AUSTIN, Texas A software engineer furious with the Internal Revenue Service launched a suicide attack on the agency Thursday by crashing his small plane into an office building containing nearly 200 IRS employees, setting off a raging fire that sent workers fleeing for their lives.
At least one person in the building was missing.
A federal law official identified the pilot as Joseph Stack and said investigators were looking at a long anti-government screed and farewell note that he apparently posted on the Web earlier in the day as an explanation for what he was about to do.
In it, the author cited run-ins with the IRS and ranted about the tax agency, government bailouts and corporate America's "thugs and plunderers."
"I have had all I can stand," he wrote in the note, dated Thursday, adding: "I choose not to keep looking over my shoulder at `big brother' while he strips my carcass."
Stack, 53, also apparently set fire to his house about six miles from the crash site before embarking on the suicide flight, said two law enforcement officials, who like other authorities spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation was still going on.
The pilot took off in a single-engine Piper Cherokee from an airport in Georgetown, about 30 miles from Austin, without filing a flight plan. He flew low over the Austin skyline before plowing into the side the hulking, seven-story, black-glass building just before 10 a.m. with a thunderous explosion that instantly stirred memories of Sept. 11.
Flames shot from the building, windows exploded, a huge pillar of black smoke rose over the city and terrified workers scrambled to safety.
The Pentagon scrambled two F-16 fighter jets from Houston to patrol the skies over the burning building before it became clear that it was the act of a lone pilot, and President Barack Obama was briefed on the crash.
"It felt like a bomb blew off," said Peggy Walker, an IRS revenue officer who was sitting at her desk. "The ceiling caved in and windows blew in. We got up and ran."
Stack was presumed dead. At least one person who worked in the building was unaccounted for and two people were hospitalized, fire officials said. About 190 IRS employees work in the building.
Gerry Cullen was eating breakfast at a restaurant across the street when the plane struck the building and "vanished in a fireball."
Matt Farney, who was in the parking lot of a nearby Home Depot, said he saw a low-flying plane near some apartments and the office building just before it crashed.
"I figured he was going to buzz the apartments or he was showing off," Farney said. "It was insane. It didn't look like he was out of control or anything."
Sitting at her desk in another building a half-mile from the crash, Michelle Santibanez said she felt vibrations from the crash. She and her co-workers ran to the windows, where they witnessed a scene that reminded them of 9/11, she said.
"It was the same kind of scenario, with window panels falling out and desks falling out and paperwork flying," said Santibanez, an accountant.
The building, situated in a heavily congested section of Austin, was still smoldering six hours after the crash, with much of the damage on the second and third floors.
The entire outside of the second floor was gone on the side of the building where the plane hit. Support beams were bent inward. Venetian blinds dangled from blown-out windows, and large sections of the exterior were blackened with soot.
Andrew Jacobson, an IRS revenue officer who was on the second floor when the plane hit with a "big whoomp" and then a second explosion, said about six people couldn't use the stairwell because of smoke and debris. He found a metal bar to break a window so the group could crawl out onto a concrete ledge, where they were rescued by firefighters. His *lo**y hands were bandaged.
The FBI was investigating. The National Transportation Safety Board sent an investigator as well.
In the long, rambling, self-described "rant" that Stack apparently posted on the Internet, he began: "If you're reading this, you're no doubt asking yourself, `Why did this have to happen?'"
He detailed his financial reverses, his difficulty finding work in Austin, and at least two clashes with the IRS, one of them after he filed no return because, he said, he had no income, the other after he failed to report his wife Sheryl's income.
He railed against politicians, the Catholic Church, the "unthinkable atrocities" committed by big business, and the government bailouts that followed. He said he slowly came to the conclusion that "violence not only is the answer, it is the only answer."
"I saw it written once that the definition of insanity is repeating the same process over and over and expecting the outcome to suddenly be different. I am finally ready to stop this insanity. Well, Mr. Big Brother IRS man, let's try something different; take my pound of flesh and sleep well," he wrote.
According to California state records, Stack had a troubled business history, twice starting software companies in California that ultimately were suspended by the state's tax board, one of them in the late 1980s, the other in 2001.
The blaze at Stack's home, a red-brick house on a tree-lined street in a middle-class neighborhood, caved in the roof and blew out the windows. Elbert Hutchins, who lives one house away, said the house caught fire about 9:15 a.m. He said a woman and her teenage daughter drove up to the house before firefighters arrived.
"They both were very, very distraught," said Hutchins, a retiree who said he didn't know the family well. "'That's our house!' they cried. `That's our house!'"
Red Cross spokeswoman Marty McKellips said the agency was treating two people who live in the house.
Well, this little viral number didn't take long to become the stuff of screaming Drudge sirens. So, over at CNET, Declan McCullagh wrote about an update to a cybersecurity bill that first circulated this spring. In his interpretation of the bill (which I haven't read in entirety, full disclosure), Declan says the bill gives the White House new power to unplug private-sector computers from the Internet in the case of national emergency. Snip:
[Critics of the earlier bill are] not much happier about a revised version that aides to Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat, have spent months drafting behind closed doors. CNET News has obtained a copy of the 55-page draft of S.773 (excerpt), which still appears to permit the president to seize temporary control of private-sector networks during a so-called cybersecurity emergency.
The new version would allow the president to "declare a cybersecurity emergency" relating to "non-governmental" computer networks and do what's necessary to respond to the threat. Other sections of the proposal include a federal certification program for "cybersecurity professionals," and a requirement that certain computer systems and networks in the private sector be managed by people who have been awarded that license.
Bill would give president emergency control of Internet (CNET).
Commenting on this article, ZDNET's Sam Diaz argues that the White House is not equipped to hold the keys (where are these magical keys, btw?). "The argument that the government is ill-equipped and shouldn't be trusted with the such far-reaching power is no joke."
