MORE AND and more Jamaican motorists are driving less as they struggle to deal with rising gas prices.
A Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll found that more than six out of every 10 Jamaicans have decided to cut down on their driving because of increasing prices.
That is consistent with what is happening in the United States where a recent USA TODAY/Gallup poll found that seven out of 10 Americans are c****ining trips and taking other steps to reduce driving.
Driving fewer miles
According to the Gallup poll, the average American motorist is driving substantially fewer miles for the first time in 26 years because of high gas prices and demographic shifts.
Back home, Johnson found that 65 per cent of motorists are driving less, 10 per cent are driving slower, while two in every 10 motorists are continuing as if there has been no change in gas prices.
The decision by motorists to reduce driving has already started to affect gas station operators, who are almost uniformly reporting a fall-off in gasolene sales. The Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association (JGRA) says its members have reported a decline in volume sales of between 10 and 25 per cent.
However, an official of petroleum marketing company, Total Jamaica, on Friday said it had not seen a decline and, in fact, enjoyed an increase in sales last month.
But first vice-president of the JGRA, Trevor Barnes, says that is not the reality, and that the majority of its members are selling less gas.
"What is happening is that, if our customers usually buy $2,000 gas, they are still buying the same $2,000 as the prices go up," Barnes tells The Sunday Gleaner.
He accepts that there is nothing that gas station operators or any one else in Jamaica can do about the rising prices, and expresses concern about the impact the fall-off will have on operations.
Most motorists appear to share the position that the increase in gas prices is a worldwide phenomenon, with Jamaica sliding down a slippery slope.
Not much can be done
The Johnson poll, which was conducted on May 31 and June 1 across 84 communities islandwide, found that 76 per cent of Jamaicans accept there is not much the Bruce Golding administration can do about the prices, while 19 per cent claim the administration can do much more. The poll has an error margin of minus or plus three per cent.
However, the majority of those who say the adminis-tration can do much more are supporters of the Opposition People's National Party.
By Associated Press
PENSACOLA, FL (AP) -- Banned sprinter Justin Gatlin is preparing for a hearing in Pensacola that could determine whether he'll defend his 100-meter title at the Beijing Olympics. A Florida federal judge ruled Friday that Gatlin should be allowed to compete at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon.
U.S. District Judge Lacey A. Collier's temporary restraining order is in effect for 10 days at present. The first two rounds of the 100-meter qualifying are set for June 28. The semifinals and finals are the following day. A hearing is scheduled Monday in Pensacola to discuss the order, and Gatlin is expected to attend. Gatlin's attorney said his client is "guardedly, cautiously optimistic."
The U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Track & Field say their representatives would attend Monday's hearing.
"The press conference is being held to let the people know that after 21 years, Ninja Man is able to travel to Canada and also to spread awareness for the One Umbrella Movement" said Fabian 'Fabo' Hanson of Vibes Entertainment, who is responsible for obtaining Ninja Man's travel documents to Canada, as well as the United States. Fabo, long time business man, promoter and immigration consultant, has been chosen by Ninja to head the Canadian chapter of the One Umbrella Movement. The One Umbrella Movement was officially launched in Jamaica December, of 2007.
Dressed in all white, Ninja Man took his seat at the front of the conference centre, appearing relaxed, and focused on discussing the One Umbrella Movement and its' organization, which promotes non-violence, especially amongst the youth.
"There is no one better than me to head this movement. Bounty can't do it; Beenie Man can't do it. Only a man like me who has lived the life I've lived can be a role model to these youths, and telling them that if they go the path of drugs, they will end up like this, or if they take up a gun, they will end up like that. I've been down that road, which everyone knows, and it's time for me to take up this cause to save the youths from a life that's not good. I know; I've been there as everybody knows. The only two other man who could do this is Josie Whales, or Super Cat. We know that violence will never be eliminated, but we can at least bring violence down, and I am going to do it"! So said Ninja Man when asked how his life's experience has prepared him for this role.
One of the mandates of the One Umbrella Movement is to have chapters in most Reggae consuming countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America and throughout the Caribbean. Focus will be placed on giving youths resources they so badly need to take their minds away from violence, and focus on prosperity. As an initial offering, young entertainers will be given a sound system to hold their own dance in their local community. Also, there are talks of installing a car wash, and educating youths on business management.
