THE Police High Command says that the risk of attacks by gunmen on security force personnel and assets is now extremely high.

In a statement today police said that the upgrading of the threat level to 'extremely high' was based upon intelligence that gunmen want revenge for the security forces occupation of Tivoli Gardens and to show that prominent gang leaders cannot be held responsible for crime while they remain in detention.

Police are urged to take the threat seriously and to raise their level of awareness both on and off duty.

"Deployments must not fall below defensive levels and personnel should be prepared to act swiftly and decisively in defence of themselves and colleagues," said the statement.

It was the earlier action by gunmen who attacked four police stations, burning one to the ground, and killed two policemen that prompted the declaration of a limited State of Emergency on May 23, which remains in effect for one month.

"At the same time the High Command is reminding criminal elements and those who sympathise with them that the Police remain undeterred in the fight to defeat organised crime."

Didier Drogba's World Cup dream appeared over on Friday night after he broke his right arm in a warm-up match.

Although the Ivory Coast have refused to rule their star striker out of the finals in South Africa, Drogba has told his team-mate Kolo Toure he does not think he will make it.

Toure revealed Drogba, 32, knew immediately the seriousness of his injury, saying: For him, he said, the World Cup is finished.

Manchester City defender Toure added: We can just see on his face that he was sad and when he is like that you cant ask more. It is difficult for us because he is such an important player.

Drogba is the African Footballer of the Year so his absence from the first finals to be held on the continent will be a huge blow.

With that in mind, Ivory Coast coach Sven Goran Eriksson refused to rule out his captain, who has scored 45 goals in 70 appearances for his country.

A senior manager at Prada is suing the company for discrimination and ha****ment, claiming her bosses ordered her to fire "old, fat and ugly" staff.

Rina Bovrisse, who oversaw 500 staff at 40 of the Italian fashion label's stores in Japan, also claims that she was urged to change her hairstyle and lose weight, the UK's Telegraph newspaper reports.

Ms Bovrisse has filed a discrimination and ha****ment case against the label in Tokyo's industrial tribunal courts.

She alleges that Davide Sesia, the CEO of Prada Japan, asked her to "eliminate" 15 store managers because they were "old, fat, ugly, disgusting or [didn't have] the Prada look".

After his alleged comments the company's human resources team reportedly issued 13 members of staff with devotional transfer orders due to poor sales.

Ms Bovrisse, who has worked in the fashion industry for 18 years, also claims she was told in a meeting that Mr Sesia was "ashamed of [her] ugliness, so he doesn't want visitors from Italy to see her".

In the meeting she claims she was told to change her hairstyle and lose weight under orders from Mr Sesia.

Ms Bovrisse said she was launching the claim to "protect hard-working women and make sure their working environment is safe".

She was placed on involuntary leave by the company last November.

ZJ Liquid is just over a week away from releasing his latest rhythm project, the heavily acoustic Melodies, the follow-up to last summer's Maybach rhythm and which hosts the voices of entertainers such as Jah Cure, Tarrus Riley and Jah Vinci.

"It's a rhythm mixed with a whole lot of guitar, a whole lot of acoustics, nuff feelings inna it. More soothing reggae..." is how the dreadlocked disc jock who was born Michael Brissett, describes his latest work.

Quite excited about the Melodies, Liquid is also beaming about the recently forged alliance with beverage giant Red Stripe, which will see him endorsing Red Stripe brands and its brand message "using popular culture and music".

As part of the agreement, Liquid, whose image will be seen on billboards, is charged with spreading the word about the responsible consumption of alcohol and will be one of the main DJs at Red Stripe-sponsored events.

Outside entertainment circles, ZJ Liquid, the top jock on Zip FM, is rapidly becoming known, not only for his skills on the turntables, but as a producer and deejay as well. And while that may come as a surprise to many, Liquid says that for those who have been following his career over the years, his deejaying skills are nothing new.

"I've been deejaying from I was in Montego Bay. That is how Delly Ranks became the first to record me here in 2010, because he used to come to Montego Bay frequently," Liquid reveals.

Back then Liquid, known as DJ Lippo, hosted a talent parade for young deejays in Montego Bay and he would unwittingly show off his own skills while introducing the acts. It was something he did for fun and shrugged off the promptings of friends who believed that he should pursue deejaying as a career.

"The man dem used to say 'why you no deejay' and me use to say, 'a music me play'," he said, laughing heartily at the memory.

More recently, he has been showing off those skills again during the programme, Countdown on ZIP with Johnny Cool, prompting renewed calls for him to give his hidden talents a chance to shine. Earlier this year, at the behest of his long-time friend Don Corleon, Liquid got serious in the studio and came up with a number of singles.

He voiced a number of songs, most notable one for TJ Records called Chant A Psalm and a combination with dancehall bad gyal Ce'Cile. "I have a one-drop single coming out for Don (Corleon). He is working on a project called Major and Minor, two one-drop rhythms. Major is happier. We can't make the music dark now, we have to try and lift the people's spirits," he said.

Liquid is also an accomplished producer with six years of experience and success under his belt. His 2004 effort, French Vanilla, enabled him to strike a deal Greensleeves Records and singles from that production ended up on Reggae Gold, a compilation that charted in Jamaica, the Caribbean, New York and Miami. He later produced Slow Bounce, a rhythm that featured songs by Beenie Man, Bounty Killer as well as Tami Chynn, with whom Liquid has worked with since her entering the industry.

He also produced Vybz Kartel and has worked with Stephen McGregor, and Buju Banton. "It was really a pleasure to work with Buju Banton because Buju is the first person to inspire me to buy a record -- Browning," he recalled.

The song he produced for Buju, Hey Boy, was on the deejay's Grammy nominated album Too Bad and is also featured on a video game.

Patrons enjoying the vibe at an Appleton May Daze Party. - Winston Sill

Permits for parties to be held in the Kingston and St Andrew area will not be granted during the limited state of emergency currently enforced.

While Kingston and St Andrew remain under a limited state of emergency since last week following the recent upsurge of violence, the party community will have to bear the brunt of the state of emergency.

When THE WEEKEND STAR spoke to Derrick 'Cowboy' Knight, head of the Half-Way Tree police, he explained that for his division, no permission for events held after 6 p.m. would be granted.

He said: "The regulations during this time clearly speak to no gatherings until things go back to normal, then persons are to apply 10 days before the event for permits." A month-long state of emergency was called on Sunday, May 23. Last Wednesday, a curfew was also imposed on sections of the Corporate Area.

Knight added: "My advice is to apply to the commissioner of police for permission during this time until the curfew ends in the next three weeks."

Since the unrest in Kingston, a number of events had to be postponed due to the violence and the state of emergency. Events such as Levels, Equilibrium, Good Times, Wet Sundaze, among others were postponed until further notice.

For summer series May Daze, which kicked off on the first Friday of May, at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, and was scheduled to run for five weeks, last week's edition was postponed and tonight's edition faces the same fate.

Promoter for May Daze Dwayne Harris said: "Basically, due to the state of emergency, the police are not issuing any permits for outdoor events until I believe June 24, when the state of emergency is up. So I don't think they'll be issuing permits and we didn't want to run the risk of having the event without one."

According to Harris, they are hoping to have the final May Daze on June 25 hopefully at its regular venue.

"This will be like the season finale, the last hooray. The whole thing has been unfortunate but a so it go," he said.

Harris explained that the postponement of the fourth and the final edition of the event caused a loss for the series. "Of course there is a loss, we had expenses that we had to pay upfront, certain expenses that we won't recover. It's a five-part series so the good thing is that the promotion will roll over so the advertising cost is not affected. But some places don't do refunds so we'll just have to take that loss and the loss in the profits." he said.

He added: "Hopefully, the momentum is still there and we just haffi go hard for the next couple of weeks 'cause the hardest effect more than the financial one is the vibe. May Daze was like the only place most people went on a Friday night so it killed the momentum but the event has a reputation, so hopefully we shall recover 'cause the situation was out of our control."

While not having problems with getting a permit from the police, the promoters of the Sunday beach series Igloo, which is held at the Sugaman's Beach Club in Portmore, have decided to postpone the signature event from this Sunday to June 20.

When THE WEEKEND STAR spoke to one of the promoters of the event, he explained: "Out of concern for our patrons, we decided to postpone it till things calm down. We thought it would be wise and so too did our sponsors Heineken."

According to the promoter, a number of patrons were upset by the postponement but they are expecting a large turnout for the 'Girls Gone Wild' edition on June 20. "We're expecting high energy and an even bigger turnout," the promoter commented.

Anthony B. - Contributed

A promoter in Barbados, Ryan Walters, has filed a lawsuit against dancehall artiste Anthony B for failing to show up at an event he was booked for in the country.

Anthony B was the headline act for Kings and Queens that was being held in Bridgetown, Barbados. Queen Ifrica and other Barbadian acts were the other performers.

According to Walters' attorney, Floyd Green, who works with Wentworth Charles and Company, the matter was filed in the Supreme Court of Jamaica on May 21, and is to be served on both Anthony B, whose real name is Kevin Blair, and his booking agent Kevin Blake in the coming week.

When THE WEEKEND STAR contacted Walters, he said Anthony B and his booking agent are being sued for the artiste's failure to perform on his show that was held on December 31, 2009.

"We contacted Kevin Blake through Reggae Starz. We contacted him last year for booking for Anthony B. We confirmed the booking, the deposit and we made the necessary arrangements for him to come," Walters said.

"On the day they were supposed to arrive (December), only Kevin Blake came and he said Anthony B missed his flight and was going to come on the day of the show."

But Anthony B was a no-show. As a result, Walters said he had to cut his ticket prices in half and even refunded some of the presold tickets, as the show was without its main act.

To make matters worse, "up to now we have not heard anything from Anthony B. He didn't give any reason at all why he didn't show. If he's a business person, he needs to act that way," a disappointed Walters told THE WEEKEND STAR.

However, he said contact was made with Blake who said Anthony B would be willing to perform at another show date at a reduced cost. But Walters does not believe this, as the deposit has not been refunded and the other costs to put on the show have not been reimbursed.

THE WEEKEND STAR tried to get in contact with Anthony B but he was not in the island. However, his publicist, Renee Excell, refuted Walters' claims.

"Anthony B never had a contract with this person in Barbados. I am not aware of this. As far as Anthony B is concerned, he was not in any dialogue with any promoter about any show. That's very unfortunate but Anthony B is not a no-show person," she said.

Kevin Blake could not be reached for a comment.

In the document that was filed, Walters is seeking compensation for "damages for breach of contract, loss of profit, cost and/or any other relief that the court deems appropriate".

Residents of West Kingston have been making use of the temporary police complaints office set up at the Tivoli Gardens Community Centre.

Head of the department, Deputy Superintendent Oberlene Smith-Whyte, said to date some 100 complaints have been received. "People are always coming in," Smith-Whyte said, "we would be here all night if we did not close off at a certain point."

Ninety per cent of the complaints received are about missing or damaged property. Most complainants are women.

Apart from residents, the centre has also processed complaints from vendors whose properties were destroyed in the fire that gutted a section of the Coronation Market.

DSP Smith-Whyte is advising residents that the centre is open and will remain open for as long there is a need. She urges residents to continue coming forward, and wants to assure them that although the office is manned by police officers, they will record and investigate complaints with the highest level of professionalism and impartiality.

The deputy superintendent is asking residents who have made complaints to be patient. She said members of the force do understand that residents may be anxious to have redress, but she explained that the road to redress may require the coordinated effort of many agencies, and this will take time to organise.

