie!" LOL

Link http://ontd-science.livejournal.com/301909.html

Link http://secretary.state.gov/www/albright/albright.html

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

Your Moment and Interview

2012-03-12T10:13:00.002-04:00

Do you remember the illustrative portrait of the Wismans? I was finally able to get an interview with Mr. Wismans during his busy schedule. So take a moment and read what he has to say, I am sure you would love it. And don't forget to leave a comment or question about the interview.

Q: Where are you from and what school/college/University did you go to?
A: Rotterdam, The Netherlands & I studied sculpture, architecture and product design at the Art Academy

Q: Who/What brought you to our Twin-Island Republic?

A: I fell in love with an extra-ordinary Trini woman on this beautiful island and so I came.

Q: What is your current state of mind right now?

A: I am designing a series of interior products. I am projecting expressionistic, self-made camouflage like patterns, in rigorous, and massive geometric shapes. This I do to make an almost perfect balance. Shifting with shapes to make complex, though, serene designs is my goal. It's quite a challenge because of the different outcomes, only 5% survives.

Q: What type of Art/Design are you into?

A: Finding ones own identity in a faster globalizing world is like running blindfolded in ever changing labyrinth. Though, in this post-modern times, one needs to find ones position in the world.

In my work I try to find a universal style. I take patterns, trends and discoveries I find on my research from all over the world, from all ages and eclectically reflect them on my work. I think you could say I am an expressionist as well as a minimalist.

Q: What awards have you won in the Nederland/Netherlands?

A: My biggest achievement, is that I won an architecture prize out of 94 contestants. The challenge was to come up with a new concept for a stone brick and using it within a nature resort in the Netherlands. I used this brick and made it into a gigantic meandering nestlike building which functions as a hotel, restaurant and a museum for WNF. This absurd huge nestlike building in time becomes green of algae and dissolves within the environment.

Q: Five years from now what can we expect from you in terms of Art/Design?

A: I am working on a show for the end of the summer where I will present my ideas of architecture, interior design and sculptures. I will blow up my sculptures into buildings. I think I need another 3 lifetimes for all I want to do: Writing graphic novels, traveling the earth, and making photo documentaries, plus opening a cute little restaurant, maybe even starting a carnival band.

Q: If you were to tell someone about the Netherlands, someone who has never been there, what would you tell them about life there, and the people?

A: Life here, in Trinidad, is very different. In the Netherlands, everything is so structured and captured in protocols and rules one desires for bacchanal. Here in Trinidad, the opposite is true. It is warm and nature here is extra-ordinary. There are a lot of nice galleries, museums and theaters. Everyone is free to decorate their houses here in Trinidad which results in beautiful patterns. People are less jealous in The Netherlands of each other, and ones race doesn't matter.

The Wismans

Q: What about places of interest to visit in the Netherlands and what food to try?

A: I don't like the obvious tourist spots. If you want to really experience something special in Holland, go Friesland, where there are a lot of lakes, nature & birds, 1000 years of boat history, and typical Dutch cows. Or in the far south, visit the ancient Maastricht where the newest Parisian fashion meets medieval, and eat a raw herring waffle and an old cheese sandwich.

Q: What would you tell your Dutch friends about Trinidad and Tobago?

A: Best place to party and enjoy nature and a lot of very nice people. I would advise them to balance their time in Trinidad & Tobago, I find Trinidad's nature more beautiful than Tobago's.

Q: Is this your first Carnival? How was it for you? What about the dialect, etc.

A: I really saw a lot of interesting costumes, bikini mass bores me after a while. I really enjoyed all the expression of the people. Since I have been living here for a year, I can understand the dialect by now.

Q: What is your favorite dish in Trinidad and Tobago? And where is your favorite

spot?

A: Stewed pork with macaroni pie, mhmmm. The whole of the North coast of Trinidad is my favorite spot. It's energizing.

Q: If you have a comment for CafféLatté magazine, what would it be?

A: Keep on doing the good work Lisa, love your blog!

Thank you Mr. Wismans for Your Moment and Interview with CafféLatté magazine and I look forward to more of your work in the near future.

#See here for Shelly-Anne Gregory's interview in February

CafféLatté Magazine's 5 Fantastic Movies and Soundtracks

2012-02-29T12:45:00.005-04:00

We all love movies, and there are many to satisfy all types of movie lovers. Have you ever tried to read the credits after a movie? I do, just to see how much people are involved. Well you know the answer, a lot of folks. I estimate between 100 to 300 people are involved in making a single movie. I mean, there is the location, equipment, extras, makeup, set designers, special effects, engineers, carpenters, proof readers, blueprints, writers, etc.

After I watch a movie, I always wonder what you would you do if you worked on a movie and your name is one of many in the small fonts coming to the end of the credits? My favorite part of a movie is when it is mentioned that, "No animals were harmed in the making of this movie". Or, "The events depicted in this movie are fictitious. Any similarity to any person living or dead is merely coincidental." I decided to find out why this is said, because the Na'vi does not exist, and I can't remotely imagine some bloke going after the makers of Avatar claiming that one the Na'vi characters looks like his mother.