At the Atlantic, Mark Armbinder counters that Skepticism [is] Warranted -- But Nuance Needed.
A few things to keep in mind. One: the president already has the authority to shut down parts of the Internet in emergencies.
The bill restates the power and expands it to make sure that any system that is too big to fail cannot be allowed to fail at the expense at the rest of the system. The analogy the bill's authors use is that of the president's power to order all aircraft to land in the event of a systemwide emergency. That power is -- powerful! -- but we're generally OK with it. The Internet, of course, is different, in kind and expanse. There's a broad sense that it should be free, unfettered, and allowed to evolve on its own. There's a broad sense that the Internet is to citizens today what guns were to civillian militias of the founding era -- the trenchline against tyranny. (Editorial note: I agree.)
Maybe the White House should have this power in extreme emergencies, but it had better be clear about what those emergencies entail, and it had better accept accountability if it oversteps its authority. There is, aside from the obvious definitional issues, an inherent trade-off in codifying this power, and it's going to be tough to find a balance that satisfies everyone. So far most of what I'm seeing in the way of online discussion around this *draft* bill (it's not yet law, guys) involves meta debates around authoritarianism and "is Obama Hitler," plus a lot of rehashing of boilerplate Libertarian and Republican talking points. I'm less interested in those thread-wars, and more interested in better understanding the murky technical details under discussion. I'll be reading what I can find over the weekend, but welcome your thoughts in the comments. No sirens plz.
The licensed firearm holder from Cassia Park, St Andrew, who was taken into police custody earlier this month for allegedly shooting an 11-year-old boy in the back is set to face the court on March 3.
Earlier this month the youngster was shot and hospitalised after climbing on to the walls of the firearm holder.
hunting for birds
Reports in that matter were that sometime between 3:30 and 4 p.m. on the day of the incident, the chap and two of his friends were in the Cassia Park gully, close to Zaidie Gardens, hunting for birds.
Information continued that the boys climbed the wall in pursuit of a catch, when a woman in that yard warned them to be careful in whatever they were doing, as there was a vehicle on the property.
It is said that shortly afterwards, the woman went into the house and the firearm holder came out, gun in hand. Shots were then fired at the boys.
The youngsters reportedly jumped from the wall and ran off into the gully while shots were still being fired. During their run, the 11-year-old fell to the ground. It is reported that his two friends turned back to his rescue and brought him to the roadway after realising that he was shot. The boy was then rushed off to hospital.
A report was made to the police and the firearm holder was arrested.
Speaking with this newspaper yesterday, Superintendent Derrick 'Cowboy' Knight, head of the St Andrew Central Division, disclosed that the shooter has since been charged with shooting with intent.
A ban on cigarette smoking will shortly be introduced within a designated area of Emancipation Square in Spanish Town, St Catherine.
According to a release from the Jamaica Information Service, this will be the first smoke-free square in the Caribbean when a declaration is officially unveiled in March. The initiative is a joint project of the Smoke Free Action Coalition in Spanish Town and the St Catherine Parish Council.
At a launching ceremony on Monday in Emancipation Square, Mayor of Spanish Town, Dr Andrew Wheatley, said that the St Catherine Parish Council will be embarking on a public- education campaign to inform the public of the initiative and to raise awareness of the dangers of cigarette smoking.
Additionally, he said, signs will be erected around the square, informing the public that it is a no-smoking zone.
Wheatley also called on the police and citizens of Spanish Town to support the initiative, by helping to enforce the regulation.Some residents of Jackson district near Kraal, Clarendon, are upset while others are intrigued about several women, believed to be lesbians, who occupy a house in the area.
A resident contacted THE WEEKEND STAR complaining about the women who she said walked around their yard nude.
People claimed they have heard the women, who reportedly moved to the community about six months ago, moaning and groaning inside the house.
Is not like dem a hide it
THE WEEKEND STAR visited the community yesterday but nobody was apparently present at the identified house.
Residents said the house is occupied at times by at least six women. One resident said, "Is not like dem a hide it ... . A pure women live inna di house and dem up front wid it ... ."
She added, "More time yu see dem ova deh a walk naked ..., plus yu see dem all a hug up and kiss up and more time yu all hear dem ova deh like dem a have sex. It nuh look good if a did up to me alone, dem haffi fi leave."
Another resident said while nobody has confronted the women, their actions have really upset some members of the community.
But despite the anger from some residents, there are those who have no issue with the women.
"A di people dem business, me personally nuh care ... . Yu know how long me want meet dem pon di road so me can chat to dem but a pure taxi dem take or dem fren dem weh drive come pick dem up ... . Mi love dem," an excited sounding resident, 24-year-old Travis Walker, said.
Meanwhile, the Clarendon and Area 3 police said they have only heard tales of the situation.
"Well, we have heard stories but it seems it's more than that ... . If they are walking about naked, then they can be charged and if they are making other residents uncomfortable, then we will look into it," Detective Corporal Vaughn Jackson of the Area 3 police said.The Kingston East police seized 412 rounds of assorted ammunition in the Back Bush area of Mountain View yesterday.
The police said that they were on an operation in the community about noon when armed men began shooting at them. The police returned the fire and the gunmen fled.
During a search of a house the ammunition was found along with army fatigue, a ballistic vest and 300 sticks of ganja.
drugs, extortion and guns
"This forms a part of the Anti-Crime Initiative,which deals with drugs, extortion and guns. We are going all out to deal with the problem. We will not retreat," remarked Deputy Superintendent of Police for Operations, Hornet Williams.
DSP Williams said that the police are now seeking several persons in connection with the incident. Up to late evening police personnel were still combing the area for the gunmen.
