Goel Ratzon's Facebook profile shows the bespectacled Israeli with shoulder-length white hair and neatly trimmed beard and says he is currently dating and has 36 friends. His real status is somewhat more complicated. When Israeli police raided the self-styled healer's four homes in Tel Aviv last week they found two legal ex-wives, plus another 30 women as well as 89 children - all reputedly his. Ratzon was arrested on suspicion of enslavement, rape and sexual abuse and remanded in custody by a local magistrate.

Police described the apartment block in the city's downscale Hatikvah neighborhood as a slum harem. "The living conditions of the women were tragic," Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told TIME. "When I entered one of the houses, I was shocked by what I saw. The filth was horrible, and there was nowhere to walk without stumbling on something. It was a three-bedroom apartment, where 10 women and 17 children were living."

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After Pac-Man and Money Mayweather failed to agree to terms over pre-fight drug-testing procedures, promoters for both fighters said they would stick with their plans for a March 13 bout against different opponents. However, it looks like it's just gonna be Pacquiao on March 13th, as Mayweather began negotiations to fight Shane Mosley in May.

Now, it's a welterweight title fight, simply dubbed "The Event," where Pac-Man faces the #1 challenger Joshua Clottey, who says he thankful the boxing superstar gave him a shot.

"He is the best guy, and I want to thank him for giving me this opportunity," said Clottey.

Pacquiao has been undefeated in his last 11 fights. His last loss came in 2005 against Erik Morales, who he came back and beat two times after.

Clottey is a 32-year-old a native of Ghana, who has a record of 35-3. He lost his last fight by split decision to Miguel Cotto in June.

Tickets for the fight range from $700 at ringside down to $50. Arum says they plna to sell 40,000 seats, but can seat up to 60,000 if necessary. The fight will also be televised on HBO Pay-Per-View.

South Korea's health ministry is turning off the lights in its offices once a month to encourage staff to go home early and make more babies.

The ministry is charged with boosting the nation's low birth rate, which is one of the world's lowest.

The ministry said the lights will be turned off at 7.30pm every third Wednesday in the month to 'help staff get dedicated to childbirth and upbringing'.

Those with urgent duties will be exempt from the switch-off.

'Going home early may have no direct link to having more kids, but you cannot just completely rule out a possible link between them,' said Choi Jin-Sun, who is in charge of the project at the ministry.

South Korea's birth rate remained near the world's lowest at 1.19 in 2008 and there are fears the population will begin shrinking within a decade.

'It won't be too long before our children are burdened with supporting the elderly,' Health Minister Jeon Jae-Hee told the Korea Times newspaper.

'Korea may lose out in the global economic competition due to a lack of manpower. It is actually the most urgent and important issue the country is facing.'

Married staff at the ministry are not doing their bit, with an average of 1.63 children compared to the average of 1.82 among all civil servants. The ministry aims to increase the figure to 2.0 in two years.

The ministry has various incentives, including cash gifts for staff who produce more than two babies.

ask and u  shall recive

Before the Earthquake

1. Teach all members of your family about earthquake safety. This includes: 1) the actions you should take when an earthquake occurs, 2) the safe places in a room such as under a strong desk, along interior walls, and 3) places to avoid such as near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture and fireplaces.
2. Stock up on emergency supplies. These include: battery operated radio (and extra batteries), flashlights (and extra batteries), first aid kit, bottled water, two weeks food and medical supplies, blankets, cooking fuel, tools needed to turn off your gas, water and electric utilities.
3. Arrange your home for safety: Store heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable objects in cabinets with latched doors. Don't hang heavy mirrors or pictures above areas or furniture where people frequently sit or sleep.
4. Anchor heavy appliances and furniture such as water heaters, refrigerators and bookcases.
5. Store flammable liquids away from potential ignition sources such as water heaters, stoves and furnaces.
6. Learn where the main turn-offs are for your water, gas and electricity. Know how to turn them off and the location of any needed tools.

