Forum: News & Topical Issues
MONEY resulting from the playing of Jamaican music in the UK will now be sent to producers and label owners locally, following a new agreement between collecting societies aimed at increasing Jamaica's music earnings.
The agreement which was reached "a few weeks ago" involves Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS) and the UK based Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) and is part of an effort of the local body to grow its annual royalties to $10 million by 2012.
"We are very happy that this agreement has been finalised, as it will mean increased performance royalty income for our members, who have active repertoire in the UK," JAMMS general manager, Evon Mullings noted in a release yesterday. The agreement followed a series of intense negotiations as the growth of JAMMS is predicated on vastly expanding licensing activities locally, but also on earning royalties from overseas. JAMMS represents professionals which own music masters including producers, sound system and record label owners.
PPL is a major collecting society which manages the rights of 45,000 performers and 5,750 record companies since 1934. In 2009, PPL generated total distributable revenue of Ł92 million.
"The agreement with PPL will enable JAMMS members whose records are played in the United Kingdom to benefit from airplay and public performance royalties from that territory," stated the release. The agreement will be effective January 1, 2010.
"The royalty income from this agreement will however not materialise or become available until 2011, when PPL pays out royalty in respect of the 2010 period," stated the release.
JAMMS recalled that the UK has always been an important market for Jamaican music, from the time of the Millie Small's smash hit single My Boy Lollipop to Jimmy Cliff's Wonderful World, Beautiful People, to Bob Marley and the Wailers Catch A Fire album, to Shaka Demus and Pliers' Murder She Wrote, among countless others. The popularity of Jamaican music in the UK is still notable, and radio stations such as BBC 1 Extra and Choice FM are home to a number of dedicated reggae programmes.
According to head of International at PPL, Laurence Oxenbury: "PPL is keen to support the licensing efforts of JAMMS and maximise our members revenue. This agreement meets both these objectives. Furthermore, Jamaican music enjoys a great platform in the UK and we are pleased we can now offer JAMMS members and the JAMMS repertoire, a UK service".
The agreement also involves JAMMS managing the rights of PPL's vast repertoire in Jamaica. PPL currently manages performance rights for many independent record labels, many of which own popular titles which enjoy airplay in Jamaica.
"We are very pleased to conclude this contract with JAMMS," said PPL's executive director, Peter Leathem. "Jamaica has a flourishing local music market and we look to bring value and monies to their members. In addition, it is critical we increase the number of agreements we have with the music licensing companies in the Americas and Far East as well as, importantly, in the Caribbean."
JAMMS is currently pursuing similar arrangements with other foreign societies, including AVLA (Canada) and SOUND EXCHANGE (USA), to complement those it already has with other foreign collecting societies.
JAMMS was incorporated in 2006 and is a non-profit organisation established under the Copyright Act of Jamaica, to administer the intellectual property rights granted to record producers and or record companies.
The role of JAMMS is to manage the broadcasting and public performance rights of its members, through its role as a 'licensing agency/performance rights organisation. This involves the granting of licences to music users, involved in broadcasting or 'public performance' of sound recordings. This includes radio and television broadcasters, webcasters, party promoters, clubs operators, restaurants, gyms etc. All persons or entities that broadcast or publicly perform sound recordings as part of their commercial activities, require a JAMMS licence.
But apparently, scientists have recently proven that it is actually better for partners to be intimate with each other when one or both people are sick.
Swiss researcher Manfred Schedlovski says the physical activity of sex not only has a positive effect on the overall physical condition of both partners but also on their immune systems.
The reason? Cells called phagocytes that help the body rid itself of various ailments. Schedlovski found in his experiments that during and after sex, the number of phagocytes increases significantly, often doubling. This in turn enables these cells to detect and destroy antibodies more quickly which can drastically shorten the recovery time.
Further research is being conducted but his theory is gaining support among his colleagues including immunologist Peter Schleicher who shared the initial hypothesis in an interview.
look how man ah go use dat excuse fi get more pumpum
Investigations are continuing into the accidental shooting of a policeman by one of his colleagues at the Freeport Police Station barracks room on Monday night.
Reports are that about 5:30 p.m. on Monday evening, the officers were in the barracks preparing for duty, when one officer was in the process of clearing his gun. It is reported that the weapon went off accidentally and his colleague was shot in the abdomen.
The injured cop was taken to the hospital where he was admitted in serious but stable condition.
The Montego Bay CIB is investigating.
Nowadays in Thailand the Reggae/Ska scene is very popular and you will find well known artists of these styles playing in every festival around the country. It would be a mistake to think that in Thailand there is a Reggae sound system movement, as would in most countries around the world, because here it is not at all like that. Of course we will find some sound systems in Bangkok but for the most part Reggae music tends to be played by live bands only. Around the country it is easy to find many Reggae bands performing Bob Marley tunes and original Thai Reggae music.
Basically the Thai Reggae/Ska scene in Thailand can be boiled down to three major bands who are: Kai-Jo Brothers (Bangkok, Reggae/Ska/Hip-hop/Soul), T-Bone (Bangkok, Reggae/Ska/Jazz) and Job2Do (Phuket, Roots Reggae). Nowadays these artists are in all important Reggae events and they share stage in Bangkok with international artists such as Diana King, Big Mountain and Inner Circle in the last Chang World reggae 2009 or The Wailers, Ska Cubano and Little Roy in Smiley Fest 2009.
Lets talk about these three bands. To start with, Kai-Jo Brothers is considered the first Thai Modern Roots Reggae Band and also first to use humour about the different cultures and styles in Bangkok with their music. They started their musical career, as Kai-Jo Brothers, in 2001 with the single Howll I know?, followed by the first album only available on the Thai market called Paradise in 2002, famous for creating an interesting combination of styles (Reggae/Soul/Hip-Hop). In 2005 appeared the single Took Took Breakdown which featured on the album Reggae Passion (2006, being the most important album for the expansion of Reggae in Thailand). After three years of work and a lot of performances, in 2008 the album Born To Be Free was released, on which New Roots Reggae is emphasized as the main style, although some tracks are mixed with Hip-Hop. Some of the hits on the album are Singha Motercy, Secret and Born to Be Free. In 2007, the Kai-Jo Brothers released a limited edition album entitled Kai-Jo Dub, where some of their earlier hits are remixed in Dub with two added band members (Dub Familia (Japan/Thailand) and Rajashe I (Bangkok)). I would like to add that this Bangkok band is the first to promote and spread the Rastafarian culture through Thai society: giving information about Reggae music and culture in Thai language by using magazines, gigs and websites. Furthermore, they are supporting young Thai Reggae artists by giving them a chance in the scene, as what happened with PJos promotion (founder of Kai-Jo Brothers band) of the album Reggae Village One (2009) where there is a selection of four young bands: Sista Apsara, Mighty Lion, Jumake and 90110. Kai-Jo Brothers are famed for putting on a memorable show with amazing energy and the deep meanings in their lyrics combined with exclusive rhythms make for a huge response from their public and an overall unforgettable experience.
The next band I will mention is T-Bone. They started their musical career around 1990 formed by a group of friends that love and live Reggae music. They were first influenced by Bob Marley, but gradually introduced Ska and Jazz into their repertoire. In 2005 they became the first Thai band to play at the Glastonbury Festival and they were invited back again the 2007. Having also performed in London for a Tsunami benefit, T-Bone is the most internationally recognised Thai Reggae Band and have performed with other famous household names. Amongst other works, some of their finest albums are: Enjoy yourself, Seasons and Ruam Pleng Dee T-Bone (2009). Furthermore, we can often find T-Bone on many compilations with other bands (international and national).
Job2Do is a Roots Reggae band lead by Job Bunjob which is hugely popular in Thailand and thanks to the many visitors who have attended their concerts, now has a substantial following abroad. Job Bunjob, Thai Reggae singer and composer, comes from South Thailand and has been performing for nearly 20 years, mostly in South Thailand at beaches and Reggae venues in Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi and Koh Samui. While many of Job2Dos songs have become hits in Thailand, perhaps the most famous one, and indispensable in all concerts, is Doo Ter Tam, feel free to check this hit below. Job2Dos music is influenced especially by Bob Marley and the lyrics are manly about freedom, environment, sea, love and it is the main voice in Thailand to talk about the legalization of ganja in each concert. The main albums to look out for: No War, Job2Do acoustic Yan Unplug and One World (2009), the latest has most of the songs feature in English and also has an English version of their most famous hit (Doo Ter Tam).