Weekly charts for America's best-selling recorded music as they appear in next week's issue of Billboard magazine. Reprinted with permission. (Platinum signifies more than 1 million copies sold; Gold signifies more than 500,000 copies sold.):
Billboard Hot 100: Top 10
(Airplay monitored by Nielsen/BDS. Sales data compiled by Nielsen/SoundScan.)
1.TiK ToK, Ke$ha. Kemosabe/RCA/RMG.
2. We Are The World 25: For Haiti, Various Artistes. Artistes For Haiti 3. Imma Be, The Black Eyed Peas. Interscope.
4. Bedrock, Young Money feat. Lloyd. Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown.
5. Bad Romance, Lady Gaga. Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope.
6. Need You Now, Lady Antebellum. Capitol Nashville.
7. Hey, Soul Sister, Train. Aware/Columbia.
8. How Low, Ludacris. DTP/Def Jam/IDJMG.
9. In My Head, Jason Derulo. Beluga Heights/Warner Bros.
10. Sexy Chick, David Guetta feat. Akon. Gum/Astralwerks/Capitol.
Dancehall artiste Spice left the island today for Florida, for what she promises will be a great performance in Fort Myers, tomorrow night.
"I'm expecting to have a great show tomorrow night. It will be at Club Cachet in Fort Myers, and as we know, a lot ofCaribbean nationals live in Florida, so I can't ever go there with anything less than the best, because they know how energetic our performances are. I know myself, I always go all out with my performances and clothes, so they have a lot to look forward to," said Spice.
The artiste, who last week released the new single Back Broad, produced by TJ Records, will return to the island on Sunday and will begin shooting the video for the hot new single now enjoying heavy rotation on local stations.
Beenie Man is complaining that the Bounty Killer-led Alliance is still conspiring to blind the public to his achievements and keep him from being a powerful force to drive dancehall music forward into the millennium.
"There's always a conspiracy fi keep we outta the game. Who ah organise it? Nuh the Alliance. Ah me ah tek all the shows dem mi de pon over the holidays and not even one write-up inna the papers dem ah big me up," he complained.
"Ah me mash up Mix and Blenda, mi only get 10 minutes ah Island Xplosion because ah biased show, but mi still mash it up. Sting flopped without me. How dem fi have a Sting without Beenie Man? The people dem say nothing no gwaan before mi reach GT Taylor show, mi go Sonny Spoon show go mash it up and then lef and go Teensplash after and ah me close the show after Mavado and Kartel work and mi lift up the beach, the ting never drop," he said.
He said that he also performed well at the Shaggy and Friends concert but he said that the following day, everyone was talking about Bounty Killer's foul-mouthed outburst.
"Bounty Killer ah obeahman, him open him mouth and the whole ah Jamaica quake," Beenie said disgustedly.
"The man is an emba****ment, him go over the people dem good good charity show and cuss bad word and carry on and the following day, ah him everybody ah talk bout instead of the great work that Shaggy do fi the country. Me go over de and mash up the place and have the rich people dem ah dance and ah wave flag, mi deal wid it professional and proper, before the people dem start sing with Joe and Boyz II Men dem. It never mek sense him come on the stage and then him ruin it," he said.
"It look like me haffi go cuss and carry on bad fi get a front page or get some respect inna the business," Beenie lamented.
Beenie Man has a new single called Woman ah Call Me that is #1 on the FiWi Choice top ten chart and #1 on the ER TV charts broadcast on TVJ on Fridays.
B.G., born Christopher Dorsey, was arrested in November 2009, when police stopped a Chevy Tahoe for an undisclosed traffic violation.
According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, a search of the vehicle uncovered three loaded guns and two extended clip.
Lisa Hyper, Merciless - file photos
At least two of the reported losers who participated in lyrical showdown at the recently concluded Settlementstage show, have come out crying foul play.
The Settlement, held at Links in Yallahs, St Thomas, was advertised as the burial ground for several artistes who were billed to face-off. The show saw clashes between Mr G and L.A. Lewis; Queen Paula and Lisa Hyper and Merciless against Gabriel.
However, both Merciless and Lisa Hyper have broken their silence in the aftermath of the lyrical showdown, claiming that they were treated unfairly, which was a reason for the poor showing.
Efforts to contact L.A. Lewis, who was completely outclassed by a veteran Mr G, proved futile as his phone went straight to voicemail after several attempts.
Merciless was at the wrong end of a lyrical rampage when he went up against a confident Gabriel. However, the dancehall veteran said, "Mi never did book fi a clash and him not even did book fi di show."
Regardless of his plea, the clash did materialise and the self-proclaimed 'Warhead' was a surprisingly uncharacteristic Merciless which left a gap that Gabriel exploited perfectly.
Resorting only to intimidation and a drawn-out Letter to Mama rendition, Merciless got numerous boos from the crowd while it was the opposite for his younger counterpart.
narrowly beaten
However, he told THE WEEKEND STAR that he hasn't lost anything since the clash, and is now focused to continue building his career.
"Mi ignore dat long time. There's no way Gabriel can walk near mi, not even mi shoe lace. Mi cyah lower myself to his level because a one song (Long, Plain and Straight) him ever do and dem lock him up fi dat. Mi nah inna nuh war wid likkle boy, it nah put mi nuh weh," he said.
Meanwhile, Lisa Hyper who was narrowly beaten by veteran female artiste Queen Paula, labelled her fellow mate's performance as 'childish' after the two had briefly entertained the crowd during their performance.
"I think she was childish, because she did try 'cow' mi down wid har hoggish behaviour. She never behave like a 48-year-old lady. In a stage clash, you fi allow yuh opponent fi talk, she a behave like she fraid," she said.
The deejay, known for the single Wine Fi Mi, featuring Vybz Kartel, also warned that she'll be seeking revenge at Follow Di Arrow, set for James Bond Beach, in St Mary on February 27.