The St Catherine South police have taken a man in custody in connection with the shooting of dancehall artiste Cobra.

When THE WEEKEND STAR contacted the Portmore Police Station, a policeman said the man should have faced an identification parade yesterday. "The parade was not held as planned, due to some difficulties. However, the suspect is still in custody and it will be rescheduled," the investigator said.

Cobra, christened Ewart Everton Brown, was shot and injured in Braeton Phase 2 last month.

A number of men who refused to take up arms against the security forces in west Kingston, may have been killed for doing so, THE WEEKEND STAR has learnt.

Residents and thugs said among the dead in the area were a number of handcart men from the Coronation Market and others who were not from west Kingston, but had initially gone into the community to help challenge the security forces and then changed their minds.

"Couple yute weh decide seh dem nuh waa inna di war get rub out yes. Di police dem right da time yah but mi nuh sure a how much man still 'cause me neva involved and personally me did think dat nuh right," one thug said.

"Mi know yute weh use to just push him handcart ova di market and dem kill him 'cause him seh him naw fight nuh war," one resident claimed.

recruiting men

THE WEEKEND STAR was told that a group of heavily armed men visited the Coronation Market the weekend before the operation to recruit men and those who refused to be a part of the cause to defend Christopher 'Dudus' Coke were slain.

The security forces launched a major offensive in the area last Monday to nab Dudus, who is wanted in the US on gun and drug trafficking charges.

Seventy-six people, including three security officials, were killed while 49 guns and thousands of assorted ammunition were found.

At a media briefing last week, Deputy Commissioner Glenmore Hinds said based on the decomposing state of some of the bodies found during the massive police-military operation in Tivoli Gardens, it is theorised that some were killed before the operation.

Dancehall deejay Moses Davis, aka Beenie Man, refuses to sit and twiddle his thumbs while he plays the waiting game with the United States embassy, which recently revoked both his work permit and his visitor's visa to that country.

"He's doing a lot of recordings ... not just locally, but also for several foreign-based producers," his ultra-elusive manager, Blue, told Splash

Actually, it was quite an experience just having a conversation with Blue via telephone, as he truly deserves his reputation of not answering his cellphone. But on Tuesday, Blue was all charm and chatter as he hastily dismissed all suggestions that Beenie Man was singing the blues.

"Moses is in the studio voicing right now. I don't want to interrupt, because it will throw him off," Blue explained, managing to sound apologetic.

According to Blue, who is also Beenie's brother, the two were at Renaissance's studio because the deejay woke up that morning "with a song in him head" and he just had to get it out.

"We usually work at our studio, 357, but he needed to do this fast and this studio is just down the road," Blue said, adding that Beenie has been really very busy. "He has new songs out and they are doing very well ... the deejay is building his repertoire and staying current," Blue said.

However, he did admit that the lack of a US work permit had affected their earnings, but an upbeat Blue noted the artiste was still travelling overseas as the doors to the Caribbean, Europe and South America remained open and the welcome mat was out. And, of course, there was the revelation from Blue that the Almighty is always looking out for those He favours.

"God a work with we," Blue testified solemnly and with bountiful conviction. "We always had Caribbean dates ... and South America ... but it come in like we getting more of dem dates deh since this thing (the visa revocation) happen," he explained.

Just last week, Beenie Man performed in Barbados and then there is the Tobago show this weekend, which Blue obviously thinks of as divine providence. "It wasn't on we itinerary none at all," he told Splash, but just popped up, seemingly out of the blue. Beenie is also scheduled to perform in St Maarten and The Bahamas, after which he leaves for Europe, where he will be performing from June 12 to July 2.

"We have 18 shows confirmed in Europe, and when we come back to Jamaica there's Reggae Sumfest and we have shows in Trinidad and Tobago," Beenie's manager outlined. He mentioned that this year, Beenie Man will be performing on International Night at Sumfest, rather than the traditional Dancehall Night.

But, truth be told, the manager does regret the fact that the artiste is unable to do the usual gigs in the US. "We not really complaining still ... but you know, the US was actually a every-week thing ... if it's not a band show, it's a track show. But we deh yah just a mek music and keep in the flow," Blue said.

Questioned about the reason the visas were revoked, Blue related a story told to him by Beenie Man. According to Blue, "The people at the embassy wouldn't let me go inside with Beenie at the time they were explaining to him why them revoke the visa. But Beenie say they told him that the artistes are mixed up in gangs and all kinds of illegal things and that's why them take back the work permit, the visitor's visa ... everything."

He continued, "The good thing is that Beenie Man don't have any criminal record and the visa is not cancelled ... it is revoked. So we are hoping that after all this is over and everything sort out we will get back the work permit. When the American embassy ready back for us we ready for them."

So, in the meantime, Beenie records, works his gigs, and Blue makes an effort to answer his cellphone, perhaps secretly hoping that the next call will be from the US embassy informing them to come and pick up Beenie's visa.

DEATHS on Jamaica's roads have dropped 30 per cent in 2010, reports the Road Safety Unit (RSU).

To date there have been 112 fatalities, 49 less than the 161 fatalities recorded over the same period last year, said the unit. There has been a corresponding 26 per cent fall in the number of fatal crashes from 142 to 106.

Child fatalities declined by 21 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. So far 11 children have died, compared to 14 last year.

However the unit is urging against complacency and wants adults to teach children about road safety.

Meantime, RSU Acting Director Julian Thompson believes that likewise, children can positively influence the road behaviour of adults.

The Children Against Reckless Driving (CARD) campaign has targeted children aged seven to 12 years old, having them design cards featuring persons who in their eyes embody safe driving and provide role models for other motorists.

They bring a fresh perspective to things and give us a reason to pause and think. The vigour with which the children have embraced the CARD campaign and are highlighting their road models is proof of this, Thompson said.

He thanked the children for their support of the campaign.

At a time like now, when the road fatalities are trending downwards, I genuinely hope that adults or big people, as the children like to say, heed their message and be a road model, not a road clown, he said.

There has also been a 45 per cent reduction in deaths among private motor carriage (PMC) drivers, down from 33 to 18. PMC passengers fatalities have also fallen by 37 per cent, moving from 27 in 2009 to 17 in 2010.

Motorcyclist deaths fell from 24 to 14. Pedestrians deaths, however, rose from 43 in 2009 to 48.

Thompson appealed to motorists to drive with care and be aware of pedestrians sharing the island's roads. For their part, pedestrians are urged to stay off the road as much as possible and use sidewalks and pedestrian crossings where available.

Pedestrians should also look both ways when crossing the road.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez threatened on Wednesday to nationalise the country's largest food producer, Empresas Polar, and said he is at war with the nation's business leaders.

Chavez said wealthy leaders of the country's main business chambers "have declared economic war against me."

"I accept the challenge," Chavez said in a televised speech. "I declare myself at economic war and I call the people and the workers to economic war."

He also warned Lorenzo Mendoza, president of food producer Empresas Polar: "If you think I won't dare to nationalise Empresas Polar, you're very wrong."

Chavez has accused business leaders of attempting to worsen Venezuela's economic troubles and weaken his political support. Business leaders deny it.

The oil-exporting country is struggling with 30 per cent inflation and a deepening recession.

The president, who is a close ally of Cuba and says he is leading the country toward socialism, has recently sharpened his criticism of Polar. The corporation's workers have been protesting the government's seizure of some of its food inventory and its plans to seize land where Polar has offices and warehouses.

Chavez has accused Polar of flouting price controls on food items and hoarding food -- accusations it strongly denies.

Chavez has blamed Mendoza, one of Venezuela's wealthiest men, accusing him of having secret ambitions of running against him for president in 2012.

There was no immediate reaction by Polar or Mendoza to the president's comments.

THE Police High Command yesterday named East Kingston businessman Danhai Williams among a new list names of persons who they said are believed to be affiliated to criminal gangs in the Kingston metropolitan region and appealed to them to turn themselves in at any police station in Kingston or St Andrew.

The list include: Sandra 'Sandy' Coke, sister of Christopher 'Dudus'; Orlando Ochoy O'Gilvie; Newton McLeod; Harold McLeod, otherwise called 'Harry Dog'; Danny Banton; David Heron, otherwise called 'Reagie'; Kevin Bryan; Michael Murray, otherwise called 'Bissi'; Donald Brown, otherwise called 'Negus'; Christopher Linton, otherwise called 'Dog Paw'; Ricardo Wynter, otherwise called 'Government'; Euriel James, otherwise called 'Rooksie'; Jerome Cunningham, otherwise called 'Rome'; Nyron Hawkins, otherwise called 'Ice'; Vascilion Lion, otherwise called 'Irons'; Anthony Harding, otherwise called 'Prince Pow'; Dennis Duhaney, otherwise called 'Danfrey'; Timothy Thompson, otherwise called 'Timmo'; Marlon Barnett, otherwise called 'Pastor'; Kevin Brian; Richard Francis, otherwise called 'Red Head'; Jevaughn Robinson, otherwise called 'Jav'; Damion Gray, otherwise called 'Sai'; Everton Minot, otherwise called 'Rado'; and Rohan Silvera.

The police said that several other persons for whom they had expressed an interest since the imposition of the limited State of Emergency in the Corporate Area last week have already turned themselves in and are now being interviewed and processed.

SPANISH Ambassador to Jamaica Jesus Silva yesterday bemoaned the high price investors have to pay for electricity in Jamaica, saying that it is hurting the ability of local and foreign investors to stay in business.

The electricity factor is a very great hurdle to make investment in Jamaica profitable. It is a concern that the foreign investors have, and it is a concern also shared by some companies of the private sector, Silva told the Observer, after speaking to the issue at the Rotary Club of Kingstons weekly luncheon at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.

Silva raised the concern ahead of an expected energy charge adjustment on Jamaica Public Service (JPS) rates normally made in June each year. The impending increase has started with some entrepreneurs arguing that JPS should forego the adjustment, given the difficulties last week's unrest in Kingston have created for the economy.

Two adjustments last year the latter in October pushed up non-fuel energy charges by as much as 49 per cent. The hotel sector was hit particularly hard by those increases with many resort operators seeing their costs go up by as much as 70 per cent, Silva said yesterday.

He said that due to the high cost of electricity, Jamaica has become the second-most expensive country in the Caribbean for Spanish hoteliers, and that the problem is threatening their viability.

"There is only one country which is more expensive Bahamas, which is only a little bit more expensive," Silva said. "But apart from that, they (investors) are paying something like 50 per cent more than in the Dominican Republic, which is an expensive country, and almost 100 per cent more than in Mexico," he said.

He added that poor quality of service from the JPS is also a cause for concern, citing reports from the Fiesta Hotel Group in Lucea, Hanover, that more than US$500,000 worth of equipment have been destroyed due to power surges and other electrical failures.

"And if they (investors) want to generate their own electricity the regulation does not allow them to import the petrol with the attractive prices to make that solution attractive," he explained, noting that the investors had no choice but to contract the services of the utility company.

Yesterday, Omar Azan, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association, concurred with Silva's statements, and supported the diplomat's call for solutions from the Government.

"When compared to Trinidad, which is our major competitor in the manufacturing sector, our electrical costs are just much more expensive," said Azan.

"The Jamaica Public Service, which basically has a monopoly in Jamaica, needs to find a way to get some investment so they can get new equipment to be more efficient, rather than just increase rates, which are already too high," he said.

Last month, JPS's first-quarter results showed the company earning US$9.4 million (J$841 million) net profit after tax due to a 40 per cent jump in revenues with core expenses remaining flat for the quarter.

