A 19-year-old St Catherine man accused of killing another man he claimed was making homosexual advances at him was remanded in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Theodore West of McCook's Pen was charged after the body of Samuel Hardware, 40, also of McCook's Pen, was found in the back of his yard with several stab wounds. The dead man was clad in a pair of jeans belonging to West, the court heard.

West, who is charged with murder, was remanded by Senior Resident Magistrate Marcia Dunbar-Green after he told the court he had no legal representation. He returns to court on January 6. He pleaded not guilty.

Allegations are that on November 16, Hardware's body was found at the rear of West's yard. Investigation by the St Catherine North Homicide Unit resulted in West being arrested. He reportedly gave a confession to the police that the deceased made sexual advances towards him.

The court heard that in the confession, West said that Hardware came to his house half-nude and told him to ''tek off yu clothes". He said Hardware rushed towards him and tried to overpower him.

It was further heard that West picked up an ice pick and stabbed Hardware repeatedly. He died on the spot. His body was later found clad in a pair of West's jeans.

Scheduled as a day party that began at 2 p.m., Fashion Beach: Beads and Bangles proved to be a super party experience despite the extremely late arrival of patrons.

The venue was all set, the music was pumping, bars well stocked and food stalls with pan chicken, soups etc, but one thing was absent - the patrons. The Star team arrived minutes after eight to an empty but ideally situated Coruba Beach venue in Portmore, St Catherine. In the centre of the wooden-built venue, was a black stage where a number of promo girls were gyrating to the musical selection of the deejays.

Even up until minutes after 11 the venue was still scanty with patrons. However, the promoter could not have been blamed as everything was up to par. The patrons, many of whom were completely decked out in Drenz gear were the ones that decided to flock the venue at minutes after 12 when the party should have been ending causing it to go well over 5 a.m. During the earlier hours, the deejay did his best to work the patrons that were present.

Soca, dancehall, R&B were drawn from his repertoire to the delight of the few that were scattered across the venue, causing the ladies to gyrate their waistlines holding the attention of their male counterparts, all in an effort to collect the most beads to win the cash prize at the end of the night.Persons anxiously awaited the fashion-show segment which commenced at about 1 a.m.

Also on hand was the 'paparazzi booth' hosted by Intense host Pepita, where the most fashionable people on the beach were given chances to go in and be interviewed.

As promised by promoter Richie of Drenz Fashions, fashion did play a major role in the party as patrons, while enjoying music from ZJ Ice, ZJ Wah Wa, JJ Wizzle and Rockwildaz selectors, also enjoyed the fashion show that was going on throughout the event. The show featured designs from Balla Shawn, Sassy Couture and A Wah Suh. To top off the night's festivities, Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall favourite, Tanto Blacks gave a crowd pleasing performance with his usual eccentric persona.

Dancehall artiste Baby Chris is all smiles after his recent tour of England. The artiste did several shows in cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and London, performing alongside I-Octane and I Wayne.

"Is a good look because we seh mama a di best woman, and the English people really love that song. The whole concept and message in the song Best Woman, dem loving it. All the song What Did I Do on Seanizzle Split Personality rhythm dem connect with," said Baby Chris.

"While over there mi even get an award, mi get it for best comeback artiste, that was at the Crystal Blue 11th Anniversary Awards in Brixton, London," added Chris.

He premiered the video for What Did I Do, which was shot in London last week on Hype and RE TV.

His main focus at the moment he said, is completing his latest set of songs which are to be released soon.

"Wi just inna di studio as usual a do the work enuh. Wi have two new singles for Seanizzle weh soon come out, the follow up for What Did I Do called, Girl I Love You, and Born Swag on Seanizzle new rhythm. Now that wi back in the country, wi just a tek on di road with promotion" he said.

Baby Chris is booked to perform at Pepsi Teen Splash, and is in the process of finalising a few other stage show dates.

It took Razz and Biggy's ingenuity to bridge the divide that was at SPLIT, held at The Academy, Red Hills Road, on Sunday evening.

DJ Rickochey was the selector who got the party started. Code Red played a slew of hip hop songs for people scattered across the huge venue. Blade, who is part of the sound system, interacted with the women, dancing under the sprinklers in the middle of the venue dancing.

While song selection was decent, patrons lined the sides of the venue and were barely dancing. However, Biggy came off the selector stage and walked across what he said seemed like a big football field in the middle of the party. He said the party seemed as if "it split inna two", and encouraged the patrons to go on one side of the venue, and they complied.

In a split second, there was more energy and people were dancing. He played some hip hop songs before jumping into dancehall songs like Aidonia's Bad People and Mavado's Mad Ova.

There was also a competition on the dance floor among the women when Spice and Pamputae's Fluffy vs Slim was played.

