wah yall ppl

-- Edited by pengo at 14:32, 2008-05-17

April 2, 2009 - Thursday

LUCIANO STATEMENT TO PRESS AT HILTON HOTEL, KINGSTON 2-4-09

STATEMENT BY JEPTHER MCCLYMONT LUCIANO APRIL 2, 2009

On Wednesday, March 25, 2009, a most unfortunate and regrettable incident took place at one of my properties which doubles as a home and studio.
In their search for a person, three policemen were shot and injured and the person killed. I totally abhor such a gruesome and deadly act that occurred at my place, which is revered as a holy sanctuary. I extend my deepest sympathies to all the families connected and deeply affected by this tragedy.

The incident has created great pain and discomfort for me personally, my family, friends and my fans, all over the world that have supported me as a conscious reggae artist over the years. I have always condemned violence and the use of force by anyone, and through my songs, I have always sought to promote peace, unity and social consciousness.

I will not be discussing the details of the case which is now before the courts because I do not wish to prejudice the case in one way or the other. I have a team of lawyers dealing with the matter and I have complete confidence in their ability to provide me with the best legal representation.

However, there are a few points which have unfortunately surfaced in the press that I would like to address.

1. I have never employed nor have I ever had any security detail around me.
Like most reggae artist in Jamaica, and indeed in other places in the world,
artistes have to deal with, a number of persons on a daily basis, some invited,
others uninvited, who gather by ones place of residence, recording studios,
and/or performance centres. This is a challenge which most artistes are
required to deal with and I am one of such.

2. I have never hired anyone to watch my head back as have been reported.
This is not only a figment of imagination of the perpetrators of this smear on
my credibility, but is a total lie.

3. I have never in all my years in or outside of the music fraternity, knowingly
harboured anyone involved in, or wanted by the security forces for crimes
committed in or out of Jamaica.

4. At no point in time did I know that anyone visiting my home/studio had with
him or her, an illegal firearm or ammunition. I have always had an open door
policy to people, whether I know them or not. Based on my recent experience,
the danger of this open door policy has not escaped my attention.

5. The police never had to search for me. I went to them voluntarily. I have
cooperated with the police every step of the way and only when my lawyers
figured that my civil liberties were being violated that they did what they had
to do to secure my release from detention. I have always cooperated with the
police and will continue to do so.

6. I will continue to subject myself to the wishes of the court, and in this, I have
been and will continue to be ably guided by my lawyers.

I wish to say a few words about the performance contractual commitments which I have coming up locally and internationally. I can understand the anxiety and concern of promoters and other persons who are involved in these promotional arrangements. My lawyers have informed me, that the allegation against me ought not to prevent me from being able to fulfill these obligations.

Brothers and sisters, the past few days have been extremely difficult and challenging for my family and me, particularly my children. This challenge is not over as the matter is now before the courts. With the guidance of my lawyers I will be doing everything duly required of me by the courts in my quest to prove my innocence. May the spirit of the Most High continue to guide and protect I and I. And I pray that the Lord will give me strength to face, another day, to make it along lifes road and carry my heavy load.

Jah Bless us all.
Love always
Your MessenJah

Be true to yourself

If a bwoy a try diss ur girl or try a ting, how far would u go to retaliate?

Alliance members singjay Mavado and selector Foota Hype are denying that there is no war between them despite rumours of a fracas in Cassava Piece on Wednesday night.

Rumours surfaced on the streets and on the Internet that Mavado and Foota Hype came to blows in Cassava Piece recently, and as a result a man was killed in the area. One popular entertainment website reported, "the two big man dem ah Cassava Piece (Mavado and Foota Hype) kick off and one punch the other inna him mouth, and den the bad man dem get involved. One of the big man dem bad man friend shot the other big man bodyguard inna him shoulder and foot part, and then the police call fi help and him police friend dem run in and corral the man and kill him and tek a Glock pistol off his body."

Circulating rumours

However, a perplexed Foota Hype yesterday he denied the reports and seemed surprised that rumours of a feud were circulating. He said, "that's an illusion, nutten like dat neva happen. There was some incident with the police and a civilian, but nuting wid Mavado and Foota Hype." The selector said everything was good between himself and the singjay.

The St Andrew North police reported that one of two men who reportedly shot and injured a policeman as he walked along the 'Gully Bank' at Cassava Piece, St Andrew, was fatally shot and an illegal firearm seized. The dead man has only been identified as 'Pedro' of Cassava Piece.

Pulled a gun

The division's crime chief, Deputy Superintendent Altermoth 'Parro' Campbell, said the policeman was walking and was approached by two men, one of whom pulled a gun and opened fire hitting him. The 23-year-old policeman then pulled his service pistol and returned the fire hitting Pedro who ran.

 

Following receipt of an update on the investigations into the incident that took place at Lucianos house where a soldier slapped a civilian, the JDF Sergeant involved has been charged and punished.