ST ANN'S BAY, St Ann Supporters of former member of Parliament (MP) for North East St Ann, Shahine Robinson, came out in strong support of her yesterday calling for a by-election so she can be returned to Gordon House.

"We need it now, call it now, tell Peter Phillips and Portia Simpson (Miller) that we need it now, a the date we want. We ready. Shahine we want, Shahine all the way," shouted one supporter.

The St Ann North East seat was declared vacant by the Supreme Court in default judgement on Monday. Robinson was the subject of an election petition filed by the People's National Party's Manley Bowen on an allegation that she held US citizenship at the time of her election in 2007.

But yesterday, the more than 100 supporters, who were clad in party colours, chanted party slogans and songs at the constituency office in St Ann's Bay in support of the woman they claimed had done a lot for her constituents.

They said Labourites in the constituency were ready and raring to go to the polls and that the party's election machinery was well oiled. They assured that Robinson, who polled 11,632 votes to Oswest Senior Smith of the People's National Party, 9,610 in the 2007 general election -- would win by at least 3,000 votes if a by-election was called.

"North east St Ann is ready; we're organised and ready to go. We welcome a by-election any time. Shahine Robinson will be the candidate and she will succeed," Robinson told the Observer yesterday, amidst loud cheers from her supporters.

Councillor for the St Ann's Bay Ddivision, Dallas Dickenson said the Labourites were not daunted by the court ruling.

"We are standing by her and we intend to support her all the way, because there can be no other leader for North East St Ann other than Shahine Robinson. One way all the time," Dickenson told the Observer.

Meanwhile, councilor caretaker for the Beecher Town Division, Kenny Dickson said North East St Ann was one of the safest seats for the JLP and that supporters were confident that it would remain in their hands anytime an election is called.

The supporters described Robinson as a hardworking politician, who had the interest of the constituency at heart and that there had been significant growth in the are since she won the seat from the PNP in a by-election in 2002.

Voicemail member, O'Neil Edwards, will be laid to rest on Saturday.

The funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 am at the Church on the Rock, Clifton Avenue, Kingston 8 and the body will be interred at Meadowrest.

O'Neil, a much-loved figure in entertainment circles, died last week Wednesday at the Kingston Public Hospital, after being admitted there following a shooting incident in which he was attacked at his gate on the morning of May 10.

Described as gregarious and fun-loving, O'Neil piloted the trio known as Voicemail to success locally and internationally, especially in Japan, where the group is very popular.

As their bio states, "Like any group, the three have their distinctly different dynamics. Craig is the mushy one, who is always cuddly, loveable and laid-back. However at the same time, he's the one that they all agree is most miserable and meticulous when it comes to recording. Anything less than perfection is simply not an option! Kevin, a former model is surprisingly the quietest and most unassuming member of the group. He describes himself without airs, for the most part, I'm just a happy go lucky person always bouncy and ready for anything. Once you get to O'Neil, the baritone voice of the group, its clear he is the leader, the organiser and the unspoken boss. Always an entrepreneur, Oneil had his own business importing and selling goods prior to joining the group. Kevin even shares "He's the man that while we sleep, he's there pon the phone calling this person and that person, setting us up to record and all those things. He's the man in charge."

Interestingly, Internet website, Wikipedia, describes Voicemail thus: Voice Mail (also known as Voicemail or VoiceMail) is a popular dancehall reggaefusion duo hailing from Kingston, Jamaica.

T'Nez - Contributed

Stage name: T'Nez

Real name: Tristan Barnes

Birth month: September

How did you get started in the business?

T'Nez: Well I've been doing it for a while and then last year June I made a demo and sent it to Jordan from Chimney Records who listened to it and liked it. We started working together ever since.

What has been your greatest challenge in the business yet?

T'Nez: To capture the ears of the streets. I've been getting a lot of airplay like crazy on the radio, but getting in the streets is another thing. I've been doing a lot of street promotion, making links with the street selectors and handing out promo CDs, and getting people to know me.

What have you been up to lately?

T'Nez: Well, I just did a video like last week, directed by Ruption, for the songs Same Yute and Turn Mi Life Around. I've also been doing a lot of collabs. I have one to do with I-Octane, I just did one with Laden called For All My Friends. I have one to do with Aidonia very soon. I've also been doing a lot of singles for Chimney and other producers, including one for DASECA called Deh Yah Same Way a lot of work and input.

Do you look up to any specific artiste and why?

T'Nez: I respect Bounty Killer and Mavado. Bounty Killer because he's an artiste that had something to do wid significant acts in the industry like Vybz Kartel, Busy Signal, Aidonia all pass through him and they were under his wings. He provides a platform for the yutes and he's a living legend. Mavado now is a singjay like me, but before him there were mostly either singers or deejays, he twisted that up a bit and took it global.

Are you happy with the way things are going for your music career right now?

T'Nez: Yeah me good, I just need a little more promotion. The response I've been getting from people is that they know my songs but I need to get ma face out there which I'm trying to do. I just did an intense photo shoot to get some promo pics out as well.

Do you have any advice for young artistes coming up?

T'Nez: Just know sey if your coming wid a 20 per cent don't bother try; it's not a 9-5, it's right round the clock; yuh haffi eat, sleep it and have a vision. Also lots of energy and effort.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

T'Nez: Well, I see myself being one of the top yutes in dancehall weh people always a listen out for. People say I'm very consistent, and I plan to continue being consistent and doing good music constantly.

ST GEORGES, Grenada, CMC Six men, including a 'don' suspected of drug trafficking, have been arrested here after threatening to give lawmen a taste of Jamaica.

During an appearance in the Gouyave Magistrate Court yesterday, wanted man Marvin Lewis and five other co-accused were also slapped with a total of 10 charges each, including disorderly behaviour, using insulting and threatening language, resisting arrest, obstruction of justice and causing harm and assault to police.

The other men - Callister Duncan, Gino Warren, Mathias Redhead, Frederick Language and Roseius Langaigne - were individually granted bail in the amount of EC$8,000 (US$ 2,996).

The charges stem from a police raid which took place in the western village of Black Bay on Saturday night.

Members of the Special Services Unit and Rapid Response Unit had to be called in to provide back up support for the Gouyave police, who raided a bar after receiving a tip off that Lewis, 24, was seen socialising there.

In a scene reminiscent of the recent standoff between the Jamaican security forces and residents in Tivoli Gardens loyal to criminal strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, Grenada police say they were forced to fire several warning shots in the area.

Head of community relations Superintendent Dunbar Belfon said that apart from using obscenities, the accused men hurled stones and threats at lawmen and were telling the police 'to leave the don alone'.

They were throwing stones and other objects in the direction of the police and it was then that the police fired some warning shots to calm in the situation, Belfon said.

Eyewitnesses said the scene was not different from what is seen in the movies, with police and the main suspect running through the community as the wanted man sought tried to escape the lawmen.

No one was shot but two people including a police officer were reportedly injured in the melee.

Following the incident, Belfon said the police would be stepping up their vigilance and he warned that they would not allow Grenada to get into the hands of drug men.

We will not allow this to happen in Grenada, the Jamaica experience is something we dont want, he said.

THE Police High Command is appealing for 26 persons, believed to be affiliated to gangs in the Kingston Metropolitan Area, to turn themselves in.

In a statement today the police said that their appeal came as security forces are about to "embark on another phase of their offensive on the crime monster".

Police might be hoping that criminals to turn themselves in under the current circumstances. A smilier appeal was made after security forces responded strongly to coordinated attacks on police by taking control of Tivoli Gardens last week.

Among the alleged gang members who turned themselves in then, several turned up at police stations reportedly shaken by what had transpired after the State of Emergency was called on Sunday May 23.

The persons of interest are as follows:

Tivoli Gardens/Denham Town

1. Sandra Sandy Coke, sister of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke

2. Orlando Ochoy OGilvie

3. Newton McLeod

4. Harold 'Harry Dog' McLeod

5. Danny Banton

6. David 'Reagie' Heron

Kingston East

7. Danhai Williams

8. Kevin Bryan

9. Michael 'Bissi' Murray

Waterloo (Spanish Town)

10. Donald 'Negus' Brown

Tavern/Camp View (St Andrew Central)

11. Christopher 'Dog Paw' Linton

Maxfield (West Stingers Gang)

12.  Ricardo 'Government' Wynter

13. Euriel 'Rooksie' James of Rose Town

Clarendon

14. Jerome 'Rome' Cunningham

Spanish Town

15. Nyron 'Ice' Hawkins

Rema

16. Vascilion 'Irons' Lion of 4th Street

Kingston Central

17. Anthony 'Prince Pow' Harding

18. Dennis 'Danfrey' Duhaney

New World Order Gang

19.Timothy 'Timmo' Thompson

Two Miles

20. Marlon 'Pastor' Barnett

Cassie Allo Gang

21. Kevin Brian

22. Richard 'Red Head' Francis

23. Jevaughn 'Jav' Robinson

One Order Gang

24. Damion 'Sai' Gray of Shelter Rock

25. Everton 'Rado' Minot

Clansman Gang

26. Rohan Silvera

Producer, writer, engineer and artiste, 25-year-old Kedon Whyte, more popularly known as Hitmaker, describes himself as being all about 'fun and music.'

Starting his music career at just 16 years old, Whyte hails from Hughenden in Kingston. A past student of the Clan Carthy and Donald Quarrie high schools, Hitmaker's style, lyrics and flow can be compared to the likes of new-era deejays such as Aidonia, Busy Signal, Vybz Kartel, and Mavado.

Songwriting is what he does best, especially when he is not in the studio or busy with other areas of music.

Whyte, who is a qualified studio engineer, has worked with many well-known top acts in the reggae-dancehall industry such as Konshens, Bramma, Elephant Man and Delly Ranx.

He did a one-year crash course in the performing arts at the Excelsior Community College after which, he recorded c**k Up Is a Ten for the UIM/Digital One label for Richard Roache. However, it was not until he did Pray For Me in March of this year on his own HitmakerMuzik label that producers and radio disc jocks began to show their support.

The music industry has proven to be challenging for the young musician but he says: "My first love is recording and being an artiste. I am a fan of music, so I know what people like and as such I try to make music that I like and people around me can relate to, therefore, I focus on getting the right melody and mix of lyrics out there to please them."

He is back again with his latest single Tell Yuh Bout Life which has been getting rotation on the radio. He also has a single on Demarco's Premium rhythm called Lover and Friend and Nuh Fren Part 2 on his own label.

Recently, he began working on a mix CD and has been voicing for various producers, because, "summer is coming and there's a need for that hot flavour".

As it relates to his future, Hitmaker has his sights set on making it big.

"All I'm aiming for is more good and positive music so that I can get on the Billboard charts. I want to make it mainstream both as a producer and as an artiste," he says.

Busy Signal alongside producer Shane Brown, who is wearing a t-shirt from the 'Turf Gear' line. - Ian Allen

Busy Signal is expanding beyond music and into business with the start of his own clothing line, 'Turf Gear'.

When THE STAR spoke with the deejay recently, he explained that the line was started more than two months ago and features T-shirts for men and women.

As well as being a multi-talented artiste, Busy is also known for his fashion sense, going from T-shirts and jeans on a day-to-day basis to decking out in full suits, courtesy of Carlton Brown, for shows and special occasions. He plans to bring his unique flair to his fashion line.