 

slow start

Deadline Sound took over but got off to a slow start. Eventually, they got people dancing to Ding Dong's Bad Man Forward and Elephant Man's Crazy Hype. Weed songs like I-Octane's Puff It and Vybz Kartel's Send On got huge 'forwards'. While the sound selected popular songs, there were huge flaws in their mixing.

Fire Bling, who took the controls later, was even poorer at mixing and his song selection was all over the place. Although Biggy and Code Red collaborated later, there was very little they could do to bring back the energy to the party, as many people had left by then.

A child, who was close to being two years old, died yesterday after accidentally drinking a bottle of poison that was left on the floor of a storeroom by his grandfather at their home in Town Head,Westmoreland.

THE STAR was informed that the incident took place around 11:30 a.m. when the infant's grandfather left the bottle of poisonous chemical unattended for a short while as he went outside to retrieve a spray can.

Upon his return, he saw the infant drinking from the bottle and he was taken to the Savannah-la-Mar Hospital. The boy, however, died before he got there.

"Sumthing mix up wid spray for duck ants that the pickney drink," a woman who was at the hospital at the time of the infant's arrival told THE STAR.

Information received indicated that the infant's grandfather might have been preparing a mixture of poison with the intention of using it to kill the ants.

It was then that the infant moved towards the poison under the impression that it was a drink as it was in a beverage bottle familiar to him. It apparently had a colour similar to one of his favourite drinks.

After drinking the poison, the infant then reportedly lost consciousness and his family members tried to revive him. However, after their effort failed he was taken to the hospital but it was too late.

THE STAR also understands that the infant's grandfather fainted after his death.

"After the grandfather hear seh the little pickney dead ... him drop down and dem did affi rush him in a wheelchair," the woman also explained.

Up to press time last night, checks by THE STAR to find out the type of poison consumed by the boy was unsuccessful.

The Constabulary Communications Network confirmed the incident.

A curfew has been imposed in sections of the community of Granville in St James Division beginning at 5:00 pm today. It will remain in effect until 5:00 pm tomorrow.

The boundaries of the curfew are as follows:

NORTH Along an imaginary line from Gutt Bottom to Fuller;

SOUTH Along Gordon Crescent from an imaginary line to Granville Drive;

EAST Along Granville Drive from Chambers Lane to Gutt Bottom;

WEST Along an imaginary line from Fuller to Gordon Crescent.

During the hours of the curfew persons within its boundaries are required to remain within their premises unless otherwise authorised in writing by a member of the security forces, who is in charge of enforcing the curfew.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Curfew-in-Granville--St-James#ixzz16oyZhYLu

NASSAU, Bahamas The Bahamas is reporting a record number of killings that the government blames on a rise in drug trafficking.

The island chain just east of Florida has seen 88 killings this year, one more than the slayings reported for all of 2009.

Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham says many of the killings involve turf wars linked to the drug trade.

He told Parliament late Monday that he anticipates increasing the amount of time suspects can held in jail without being granted bail.

More than 300,000 people live in the Bahamas.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Bahamas-reports-record-killings--blames-drugs#ixzz16oyB14pp

RESPONDING to a story published in the Sunday Observer this weekend, the Ministry of Health is denying that the ambulance service is in a shambles and says that it has began the procurement process to purchase 25 ambulances for the public health sector.

The procurement will increase the current number of ambulances in service, in addition to replacing the 14 that have been written off.

Five repaired Mercedes Benz ambulances have been collected by the Western, Northeast, South East and Southern Regional health authorities over the past week, said the ministry in a statement today. The ministry chided the Northeast Region for not collecting its unit, which it said was ready since early September.

The Ministry has over the years sought to enhance its fleet of ambulances and in fact made a significant purchase of 40 ambulances for over US$1.46 million with a three year service contract valued at US$521,000. These ambulances were purchased under the Cricket World Cup Project, said health minister Rudyard Spencer.

Between January to May 2010, 4577 emergency calls were received and 4340 emergency responses made.

The total number of patients that required transfers between health institutions during the period was 11920. In this regard, the number of transfers done by ambulances was 11,344 with a ratio of one patient per transfer.

"What this data has shown is that despite the challenges faced with the inadequacy of the fleet, the public health sector has been able to respond reasonably well to the demands of the public. In fact, our response rate is over 95 per cent. While we strive for a perfect score, the figure does not indicate as is being posited by an article in the media that the ambulance service 'is in shambles," said the ministry, responding

The ministry added that it would continue to ensure vehicles currently in the repair shop will return to service as quickly as possible. It is also exploring other options including public/private arrangements.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Gov-t-buying-25-new-ambulances#ixzz16oxh0gEu

THE mother of a woman who was brutally slain on Pennant Terrace in St Andrew last month has been charged by homicide detectives from the Major Investigative Task Force for conspiracy to murder her daughter.