National Security Minister Colonel Trevor MacMillan said the Sergeant, who had an exemplary record up to the time of the joint police military operation last Wednesday, admitted that he acted unprofessionally and has assumed full responsibility for his actions.

The Minister reportedly said he has no reason to doubt that the Sergeant is deeply saddened and remorseful over the incident, based on his comments and demeanour.

Senator MacMillan last week advised by the JDF that the Sergeant and Corporal who were involved in the altercation have been removed from front line duties.

In the meantime, the Minister says the investigation is still proceeding in relation to the Corporal.

He has promised to update the nation on the outcome of the probe

Lucky Dube recorded more than 20 albums in his career A South African judge has sentenced three men to life in prison for killing reggae star Lucky Dube in 2007. The 43-year-old was shot as the three stole his car in a Johannesburg suburb in a case which shocked the nation. Family members broke down in tears, cheered and applauded in response, the South Africa Press Association reports. "The sentence won't heal me, but we are happy they were arrested and that the law took its course," his wife Zanele Dube said afterwards. The BBC's Mpho Lakaje outside the South Gauteng High Court says musicians and fans gathered outside to show their support. he court had heard that the three men thought their victim was Nigerian and did not realise his identity until they read about it in the newspapers the following day. Our reporter says one of the banners outside court read: "Lucky Dube did not look like a Nigerian; he's an African."

Im not one for Royal ettiquette and I dont believe anyone is beyond reproach. Still people in the media are making a spat over Michelle Obama hugging the Queen.
Apparently you are not supposed to touch the Queen but some are saying the Queen touched Michelle first.


SEE ALSO TIMES ARTICLE BELOW

The Queen and Mrs. Obama: A Breach in Protocol

The rules are set in stone, and so the eagerly watching British media sputtered when the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, briefly put her hand on the back of Queen Elizabeth II as the two chatted at a reception. Etiquette is quite stern about this ("Whatever you do, don't touch the Queen!"). In 2000 John Howard, then Prime Minister of Australia, got plenty of criticism for apparently putting his arm around the Queen to direct her through a crowd. He denied actually touching her, but photographs suggest that he came quite close. (Another former Australian Prime Minister did put his hand on the Queen in a similar circumstance and was later branded "the Lizard of Oz.")

Of course, there are corollaries to this. One must certainly touch the Queen if the monarch offers her hand (though you should return this not with a firm handshake but just a touch). On Wednesday, Michelle Obama put her hand on the Queen only after the Queen had placed her own hand on the First Lady's back as part of their conversation. So there is room for theological argument as to whether the American reciprocity of touch was allowable given the social dynamics of the situation. (Less explicable was when President George W. Bush winked at the Queen.) Still, the sight of anyone apparently touching the Queen with anything more than a limp handshake is enough to send the British (or traditionalists in the old Commonwealth) twittering.

Another defense for Michelle Obama, of course, is that she is not a subject of the Queen. (Australians, despite referendums attempting to turn themselves into a republic, still recognize the Queen as their head of state.) The First Lady of the United States is not required to curtsey before her or any other crowned head. In any case, the touch lasted just a second or two, and the Queen did not seem particularly perturbed though she appeared slightly surprised as she drew away.

So where does this rule about not touching the Queen come from? The sovereigns of England and France at some point in their nations' long histories claimed a divine right to rule, a right often amplified by titles bestowed by the Pope in Rome. (The Queen, in fact, still has the title Defender of the Faith, an honor given to Henry VIII before he broke with the Catholic Church and established the Church of England.) That touch of holiness once gave the occupant of the throne the supposed ability to cure certain diseases most famously, scrofula, a terrible skin ailment that was called "the king's evil." Thus, the miraculous contact had to be conserved. And so, whether a touch or a nod or a gaze, royal favor, like that of God, is not a subject's on demand; it is dispensed by kingly prerogative.

CINCINNATI (AP) - The Domino's pizza chain has given away nearly 11,000 free pizzas because of a never-used promotion that a Web customer stumbled upon. Tim McIntyre, pokesman for Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Domino's, said Wednesday that the company had prepared an Internet coupon for an ad campaign that was considered in December but never activated.

McIntyre said somebody discovered that the code word "bailout" was good for a free medium pizza ordered online. The information quickly spread Monday night on the Web, until the code was deactivated Tuesday morning.

Dancehall star Serani recently inked a worldwide deal with Universal Republic records and is currently working on his debut

album for a Summer release.


Avery Lipman, Co-President of Universal Republic, sent out the label's endorsement of the deal today (March 31):

"Serani is a brilliant producer and musician whose vision as an artist positions him as a groundbreaking musical force with

worldwide mainstream appeal," says Lipman. "We're thrilled to welcome him into the Universal Republic family as we work

closely with his great management team to expand his formidable presence as a reggae artist, influential collaborator, and

multi-talented trailblazer in his own right."