He said, "People always sey, Jah know, Busy you always look good, yuh mus start your own ting, so mi listen to people and waan gwaan try summen in terms of fashion."

beyond t-shirts

His desire was further developed after designer Castelle Barnes from Brandz Appareldesigner approached the deejay to work on a line and now the two are working hand in hand, exchanging ideas and hoping to soon expand the Turf Gear name beyond t-shirts. stepped in. Barnes was introduced to Busy by a friend. The

"Its been good so far, he (Barnes) makes designs for me to approve and I come up wid like saying, to put on it, and so far people love it. Even in Africa people a sell it and asking where they can get it. It's going really good and mek mi waan tek this route more seriously," the deejay added.

While the line is designed in Jamaica, the actual shirts are made in the United States and sold online, as well as at Intuition on Constant Spring Road. This is the first of many business moves Busy said persons can expect from him in the future, as he wants to go into real estate, among other things.

As well as the clothing line, Busy is also looking forward to the July 13 release of his next album, D.O.B. (Definition of Busy Signal). This will be the artiste's fourth album since he started professionally in the music industry five years ago.

He said, "this album is very personal to me and I give it a thumbs up. It has a lot of different things, different genres, even opera, and is very rounded."

Producers on the album include Stephen McGregor, Busy Signal himself, Shane Brown, Karl Morrison and DJ Kareem. Some of the songs released from the album already include One More Night, Picante and My Money.

With his hands in producing, recording and now business, Busy thinks he's on the right path but is still looking forward to more professional success and awards for the future.

Designs from 'Turf Gear' from deejay Busy Signal. - Contributed photos

REVEREND Al Miller, who met with Christopher 'Dudus' Coke two days before members of the security forces went into Tivoli Gardens, has disclosed that plans were being finalised for the alleged drug lord to turn himself in to the police by last Wednesday.

Miller told the Observer in an interview last night that he met with Coke the Wednesday before, and spent close to three hours talking to him about finding an amicable solution to the stand-off between residents in the community and the security forces.

Miller said that he met with Coke the following Saturday and told him that the barricades to the community would have to be removed as a sign that he was serious about bringing an end to the situation.

Both agreed, Miller said, that the barricades would be removed on Labour Day, while Coke would consult further with his lawyers on Tuesday and a final decision would be made on Wednesday.

"Wednesday was to be D-Day," Miller said.

He said that Coke, while willing to go through the Jamaican court system, openly expressed fear that he could suffer a similar fate to his father Lester Lloyd "Jim Brown" Coke, who died in a fire in his cell at the then General Penitentiary before he could be extradited to the US.

"I met him in his office and we sat and spoke about his concerns and what were his options and his concern was that he did not want any loss of lives and to see innocent people dying on his behalf," Miller said.

But that plan seemingly went awry on Sunday when, according to Miller, some "loose cannons" launched an attack against the police.

Miller said that on Sunday, in the height of the skirmishes, he spoke with Coke who assured him that he would look into bringing the situation under control.

"I think he was very disappointed that it had happened because we were gaining ground," Miller said.

The late Oneil Edwards.

Since the passing of Voicemail's Oneil Edwards, Cordel 'Skatta' Burrell has released Lukie D's You Raise Me Up as a tribute to the deceased artiste.

Burrell, who produced the song, said it was done before Edwards was shot at his home in Duhaney Park, St Andrew, in May. But he explained, there were many bad things happening at the time the song was recorded and he did not feel the urge to release the song at the time.

After Edwards' death on May 26, Burrell said it was only fitting to release Lukie D's rendition of the popular gospel song with a dancehall twist to it.

"We really need to get in touch with our emotional side. That song is loved by any lover of music. Is a song weh come with a lot of emotions. Oneil was a good yute and a good musician and artiste," Burrell told THE STAR.

"What better way to carry that message than in music. So, big up Oneil. Mi just a show my appreciation fi know seh mi know the bredren. It sad fi see him go but a my contribution that."

Meanwhile, the singer of the song Lukie D said: "He wasn't a bad yute. Everybody is doing their part, so I am just doing mine."

He also noted that he did the song at the vigil that was held for Edwards in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, when he was still in the hospital. With the funeral taking place on Saturday at Church on the Rock, Lukie D says he hopes to get the opportunity to sing the song there as well.

Due to Edwards' death, Cobra being shot and injured, the unrest, and the many deaths in parts of the Corporate Area and St Catherine recently, Burrell said: "We need to build a better J amaica and da song deh seh everything."

Meanwhile, Burrell said: "Mi nah look no glorification off it," but instead, he said he would be very happy if a charity is set up in Edwards' name and the proceeds from the song donated to it.

Vigil for Oneil

Bobby Chin, from Black Chiney sound, was viciously beaten and hospitalized on yesterday morning after the finaly the Best Of The Best Miami memorial weekend. The party was held at the Mansion, was called NY vs Miami was a clash to remember, NY Sounds: Massive B/Steelie/YoungChow/Platinum Kids vs MIA Sounds: Black Chiney/Supa Sound/Poison Dart/Innocent Sound.

During the clash words were thrown on stage by the selectors from NY and Miami and in the end, ALL from NY punked out and did not want to play any more tune. 

After security left and thought they squashed it, on the way out, he was attacked by Jabba (Massive B) and Young Chow from Hot 97, Platinum kids from Bronx and Pretty Posse from Queens. He was then rushed to the hospital, my prayers are with him for a speedy recovery. 

Sources who witness the situation unfolded wondered Why dem never step to Twitch, or Poisen Dart, or Innocent after they also told the NY sound "fi suk dem madda!" 

Insecurity has now gripped the residents of some communities from which alleged gang members and leaders were summoned to turn themselves in to the police.

Last week the police released the names of 34 men who were dubbed 'persons of interest' from various communities in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine.

Checks by THE STAR have found that 25 of these men have so far turned themselves in and remain in custody but have not been charged.

Residents from most of these communities are, as a result, worrying for their safety and even go as far as to say they want back their dons.

Those who share this sentiment describe their area leaders as 'protectors' and admit to feeling that their homes are at risk due to their absence.

"Wi want back di general. A dem man deh a keep di peace roun' ya mek it so nice. Look how long yu nuh hear nuttin a gwaan roun dem side yah. A pure niceness and peace dem man deh deal wid," a resident of Fletcher's Land in central Kingston said. The police had identified Kevin 'Killer' Elliot of the community, as one of the men who were to turn themselves in for questioning. He adhered to the call last week Wednesday.

Residents of Matthews Lane shared similar thoughts after Michealous 'Zeekie' Phipps, son of the incarcerated leader Donald 'Zekes' Phipps, turned in himself last week Wednesday.

"Wi woulda like fi know wah dem want him fah? Afta nuttin naw gwaan a Matthews Lane. Dung yah nice, no violence naw gwaan," one resident said.

In Spanish Town, St Catherine, residents describe two alleged members of the One Order gang as their protectors and claim rivals of the men may use their absence as an opportunity to attack the communities which they are aligned to.

"Me personally nuh have a problem wid di police a try get rid a di gunman dem eno 'cause too much innocent people a dead, but dem fi go look fi real gunman dem weh a gi trouble and not di one dem weh naw deal wid nuh foolishness and a keep di peace so di people dem can live in peace," a resident of Tawes Pen said.

The call for the reputed gangsters came amidst last week's frightening flare-up of violence in the Corporate Area and St Catherine.

distraction

The flare-up saw police stations and members of the security forces being attacked in addition to vicious murders which were believed to be distractions for the security officials in the wake of a massive operation geared at nabbing west Kingston strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

High-ranking members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force said though expected, it was sad that residents chose to still rely on other civilians for safety and not the police.

"This is nothing new. We know this is how some people think and it is a truly sad case. But, of course, the police will be working to assure the public that they can rely on the police for safety and not on another civilian," one source said.

Police Commissioner Owen Ellington, said the strategy to keep these men off the streets has seen some benefits.

"Under the current limited state of emergency, individuals who we consider a threat to public safety and peace can be taken into custody," he said. "As a result of their associations, it seemed wise to have some of these individuals in our custody and so far we are seeing that their absence from the streets has been helpful in some ways."

Meanwhile, the police are still urging the following men to turn in themselves.

They are: three members of the Spanish Town-based Clansman gang: Jermaine 'Speedy' Morrison, Nevardo Hodges and Michael Maragh.

SEVERAL bus operators who ply the Bayside to Spanish Town route in St Catherine, yesterday withdrew their services in protest over Tuesday night's killing of one of their colleagues and the injury of another.

According to the police, 23-year-old conductor Alloy Topey, of Greater Portmore in St Catherine was shot and killed by unknown assailants on Mandela Highway in the parish at about 7:30 pm.

They said Topey was on a bus heading towards Bayside, Portmore, when on reaching a section of the highway a female passenger requested a stop.

After the bus stopped, two men armed with hand guns reportedly approached the bus and opened fire, hitting both Topey and the driver. The driver managed to drive the bus to the hospital where he was admitted in serious condition. Topey, however, died while undergoing treatment.

Yesterday, Carl Campbell, president of the Naggo Head Bus Association, complained about the lack of police presence on the route.

"This is a part of what we go through on a daily basis. We have no security along this route," he said.

Yesterday, dozens of commuters were left stranded as the bus operators parked their vehicles outside the Central Village Police Station.

Campbell apologised for the inconvenience, but said they could not resume service until the authorities address the security problem on the route.

JAMAICA OBSERVER

JAMAICA is seeking US$1 billion in loans and grants to help remove dons and rebuild the poor communities they have long dominated, reports *la*hmberg News.

The money will also be used to raise the complement of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) from its current 8,500 personnel towards its target of 12,000.

Government officials have been meeting with donor countries and international lending institutions such as the World Bank and the Inter American Development Bank (IDB).

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration believes that it has improved its credibility following its assault on organised crime in the garrison community of Tivoli Gardens, which lies within the West Kingston constituency of Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

Our investment partners have recognised that this government is demonstrating it knows how to deal with the crime problem," Minister of Finance Audley Shaw told *la*hmberg in a telephone interview.

The United States welcomed the recent action by Government, prompted by Prime Minister Bruce Golding agreeing after nine months of drama to comply with the United States' extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, reputed don of Tivoli Gardens.

However the international media reports are raising questions about the deaths of 73 civilians in the West Kingston operation and the relationships between politicians and dons in Jamaica. Meantime Coke remains at large.

Golding is hoping that his new anti-crime crusade will help rebuild his political fortunes after he was forced to offer his resignation as prime minister over the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips affair, the US law firm hired by his governing JLP to lobby the US government against the extradition.

Areas of Kingston remain under a State of Emergency, declared for one month on May 23.

Jamaica Seeks $1 Billion to Rid Island of Drug Gangs, Shaw Says

*la*hMBERG(USA)

June 3 (*la*hmberg) -- Jamaica is seeking $1 billion in loans and grants to rid the country of cancerous drug gangs that have taken over poor neighborhoods on the Caribbean island and hurt economic growth, Finance Minister Audley Shaw said.

Government officials met May 31 with representatives from the World Bank, Inter American Development Bank, United Nations, the U.S. and European countries to seek funds to expand the police force and rebuild poor communities where drug lords have become de facto governors, Shaw said today in a telephone interview. The violence cant be allowed to continue, he said.

It saps the energy of the country, it saps all productive capacity, he said from Kingston. Our investment partners have recognized that this government is demonstrating it knows how to deal with the crime problem.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding declared a state of emergency May 23 to contain gang violence related to the governments efforts to extradite an accused drug lord to the U.S., which Shaw said was the beginning of a broader campaign against gangs that control parts of the capital. At least 74 people have been killed during the hunt for Christopher Dudus Coke, who remains at large.

Shaw emphasized that most of the violence is in Kingston, miles away from the beaches, resorts and golf courses popular with tourists on the countrys north shore.