Two other men, including the driver of the taxi have also been charged in connection with the double murder.

The woman's daughter was one of two females who were ordered out of the taxi and shot dead near the intersection of Pennant Terrace and Red Hills Road. The mother was also in the taxi but was unharmed.

The taxi driver and the mother told police that the vehicle was commandeered by two gunmen who ordered them to drive to Pennant Terrace before shooting the women.

However homicide detectives, after interviewing the woman and the driver, found their version of the event to be questionable and took them into custody. A third man has since been arrested.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Mother-charged-for-conspiracy-to-murder-daughter#ixzz16oxIz1UL

IS RIHANNA GOING TOO FAR!!! SHE APPEARS TO HAVE AN ORGASM ON STAGE!!! (PICS OF RIHANNA GOING IN)

According to a number of MTO Readers who were at Rihanna's latest performance in Paris, Rihanna simulated (or at least we THINK it was simulated) having an ORGASM on stage.

And yes . . . there were CHILDREN in the audience . .

Popcaan ah shoot a new video again this morning, this time fi Gangsta City. Mi no know, Papi, the ting amp up, two videos inna two weeks, the career ah shot. And now mi a hear say yu ah go perform wid Nicky Minaj inna the
Bahamas inna December. The scheme tun up!!!!

Beenie Man a chieftain over in Sierra Leone, the man ah go hard over de, him help auction off Didier Drogba boots fi charity, and him do two performances inna South Africa, live inna Johanessburg on November 25th, the show sell off, then him mash up Cape Town at the Blue Downs Stadium last Saturday. Him ah come back a Jamaica tomorrow and then immediately ah fly go Canada, the man ting amp up.

Up to late last night police in Portmore, St Catherine, were searching for one of two men who shot and injured two people in the municipality yesterday and escaped on a motorcycle.

His accomplice was captured by the St Catherine North police minutes after the incident during a high-speed chase which ended in Spanish Town after the police received a call from their counterparts in Portmore.

Reports reaching THE STAR are that about 2:45 p.m., two persons were standing at their gate in 8 West, Greater Portmore, when a motorcycle with two men pulled up.

The pillion rider is said to have pulled a gun from his waist and started shooting, hitting the two.

They drove away on the bike but it was accosted by police. This resulted in a chase, which ended after the driver of the bike lost control and crashed. It is said that the driver, managed to escape, however, the other man was held by the cops.

A pistol believed to have been used in the earlier incident was seized. The arrested man's name has been withheld pending further investigation.

A DVD vendor who claimed that he was doing business for a Corporate Area senior cop was fined $4,000 or 20 days for exposing goods in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court recently.

The accused, Dean McLaughin, was charged with exposing goods for sale and breaching the Copyright Act.

However, the charge of breaching the Copyright Act was later withdrawn.

The arresting officer, Sergeant Stanford Riley, told the court that the accused was seen selling 'bootleg' dvds on Constant Spring Road on the day of the incident.

According to the sergeant, he and two other constables had devised a plan of approach to apprehend the accused, however, the accused became aware and he and another man later ran and they gave chase.

 

senior cop

The sergeant then told the court that when the the accused was held he told him that he was selling the DVDs on behalf of a senior cop.

However, the accused clarified to the court that when he made that remark to the sergeant, it was in regards to other duties which he did for the cop which was, "to gather information in the street ... It was not for any dvd business."

The accused also told the court that the DVDs did not belong to him and he was actually standing in proximity to them 'minding his own business' as he waited on someone.

He also explained to the court that he had witnesses but they were absent when the matter was heard.

The sergeant, however, mentioned to the court that the witnesses had not showed up for previous dates either.

The accused then replied that, " sometimes you tell people to do things and they don't want to come,".

A total of 160 DVDs and 95 empty cases were reportedly confiscated on the day of the incident.

Musician Alfred McCalla from Kingston is the fourth lucky winner of J$1 million in the Clarorific Christmas promotion. He has been a loyal customer of Claro for the past two years and believes they are the most affordable network.

"Just last night I was speaking with my friends, who are on other networks, and told them to get a Claro phone. I receive bonus credit and can roll over my minutes and I can always keep in touch with my friends and family," McCalla said.

McCalla received the call on November 23 while sharing dinner with his daughter; he reluctantly accepted the call from media manager at Claro, Latoy Williams. McCalla later found out that the call was indeed real and he was the fourth weekly winner of the Clarorific Christmas promotion.

Most winners of a million dollars express their enthusiasm to achieve a dream, but not McCalla; he hopes to share his winnings with his close friends and his family. He looks forward to giving as much he can to help those who need it most.