Childhood and musical influences

Vybz Kartel was born at Kingston's Victoria Jubilee Hospital. Originally from Waterhouse, Kingston, he was raised in the Waterford community of Portmore, St.Catherine. Adidja attended Calabar High School in Kingston but was expelled as a teenager. Determined to continue his education, he completed his studies at a tutorial technical school. The young Adidja was exposed to a wide variety of music from a tender age by two uncles who happened to be aspiring musicians themselves. Every weekend he would be treated to new musical offerings on his uncle's old component set, ranging from Sam Cooke to country and western ballads to Ninja Man, who became one of his musical foes^{[citation needed]}. At the age of 10 his favourites included artists as diverse as Papa San, Charlie Chaplin, Will Smith and KRS-1, all of whose lyrics he would write down and study word-for-word, performing them later for the entertainment of friends. Deciding he wanted to be a deejay, he began writing his own lyrics at the age of 11.

Early career

Eager to show off his skills, Adidja and his friends often frequented the weekly Gong Talent Show at the now defunct Coney Amusement Park on the outskirts of Kingston, but to their chagrin were always gonged off whenever they got a chance to perform. Undeterred by his weekly failure to impress the talent show audience, Adidja decided to hone his skills and concentrate on winning over his own community of Waterford until he was ready for bigger things. With that goal in mind, on weekends he would practise his art on neighbourhood sound systems Soul Signal and Electric Force. In 1993, the young Adidja, now in his early teens, recorded his first single Love Fat Woman for Alvin Reid's One Heart Label under the name Adi Banton, a name he chose in tribute to Buju Banton, another of his role models. He recorded several more tracks for local producers, perfecting his craft until 1996, when he and two friends, Mr Lee and a singer called Escobar, decided to form a group. One night, after watching a movie about Pablo Escobar and his infamous cartel, Adidja came up with a name for his trio: Vybz Cartel.

Rise to fame

Introduction to mentor

The group soon dissolved due to internal friction, and conflict between Mr Lee and Escobar and others in the community, but Adidja chose to retain the collective name of the group for himself as a one-man force, changing only the spelling. Under his new moniker Vybz Kartel, he began to build up an underground fan base over the next few months, culminating in a monumental 1998 performance at the stage show Champions In Action, catching the attention of many industry insiders as an up-and-coming heavyweight. Shortly thereafter, he was introduced to reigning king of dancehall Bounty Killer by his manager Rohan Butler, and an immediate mentor-protege alliance was formed. Vybz Kartel had always counted Bounty Killer as one of his greatest influences since his brilliant 1994 debut, but the 1998 meeting took his respect for the self-styled Warlord to another level. He started writing lyrics for Bounty Killer, leading to a string of hits for the Killer including High Grade Forever, Warlord Rule The World and Gal Clown among others.

Career route

Vybz Kartel's new role as Killer's protege (a spot once held by prodigal prodigy Baby Cham) caught the attention of the public and led to a meteoric career rise, first as a ghost-writer for Bounty, Elephant Man and other members of the Scare Dem Crew, followed by collaborations with Bounty Killer such as Gal Clown and Girls Like Mine (Liquid Riddim), then finally coming into his own with early hits such as Gun Clown, Guns Like Mine (Trafalga Riddim), Badman (Panty Raid Riddim), Bus Mi Gun Like Nuttn, Most High (Mexican Riddim) and War Organizer (Clappas Riddim). He also had a string of successful collaborations with Wayne Marshall, such as New Millennium (Mad Antz Riddim), Why (Krazy Riddim) and Why Again (Good To Go Riddim). This unprecedented and impressive debut led to Vybz Kartel being crowned Deejay Of The Year at Stone Love's 30th Anniversary, 2002, a feat unmatched by any new artist in dancehall's history.

From the outset, Vybz Kartel was more of a 'badman' deejay than a pop artist, most likely owing to his influence from hardcore legends Bounty Killer and Ninja Man. In his early career he mostly concentrated on unapologetically hardcore, undiluted songs extolling the virtues of guns, sex and ganja, but his biggest hit was yet to come. He had success with more mainstream, club-oriented singles such as Big Man (Engine Riddim), p*u**y Jaw (Mad Antz Riddim), Sweet To The Belly (Egyptian Riddim) and Bruk Buddy (G-String Riddim), but in late 2003 his single Tekk Buddy on the Thunder Clap Riddim proved to be the one which catapulted his career into the stratosphere. The single stayed on the charts for months and spent weeks at the number 1 position, and finally brought Vybz Kartel to the attention of those who hadn't yet become aware of his burgeoning stardom. His newfound mainstream success, coupled with his hardcore street credibility, critical acclaim and widely-hailed lyrical ability set the stage for the inevitable; a showdown with another artist to prove his worth. What was surprising to many was the unlikely challenger: Vybz Kartel's longtime idol Ninja Man.