Despite media reports, which labelled Lisa Hyper's opponent victor, the 21-year-old remains confident that she's of a better quality when compared to Queen Paula.
"Mi can win, but The Settlement was great even though dem never announce a winner. But, dem shouldn't because am 21 and add another 21 to dat, yu still nuh reach har age. She should a win just fi dat reason," she said.
Both artistes said they are focused on future endeavours. Lisa Hyper will be leaving the island on Monday to perform at a nightclub in Guyana, while Merciless is promoting three new singles in Country Mi Say, Mama Replyand Proud, featuring Charly Blacks.
Signal ends busy carnival season | |||
Busy Signal Deejay Busy Signal is closing off another successful carnival experience in Trinidad and is expected to return to Jamaica on February 19. THE STAR recently spoke to Busy's manager, Shane Brown, who was in Trinidad with the deejay for the soca season. Busy and his crew left for Trinidad on February 5, having hit all the major events such as Temperature, UWI Splash, Tribe, Soca Monarch, Short Pants Fęte and J'Ouvert, among others. boy meets girl According to Brown, this is Busy's third carnival experience. "He was here last year with Machel Montano and the HD family, and now this year with Bunji but (also) doing Beyonce's show with Machel, Machel's only event for the season. We've done nine shows so far. "The deejay will also be performing at the popular Beyonce show on February 18, 'Boy Meets Girl'. popular soca songs Brown told THE STAR Busy has a number of popular soca songs out. "His songs this year for the season is Whooiiee Gal Whooiiee, with Machel, produced by me for Juke Boxx, and Start Whining with Fayon Lyons. Apart from those, he has Picante, Up in Her Belly and Push Bumpa, with Machel, playing during the season.Trinidad is like Busy's second home so the response has been welcoming. " When Busy returns to Jamaica, Brown said it's back to work with dates in Barbados, St Maarten, Dominica and the release of his third album, D.O.B., in April. -Krista Henry |
The police in St Thomas are planning to charge the promoter of last weekend's show, 'The Settlement' after several underage children were picked up there.
The police said that during an operation at the event they arrested twelve boys between the ages of seven and 17.
Head of the St Thomas police, Superintendent Mervin McNabb told THE WEEKEND STAR that investigations are ongoing as the police try to determine who was responsible for the organisation of the event.
Superintendent McNabb said it was too early to pinpoint any specific person as he or she may not have been the one who applied for the permit.
"I don't know who are the organisers but we are investigating to ensure we find the right persons who put it on and it doesn't matter who the promoter is, once children are found at your dance or club you will be prosecuted," Superintendent McNabb said.
The operation was carried out as part of an initiative in the parish by the police to rid dancehall and other entertainment events of children.
The police launched the exercise on Saturday and according to the Constabulary Communication Network, one of the operations was carried out at the show held at Links in Yallahs.
Two girls below the age of 18, were also said to have been picked up at another dance at Seaforth over the weekend.
The children were taken before the St Thomas Children's Court on Monday and their parents were summoned to appear in the Yallahs Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, March 3, to answer to breaches of the ChildCare and Protection Act.
In the meantime, the police are urging adults who had observed or have knowledge of any juveniles being at these events to contact any station in the division.
The co-owner of a Kingston nightclub that was closed recently after its power supply was disconnected by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) is seeking to clarify the circumstances under which the club was unable to open its doors to the public.
The JPS suggested that the club, one of the newest on the entertainment landscape, had an illegal connection. But while conceding that the light and power company had issues with a connection at the club, that connection was in an area of the club that had not been used since early January, the co-owner said.
He explained that since January 1, the club that operated on two floors, closed down its operations on the second floor where there was a bar and private booths, and moved all its business down to the floor below. Since that time, there have been no activities whatsoever on the second floor. "Why would we be stealing light for a floor that we were not using," he asked. "Nothing is upstairs."
He said there were no issues with connections on the ground floor. The club was unable to open because power to the entire building was disconnected.
The co-owner said the club owners had sent a letter to JPS last December advising it that the power meter on the second floor was being disconnected because electrical work was being done there. He insisted that they had been paying estimated bills sent by JPS.
He said a meeting is to be convened next Monday to resolve the issue with the JPS which is to recertify theproperty, adding that the club is not going to reopen until all the matters pertaining to powersupply connection are remedied.
Winsome Callum, JPS corporate communication manager, declined to comment on the matter, saying it is not the policy of JPS to discuss details of customers' accounts and business transactions with the media.
Macka Diamond speaks to the audience at her book launch which was held at the Moulin Rouge, Constant Spring Road, last night. - Nathaniel Stewart
It was an excited Macka Diamond, who launched her new book, The Real Gangster's Wife, at Club Moulin Rouge, Constant Spring Road, last night.
The 'money goddess', who was more than two hours late to the launch, was greeted with smiles as she strolled into the venue with Captain Barkey by her side. And, when she eventually spoke, the joy she felt from publishing a second book, the first being Bun Him, was obvious.
"This has been a more up close and personal thing. Part two is already ready, that's how serious it is. We thinking about even the movie. This one nah bun nobody. We nuh write it bout nobody, but this book is real. A whole heap a sumpten happen," she said laughing.
more life, more livity
"This is is my second career. When mi get bokkle pon two stage show mi can just sell two book. Dem saydiamonds are forever and I will be here forever. More books, more life, more livity."
She also joked that roles in the movie would be filled by Ishawna and her beau Foota Hype, who read excerpts from the book together, and also Lady G. In addition, she said her movie Redemption To Paradise will be shown at the Reggae Film Festival next week.
After reading, Lady G seemed like quite the supportive friend, as she said, "congratulations Macka, big-up yourself, you look like a real businesswoman."
Dancer Mystic and upcoming artiste G Whizz also read from the book. There were also many persons 'blessing up' Macka Diamond on her efforts.