Claro's Events and Promotions Manager, Andrew Balbour, presented the million- dollar cheque to the happy winner at the company's head office in New Kingston on November 24. The Clarorific Christmas campaign offers a total of $20 million in cash prize to Claro subscribers. There will be 10 weekly winners of $1 million and one mega-prize winner of $10 million.

There is some uncertainty as to whether deejay Vybz Kartel will be at Sting this Boxing Day on December 26.

Launched at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel last week, Sting promoter Isaiah Laing of Supreme Promotions announced Kartel to be a part of the 'Warriors' category, which includes Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, at the 27th staging of the event at Jam World in Portmore, St Catherine. However, when THE STAR spoke to the deejay yesterday he said he will not be attending the event this year.

He said, "No one has approached me, much less paid a deposit but yet I see myself on a poster at the Sting launch. How presumptuous of Supreme (Promotions). No Gaza artiste will be performing at Sting anyway. We are doing South America again because apparently they can't get enough of the Gaza government."

Laing, however, says differently. According to Laing he spoke to the deejay last week and commented, "he'll be there, don't worry."

 

no advertised clashes

Laing

Kartel has been a controversial performer at Sting since his on-stage fight with veteran deejay Ninja Man years ago. In 2008, he and singjay Mavado made headlines when they lyrically clashed at one of the largest Sting crowds yet. Last year, anticipation was active for a lyrical battle between him and former mentor Bounty Killer which did not take place.

This year, Sting embraced a new main partner, telecommunications company LIME and has no advertised clashes, which it has made its name on, but rather will be focusing on performances. In the 'Warriors' segment Bounty Killer and Beenie Man will be joined by Etana, Khago, I-Octane among others.

Other segments include the 13 'Bad Girls' include the 'Bad Gyal' Ce'Cile, Lisa Hyper, D'Angel, Ikaya, Face, Pamputae and Tifa. Twin of Twins, Food Kartel, Tanto Blacks and Apache and Sarge have been charged with providing a combination of laughter and insight as the 'Sting Commentators'.

Sunshine, Bambino and Liquid are designated 'Sting Disc Jocks', with Nesbeth, Zamunda, Cush Hunta, Charlie Blacks and supposedly Shawn Storm and Popcaan among those in the 'Spotlight' segment.

A 71-year-old St Catherine woman is now left to go through the trauma of being raped not just once, but twice in three months.

The Bog Walk police are now working relentlessly as they try to ascertain the identity of a man who reportedly broke into the elderly woman's home before raping her last week.

According to reports, the elderly woman who lives alone was at her home near Kent Village in the parish when she was attacked.

The police say a man used a crowbar to break off a door on the woman's house and gained entry.

He then forcefully had sex with the woman several times before leaving, after which she made a report to the police who immediately launched an investigation.

Investigators are yet to link a suspect to the incident but are still trying.

Police sources informed THE STAR that the woman was also raped in August of this year.

Following intense investigations into that incident her alleged attacker was taken into custody where he remains while awaiting trial.

THE STAR heard that not a single relative of the woman can be located.

Meanwhile, residents of the community are saddened by the incident.

"Lawd it look like dem a tek a set pon di ole woman. A di second time dem rape her since year," Juliet, a resident said.

Gay and lesbian activists are planning to protest against an appearance by Jamaican performer Capleton in California on Monday night.

They say his lyrics advocate violence against them.

Capleton is scheduled to appear at a nightclub in Sacramento.

Members of Equality Action Now, a civil rights group, have called a press conference for Monday afternoon to outline plans for the protest.

The group says the club in which Capleton will be appearing first agreed to cancel the performance in response to concerns, then rescheduled it after receiving e-mails from fans who were upset it had been called off.

This is the second time in a little over a month that Capleton has faced protest by a gay group in the US.

Threats of protest by gay rights activists last month forced the cancellation of a show featuring the artiste in Chicago.

According to an internet report, some persons also felt the singer's gig was inappropriate following news of a spate of young gay people committing suicide.

-- Edited by DjDouble_a (Mod) on Friday 15th of October 2010 08:10:44 AM

GRANVILLE, St James The Granville Police were forced to call in reinforcement as brazen gunmen this morning peppered the police station with bullets in retaliation for the deadly shooting of 25-year-old Leon Griffiths in the community early this morning.

The militant gunmen, who marched from a hilly section of the community, descended on the police station which they sprayed with gunshots from high-powered firearms, forcing police and civilians who were standing in close proximity to take cover.

Earlier, residents used debris which they set on fire to block several sections of the community.

Several sections of the community were cordoned off by the police.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Gunmen-shoot-up-police-station#ixzz16mifOrR2

-- Edited by DjDouble_a (Snr.Mod) on Saturday 27th of November 2010 08:41:24 PM

JamaicaFootball Federation (JFF) president captain Horace Burrell has agreed to meet the demands of Jamaica's Reggae Boyz, after the team refused to train yesterday and threatened not to take any further part in the Digicel Caribbean Cup (DCC) currently under way in Martinique, unless certain conditions were met.