Sting 2003

A challenge is issued

In summer 2003, Bounty Killer and a group of young artists whose careers he had helped jumpstart came together as a loosely-knit group self-styled the Alliance. This group consisted of former Bounty proteges Elephant Man, Kiprich and Wayne Marshall, longtime Bounty collaborators such as Angel Doolas and new artists Vybz Kartel, Jagwa and Predator. The presence of Elephant Man and Vybz Kartel in the Alliance carried a great deal of industry clout, which was resented by some artists. The group was seen by some as a cartel seeking to gain control of dancehall through dictating which 'riddims' got popular by choosing only to work with certain producers and determining which stage shows and concerts did well by contractually performing as a group. Ninja Man expressed his displeasure through a series of media outlets and appearances threatening to undermine the Alliance by targeting each of its members in turn. To Bounty Killer, who regarded Ninja Man as his professional mentor and his 'deejay father', this came as a betrayal. The matter was expected to be resolved at the infamous annual Sting stage show, held every Boxing Day (December 26th) and regarded as hardcore reggae's most important stage show, notorious for onstage clashes between rival dancehall deejays (Super CatBeenie Man, Bounty Killer vs Merciless to name a few). In the weeks leading up to the event, Bounty Killer let his disappointment at his one time mentor become known publicly and expressed no reservations at having himself or one of his camp accept Ninja Man's challenge. Vybz Kartel accepted the challenge and the stage was set for a lyrical showdown. vs Ninja Man, Bounty Killer vs

Onstage incident

In the early morning hours of December 27, 2003, Vybz Kartel took the stage at Sting prepared for musical battle. After performing a string of his more popular hits from earlier in the year Kartel launched into a musical assault of his most deadly 'badman chunes', designed to get the crowd firmly in his corner. Using his hometown advantage (Sting is held at the Jamworld Entertainment Complex, within walking distance of Waterford) Kartel threw down the gauntlet and challenged his opponent to battle. Ninja Man accepted the challenge and came onstage, greeted by water-filled plastic bottles hurled from the strongly partisan crowd. Ninja Man attempted a lyrical counterstrike of his own, but was cut short by another verbal barrage from Kartel. Ninja Man, who seemed to have lost his composure by then, shoved Kartel, who struck back several times in retaliation. This was the first onstage physical altercation in Sting's 20 year history.

Aftermath

The fallout from Sting 2003 seemed to help Kartel's career rather than hurt it. What was perceived as Kartel's beatdown of Ninja Man, both lyrical and physical, added immeasurably to his street credibility among hardcore fans. At the same time his raunchy, X-rated lyrics in Tekk Buddy and other sexually explicit songs to follow won over a large following of female admirers, who ignored his less-than-appealing physical demeanor in favour of his seductive voice and seductive wordplay and naughty rhymes on Tekk Buddy sequels such as Picture Me And You (Blackout Riddim), When Gal Want Buddy (Good To Go Riddim), Buddy Nuh Done (Allo Allo Riddim), Likkle Lady (Chrome Riddim) and p*u**y Haffi Good (Highty Tighty Riddim). His arrest and subsequent three day stint in jail following Sting only helped to give him new subject material (When Shotta Guh A Jail, Chrome Riddim), as did rumours that he had been killed in a driveby shooting the day after Sting (More Life, Thrilla Riddim). When conservative media protested the 'slackness' of his lyrics, he responded by releasing even rawer songs (More p*u**y Fi Mi Buddy, Arriba Riddim). By early 2004, Kartel had become reggae royalty, the crown prince of dancehall, but another showdown was yet to come.

Feud with Assassin and Spragga Benz

Rumours of war

Although he made peace with Ninja Man and apologized to the public for his actions onstage, in the early months of 2004, there were rumours of simmering tensions between Vybz Kartel and fellow young deejay Assassin, fueled by a Kartel single called Badda Dan Dem (Kasablanca Riddim), which seemed to be a counteraction to a 2003 Assassin hit called We A Bad From (Lime Tea Riddim). Both artists, who had had a friendly working relationship in the previous year, repeatedly dismissed the rumours as unfounded. Nevertheless, the release of an Assassin/Ninja Man collaboration, Real Badman (Bad Flu Riddim), which seemed to counteract Vybz Kartel's own single of the same name [Real Badman (Blackout Riddim) penned in preparation for his Sting showdown with Ninja Man] only served to add grist to the rumour mill. Adding more substance to the buzz about a rift between the two deejays was the fact that Assassin's We A Bad From seemed at least partly plagiarized from Kartel's 2002 hit Most High, and talk was that Kartel wrote We A Bad From as a subtle comeback.

War of words

Vybz Kartel - Most High (Mexican Riddim; 2002): "Mi war from ancient to modern-I An mi a war before Eve an Adam-I Come up to now wid bin Laden an Saddam-I Bullet wi spin yu head like one a di turntable dem pon Adonai... ..Bwoy seh dem bad but we badder'n Weh dem deh when wi a kill from ancient to modern... ...Wi a war from before Adam an Eve parents f**k an get dem From before Faada God gi powa to Melchizedek dem Dem time deh mi a use slingshot, out bwoy like cigarette dem..."

