« Scenes from Reggae Academy | Main Jah Cure, Queen Ifrica and Mavado got no awards at the Reggae Academy - That's Madness By Chat Too Much All mi fans who miss mi big up uhnu self and all dem artiste deh who nuh like mi thru mi Chat Too Much nuh watch nuh face just doing my job darling, but when mi done today uhnu going to love mi. First thing mi a touch and di only topic is di Reggae Bacademy its not even fitting fi use di prestigious word academy. Mi nuh vex about who and who won awards but fi know seh mi dressed like Beyonce and hot like Rihanna and touch di red carpet, I felt a star for di first time inna mi mix life, but as soon as mi step through di door is a peanut man dat approached mi, nuts or winter fresh - I was so shocked, I then paused for a moment looked around and then even went as far as fi asked someone if this is di venue for di Reggae Academy. People mi could not believe dat di peanut man got invited in a him cut off foot pants and waan wash out shirt it was a disgrace after a nuh stage show wi deh. A next thing dem have two different place for presenting the awards what was the purposed mi nuh kno because di two back ground luk di same way so wha di sense. Di poor little photographers running from left to right trying to keep up wid di pace, even Asafa would a get tired. No Award for Mavado At least Queen I-Frica and Jah Cure got nominated even though them nuh get nothing but Mavado wasnt even on di nomination list, mi cant believe mi eye, thats rather insane di youth album di good, uhnu fi give di youth dem a chance man, trust mi dem diss David Brooks AKA Mavado and some people call him Mafraudo. People pure things gwaan a di Academy, oohps, sorryyyy, mi mean Bacademy as mi seh before the word academy too decent fi describe dat deh show. Anywaz mi hear seh Don Call Nayomi get vex and walked out when Steven McGregor won di award for dancehall compilation of di year something like dat.

CARIBBEAN PERSON LIVING IN ATLANTA OPENS HISTORIC RESTAURANT IN CHINA

-- Edited by DJ OP at 18:09, 2008-02-27

The British Government has proposed major changes to the way foreign nationals, including Jamaicans, can achieve British citizenship.

A release from the United Kingdom (UK) Home Office said the proposed changes follow a consultation and a series of 'listening events' held last year. That research found that most people want new residents to speak English, pay their way, obey the law and give something back to their communities.

The government green paper proposes to build on those suggestions, starting with a 'citizenship contract' that would set out each new citizen's rights and responsibilities.

Other proposed changes include creating a three-stage route to citizenship, including a new 'probationary period', requiring immigrants to either show that they have contributed something to the UK, or leave the country.

Serious crimes

Additional proposals include denying public benefits to immigrants who have not received full citizenship; requiring immigrants to prove they can speak English, and barring those convicted of serious crimes from receiving citizenship. Fresh measures being put forward also require those convicted of minor crimes to spend more time on citizenship probation; requiring immigrants to contribute to a fund devoted to managing the impact of immigration; and, speeding up the citizenship process for immigrants who get involved in their local communities through voluntary work.

In a speech, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he expects even tougher tests for citizenship in the future, with a clear set of responsibilities set out at each stage of the immigration process.

He described the proposed three-stage immigration system as entry as a temporary resident; time as a probationary citizen; and, full citizenship.

Brown said that all new residents, whether they were working in the UK under the points-based system or applying to stay permanently, will be expected to be able to speak English.

He also added that there would be further consultation on proposals to withhold some benefits and social housing from non-permanent residents.

Home Secretary Jackie Smith said the proposals were a part of sweeping changes to the British immigration policy, including a new points-based system to encourage highly skilled immigrants to move in the UK, as well as stronger border controls to ensure that it is harder for illegal immigrants to enter the country in the first place.

She said the reforms would be backed up by a single piece of legislation, which would replace all existing immigration laws. This new law will be introduced to Parliament in November.

16-Foot Python Devours Family Pet In Front Of Horrified Kids

The following story contains details some may find disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.

It was a nightmare that happened right before the eyes of two crying and stunned children - they watched in horror as their beloved family pet was eaten whole by a 16-foot python.

The terrible incident happened in the city of Kuranda in Queensland state Monday, as experts claim the serpent apparently 'stalked' the creature for several days. The kids were at their home playing with their five-year-old terrier-Chihuahua crossbreed when the snake struck.

It slithered into view, opened its mouth and devoured the small creature whole as the 5 year-old boy and 7-year-old girl screamed for help. Experts were finally called but it was too late.

"The family that owned the dog had actually seen it in the dog's bed, which was a sign it was out to get it," explains Stuart Douglas of the Australian Venom Zoo. "They should have called me then, but (the snake) got away and three or four days later, I was called and went around and removed it" after the dog had been killed.

The family tried and failed to stop the horrible tragedy as it was happening. "The lady who was there threw some plastic chairs at the snake, but you've got to remember that this is about 50 kilograms of aggressive muscle," points out zoo manager Todd Rose.

Douglas notes snakes are common in the tropical region but generally subsist on wild animals such as wallabies. They do occasionally turn to small pets in urban areas and this kind of incident - while rare - has happened before.

By the time he arrived, all that could be seen of the poor animal was its hind legs and tail. Unlike other snakes, it's not a python's bite that's lethal. It literally squeezes its prey to death before swallowing it whole. Herpetologists claim the dog would have suffocated within a few minutes of being devoured.

The snake was still digesting its tragic meal on Wednesday, after authorities took it away from the scene. They expect to release it back into the wild soon.

Six Killed By Falling Icicles In Three Days Overseas

It's another brutally cold day in the GTA in what's already been a terrible winter. But you can be thankful that we haven't had the kinds of problems with our chilly season that other countries do. Take what happened on Tuesday in the central part of Russia.

Six people have been killed in three days in separate incidents in the cities of Samara and Otradny. But the culprit isn't exactly the cold. All of them were killed when icicles hanging from tall buildings suddenly plunged to the ground and the heavy frozen water fell on pedestrians going by below.

The area is located in a place that rarely gets sun during the winter and when it finally makes its appearance in late February, layers of thick ice that have been building up on roofs during the below freezing months start to melt, break off and plunge to the street below.

It's an annual hazard for those out walking in the chill, and it's the kind of peril that makes you realize that, as bad as a GTA winter can be, there are worse places you could spend it.

Rare Earthquake Shakes Britain

The strongest earthquake to hit Britain in more than two decades was felt across large parts of the country early Wednesday, officials said. Some homes had minor damage and one man was injured by a collapsing chimney.

The 5.3-magnitude quake struck at about 1 a.m. and was centered about 125 miles north of London, the British Geological Survey said.

Julian Bukits of the geological survey called it the most powerful quake in Britain since a 5.4 temblor hit North Wales in 1984.

"This was a very large earthquake in U.K. terms, but in world terms average," Bukits told The Associated Press. "This one has been felt throughout the whole of England and southern Scotland."

A man in Barnsley, north of Sheffield, was injured when a chimney collapsed and crashed through the roof into his bedroom, ambulance officials said.

Many people across the region - unaccustomed to such quakes - reported feeling their homes shake.

"It was scary," David Somerset told the AP by telephone from Driffield, around 60 miles from the epicenter. He was working on his computer at the time.

"It was a strange sensation as the room, ornaments and chest of drawers started wobbling and making a loud rumbling noise," he said.

Lincolnshire police said they had received dozens of phone calls about the temblor and that some minor damage to homes had been reported.

"This is a moderate earthquake," Rafael Abreu, of the U.S. Geological Survey, told Sky News from the U.S.

He described the tremor as a shallow interplate earthquake. He said his U.S.-based group initially put the magnitude at 4.7 but would likely adopt the 5.3-magnitude rating from his British counterparts.

Bukits said Britain is hit annually with about 200 quakes but only 10 percent are strong enough to be felt. A quake of magnitude 5 is capable of causing considerable damage.

The epicenter was in Market Rasen in Lincolnshire, a small market town known for its racecourse, the U.S. survey said.

"I was in bed at the time and suddenly there was quite a big bang and shaking that woke us up," said Laura Bocock, who lives close to Market Rasen in northeast England. "It sounded like someone had hit the bungalow and (I) was quite frightened.

"I couldn't get back to sleep because I was scared it could happen again."