It is unfair to sum Thai Reggae music up with these three bands only, but they are the ones who have provoked the expansion and growth of Reggae/Ska in this country, making these styles of music indispensable in all big parties. Traditional Thai music is sometimes similar to these styles, that is why Thai people dance, enjoy and feel close to Reggae/Ska music and you can really feel that when you are in a festival in Thailand. As a result, a huge amount of bands with the same feelings and passion for Reggae/Ska as their successors appear around Thailand, especially in Bangkok, for example: Teddy Ska Band (Bangkok), Srirajah Rockers (Bangkok), Super Glasses Ska Ensemble (Bangkok), Zom Amara (Bangkok), Skalaxy (Bangkok), Madagasar11circle (Bangkok), DeepOSea (Bangkok), etc. Also, up and coming bands that use Dancehall (not far from new Jamaican Dancehall) like Miraculous (band from Bangkok formed by Kai-Jo Borthers members) or Budda Bless (Bangkok). Needless to say Reggae movement has engulfed capitals and small towns, whose Reggae-bars around the country keep the movement alive every night.
Unfortunately, Thai Reggae bands do not receive high financial rewards as does the Pop scene, forcing so many of the members of Reggae bands have full time jobs and some to perform occasionally with other bands. One unfortunate effect of this is that they are rarely able to undertake long tours, but do perform regularly at concerts throughout Thailand.
Finally, after exposing a short summary of the Reggae scene in Thailand I would like to give nuff respect to Kai-Jo Brothers, especially to PJo, who gave me the opportunity to be part of their lives and their Reggae music.
A police operation which is part of a move to stamp out extortion in downtown Kingston, led to the nabbing of nine men yesterday.
A joint police/military team went into the Coronation Market and other sections of the commercial district where they spent most of the day.
At the end of the operation, 500 pirated DVD's and a little over two and a half kg (6 lb) of marijuana were seized.
Nine men whose identifications are being withheld pending further investigations were also held in connection with the seizures.
"This is part of our continued efforts to bring back downtown and so far we are reaping results," Assistant Superintendent Howard Chambers of the Mobile Reserve told THE STAR in response to the operation.
Meanwhile, vendors and shoppers alike welcomed the initiative of the security forces and commended them for bringing about a feeling of safety.
"Yea wi feel safe, wi feel good down yah mi naw lie a so di whole a we would a like see town run ... Wi nuh have nuttin against police and soldier as long as dem naw terrorise decent people," one vendor in the Coronation Market said as the police were seen going about.
One shopper then added, "A long time town fi a run so ... Di place fi clean up man, so town can run nice and nobody naw fi fret bout nuttin. Big up di police and soldier dem."GANJA IN JERK CHICKEN - Man arrested after taking drugs to police station
A man who hid ganja in a piece of jerk chicken he took to a prisoner was charged by police.
Junior Walker, 23, a labourer from Spanish Town, St Catherine, pleaded guilty to ganja possession in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.
Before handing down her sentence Resident Magistrate Marcia Dunbar-Green told him that his action has grave implications to the security of prisoners.
"How could you take drugs to the police station, under the pretence that you are carrying food? You will have to get a custodial sentence," Dunbar-Green said.
Walker was fined $400 or 10 days for possession of ganja and sentenced to serve a 30-day prison sentence.
The court was told that about noon on Sunday, June 27, Walker was allowed to visit a prisoner at the Spanish Town lock-up.
Walker had a piece of jerk chicken wrapped in foil paper, which was checked by the police. During the check, the police discovered that ganja weighing about four ounces was hidden in the chicken.
Walker was subsequently charged with possession of ganja.
Rum Punch Party, held at Temple Hall Estate, Temple Hall, St Andrew, last Sunday night. Looking good! - Winston Sill photos
Rum Punch promised patrons a wild time, delivering good music and a lot of rum on Sunday evening at the Temple Hall Estate, St Andrew.
Postponed due to the inclement weather the week before, Rum Punch got fairly clear skies the second time around.
A big venue, with a river running beside it, that was open to patrons who wanted to take a dip, wasn't packed, but that didn't stop persons from having a good time.
Kingston All Stars created a steady groove in the early segment after 6 p.m., with rap music mixed with a little dancehall.
ZJ Elecktra quickly went into a steady stream of new songs including Kartel's Clarks Again, Bramma's Some People, Stephen McGregor's Cyaan Friend Again among others.
Coppershot's DJ Sanjay then took over MC duties, calling for all the working, non-broke women to step forward. Sanjay later played a slew of old dancehall songs before touching the 'bruk out' songs that had patrons enjoying themselves.
By the time Kurt Riley came on the women were riled up, as he played soca, asking patrons to move to the centre of the dancefloor and they complied.
The women were soon on their head tops, on the ground, being hoisted into the air and having a good time. Through the rock segment, groups were having fun, jumping up and down and skipping to Holiday.
At the end of the night, exhausted patrons exited the venue, having had an enjoyable musical workout.
Chevaughn Clayton - Contributed photos
After scoring the biggest hit of 2009 with the summer anthem Holiday featuring Ding Dong, on the Notice Production label, Chevaughn is once again poised as a top contender to clinch this summer's title, teaming up with Bugle and Razz & Biggy for the high-energy song titled Summer Break.
However, with the recent release of a 10-track self-titled mixtape, three new videos and several singles including Beauty Queen on Digicel's Next Generation rhythm CD compilation, Chevaughn will have to postpone the celebrations as he makes final preparation to leave the island this week for a North American tour with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and music icon Jimmy Cliff, who is also the headliner for the six-week assignment.
The tour will see them making a thorough sweep of Canada and the Unites States of America, before returning home late August.
"It is a great honour and a privilege for any entertainer to tour with someone like Jimmy Cliff, he is an icon in this business and we, as the next generation of recording artistes, can learn so much from his wealth of knowledge and experience. These six weeks I will not just go there as Chevaughn the artiste, but as an ambassador for our music and Jamaica, land we love"
On his return, there will be no time to rest. Chevaughn is expected to join fellow band members C-Sharp for a European tour accompanied by reggae royalty, Rita Marley.Black Roze Sound System finds new home in Jamaica
It was in 1999 that a group of friends which included Florida, based selector Super Blacks, Dave Henry and the McRae brothers, Ewan and Ted of Flava Squad Entertainment, decided to create and launch the Black Roze sound system.
Together, they worked passionately to establish Black Roze as one of the leading sound systems in Florida; the sound system quickly shot to prominence as a result of their ability to please the crowd where-ever they played, thus earning the nickname, the Flava Unit, from fans.
Black Roze's success has not been limited to Florida, as the sound has earned the respect of music lovers all over the US, and other parts of the world such as Canada and Europe. Over the years, Black Roze has won awards such as the Orlando Sound of the Year award and the Orlando Selector of the Year award. Black Roze has also been involved in several sound clashes with the likes of popular Jamaican sound systems such as Black Kat and Killamanjaro.
tremendous succes
It was the tremendous success of Black Roze that influenced the creation of Flava Squad Entertainment, which is an events and music production company founded by the McRae brothers in Florida. The company is now based in Kingston, Jamaica where it also operates a state-of-the-art recording studio from its headquarters at 50 Dumbarton Avenue.
Black Roze is now officially based in Jamaica and is operating under the guidance of Thameal Vassel, the manager and booking agent for Black Roze Music, which is the management company for the sound system.
Black Roze Music management team has also put together a very talented group of selectors which includes DJ Santana (Simon McKenzie) formerly of Asylum Night Club, Dj Andrew Ouch (Dave Williams) formerly of Jamrock sound-system, Sniper Don (Damion Anderson) and DJ Marlon.
Amelia 'Milk' Sewell and Brian 'Ribbie' Chung pose at a Halloween party held at the Quad in 2008. - File
The Quad in New Kingston is now under new management and there are plans to completely transform the venue.
When contacted, Dane Chin said he and Emery Meghoo were now the new general managers of the club.
"I am the new face of the club. All the previous managers are no longer here. We have taken it over to give it a facelift, a new brand, a new vibe, a new look, bring up back the premium service, the service that people used to get in the past," Chin told THE STAR.
a new vibe
Chin added, "We have a 10-year track record in Promotions and events coordinations. We were called in to take over the club to rebrand and give it a new vibe. We didn't buy it. We were contracted under Nite Time Promotions to run the club."
This contract took effect on July 1 and already changes are being made to the club.
Chin said the club will continue to go by the name Quad, but eventually Oxygen and Voodoo lounges will get name changes. He said Christopher's Jazz Café will now be known as Christopher's Jazz Lounge and Bar.