1. If you are indoors, stay there. Quickly move to a safe location in the room such as under a strong desk, a strong table, or along an interior wall. The goal is to protect yourself from falling objects and be located near the structural strong points of the room. Avoid taking cover near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture, heavy appliances or fireplaces.
2. If you are cooking, turn off the stove and take cover.
3. If you are outdoors, move to an open area where falling objects are unlikely to strike you. Move away from buildings, powerlines and trees.
4. If you are driving, slow down smoothly and stop on the side of the road. Avoid stopping on or under bridges and overpasses, or under power lines, trees and large signs. Stay in your car.

1. Check yourself and those around you for injuries, attend to injuries if needed. Help ensure the safety of people around you.
2. Check the building you may be in for damage. If your building appears to be damaged you should leave it and not return until it has been inspected by a safety professional.
3. If you smell or hear a gas leak, get everyone outside and open windows and doors. If you can do it safely, turn off the gas at the meter. Report the leak to the gas company and fire department. Do not use any electrical appliances because a tiny spark could ignite the gas.
4. If the power is out, unplug major appliances to prevent possible damage when the power is turned back on. If you see sparks, frayed wires, or smell hot insulation turn off electricity at the main fuse box or breaker. If you will have to step in or near water to turn off the electricity, you should call a professional to turn it off for you.

Temblor is felt in capital, although there are no initial reports of damages

WASHINGTON - A magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit Guatemala's Pacific coast near the border with El Salvador on Monday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

It said the quake, 64.2 miles deep, was centered 60 miles southeast of Guatemala City.

The temblor was strongly felt in the capital, according to Spanish-language network Telemundo, although there were no initial reports of damages or casualties.

From overwhelming reviews thus far, the song is doing "oh so good". The dancehall soca / pop flavored song is already in heavy rotation globally, yes to as far as Ethiopia they are saying that Denyque sounds "Oh So Good". Just in time for the Carnival 2010 season in Trinidad & Jamaica, we are expecting this single to do very well.

"Oh So Good" is just her third single in less than a year since her debut release "Can't Breaqthe" in March of 2009 and then the Don Corleon (Sean Paul ft. Keyshia Cole - Give It Up To Me) produced "Pieces" later in the year, Denyque has already graced the stages of some of Jamaica's high profiled events such as Jamaica's Ministry of Health's World AIDS Day concert, Usain Bolt's Celebrity Party Reception, Asafa Powell Foundation's Night On The Track Concert and Sting 2009 to name a few. To everyone's amazement, Denyque's Sting 2009 Performance video on Youtube had reached 14,960 views in less than three days.

With her momentum growing progressively, Denyque goes on a month long tour of the United States in March of 2010.

Posted by YardFlex at January

Wasp -

Singjay Wasp is getting international attention for the remake of his song Cry Fi Dem as a tribute to Haiti after it was recently struck by a massive earthquake.

Wasp says the Haitian remake of the song, which was released over the weekend, has already got airplay on BBC and has gained him attention from other overseas media. The original song Cry Fi Dem was released in October of 2009 and according to Wasp, it got a good response. Now after the earthquake, which was the largest Haiti has suffered in more than 200 years, Wasp has changed some of the lines to suit the occasion and dubbed the remake Cry Fi Haiti.

He told THE STAR: "Before di Haiti incident, a lot of the lines talked about people being homeless, without food, so mi just flip it and just represent dem. So is like the song get another mileage and is also an anthem fi dem. Me woulda like to do whatever me coulda do fi dem and the song is a way of lending a helping hand."

The song says: "Mi haffi cry fi di Haitian dem who don't have no food to eat/ Haffi cry fi di Haitian dem who no longer have nowhere to sleep/ Dis a fi who lose dem life inna di earthquake, may dere soul rest in peace."

He continues: "Now earthquake tek di place and everybody grieving/ Down to di likkle baby don't have nuh feeding/ Over three million people weeping, dem need a helping hand/we should be reaching."