A woman in Notting Hill, a wealthy section of London, reported that her radio was bumping up and down on a shelf for several seconds.

Engineers work to clear the debris of a collapsed chimney off a roof in the centre of Gainsborough, in Lincolnshire, in north-east England, on February 27, 2008 after a 5.3 magnitude earthquake.

Microsoft must pay $1.4bn to EU

What is the dispute about The European Commission has fined US computer giant Microsoft for defying sanctions imposed on it for anti-competitive behaviour. Microsoft must now pay 899 million euros ($1.4bn; £680.9m) after it failed to comply with a 2004 ruling that it took part in monopolistic practices. The ruling said that Microsoft was guilty of not providing vital information to rival software makers. EU regulators said the firm was the first to break an EU antitrust ruling. An investigation concluded in 2004 that Microsoft was guilty of freezing out rivals in server software and products such as media players. The European Court of First Instance upheld this ruling last year, which ordered Microsoft to pay 497 million euros for abusing its dominant market position. "Microsoft was the first company in 50 years of EU competition policy that the Commission has had to fine for failure to comply with an antitrust decision," Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said in a statement. Last week, the firm announced that it would open up the technology of some of its leading software, including Windows, to make it easier to operate with rivals' products. "As we demonstrated last week with our new interoperability principles and specific actions to increase the openness of our products, we are focusing on steps that will improve things for the future," Microsoft said.

Post Office Employee Accused Of Stealing Nearly $500,000 In Cheques From The Mail

We trust them to deliver our tokens of affection, our cheques and our bills. But what if they never arrived at all? That's what many Ajax residents are pondering after Durham Regional Police arrested a Canada Post employee and charged her with stealing valuable items out of the mail.

Cops allege 55-year-old Lauren Theresa Boucaud was pilfering cheques meant for others and cashing them under assumed names at a number of financial institutions in the GTA.  They've been able to determine at least 150 pieces of mail from over 120 different addresses never reached their intended recipients in 2007, and cheques from insurance companies and other business never got to the people who were due to receive them. 

At least $477,000 was lost in the identity theft scheme and cops are wondering if anyone else was a victim. Boucaud has been employed by the post office since March 2006, working out of the Ajax depot, another in Thornhill and even delivering letters as an occasional fill in Whitby, Unionville and Mount Albert.

Her main route was an area encompassed by Rossland Road, Ravenscroft Road, Taunton Road and Harwood Avenue in north Ajax.

Cops are going to be contacting all those who should have received something in the mail but didn't, and want to talk to others who were expecting a cheque that never arrived. Call 1-888-579-1520, ext. 2532 if you think you're on the list.

Boucaud has been charged with theft and breach of trust and has been released pending a possible trial.

Map of affected route

Microsoft says the Vista-related move is in line with previous OS upgrades, but some users arent happy
By Paul Krill US | Monday, 23 April, 2007

Microsofts plan to cease OEM shipments of Windows XP is not sitting well with some observers, based on internet-driven feedback.
According to a Microsoft Life-Cycle Policy web page, Microsoft plans to discontinue shipments of Windows XP to OEMs on January 31, 2008. The page also says retail licences will be discontinued at that time. Editions affected include the Professional, Tablet PC, Professional x64, Home and Media Centre editions of XP.

Chatters on Silicon Valley.com cite issues with the suitability of Vista on existing machines and say they might just go to Linux instead.

If Microsoft forces us to make a choice of Vista or Linux, they might just be unpleasantly surprised as to the choice many of us will make, one chatter wrote.

I am telling anyone who has not yet upgraded from Win 9x to XP that they had better do it right away because Vista will never run on their Win 98-era machine. If they dont upgrade to XP right away, they will have to switch to Linux. The only alternative to that is to throw away their computer and buy a brand new one!

Another chatter said it was time for enterprises to stock up on shrink-wrapped copies of XP Pro.

A chatter on Dells Direct2Dell site expressed similar reservations.
I dont care how much youve tested your systems with Vista, it simply will not be enough, the chatter says.
In the corporate world, there are countless applications that are going to fail miserably with Vista in offices that are standardised on XP Pro.

Dell says it plans to continue offering XP for now. Dell recognises the needs of small business customers and understands that more time is needed to transition to a new operating system. The plan is to continue offering Windows XP on select Dimension and Inspiron systems until later this [northern] summer, the company says on Direct2Dell.

In a statement, Microsoft acknowledges its Vista emphasis.
Windows Vista is safer, easier to use, better connected and more entertaining than any operating system weve ever released, and were encouraged by the positive customer response weve seen to date, the company says in a statement.
Its standard practice to allow OEMs, retailers and system builders to continue offering the previous version of Windows for a certain period of time after a new version is released, and this information as it applies to Windows XP has been available to our partners and to the public, since last year, Microsoft says.
Microsoft has reported that more than 20 million copies of Vista shipped from January 30 to February 28, the first month of general availability.

A Harris survey of home-based users in March, however, found that only 12% of the 2,223 respondents plan to upgrade.

There are pluses and minuses to upgrading, according to analyst Michael Cherry, of Directions on Microsoft. Security features, such as BitLocker Drive Encryption, are driving upgrades, he says. However, hardware issues have been a problem, he says,The major factor I think thats putting a damper on it is people being uncomfortable with what the hardware requirements are, he says.

Questions have arisen about configuration matters such as the circuitry of graphics cards, he adds. Lawsuits have even arisen about what it means to be Vista-capable.

Cherry says Vista appears not to have affected PC sales rates, either upwards or downwards. Vista shipments have been about as expected, according to analyst Brett Waldman of IDC, who also acknowledges there are equipment issues with the new platform. Shipment levels so far are similar to what XP presented, he says.

To run Vistas Aero interfaces requires an advanced graphics card, Waldman says. A lot of low-end PCs do not have that, he says. Otherwise, upgrading a PC to 1GB of memory should make it Vista-capable, he says.

TWO youths and a young man have appeared in court today accused of badly beating a plumber after he asked them to stop urinating outside his home.


Gareth Avery, 48, from Weston-super-Mare, was left with severe head injuries after being set upon in the early hours of February 9.


Daniel Fawcett, 20, and two youths, both aged 17, appeared before Bristol Crown Court via videolink charged with wounding with intent.


Simon Hollier, prosecuting, told the court: Gareth Avery remonstrated with some persons urinating in the street in Weston-super-Mare.


He was badly beaten and suffered a broken jaw, broken cheek bones and various lacerations and bruises.


During the preliminary hearing, the three defendants spoke only to confirm their names.


Defending barristers Robert Duval, Virginia Cornwall and David Morgan, made no application for bail.


Fawcett, from Severn Avenue, Weston, and the two youths, will remain in custody and will next appear at Bristol Crown Court on June 2.

Rihanna and Chris Brown were recently spotted vacationing in Jamaica

They were smooching in the pool and were really lovely dovey. They were playfully making out and he was kissing her on the neck.

The attractive pair, who got matching star tattoos on their necks in January, got in the pool after a leisurely lunch yesterday at the Hilton Kingston Hotel in Jamaica. They were hanging out with friends and at about 3 p.m., Chris, 18, jumped into the water and waited while Rihanna went to her room and changed into a bikini.

They were floating together with him carrying her and she kept saying, Dont get my hair wet. She was very soft and feminine but he was a big kid and splashing around.

Wednesday, 27 February 2008   Police investigators have turned their attention to money laundering activities as they intensify their probe into the Cuban Light Bulb Scandal.

Money laundering is the practice of engaging in legitimate financial transactions in order to conceal the source and destination of illegally derived funds.

News came on Tuesday night that former Junior Energy Minister Kern Spencer is among other things facing charges of money laundering.

According to information released by the police, Mr. Spencer is charged with two money laundering offences involving millions of dollars.

One of the charges relates to concealing and disguising US$37,836 on the 14th of September 2007.

In the second offence, it is alleged that Mr. Spencer transferred US$64,576 from Jamaica on the 30th of July last year.

Mr. Spencer is also accused of engaging in a questionable transaction involving JA$3 million and conspiracy to defraud between July 2006 to September 2007.

He is also cited for breaches of the Prevention of Corruption Act after reportedly receiving JA$3.1 million from Rodney Chin of Universal Management Development Company.

The company was involved in distributing the Cuban Light Bulbs.