"In the meantime, we are working with the name Quad but we are coming with new concepts and themes for the club. The Oxygen and Voodoo lounges have also been renovated," Chin said.
new contract
The new general manager said they have also signed a new contract with Darren and Omar Virtue to host Blitz Tuesdays for the next two months. There will also be live music on Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. in Christopher's which will be followed by The Mix with Alric and Boyd.
In addition, he said there would also be an escort service from the car park to the club, better service, as well as improvements in the lighting, music, air conditioning and general comfort.
Chin said he will be targeting young professionals and college students to go to Christopher's. There, he said, people will be given a 20 per cent discount on drinks between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.
Some of the debris which was left after police and representatives from the Portland Parish Council destroyed several stalls at the Musgrave market in Port Antonio, Portland. - Gareth Davis
At least a dozen vendors had their stalls demolished and goods seized by the police, during an operation yesterday at the Musgrave market in Port Antonio, Portland.
The operation was spearheaded by the Revenue Enforcement Unit from the Portland Parish Council, assisted by the police.
A large number of farm produce, including onions, oranges, mangoes, ripe bananas, vegetables and other fruits, were also seized from delinquent vendors. The police also seized several packages with marijuana and an undetermined sum of money.
A spokesperson for the vendors, who gave his name only as 'Copper Reds', blasted the action of the police and the council. He said he had been selling at that particular spot for more than 20 years, and he was in good standings with the parish council. He said vendors were angered by the exercise, as it is their livelihood, which allows them to feed and support their families.
"The police and the people from the parish council seized all our goods," he said. "We are law-abiding citizens and taxpayers, who have to support our families. Times are tough, and we are desperately trying to make ends meet, but today all of that has been shattered. Is thief them want us to thief?"
Mayor of Port Antonio Floyd reacted angrily and distanced himself from yesterday's exercise. The mayor argued that he was not aware of any plan to remove and demolish stalls, and that the manner in which it was carried raised some levels of concern.
He said plans were in place to have delinquent vendors relocated from the corridors of the market to inside the building, to facilitate repairs to its boundaries. He noted that he was still in shock as to how such an exercise took place without his knowledge and approval.Special Constable interdicted for cameraman altercation
Police Commissioner Owen Ellington has ordered the immediate interdiction of the policeman who was involved in an altercation with a CVM cameraman on Saturday, July 3, in St Ann, pending the outcome of an investigation that has been launched into the matter.
The policeman has been identified as Special Constable Ricardo Lewis of the Mobile Reserve. The action was deemed necessary as a result of questionable behaviour on the part of the police officer while on duty at the scene of a fatal shooting in St Ann.
Commissioner Ellington is reminding all members of the force of the need to conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity and professionalism, so that the Jamaica Constabulary Force can continue to enjoy much-needed support from the public it serves.A mother and her 15-year-old daughter are being investigated following the death of the child's father in Mountain View, St Andrew, recently.
The father, Franklin Jackson, from Jarrett Lane, died after he was reportedly beaten during an incident involving the two females. Police are awaiting the result of an autopsy, to decide whether the mother and daughter should be charged in connection with the death.
Information reaching THE STAR is that the teen and her father were involved in a bitter argument when the father took a piece of iron and slapped her across the head. It is reported that the child ran to her mother for assistance after the injury.
It is alleged that the mother confronted the father. During an ensuing argument, he was attacked and beaten all over his body.
seriously injured
Police said the man was seriously injured and had to be hospitalised. He died four days later.
The Star understands that Jackson, his common-law wife and daughter have been at odds since his return to the house a few months ago.
Residents told The Star that the child and the father started arguing after he reprimanded her for a lewd song she had as her phone's ring tone.A man who allegedly assaulted his mother was "divorced" by her when he appeared before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday .
John Mark Afalo pleaded not guilty to assault ocassioning bodily harm.
forget about him
Afalo's mother told Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey that she was "divorcing him" from her life, denouncing him totally as a son and wanted to forget about him.
Afalo's mother told the court that this was not the first time he was "cruel to me" and she had become frustrated with him assaulting her.
She pleaded with the court to have Afalo removed from her residence as she wanted him to remove all his personal belongings from her house immediately.
Afalo will be tried on July 12.The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) was successfully sued by a former conductress for $6 million.
Stephanie Tilmutt, 42, sued her former employer for damages suffered while working on a bus. The matter was heard in the Supreme Court on April 19, 20 and 21 this year, and judgment was handed down last Friday.
Attorneys from the law firm Kinghorn and Kinghorn led evidence that on April 29, 2005, Hilmutt was working on a bus when she attempted to change a paper roll and the vehicle made a sudden stop.
She was thrown on her back, where she remained for about two minutes. She was eventually helped up by two passengers. The court was told that the driver was very abusive to the calls of passengers who told him of what was happening.
Tilmutt testified that she suffered severe pain and suffering from the fall. She sought medical attention from the company's doctor and also privately. While suffering pain, the company allowed her to work while suffering discomfort until November 23, 2007, when she was given a medical redundancy.
Tilmutt was awarded $15,000 for her medical expenses and $6 million for pain and suffering. Two expert witnesses testified that Tilmutt will continue to suffer medically as a result of her injuries.FRENZ AGAIN AIDONIA AND BOUNTY..ROLLIN OUT.......S-I
After exiting from the Alliance in 2006, it seems Aidonia has fully reconciled differences he had with Bounty Killer.
In 2006, Aidonia left the Alliance following the footsteps of Vybz Kartel who he used to refer to as 'Addi mi daddy'. However, last year it became obvious that the two were no longer as close as they once were.
Aidonia claimed that he was on a different path and felt the need to concentrate more on his career and his group JOP, instead of other groups. But in recent times, rumours began circulating that the artiste rejoined the Alliance.
However, when THE STAR caught up with Alliance leader Bounty Killer, he dismissed such speculations and presented the facts.
"Nothing like that. Aidonia is just a friend of the Alliance. We good, we have an understanding but he is not a part of the Alliance. Alliance and JOP is very close," Bounty Killer told THE STAR.
Adding, "He was an Alliance member so there is an understanding still. So he's like an Alliance extended family, that's the most I could describe it as." Aidonia also confirmed the reunion.
"Bounty a di general, Bounty Killer is an artiste weh Aidonia been looking up to from a longer while 'cause a di male artiste dat weh motivate me fi waan become a musician. Him still a show mi nuff things bout the business. Is not a thing like seh Aidonia gone back inna Alliance 'cause the world know seh a JOP mi seh," Aidonia toldTHE STAR.
"I am not a member of the Alliance and I am not going back into the Alliance. Aidonia seh JOP, Bounty Killer seh Alliance, Mavado seh Gully-Alliance, Elephant seh Alliance. Mi a work wid my artistes to get them out there."
Aidonia added that he is now on a more positive path, one which includes him promoting unity in the music industry.
"At the end of the day, wi seh unity inna the music. So the whole heap a strife and violence between artistes, mi nuh deh pon dat right now. Mi deh pon more positive music. I came with a lot of cultural stuff like Jehovah and Evil Head Mi just a put in some hard positive work and a gwaan focus and do the thing," he said.
song release
In addition, Aidonia said he will be shooting the music video for My Heart Is Hers, which features Aisha Davis. He will also be releasing songs done with producers like Stephen McGregor, Jordan, Russian, Demarco and Leftside. He has also done some production work on a new rhythm called Summer Body.
Meanwhile, Bounty Killer is quite pleased that he will be honoured at Reggae Sumfest, which will be held at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, later this month.
"I feel great about being honoured. At least someone recognise the good that I have been putting in and the contribution," he told THE STAR.
-- Edited by CRAZY-CHICKEN on Sunday 4th of July 2010 12:33:19 PM
-- Edited by CRAZY-CHICKEN on Sunday 4th of July 2010 12:34:17 PM
-- Edited by CRAZY-CHICKEN on Sunday 4th of July 2010 12:34:54 PM
OJ Simpson Is Getting Married AGAIN!!!----------------------WOW HE IN PRISON AND GETTING MARRIED
OJ Simpson is getting married againand its to a woman hes never met. According to reports, the former sports star became pen pals with a woman who goes by the name Anna while serving time in a Nevada jail for armed robbery. This would be OJs third wife and insiders claim that she is the splitting image of his late wife Nicole Brown Simpson.
Theyve been writing to each other for a while now. She sent him her photo, and he just flipped for her.