Assassin - We A Bad From (LIme Cay Riddim; 2003): "Well, some bwoy a bad from last week, some bwoy a bad from day before yesterday, some bwoy a bad since last night, an mi nuh know, some bwoy get up a bad since morning, check di warning We a bad from desert clarks an diamond socks... ...From bed spring a mek slingshot... ...Before Daredevil an Hulk an Batman an Robin an Flash... ...Let's get sumn straight now, we a bwoy weh a bad long time Some bwoy tun bait now a talk bout dem use to bad one time Real badman bad all di while, some bwoy bad sometime Some bad since dem eat breakfast, some jus bad since lunchtime..."

Vybz Kartel - Real Badman (Cool Fusion Riddim; 2003): "Man a real badman, bus fibreglass an blue steel badman Beat likkle yute yu a baby badman Beat gyal alone yu a lady badman (Ninja Man was once charged for domestic abuse of his child and girlfriend) Dem bwoy deh a peppa light badman, blink once a year Man a gangsta from when bellfoot pants a wear Before diamond socks appear Mi nuh haffi bun 3 key a coke an drink 2 box a beer Mi bad naturally, mi nuh rehearse or prepare..."

Assassin and Ninja Man - Real Badman (Bad Flu Riddim; 2004): "Some man a seh dem a coppa an blue steel badman, wi find out seh dem a rice an tun cornmeal badman... ..Feel seh yu large tru yu deh pon a one gun charge..." (Kartel was charged with illegal gun possession after his Sting arrest)

Vybz Kartel - Badda Dan Dem (Kasablanca Riddim; 2004): "Mi nuh care whe yu bad from, or di endz whe yu trod from Gunshot mek yu fall like di bridge ova London When it kick yu like Van Damme Diss mi outta East an mi buck yu ova Boston Head a buss like gas pan Bullet wid gunpowda, nuh Lasco, nuh 'lass man Diss Kartel an Panton Push yu head up inna yu madda p*u**y like tampon Yeh, big up Buju Banton When bwoy a kick like Jackie Chan ova Hong Kong Our gun guh suh 'pam pam' Mi a bad from before X-man an Green Lantern Before Snoop live a Compton Suh nuh true bwoy hear Kartel do him gyal song Wi nuh easy fi walk pon Teflon, black blunt, carbon..."

The rivalry escalates

This war of words escalated with Assassin's Do It If Yu Bad (Dancehall Rock Riddim) and Kartel's Badman Nuh Throw Wud (Dancehall Rock Riddim) Assassin soon came with his counteraction Wi Nah run which stated "wi nah run . . .wi nah back from u. . .dis anuh track an field an wi nuh deh a stadium." Vybz Kartel then replied with "who tell u fi run ... a nuh champs copper gi u muscle contract muscle cramps." Assassin step pon them was soon released Step Pon Them (Military Riddim) "step pon them step pon dem .... dem a fret u nuh see dem a wash wid cold sweat pon dem." Soon after on the same riddim (Military Riddim) The Fuss Man Mek a step ... land mine tear of u foot lef two piece a toe inna yuh crepe this continued with song for song until Assassin's mentor Spragga Benz (who played the same role to Assassin that Bounty Killer played to Vybz Kartel) made his entry into the fray with We Ready (Dancehall Rock Riddim). With Spragga Benz's involvement, both parties could no longer pretend that there was no dissension between the two camps, and open hostility ensued. Spragga Benz took the feud to another level with We Done See It (Steps Riddim), in which he made a scathing commentary on Vybz Kartel's popular 'gyal chunes', alleging that certain lines from Kartel's biggest hits made for the female demographic could be interpreted as a fascination with oral, anal, and homosexual sex (three practices considered strongly taboo in traditional Jamaican culture). Kartel responded with Faggat Correction, and made it clear that any future reconciliation was unlikely between himself and the two deejays with whom he had once collaborated. Although the feud between Kartel and Assassin was said to have been more of a friendly rivalry in the beginning, Spragga's involvement intensified the conflict.

Accomplishments and future potential

Vybz Kartel's future as a superstar and potential crossover success seems assured. Kartel not only has incredible rhymes and subtle yet clever pop culture references, he has a unique lyrical flow all his own. It is to be noted that Kartel rarely does dance "chunes" along the lines of Elephant man or Beenie Man. Nevertheless,he has already had several high-profile collaborations with international hip-hop and pop stars and is being touted as the next big thing in dancehall. In terms of singles sold, he has had the second-best year on the reggae charts for 2003 (outsold only by Elephant Man) and has released two albums this year for UK label Greensleeves. He was also featured twice on the Def Jamaica project, and nominated for Source, VIBE and UK MOBO awardsMTV, and his underground following is so large that a bootleg version of, in his own words "a very, very low budget film" that was made in 2001 has begun circulating. He has two albums, several mixtapes and a very prolific library of singles, some of which are mentioned in the extremely abbreviated discography (although his MOBO nominations, along with those of Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Sizzla were withdrawn over concerns of homophobia, a common issue with dancehall reggae in general). His video for New Millennium/Why with Wayne Marshall, though decidedly low-budget, has already been played on below.