 

Aftermath of the UK's largest earthquake in a quarter of a century

-- Edited by littlemisslinkz at 13:13, 2008-02-27

Now with only three more Fridays to go in the Bacchanal Jamaica Friday night series, patrons will be estatic to know that Alison Hinds; Kes the Band featuring Nadia Batson and Destra Garcia along with Atlantik will each take the stage at one of the remaining nights for Bacchanal Fridays. The party gets moving at 8:00pm and admission for each night will only be $1000.00.

Wet Fete Dreams with Alison Hinds Friday, February 29, 2008

Hosted by the international brand, Coca-Cola, Wet Fete Dreams is set to make a splash on February 29, 2008 at the Mas Camp Village. Its more fete as the Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds takes the Bacchanal stage. As Michael Ammar states Alison Hinds has consistently been a favorite on our entertainment roster for Bacchanal Jamaica. Her performances are highly anticipated and always well received by our Mas Camp revelers. Currently, the undisputed Queen has been vigorously promoting the release of her first solo CD appropriately titled SOCA QUEEN. Known for her strong message of independence to ladies everywhere, this queen will tell you Soca is what Im known for, so I want my music to represent who I am.

Summer Dreams with Kes the Band featuring Nadia Batson Friday, March 7, 2008

What do you get when you c****ine three hot band mates, one steaming lead singer and socas hottest new female sensation - the result has got to be Kes the Band featuring Nadia Batson. In just a few short years the group has grown to be one of the most in-demand bands in Soca music. They are confirmed to rock the crowd at Bacchanal Fridays Summer Dreams hosted by Appleton on March 7. Boasting 2008 hits like Remedy, Right Dey, My Posse and the soca remix to Love is Wicked with the lovely ladies of Brick and Lace, Kes and Nadia Batson will surely give a performance socaphiles everywhere wont want to miss!

 

Digicels Sweet Dreams with Destra Garcia Friday, March 14, 2008

It would not be Bacchanal Carnival without the Soca Diva, Destra Garcia. She will be closing the Bacchanal Friday series and performing her unstoppable hits including 2008 songs such as Whine it, Saddle, Wave Them, and Free It Up which features Jamaican DJ Sean-Paul. Destra along with her Atlantik band have been a staple at Bacchanal Jamaica events and have never disappointed. This down-to-earth diva exudes natural sex appeal which c****ined with her high energy live sets always leaves the crowd wanting more. Look out for Destra Garcia with Atlantik on March 14th at the Mas Camp Village.

Adidas Honours Bob Marley

By: Joseph Cunningham

It is Reggae Month and the world seems to be paying homage to the music and its king, Bob Marley.

Besides the film that Martin Scorcese will create on the late reggae icon, news has also surfaced that the world famous Adidas brand is set to unleash a global campaign that includes reggae music and Bob Marley. According to Mediaposts, the campaign involves short films, one of which "Sounds of the City" - will promote a number of Adidas Originals products.

The first film focuses on Adi Dassler, the brand's founder, and there is a clip of Bob Marley, the singer who loved football, wearing Adidas.

The campaign is the first by Adidas promoting its Originals lifestyle range, which includes retro products similar to that worn by Marley, either for casual wear or for when playing football. He is recognized with the 'Marley Jacket' and the 'Pro Model Tuff Gong Adidas Shoes,' but there is also the 'Pro Model Kingston' (shoes) and the 'Kingston Zip Jacket.'

The European Commission has fined US computer giant Microsoft for defying sanctions imposed on it for anti-competitive behaviour.

Microsoft must now pay a record 899m euros ($1.4bn; £680.9m) after it failed to comply with a 2004 ruling that it abused its position.

The ruling said that Microsoft was guilty of not providing key code to rival software makers.

EU regulators said the firm was the first to break an EU anti-trust ruling.

The fines come on top of earlier fines of 280m euros imposed in July 2006, and of 497m euros in March 2004.

"Microsoft was the first company in 50 years of EU competition policy that the Commission has had to fine for failure to comply with an antitrust decision," Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said in a statement.

Future improvements?

An investigation concluded in 2004 that Microsoft was guilty of freezing out rivals in products such as media players, while unfairly linking its Explorer internet browser to its Windows operating system at the expense of rival servers.

The European Court of First Instance upheld this ruling last year, which ordered Microsoft to pay 497m euros for abusing its dominant market position.

DISPUTE TIMELINE March 2004: EU fines Microsoft 497m euros and orders it to release key Windows code to rival software developers September 2004: Microsoft tries to have the ruling temporarily suspended April 2006: Microsoft appeals the ruling in the European Court of First Instance September 2007: Microsoft loses its appeal

Last week, the firm announced that it would open up the technology of some of its leading software, including Windows, to make it easier to operate with rivals' products.

"As we demonstrated last week with our new interoperability principles and specific actions to increase the openness of our products, we are focusing on steps that will improve things for the future," Microsoft said.

Further cases

But the firm is still being pursued by Brussels.

Last month, the European Commission launched two new anti-competition investigations against Microsoft into similar issues.

The first will look at whether there are still problems regarding Microsoft abusing its dominance of the PC market to grab market share of the internet.

The Commission will also investigate the continued interoperability of Microsoft software with rival products.

What is this alarming thing I am hearing about giving out condoms in schools? How can this be?

Please listen to me carefully I'm saying this with respect and love: distributing condoms in schools is like setting a bait for a fish. Giving out condoms is not only a protection for safe sex it's also an encouragement to have sex. It's like saying, if or when the opportunity comes, use the condom.

The least opportunity some of these students get, they are going to hide and have sex. What the Ministry of Education should do is to find out from all the teachers what they think, what's their opinion about handing out condoms in schools.

They should also find out from all the parents and from the public before coming to an agreement about this. And even if their response would have been a 'yes', my view still remains no, it's wrong.

If, for instance, students should engage in sexual intercourse by using the condoms it may burst, leaving a girl pregnant or catching a disease or getting a sexual infection.

Giving out condoms is a great carelessness. What they should do instead, is to give the students edifying books on how to refrain from early sex and how to conduct themselves in the right way. School children need a strong dose of ethics, ethical medicine.

Do you agree with me that handing out condoms in the school is like setting a bait for a fish or a rat? What they need to do is to go the extra mile in seeing that no student enters school with any illegal weapons, such as knives, ice-picks or guns instead of handing out condoms.

My final point is that many people seem to be in agreement with the handing out of condoms in schools. On the other hand, it looks to me like the majority of the people are against it, and this is very good.

I am etc.,

Have a Happy and enlightening Black History Month! 

A very humorous and revealing story is told about a group of white people who
were fed up with African Americans, so they joined together and wished
themselves away. They passed through a deep dark tunnel and emerged in sort of
a twilight zone where there is an America without black people.

At first these white people breathe a sigh of relief. At last, they said, No
more crime, drugs, violence and welfare. All of the blacks have gone! Then
suddenly, reality set in. The "NEW AMERICA" is not America at all-only a
barren land.


1. There are very few crops that have flourished because the nation was built
on a slave-supported system.


2. There are no cities with tall skyscrapers because Alexander Mils, a black
man, invented the elevator, and without it one finds great difficulty reaching
higher floors.


3. There are few if any cars because Richard Spikes, a black man, invented the
automatic gearshift, Joseph Gambol, also black, invented the Super Charge
System for Internal Combustion Engines, and Garrett A. Morgan, a black man,
invented the traffic signals.


4. Furthermore, one could not use the rapid transit system because it's
procurer was the electric trolley, which was invented by another black man,
Albert R. Robinson.


5. Even if there were streets on which cars and a rapid transit system could
operate, the streets would be cl**ttered with paper because an African
American, Charles Brooks, invented the street sweeper.


6. There were few if any newspapers, magazines and books because John Love
invented the pencil sharpener, William Purveys invented the fountain pen, and
Lee Barrage invented the Type Writing Machine and W. A. Love invented the
Advanced Printing Press. They were all, you guessed it, Black.


7. Even if Americans could write their letters, articles and books, they would
not have been transported by mail because William Barry invented the
Postmarking and Canceling Machine, William Purveys invented the Hand Stamp and
Philip Downing invented the Letter Drop.