Ninja Man welcomes participation from community leaders and non-leaders as the movement feels that everyone plays an important role. "A leader may be in a position to donate things we need, which is good. A non leader might only be able to negotiate peace between two youths warring; we still need him too". Ninja made it clear that he is the overall head of the organization, including chapters in other countries as he seriously joked with conference attendees when saying "Ah me run dih program no matta which part ah dih world me ah deal wid. Dem haffi do weh me tell dem fih do"!
Based on the reception by the Toronto Reggae / Dancehall community, it appears more than likely that Ninja and the One Umbrella Movement will get all the support needed to be successful. Ninja Man, in association with Vibes Entertainment, will hold a concert on August 15th, 2008 in Toronto at The Kool Haus 132 Queen Quay East.
After seven and a half hours of deliberation over the course of less than two days, the jury in R. Kelly's child-pornography trial reached a decision: not guilty on all counts.
"Robert said all along that he believed in our system and he believed in God and that when all the facts came out in court, he would be cleared of these terrible charges," Kelly spokesman Allan Mayer said afterward. "But he never dreamed it would take six and a half years. This has been a terrible ordeal for him and his family, and at this point, all he wants to do is move forward and put it behind him.
"He wants to thank his lawyers for their brilliant defense, his fans for supporting him with so much love, and most of all God for giving him the strength to get through this. He will have more to say about what he's been through in a little while, but right now he needs a little time to recover from all this and be with his family."
Before the verdict was read at 2 p.m. CT, Judge Vincent Gaughan warned the court, "I don't want any outbursts," saying anyone who did disrupt the reading would be held in direct contempt of court and go to jail immediately.
While listening to the verdict, R. Kelly cried softly as his lawyers held his hands and he shuddered with a sigh of relief. Kelly then slapped his attorney Sam Adam Jr. on the back and gave him a bear hug. As he hugged attorney Ed Genson, he rested his head on his shoulder and cried. Kelly supporters in the court gallery, including his business manager, also shed tears.
Early verdicts are usually considered better for the prosecution than the defense, but this was the exception. Kelly was indicted just over six years ago for videotaping himself engaged in sexual acts with a then-underage girl, his goddaughter. A copy of a videotape was delivered to the Chicago Sun-Times in February 2002, which reporter Jim DeRogatis then handed over to the police. Kelly denied he was the man on the tape, claiming it must be a forgery.
The jury didn't necessarily agree. After the trial was over, jurors spoke to the press about their decision, explaining that though they thought Kelly was on the tape, they were unsure of the girl's identity.
"We were uncertain as to the female, and the absence of her was a major lack in the case," juror #23 said.
Kelly's attorneys apparently raised doubt among the jurors about the motives of the witnesses who came forward to identify the people on the tape, including the girl's aunt Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards, whom the singer's lawyers described as bitter over a bad business deal with the singer, and former Kelly mistress Lisa Van Allen, whom defense attorneys accused of attempting to extort $300,000 from them in order not to testify.
Van Allen's testimony was especially scrutinized by the jury, who, on the first day of deliberations, asked for a complete transcript of what she said under direct and cross-examination.
For the last six years, Kelly's movements have been monitored by the court any time he wanted to tour, shoot a music video or attend an awards show outside the jurisdiction, he had to seek permission and check in with a probation officer daily while out of town. On top of that, he was required to attend nearly every hearing held in this case. Kelly faced up to 15 years of prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
By: Jodi-Kaye Watson
Are our parents losing the love for their children? How can you as a parent see your child needing your help and yet neglect them? Children need constant love and emotional support from parents. If they are not receiving this support, they will seek it elsewhere, and get mixed up with the wrong company, then you call them worthless!
Another thing that puzzles me is that parents find it necessary to call their children insulting names such as, "jancrow, dutty gal, idiot and dunce", just to name a few. Let me ask you all this, when children hear their parents referring to them by these abusive names won't they think that's what they really are? If everyday you call your child 'dunce' won't the child actually feel that he/she is indeed a 'dunce'? So don't get mad when his/her grades reflects this mentality. If you see that your child is regressing academically or hanging out with the wrong group of friends, remember it is your fault!