Prior to speaking, Macka Diamond was surrounded by people wanting to look at or take pictures of the cake, which had a photo of the book on it. Eventually she got the opportunity to cut it with one of her fans.
After the formal launch was complete, books were sold and Macka Diamond was ready to sign them.
G-Whizz reads a section of Macka Diamond's book
Christopher 'Johnny' Daley - Contributed
Christopher 'Johnny' Daley will yet again be hoping to entertain local audiences when he plays host to a 13-weeks live-comedy show, which is set to begin on Saturday, March 10.
The popular Jamaican actor joined forces with the owners of Village Blues Bars (formerly Village Café), located in Orchid Village, on Barbican Road, in creating a new comedic series titled Johnny Raw at The Village, which will be held each Wednesday night, for one and a half hour.
The series will be produced by Village Blues Bars and the former Lime Tree Lane star expressed confidence that the show would impact positively.
The former Comedy Buss host said he would be seeking a female dwarf as his co-host, which he hoped would bring more amusement to patrons on a weekly basis.
"I don't know why they are not popular. I think it will be something fresh and exciting, with the idea of a dwarf being my co-host. They are so funny," the actor said.
Johnny Raw at The Village will be an uncensored live event. The theme is to give fans an up-close-and-personal experience with the morning-time host, as well as enjoying discussions on various topical issues in a humorous manner.
There will be other special guest comedians, with Elva Ruddock and Dr Michael Abrahams already confirmed. The format will also include performances from various artistes each week, with a resident saxophonist.
Johnny, who will open each night with a 30-minute stand-up comedy act, believes the idea will attract a great deal of interest from the public and will move the comedy industry to further heights.
"I think comedy in Jamaica has been stuck in a rut. I think we as comedians are not pushing enough to make it improve. The aim of the show is to bring back comedians to that level, where anything can be discussed in a jovial manner," he said.
Auditions for a dwarf to co-host Johnny will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday March 6, at Village Blues Bars.
"I don't know why they are not popular.
I think it will be something fresh and exciting, with the
idea of a dwarf being my co-host. They
are so funny."
Alliance still strong? - Kartel splits, other members stay
Kavelle Anglin-Christie and Teino Evans, Staff Reporters
DJ Bounty Killer right, poses with Wayne Marshall after Marshall presented him with the Upliftment Award. - file
For now, only Vybz Kartel is fed up with Bounty Killer's 'cross angry miserable' persona; the other members of the Alliance are staying put. Vybz Kartel fragmented the Alliance recently by walking out after at least three years with the Bounty Killer-led crew because he said he found it hard to shine in Bounty Killer's shadow.
"Bounty Killer waan control the artiste dem, no man nuh control me," Vybz Kartel told THE STAR.
He also says the restrictions placed on himbecame a hindrance to his music and if it were not for the Alliance, he would have been a greater artiste.
There's no telling who will follow in Addi's footsteps and climb out of the shadows - but some have started to hint that the next defector will be Aidonia, Kartel's 'son'.
However, in an earlier interview, Aidonia said this was not so and as far as he knew, he was still a part of the Alliance: "Nothing like that. People in the streets have it wrong. I am still a part of the Alliance as far as I know and until me hear otherwise."
Still, one has to wonder what will become of the man who often proclaims 'Addi a mi daddy'.
"From day one mi say 'Addi a mi daddy' and a him first mek me talk to Bounty and mek me be a part of the Alliance. Is not a tek side ting, mi nuh inna dat," said Aidonia.
According to Kartel, though he introduced Aidonia to Bounty Killer, Aidonia has a mind of his own.
"Mi and Aidonia share mutual respect - mi cant tell him wa fi do. Mi introduce him to Bounty. Him (Bounty) nah show Aidonia no love. Mi will talk straight, him nah do it cause him (Aidonia) close to me. 'Cause Busy was in there first and Busy and Aidonia a war. That's why him (Bounty) drop di mic at Wolmer's on Aidonia, cause him par wid me," explained Kartel.
Misconception
As news spread about Kartel's exit from The Alliance, other members were hesitant to make any comments on the issue - apparently some were still in the dark about what was happening.
"Mi nuh waan comment bout dis right now an mi would a haffi talk to Kartel first fi hear wah him a seh," Bling Dawg, another Alliance member said.
Another member, Wayne Marshall, said that persons had a misconception of what the Alliance was all about.
"People always have a misconception of the thing. It's nothing like that, (being in Bounty's shadow). It's just a casual thing, a nuh nutt'n like yuh haffi get a tattoo or pledge allegiance, a jus Bounty an him friend dem, but fi me, a jus music first. Bounty bring me inna di business an him seh Alliance so me seh Alliance to," said Marshall.
He also said Kartel's exit from the Alliance would not affect the 'TriState', another musical crew of sorts which includes Wayne Marshall, Bling Dawg and Kartel.
Own decisions
"TriState different from Alliance. It jus involve the three a we, it nuh have nutt'n fi do wid di Alliance or Bounty. Tri State a jus di artiste dem a come together, link pon a musical level, call up each other when wi have song. We are good friends, nutt'n nuh change," said Marshall.
Another member of the Alliance, Mavado, says he enjoys being a part of the group and will continue to do so. "To me is just a great feeling. No matter what happen and people say, that Alliance inna war, everybody go through bad times sometimes no matter what. No stone naw go deh deh forever, yuh just have to know the point you can reach. Killa a mi don same way," Mavado says.
He also says years from now he won't look back and with regret, nor will he think he was stifled.
"That's not me. Alliance is what made me who I am, so I wouldn't look back and say, 'Yu know seh me shoulddah deh pon me own'. But I am on my own. I make my own decisions and I have my own views, but if I want to know something, I can go chat to the bigger heads at the end of the day. It's a family, because when certain things happen, people will get vex, but we still rate we friends and we know is just music, so we naw go tek it to certain level."