8. The lawns were brown and wilted because Joseph Smith invented the Lawn
Sprinkler and John Burr the Lawn Mower.


9. When they entered their homes, they found them to be poorly ventilated and
poorly heated. You see, Frederick Jones invented the Air Conditioner and Alice
Parker the Heating Furnace. Their homes were also dim. But of course, Lewis
Later invented the Electric Lamp, Michael Harvey invented the lantern and
Granville T. Woods invented the Automatic Cut off Switch.  Their homes were
also filthy because Thomas W. Steward invented the Mop & Lloyd P. Ray the Dust
Pan.


10. Their children met them at the door-barefooted, shabby, motley and
unkempt. But what could one expect? Jan E. Matzelinger invented the Shoe
Lasting Machine, Walter Sammons! invented the Comb, Sarah Boone invented the
Ironing Board and George T. Samon invented the Clothes Dryer.


11. Finally, they were resigned to at least have dinner amidst all of this
turmoil. But here again, the food had spoiled because another Black Man, John
Standard invented the refrigerator.


Now, isn't that something? What would this Country be like without the
contributions of Blacks, as African-Americans?


Martin Luther King, Jr., "by the time we leave for work, Americans have
depended on the inventions from the minds of Blacks." Black history includes
more than just slavery, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm
X, Marcus Garvey & W.E.B. Dubois.

Mi nuh know bout nobody else but mi tired ah di whole heap ah blasted powercuts.  It ah mash up mi equipment, mi caan do no work and overall mi caan bodder wid di f**kery. Is there any other alternative to JPS?

Why do we have so many wanna be gangsters in schools today? is dancehall to blamed?

Deejay Teflon's latest single, Bobo Run Out Pon Dem on the Darker Shadow rhythm is creating a buzz in the dancehall.

"I am just trying to inspire a new generation of youths, me ah set the ting. Teflon represents the ever burning fire. It is just about keeping the youths focused, it is unstoppable, anything you want is there for you. Mi see the pressures that the yutes are facing, mi feel it myself, the least mi can do is just sing for them," Teflon said.

Another Stephen McGregor-produced single, She Say Please is also doing well.

The deejay, who rose to prominence with Guns Rise, has his own Yard A Love studio in Jack's River, St. Mary, and he is readying himself to put out a new rhythm.

"Capleton a go voice, Earthworm, Donia, Teacha, Eloquent, Jah Balance, Anthony B, it ah go mad," Teflon told dj rohan.

He is also working on an album for Tads International which features production work from Stephen Stanley.

"I just have a few more tracks to complete."

He recently performed at Black My Story and overseas in Boston, and in Toronto alongside Turbulence and I Wayne. Big up Yard A Love, and Supa Hype, the road manager. Margaret handles his bookings.

 am a Christian and I follow all of God's laws. I usually slip up, but I know God will forgive me. I am a male and I just can't stop masturbating. I gave up all my old ways, but letting go of masturbating seems so hard. I have tried and tried and although I tell myself that I won't and it's wrong, I keep doing it.

Please, help me.

M.J., Barbados

Dear M.J.,

In the first place let me correct you. You do not follow all of God's laws. You are not perfect. Second, although you masturbate and find it difficult to stop, you should not condemn yourself for doing so. When you are in a position to get married and have a wife, the desire to masturbate will not be as strong because your sexual appetite will be fulfilled within the confines of marriage.

Pastor

• vybz kartel
• bounty killer
• mad cobra
• ninja man
• yellow man
• donia
• beenie
• busy]
• deva
• munga
• black rhyno

or any body esle u think

The lead story in Saturday's STAR again signalled the need for urgent attention to be paid to crime in Clarendon.

The article was about the most recent incident which involved the shooting of seven persons at a wake. Two of the victims died.

According to the article, gunmen opened fire on residents who were at the wake as they attempted to kill a witness to the murder of five people in December 2007, in the nearby community of Water Lane.

Further in the article, the mayor of May Pen, Milton Brown, pleaded for help from the authorities to tackle crime as it could derail development in the parish.

Several articles about the cause of crime in Clarendon show that the problem can be attributed to the increased number of unregulated settlements in the parish which have become a haven for criminals.

These communities are usually difficult to police and hardly any attempt is made to curb growth in these areas. Therefore it is clear that when the mayor is calling for help from the authorities, his council and those agencies that regulate housing and development also have a key role to play.

Obviously these informal settlements should not be allowed to proliferate and those that exist already ought to be regularised quickly. Clarendon definitely needs a comprehensive plan to address crime in the parish.

All stakeholders, from the police to citizens, need to get involved and join together to rid their parish of crime and return it to the once safe place it use to be.

LOS ANGELES -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a champion boxer and has tested his moves on "Dancing With the Stars." Now the man many consider the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world is preparing to drop the gloves and do some wra**lin.'

A $20 million payday awaits the undefeated WBC welterweight champion when he takes on Big Show as part of WWE's "WrestleMania XXIV" at Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on March 30.

"It's entertainment. You have a chance to just be you and do what you want to do," Mayweather said Monday after a chaotic Staples Center event that masqueraded as a news conference.

The boxer nicknamed "Money" clearly likes the way WWE does business.

"Wrestling takes care of business right on the spot," Mayweather said. "Whatever they say they're going to do, they do it right on the spot. There's no waiting three, four, five months. Quick results, quick money. Quick big money, too."

His manager Leonard Ellerbee and WWE executive Shane McMahon confirmed Mayweather's eight-figure payday for the outdoor match to be shown on live on pay-per-view.

Mayweather incited the couple hundred of already hyped fans at Staples Center by whipping out a thick wad of cash and repeatedly tossing $100, $50 and $20 bills into the crowd that had nearly as many women as men.


Mayweather played to the frenzied crowd after appearing from behind a black curtain wearing a New York Yankees jacket and cap. Fans shouted insults and the name of hometown hero Oscar De La Hoya at Mayweather.

"I run Vegas and I run L.A. and I will run the WWE," he boasted.

At 5-foot-8, 150 pounds, Mayweather gives up big numbers to the bald Big Show, who stands 7-feet and weighs 430.

"I weigh three times as much as he does," Big Show crowed. "It's not fair, but I'm a businessman and I see an opportunity for business."


"WWE is the biggest it gets," Mayweather said. "This is going to be an event like none other."

"After March 30, when Floyd goes out and takes care of his business at WrestleMania, he's still going to be the best fighter in the world and the face of boxing," he said. "Tell me what changes about that? Nothing changes."

Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

A policeman points his firearm in reaction to shots being fired while play was stopped during the KSAFA Jackie Bell Knockout final between Waterhouse and Harbour View at the Harbour View Mini Stadium last night.

LAST NIGHT's Jackie Bell Knockout final between defending champions Harbour View and Waterhouse was brought to an end after 77 minutes when shots rang out from the hills overlooking the western stand as Waterhouse fans and players disputed a disallowed goal.Harbour View, down to 10 men following Jermaine Hue's 55th-minute ejection, were leading the Corporate Area knockout final 1-0 off Kavin Bryan's 32nd-minute goal before pandemonium broke out at the east Kingston venue, sending spectators scurrying from the stands and on to the field of play. Pressing for the equaliser, Water-house won a free kick to the left of Harbour View's penalty area, which substitute Damion Powell teed-up to kick. Powell, one of the heroes from Waterhouse's 1-0 semi-final win over Arnett Gardens last Wednesday, fired in a scorcher, which flew high into goal, beating Harbour View goalie Dwayne Miller. However, as Powell streaked across to the Roxy Williams Stand to celebrate the equaliser, assistant referee Malacho Brown, on the far side, raised his flag, calling back the play. Referee Karl Tyrell consulted with Brown and immediately signalled a spot-kick, infuriating Waterhouse supporters, a few of whom stormed the field to question the call. Harbour View chairman Carvel Stewart and security personnel attempted to calm the Waterhouse supporters, who would have none of it and started raining missiles on the field. After it was obvious the call would not have gone their way, things took a turn for the worse when shots rang out and more bottles flew from out of the stands. A second barrage of shots was enough for the officials to call off the match and the St John Ambulance team was later seen carrying a spectator, who had fallen and hurt himself during the stampede. Referees' official, Martin Lyn, told STAR Sports the goal was called off-side as a Waterhouse player, later identified on video replays as Irvino English, had moved directly in front of goalkeeper Miller before Powell had kicked the ball. Lyn said in addition to being offside, the player had also impeded the goalkeeper, interfering with the play.