On www.youtube.com, the song has been getting a number of positive remarks from fans. One person commented: "Yo, dis tune hard, real thing, mi feel it to mi heart."

According to a report made on BBC, estimates of the numbers killed in the Haitian earthquake range from 50,000 to 200,000. Since then, assistance from around the world, including the local entertainment fraternity, has been pouring into the country, which is noted to be the poorest country in the Western hemisphere.

Tsunami facts

• Tsunamis are not tidal waves, as they are not caused by tides and are not related to tides.
• They are generally triggered by a major earthquake under the ocean.
• Once created, they may propagate from the point of creation very fast (up to 435 mph)
• In the ocean, these waves may only be 0.5m high, but 50-60 miles wide.
• They may be so low and broad that they may not be recognized by ships.
• The first hit on land is usually not the biggest. Other larger waves may follow in 15-minute to one-hour intervals.
• As the waves enter coastal waters, their speed decreases and height increases.
• Coastal water usually recedes before the first tsunami strikes.
• Damage is generally caused by the flow of water (the run-up and drawdown) on the coastal area.
• Normally encounters look more like a quickly rising high tide than a large breaking wave.

What to do in the event of a tsunami

If a tsunami warning is given, never go to the beach to watch the wave come in because you will not live to tell the story! Rem ember that a tsunami is a series of waves and the first wave is not necessarily the biggest.

Before a tsunami

• If you live in a low-lying area, familiarize yourself with the quickest way to retreat to a safer location. Make sure all family members know the evacuation plan.
• If you are close to the sea and notice that the water recedes by an abnormal amount, move to safer ground at once. Do not stay to see what happens.
• Listen to the radio for official updates and instructions.
• Gather emergency supplies.
• Develop a family emergency plan.

After a tsunami

1. Avoid floodwaters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewerage. The water may also be electrically charged from downed power lines.
2. Avoid moving water. Moving waters only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
3. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to CUC.
4. Stay away from designated disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.
5. Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Stay out of buildings surrounded by floodwater. Use extreme caution when entering buildings. There may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
6. Consider your family's health and safety needs:
   • Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with floodwaters.
   • Throw away food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
   • Listen for news reports to learn whether the water supply is safe to drink.
   • Listen to news reports for information about where to get assistance for housing, clothing and food.
   • Seek necessary medical care at the nearest medical facility.
7. Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewerage systems are a serious health hazard.
8. Drain and clean cisterns as they may also be contaminated.

What to Expect In an Earthquake

During an earthquake, the ground moves like waves on the ocean. The actual movement of the ground, however, is seldom the cause of injury or death. Most injuries and deaths are caused by the collapse of structures. Injuries are commonly caused by:

• Structures collapsing, falling blocks, walls, poles, roofs, ceiling plaster, light fixtures and pictures
• Flying glass from broken windows
• Overturned bookcases, wall units, filing cabinets, and other heavy furniture
• Fires from ruptured gas and broken electrical lines (this danger may be aggravated by a lack of water due to broken water mains)
• Fallen power lines
• Vehicular accidents

Earthquake Precautions

Although earthquakes strike without warning, there are many actions that can be taken to reduce their impact. It is important that some of these precautions be taken before an earthquake occurs.

Before An Earthquake

Ensure your building meets the requirements of the building code. This will help make it earthquake resistant.

You can mitigate non-structural hazards in your building:

• Bolt down water heaters and gas appliances.
• Place large and heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Securely fasten shelves, heavy furniture and filing cabinets to walls;  computers should be attached to desks.
• Bottles, glass, china, and other breakables should be stored locked cabinets; all cabinets should be kept locked.
• Overhead lighting fixtures, such as chandeliers and other suspended lighting, should be securely anchored and covered.
• Know where and how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves. 
• Practise earthquake drills regularly, so you know what to do in an earthquake. 