Its amazing to me that this guy was on trial for murdering his ex-wife, was acquitted but later wrote a book titled If I did it; Confessions of a Killer and hes still getting pen pals and panties. Forget a background check, do women have any morals?
Madness!
OJ Simpson is currently serving a prison sentence of up to 33 years behind bars.
Cops quiz Vybz Kartel - Empire keeps positive vibe
Vybz Kartel - File
Dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel is still being questioned as he remains in police custody.
The artiste has been at the Greater Portmore (Hundred Man) Police Station since Friday. However, the police would not divulge much information about what he is being questioned about or how investigations are progressing.
Last week, the entertainer turned himself in to the police after he was named among six persons listed by the St Catherine South police as major person of interest. The other persons were Omar Lawrence, Seymour Johnson, Paul Smith, Oneil Myurrie and Damion Perry. The release stated, "The St Catherine South police is asking these major persons of interest to turn themselves in at any police station in Portmore or any police station across the island."
Meanwhile, the vibe in the Portmore Empire seems to be optimistic.
"Him good, man. Him a get weh him fi get. A just him lawyer can see him. Him mek a link pon the outside and seh him good man," a member of the camp told THE STAR.
Bounty Killer (left) and Johnny Gourzong, Summerfest Productions' executive director. - Colin Hamilton
Although Summerfest Productions was faced with the possibility that it would not be able to stage Reggae Sumfest this year, the event was launched on Friday night at the Sportsmax Zone in New Kingston.
Speaking to those in attendance, Robert Russell, chairman of Summerfest Productions, said, "This year, Summerfest Productions was faced with a number of challenges to present this show and there were times we were not sure we would be going ahead with it. Without sponsors, we would never have a show. I want to say a special thank you to our sponsors that support this show."
artistes' exposure
He boasted that the week-long event, which is scheduled for July 17 to 24 in Montego Bay, brings people to the island and gives our artistes exposure.
And that is part of the reason Jamaica Tourist Board's Jason Hall believes sponsoring Reggae Sumfest is worthwhile.
"Half of the foreign nationals come specifically for Reggae Sumfest. The people in Montego Bay can attest to the increase in business. Jamaica Tourist Board considers this a worthwhile sponsorship and we intend to continue," he said.
William Mahfood, managing director of Wisynco Group Limited, said, "we are very supportive of the music. Reggae Sumfest is the heartbeat of our music and Jamaica. The country is coming back on a strong footing and we are going to enjoy ourselves through the music more than ever before."
honour and homage
Johnny Gourzong, Summerfest Productions' executive director, also announced this year's lineup. Dancehall night would feature the likes of Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel, D'Angel, Demarco, Konshens, Chino, Ce'Cile, Voicemail, Mavado, Khago, Tifa, Stacious, I-Octane, Ding Dong and Elephant Man. On that night, Bounty Killer will be honoured and homage will be paid to Voicemail's Oneil Edwards who died last month.
International night 1 will feature R&B artiste Chris Brown, Gyptian, Jah Cure, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Etana and Protege.
And for International night 2, R&B singer Usher will be featured along with Shaggy, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Christopher Martin, Gramps Morgan and QQ.
In addition to the formalities, there were other highlights at the event like clips that were shown of previous stagings of Reggae Sumfest.
Throughout the night the sponsors had their moments. Digicel had its segment featuring D'Angel and a bunch of girls dancing to Lady Gaga's Telephone in eccentric outfits. There were also performances by I-Octane and Assassin, who will be part of Digicel's Next Generation segment at Reggae Sumfest. Their performances were thoroughly enjoyed.
In the Guinness segment, Biggy's designs were shown off by Pulse models. The brand celebrated the legends of dancehall with a performance by Flourgon, who entertained the guests with some of his all-time favourite songs. There was also a group of violinists, who played songs like Half Pint's Greetings and Destiny's Child's Say My Name.
In the Red Stripe segment, there were performances by Etana and Christopher Martin who was joined by D-Major for Real Friends. Music was provided by ZJ Liquid.
Left: D'Angel performing at the launch of Reggae Sumfest. Right: Voicemail's Kevin (left) and Craig in attendance at the launch.
Left: During the Guinness segment at the launch, Biggy's designs were shown off by Pulse models. Right: I-Octane giving those who turned out at the launch a taste of what was to come at Reggae Sumfest 2010.
Etana
Reggae singer is now a married woman.
Rumours have been circulating for weeks that the singer recently got married.
Yesterday when contacted by THE WEEKEND STAR, Etana confirmed that she had found her "warrior love".
The singer, who's real name is Shauna McKenzie, however, stated: "I do not want to talk about that right now."
According to the singer, she is focussed on her second album titled Free Expressions which is scheduled for release in September. Free Expressions is the follow-up to her 2008 released The Strong One, and will feature her recent singles August Town, Heart Broken and Happy Heart.
She told THE WEEKEND STAR about her album saying: "It is what it is, free expressions, thoughts that were on my mind. This one has no particular theme, I'm not thinking about going reggae or anything like that, it's just me expressing myself."
Antigua threatens to sanction US over Internet gaming dispute
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (CMC) Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer yesterday said that Antigua and Barbuda will seek sanctions against the United States if Washington continues to thwart efforts at finding a negotiated solution to its dispute over Internet Gaming Services.
Spencer said that his island had sought unsuccessfully since the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling in 2007 to secure a negotiated settlement with the United States and would now seek an early meeting with President Barack Obama on the issue.
"Antigua and Barbuda is concerned that the negotiations are being protracted, with no potential end in sight. In light of the obvious unwillingness of the United States to reach a negotiated settlement that takes into account the contribution of the sector to the economic well-being of Antigua and Barbuda, we have brought the matter before the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, which has supported Antigua and Barbuda's position on this matter from the inception."
Spencer said he's hoping to secure "firm regional support to call upon the United States, a hemispheric partner, once and for all, to settle this outstanding matter" dating back to 2007.
He said that Caricom has the authority to act in unison to protect the interest of member states and that it should utilise "all at its disposal to facilitate settlement of this matter.
"In the absence of a resolution, the economy of Antigua and Barbuda is suffering. There has been a dramatic decline in the sector, significant increase in unemployment as a result, stakeholders, business operators are suffering and many have left our shores for other parts because of this elusive settlement," Spencer told a news conference.
He said that while his country has the right to impose sanctions upon Washington in keeping with the WTO rules "we remain committed to exhausting all possibilities for a negotiated settlement.
"Nevertheless, given the debilitating impact of the fiscal and economic crisis on our economy and the apparent disinterest of the United States in dealing decisively with this matter, Antigua and Barbuda may have no other alternative but to signal to the WTO that we wish to impose sanctions. We are fast running out of options," Spencer said.
Spencer said he did not believe that his country's membership in the Venezuela-led Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA) was a reason behind Washington's hardened position, telling reporters that during the Prime Ministerial Sub Committee on External Negotiations, "the Internet gaming case was cited as a clear example of the difficulties small countries encounter in getting justice from WTO rulings in their favour.
"Clearly there is need for urgent reform of the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism especially relating to enforcement of its rulings. There must be one rule for all countries, small and large, since we are living in a rules-based world."
Spencer said that while Antigua and Barbuda remains a staunch ally of the United States and regards it as a crucial partner in development, "partners must respect the rules by which they are bound and should not be selective in their implementation.
"All must obey international rules," said Spencer, who was flanked by Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit at the news conference.
Skerrit said that Dominica would support Antigua and Barbuda on the matter.
ACCRA, Ghana (AP) Ghana's World Cup players will be given national honours and $20,000 each after their quarter-final performance in South Africa.
"You deserved to be honoured because you have made Ghana and indeed Africa proud," Ghana President John Atta Mills said yesterday at a lunch held in honour of the team, which was greeted by cheering fans on its return to Accra on Monday night.
"You did not win the World Cup but, through your performance, you carried high the flags of not only Ghana, but Africa," he added.
As well as the cash bonus for the players, a government official said members of the coaching team would receive a reward of $10,000 each.
Former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan, who is from Ghana, wrote in a letter to the team that he was one of millions left "heartbroken" after the quarter-final loss to Uruguay in a penalty shoot-out.
Ghana was denied victory when a blatant hand ball prevented a goal in the final seconds of extra time. Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty and Ghana's dream of becoming the first African team to make the World Cup semi-finals ended when they lost the shoot-out.
"For a moment, my reaction to those last minutes of drama was 'how unfair'," Annan wrote in the open letter which was addressed "Dear Black Stars".