A policeman moves to restore order at the Harbour View Mini Stadium last night, while two Harbour View players, Christopher Harvey (left) and Jermaine Taylor, look on. The Jackie Bell KO final was aborted after 77 minutes when gunshots rang out at the venue. - Ricardo Makyn

Spectators scurry from the stands at the Harbour View Mini Stadium last night after shots rang out during the Jackie Bell KO final between Harbour View and Waterhouse. - Ricardo Makyn photos

Teams: Harbour View: Dwayne Miller, Clifton Waugh, Christopher Harvey, Lance Laing, Kevin Wooley, Richard Edwards, Donald Stewart, Jermaine Hue, Lovel Palmer, Kemar Petrekin, Kavin Bryan. Waterhouse: Maurice Evans, Desmond Breakenridge, Michael Stone, Oneil Thomas, Vincent Earle, Leon Strickland, Jonathan Williams, Jomo Gordon, Irvino English, Damion Williams, Hugh Howell.

MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- Power outages were reported from Miami to Jacksonville on Florida's east coast and as far north as Tampa on the Gulf Coast, police and utility officials said.

As many 800,000 Florida Power & Light Co. customers are without power Tuesday afternoon, the company said.

Mike Stone, a Florida Department of Emergency Management spokesman, said 2 million to 3 million people were affected. Power began returning to many of those areas within an hour and a half, officials reported.

The outage struck shortly after 1 p.m. ET. A strong cold front and scattered thunderstorms moved through the region, including one that prompted a tornado warning for Fort Lauderdale, the National Weather Service reported.

But the cause of the outage was not immediately known.

National Weather Service meteorologist Barry Baxter told the South Florida-based Sun-Sentinel that there were no major storms in the area at the time electricity went out that would cause such a large failure.

In Washington, officials at the Department of Homeland Security said there was no immediate concern that terrorism was behind the outage.

Stan Johnson, a spokesman for the North American Electric Reliability Council, said eight power plants were off-line across the region.

He said that officials believe the outage has been contained.

Both nuclear units at the Turkey Point power plant in Miami-Dade County were off-line as of about 2:30 p.m., Florida Power & Light nuclear-plant spokeswoman April Schilpp told the Palm Beach Post.

The units shut down after off-site power to the plants was halted, Schlipp told the Post. Another Miami-Dade County power plant, which isn't nuclear, also lost power, the Post reported Schilpp as saying.

Detective Robert Williams, a Miami-Dade County police spokesman, said power was out across the entire county.

In Palm Beach County, spotty outages ranged from Riviera Beach to Boca Raton, said sheriff's spokeswoman Teri Barbera.

Outages stretched into neighboring Broward County, which includes Fort Lauderdale, he said.

Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are home to nearly 6 million people.

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that local schools, businesses and intersections are without powerTuesday afternoon.

According to the Orlando newspaper, about 7,000 customers of Kissimmee Utility Authority lost power for about 20 minutes Tuesday.

http://graceofgod.wordpress.com/2007/07/19/murder-miracle-in-egypt/

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced yesterday that West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels has been suspended from bowling in international cricket pending fresh assessment after independent analysis of his bowling action revealed that his off break and fast deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under regulations.

In a release yesterday, the ICC said the independent analysis was performed by Dr Mark King, member of the ICC panel of human movement specialists, at the National Cricket Academy, at Loughborough University in England on February 11.

The analysis showed that Samuels' average elbow flexion-extension angle for an off break delivery was 27 degrees while the elbow flexion/extension angle for his faster delivery was 35 degrees. The elbow flexion/extension angle for his arm ball was two degrees.

General analysis

Although only his fast deliveries were reported as suspect, the ICC process required his action generally, including the fast delivery, to be analysed.

Samuels was reported for a suspected illegal bowling action in respect of his fast deliveries by the on-field umpires Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar of the Emirates elite panel of umpires and third umpire Brian Jerling of the Emirates International Panel following completion of the third Test match between South Africa and the West Indies played in Durban from January 10-12.

Despite this, he played for the West Indies in the five-match one-day international series (ODI) against South Africa.

Samuels occasional off spin has so far brought him seven Test wickets and 57 ODI scalps.

The suspension applies with immediate effect. He can apply for reassessment of his bowling action after he has modified it in accordance with the regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions.

Samuels has the right to appeal against Dr King's conclusions to the bowling review group, in accordance with the regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions.

The body of an unidentified man was found with gunshot wounds on Haulage Road, belmont, in Clarendon, on Sunday.

Reports are that shortly ater 9 a.m., on Thursday, residents reported hearing explosions in the Belmont area.

The area was searched, but nothing was found. About 11:30 a.m. on Sunday however, the decomposing body of a man was discovered. Police believe he may have been killed elsewhere and his body dumped there. The Mocho police is investigating.

I counting my blessings

Campbell

With the kind of academic prowess he has, there is no doubt that 18-year-old André Campbell will accomplish his career goal of becoming a medical doctor.

An upper-sixer at Rusea's High School, André, who specialises in the sciences, has already mastered eight CXC subjects with distinctions in five.

"I can just say I am blessed. I try to pay attention as much as possible in class and whatever I am doing," André said.

I work hard to achieve my goal

Linton

Candice Linton is not your typical 16-year-old.

A student of the Spanish Town High School, St Catherine, she is working hard to achieve her goal to become a paediatrician.

She is the assistant president for Key Club and also serves on the environment committee

"I believe hard work is the key to success and if you put God first, all things good to you will happen," she said.

An outstanding student

Butler

Little Denniel Butler is a sixth grader at Maverly Primary and Junior High who has been maintaining an above 90 per cent average since the fourth grade.

I don't miss a day!

Chaffat

My name is Kwame Chaffat. I am 12 years old and living in the Kingston 13 area. When I sat the Grade Six Achievement Test, I knew I did well, but I didn't know I did well enough to receive a Scotiabank Jamaica Foundation award. When I found out, I was shocked but very happy.

I am now attending St George's College. I am very blessed to have supportive friends, teachers and family. My mother makes sure I finish my homework and study a little before I take a break.

My study habits involve 30 minutes for each subject and a 10-minute break in between each, during which I read my favourite comics or play my game.

On weekends, I would stimulate my mind by reading a lot of books and the newspapers to keep abreast with what is going on around me.

Maintaining a strong average

Allen

Fourteen-year-old Jamar Allen wants to become a doctor or architect. This teenager will be doing all in his power to maintain a strong average in mathematics, literature, social study, arts and other subjects.

Put God first in all you do

Brown

My name is Vervelin Brown. I am a proud graduate of the Bustamante High School.

During my years at Bustamante High, I was awarded best performer in CXC mathematics at my school's graduation in 2007 and was rewarded for being one of the top performers in the upgraded high schools. My advice to others is to put God first in all you do, have faith and, in the end, you will be amazed of how great it feels to be successful.

Jamaicans suffering from pelvic-floor dysfunction or urinary incontinence could soon find relief, with the official launch of the NeoControl pelvic-floor therapy system in Jamaica. The non-invasive treatment is being marketed by Neotonus Inc a United States-based company. Since gaining United States Food and Drug Administration (USDA) approval in 1998, more than 1.5 million NeoControl treatments have been provided in 53 countries and 46 American states. Developed in collaboration with Emory University School of Medicine and the Georgia Institute of Technology, NeoControl uses pulsed magnetic fields to treat pelvic-floor dysfunction in men and women non-invasively, without even the need to remove the clothing. Clinical device According to Sydney C. Stephens, sales executive with Neotonus Inc and project manager for the Caribbean, the NeoControl therapy system is the first clinical device to use extracorporeal magnetic innervation technology for pelvic-floor muscle stimulation. "The success of NeoControl in the United States and Europe has encouraged us to increase our presence in the global marketplace," said Neotonus' chief operating officer, Jordan Morris. NeoControl therapy is administered in a physician's office or rehabilitation facility. Fully clothed, the patient simply sits in a comfortable armchair that has the magnetic technology embedded in the seat. The powerful, pulsating magnetic fields, controlled by a small adjacent power unit, induce muscle contractions in the pelvic floor to build strength and endurance and increase circulation. Nothing touches the patient's skin. He or she will only feel the muscles tighten and relax as they are exercised. Patients report no pain. Further information about NeoControl therapy is available by visiting the website www.neocontrol.com.