Have on Hand

• Flashlights and battery-operated radios in case power is cut off
• Fire extinguishers
• Emergency supplies of food and water

During An Earthquake

• Stay calm think through the consequences of any action you take.
• If you are inside, stay inside. Take cover under a heavy desk, table, bench, in a reinforced doorway, or a corner. Evacuate by stairway when the shaking stops. Never use elevators to evacuate after an earthquake.
• If you are outdoors, stay outdoors. During earthquakes, many injuries occur as people are entering or leaving buildings. Move away from buildings, utility wires, glass, hanging signs and other objects which may fall and cause injury. Get to an open space and stay there until the shaking stops.

After An Earthquake

• Evacuate the building in an orderly manner as soon as the shaking stops.
• Do a head count to ascertain if anyone is missing; report missing persons to the emergency services.
• Never re-enter a building after an earthquake until you are informed to do so by the authorities.
• Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Moving them could make some injuries worse.
• Check for fires or fire hazards.
• Report damage to the appropriate utility companies. Never turn on electrical switches until you are informed that it is safe to do so.
• Never use matches, lighters, or any open flame until you are advised that no gas leak exists.
• Ensure that sewage lines are intact before flushing toilets.
• Do not use your telephone except for genuine emergency calls.
• Listen to the radio for damage reports and other information.
• If you are on the coast, move inland or to higher ground in case there is a tsunami.
• Do not go sightseeing. Keep the street clear for emergency vehicles.

Be prepared for additional earthquake shocks called aftershocks. Although most of these are smaller than the main shock, some may be large enough to cause additional damage and damaged buildings to collapse

MINNEAPOLIS A urologist has been indefinitely barred from inpatient surgery for removing the wrong kidney of one patient and taking a biopsy from another's patient's pancreas instead of a kidney. Dr. Erol Uke has signed the disciplinary ruling from the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, agreeing that his actions justify the board's discipline.

The ruling said Uke could regain surgical privileges if the board later determines he's competent to do so.

The Star Tribune reported the ruling did not say where the errors happened, just that Uke removed the wrong kidney in March 2008 and performed the erroneous biopsy about four months later.

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This is for the 27 Million fans that Rihanna has.

We would actually like to see someone else topless. Think weve seen enough of Rhi Rhis breast for the whole year of 2009!

SUH MI GET THE NEWS A SUH MI DROP IT

Hapilos Entertainment, deejay on the rise Flexxx from the Alliance Gully Squad has been nominated for Two (2) EME Awards, in the categories of Most Improved and Breakthrough Artist for the year. Born Omar Henry, Flexxx (who spells his name with a triple 'x') adopted the moniker Mr. Evil Konevil. An affable deejay, he is considered one of Jamaica's fastest rising new artistes with some edgy, flashy but yet catchy rhymes. A protégé and close friend of dancehall's bad boy Mavado, Flexxx is also a member of the Bounty Killer-led Alliance. He has demonstrated to his fans and peers within the dancehall fraternity that he is a focused artiste and songwriter. Flexxx hit single Fresh - is currently on the Hype VTX countdown, CVM Hitlist countdown and FIWI Choice TVJ countdown and also received the Stone Love award for Best New Artist in December 2009.

Flexxx mix CD, "Gullyside College" is a Gully Squad exclusive, featuring artistes such as Flexxx, Kibaki, Chase Cross, Einstein, Savage, Mavado and Bounty Killer.

A 24-year-old man from Old Harbour, St Catherine, is probably wishing he could have seen what was about to happen to him after he was hit in the head twice and knocked unconscious by a blind man who he allegedly tried to rob.

Reports are that sometime around 9:30 p.m. last Thursday, the man went into a community known as Red Ground in the parish, where the incident occurred.

It is said that the man, armed with a knife, approached the blind man who was standing by the gate of his home and demanded that he hand over his money and cellular phone.

hit across the head

Further reports are that the blind man refused and the the alleged thief tried to hold on to him. The blind man reportedly began swinging a piece of stick wildly and the robber was hit across the head two times and fell to the ground unconscious.