"But in fact, while you lost the game, you came out winners," the letter said.
"I wanted to congratulate you not only on a fantastic performance in which you can take great pride, but also for accepting your defeat with dignity. You won because you were such great ambassadors for the game and for Africa."
Ghana were adopted as Africa's team during their journey to the last eight of the tournament. The other five countries from the continent all failed to qualify for the second round.
"You won because you brought us all together," Annan's letter said. "The lasting trophy to take away from the tournament is this incredible moment of unity."
MORE Jamaicans are chatting on cellphones and using the Internet, which resulted in telecom revenues hitting a record $13.5 billion in the 2009 September quarter up 6.5 per cent year on year, according to a new Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) report.
Mobile services are provided by LIME, Digicel and Claro and total mobile revenues increased 5.7 per cent to $9.7 billion year on year, according to the OUR Telecommunications Market Information Quarterly Report posted this month. The growth in revenues was matched by a similar growth in mobile subscribers which stood at 2.87 million. This raised the country's mobile penetration to 107 per cent of the population. Interestingly, despite the economic downturn each Jamaican bought on average $250 more credit during the review period compared with the same quarter in 2008, which raised average spend to $2,162 from $1,907.
On-Net mobile calls continued to generate the majority or 60.6 per cent of service revenues for these providers, the OUR stated. On-Net minutes increased 46.5 per cent year on year to 1.3 billion minutes. Interestingly over the period off-Net calls minutes jumped a whopping 1450 per cent to 3.6 billion minutes.
The growth of smartphone sales have aided the 23 per cent increase in SMS texting year on year to 74.5 billion units of traffic.
Claro, the newest player, has been aggressively marketing its services to increase its market share, while the largest mobile provider Digicel offered a number of promotions to hike on-minute revenues.
Internet services are provided predominantly by Digicel, Flow, LIME, and Infochan, offiering customers broadband, dial-up, pay-as-you-go, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and mobile Internet services.
The OUR has explained that it had difficulty obtaining historic Internet statistics, which was reflected by a 993 per cent jump to $697 million in total Internet revenue recorded, but the rise was not reflected with a corresponding rise in subscriber growth. Notwithstanding that caveat, broadband Internet subscribers actually surpassed 100,000 for the first time up 16.5 per cent to 109,790.
Meanwhile, total fixed call revenues declined 9.6 per cent to $3 billion year on year. The OUR has in the past attributed this decline to mobile substitution. Fixed-call service subscriptions declined to 307,620 customers by the September 2009 quarter, representing a decline of 7.9 per cent year on year. Fixed-line service customers spent the majority of time on fixed-to-fixed calls, which accounted for 292.6 million minutes which declined 14.6 per cent year on year. The only category which increased in this service was outgoing international calls up 0.9 per cent to 15.7 million minutes. Fixed-line services are provided by two service providers LIME and Flow offering services to both residential and business customers with access to fixed-to-fixed, fixed-to-mobile and international calls.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) An Argentine legislator has proposed building a monument to honour Diego Maradona, whose future as Argentina coach has been uncertain since the team was eliminated by Germany in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Juan Cabandie, a member of the lower house of the Argentine congress, sponsored a bill yesterday to honour Maradona "as an icon of popular Argentine culture".
One of Maradona's assistant coaches has publicly urged him to stay in the job after the team was thrashed 4-0 by Germany on Saturday. A senior member of the Argentine Football Association AFA has said the decision rests with Maradona, who has yet to make his plans clear.
Maradona has also received encouragement from Argentina President Cristina Fernandez, and yesterday two of his players starting midfielder Angel Di Maria and substitute goalkeeper Mariano Andujar offered their public support.
"The Argentine people have shown that, when it comes to Maradona, the results are not important," Cabandie said. "Having been eliminated in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in South Africa, in a lopsided loss, thousands of people came to the streets to meet him and his 23 players."
Maradona is reported to be shut away in his house in the Buenos Aires suburb of Ezeiza. Some newspaper reports suggest he is depressed and wants to quit.
But his unpredictable nature leads few to say for certain he will step away, with the South American continental championship the Copa America just a year away and Argentina the host nation.
Building a monument would officially place Maradona in the pantheon of national icons, joining former President Juan Peron, his second wife Eva, and Carlos Gardel, the most important figure in the history of tango.
Maradona led Argentina to their last World Cup title in 1986, the centrepiece of a career in which he was the greatest player of his generation. The career also had many lows, including the 1994 World Cup where he was banned after testing positive for a c**ktail of performance-enhancing drugs.
Maradona was appointed national team coach in October 2008 by AFA president Julio Grondona. The tenure has also been a rollercoaster.
Argentina struggled to qualify for the World Cup, absorbing embar****ing losses against Bolivia (6-1) and Brazil (3-1). But the team seemed on course in South Africa for a third World Cup title after group-stage wins against Nigeria, South Korea and Greece.
They defeated Mexico 3-1 in the round of 16, leading Maradona to boast about the team's scoring prowess. Then came the humiliating loss to Germany, which again led many to question Maradona's tactical knowledge.
Though 20,000 fans greeted the team's arrival on Sunday, an online poll by the newspaper Clarin showed 63.1 per cent wanted Maradona to quit. Other polls showed similar results.
The last major title for Argentina was the Copa America in 1993. The team also won the World Cup in 1978.
IMAGINE A MULTI BILLIONAIRE GOES TO A HYPNOTIST SHOW....AND GOES UP ON THE STAGE AND VOLUNTEERS TO BE HYPNOTIZE..........THE HYPNOTIST....SAYS THAT HE WILL BE SILENT......AND HE BECAME SILENT...UNABLE TO SPEAK...AND GUESS WHAT THE HYPNOTIST IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN BREAK THE SPELL.....AND B4 THAT WAS DONE....UNFORTUNATLEY THE HYPNOTIST DIES OF A HEART ATTACK AND THE MAN BILLIONAIIRE WAS NEVER FREE AGAIN........UNABLE TO TALK AND LOSE HIS MILLIONS AND NOW LIVING ON THE STRET............
MESSED UP EEH
Can anybody identify the name of this 90`s reggae song on this mp3?
here's a link to the audio sample....it's from a DJ Jazzy Jeff mixtape from the 90's
http://usershare.net/ktpf1j9k6m41
i know he's trini, cuz in the lyrics he says 'i am the roughest trinidadian in america'
thanks
IF A YOUTH IS A VIRGIN.....HAS NO KNOWLEDGE ON SEX...LETS SAY HE'S 23
HIM FEEL BRAVE AND ASK ONE A HIM BREJIN BOUT SEX......AND THAT MAN LEND HIM A BLUES FI PREE AND TRY "LEARN".....
SO HE PUTS EEN THE BLUES AND START PREE IT AND HE IS EXPOSE TO ALL THE DIFFERENT STUFF ON THE DVD (STRAIGHT SEX, ORAL AND EVEN ANAL(**** FUQQING.....EVERYBODY KNOW SEH NOWADAYS BLUES FULL A DEM FUQQRY DEH)
WHAT IF HE ENACTS OR DO ALL THAT HE SEES ON IT TO A GIRL FOR HIS FIRST TIME....WUD HE BE A FREAK... MORALLY...OR IS IT A CASE WHERE HE LIVE WHAT HE LEARN???
WUD U BUN HIM OUT........OR WUD U SAY ITS NOT HIS FAULT.....OR WUD U BUN OUT THE GIRL.......GIMMI SUM ANSWERS PPL.....
Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer
Just imagine being able to mix rhythms anywhere and anytime just through your Internet connection without obtaining special software or downloading music. This has become a reality for true for mixing aficionados.
Today, jamaicansmusic.com will be launched exclusively to Jamaicans. Jamaicansmusic.com is dedicated to cataloguing and recording the history of Jamaican music and the artistes who have made this music popular.
From mento to dancehall; the aim of jamaicansmusic.com is to create an encompassing database of Jamaican music and Jamaican artistes.
Features of this site include a brief history of the different Jamaican music forms, artiste profiles (bio, latest tracks, images and links to their social media pages), more than 3,000 videos, Jamaican culture section, a rhythms archive (allowing persons to listen to any of the 300 rhythms currently on the site), Jamaican blackberry wallpapers originally designed, more than 20 live radio stations, more than 300 mixtapes to download, new dancehall and new reggae of the month sections.