These guys have been in the arond a long time. Just want to know who u think would win in a "Till Death" Clash. Pleas give reason.

Personally i think i will be between "Warlord" and the "Mad Snake"

Former Jamaica defender Craig Ziadie has ended his brief quest to return to professional football.

Ziadie, 29, recently joined the training camp of Real Salt Lake (RSL), the Major League Soccer club in the United States after more than three years absence from the MLS.

But his attempted comeback did not materialise as the club decided not to sign him for the upcoming season, which begins later this month.

"We will not offer him a contract with the club," John Koluder, RSL senior manager of media relations, confirmed yesterday.

According to Ziadie, the club, which has Andy Williams, another former member of the Reggae Boyz under contract, cited salary cap and roster restrictions for its decision, which was made before it returned to its home state of Utah on Saturday.

Ziadie last played in the MLS and for Jamaica in 2004. The youngest of the Ziadie clan, which represented Jamaica in football, was born in the US, but was raised in Kingston. He attended high school and university in the US before being drafted by DC United in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft where he became starter, mostly at right back. In 2002, he was traded to the then New York MetroStars (now New York Red Bull) where he also first choice. In the 2004, MLS Expansion Draft he was taken by Chivas USA, but did not join the team in California. By then, he said, he was having second thoughts about the expected MLS rewards. He also had personal goals he wanted to pursue and his estimated MLS salary of less than US$40,000 was not enough incentive for him to stay. The added uncertainty of not knowing if he would be traded again did not help either.

"I didn't really like the West Coast," he said yesterday. "It's more expensive. And I wanted to start a family. I needed to get on my feet. We needed stability."

So Ziadie quit the MLS, although he kept active playing in local Florida recreational leagues. Since 2005 he has been involved in a real estate appraisal and investing business in Florida. Yet when RSL decided to hold camp near his home his desire for the competition made the opportunity seem too good to pass up.

"They came to Florida and I live here," he said. "I was interested. I missed playing again."

Below fitness

Ziadie, despite admitting being below fitness needed at the professional level, ended up participating in a few practice games. Williams thought he was doing well, even after being away from the MLS so long, and had a legitimate chance of making the team.

"To me, he hasn't lost it at all," said Williams last week. "The coaches are impressed ... I don't know why he stopped in the first place."

However, Ziadie said RSL "had a lot of defenders" and it would have been difficult for him to stick with the team. Furthermore, unless the club offered an impossible-to-resist salary package, he would not be willing to relocate to Utah.

"It would have been difficult for me to move," said Ziadie.

The issue became even more complicated last week when Ziadie had to leave camp a few times to see his wife who was expecting the couple's first child. A son, Jordan, was born last Wednesday, but the trips between home and camp, plus long nights assisting with the baby, took their toll.

"It was back and forth during training," he said. "It was hard. I missed a couple days."

Ziadie returned to play in a practice game against the Colorado Rapids, another MLS team, in Florida on Friday night, and a local college team the following morning. He was pleased about his overall showing with RSL.

"I thought I did well," he said. "I felt more comfortable as it went on ... It was fun playing with them."

When he got the bad news from the club Ziadie said he was not upset. He claims to have had a satisfying run at top-level football.

"When I look back at it, I have no regrets at all," he explained. "I definitely made the right decision (to stop). I am happy where I am."

The RSL experience just provided the curtain call.

"Officially," Ziadie said. "I had a closing."

Good enough

Or did he? Yesterday Williams said after speaking to Ziadie on Saturday he was unsure if he would try to hook up with another MLS club, although he believes his former national teammate is good enough.

"I think he should have made it (at RSL)," he said, "but it's up to the coaching staff."

Ziadie said he may consider coaching, but for now will continue to play recreational football with his older brothers Chris and Nick, who have both represented Jamaica before. The three are sons of the late Dennis Ziadie, who also played professional football in the U.S. and represented Jamaica. He died in a road crash in Mexico while attending the World Cup in 1986.

Craig Ziadie, who began duties with the Reggae Boyz in 2002 after spending some time deciding whether to play for Jamaica or make himself available for the US, earned praise for being a smart player with composed, clinical performances, although he was criticised for lack of pace. He made more than 20 appearances for Jamaica, including the failed 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Ziadie admitted he would consider playing professionally again, but only if the situation is right. Miami FC, which plays in the US 'A' League, a notch below the MLS, but close enough to Ziadie's home, is tempting.

"It would be a lot more convenient for me since I live here," he said. "The 'A' League season is not that long and they don't travel that much.

"You can never say never," Ziadie mused, "but we'll see."

Africa is said to be a place full of various mineral resources which are needed all over the world. Yet, every day we see and hear, via the media, of Africans maiming and killing each other with guns which they don't make. This leaves to wonder if this maiming and killing is a black thing or there is some anti-black force agitating such actions. I am trying to paint a picture equating Jamaica with Africa because Jamaica is a tropical island with few minerals. It is inhabited by black people in the majority and I see and hear the Negroes killing and maiming themselves just the same way as our kindred in Africa, using guns we, too, don't make. It's bleeding my heart thinking I am marked for death at the hands of another black brother or sister for just being me

Energy and Entertainment go hand in hand with Magnum

By: Elizabeth Smith

The force of 'Magnum Follow Di Arrow' will hit James Bond Beach on Saturday, March 1st, bringing a tradition of collaborating for the development of authentic Jamaican culture to its 2008 climax. Boasting the best line-up in its eight year history, the Magnum Tonic Wine endorsed annual show will deliver on its commitment to provide quality, top class entertainment to the masses.

A barrage of veterans and current hit-makers are billed for 2008, with The Alliance Crew as headlining acts. Headed by Grung Gad Bounty Killer, Alliance will undoubtedly bright up the night as the Killer will be supported by: Mr. Gully Side Mavado, Wayne Marshall, Busy Signal, Bling Dawg and Bad Boy recording artist Elephant Man. The show will also feature Assassin who is riding high with the recent release of his "Gully Sittin" Album, Ninja Man, Mr Vegas, Bugle, Warrior King, Macka Diamond, Anthony B and the ever tempting Lady Saw.

Brazil is the land of the football. There is great controversy about who is the real inventor of the football. Some say it was the Chinese and others say it was the English. It is obvious that the English established the rules and made the football entrenched as a real sport. Now it is the most watched and played sport on our planet.

But what most people don't realise is that the Brazilians discovered the way to make football more beautiful and more enjoyable. The Brazilians don't only focus on the results of the game but even more the way we win the games.

The Brazilians are more than footballs fans; they are fanatical about football.

There is a quotation that says you can change what you want but nobody can chance his heart on a football game in Brazil. It is serious business.

There is only one way to understand this reality. Come here(Brazil) and live some days and experience this national love for football. Further, as the economy becomes strong in the country, players and coaches are receiving better salaries and in the near future, the best ones will not leave the country again to play in Europe. The clubs are more organised than before and the infrastructure has everything that a player needs to perform well. The professionals are more qualified and the expertise is more and more available to everyone who wants to work in football.

The Jamaican players will be impressed when they see for themselves the way the Brazilians play. It is different and unique. They control the opponent by the quality passes and the velocity they give to the ball. They will see that the ball is used as a decoy. If they want to attack you by right flank, they will work with the ball on the left, affecting your balance and suddenly strike your team by the right flank or side.

Bullfighters

The Brazilians work like a bullfighters in the arena, they don't take a gun and kill the bull right away. They play with the bull and make the bull dance and make the fans enjoy the bullfight. (Always my daughter asks me to make it clear that we are not in favour of animals suffering, it is only a example to make my point!)

So for the players, it will be a learning experience that they will not forget. To watch on television is one thing, to see it live and learn from it is another. It will also help build character as individuals and as team members, being away from home, playing games, being in camp, getting to know one another.

On this trip, others will also benefit too. The JFF administrators and technical people will have the opportunity to observe and visit a training centre and football academy.

Broadening experience

The development of the local players and the broadening of their experience is very important for them to become better players for their clubs and for the country and then to become international players. After playing and camping in Brazil, playing in another country will not scare them as much. I felt that in the '90s also.