The team were demanding US1200 per diem and 80 percent of the prize money should they go on to win the DCC. At a meeting on Saturday the Federation offered US500 but that was turned down, forcing a stand-off between themselves and the governing body.

The players represented by senior players Shavar Thomas, Luton Shelton, Rodolph Austin and Jermaine Taylor have insisted that the stance is one based on principle and not about the money.

The protest action they said, was on behalf of players who previously represented the nation and ended up with not much to show for it and younger local players who are perhaps badly in need of the income.

"We won't lace up our boots unless we get the full per diem and 80 percent of the win bonus," Thomas told members of the media, at a meeting at the team's hotel yesterday.

"We have often been playing underpaid and under compensated, travelling far and wide sometimes without per diem. None of us do this for the money," he said.

 

under threat

The team's participation in the tournament had been under threat from the start as the cash-strapped Federation struggled to find funds to fund the trip. However, the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) intervened and provided the JFF with $6 million, but Burrell, while thanking the SDF and the government for their intervention, explained that after having to pay for airfare, additional rooms and other expenses, enough was not left to make the US100 per diem agreed to. The President following a meeting at the hotel last night has now promised to pay the remainder from his personal funds.

"I was actually shocked when I got the news from the head of delegation that there was actually a problem. Jamaica is a poor country but a proud people, there is lot of crime and football is one of the things that leads people in another direction," Burrell told members of the media.

" If they were to drop out of the tournament it would exasperate such situations and make our people sad. I have instructed the head of delegation that from my own personal funds, I will bow to your request, for my country and I will get the money to pay the funds all of you what have requested," Burrell added.

"I am asking you all to accept my request.

I am doing this in the interest of Jamaica, if we were to strike and not play that would cause embar****ment for the country. I will not allow Jamaica's name to be dragged through the mud. It has never happened before and I will not allow it to happen. The JFF president is not a paid position, I will not subject Jamaica to embar****ment. I will not subject Jamaica to ridicule."

Burrell also advised that the players would also be paid 80 percent of whatever is earned should they win the tournament.

 

Optimism is back in style in the automotive world. The concept cars on display during the 2010 LA Auto Show prove that automakers are again willing to take risks and push boundaries. After a couple dismal years of sales due to a global recession, manufacturers are exhibiting a renewed sense of creativity.

 

Some of the concept cars seen in Los Angeles rely on heritage to spark a new ideas for the 21st century. The aggressive-looking Audi Quattro Concept is a modern interpretation of the German company's famous all-wheel-drive sport coupes from the 1980s.

Other automakers chose to break all the rules and display cars that look ready to take flight or travel through time. The Jaguar C-X75 and Mercedes-Benz Biome concepts are not only wildly futuristic, they're absolutely gorgeous, and a sign of even more good things to come.

 

Mercedes-Benz Biome

 

Mercedes-Benz Biome This is the Mercedes-Benz you'll aspire to own in, say, 2310. The bright white concept looks like it belongs on the set of Star Trek. Yet the Biome was actually designed at the German company's design studio in Carlsbad, California. There's room for four-passengers inside, or so we're told, and the seating position is in a diamond format.

 

The best part is that Mercedes-Benz says the Biome can be grown from seeds, and not built in a traditional factory. It sounds crazy, but that's part of the fun with any dream car. Using genetically modified trees and powered by something called BioNectar4534, Mercedes-Benz says the Biome's bio-fiber cloth body would be grown organically, and on the road, the car would emit pure oxygen. The Biome reportedly would weigh only 875 lbs.

 

It will be several generations before anyone starts pondering the spec sheet for a genetically-built Mercedes like the Biome.

 

Jaguar C-X75 Concept

 

Jaguar C-X75 Concept Following its impressive Paris debut, the Jaguar C-X75 turbine-electric hybrid supercar took center stage at the LA Auto Show. While very much a concept, the C-X75 represents Jaguar's new design face for upcoming models. That's excellent news, because this is one pretty kitty.

 

Even better is the fact that all this beauty is more than skin deep.

At each wheel is an electric motor that weighs 100 pounds and provides 195 horsepower (145 kW) of power. Power for the electric motors comes from a 506-pound lithium-ion battery pack, which Jaguar claims takes a full charge in just 6 hours at 240 volts. Running only on electric power, the C-X75 will provide a driving range of 68 miles.

 

With the help of two micro gas turbines, the C-X75's range jumps to 560 miles. Jaguar claims the C-X75 can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, while top speed is reportedly 205 mph. All that turbine-generated power creates a lot of heat, as evidenced by sign at the exhaust outlets with the warning: Beware of blast.