The music, stored in the virtual turntable system, will be easy to search by song title, artiste, genre and rhythm.
accessible to fans
Mixtapes and Mix CDs will be made accessible to fans. More than 400 are already on jamaicansmusic.com, with more to come. These make party music easy due to the fact that up to 10 pre-mixed CDs can be queued and set to autoplay for an all-night session.
"Efficiency at its best," Alex Morrisey called it.
"To set up yourself as your own DJ, this revolutionary system also allows you to shop, download, pull up, cross fade, and control volume as you creatively blend music. If a song is available on iTunes, you can select it, pay for it directly and download it to your computer. You can download many songs free - with the permission of the artiste or producer. The cross-fade feature allows you to switch smoothly from one turntable to the other," he said.
On the launch day, 5,000 songs will be accessible. New tracks and rhythms will also be added as they are released.
"Very cool site. I love the player which has a sarato vibes. It's just different," said Don Corleon.
Deejay Chinese Assassin also said: "On July 3, mixing could be within reach of every youngster and will no longer be the domain of those who can afford the thousands (of dollars) for equipment."
A highlight of this service said Morrissey is the fact that for the first three days, the virtual turntables will be free for all users. The site's facebook page http://facebook.com/jamaicanmusic will announce competitions for fans to win a free one-year subscription.
However, monthly users will be asked to pay a small fee of approximately US 25 cents per day to cover the heavy bandwidth costs. The facebook fan page has more than 26,000 fans as well as more than 8,800 followers on twitter.
The plan is for Version 2 of the virtual mixer to be launched on New Year's Day, 2011. V2 will incorporate a record button allowing the mixing session to be saved to the desktop and other new features. Jamaicansmusic.com is currently hit by more than 100,000 visitors monthly - the number increases every month. It is becoming the website of choice for Jamaican music fans all across the world.
"Understanding" can be among the most satisfying experiences in life, as in:
- "Oh, I get it"
- "That's what you meant"
- " Hmmm, there is something interesting there"
- "I don't understand that"
- "You don't understand me"
- "I can't understand how they...."
Obvious when it happens, "understanding" is also mysterious. Everyone has had the experience of "understanding" something without knowing quite how, and without being able to explain it to others. And everyone has felt two kinds of frustration: "understanding" something without being able to convince others that it is so, and not being able to acquire "understandings" that seem so obvious to others.
- What is "understanding"?
- How can one have it without knowing how one got it?
- How can one account for differences between different people in understanding the same thing?
 Hands on understanding | Experimental understanding | Broader understanding |
| complete exhibit index |
better preements http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/threedoors
SLEEP PARALYSIS: U EVER DEH SLEEP BUT AWAKE AND JUST CANT MOVE?
Cristiano Ronaldo 'paid a surrogate mother to have his baby'
Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo paid a surrogate mother to have his baby, it was claimed yesterday.
Portuguese newspaper Diario de Noticias said the baby was conceived by the surrogate at the end of last summer in San Diego, where Ronaldo was on holiday.
The boy was born weighing 9lbs 8oz on June 17 while the star was at the World Cup in South Africa.
Diario de Noticias said Ronaldo travelled to the Algarve to meet his son as soon as Portugal were eliminated from the tournament by Spain on June 29.
It gave no further details of the claim.
Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro said her brother was 'very happy about becoming a father'.
The youngster is the spitting image of his famous father, with brown eyes and a shock of brown hair, his sister revealed.
Speaking at one of the family's homes in Vilamoura, on the Algarve, Katia told Diario de Noticias: 'He has brown eyes and brown hair like Cristiano.
'He's very happy, of course! Who isn't happy having children? The baby looks like him, although he's still very small to see what his features will be like.
'He's very calm, he just eats and sleeps.'
Katia said her own sons Rodrigo, nine, and four-month-old Dinis 'are very happy' with the new arrival.
She said her brother will reveal his son's name 'when he returns from Madrid', where he is said to be working.
State television channel RTP claimed the boy will be called Ronaldo Junior.
According to reports, the baby was born as the result of a fling with an American woman, who has been paid to stay anonymous.
The footballer became a father two days after playing against the Ivory Coast in the World Cup and four days before he helped Portugal beat North Korea 7-0.
He did not reveal the news to his teammates while in South Africa.
Astral projection (or astral travel) is an interpretation of any form of out-of-body experience (OBE) that assumes the existence of an "astral body" separate from the physical body and capable of travelling outside it. Astral projection or travel denotes the astral body leaving the physical body to travel in the astral plane.
The idea of astral travel is rooted in common worldwide religious accounts of the afterlife in which the consciousness' or soul's journey or "ascent" is described in such terms as "an...out-of body experience, wherein the spiritual traveller leaves the physical body and travels in his/her subtle body (or dreambody or astral body) into higher realms." It is therefore associated with near death experiences and is also frequently reported as spontaneously experienced in association with sleep and dreams, illness, surgical operations, drug experiences, sleep paralysis and forms of meditation.
IVE BEEN CONETEPLATING TO TRY THIS STILL......BUT IF UR BODY IS DISTURBED WHILE UR SOUL LEAVES....U CAN DIE
World Cup 2010: Uruguay's Luis Suárez revels in second coming of Hand of God
Uruguay found themselves caught in a backlash at the World Cup on Saturday night after striker Luis Suárez crowed: The Hand of God now belongs to me, following his goal-line save against Ghana that helped steer the South American side into the semi-finals on Friday night.
His handball with the score at 1-1 gave Ghana a penalty in the last minute of extra-time but Asamoah Gyan sent his spot-kick crashing off the crossbar to give the Uruguayans a reprieve which they exploited by winning a penalty shoot-out.
Many of the 84,000-strong crowd were incensed as they saw Ghanas romantic dream of becoming the first African team to reach the semi-final shattered before witnessing Uruguay's Suárez being carried shoulder high from the pitch.
Suárez made matters worse by echoing Diego Maradonas triumphant boast after his handball goal downed England in 1986.
The Hand of God now belongs to me, he said. I made the best save of the tournament.
"There was no alternative for me. This was the end of the World Cup and when I saw Gyan miss the penalty it was a great joy. I thought it is a miracle. We were still alive.
"The way in which I was sent off today was worth it.
Fifa considered extending Suárezs one-match ban but, having reviewed the incident, it decided it did not merit more punishment, which means Suárez could still play in the World Cup final if Uruguay beat Holland in the semi-final in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Should Uruguay beat Holland and make it to next Sundays final, the return of Suárez might cause embar****ment for Fifa, as its fair play code states: Winning is without value if victory has been achieved unfairly or dishonestly. Cheating is easy, but brings no pleasure.
Fifa spokesman Pekka Odriozola said Fifas disciplinary code gave the committee the option of a longer ban for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Uruguayan officials were forced to defend themselves against accusations of cheating and cynicism by an angry host nation.
It is not fair to say we cheated our way to victory, protested Uruguay coach Óscar Tabárez.
It was instinctive. He misses the next game and has paid for the consequences.
But Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac described it as really shocking. A football injustice.
Those defending him insist Suárez did not cheat. It was, they claim, a natural impulse to push Dominic Adiyiahs point-blank header off the line.
Former Chelsea star and Uruguayan international Gus Poyet said: I was a little bit disappointed with some people talking about cheating that is complete rubbish. [What Suarez did] is taking one for the team. It is helping one country of 3.5 million people get to the semi-final for the first time in 40 years.
Gyan was adamant that Adiyiahs header had crossed the line before Portuguese referee Olegário Benquerenca awarded the spot kick.
The ball went in, it did cross the line, he said, despite video evidence to the contrary. If it was our day, the referee would have seen it and whistled as a goal.
I would say Suárez is a hero now in his own country, because the ball was going in and he held it with his hand. He is a hero now.
Source: Sunday Telegraph
The police say the discovery was made early this morning but they cannot yet say whether the body is that of a male or female.
Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man was murdered in Clarendon last night.
He has been identified as Dane Wright also called Jubba of Long Gully, Oliver Garden in May Pen.
The police say they were called about 8:30 after residents heard what sounded like gunshots in the community.
They say Wrights body was later found will bullet wounds.
No motive has yet been established for the murder.
Son pleads for help as mother awaits stoning in Iran
(CNN) -- Sajjad Mohammedie Ashtiani travels to a Tabriz jail in Iran every Monday to see his mother.
And for 15 minutes each week, he speaks to his mother, Sakine Mohammedie Ashtiani, through the prison glass that divides them.
Neither mother nor son ever know if the visit will be their last.
Convicted of adultery in 2006, Ashtiani has been sentenced to be stoned to death for her alleged crime.