And then there are the stylists. For instance, in Black Swan, instead of Natalie Portman's stylist, it is "Stylist to Ms. Portman", and then the person's name. I am sorry I did not get that info. So, the credits are just as important as the movie. What is really cool about movies are the Extras/ non-speaking part. It's not really glamorous, given the fact that the pay is not so great. Extra gigs average about $64.00 (USD) per day. And that is a non-union payment. Its like working at a fast-food restaurant. They don't pay you like you are important, but you are. Now, I am not daft, but I am surprised that unions hold so much power. I thought that unions here in Trinidad are so petty, like protesting for 9% more and pounding in the hot sun and rain for it. I mean if you must protest for an increase it has to be for something substantial, like, eradicating racism, like civil rights, or justice, or utilities, or even a 50% wage increase? Anyway, who really benefits from these protests? Sometimes the protestors get fired after everything cools down. Without further ado, CafféLatté Magazine's 5 Fantastic Movies and Soundtracks.

AVATAR

Director: James Cameron

Producer: Jon Landau

Writer: James Cameron

Theme Song: I See You

Song Writer(s): James Horner, Simon Franglen, Kuk Harrell

Song Composer(s): James Horner, Simon Franglen

Singer: Lenoa Lewis

You know there are some songs that no one else should sing, let alone karaoke, this is one of them. Considering this video is a karaoke version, it has cancelled my previous sentence. Leona Lewis has a beautiful voice and her feeling and power in this song cannot be copied.

TITANIC

Director: James Cameron

Producer: James Cameron, Jon Landau

Writer: James Cameron

Theme Song: My Heart Will Go On

Song Writer(s): James Horner (music), Simon Franglen, James Horner and Walter Afanasief(production), Will Jennings (lyrics),

Song Composer(s): James Horner, Will Jennings

Singer: Celine Dion

Best person to sing this song is Celine Dion. No contest.

THE LION KING

Director(s): Rob Minkoff, Roger Allers

Producer: Don Hahn

Writer(s): Jonathan Roberts, Irene Mecchi

Theme Song: Circle of Life/ Can You Feel The Love Tonight

Song Writer(s): Elton John/ Tim Rice

Song Composer(s): Elton John, Tim Rice

Singer(s): Carmen Twillie, Lebohang "Lebo M." Morake, Elton John, London Community Gospel Choir

I had to put this here, the whole soundtrack is fantastically written.

CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON

Director(s): James Schamus, Wang Hui Ling

Producer: Ang Lee, Hsu Li Kong, William Kong

Writer(s): Hui-Ling wang, Du Lu Wang

Theme Song: A Love Before Time

Song Writer(s): James Schamus, Elaine Chow

Song Composer(s): Jorge Calandrelli, Tan Dun, Yo-Yo Ma

Singer(s): Coco Lee

When I first watched this movie, I was irritated with the bamboo flying scene, it was just too much, but it all added to the masterpiece of the movie. Where is Zhang Ziyi now? And Chow Yun-Fat?

THE GODFATHER

Director(s): Francis Ford Coppola

Producer: Albert S. Ruddy/(Robert Evans)

Writer(s): Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola

Theme Song: Speak Softly love

Song Writer(s): Larry Kusik

Song Composer(s): Nino Rota

Singer(s): Original singer Al Martino

The thing about "Il Padrino", is that there are some versions of the original soundtrack, that is so Sicilian that you can never tear yourself away from it. Its like you can taste taste the cannoli, and the olive oil and even the murder. It is really a piece of art, no, it is possibly the best movie soundtrack I have ever heard. Seriously, it makes you forget all the murder that you saw in the movie. In addition, it actually puts a classy spin on gang violence…way different than rap music.

BONUS

BICENTENNIAL MAN

Director(s): Chris Columbus

Producer(s): Chris Columbus, Gail Katz, Michael Barnathan, Neal Miller, Laurence Mark

Writer(s): Isaac Asimov, Nicholas Kazan, Robert Silverberg

Theme Song: Then You Look At Me

Song Writer(s): James Horner

Song Composer(s): James Horner

Singer(s): Celine Dion

Robin Williams as a robot. I liked that he can only do hilarious talk antics, and not physical antics. Well written movie.

p.s: Do not be so dumb to think I am claiming copyright for these movies.

Amazing Creative Stuff on Youtube

2012-02-24T19:31:00.001-04:00

Young people don't need to turn to crime to prove a point, they can get creative. Today, I have some videos that can possibly jolt your creative drive. These folks did some really great work, some as a team and others by themselves. Its remarkable what hard work can accomplish. These are here, because they have received the CafféLatté Magazine© Must See 'Cause It's Completely Awesome stamp!

Amazing Bottle Cap Poker Table
TheQuestionDMI

If a team of you and your best buddies can cometogether and do something like this, you are friends for life!

Resin Jewelry-July
sjemmie79

There are countless resin jewlery artists on Youtube, but this one is simply beautiful and almost glasslike.

Beer Bottle Glass Concrete Counter Top
doninKirkland

This is something I would not mind having. It is eye-catchingly unique and looks so simple, but i am guessing it would take hours of polishing to get this sheen. A very good conversation starter that will not end.