 

Audi Quattro Concept

Audi Quattro Concept

The Audi Quattro Concept is another Paris Auto Show veteran, but that did little to dampen enthusiasm for this muscular show car. The inspiration for this sport coupe stretches back a few decades. The German automaker built the Quattro Concept to celebrate 30 years of its Quattro all-wheel drive system and the Quattro Sport that dominated rallying in the 1980s.

 

Finished in Col de Turini white paint, the Quattro Concept is powered by a compact turbocharged five-cylinder engine that puts out a whopping 408 hp and 354 ft-lbs of torque. The chassis beneath the car comes from an Audi RS 5, with its wheelbase shortened and roof lowered. To further trim weight, the two-passenger Quattro has an aluminum body and hood, plus hatch and bumpers made of carbon fiber. The car weighs just 2,866 lbs.

 

Based on the positive reactions to the Jaguar C-X75 in Paris and Los Angeles, we don't see how Audi could decide not to build the potent Quattro.

Nissan Ellure Concept

Nissan Ellure Concept
The Nissan Ellure Concept, a world debut at the LA Auto Show, is meant to bring excitement back to the sedan category while meeting consumer demands for environmentally friendly vehicles. Thankfully, the Ellure's elegant exterior and classy cabin help the car meet these high expectations. The design is expected to heavily influence the next Altima and Maxima sedan.

 

The Nissan Ellure has what the Japanese automaker refers to as "rhythmic" shapes around the body. The polished grille is aluminum and acrylic, its wing shape apparently inspired by "Kamishimo," the Samurai's formal outer coat. The headlights are LEDs, with a light ribbon adding depth to their appearance.

 

Inside, the front seats are covered with black recyclable suede fibers and feature slender acrylic seat backs. The front seat passenger can make use of an ottoman (no joke). Under the hood is Nissan's next-generation hybrid propulsion system: a supercharged 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor with lithium-ion batteries.

 

Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept

Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept
Also seen for the first time in Los Angeles, Cadillac's Urban Luxury Concept addresses the move to smaller and more fuel-efficient city cars. The exterior shape of the Urban Luxury Concept carries Cadillac's strong and instantly recognizable sharp contours of its Art & Science design philosophy. The huge 19-inch wheels are pushed to the corners of the diminutive body to create a muscular stance and maximize interior volume.

 

A large windshield, overhead skylights and see-through A-pillars aid visibility while adding a spacious feel of the interior. The Cadillac Concept accommodates four passengers, with access to the cabin handled by huge chiseled door slabs that open scissor-style.

 

The Urban Luxury Concept's powertrain is a hybrid, featuring an electrically assisted turbocharged 1-liter inline-three-cylinder paired to a dual-cl**tch transmission. An engine start-stop function and regenerative braking help nudge the fuel economy to a claimed 56 mpg city and 65 mpg on the highway.

 

It remains to be seen whether the Cadillac family tree has room for a vehicle like the ULC. Yet itís exciting to see the American brand combine traditional luxury with the push towards greater fuel-efficiency.

 

Mazda Shinari Concept

Mazda Shinari Concept
The LA Auto Show was the first opportunity for the public to see the handsome Mazda Shinari concept. Pictures of the car have circulated online, yet this was the fist auto show appearance for the sedan that represents the brand's new design language.

 

Traditional Mazda design elements will be retained, such as the five-point grille and the prominent front fender shape, but the four-door Shinari embodies a new dynamic that blends sharp character lines with sculpted body shapes to convey a sense of power and elegance.

Crisp character lines, sculpted body panels, and a pronounced cab rearward proportion give the Shinari a powerful appearance. The attention to detail is remarkable for a show car. The satin-finish metal trim that frames the bottom of the grille splays out through the headlamp openings. This strip seems to travel through the wheel arch and re-emerges as a side vent accent.

 

Elements of this new design might soon appear on passenger sedans like the Mazda6, as well as replacements for sporty models like the MX-5 Miata and RX-8.

 

Subaru Impreza Design Concept

Subaru Impreza Design Concept
The Subaru Impreza Design Concept is an aggressive, but familiar, outlook for the all-wheel-drive-all-the-time company. Gone are the days of the three-box Subaru, as the overall line from the front of the car, through the bottom of the A-pillar, the roof, through the C-pillar and ultimately the trunk, is smooth and continuous. The front end -- with all the character lines, headlights, fog lights and air openings -- is much sharper and more pronounced than before.

 

For a company that has sometimes struggled to find its own look, the Impreza Design Concept is a safe step towards a more lasting long-term impression. The engine is a 2-liter version of Subaru's trademark Boxer configuration flat-four motor. It's mated to a continuously variable transmission that Subaru calls Lineartronic.