What we want to do is make sure we deal with this cancerous problem, Shaw said.

POLICE today seized two more illegal weapons and a quantity of ammunition in a church in West Kingston yesterday.

The find took place the same day Police Commissioner Owen Ellington toured sections of Tivoli Gardens and Denham Town, communities where gunmen a week earlier engaged members of the security forces in a deadly three day shootout which claimed the lives of 76 persons including three security officials.

At about 10:00 am police were carrying out an operation in sections of Regent Street when they found two M16 rifles and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, Steve Brown, head of the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) told the Observer.

No one was arrested in connection with the seizure.

Police said the guns are believed to be part of the illegal weapons used by gunmen loyal to Christopher Dudus Coke who launched an attack against the police on Sunday May 23.

So far 49 guns have been recovered from the West Kingston area since last operation. Cops on Monday recovered 7 guns in Tivoli Gardens.

Weve all seen a lot of funny animal photos on the internet, and I though Ive seen them all, but this collection totally blew my mind off. I know Ive probably said this a million times before, but this has to be the best collection of funniest, craziest, most adorable animal photos ever (with one priest too). Just look for yourselves and youll see what Im talking about.

Attila the Hun:
One of the most notorious villains in history, Attilas army had conquered all of Asia by 450 AD-from Mongolia to the edge of the Russian Empire-by destroying villages and pillaging the countryside.
How he died: He got a nosebleed on his wedding night.
In 453 AD, Attila married a young girl named Ildico. Despite his reputation for ferocity on the battlefield, he tended to eat and drink lightly during large banquets. On his wedding night, however, he really cut loose, gorging himself on food and drink. Sometime during the night he suffered a nosebleed, but was too drunk to notice. He drowned in his own *lo** and was found dead the next morning.

Tycho Brahe:
An important Danish astronomer of the 16th century. His ground breaking research allowed Sir Isaac Newton to come up with the theory of gravity.
How he died: Didnt get to the bathroom in time.
In the 16th century, it was considered an insult to leave a banquet table before the meal was over. Brahe, known to drink excessively, had a bladder condition-but failed to relieve himself before the banquet started. He made matters worse by drinking too much at dinner, and was too polite to ask to be excused. His bladder finally burst, killing him slowly and painfully over the next 11 days.

Horace Wells:
Pioneered the use of anesthesia in the 1840s
How he died: Used anesthetics to commit suicide.
While experimenting with various gases during his anesthesia research, Wells became addicted to chloroform. In 1848 he was arrested for spraying two women with sulfuric acid. In a letter he wrote from jail, he blamed chloroform for his problems, claiming that hed gotten high before the attack. Four days later he was found dead in his cell. Hed anaesthetized himself with chloroform and slashed open his thigh with a razor.

Francis Bacon:
One of the most influential minds of the late 16th century. A statesman, a philosopher, a writer, and a scientist, he was even rumored to have written some of Shakespeares plays.
How he died: Stuffing snow into a chicken
One afternoon in 1625, Bacon was watching a snowstorm and was struck by the wondrous notion that maybe snow could be used to preserve meat in the same way that salt was used. Determined to find out, he purchased a chicken from a nearby village, killed it, and then, standing outside in the snow, attempted to stuff the chicken full of snow to freeze it. The chicken never froze, but Bacon did.

Jerome Irving Rodale:
Founding father of the organic food movement, creator of Organic Farming and Gardening magazine, and founder of Rodale Press, a major publishing corporation.
How he died: On the Dick Cavett Show, while discussing the benefits of organic foods.
Rodale, who bragged Im going to live to be 100 unless Im run down by a sugar-crazed taxi driver, was only 72 when he appeared on the Dick Cavett Show in January 1971. Part way through the interview, he dropped dead in his chair. Cause of death: heart attack. The show was never aired.

Aeschylus:
A Greek playwright back in 500 BC. Many historians consider him the father of Greek tragedies.
How he died: An eagle dropped a tortoise on his head
According to legend, eagles picked up tortoises and attempt to crack them open by dropping them on rocks. An eagle mistook Aeschylus head for a rock (he was bald) and dropped it on him instead.

Jim Fixx:
Author of the best selling Complete Book of Running, which started the jogging craze of the 1970s.
How he died: A heart attack.while jogging
Fixx was visiting Greensboro, Vermont when he walked out of his house and began jogging. Hed only gone a short distance when he had a massive coronary. His autopsy revealed that one of his coronary arteries was 99% clogged, another was 80% obstructed, and a third was 70% blocked.and that Fixx had had three other attacks in the weeks prior to his death.

The Ohio Lottery says the only ticket matching all six numbers in Wednesday night's drawing was sold at a store in Sunbury, about 20 miles north of Columbus.

Lottery officials plan to present the Hub Carry Out with $100,000 Thursday morning for selling the winning ticket. Store owner Ralph Smith says it's the most exciting day in the history of the 61-year-old business. He hopes the winner is someone who needs the money.

The drawing's winning numbers were: 4-9-14-39-43. The Powerball was 38.

Ohio retailers sold their first Powerball tickets on April 16.

Powerball is played in 42 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

If you have more info to correct any of the meanings or have more words/phrases, feel free to add and i'll edit the list. Just figured this would be a good start for a reference. if it hasn't been done b4.

A
Affi- Have to
Agony- the sensations felt during sex
A true- It is true, I am not lying.
A nuh mi- that thats not me

B
Baan- Born
Bow- to perform oral sex; mostly on a woman.
Box- To fight and punch. She box im face.
Buddy- Male genital.
Buss- To bust, like to bust a move, burst out, unruly.
Babylon- the corrupt establishment, the system, Church and State, police
Bad- good great
b****- bottom, backside, common curse word
Badmind- Term frequently used in dancehall tunes that is used to criticize another, one who thinks bad things about another
*lo**clat- curse word used by an angry rasta
Bombaclart- Meant to convey shock or surprise?
Bredda- used to describe a close male friend
big chune- hit song

C
Collie- marijuana
Criss- Cool or new, chill.
Chant- to sing, especially cultural or spiritual songs
Clap- hit, break
Crosses- problems, trials, bad luck, misfortunes
Cyaan- cannot, can't

D
Daggering- Used when referring to hardcore sex or dancing in an agressive way
Deyah- i'm here
Deh- there
Don- one who is respected, master of a situationDoh- Isn't it so?
Dun Kno- of course/i know
Dunce- Person incable of learning
Dung- down
Dupes- For close friend
Duppy- ghost/spirit
Dutty- Dirty
Dweet- do It

F
Fassy- Misunderstood meaning of a homosexual, Most often used to describe someone who is irritating or has done something to offend you
Forward- Future, to go or to move
Fren- friend
Funds- money

G
Galang- Cool, laid back
Gallis- someone who gets bare female attention
Gwan- going or going on
Gweh- Go away

H
Hail- a greeting
Hard- excellent, skillful, uncompromising
Hard ears- Stubborn, doesn't listen
Hood- penis
Herb- marijuana
Hotstepper- fugitive from jail or gun court

I
Inna- in the
Informa(er)- One who snitches, tells on others. Usually to the police. Informers are not respected.
Irie- a greeting, excellent, cool, highest, pleasing

J
Jah Know- Lord knows
Jook- to pierce or stick

K
Kmt- kiss my teath, or to show you have no respect for someone or just to be plain rude
Kuff- to strike by any means necessary

L
Leggo- To let go; leave, lets go.
Lef- Leave, left
Link me- to get back in touch with, call

M
Memba- Remember.
Mash it up- a huge success
Massive- respected
Mek we- let us
Mudda s(c)unt- the vaginal entrance of your mother (one of my favorite curse words to use)

N
Nah- Will not
Nuh easy- Term used to describe someone acting a bit off the wall or uneasy, or when ones manners are not in order.

O
One love- a parting phrase, expression of unity

P
pree- to watch or stare
Pickney- Kids
Punani- vagina
pum pum- Another term for a woman's vagina or p**sy

R
Rahtid- expression of surprise
Ranking- highly respected

S
sensi (Sensimilla)- Breed of marijuana plant that produces no seeds
screw face- to make an angry face
s(c)unt- combination of a skank and a kunt
selecta- DJ, one who selects tunes, or one who selects and passes the records to the guy that's playing them on the sound system
Sell off-  means something is very nice or very good
shotta- gangster, shot caller
sort out- to satisfy sexually, have sex with, or introduce order to a situation or resolve a problem
stupes- one who is acting stupid/does dumb things
Seen- I understand, agree
Seen?- do you understand
Sidung- Sit down
Slackness- lewd, vulgar lyrics popular in DJ singing
Smadi- somebody
Soft- not well done, amateurish
Sumady- Somebody

T
Truss mi- Trust me. Used when agreeing with some one.
Toast- to rap or sing spontaneously over a dub track
Trace- to curse or speak abusively to someone
teef- thief, to steal

U
Uno/unu- you all
Uptown- the upper class

V
Vex(ed)- to get angry
Version- Replaces the term: instrumental

W
Weh- Where
Wicked- bad or evil.
wa gwan- What's going on?
Wha 'appen- what's happening
Whole heap- a lot
wuk- Work
wutless- Good for nothing, worthless, trouble maker

Y
Yard- home
yute- Young person
zeen- Used when you agree with someone

A man accused of stealing a shih-tzu from a pet store and then demanding $10,000 for its return, is to return to court on Friday.

Leroy White, charged with larceny, appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Allegations are that on April 23, White and another man went into the complainant's pet store and took one of his dogs. It is alleged that the complainant tried to stop them and called out to them and that they reportedly told him that they would give the dog back in exchange for $10,000.

On May 8, the complainant made a report to the police, who went in search of White and his alleged accomplice. White was subsequently held and charged.

If you ever come by near the coast of Belize, you shouldnt miss an opportunity to visit the Great Blue Hole, one of the worlds most recognizable natural wonders. The Great Blue Hole is located in Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, about 60 miles away from Belize City. It is believed that this hole is the worlds largest sea-hole. It is about 125 meters deep and its diameter is about 300 meters wide. It has been created as a cause of sea level increase about 65,000 years ago.

Its almost perfect circular shape made it very popular amongst tourists who often visit this place. This place is most attractive for scuba divers who are exploring the depths of this hole. It is known that there are a plenty of cave networks in this place. Divers are also attracted with plenty of rare animal species and forms of life which can be found only in this place.

10. Wayne Williams Body count: 2-31
Thought to be responsible for the infamous Atlanta Child Murders that took place in Atlanta, Georgia, between the years of 1979 and 1981, Williams was actually convicted of the murder of two adult men (29 year old Jimmy Payne and 27 year old Nathaniel Carter). It was after his arrest and subsequent conviction that local authorities were able to apparently solve the majority of the 29 child murders that took place in the area. He still protests his innocence to this day.

9. Dean Corll Body count: 27
Earning the nickname of The Candy Man when his crimes were uncovered (due to him running his mothers small candy company), Corll was responsible for what would become known as the Houston Mass Murders which took place in Houston, Texas between the years of 1970 and 1973. Along with two accomplices (Elmer Wayne Henley and David Brooks), Corll would abduct and torture young boys that were lured to his apartment, then murdering and burying them in the surrounding rural areas. Corll was shot and killed by Henley following a heated argument at Corlls home.

8. John Wayne Gacy Body count: 33
Also known as the Killer Clown due to the fact that Gacy would throw parties at which he would don a clown suit and make-up, acting under the guise of Pogo the Clown. Gacy was convicted of the rape and murder of some 33 young men during the years of 1972 and 1978, most of which he buried underneath his own home. He was executed in 1994, by lethal injection. Gacy managed to shock everyone when his crimes were uncovered, as he was a popular political and local figure at the time, living a seemingly normal life. Supposedly, his last words were kiss my ass. The photo of Gacy here is of him with First Lady Rosalynn Carter, which proved to be somewhat embar****ing for the Secret Service when his crimes were uncovered.