Originally sentenced to 99 lashes for her alleged "illicit relationship outside of marriage," Ashtiani endured that punishment in front of her then 17-year-old son.
"The authorities asked if I wanted to wait outside. I said no. I could not leave my mother alone."
Sajjad says it is a day he will never forget. But, he says, that day he thought the worst was over.
"I was thinking, OK, they hit her, now it's finished. They told me this process was finished. She's done. She's free to go. "
But then a judges' panel in Tabriz suspected Ashtiani of being involved in her husband's murder and re-opened her case.
She was cleared of the murder charges, but the panel re-examined Ashtiani's adultery sentence, and based on unspecified "judges' knowledge," decided she should be put to death for the alleged affair.
"At that time it should have been finished. They should have punished her only once," says her son. "Her documents say she is innocent. She paid for the crime five years ago."
Human rights activist Mina Ahadi, herself forced to flee a death sentence in Iran almost 30 years ago, has also taken up Ashtiani's cause, working with Sajjad and his sister Farideh to get their message out.
She says pressure from outside Iran can make a difference.
"Legally, it's all over, and we have no chance. It's a done deal. Sakine can be stoned at any minute. But we have experienced again and again that when we organize events world-wide, when we protest world-wide, and in particular when we contact European governments and these governments put pressure on the Islamic regime in Iran, sometimes we have a chance."
So far, there has been no response from Iranian officials about the Ashtiani case.
And with all legal appeals virtually exhausted, Sajjad says the Tabriz court has told him there is only one thing that can stop his mother's imminent execution.
"They told me if supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei ... or Judiciary Chairman Sadegh Larijani grant my mother a letter of pardon, she will go free."
Sajjad says he travelled to Tehran six times to obtain that letter, but has been unable to gain an audience with either man.
But he refuses to give up. He is turning to the international community in hopes the Iranian government will hear his voice.
"It is crucial I tell these men what I have to say.
"Dear Mr. Khamenei, Mister Ahmadinejad, and Mister Larijani:
"All I ask for is a letter. I want a letter for my dear mother. Please write this letter of pardon because she is innocent, 100 percent innocent. If you do not have respect for what I am saying, just take a look at her file. You will see she is innocent.
"To the people of the world, I want to say, for this situation we are in: Help us. Whoever can tell the government to stop this, please do. If you can pressure Ayatollah Khamenei or Sadegh Larijani to give my family a letter, please get them to send it to us."
Sajjad knows he is taking a risk by speaking out so publicly, but says he is not afraid for his own safety.
"I am just fighting for what is right," he says.
"My mother is a housewife, a good person, a caring mother," Sajjad says.
And she has has grown weary of the what seems to be a punishment without end.
On his last visit with her she told him, "I can't stay in this prison any longer."
And so Sajjad and his sister Farideh are reaching out in any way they can to try and save their mother's life.
In their open letter to the international community circulated on websites, Facebook pages and through human rights organizations late last week their anguish is clear.
"Today we stretch out our hands to the people of the whole world," the letter reads. "It is now five years that we have lived in fear and in horror, deprived of motherly love. Is the world so cruel that it can watch this catastrophe and do nothing about it?
"We resort to the people of the world, no matter who you are and where in the world you live. Help to prevent this nightmare from becoming reality. Save our mother.
"We are unable to explain the anguish of every moment, every second of our lives. Words are unable to articulate our fear."
Opposition suspicious of Goldings threat to dissolve Portmore Municipal Council
THE Opposition PNP is cautioning the prime minister on his stance on the Portmore Municipal Council (PMC), urging him not to take a high-handed approach to dealing with the dispute there.
Local government spokesman Colin @#$an said today that the prime ministers threat to dissolve the council is an unwarranted approach to a situation that can be handled in council.
The prime minister made the threat recently, warning the historic council that he would dissolve the body responsible for Jamaica's first directly elected mayor if it continues to break the law.
Golding's threat came as a long-standing row between the council and the Attorney General's Office, concerning voting by chairmen of committees, appeared to be have reached stalemate.
But @#$an said that upon conclusion of a meeting held today with PNP councillors, they were viewing the prime ministers comments with deep suspicion.
I met with a group of councillors from the PMC today to ventilate the issues. From what they have said there is more to this matter than initially meets the eye, @#$an said.
At the base of the contention is what some have described as a typographical error regarding the authority of the mayor with respect to having an original and casting vote on matters that come before the general council. As a body the municipality sought and received an opinion from the Attorney General. That opinion confirmed that the council and committees of council were acting properly with respect to chairmen of committees having an original and casting vote as obtains in other parish councils.
He said the general council had given instructions for a declaration to be sought from the courts and the next sitting of the council will obtain an update as to that process.
"It would therefore be quite premature for the prime minister to be taking the position that he did, @#$an said.
The PMC next meets on Wednesday, July 14, at which time the matter will be discussed.
It is hoped that the prime minister will allow the council to do what it has been elected to do and resolve the impasse that has developed, @#$an said.
Antigua wants Caricom backing against US - Dispute over internet gaming
MONTEGO BAY, St James (CMC) - Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer says that Antigua and Barbuda will seek sanctions against the United States if Washington continues to thwart efforts at finding a negotiated solution to its dispute over internet gaming.
Spencer said that his twin-island nation had sought unsuccessfully since the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling in 2007 to secure a negotiated settlement with the United States and would now seek an early meeting with President Barack Obama on the issue.
"Antigua and Barbuda is concerned that the negotiations are being protracted, with no potential end in sight," Spencer told a news conference yesterday.
"In light of the obvious unwillingness of the US to reach a negotiated settlement that takes into account the contribution of the sector to the economic well-being of Antigua and Barbuda, we have brought the matter before the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), which has supported Antigua and Barbudas position on this matter from the inception."
Spencer said he hoped to secure firm regional support to call upon the United States, a hemispheric partner, once and for all, to settle this outstanding matter dating back to 2007.
He said that Caricom has the authority to act in unison to protect the interest of member states and that it should utilise all at its disposal to facilitate settlement of this matter.
Spencer said that while Antigua and Barbuda remains a staunch ally of the US and regards it as a crucial partner in development, partners must respect the rules by which they are bound and should not be selective in their implementation.
All must obey international rules, said Spencer, who was flanked by Dominicas Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit at the news conference.
Skerrit said that Dominica would support Antigua and Barbuda on the matter.
Spice (right) and Pamputee hang out at the launch of Spice's bar/lounge, "8 Ball" last Friday night. - Contributed
A number of popular entertainers and a host of fans turned out to the launch of Spice's bar/lounge '8 Ball' last Friday night.
The launch, which was originally scheduled to take placetwo weeks ago, had been postponed as a result of the persistent rains which took placeat its swankylocation at the Bayside Plaza, above Genus Pharmacy.
Among those in attendance were Bounty Killer, Future Fambo, Flexx, Bling Dawg, Bridgez, Keiva, Psycho Tan Bad,Pamputtae, Chuck Fender, Duwayne Stephenson, New Kidz, Baby Tash, Swizzle Body Girls, television host, Amita, and more, while fans and patrons flooded thelounge's outsidepassageway partying with some of their favourite entertainers.
Spice, whose correct name is Grace Hamilton, says, "I was really happy and thankful for all the support I received and all the artistes, fans, family and friends who came out, thank you all so much."
Spice also said '8 Ball' would be catering to a younger audience. "It's for young people like myself who want somewhere free to go and lyme and play pool, party at the club in the back and have fun.In Portmore there's barely anything to do, you always find yourself going to Kingston just for a lyme, so we are gonna be having quite a few promotions there to make sure Friday night is a lot of fun for everyone."
A 20-year-old St Thomas man, already on a gun charge, found himself in double trouble for breaching the conditions of his bail after he was accused of forging a cop's signature in an effort to confirm his visit to a police station.
Oniel Taylor from Pattoo Gully, Seaforth, will appear in the Yallah's Resident Magistrate's Court to answer to charges of forgery and breaching the conditions of his bail.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Marvin Nelson, alleges that on June 25, Taylor did not show up at the Seaforth Police Station, but had documents to show he had made the visit.
Detective Constable Nelson said Taylor, already on charges of shooting with intent and illegal possession of firearm, was granted $150,000 bail in the Gun Court. Part of his bail agreement was to report to the police on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
It is reported that on June 28, when Taylor visited the station, the police's diary showed he had not reported on the previous Friday even though a book he records his visits in has the signature of a policeman.