A corporal from the St Catherine North police told THE STAR that the man was handed over to a police team by a group of men from the community who witnessed the ordeal. Up to late yesterday the man was still in custody.

Shane Brown

With popular old rhythms being redone, younger artistes are pleased to work on rhythms that they have admired over the years.

Recently, Shane Brown redid Steelie's Boops rhythm that was made popular by Super Cat's 1980s monster hit of the same name. In 2008, TJ Records' did UnfinishedBusiness rhythm, which was taken from Dave Kelly's 1998 'Showtime' rhythm. This is not the first time, as TJ did Show-Off rhythm in 2007, which also had a sample of the Showtime.

Stephen McGregor also used aspects of Kelly's Stink rhythm for his Bee Hive rhythm. And, Ward 21 redid Shocking Vibes' 1994 Corduroy rhythm for their Tear-up Jeans' rhythm.

Assassin, for instance, said he felt fortunate to be on the newer versions of 'Boops' rhythm and also TJ 'Unfinished Business' rhythm with his song, Guide And Protect.

"When you get a chance to work on it, it is more than a regular rhythm. You want to make sure that you do the rhythm justice 'cause you have so much respect and adoration for it. And, hopefully make a new classic and add to the classics that are already on it," Assassin told THE STAR.

He said he felt especially pleased to hear the rhythm when he was at a staging of Yesterdays recently. While the selector played 'Showtime' rhythm, he said he teased with Guide And Protect, which he said fit right into the mix.

Romain Virgo was not even born when 'Boops' rhythm was done. With a new version, the youngster received a grand opportunity.

"It's an honour enuh. I always liked Boops rhythm. When I heard Shane Brown say he was gonna put it out, mi couldn't wait fi write a song fi it," Virgo said.

Chino is also pleased to be on Boops.

"Is a joy to me personally. It has always been one of my favourites and Super Cat has always been one of my favourites. Me being on that rhythm will showcase my versatility," Chino told THE STAR, while noting that the rhythm requires lyrics, melody, concept and style.

"That era to me was the golden era of dancehall. It brings back a memory-lane vibe."

Meanwhile, Chino said he will release Find It Hard with Dean Fraser. He said the video for Phone Gallis will be released.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Here's a recession bargain: the space shuttle. NASA has slashed the price of these 1970s era spaceships from $42 million to $28.8 million apiece.

The shuttles are for sale once they quit flying, supposedly this fall.

When NASA put out the call to museums, schools and others in December 2008, seeking buyers, about 20 expressed interest. NASA spokesman Mike Curie expects more interest, what with the discount.

"We're confident that we'll get other takers," Curie said Friday.

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The rapper appeared on Angie Martinez Hot 97 show today (January 12) to promote his latest tour, during an showing that included rapper Young Jeezy and R&B singer Trey Songz.

"I don't know where it came from, I don't know where it started, Jay-Z told Angie Martinez today. "No, not me. Never done that before. Why win the world would I do that? Thats retarded.

A line on Empire State of Mind added fuel to the fire when Jay-Z rapped: Hail Mary to the city,/you're a virgin/And Jesus can't save you/life starts when the church ends

The rapper quipped that if he did belong to a secret organization, it has not helped him in terms of race and acceptance in general.

As for the imagery in the On To The Next One video, Jay-Z admitted to making the video darker than usual.

"As far as how far people are talking it, I guess I'm an entertainer. I entertain. People make up their own things and they run with it."

Watch VIDEO On JaY-Z

Sean Kingston performing Jamaican style.

It was after 3 a.m. on Sunday morning when a disgruntled Elephant Man, after having his set cut short by police officers, unapologetically announced that fellow deejay and unscheduled performer Beenie Man had "mashed up" the Coca-Cola Presents Sean Kingston in Concert.