Irrespective of what other members of the Alliance say about the group, it seems 'Addi's son' has already started to feel the effects of the Bounty-Kartel rift.
Aidonia explained that only recently, he had to 'ask' some selectors why they stopped playing his music.
"Mi neva threaten nobody, mi just a ask dem why dem a go round me thing and it must be something why them nuh want play me. I am not one of the most liked artistes out there because of one of the first songs I did," he said.
On a different note, Kartel says he does not think the Alliance will suffer without him.
"Not necessarily. There are good artistes in the Alliance - Mavado hot, Busy a do him ting. Whole of dem a do dem ting. Mek people know mi nah fight them (physically), only musically," he said.
Efforts to contact Bounty Killer proved futile up to press time. However, a representative told The Star last week that Bounty would not comment on a conflict with Vybz Kartel.
Some members of the Alliance
Bounty Killer
Bling Dawg
Wayne Marshall
Elephant Man
Aidonia
Mavado
Busy Signal
Jagwa
Predator
Angel Doolas
Hitlist
Anarchy
Dadda
All the parties connected to the song are understandably disappointed by the inexplicable delay. The Bolan production team that heads up Heart to Art cannot put a finger on the problem; however, they revealed that they have had a streak of unfortunate experiences with video directors in recent times. They explain that Vlad committed to deliver the video for Lockdown within six weeks of the shoot; however, more than three months have gone by since then without him providing any acceptable explanation for the protracted wait. They recently spoke to Vlad and he expressed profound regret for the delay and assured them that he is now working feverishly to complete the project.
Some may ask why Bolan brought in a director from Russia to tackle a dancehall video; however, they contend that they worked on a project with Vlad in NY several years ago and were extremely impressed by the quality of his work and his professionalism. They explained further that selecting a director relatively close to home does not guarantee delivery of the project on time, if at all, and they have the evidence to prove it.
They recently won a settlement against NY-based director Lamont "Liquid" Burrell, who claims to have completed several projects for the likes of Alicia Keyes. Bolan explains that they paid Liquid to complete three videos but once he received the advance he became totally unprofessional and failed to deliver on two of the projects, while he delivered the other one several months late. Despite many promises to the contrary, Liquid also failed to return the deposits, forcing Bolan to take him to court and win a judgment, which they are finding hard to collect from Liquid. They have also encountered disappointment with a director in Jamaica. In 2007, they paid a Jamaican director to create a medley video for a rhythm-driven project. They received the video about three months after the expected delivery date and it was of such poor quality that they did not bother to send it to the media houses.
While some may attribute these incidents to bad luck, Bolan believes that the crux of the problem is a general lack of respect meted out to ordinary working people, especially those living overseas, by entertainers, the entertainment media, and other service providers in the entertainment industry. They believe that many of these individuals seem to only show fear or respect to druggists, bad men, the ultra-rich, and other celebrities. Despite these obstacles, the Bolan team will not be deterred. They remain confident in their own abilities and in those of their labels main artiste, Nando, who is getting set to release his debut EP in early March. Surprisingly, they also remain confident that Vlad will soon deliver the video for Lockdown, and that, when he does, Lockdown will lock down the video charts.
Amelia 'Milk' Sewell - Contributed
Amelia 'Milk' Sewell has stepped out of the world of media and into the spotlight as a deejay. After voicing her first song Flossy, Milk says she's ready to pursue a career in music.
After voicing for producer Mafia McKoy of Loud Disturbance Records on his recently released 'Kama Sutra' rhythm, Milk is on a musical roll with other songs to be released soon. She told THE STAR recently, "the song (Flossy) has led me into music, I can't do one song and leave it at that. I've been around music too long, so if I do it I'm doing it to the fullest, 'cause I have so much to say."
natural experience
According to Milk, she won't be trying to imitate anyone else but will give her fans what they want. Flossy, recorded in January of this year was released three weeks ago. For Milk, she says it was a natural experience, after vibing the rhythm to voice the song. In the song Milk takes on an American accent talking about the 'flossing' lifestyle.
She said, "the song like mashing up the place and I feel so pleased about it, people are actually listening to it and liking it, people are calling me for interviews, it's great." Milk has a number of other songs working on includingAlien Technology alongside Mafia McKoy. "I'm gonna surprise dem wid different styles," she explained.
In the music business Milk says she would love to work with producers Stephen McGregor and Don Corleon. Outside of music, Milk is keeping herself busy as an emcee for events, working on TV for the Travel Network, One Love TV in Montego Bay and producing shows such as Fiwi Charts. Milk might also be back on radio soon as she is working on an entertainment program for Irie FM.
Steven Benjamin*, a member of the church, told THE STAR that everyone was shocked when the tape was played for a pastor of the church. He said, however, that some persons had previously suspected the deacon was a homosexual.
possibly gay
"I normally made comments that he was possibly gay; however, it was not taken seriously by many. Although I had my speculation, I was still shock at this discovery," said the church member.
A man who attended the church and lives in the area, said that the deacon had approached the teen, admitted he was gay and that he wanted to be involved in a sexual activity with him. It is alleged that the teen then told his friends about the deacon's proposal.
It is claimed that the teen and his friends approached the deacon and acted as if they were interested in taking part in his activity, but carried a device to record the conversation. It is alleged that he admitted that he was gay during the conversation.
played the tape
The youths are said to have then told the pastor of the church and played the tape for him. The deacon is said to have admitted that he approached the teen after the recording was played.
The deacon was instructed to sit at the back of the church, however, he was reportedly not pleased about this. The church member told THE STAR that the deacon did not want anyone to pray for him, as well.