Name Change

In late 2006, Vybz Kartel reportedly changed his stage name to "Addi di Teacha"[1]. This makes sense in the context of his introduction of his song on the Seasons riddim "Can't Move We", where he says "you know its tha teacha". Reasons for the name change may include an ultimate goal of changing his lyrical content, but it is rumoured to be an attempt to distance himself from Greensleeves Records. Fans still generally refer to him as Vybz Kartel.

Departure from The Alliance

In the later part of 2006, rumours arose of tension within The Alliance. Kartel's insistence on remaining associated with Bounty Killer's longtime adversary, Beenie Man. Vybz Kartel infuriated his mentor Bounty Killer by attending Beenie Man's wedding to Bounty Killer's ex-girlfriend, D'Angel. Vybz eventually announced his departure from The Alliance, and a number of disses were sent between the two parties. Rumours arose that Vybz Kartel was going to join Beenie Man's Mafia House record label, however Vybz stated his departure was due to his desire to be a solo artist, independent from a group, and that he would not join Mafia House but instead head his own group, The Portmore Empire. It had seemed that tensions had died down, but a shooting (see Feud With Mavado) and Bounty Killer recently branding Kartel a "battybwoy" and a "b***dcl*t informer" seems to indicate that there is still bad *lo** between Vybz Kartel and The Alliance. Vybz Kartel's protegé Aidonia was recently kicked out of the The Alliance

[edit] Feud With Mavado

A very involved feud between Vybz Kartel and former collaborator Mavado arose towards the end of 2006, where Vybz Kartel aka Addi di teacha, lyrically attacked Mavado. Hostilities arose following Vybz Kartel's much publicised exit from The Alliance. The two artists, who have done a number of songs together, have now released numerous diss tracks aimed at each other. Violence had also erupted in the streets, as a shooting occurred near a popular Mavado hangout and a few days later a shooting incident occurred at a Vybz Kartel hangout. And as Bounty Killer and the rest of The Alliance continue to denounce Vybz, it is unlikely that this feud between two of dancehall's top artists will subside.

Riddims that are used in the Feud are

The 'Power Cut Riddim'- Mavado-Songwriter/Vybz Kartel-Alliance Diss

The 'After Dark Riddim'- Mavado-Warn Dem/Vybz Katrel - Only ting you squeeze

The 'Drumline Riddim'- Mavado- Informer/Vybz Kartel-Mofraudo

On February 28th, 2007, a press conference was held to announce the end of hostilities between the two artists. The meeting had been organized by Jamaican police, in the hopes that violence in response to the feud would end. Vybz and Mavado both encouraged fans not to partake in any more violence, and agreed that neither of them would incite violence against the other in their songs. However, many members of the local media felt that the announcement felt very staged, and the entire fiasco was simply a way of increasing the already high popularity of the two artists. The press conference concluded with the two singing one of their collaborations, "Happiest Days." It remains to be seen whether this peace will continue, or if further collaborations between the two artists will occur.They are still feuding under the quit but it is nothing to write about, no more gang violence is reported every body good

Discography and filmography

Albums

• Up 2 Di Time (Greensleeves; 2003)
• Up 2 Di Time (More Up 2 Di Time Edition) (Greensleeves; 2004)
• Timeless (Greensleeves; 2004)
• JMT (album) (Greensleeves; 2006)

Mixtapes

• Unnamed (Cash Money; 2002)
• Time Minister (Cassette Jones)
• www.up2ditime.com (Cassette Jones)
• Seven Wise Virgins (Cassette Jones)
• From Time To Time (Federation; 2003)
• Just A Matter Of Time (Cassette Jones)
• Time Nevertheless (Cassette Jones)
• Timeless (Federation; 2004)
• Dancehall Mix 2K4 (Swamp King; 2004)
• Time Served (Federation; 2004)
• Return Of The Crime Minister; 2005)

Compilation albums

• Girls Like Mine (Best Of Vybz) (2002)
• Toe 2 Toe Vol. 6 w/ Elephant Man (Jet Star; 2003)

International collaborations

• "Been Around The World" w/ Zena (Virgin; 2004)
• "Dangerous" w/ Cormega (Koch; 2004)
• "Diplo Rhythm" w/ Diplo (Big Dada; 2004)
• "Frontin'" (Dancehall Remix) w/ Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams & Wayne MarshallDef Jam; 2004) (
• "Kartel & Kardinal" w/ Kardinal Offishall (Greensleeves; 2004)
• "Move Your Body" w/ Nina Sky ft. Jabba (Universal; 2004)
• "Straight Off The Top" w/ Juelz Santana, Jim Jones (rapper) & Wayne Marshall (Def Jam; 2004)
• "E.G.G. (Everybody Gone Gangsta)" w/ Kardinal Offishall (EMI; 2005)
• "Bad Man" w/ Missy Elliott, M.I.A. (Atlantic Records; 2005)
• "Hold Your Head'" (Hot 97 Remix) w/ The Notorious B.I.G, Bob Marley
• "You Don't Love Me (No, No, No)" w/ Rihanna (Def Jam; 2005)
• "Buss It Up" w/ Kano
• "Descarada (Dance)" w/ Pitbull
• "Bad Man" w/ Ghostface Killah & Elephant Man
• "Colors" (Remix) w/ Sean Kingston & Kardinal Offishall
• "How Many Ways" w/ Heather Headley
• "Like This" (Remix) w/ MIMS, Sean Kingston & Mr. Vegas