Receiving boos from the disgruntled audience for 'dissing' the self-styled King of the Dancehall, Elephant Man made his way offstage after just getting the energy started in his shortened set. After being called up by Sean Kingston earlier in the night, Beenie Man made his way back onstage for a short stint begging scheduled performer, DeMarco, "five minutes" to give his fans a taste of 'the doctor'. DeMarco obliged, cutting in here and there for a few lines of his own songs and to showcase his own dance moves. Beenie Man ended up taking longer than his 'five minutes'. At the abrupt end of the show as emcee Miss Kitty thanked the packed venue for showing, persons in the crowd lively debated Beenie's performance for the night, often favouring the deejay for showing up and performing unexpectedly.

strong vibe

Prior to its the unexpected ending, Sean Kingston in Concert was a well-organised and well-attended event that saw more interesting than forgettable performances for the night. Dominated by young artistes after 9 p.m., acts such as G Whizz and Tessanne Chin alongside surprise act Shaggy performing their duet Hold Me got some responses for their effort. Voicemail soon brought a dancing vibe as the younger crowd members bawled out "bembe" along side the trio, who kept a strong vibe. Laden soon followed, deejaying more of his song than usual with Gal Over Gun, Working Hard and had hands waving for Time to Shine. QQ gave a surprisingly mature performance, showing promise for the future, as he came out in a Michael Jackson-style outfit and had fans screaming at the front of the stage. Singing his R&B song, security had to come to his rescue at one point as fans tried to grab the young singjay while he 'stookied' and 'rum-rammed'.

the boo-bird

Elephant Man during his shortened set at Coke Zero Concert, held at LIME Golf Academy, New Kingston on Saturday night. Elephant Man was later booed after he blamed Beenie Man's extended performance for his abbreviated stint. - Winston Sill

Elephant Man wasn't the only person to be bitten by the boo-bird for the night. Emcee Supa Hype received a solid one as well. After re-entering the stage, he asked fans to scream if they liked QQ. The audience complied. He then proceeded to 'big up' LA Lewis in the VIP area and asked fans to scream for the graffiti artiste. However, instead of shouting their approval, he was given a sound booing. Miss Kitty soon took over emceeing duties, bringing on Alaine next who danced and did her set followed by Tifa, who received a strong forward from welcoming fans. Fans sang along to Bottom of the Barrel, as the female deejay showed off her quick lyrics before going into Spell It Out. D'Angel looked enticing in a red body suit as she hailed her husband in the building and blazed onstage. Executing a quick wardrobe change, she soon made way for Chino who made time for new songs such as Phone Gallis on the Boops rhythm. He slowed it down for Ruff It Up as he took a seat onstage and played his guitar. Bringing out 'the captain', Chino made way for his father Freddie McGregor to get in a line or two as the crowd sang along to Push Come to Shove.

Etana, Shady Squad and Mystic all had the crowd warmed up as shortly after 1 a.m. the man of the night Sean Kingston made his way onstage as those sitting down, stood at attention for the international act. Coming to Mi Love, Kingston had a lot to say throughout his first performance in Kingston. In a disc jock showdown with his DJ, Kingston showed that he was in touch with new music, playing Assassin's Hand Up Inna Di Air, Serani's Skip to ma Luu and Stephen McGregor's Cyaa Friend Again before bigging up the Big Ship. The deejay was all business with hits such as Take You There, Beautiful Girls and Fire Burnin.

Coppershot's DJs Sanjay and Small Voice, as well as *lo**line's DJ Narity kept the party going after Kingston's performance, as acts such as DeMarco followed to a good response, followed by Ding Dong and Ravers Clavers. Ding Dong jumped into the crowd for Holiday, while Elephant Man closed the show, continuing the dancing trend until cut-off time.

Rihanna and her boyfriend, L.A. Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, sit courtside during an NBA basketball game at Staples Center on Saturday (January 16) in Los Angeles.

The cute couple watched as the Cleveland Cavaliers edged out the Los Angeles Clippers in a very close game, 102-101.