May God help us and the players that everything works well for Jamaica.

BOYS' TOWN and Arnett Gardens, Sunday's biggest movers in the Cash Plus Premier League, registering 2-0 and 4-0 victories respectively, face leaders Portmore United and third-place Waterhouse in blockbuster third round-games tomorrow afternoon.

Boys' Town and Portmore played to 0-0 draws in the first two rounds. However, Waterhouse hold bragging rights over Arnett after their 2-1 second round win was followed by a stinging 90th minute 1-0 victory over their sworn rivals in the Corporate Area Jackie Bell knockout semi-final.

To make matters worse, it was an Arnett defector, Leon Strickland, who knocked the wind out of his old team seconds before the final whistle at Harbour View.

Arnett Gardens coach, Jerome Waite, who has not lost a Premiership match since rescuing the Junglists from Max Straw after a 2-1 loss at then last-place Village, yesterday made it clear home advantage will be a big factor tomorrow, starting at 5:00 p.m.

"Waterhouse are a very good team but they will be in the Jungle and we're hoping to do what we did in our last game, score goals," said Waite, whose team took apart promoted Sporting Central on the road to jump from 10th to eighth in the standings.

Waterhouse rallied from behind to draw 1-1 with Portmore at home on Sunday to stay third on 37 points.

However, with Boys' Town breathing down their necks in fourth position on 35 points, the men from Drewsland badly need a win to get closer to second-place Tivoli on 43 and Portmore 44.

Strickland can expect a hostile reception from the Arnett fans, who don't take kindly to one of their own playing elsewhere. In addition, his stoppage time heroics at harbour View is still fresh in his former teammates' minds.

Waterhouse, similar to Arnett had their fortunes reversed by a returning championship coach, Wayne Fairclough, who has a mean midfield in a 3-2-4-1 formation but has been playing Russian roulette on the flanks, giving defensive midfielders the duty to break wide when out of possession.

Arnett flourish in a 4-3-3 attack with Onandi Lowe at centre forward and Horace Sharpe at left wing.

On target

Both were on target against Sporting Central in addition to Fabian Davis, whose free kicks bothered Waterhouse for the entire 90 minutes of their Jackie Bell semi-final.

It will be another match with end-to-end action, which Waite hopes will help push his team into the top six.

"We know we're out of position as far as catching the leaders are concerned," said the Arnett coach with back-to-back Premiership titles under his belt.

"Reaching the top six can give us a shot at the title but we're not even thinking about the title now," he added.

Meanwhile, Portmore coach Linval Dixon said he isn't taking Boys' Town lightly after goalless draws in the first two rounds.

"Boy's Town are tough customers. We played them twice, 0-0 draws. They have quality players and defend well. They never stop running. That's the nature of Boys' Town and we're not taking anything for granted.

"We're getting ourselves ready for this challenge," said Dixon, pointing out that a 7:00 p.m. start should have his team nicely freshened.

"It has made a big difference," he said referring to the newly installed lights at Ferdie Neita Park.

"The sun tends to drain us but when its cooler we don't stop running. That last game against Sporting Central was good," he pointed out, referring to the team's first home game under lights, which they won handily, putting away their rivals 3-1.

However, Boys' Town have been revived by striker George Vernal, who banged in a cracker against Seba before nodding in their second for a 2-0 win on Sunday.

In other games, second-place Tivoli, not the best road team in the league, travel to Montego Bay with 2-1 and 2-0 victories over seventh-place Seba, who will be plotting an ambush at Jarrett Park.

Tivoli beat August Town 2-0 on Sunday but Seba are dangerous at home and cannot be discounted.

Defending champions Harbour View, a point behind Boys' Town in fifth place, were extended by Reno in a 2-2 draw in St Elizabeth on Sunday but should get the nod over 11th place but improving Village at Compound.

Sixth-place St Georges should take out last-place August Town at the University of the West Indies and whereas ninth and 10th-place teams Sporting Central and Reno could go either way at Brancourt.

Games On

Sporting Central vs Reno at 3:30

August Town vs St. Georges at 3:30

Seba vs Tivoli Gardens at

Arnett Gardens vs Waterhouse at 5 p.m. Harbour View vs Village at 6:30

A DAD will go on trial today accused of murdering his four-year-old son and the attempted murder of his teenage daughter.

Christopher Hawkins, 47, pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing to killing his son Ryan at his home in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, on Septe****er 23 last year.

He also denied the attempted murder of 14-year-old Donna Hawkins on the same day.

Ryan, who had just celebrated his fourth birthday, was found with nine stab wounds and was pronounced dead at hospital.

Donna suffered 23 stab wounds but survived the attack.

The trial, at Leeds Crown Court, is expected to last over a week.

so after we deh way a country a james bond beach
rhianna she now haffi show up her ignorance
and i quote...
I LOVE JAMAICA
AND IT GIVES ME MUCH PLEASURE
TO BE RIGHT HERE
IN KINGSTON JAMAICA!!

a di mos boo mi ever hear to raahtid...
hahahahaha

afta dat she sing like the star she is tho....

Last week one of Reggae luminaries struck his final note making it a sad day for his many fans all over the world.

Joe Gibbs died of heart attack at University Hospital of the West Indies from a heart attack at age 65.

He leaves behind a rich legacy that not only impacted Jamaica, but indeed the whole world.

Born in Montego Bay in 1943, Gibbs left Jamaica to train as an engineer in the US. After some time spent in the United States as an electronic engineer, Gibbs went back to Kingston, and opened a repair TV shop at 32 Beeston Street where he soon started to sell records. The fast growth of the local music scene encouraged him to be more involved in the business, and in 1967 he started to record some artists in the back of his shop with a two-track tape machine and the already established Lee Perry who had just ended his association with Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. In 1968, with the help of Bunny Lee, he launched his Amalgamated label, and had his first success with one of the earliest rock steady tunes, Roy Shirley's "Hold Them".

Gasoline is expensive, but air is free! At least, for now... That will all change when our cars run on air and the evil air companies arise to form an empire that hoards this precious gas.

Zero Pollution Motors wants us all to drive cars that run entirely on air. They have no harmful emissions and probably top out at 15 mph.

They hope to release the vehicle in 2009 or 2010. Hybrids will become a thing of the past. Yuppies will all be driving these air cars and your hybrid won't be green enough.

Check out a video of this car in action hosted by a friendly Aussie after the jump.

Here's a vid too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmqpGZv0YT4

The No Joke Entertainment and VP Records "Education is No Joke" School tour continued to blaze a trail last week with some of Jamaica's top entertainers visiting their Alma Maters. The main aim of the "Education Is No Joke" school tour is to sensitize students as to the importance of a good education and motivate them to adopt positive lifestyles. With the help of sponsors such as Arctic Ice, the tour has been reuniting some of Jamaica's most popular artistes with their Alma Maters and the impact has been phenomenal.

International dancehall star and Jamaican recording artist Sean Paul, visited his former high school, Wolmer's Boys on Tuesday February 19th and based on reports from students and teachers, the visit was a hit. Sean Paul disembarked the Infinity Tours bus and received a good welcome from the Wolmer's family; he focused his talk to the boys on the importance of a good education. At Wolmer's Sean Paul presented himself as a father figure instilled in the boys the importance of respecting each other. Students had numerous questions for the artiste and Sean answered them with maturity and showed his immense knowledge of the current issues affecting the students.

At Wolmer's Sean maintained the theme of the Wysinco and Logostich sponsored "Education is No Joke" School Tour and emphasized that without a good education there can be no real success. Sean Paul throughout his talk to the boys at Wolmer's credited his success to the good foundation he received at Wolmer's; he emphasized the importance of good values and politeness as keys to success. To top off his visit to his old school, Sean Paul gave prizes to the most improved students, signed autographs and posed for pictures with some of his young fans.

"We are very happy that Sean Paul took time out to talk to us today. This shows us that he cares about his young fans and that he understands the importance of education" A student for Wolmer's

The No Joke entertainment "Education is no Joke" School tour has over the past two weeks been bringing some of Jamaica's best known role models who have maintained a positive image in the music to influence students in a positive way. In this light the Cooyah and Hype TV supported tour co-opted the help of Voicemail to deliver their positive message to three schools. On Wednesday February 20 Craig visited his old school Jamaica College, O'Neil dropped by Kingston College and Kevin gave his talk at Calabar High.