 

The EyeSight system is a clever tech touch, comprised of a series of cameras located at the front of the roof. EyeSight provides for collision mitigation, and can display the feed that it sees through the in-dash video system. The cabin is filled with video panels, including one located on the lower spoke of the steering wheel.

TEN of the islands most wanted have been arrested over the last several days in what police said is a drive to intensify joint police/military operations in hotspots across the islands.

Winchroy Budhoo, superintendent in charge of operations at the Mobile Reserve, said the main aim of the latest drive which has police targeting all parishes was to bring the fight to the criminal elements who were trying to keep one step ahead of the authorities.

"Since [last] Monday over 10 wanted men have been held in a series of operations across the island," Budhoo said.

The superintendent said many of the men were held outside of the areas where they had committed their crimes. Several illegal guns have also been seized in the operations that will run for the rest of the year.

"We will not ease up the pressure in this drive," Budhoo warned, while on an operation in the St Catherine South Police Division last week.

Days earlier the police team carried out an operation in St Catherine North Police Division where gunmen shot eight persons, four fatally, in Spanish Town in an alleged rival attack between gangs in the area.

The joint police/military team have also visited sections of St James and Clarendon.

Between January to October this year, a total of 1,189 murders were reported across the island compared to 1,378 over the corresponding period last year, according to police statistics.

Police have been on high alert since the release of those statistics as a number of shootings have threatened to end the streak of four consecutive months of declining murders.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Police-pressure-wanted-men#ixzz16mG7wS00

New York, NY - (RAINE PR): Tads Records is offering music fans the ultimate Dancehall experience - a compilation of the year's biggest street anthems and radio bangers from 'Dancehall hero' Vybz Kartel. Mixed by popular Jamaican radio disc jock DJ Wayne, Clarks: De Mixtape Raw is slated to hit iTunes and other digital outlets on Friday, December 10th.

Starting off the year with the release of Pon Di Gaza 2.0, Vybz Kartel's successful double album that was released in February, Tads is looking to cap off 2010 with an EP of singles from Kartel's catalogue of local and international hits and radio favorites from 2010, including "Clarks," an ode to the British shoe giant that has become a staple in Hip Hop and Dancehall fashion with styles such as Wallabees and Desert Boots. "Clarks" remained among the top three Reggae singles garnering the most radio airplay overseas for nearly 35 weeks.

Other singles on Clarks: De Mixtape Raw include the popular street zinger "Touch a Button," "Turn and Whine," "Cake Soap," "Better Can Wuk," and the recently released "Dancehall Hero." The EP also features "Clarks Again," and "Wear Weh You Have (Clarks 3)," his two follow up songs to "Clarks" - collectively known as the 'Clarks Trilogy.'

Copy and Paste

Word out is that the most talked about artiste.. and perhaps the most despised from various factions in the Jamaican dancehall music fraternity, Vybz Kartel has gotten himself a brand new ride... no ordinary ride it is. It is said to be a S-Class Mercedes Benz the 2009 version.. and thus perhaps not brand new.
It is not certain as to whether the ride is completely paid for as yet..however bloggers are indicating..how come Kartel has his Benz and Elephants' and Bounty Killers Range Rover are still pounded!! Can the street Vybz Rum be selling that well? with a $26 million dollar price tag...and of course there is the expression that Kartel is perhaps nit investing in his kids as he ought to...
There are comments saying that the DJ does not care much for Jamaica and is deemed selfish..this was counteracted along the line that he might be the only DJ in history that employs 50 people through his Street Vybz Rum factory production. One thing is for sure is that if he got that kind of money we know that he just might invest in a cake soap and AC factory further contributing to the nations economy and his ascension from the dark into the light.

EIGHTEEN people were rushed to hospital following a three-vehicle collision along Slipe Road, Kingston this afternoon.

Police reports are that a Jamaica Urban Transit Company bus, a coaster minibus and a Toyota motorcar were involved in the collision.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/18-in-hospital-after-3-vehicle-collision#ixzz16jwOtKfJ

AN auto body repairman who attempted to smuggle 12 pounds of ganja out of the island to Trinidad and Tobago, was last week sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Garfield Belnavis, 35, of Bull Bay in St Thomas was also fined $149, 400 after he pleaded guilty to drug charges in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrates Court. He will spend an additional six months in prison if the fine is not paid.

Belnavis was arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport on November 17 after the drug was found in his luggage as he was preparing to leave for Trinidad.

Twenty-three small parcels of ganja were found in a false compartment at the top and bottom of his suitcase.

Belnavis, who was sentenced by Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey, was fined

$15,000 or six months for possession, $38,000 or six months for dealing and $96,000 or six months for taking steps to export the drug in addition to the mandatory 18-month sentence.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Auto-man-gets-18-months-for-ganja#ixzz16jwuJutl

Two brothers who are said to be reputed gang leaders and thieves from Clarendon, have left their community in fear after they reportedly had a recent fall-out after going on a robbery and ended up disagreeing over how the loot should be shared.