7. Gary Ridgeway Body count: Convicted of 48, but admitted somewhere around 90 killings.
Ridgeway would later become known as the Green River Killer (due to his propensity for dumping bodies in the Green River in Washington) for his killing spree during the 1980s which would result in him becoming one of the most prolific serial murderers in American history. He would abduct runaways or prostitutes and murder them after sexually assaulting them. Ridgeway was convicted in 2001 for murders that he had committed 20 years previously and this was down to a breakthrough in DNA evidence linking him to his victims. Ridgeway would later go on to say that murdering young women was his career.

6. Moses Sithole Body count: 38 or so murders, 40 rapes.
South Africas most infamous serial killer and perpetrator of what were known as the ABC Murders due to the fact that started, continued and finished in towns named Atteridgeville, Boksburg and Cleveland. He would lead his victims out into deserted fields under false pretences, where he would then overpower, rape and murder them. After his capture in 1995 and then conviction in 1997, he was sentenced to 2,410 years, with the possibility of parole in 930 years. In the year 2000, it was reported that Sithole had contracted AIDS whilst in prison.

5. Gerald Stano Body count: 41
An American, starting around the late 1960s to early 1970s and the continuing on for as many as 7-8 years, Stano picked up a number of hitch-hikers and young women, murdering them via shooting, stabbing or strangulation. Apprehended in 1980, he was sentenced to life in prison until his execution by the electric chair in Florida, 1998.

4. Andrei Chikatilo Body count: 53
A notorious Ukrainian serial murderer, as well as being a chronic bed-wetter suffering from impotence, Chikatilo earned himself such titles as The Ripper of Rostov, The Rostov Ripper and the Butcher of Rostov, after the area in which the murders were committed. A sexual deviant, Chikatilo was only able to achieve orgasm by stabbing and slashing his victims, rather than outwardly raping them. Active from the late 1970s, all the way through to the very early 1990s, he was apprehended and interrogated by police and sentenced to death, a sentence which was carried out in 1994 by a gunshot to the head. He was 57 at the time.

3. Bruno Ludke Body count: 85
His regime spanned 15 years, starting in 1928, Ludke was caught near the end of World War II by Nazi police, after they allegedly discovered him committing necrophilia on the corpse of one of his recently-deceased victims. He subsequently confessed to a number of crimes and was declared insane, being sent to a hospital in Vienna where he was subjected to medical experiments which resulted in his death by lethal injection in 1944. Even after his sterilization due to having been previously caught molesting a young woman, he continued to assault and then murder a number of other women, often by stabbing and strangulation.

2. Henry Lee Lucas Body count: Somewhere in the region of 4-213
Originally confessing to thousands of murders with his accomplice, Ottis Toole, police then subsequently attributed roughly 213 murder cases to his name (although only 4 were ever solidly proven to have been committed by him, one of which included his own abusive mother), thanks to the information they garnered from Lucas. He was apprehended in 1983 and was then sentenced to death, but bizarrely enough, his sentence was commuted to life in prison by the then-Governor George W. Bush. Out of 153 death penalty cases to be reviewed, Bush decided that this was the only case hed intervene on. Many people believe that Lucas had simply been toying with the police, testing them, maybe hoping to embar**** them somehow, just to see how far he could go. Lucas died of natural causes in 2001, aged 64, taking the true number of how many crimes he committed to the grave with him.

With explosions and massive machines scraping into the earths crust like a bad case of scabies, its small wonder open cast mining has made what many see as an unpleasant impact on the planets surface. The face of the earth is beleaguered with giant scars, scoured out in our ongoing bid to the plunder the planet of its natural resources. Weve selected 10 of the holes most needing a bit of environmental ointment where rehabilitation of the land could take some time.

10. Kalgoorlie Super Pit

Image: Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines via ABC

Kalgoorlie Super Pit is what it says on the tin. Irishman Paddy Hannan first saw the glimmer of gold here back in 1893, and this gigantic pockmark in Western Australia is now its continents largest open cut gold mine at 3.5 km long, 1.5 km wide and 360 m deep. Its huge. And its growing. At least, that is, until 2017 when it is expected to cease being productive.

Threatening to devour the town: The Super Pit, Kalgoorlie

Image: The Super Pit

While the Super Pit has the pull of a benign black hole for tourists into good hole-some fun, air pollution, water usage, noise and vibration issues and mining waste are all bones of contention for local residents. Still, as well as coughing up almost 30 tonnes of gold each year, the pit provides work and silver for around 550 employees.

9. The Big Hole, South Africa

Image: johnbullas

Another open pit whose name leaves little to the imagination, the Big Hole in Kimberly, South Africa, is said to be the largest hole excavated by hand despite recent claims that the nearby Jagersfontein Mine holds the some might say dubious title. While it was closed in 1914, during its 43-year lifetime, the 50,000 workers who broke their backs using picks and shovels shifted 22.5 million tonnes of earth, yielding almost 3 tonnes of diamonds for their jolly bosses, the de Beer brothers.

Water-filled earth wound: The Big Hole, Kimberley

Image: Irene2005

The Big Hole is 463 metres wide and was dug to a depth of 240 m though infilling and water-accumulation have left just 175 m of the hole visible. Its now a show mine complete with a restored old town. Quaint.

8. Diavik Diamond Mine

Image: johnbullas

Diavik Diamond Mine is located in Canadas charmingly named North Slave Region hopefully no reflection on the way the 700 workers here are treated. This is an open cast mine like no other. Gouged into a 20 square km island, 220 km from the Arctic Circle, there are particularly jaw-dropping views of this cold spot when the surrounding waters freeze over.

Snow hole: The Diavik Mine encircled by ice

Image: johnbullas

Connected by a treacherous ice road, this remote mine takes some getting to and so even has its own airport big enough to accommodate Boeing 747s. With a lifespan of 16 to 22 years, the owners will be happy as long as this yawning hole continues to throw up 8 million carats (1600 kg) of diamonds a year.

7. Ekati Diamond Mine, Canada

Image: All About Rocks

Another giant crater in the grizzled face of Canada, the Ekati Diamond Mine is North Americas first commercial diamond mine having opened in 1998 and those still dazzled by diamond rush fever no doubt hope it wont be the last. Its actually only a stones throw from the Diavic Mine just 20 km closer to the Arctic Circle ensuring things here stay colder than a penguins pecker.

Iced up: The Ekati Mine in freezing winter temperatures

Image: whutch1 via Weather Underground

Like its brethren blemish in Diavic, the Ekati Mine is accessed by hair-raising ice roads and got its 15 minutes of fame on The History Channels Ice Road Truckersprogramme. Darned crazy canucks? Driven mad perhaps by the 40 million plus carats (8,000 kg) of diamonds the steady scouring has so far produced.

6. Grasberg Mine, Indonesia

Image: Alfindra Primaldhi

Opened in 1973, Indonesias Grasberg Mine is the worlds biggest gold mine and third largest copper mine. This industrial eyesore in the mountains of Papua employs a staggering 19,500 workers but is majority owned by smiling US subsidiaries. Built with permission it was not really the Indonesian governments to give, the mine was attacked by the rebel Free Papua Movement in 1977.

Putting things in scale: Astronaut photo of the Grasberg Mine

Image: NASA

These days, steep aerial tramways ferry equipment and people in and out. In 2006, the mine coughed up 610,800 tonnes of copper and 58 tonnes of gold, but it doesnt take much digging to find environmental controversy surrounding the site, with water contamination and landslides heading the list of concerns. Contentious.

5. Chuquicamata, Chile

Image: Luiswtc73

Chuquicamata in Chile is a colossus of a mine that has churned up a record total of 29 million tonnes of copper. Despite almost 100 years of intensive exploitation, it remains among the largest known copper resources, and its open pit is one of the biggest at a whopping great 4.3 km long, 3 km wide and over 850 m deep.

Strangely beautiful sight: Chuquicamata Mine from high in the air

Image: Owen Cliffe

Copper has been mined for centuries at Chuquicamata, as shown by the 1898 discovery of a mummy dated around 550 AD found trapped in an ancient mine shaft by a cave-in. A great influx of miners was sucked in by Red Gold Fever after the War of the Pacific, when at one stage the area was covered with unruly mining camps where alcohol, gambling, prostitution and even murder were rife. Yee-haw.

4. Escondida, Chile

Image: Minera Escondida

The Minera Escondida Mining Co. runs twin open pit mines cut into the skin of the copper capital of the world that is Chile. Construction began in 1990, and this sucker recently overtook Chuquicamata as the worlds largest annual copper producer, with its 2007 yield of 1.48 million tonnes worth US$ 10.12 billion a whole lot of dollar.

Escondida from space: The mine is at the bottom of the picture

Image: PD-USGOV-NASA

Environmental impact aside, Escondida has become a key part of the Chilean economy and employs some 2,951 people directly. A strike in 2006 broke out because workers felt they were not sharing in the super high profits being made on the back of record copper prices. After wrangling for pay demands, the union briefly blockaded the road to the mine. Testy stuff.

3. Udachnaya Diamond Mine, Russia

Image: Alexander Stepanov

Like the Sarlacc Pit on Steroids, the Udachnaya Mine in Russia is a gigantic open-pit diamond mine that plunges more than 600 metres into the earths crust. Yep, its one heck of a hole. Located in Russias vast but sparsely populated Sakha Republic, just outside the Arctic circle, it seems that mining for these precious stones demands a good set of thermal undies.

Into the depths: The Udachnanyay Mine from its southern side

Image: Russian Author

The nearby settlement of Udachny was named after the diamond deposit, which was discovered in 1955 just days after the Mir (below). The Udachnaya pipe is controlled by Alrosa, Russias largest diamond company, which boasts that it plans to halt open-pit mining in favour of underground mining in 2010. Glad to hear it.

2. Mirny Diamond Mine, Russia

Image: USMRA

Siberias Mir Diamond Mine comes close to taking the cake as numero holie. The largest open diamond mine in the world, this Russian monster has a surface diameter of 1.2 km and is 525 m deep. The size of the hole is such that wind currents inside cause a downdraft that has resulted in helicopters being sucked in and crashing. Good to know the area above it is now a no-fly zone.

Earth vortex: The Mir looks as if it might suck in houses as well as helicopters

Image: USMRA

After its discovery in 1955, workers at the Mir had to endure incredibly harsh temperatures that froze the ground and everything else in the winter, making car tires and steel shatter. The mine ceased operations in 2001, having produced 10 million carats (2 tonnes) of diamond per year at its peak. Our survey says: ka-bling.

1. Bingham Canyon Mine, USA

Image: johnbullas

So here it is, the carbuncle supremo, Bingham Canyon Mine in Utah, the worlds biggest manmade pit. This mammoth mine measures 4 km wide and drops a stomach-churning 1.2 km into the ground, the result of extraction begun in 1863. The ore-inspiring fruits of its labour include more than 17 million tonnes of copper and 715 tonnes of gold a mental load of metal.

The biggest yet: Bingham Canyon Mine laid bare

Image: Elmhurst

ARIES - The Aggressive
Outgoing. Lovable. Spontaneous. Not one to mess with. Funny.. Excellent kisser EXTREMELY adorable. Loves relationships, and family is very important to an aries. Aries are known for being generous and giving. Addictive. Loud. Always has the need to be 'Right'. Aries will argue to prove their point for hours and hours but Aries are some of the most wonderful people in the world.. 16 years of bad luck if you do not forward...