"When persons wanted to pray for him, he did not want anyone to pray for him ... He said that he wants to remain like that," said the church member.
Richie B whos the master-mind behind the prestigious EME Awards is most definitely pleased with the results of the media coverage and turn-out that the 2010 EME Awards received. However apart from the local coverage highlights of the EMEs can be seen on BET's website BET.com that showcased several of our Jamaican stars on the red carpet and award winners.
You Can Watch BET's Highlights of The EMEs below.
http://www.bet.com/video/861043
SALT LAKE CITY Airport officials say an airliner en route to San Franciscofrom Denverhas been diverted to Salt Lake City following a bomb threat.
Salt Lake City Superintendent of Airport Operations Dave Korzep says the plane has been sequestered away from the terminal. He says the FBI and airport police are on scene searching the plane.
Korzep says the 193 passengers and six crew remain on board United Flight 741 and that there are buses waiting to transport passengers to the terminal when the all-clear is given.
Korzep had no details on the threat. The FBI in Salt Lake City said it couldn't confirm anything.
A United spokesperson says the flight was diverted as a precaution.
No injuries have been reported.
Vicar Angus MacLeay issued a leaflet to churchgoers saying that women should "not speak" if questions could be answered by their husbands.
The leaflet, entitled "The Role of Women in the Local Church", adds that wives should "submit to their husbands in everything".
It continues: "Wives are to submit to their husbands in everything in recognition of the fact that husbands are head of the family as Christ is head of the church.
"This is the way God has ordered their relationships with each other and Christian marriage cannot function well without it."
The leaflet under a section called "more difficult passages to consider" continues: "It would seem that women should remain silent...if their questions could legitimately be answered by their husbands at home."
Dozens of women have cancelled their subscriptions at St Nicholas Church in Sevenoaks, Kent, where married MacLeay is rector after the leaflet was handed out.
Last Sunday, the curate at the same church delivered a "medieval" sermon called "Marriage and Women", telling women to "submit to their husbands" to make marriage work.
Reverend Mark Oden, a married father-of-three, told the congregation: "We know marriage is not working.
"We only need to look at figures one in four children have divorced parents.
"Wives, submit to your own husbands."
During the sermon Rev Oden also blamed "modern woman" for the high divorce rates in the UK.
Speaking after it was revealed that many women had cancelled their church subscription and vowed not to return to the church, Rev Oden said he was "passionate" about saving the institution of marriage.
He added: "I am passionate about helping people to have healthy marriages.
"I did not set out to unnecessarily offend people, but I stand by what God has said in his word the Bible."
One female member of the church said she was "disgusted" by the sermon, adding: "How can they talk that way in the 21st Century?
"No wonder the church is losing touch if this is the kind of gobbledegook they want us to believe in.
"I will not be going back to that church and will have to seriously consider my faith if this is the nonsense they are spouting now."
Another, who didn't want to be named, said: "We're supposed to let our husbands talk for us and remain silent?
"What kind of medieval sermon is that we are not in the 15th Century. I have already cancelled my direct debit to the church."
A spokeswoman for the church today admitted the leaflets had been handed out to the congregation.
She said: "The leaflets were handed out to members of the congregation but Angus is not available at the moment."
The event, Gangster 4 Life, which was staged at Arizon Inn on Port Henderson Road in Portmore, had just begun to heat up with great performances when the incident occurred.
The birthday boy and Alliance member, Mavado, had been welcomed onstage at 6:30 a.m. and came out singing Full Clip with Busy Signal before they teamed up for Badman Place. At that time, Aidonia, in a rush, made his way onstage unannounced and started to perform. That's when things went downhill.
Rumblings began at the back of the stage as Aidonia's and Mavado's entourage got into a conflict. Bounty Killer, apparently in a bid to quell the rising tension, took the stage and started to deejay, but Aidonia returned to the fore asking, "a weh mi daddy deh?", referring to Vybz Kartel.
Earlier backstage, before the performances, the Killer had apparently instructed Aidonia not to call Kartel, the now-discarded Alliance member, onstage.
With Aidonia's obvious disobedience, the conflict which had previously been at the back of the stage, moved to the front. Aidonia, with his back turned to the crowd, was repeatedly asking, "a weh unnu a do", while pushing and shoving with Mavado's entourage.
With the possibility of the conflict intensifying, Aidonia quickly left the stage and headed towards the exit with his entourage. Mavado, with the microphone in hand, followed while cursing about how his show had been wrecked.
Having differences
The issue between the men had been heading to a boiling point since recently. Vybz Kartel in a report carried in the WEEKEND STAR declared last week that he was having differences with the other members of the Alliance. Kartel was quoted in that article as saying, " ... I am not in the Alliance, nobody nuh tell mi nothing, I left. I don't need no group to survive." The deejay also declared that "Mi a big man. Bounty Killer waan control the artiste dem, no man nuh control me ..."
Before Sunday morning's conflict the entertainment at the venue had been going on quite well with the likes of Coppershot, G-Fuss of Stone Love, Razz and Biggy, Tony Matterhorn, Fire Links and Swatch International taking patrons through enjoyable musical selections.
The live performances did not get on the way until 6 a.m., when Crimist, Kibaki, Flex, Jagwa, Munga and Ras Myrhdak were among those delivering lyrical rhymes to the stage.
The vibes and energy intensified when the 'Fireman', Capleton, walked onstage unannounced, causing loud cheers and screams to erupt around the venue, as he performed Top A Tings. It was after Capleton's performance that the conflict took place.
After Bounty Killer and Mavado's voices were heard over the microphones expressing their anger and disgust at how the show had ended abruptly, Bounty Killer and his large entourage rushed towards the exit where at this time, members of Aidonia's entourage had been awaiting them.
It is not clear what transpired after, but by the time THE STAR made it to the exit, the artistes had already loaded up in their vehicles and sped away.