Voicemail commended the boys of all three schools on their successes in academics and sports but maintained that this good trend must continue. Voicemail also focused on the need for unity between all three schools and stated that recent incidents between students from the three schools were not positive and put the institutions in a bad light. They stated that even though all members of Voicemail were from different schools they came together to do something positive.

"We came together and created something positive even though we are all from three traditional rivals. In the end it does not matter which school you are from, you still have work with people from different walks of life to be successful" O'Neil Edwards, Voicemail Member.

The Education is no Joke School ends this week with visits two schools from the corporate area. The tour over the past three weeks has been working hard to fulfil its mandate of bringing a positive message to the young fans of the music. The "Education is No Joke" tour has also been able to lift the spirits of the students by facilitating the surprise visits of some of their favourite artistes and role models.

The "Education is No Joke" school tour has been a tremendous success. We have received a great response from the schools we have visited and so far we believe we have made a positive impact on the students.  With the help of our sponsors  who include Island Grill, Western Sports and All Signs we will be continuing the positive message as we feel this will uplift the student and make the school environment more wholesome" Mario Lazarre, CEO No Joke Entertainment.

The first ever staging of the Reggae Academy Awards was written in the history books of entertainment and many of our local talents were on hand to witness the event as it unfolded including MZJA.com

The show which officially began at 8:00pm had all the makings of a memorable event, staged at the National Indoor Sports Center in Kingston. The facility played host to a modest crowd of Dignitaries, Goverment officials, celebrities and the common folk. Some of the more noticeable public figures in attendance were, Priminister of Jamaica the Most Honourable Bruce Golding, Minister Olivia Babsy Grange, Mega actress Grace Jones, music extraordinaire Chris Blackwell, Ernie Ranglin, African superstar Idibi 2Face, Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Ziggy Marley, Shaggy, Miss Jamaica World 2007 Yendi Phillips amongst others.

Members of the media were also out in their numbers and could be seen throughout the entire night hovering across the floor in an effort to get that perfect shot.

The night saw several big performances from the likes of Marcia Griffith with the undying classic 'Electric Boogie', The energy God himself Elephant Man with his rendition of the popular street dance 'Gully Creeper' complemented by a group of dancers. Assassin had the ladies coming from everything even jumping from a bike back onto stage. Harry Toddler also known as the Blond Ras reminded the audience to 'Don't Run In' dressed in a earth tone ensemble. Other performers included, Wayne Marshall, Voicemail, Diana King, Toots Hibbert, Demarco, CeCile, Macka Diamond and Stephen Marley.

Even though this could be considered somewhat a milestone/memorable event there are still a few misses faces normally seen on the entertainment circuit. Those missing in action included the Warlord himself, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Aidonia Ninja Man, Sean Paul, Beres Hammond, Munga Honourable just to name a few.

One of the nights biggest surprise came in the category of 'Producer Of The Year' with nominees such as Don Corleone, Stephen McGregor, Christopher Birch and dark horse Stephen Marley, with the coveted award going to the latter, many had tipped either Don Corleone of Stephen McGregor to have taken home the prize.

WINNERS IN ALL CATEGORIES FOR THE REGGAE ACADEMY AWARDS 2008

Best Reggae Song - 'Shes Royal - Omar Riley' (Songwriters Award)

Best Solo Male Vocal Performance - 'Shes Royal - Tarrus Riley '

Best Solo Female Reggae Vocal ' Roots - Etana' (Performance)

Best Reggae Album 'Mind Control Stephen Marley'

Best Instrumental Recording or Album - 'Making Notes Robbie Lyn'

Best Solo Male Dancehall Vocal - 'Nah Go A Jail Busy Signal'

Best Female Dancehall Vocal - 'Chat To Me Back Lady Saw'

Best Dancehall Vocal Performance - ' Love Is Wicked Brick and Lace' (Duo, Group)

Best Dancehall Album - 'Intoxication Shaggy'

Best Dancehall Video - 'Church Heathen Remix Jay Will'

Breakthrough Reggae Artist - 'Tarrus Riley'

Best Dancehall Riddim - 'Tremor Stephen McGregor'

Best Gospel Album - 'Prodigal Son Prodigal Son'

Best Gospel Song - 'Cant Stop Now - (Songwriters Award) Kemoy Rowe, William Barclay and Courick Clarke'

Best Music Producer - 'Stephen Marley'

Best International Reggae/Dancehall - 'Collie Buddz'

Best Reggae Compilation Album - 'Jamdown Riddim Driven Delmar'

(Executive Producers Award) Drummond/Danger zone

Best Reggae Video Shes Royal Rupert Campbell (Video Directors Award)

Best Reggae Recording Shes Royal Romel Marshall (Engineers Award)

Best Reggae Vocal Performance On My Mind DaVille & Sean Paul

 

Duo, Group, Collaboration

Best Dub Recording or Album Live As One Album Zion Train

Breakthrough Dancehall Artist Munga Honourable

Best Reggae Riddim Guardian Angel Arif Cooper/Fresh Ear (Producers Award)

Best Dancehall Song Nah Go A Jail Again Reanno Gordon (Songwriters Award)

Best Dancehall Compilation two Tremor Riddim Driven Stephen McGregor/ Big Ship Music (Executive Producers Award)

Best Dancehall Recording One Loaf a Bread Damian Marley (Engineers Award)

Best Solo Male Vocal Gospel This Place Prodigal Son

Performance

Best Solo Female Gospel Pray For Peace Chevelle Franklyn

Performance

Best Vocal Gospel Performance Ketch A Fyah Prodigal Son and Jason

By a Group, Duo or Collaboration Mighty

Best Gospel Music Video Gully People Supen Andrew Grey (Video Directors Award)

Most Popular Song Shes Royal Tarrus Riley (Peoples Choice Award)

Most Popular Artiste Beenie Man

Special Awardees

Reggae Trailblazer Award Chris Blackwell

Reggae Legend Award Ernie Ranglin

Reggae Icon Award Bob Marley

1. empire
2. fagan
3. alliance

me nore the art a war old but still who u think murder it?
 
and out each crew which artiste represnt more for dem crew

A teenage girl from Argentina has given birth to female triplets - for the second time.

 

Named only as Pamela, the girl had her first set of female triplets aged just 15, giving birth to the second set a year later.

As she gave birth to a son when she was just 14, that means young Pamela is now a mother seven times over, all before her seventeenth birthday. All seven children were born prematurely but without any kind of fertility treatment.

While doctors say the three newborns and their mother are well, the case has sparked debate across Argentina, the BBC has reported.

In bars, cafes, and newspapers, there has been widespread criticism of Pamela's alleged promiscuity.

Her family already receives help from the provincial authorities, which donated land and built them a house when the first set of triplets was born.

But some Argentines are arguing that perhaps what Pamela needs is not financial help but more advice on contraception.

Pamela's mother, who cleans houses to support her daughter, says they will now seek more assistance from the government.

The teenager - who will be 17 on Monday - comes from the remote town of Leones in the central Argentine province of Cordoba.

A plane believed to have been transporting large quantities of ganja crashed in mangroves near the Rocky Point port in Clarendon yesterday, police said. The plane crashed about 5 a.m. between Salt River and Mitchell Town, some 500 metres from its intended destination at the port. No one was found near the wreckage. The Lionel Town police received a call about 7 a.m. that an explosion was heard and smoke was seen coming from mangroves near the port. As the police approached the area, men were seen running but attempts to catch them were futile. Police say the plane was razed; however, four packages of compressed ganja, which were partially burnt, were found near the wreckage. During a further search of the mangroves, 16 more packages were found, each having an estimated weight of 2.5kg. Police believe most of the ganja, saved before it went into flames, might be hidden in the Salt River area. Several homes in the community were searched but nothing was found. Senior policemen on the scene theorised that the pilot attempted to land the plane on a private thoroughfare, which Jamalco uses, but got into difficulties and crashed into the mangroves. Residents told THE STAR the roadway is used as a landing area for ganja planes and the drugs loaded on to boats at the port. "This is nothing new to us as it is not the first time ganja plane lands here, and this is how a lot of drugs leave the Island," one resident said.