-- Edited by Paiw on Friday 3rd of April 2009 11:47:25 AM

Reported in a new study,  c****ining Plavix and a regular aspirin may greatly lower the risk of stroke.

Sanofi yesterday released positive results from the ACTIVE-A study. ACTIVE-A tested the addition of Plavix (clopidogrel) to aspirin to prevent majorcardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are unsuitable for vitamin K antagonists (such as warfarin)

The findings was led by Dr. Stuart Connolly of the McMaster University in Canada, and was presented at the yearly meeting of the American College of Cardiology.

The researchers c****ined the drug with aspirin in a clinical trial of 7,554 patients, and discovered it could assist patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) that are not able to take other *lo**-thinning therapiessuch as warfarin.

What they discovered was that after Plavix was taken with an aspirin, the number of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes decreased by 11%.

The chance of a stroke was determined to be reduced by more than 30% thanks to the c****ination of the two drugs.

Heart attacks were discovered to be lowered as well, but the decrease wasnt seen as statistically important.

For patients with atrial fibrillation who are at increased risk for stroke but cannot take oral anticoagulants, these findings suggest a potential change in clinical practice, said ACTIVE A principal investigator Stuart Connolly, MD, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Stroke is a major concern since it results in significant morbidity and mortality.

The only downside was that there was a higher rate of bleeding or hemorrhaging from the c****ination of the two drugs.

Nevertheless, researchers believe that this could be a new way to prevent strokes.

The report is published in the 31 March web issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, NEJM and were also presented on Tuesday at the American College of Cardiology scientific meeting in Orlando, Florida.

This is very interesting.check it out.

-- Edited by Paiw on Tuesday 31st of March 2009 12:20:55 PM

I saw this in the STAR this evening on page 47

JACAP(JAMAICA ASSOCIATION OF COMPOSERS< AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS LIMITED)

JACAP wishes to advise MUSIC USERS that JACAp is now making it easier for you to comply with the Law. Effective April 1, 2009, properly identified Inspectors from JACAP will now be visting places such as: Clubs, BAr, Lounges, Sport Bars, Restaurants, Hair Salons, Institutions with music On Hold Systems &BAckground Music and ALL MUSIC USERS, to effect licensoing so that you may do right by copyright


what unu think, although its the law but to me it sounds like extortion

On May 3rd 2009 as previously announced the IRWMA will take place, last year was full of surprise both good and bad. WorldFlavas will once again be in attendance to bring you the real details of the show. Martin's International Culture Inc will bring the show at York College, New York. Please check the official website for the full list of nominees by clicking HERE.

A week ago today (March 30), Miami rapper Trick Daddy revealed during a radio interview with The Rickey Smiley Morning Show that he has been suffering in silence for years with the disease Lupus.

Late last week, Trick candidly spoke with HipHopDX about his battle with the life-threatening autoimmune disease, revealing that he has abandoned treatment necessary to successfully stave off the Discoid Lupus he suffers from potentially spreading from damaging his skin to ravaging internal organs.

I stopped taking any medicine that they was giving me, Trick told DX, because for every medicine they gave me I had to take a test or another medicine every thirty days or so to make sure that medicine wasnt causing side effects - dealing with kidney or liver failureI just said all together I aint taking no medicine.

Trick was initially using expensive prescription sunscreen to protect his skin (that he explained was greasy or oily and uncomfortable), and taking cortisone shots to treat lesions that appeared on his body.

If theres one thing I want people to know, do not accept those steroid shots for [lesion] flare ups, said Trick of the cortisone injections. They leave scarring. They leave indentations in your skin. Trust me. I used to get these shots in my face and in my beard. So I let my hair growcause the breakouts are in the hairy areas more so than other [areas]. So I [grew a] beard, [but] after awhile I was like, f**k it, Ill just shave

Contributed - Dancehall group T.O.K.

 

Group to release third album

T.O.K's 'Guardian Angel' single is the number one ringtone in Japan.

The dancehall group was featured on the front page of Yahoo JP News which states: 'It's Unbelievable'. The song had no major promo, no ties to TV, movies or games. Guardian Angel is not a new song and is now number one. This proves once again that T.O.K are solid as a rock and fans still can't get enough of them.