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A deacon at a Seventh Day Adventist church in Kingston, who was taped trying to make sexual advances to a teenage boy recently, left the place of worship after he was disciplined.
Steven Benjamin*, a member of the church, told THE STAR that everyone was shocked when the tape was played for a pastor of the church. He said, however, that some persons had previously suspected the deacon was a homosexual.
possibly gay
"I normally made comments that he was possibly gay; however, it was not taken seriously by many. Although I had my speculation, I was still shock at this discovery," said the church member.
A man who attended the church and lives in the area, said that the deacon had approached the teen, admitted he was gay and that he wanted to be involved in a sexual activity with him. It is alleged that the teen then told hisfriends about the deacon's proposal.
It is claimed that the teen and his friends approached the deacon and acted as if they were interested in taking part in his activity, but carried a device to record the conversation. It is alleged that he admitted that he was gay during the conversation.
played the tape
The youths are said to have then told the pastor of the church and played the tape for him. The deacon is said to have admitted that he approached the teen after the recording was played.
The deacon was instructed to sit at the back of the church, however, he was reportedly not pleased about this. The church member told THE STAR that the deacon did not want anyone to pray for him, as well.
"When persons wanted to pray for him, he did not want anyone to pray for him ... He said that he wants to remain like that," said the church member.
*Name change to protect identity
WTF???? HOW TALL IS JAY Z . . . PEOPLE ALWAYS SAY HE'S SIX FOOT TWO . . . BUT THEN CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN THIS PIC????? |
Police in Malawi have launched an operation to hunt down and arrest high-profile gays and lesbians in the southern African state.
Fears of an anti-gay backlash across Africa are intensifying after the prosecution of the first gay couple to seek marriage in Malawi, and thousands of Ugandans demonstrated this week in support of a bill proposing the death penalty for some offences involving homosexual acts. Last week five men were arrested at an alleged gay wedding in Kenya.
Dave Chingwalu, a spokesman for police in Malawi, said a 60-year-old man was arrested yesterday and charged with sodomy. Chingwalu said he received a complaint from a young man that he had been asked to undress by the older man and was then sodomised. Police investigations had uncovered a network of high-profile people involved homosexual acts, investigations were under way "and we will arrest them all", Chingwalu said.
Malawi has been criticised by international groups for the prosecution of Steven Monjeza, 26, and 20-year-old Tiwonge Chimbalanga, jailed in December for holding a wedding ceremony. The men were charged with unnatural acts and gross indecency and could be imprisoned for up to 14 years if found guilty.
A 21-year-old man was recently sentenced to two months' community service for putting up pro-gay rights posters, and a senior minister expelled a woman from her town even after a court acquitted her on charges of having sex with two girls.
Campaigners in Malawi say homophobic legislation is driving gays and lesbians underground, making them hard to reach with information that could protect them from Aids."In Malawi it's a complete witch-hunt that denies the people the right to self-determination," said Phumi Mtetwa, executive director of the Lesbian and Gay Equality Project, based in South Africa. "We are deeply concerned about this spate of homophobia across the continent."
Mtetwa said the recent series of incidents was no accident but rather the work of US evangelical Christian groups. "It's very well calculated. It's exploding at the moment but it's been happening for a year and a half. We have proof of American evangelical churches driving the religious fundamentalism in Uganda."
The Ugandan parliament is considering a bill that would impose life imprisonment as the minimum punishment for anyone convicted of having gay sex. If the accused person is HIV positive or a serial offender, or a "person of authority" over the other partner, or if the "victim" is under 18, a conviction will result in the death penalty.
Members of the public are obliged to report any homosexual activity to police within 24 hours or risk up to three years in jail.
The legislation has earned international condemnation - Barack Obama described it as "odious" - but has received vocal backing within Uganda. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Jinja, about 40 miles east of the capital, Kampala, in the biggest demonstration against homosexuals since the bill was introduced.
Okware Romano, a protester, said: "I have a verse in the bible in Leviticus 20 verse 13. It says that homosexuals should be put to death ... yes."
Last week police in Kenya said they had arrested five men whom they believed were homosexual in Kikambala beach resort near Mombasa. District officer George Matandura said two of the men had been found with wedding rings, attempting to get married.
"It is an offence, an unnatural offence, and also their behaviour is repugnant to the morality of the people," Matandura said.
The other three men were turned in to the police by members of the public. Two of them had reportedly been beaten.
Gay sex is illegal in 36 countries in Africa. Only South Africa has legalised same sex marriage, and even there campaigners say the fight against bigotry is far from over.
Arrested ... Ray Gosling
Ray Gosling, 70, was detained by police after he told viewers of BBC East Midlands' Inside Out programme that he smothered the unnamed partner as he lay in hospital suffering from Aids.
A police spokeswoman said: "Nottinghamshire Police has this morning arrested a 70-year-old Nottingham man on suspicion of murder following comments on the BBC's Inside Out programme on Monday evening."
Gosling, a freelance presenter of hundreds of radio and TV documentaries, said he had no regrets about his actions, adding: "When you love someone, it is difficult to see them suffer.
"We'd got an agreement, if it got worse, the pain, and nobody could do anything.
"He was in terrible pain, I was there and I saw it. It breaks you into pieces."
Yesterday, Mr Gosling said he would not reveal any details to police.
He said he was not "making a cause" of assisted dying but said there was a case for changing the law.
Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, he said: "Sometimes doctors do it on their own. Sometimes people do it on their own.
"And if it happens to a lover or friend of yours, a husband, a wife, and I hope it doesn't, but when it does sometimes you have to do brave things and you have to say - to use Nottingham language - bugger the law."
Aiding or abetting another person's death is illegal in England and Wales under the 1961 Suicide Act, and is punishable by up to 14 years in jai