Investigations led to THE STAR being told that the 20-odd-year-old brothers were among a group of thugs who went on a 'mission' two weeks ago.

After arriving back to their community with the spoils, it is said that a number of the men, including the brothers got into a heated argument over the sharing of spoils which included cash and jewellery.

"Week before last di man dem go pon a mission go lick some place. Di man dem come back pon di ends now and di thing dem fi share up, but instead a pure argument start," one thug from the gang who strongly requested anonymity told THE STAR yesterday. "Dem seh money a di root of all evil and a now mi sure a dat if mi neva sure yet. A di two brother dem run di link and mi frighten fi see and hear dem a cuss ova how di thing dem fi share up."

It is said that the men were at their base while arguing and even pulled guns at each other.

THE STAR was able to get a short conversation with one of the brothers who said he had very little time to spare, and only said, "everything alright, wi naw tek no talk," before ending the phone call.

As a result, THE STAR heard that there is tension among the members of the gang and this has left residents of the small community cowering in fear.

"Everybody roun yah a fret cause dem two brother deh a some hot head eno...And fi hear seh dem a war a really something serious cause wi neva hear dat yet. Everybody roun yah know bout di incident and know seh di man dem a pree each other so everybody a fret," one 26-year-old male resident said.

"All wi can do is hope for the best right now. Everybody has their own opinion but what they are fighting over if foolishness. And it would be even more foolish for them to take it any further..They have people scared right now," one female resident also said.

Meanwhile, senior cops from the Clarendon division told THE STAR they have heard about the incident and will be investigating. "It is something I heard of and most definitely we will be looking to get all the information we can get before seeing what we can do. I won't say just how we will go about doing what we are going to do, but I can say we will be investigating," a reliable source said when contacted yesterday.

Deejay Vybz Kartel made the talk of the town this week as he profiled his brand new 2010 S-Class Mercedes-Benz estimated to value over $12 million.

THE WEEKEND STAR visited the deejay recently in Kingston where he showcased his new ride. He was unwilling to disclose the amount he paid for the vehicle; however, several websites checked by THE WEEKEND STAR estimated the vehicle to be worth more than J$12 million. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a series of large luxury sedans produced by Mercedes-Benz, a German manufacturer of cars, buses, coaches and trucks.

The deejay, who got the Benz on Monday from Carland on Old Hope Road, disclosed to THE WEEKEND STAR that the vehicle is a dream to drive. When asked why he bought this particular car, Kartel said, "yuh know is a X6 (BMW) mi buy and me and Corey (Todd) a reason and sey the X6 too common. No deejay eva own a S-Class Benz. This Benz is the flagship of the Benz's line, meaning dis a di top, top Benz."

He added, "It do everything except fly, the body can raise, it just have the whole driving experience, is like yuh a drive pon air."

 

new ride

Since getting his new ride, however, Kartel says he has been reading a lot of rumours online that the car doesn't belong to him. Setting the record straight he said, "People a sey a nuh my Benz, so wha me a deejay fa? So dis is to all di haters dem weh sey is not mine. Hate to burst your bubble but it's mine, paid for and no car payments. This is not a made in Jamaica vehicle like wha other deejays have. Me not even haffi deejay fi buy dis, me coulda sell rum and get dis."

Kartel recently returned from a trip to Suriname where he said he performed to a crowd of over 20,000 patrons. "Suriname was crazy, Kartel owns South America, dem love mi like dem love football," he said. He also recently completed the video for the Duss medley and has a number of new singles just released and to be released soon.


 

LIME.. the telecommunications company is going all out this christmas, dancehall style, to try and regain some market share in the fight against Digicel and Claro. Dancehall music seem to be the medium through which the battle has reached for the cell phone companies. The companies have used dancehall artiste to promote their products this time round. LIME has up it up a bit when they their commercial included top acts such as Mavado, Beenie Man, Cecile and Elephant Man, the company also went gaza as Vybz Kartel ft Russian straight jeans and fitted to LIME products. The other cell phone companies Digicel add features I-Octane, Tifa and Ding Dong whilst Claro is ridding high on Seanizzle's swaggarific riddim with the likes of Mr G...
Sting 2010 this year will be sponsored by LIME .. this is a big commitment by the company showing that it has confidence in Dancehall music to facilitate a mutual exchange that will help both parties, however to what extent? one does not really know.

In an op-ed piece he wrote for Newsweek, golfer Tiger Woods, whose numerous extramarital affairs were revealed nearly a year ago, wrote that his massive success in golf made him feel invincible. But now, hes learned the error of his ways. Now I know that, no matter how tough or strong we are, we all need to rely