LZF Hand Made
lzflamps

When I first saw them I was in love.

Carol Z's Recycled Bottle Lites
kayakkurt

Children would love to own these. Kayakkurt also gives you a little shot on how to bore a hole into glass bottles, remarkable stuff!

Trees, Trees, Trees
897473

Artistic Welding, and you learn a bit about metals and customizing them to your taste.

Concrete Bar With a river of Fiberoptic Sideglow Lighting
hardtopix

Fiber Optic cables are pretty versatile, but they are also expensive, when they are used for art, the results are beautiful. Hardtopix's work would really fit in with a Contemporary designed home, and of course for a bar.

Recycled Bottle Lamps
jwpeachey

Instead of having to buy a lava lamp, you can make these! One of each colour please thank you.

If these don't get you to the drawing board, keep scanning the internet you may find something really remarkable!

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

My Greatest Movie Regret

2012-02-23T23:14:00.003-04:00

Is not going to see Red Tails. As a black woman, I find it horrible that I did not even make an effort to show some appreciation. Its either one of many things: my inner chemistry against/for either Terrence Howard or Cuba Gooding Jr., the reaction of the general public towards an all black cast, the complaint of George Lucas when he said he had to foot the majority of the bill. ARGH! I consider myself a movie novice, I love movies, and yet I did not give this one a chance. Some of my friends who saw it said it was fantastic. I am so sorry guys my heart hurts, because I know you all put your heart and soul into this and I did not appreciate it. So I will say thank you, for having the guts to star in it, and keep those chins up in Hollywood. :-)

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

Finally!

2012-02-20T09:30:00.001-04:00

We are having a long weekend due to Carnival! However, I used this opportunity to finish the last three homes. Hooray!

The Tropical Family Cave

The Executive Sanctuary

The Brooklyn Influence

The second home was shown before, I simply have the back being shown. In the top picture, Tropical Family Cave, there are two vehicles I did not design. The red one does not have a name, but the suv was done by BmrCT, it was a different colour but I did it in yellow it can be found in Google Sketchup©.

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

Parents and Children

2012-02-17T23:56:00.000-04:00

Shutting out the little Ones
I will comment on two interesting news, because it is something that is becoming prevalent wherever we go. Yesterday, I went to the cinema to see Chronicle (which was really good! 7.5 stars out of 10!), it was a last minute invitation, and so we went for the 9:00pm movie. The movie ended at 11:30pm. Would you believe that we saw a mother a father and a baby? That's right a baby! I am not one to mind other peoples business and say, "They should..." Its funny because Chronicle is clearly not a movie for babies, or toddlers. I don't remember hearing the baby, so I guess the baby is deaf or something... Last year, I believe, we went to see another action movie and there was a screaming baby in the cinema, the movie was pretty loud and so was the baby, and never once did the mother leave and take the child out of the cinema, I paid $45 TTD ($7.14 USD), to hear a screaming pink baby ruin my experience. Cinema owners, DO NOT sell your tickets or have your ushers allow people with babies into the cinema! This was one of the reasons I stopped going to see animation in cinema. There are the crying children, and the spilled drinks and the thrown popcorn and, "Mommy I wanna pee." And the "Mommy, tell David to stop hitting me."

The subheading above is all mine. It is a brief article on a pizzeria's stand on having parents with children, exit the restaurant until their little ones stop misbehaving. I say, "Agreed!" Buying restaurant food is no longer something you can do on a whim, with prices of ingredients increasing, eating out is almost becoming a restaurant luxury service, and with tips and the quality of food involved, the customer has not only become king, he has become a necessity to keep these businesses from closing down. I have never had any experiences with 'feral children' in restaurants, but I have had experiences with them on busses and in NYC, subway trains. In my experience, the subways are the most dangerous. One day, I witnessed a group of three girls beating another girl, and one of the bullies were trying to throw the victim onto the train tracks, it was frightening. When some of the other passengers saw what was happening, they ran to the victims' aid, I mean, these girls were so strong that the five guys were struggling the part them, relief came only when the train conductor called the police and the NYPD showed up and took action. One of the two girls who were watching the fight, threw the victims' bag onto the tracks.

Here its a bit different. On the PTSC buses to San Fernando and Chaguanas, there is a plain clothes police to restore order, especially after secondary and primary school classes have ended. I did not observe any on the buses to Diego Martin and Petit Valley, to me they needed at least two plain clothes police officers, the children in these buses are wild. Makes me think twice about having children.

A son who is worse than Doomsday and acts as though he eats kryptonite for breakfast...

Seriously, your own mother??? The woman who gave birth to you, ate all the right stuff to breast feed you, and send you to school!?.... I will bet, that she wished that when you were born, she had a premonition that you would treat her like this and squash your little noggin while you were coming out of her, and export your body to China so that they would use you as fertilizer. You are so cold that you can be the next planet Pluto. Wow. I really can't understand how you can do this? Do you even know what its like to have a mother? Shame.

2012©LisaMarieBonaparte

Back to Art

2012-02-16T14:29:00.001-04:00

For a while.