TAURUS - The Tramp
Aggressive. Loves being in long relationships. Likes to give a good fight. Fight for what they want. Can be annoying at times, but for the love of attention. Extremely outgoing. Loves to help people in times of need. Good kisser. Good personality. Stubborn. A caring person. They can be self centered and if they want something they will do anything to get it. They love to sleep and can be lazy. One of a kind. Not one to mess with. Are the most attractive people on earth! 15 years of bad luck if you do not forward.



GEMINI - The Twin
Nice. Love is one of a kind. Great listeners.. Very Good at confusing people... Lover not a fighter, but will still knock you out. Geminis will not take any crap from anyone. Geminis like to tell people what they should do and get offended easily. They are great at losing things and are forgetful. Geminis can be very sarcastic and childish at times and are very nosey. Trustworthy. Always happy.. VERY Loud. Talkative. Outgoing. VERY FORGIVING. Loves to make out. Has a beautiful smile. Generous. Strong. THE MOST IRRESISTIBLE. 9 years of bad luck if you do not forward.



CANCER - The Beauty

MOST AMAZING KISSER. Very high appeal. A Cancer's Love is one of a kind... Very romantic.. Most caring person you will ever meet in your life. Entirely creative Person, most are artists and insane, respectfully speaking. They perfected sex and do it often. Extremely random. An Ultimate Freak. Extremely funny and is usually the life of the party. Most Cancers will take you under their wing and into their hearts where you will remain forever. Cancers make love with a passion beyond compare. Spontaneous. Not a Fighter, But will kick your ass good if it comes down to it. Someone you should hold on to! 12 years of bad luck if you do not forward.



LEO - The Lion
Great talker. Attractive and passionate. Laid back. Usually happy but when unhappy tend to be grouchy and childish. A Leo's problem becomes everyone's problem. Most Leos are very predictable and tend to be monotonous. Knows how to have fun.. Is really good at almost anything. Great kisser. Very predictable. Outgoing. Down to earth. Addictive. Attractive. Loud. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Not one to mess with. Rare to find. Good when found. 7 years of bad luck if you do not forward.



VIRGO - The One that Waits
Dominant in relationships. Someone loves them right now. Always wants the last word. Caring. Smart. Loud. Loyal. Easy to talk to. Everything you ever wanted. Easy to please. NOT A pushover. Loves to gamble and take chances. Needs to have the last say in everything... They think they know everything and usually do. Respectful to others but you will quickly lose their respect if you do something untrustworthy towards them and never regain respect. They do not forgive and never forget. The one and only. 7 years of bad luck if you do not forward.



LIBRA - The Lame One
Nice to everyone they meet. Their love is one of a kind. Silly, funny and sweet. Have own unique appeal. Most caring person you will ever meet! However, not the kind of person you want to mess with..you might end up crying. Libras can cause as much havoc as they can prevent. Faithful friends to the end. Can hold a grudge for years. Libras are someone you want on your side. Usually great at sports and are extreme sports fanatics. Very creative. A hopeless romantic. 9 years of bad luck if you do not forward.


SCORPIO - The Addict
EXTREMELY adorable. Loves to joke. Very Good sense of humor. Will try almost anything once. Loves to be pampered. Energetic. Predictable. GREAT kisser. Always get what they want.. Attractive. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Loves to party but at times to the extreme. Loves the smell and feel of money and is good at making it but just as good at spending it! Very protective over loved ones. HARD workers. Can be a good friend but if is disrespected by a friend, the friendship will end. Romantic. Caring.. 4 years of bad luck if you do not forward.



SAGITTARIUS - The Promiscuous One
Spontaneous. High appeal. Rare to find. Great when found.. Loves being in long relationships. So much love to give. A loner most of the time. Loses patience easily and will not take crap. If in a bad mood stay FAR away. Gets offended easily and remembers the offense forever. Loves deeply but at times will not show it, feels it is a sign of weakness. Has many fears but will not show it. VERY private person. Defends loved ones with all their abilities. Can be childish often. Not one to mess with. Very pretty. Very romantic. Nice to everyone they meet. Their Love is one of a kind. Silly, fun and sweet. Have own unique appeal. Most caring person you will ever meet! Amazing in bed..!!! Not the kind of person you want to mess with- you might end up crying. 4 years of bad luck if you do not forward.



CAPRICORN - The Passionate Lover
Love to bust. Nice. Sassy. Intelligent. Sexy. Grouchy at times and annoying to some. Lazy and love to take it easy. But when they find a job or something they like to do they put their all into it. Proud, understanding and sweet.
Irresistible. Loves being in long relationships. Great talker. Always gets what he or she wants. Cool. Loves to win against other signs especially Gemini's in sports. Likes to cook but would rather go out to eat at good restaurants.
Extremely fun. Loves to joke Smart. 24 years of bad luck if you do not forward.



AQUARIUS - Does It In The Water
Trustworthy. Attractive. Great kisser. One of a kind, loves being in long-term relationships. Can be clumsy at times but tries hard. Will take on any project. Proud of themselves in whatever they do. Messy and unorganized Procrastinators. Great lovers, when they're not sleeping. Extreme thinkers. Loves their pets usually more than their family. Can be VERY irritating to others when they try to explain or tell a story. Unpredictable. Will exceed your expectations. Not a Fighter but will Knock your lights out.. 2 years of bad luck if you do not forward



PISCES - The Partner for Life
Caring and kind. Smart. Likes to be the center of attention. Very organized. High appeal to opposite sex. Likes to have the last word. Good to find, but hard to keep. Passionate, wonderful lovers. Fun to be around. Too trusting at times and gets hurt easily. VERY caring. They always try to do the right thing and sometimes gets the short end of the stick. They sometimes get used by others and get hurt because of their trusting. Extremely weird but in a good way. Good sense of humor!!! Thoughtful. Loves to joke. Very popular. Silly, fun and sweet. Good friend to other but needs to be choosy on who they allow their friends to be. 5 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

Over his 40-year career Prime Minister Bruce Golding has enjoyed a life of political second chances.

But with the backlash from last week's military strike on gunmen in Tivoli Gardens in an effort to capture alleged drug kingpin Christopher 'Dudus' Coke and the resulting death toll of 76 people to date, political watchers have weighed in on whether or not Golding's career has seen its proverbial nine lives.

Two of four political analysts interviewed by the Observer on the weekend, lecturer Richard 'Dickie' Crawford and publisher Lloyd B Smith, are agreed that "the door is closing" on Golding's career, which Smith described as "terminally ill [with] no likely remedy".

Both men believe that the operation in Tivoli Gardens, a community fiercely loyal to Golding's Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) within the prime minister's West Kingston constituency and which most times resists, violently, efforts by the security forces to enter, will result in the demise of Golding's career.

"I don't see him lasting a long time," said Smith. "The next election will likely be won by the People's National Party. By that time he will be dead in the water and the Labour party will start looking for new leadership. Mr Golding is politically terminally ill and there is no likely remedy."

But two other analysts differ, offering that two years in politics is time enough for Golding to make amends with the people of Tivoli Gardens and other outraged Labourites across the island, who are now vowing to withhold their votes in the next general elections, constitutionally due in another two years.

Columnist and University of Technology academician Martin Henry -- who shares the dissenting view with Professor Trevor Munroe, co-host of the Breakfast Club morning talk show -- has even predicted a victory for Golding come 2012 if he is able to successfully tackle crime and corruption and sever the link between politics and gunmen.

"Two years can be a long time. The next elections are not due till 2012, by which time much can be done to neutralise the animosities, to offer the people a better and different alternative. The announcement of his political passing, I think, is very premature," Henry said, while adding that the margin of support with which the prime minister came to power "is still holding pretty firmly".

Golding's career of political second chances is well documented.

After 30 years of outstanding service, he resigned from the JLP in 1995 over a fuss that also engulfed the now infamous Gang of Five issue, a claim that influential party members had teamed up to topple Edward Seaga from his leadership position, to form the National Democratic Movement (NDM).

Golding languished in the political wilderness for a year after leaving the NDM in 2001 following the party's failure to win a single seat in the 1997 general elections and its poor showing in its challenge for the North East St Ann constituency in a 2001 parliamentary by-election.

During his time away from politics, Golding tried his hands at daytime radio by hosting the fledging talk show Disclosure on Hot 102 FM until 2002 when he negotiated a return to the JLP.

Three years later, Golding was elected leader of the party after succeeding Seaga as member of parliament for West Kingston. Seaga had retired and now holds senior positions at the University of the West Indies and the University of Technology.

A mere two years later, the JLP ended the 18-year reign of the People's National Party with a narrow four-seat victory in the September 2007 polls, bringing to fruition Golding's ambition of leading the country.

His troubles, however, came immediately upon taking office. The country's already anaemic economy was hard hit by the global economic crisis, forcing the island's subsequent return to a borrowing relationship with the International Monetary Fund. Add to that the ever spiralling murder/crime rate, which saw the appointment of three security ministers (Col Trevor MacMillan, Derrick Smith and Dwight Nelson) in short order and two commissioners of police (Hardley Lewin and Owen Ellington).

Even from this early stage, detractors had been sounding the death knell on Golding's career, made more pronounced with the freezing of public sector wages and the threat of massive layoffs.

But the greatest threat to Golding's career would come a mere two years into his reign as he wrestled to block Coke's extradition to the US where the Tivoli don is wanted on gun- and drug-running charges.

Golding took heavy flack and underwent a chorus of calls for his resignation from the Opposition, powerful business, church and human rights groups, after finally confessing in Parliament that he had sanctioned the hiring of US law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to lobby Washington over the stand-off between his administration and the US regarding the August 2009 extradition request.

The calls for the prime minister's resignation had somewhat waned as he was widely forgiven, it seemed, following his apology to the nation on May 17 over his handling of the extradition and Manatt affairs, which resulted in the resignation on May 26 of Ronald Robinson as junior foreign minister.

However, Golding immediately set himself at odds with West Kingston when, during his apology, he announced that he had instructed Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne to give the authority to commence with extradition proceedings against Coke, after nine months of stonewalling the process.

Coke's supporters were further enraged when it was announced the following day that a warrant had been issued for his arrest. The reaction from Tivoli Gardens was swift. Booby-trapped barricades were immediately erected at the entrance points to the community and a massive demonstration was staged along Spanish Town Road in which the mostly-female-protesters chanted "No Dudus, no Bruce".

Things came to a head on Monday, May 24 when the security forces moved into Tivoli to capture Coke and restore law and order in that section of the city.

But the operation had barely ended before g****roots labourites started calling for Golding's resignation, a call that was echoed by former prime minister Seaga, who had built and nurtured the community of Tivoli Gardens, which former Police Commissioner Lewin, in his days as chief of defence staff at the JDF, described as the "Mother of all garrisons".

Lewin's characterisation of the community came after gunmen in 2001 repelled an effort by the security forces who went there to confiscate illegal weapons.

"Frankly, that is my view because he is showing day by day that he cannot cope," Seaga said in an interview aired on TVJ last week in which he called on Golding to resign.

Then there were the howls for Golding's resignation from his constituents that rang loud during a media tour of Tivoli Gardens last week.

"No Bruce Golding, no voting. Bruce gwaan. All when we dead we no want you," shouted a woman.

"We no want Bruce round ya. We no want him round ya. Bruce Golding, go back to NDM," another blurted out.