Nelson said the handwritings in Taylor's book and that seen in the diary were not similar. He was subsequently arrested and charged.The 45-year-old real estate manager who had admitted he was addicted to marijuana recently in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court reappeared yesterday.
Sybrand Mitchell returned to court to answer to the charge of dealing in ganja, for which he had initially pleaded not guilty.
Mitchell told Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey that he was reluctant to plead guilty to the charge because he was not dealing in ganja when he was arrested. However, RM Pusey explained to Mitchell that the law states that if a person is found in possession of more than eight ounces of ganja, that person is deemed to be a dealer unless the person can provide a valid explanation for having more than that amount.
However, Mitchell told RM Pusey that he was set up and was being 'scapegoated' by his friend who is the one who is truly responsible. Mitchell told the court that his friend had left the ganja at his house with his girlfriend.
After leaving the ganja, he then made a report to the police that the ganja was there on Mitchell's premises.
When asked by RM Pusey about any attempt to get rid of the ganja, Mitchell replied that he had forgotten that it was there. Mitchell eventually pleaded guilty and was fined $3,200 or 30 days in prison.
Mitchell initially appeared in court on June 29, when he informed the court that he was addicted to marijuana and had been smoking ganja since age 12.Ethan 'Beenie Man' Morris a 32-year-old shop operator of Whitehall, Negril and Kevin 'Dessy' Bennett, 34, a labourer of Springfield, Westmoreland, were shot and killed in the parish yesterday.
Police said the two were at Morris' shop about 2:45 a.m. when three men with handguns approached and opened fire, hitting both men. Police, who were on patrol, found the men lying face down in a pool of *lo**. They were taken to the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Hours earlier, Dwayne Taylor, a 21-year-old labourer of a St Ann address and Red Ground district in Negril, was shot dead in Grange Hill in the parish Sunday night.
Police said Taylor and four other men were at a shop watching television when six men, wearing masks and carrying guns and machetes, entered and demanded their cellular phones. They robbed one of the men of a Samsung phone valued at $2,500.
The men then opened fire at the group injuring everyone, the police said. Taylor died at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital, while the other men were admitted in stable condition.
The Negril police are investigating both incidents.Preliminary investigations by the May Pen police have revealed that two of four men who were fatally shot in a gun battle with police officers after an attempted robbery in Tollgate, Clarendon, yesterday, were linked to a string of earlier robberies in the Clarendon Police Division.
A third member, a 15-year-old boy was shot and injured, while the fourth is on the run.
The men had reportedly attacked a business place about 12:45 p.m. in Tollgate and attempted to rob the patrons, but was confronted by a licensed firearm holder. He shot at the men who returned fire. A gun battle followed, but the men managed to escape in a waiting motor car.
Their getaway was cut short, however, when the car crashed just a few metres away from the site of the attempted robbery. The men then alighted from the vehicle and continued the shoot-out with the licensed firearm holder.
Minutes later, a policeman who was near the gun battle joined the shoot-out and the gunmen subsequently ran in separate directions.
Quick action on the part of the May Pen police took officers to a premises in Tollgate, where one of the men, identified as 21-year-old Livingston 'Spragga' Brown was found. When the police allegedly attempted to apprehend him, he reportedly attacked them with a machete. He was shot and killed.
Police were later called to the May Pen Hospital where the 15-year-old boy was released into their custody. He had been taken to the hospital by residents who had found him with gunshot wounds.
Later that evening, about 6:05, the remaining two members of the group struck again at another location in Tollgate.
The police officers who responded to this attempted robbery were greeted with gunfire. The officers returned fire and one of the men, Collie Burrell, also known as 'Town-man', was shot and injured while his companion managed to escape. The police seized a .38 revolver, serial number obscured, loaded with six .38 cartridges. An additional six .38 rounds were also taken from his pants pocket. He was taken to the May Pen Hospital where he died.
The vehicle in which the four gunmen were travelling was seized. Investigations also revealed that the vehicle was stolen on July 3.
The Bureau of Special Investigations has commenced a probe.A policeman assigned to the Freeport Police Station in Montego Bay, St.James, was shot and injured last evening.
The incident occurred about 5:30 p.m. yesterday in the station's barracks. The injured cop has since been admitted in hospital.
Up to press time last night, information on the shooting was sketchy. THE STAR was told that the colleagues of the injured cops were still being questioned and that further details would not be available until today.
The Montego Bay CIB is investigating the incident.A 61-year-old woman was sentenced to three months in prison yesterday after she pleaded guilty to ganja-related charges when she appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.
The accused, Rachel Brooks, of a Corporate Area address, pleaded guilty to possession of and dealing in ganja.
The court was informed that Brooks sold ganja to persons, including children from her home.
Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey offered Brooks the opportunity to provide a valid explanation for her actions but she was unable to provide a satisfactory answer. RM Pusey then warned Brooks that "you are a big woman and I'm sending you away for it".
Brooks was sentenced to three months' imprisonment to run concurrently on each charge, so she will only serve three months for both offences.The St Catherine North police have released 60 of 218 men who were detained during a curfew in the parish yesterday, while a man said to be one of the most wanted men in the division was fatally shot.
Sources told THE STAR that the 60 men were released after being processed and interviewed, while two of the number of men who were held overnight already had warrants out for their arrests.
Meanwhile, Aaron 'War Chief' Dixon, 23, was killed after reportedly engaging police in a shoot-out.
Dixon was wanted in connection with a number of crimes in the Gordon Pen committed as far back as two years ago. A Glock 17 pistol and seven rounds of ammunition was taken from him in the aftermath of the gunfight.
Also, on Sunday, Desmond Burke, 30, from Fletchers district, Kitson Town, was also killed in an alleged police shoot-out.
About 10 a.m., police approached a premises in Fletchers when three men, including Burke, started to shoot at them. A shoot-out followed during which the men fled. During a search of the area, Burke was found suffering from gunshot wounds. He died at hospital.Seven girls from a Corporate Area high school were barred from graduating last week following their involvement in a bitter argument on the way home from a graduation rehearsal.
The girls told THE STAR that they were among a group of 10 students who were engaged in a heated argument on their way from the rehearsal. However, instead of all of them being penalised, only seven of them were punished.
"It was 10 of us who were in the argument, both boys and girls, plus di headgirl but the principal said that we won't be graduating," said one of the girls.
The dean of discipline for the school told THE STAR that the decision to have the girl barred from participating in the event was a joint decision made by a group including himself and the principal. He said the girls have been constantly involved in numerous incidents and were suspended before.
"The girls were barred from the graduation based on their awful behaviour on the road from the rehearsal. We spoke to persons from the community and students about the girls' behaviour. These seven girls have been suspended from the school before," he said.
The girls, however, believe there is another reason behind them being barred. They said that they recently made accusations that a teacher was involved with one of the students in the argument.
While the dean of discipline said he was aware of this allegation, he said he only discovered this last week and the matter will be investigated. He said the decision to prevent the girls from graduating was only based on the quarrel.
The headgirl was allowed to graduate, he said, mainly because the seven girls were unable to tell them that she acted in a disgraceful manner during the argument. He told THE STAR that he was only aware of eight students being involved in the brawl.Kartel remains in custody - Deejay to be processed today
Deejay Vybz Kartel remains in a Corporate Area police lock up after being cited by local police as a person of interest and asked to turn himself in.
Accompanied by his attorneys, the deejay, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, handed himself over to the authorities on Friday, four days after the cops requested that he report to the nearest police station to be questioned as part of their on-going efforts to stamp out criminality.
Chat! understands that Kartel will be questioned and processed later today by police, however, his release is said to hinge on what comes out of the questioning.
Kartel, who heads the Portmore Empire a local clique of dancehall artistes and producers continues to plead his innocence, as he says he is unaware of the reason behind the request by the police.
Prior to handing himself in on Friday, the deejay sent a number of text message in which he called the action by the cops in naming him as a major person of interest as an attempt to malign him and ruin his reputation.
In addition to Kartel, last week the police named five others whom they also see as persons of interest. They are Omar Lawrence, also called Hommie, of Anglin Lane, Newlands, Portmore; Seymour Johnson, otherwise called Bulb Eye, of Braeton Phase One; Paul Smith, alias called Kerone and Biggs, of Big Lane, Central Village; Oneil Myurrie, also called Neily, of Little Lane, Central Village; and Damion Perry, alias Tillyman, of Old Harbour Bay.
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Disturbing Clip Of A 4yr Old Boy Having Sex With Grown Woman Thats Been All Over The Net Is Now Being Investigated!
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