Parents need to talk to their children. Be their children's guide, confidant and friend. Parents need to be supportive of their children, encourage their ambitions (even when they don't agree). I know children don't always make the wisest decisions but it is their future, their life and as much as we want to live it for them we can't. If your child decides that he wants to be a police who are you to tell him he should be a doctor or that she should be a lawyer. It's understandable that you are just trying to ensure that they have a bright future but it all boils down to what they want to do.
There is also the issue of parents who think they know who their children should marry or date. We all know that teenagers sometimes don't always choose the best boy or girl to go out with or date. Now if the parents feel the need to intervene they should do so with care without embarra**ing the child, as this is a very sensitive situation which could easily go wrong for all parties involved. On the other hand there are some parents, most often mothers, who force their children, especially daughters, into relationships for financial gain. Isn't the exchange of sex for money prostitution? Parents need to stop prostituting their daughters. This is a totally despicable act! Be a parent not a pimp!
Parents just love, respect, support and make sure you are always there for your children.
you mouth saying one thing but your heart and mind thinking, wishing, hoping for another (...maybe even opposite reaction)?
HILARY CLINTON gwaan say she ah give up candidacy,and she give BARACK OBAMA her full support AND SHE IS BEHIND HIM 100%.......BUT DAT AH f*kERY , DEM AH GWAN LIKE PEOPLE DOTISH AND AH DEM ALONE WEY GOT SENSE, BUT WEY SHE AH DO THAT FOR?
AH FI SAY THAT THE FIRST BLACK MAN TO GAIN PRESIDENCY IN THE
UNITED STATES OF ASSHOLES,
GOT ACHIEVED BECAUSE OF THE HELP OF HER AND HER PEOPLE, BUT AH BULLSHIT CAUSE WHETHER SHE WITHDREW OR NOT EVERYBODY DONE SEE , OBAMA WIN DE ELECTION.................
SO AH DE BEST AH DEM
Whats the lamest thing you've ever done to impress the opposite sex?
what d yall tink him regular or messenger of selassie???
I know, teeth in the vagina is an old joke - and I never thought I'd be reading something like this on my show. This piece goes back to an article I did some time ago about a gynecologist who reported that he actually saw some teeth in a vagina.
Can you imagine? Day in and day out, nothing but pap smears, and then one day you put in the speculum and there are some choppers staring back at you!
Well, that woman had a dermoid cyst. Dermoid cysts are derived from the outer layers of embryonic skin, and they are capable of growing hair and teeth and bones, anything that comes from the outer layers of the embryo. They can occur anywhere.
So this woman had one in the pelvic region and the cyst grew teeth, and when it ruptured through the wall where her uterus joins her vagina - there were the teeth. In my practice once, I saw one in the eyelid.
Well, someone sent me their aunt's thesis on vaginal teeth! I had no idea there was so much about vaginal teeth in folklore and literature - it blew me away. It has a name too, "vagina dentata!"
Apparently this vaginal teeth motif is in myths and stories and even jokes all over the world, showing up as a symbol of aggression in women, or of weapons that they can use to rape and kill men. In many of the stories, apparently the women marry the men who detoothed their vaginas and made them safe.
Here is one example from Koelari, Bastar State:
"There was a Rakshasa's daughter who had teeth in her vagina. She used to live mostly as a tigress and kept ten or twelve tigers with her. When she saw a man, she would turn into a pretty girl, seduce him, cut off his penis, eat it herself and give the rest of his body to her tigers.
"One day she met seven brothers in the jungle and married the eldest so that she could sleep with them all. After some time she took the eldest boy to where her tigers lived, made him lie with her, cut off hispenis, ate it and gave his body to the tigers."In the same way, she killed six of the brothers till only the youngest was left. When his turn came, the god who helped him sent him a dream. 'If you go with the girl,' said the god, 'make an iron tube, put it into her vagina and break her teeth.'"The boy did this, and when the tigers came for his body he climbed into a mango tree and made himself very small. The tigers chased him and the girl became very angry. He cursed her, 'let nothing but your face remain!' And so it was: she became a Chamgedri, which eats, excretes, urinates and copulates through one and the same aperture.
"One of the mangoes opened and the boy crept inside. A parrot carried off the mango to a Raja's palace. It dropped it, the fruit broke open, the boy emerged, and after various adventures, he married the Raja's daughter."
So now you've heard everything. And you know how to not get bitten by women. If I'd seen this before, I would have put it in my book!