Prime ministers before Golding have seen rough times, but none as intense in such a short period as Golding. Political watchers have blamed Michael Manley's democratic socialist experiment for his massive defeat in the 1980 election, which was won by the JLP with Seaga at its head.

Seaga's own management style and his perceived association with the deadly Shower Posse in addition to the violence within his constituency, analysts say, cost him the 1989 election and each successive general election leading up to him being pushed from the party which he famously declared he alone was capable of leading.

Now, analysts are saying that the Tivoli Gardens raid of last week is Golding's Waterloo.

"The way I see it right now is that it appears that all the doors are closing on Mr Golding. The latest episode of the response of his constituency, particularly from Tivoli Gardens, is proof of that," said Richard 'Dickie' Crawford, a lecturer in the Department of Government at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Crawford also pointed to the awkward relationship between Golding and Tivoli Gardens, a community that was instrumental in him securing the West Kingston constituency.

Crawford said that Tivoli Gardens' rejection of Golding could result in all of West Kingston turning its back on him. If this happens, the prime minister would have to seek another constituency and this, Crawford said, would be difficult as Tivoli Gardens could influence his rejection wherever he attempted to go.

Should Golding decide to remain in West Kingston, Crawford believes, residents may just withhold their votes.

Smith, the publisher of the Western Mirror newspaper, said Golding should use the remaining time in office to implement some of the promises that he had made during his election campaign and reiterated during his apology to the nation in an effort to shore up his legacy.

"He now will have to choose one single thing and give it his all," said Smith. "I personally feel that he should focus on crime because crime will include the whole business of garrisons, campaign financing and the political link with gunmen. He does not have much time to play with. Mr Seaga's damning statement may be another damaging nail in his political coffin."

But Henry and Munroe, who is a professor of government and politics at the University of West Indies, believe otherwise.

"As I have indicated, there is time and political space for a savvy Government and prime minister to lay bridges... and face the Jamaican people in the next elections," said Henry.

He added that the operation in Tivoli Gardens has received "tremendous" national support, described Seaga as out of sync with the national mood, while noting that Tivoli Gardens does not constitute the West Kingston constituency. Furthermore, he said, Tivoli Gardens has not shown the organisational or advocacy prowess to mount any career-threatening lobby against Golding.

"I don't get the impression by any means that the country is hostile against the Government or Mr Golding or the events which have transpired in the last several days in the engagement of the paramilitary in Western Kingston and elsewhere," said Henry. "Golding has national space and political space for a bounce back. As Mark Twain once said, 'The news of my death has been much exaggerated'."

Munroe believes that Golding should not be counted out just yet, noting that he has now done what seven prime ministers before him had failed to do: take on the "crime monster".

Munroe said that it would be a big plus for Golding if his "surgery" to rid the country and "the Jamaican body politic" of this cancer, starting in Western Kingston, started the process of healing, and renewal.

He said that when all the gangs are removed, including those aligned to both political parties, there will be a need for massive economic, social and psychological help inside Tivoli Gardens, and other communities to restore them to a state where business and enterprise can flourish and where people can live normal lives without being beholden to criminal dons.

"If the rehabilitation is done and we get the help to do it, Mr Golding may well be able to restore the people of West Kingston's trust in him, and if not, then he goes somewhere else," said Munroe.

Pac-man Helmet

Skull Helmet

Optimus Prime Transformer Helmet

Monster helmet

Knight Helmet

Darth Vader Helmet

Knight Helmet

Evil Clown helmet

Hulk Helmet

Valentino Rossi Face Helmet ( Designed by Aldo Drudi, the face helmet was worn by Valentino Rossi during the 2008 Italian Grand Prix at the Mugello Circuit )

Iron Man Helmet

Watermelon Helmet

Spiderman Helmet

Smiley Helmet

Santa Helmet

The former deputy police commissioner, Mark Shields, seems to have once again attained the status of celebrity, after being sought out by the international press, notably the United Kingdom media, for his assessment of the recent events that unfolded in Tivoli Gardens.

The question that immediately springs to mind though is what, other than being British, gives him this exalted position to pontificate on policing in Jamaica? During his tenure as DCP, what did he achieve and what enduring legacy did he leave in place that will serve to the betterment of the JCF?

Yes, he was a big hit with the women and spoke well and was a regular fixture on the party circuit, but what now qualifies him to be the go-to man for esteemed news organisations? I regard it as somewhat of an insult to intelligent Jamaicans when he appeared on media without a hint of remorse that he contributed so little.

He came from Scotland Yard some five years ago with a huge reputation and commanded a handsome salary in pounds sterling, but what did Jamaica get for its coin? His mandate was to spearhead a new approach to crime-fighting, one that would yield results, but under his watch both the murder and crime rate increased year on year.

He appeared to enjoy life in Jamaica, leaving his English wife and demonstraing his affection for local girls. He has declared that he wants to settle in this island paradise, no doubt eager to continue revelling in his "celebrity" and let it pay its way for him.

To hear him speak with the BBC and other international news houses and regale them with how he would have dealt with the Tivoli situation does indeed sound eloquent and carries a modicum of reasonability that will no doubt go down well with overseas audiences. However, Mark Shields paid scant attention to the nuances of Jamaican policing and did not formulate a working approach that would have a chance of succeeding. Indeed he was busy fighting crime, one party at a time and making the ladies swoon. So to hear him talk with such authority, such gravitas is indeed tragi-comic.

Supercop Reneto Adams always said that Shields did not have the "right stuff" to be a serious crime fighter in Jamaica and he was right. He never exhibited the will to break the back of crime in this country. He may well say now that he was never given the resources or the support of the Government but that would be disingenuous on his part. While he was on the job, I've never heard him complain or, like others serrious about their commitment, appeal directly to the people of Jamaica. He never entreated his friends on Jacks Hill, and Stony Hill to play their part in fighting and repelling the surge of crime that so blights this country. He was far too busy with a Rum and Coke in one hand and a pretty girl in the other. With his hands both full how can he now speak with any authority on Jamaica's crime situation and what can be done to remedy it?

During his time at the JCF, he had no answers and contributed very little. On about £80,000 a year plus expenses, what did the country get for its money apart from a few empty Red Stripe bottles? If one is going to address the media and even more so the international media, then it is incumbent upon one to know what one is talking about and to have acquired some kind of reputation for the respective area of expertise.

Shields can still serve a purpose. But rather than decry the forces' efforts and talk about how he would have managed forces in Tivoli Gardens, he would do well to use the opportunity to tell the world that Tivoli is not symptomatic of most of Jamaica and the rule of law does indeed prevail.

After all, he has opted to make Jamaica his home and to raise his little one here. His efforts would be better employed ensuring that the country is not pilloried in the international press thus causing irreparable damage to its standing. Perhaps then he will cease to be regarded as a clown.

Abandoned Frozen Ships

Those scenes remind the scenes from the Day After Tomorrow movie, but its not a movie scene. These are abandoned ships left to rust near Kamchatka, Russia.

A world renowned tourist destination is La Isla de la Munecas- a Spanish name which means the Island of the dolls. This Island of dolls is situated in Mexico and as the name suggests, one expects to see a beautiful world which will leave an everlasting impression. But the reality is exactly opposite and very harsh when one discovers the thousands of mutilated ugly dolls hanging from every tree on the island.

Don Julian Santana, a hermit who renounced the world and his family to inhabit this island dedicated his last fifty years of his life to the make the La Isla de la Munecas. It is believed that, he did this to please the spirit of a little girl who had drowned in the canal. Whatever may be the reason, he managed to turn this island into a bizarre, scary place where an eerie eye of mutilated dolls haunts your every move, on this strange island.

Don Julian is said to have led an isolated life ,except when he ventured to collect old dolls that he either scavenged from the garbage dump or bought in exchange for his homegrown fruits and vegetables. Personally one is made to believe that he obviously did not like intrusion and tried to scare off inquisitive onlookers by hanging scary doll faces. In 2001, Don Julian was discovered drowned to his death in the same canal surrounding his home. Don Julian is dead to the world but his eerie disturbed vision stays on, in the faces of lifeless dolls mutilated and hung in the worst forms of human torture and punishment.

This is a ghostly sight that serves as a dark tourist attraction especially for the young generation who is fascinated by gore and death. Many visitors are overwhelmed by the dead childish faces of dolls that never lived but appear to haunt this place, always looking at us as though we were responsible for their deaths. A world renowned tourist destination is La Isla de la Munecas- a Spanish name which means the Island of the dolls. This Island of dolls is situated in Mexico and as the name suggests, one expects to see a beautiful world which will leave an everlasting impression. But the reality is exactly opposite and very harsh when one discovers the thousands of mutilated ugly dolls hanging from every tree on the island.

Don Julian Santana, a hermit who renounced the world and his family to inhabit this island dedicated his last fifty years of his life to the make the La Isla de la Munecas. It is believed that, he did this to please the spirit of a little girl who had drowned in the canal. Whatever may be the reason, he managed to turn this island into a bizarre, scary place where an eerie eye of mutilated dolls haunts your every move, on this strange island.

Don Julian is said to have led an isolated life ,except when he ventured to collect old dolls that he either scavenged from the garbage dump or bought in exchange for his homegrown fruits and vegetables. Personally one is made to believe that he obviously did not like intrusion and tried to scare off inquisitive onlookers by hanging scary doll faces.

In 2001, Don Julian was discovered drowned to his death in the same canal surrounding his home. Don Julian is dead to the world but his eerie disturbed vision stays on, in the faces of lifeless dolls mutilated and hung in the worst forms of human torture and punishment.

In 1940s and 1950s, right after the World War 2 Russia had to recover from the consequences of the Nazi invasion. Lots had to be done and as we know to complete something you need to have enough energy. And energy at that times as well as it is much likely now meant oil.

At that times the known oil reserves differed from what people in Russia know about it now. The main places to drill for oil was Southern Russia on contrary to frozen Northern Siberian regions as its for now. And the gemstone of the Soviet Oil production was Caspian sea region, mainly the territories that are an independent state of Aizerbajan now.

So after a massive attack of oil thirsty state the lands of this previously oil-saturated region little by little got exhausted of the black mineral treasure and the need for new sources of it arouse. Now its not clear who was that this genius who first came up with an idea of getting the oil right from the sea bottom where it was still plenty of it and for this purpose to build a real city 42 km (25 miles) off the coast right in the middle of the sea, but what we know is that this idea came into play and by some crazy chance it got support from that times Soviet leaders who leveraged it with the all support the biggest (by the territory) state could offer at that time. What this meant is that in a matter of just a few month a real town was built right in the middle of the nowhere on giant steel blocks coming from the sea bottom, from as deep as hundreds of feet down. And they called it Oil Stones.

And that was really a city! Just one fact: the length of the streets of this one-of-a-kind town was exceeding 350 km (200 miles) if combined. There were nine stored buildings, schools, industry complexes and fountains. Lawns with green g**** and children playing ball. And all that is forty two kilometeres from the nearest Earth surface close!

As Soviet Union was keeping its achievements behind the iron curtain less was known to the rest of the world about such engineering wonder being built. Later, the new Northern reserves of oil were discovered which exceeded hundred times the ones they had in Caspian Sea region so the Soviet oil production industry giant moved away from that place, making it semi abandoned. But even now this place according to what has been said has more than the 2,000 inhabitants. A true example of what human is capable of achieving, maybe one of the biggest man made structures on Earth and how small we sometimes know on such places around the world.

Also there is a good old Soviet documentary footage from this place, made on its rise, where you still

can see the fountains working, people are happy and no shadow of coming times can be guessed looking

at the place itself and at the faces of its inhabitants.