T.O.K member, Flexx, told THE STAR, "it's just a wonderful feeling, especially in times like these in the business, where people not selling as many records any more. So the fact that we have a single that was released in early 2008, and now it's the number one ringtone in Japan ... and that doesn't include reggae/ dancehall music alone, but hip hop and rap songs, it's a good feeling."

In addition, Flexx said the song was not even promoted as much on the international stage.

Third album

"To know that the song wasn't even promoted half as much on the international stage, because we didn't even have a video for that song ... but I guess is just the power of the music and our name is still going strong," he said.

T.O.K is currently in studio working on material for its third albaum.

Flexx says, "we presently in studio with Tony Kelly, working on some exclusive tracks for the album, which will be released in June. This will be our third album and it's called Our World. Right now it's highly anticipated in Japan, Europe and North America. Normally, when artistes put out albums, they have singles on it that has been out already, but this album will have alot of new stuff, plus exclusive tracks never heard before."

Soundsystem and Soundclashing.  Watch it here:

Since Soulja Boy has been turning his swag on with songs such as the #1 Billboard single Kiss Me Thru The Phone and recent feature on Delirious with lyrics targeting the ladies, one fan seems to cant control herself any longer.

Though the eighteen-year-old Soulja Boy may be use to fans admiration, it seems that the rapper and young businessman may have been thrown back by one fans gesture of emotion and over-excitement when she said that she would quote rape the young celebrity star, according to Soulja Boy.

This girl looked me in the eye today and said I will Rape the sh-t out of you, the rapper posted on his blog today.

It seems that the rapper may have been approached sometime during or after the rappers BET Spring Bling appearance when the fan made the over zealous statement as he was just mentioning his Spring Bling adventure beforehand.

Ya boy shut down Spring Bling, stated Soulja Boy.

Though Soulja Boy seemed to have been shocked by the statement or simply caught off guard, whether she was to be taken as an over-excited fan, a wannabe groupie or possibly a potential stalker, the rapper didnt mention which one he thought she might be, but did happen to notice one other thing regarding her.

She was fine ass hell, stated the rapper.

In more regards to her statement made to Soulja Boy, the rapper seemed to have just laughed it off adding, but I was like lol.

Could the rapper Soulja Boy be becoming the fans new sex symbol?

-- Edited by seanp on Wednesday 1st of April 2009 08:09:18 AM

aidonia stop release tune often or he a rack up a storm in d studio

Twenty-year-old Austin Montana* from Denbigh, Clarendon, received the shock of his life when he recently witnessed a man having sex with a goat under a tree.

Montana, who had gone to the tree in search of ackees, told THE STAR that the animal's wailing did not deter the perverted man who unreservedly gave of himself to the beast.

"It happened about two weeks ago in the community of Woodside, Denbigh, I think it was on the 10th of March," Montana said. "I was in an ackee tree (about 7:30 in the morning) when a man came under the tree with a goat. He was there talking to the goat saying "... Man what a wicked gal, mi nuh touch di gal and di gal seh mi rape har but a bet seh if a did yuh mi touch, yuh wouldn't say nutting."

 

Very vulnerable

Montana said that the man then held the goat and bound its four feet and tied its head near to the tree, locking the clueless animal into a very vulnerable position.

He said that the man then rubbed a liquid on his member and proceeded to have sex with the goat.

"The goat began to cry baah, baah as if it was crying for help ... (but) the man held on to its mouth and said: "yes, yes yuh only can baal but yuh can't talk," Montana said.

The witness who watched in disgust said the sick man released the animal after he had enjoyed enough, but the seemingly bruised beast could not walk.

After snapping back to reality, Montana said he shouted at the 'goat-raper' from the tree and tried to apprehend him, but the man bolted away faster than any four-legged animal.

"The goat died the day after and I blame myself because I didn't bring the delinquent to justice," a remorseful Montana said. "It died under the tree."

Montana said he did not stop the man initially because he wanted to see exactly what he was up to, a decision he now regrets.

Montana, who did not report the incident, said he has not seen the man since then. "I had seen him more than once but since the incident, I haven't seen him. I believe he is of unsound mind because only a madman would do such a thing," he said.

An officer at the Four Paths Police Station, which is close to Denbigh, told THE STAR that while they have received no formal reports of bestiality for about two years, there is often talk of such incidents in and around the community.

He encouraged anyone who witnesses or has knowledge of such incidents to report the matter to the police and said a convicted person could be sentenced to anything from three months to six months in jail.

 

Number has decreased

Dr Paul Turner, senior veterinary surgeon at the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the organisation used to get at least two reports of such incidents per month. He said, however, that this number has decreased and the organisation has received no reports since the start of this year.

He said in some instances, people refrain from making reports so as not to embarra** their community. He said incidents like these are often hushed, and while a report may be made, the perpetrator's identity is sometimes not revealed.

He told THE STAR that more stringent forms of punishment should be implemented for those who commit these acts.

"These cases should be treated like rape. The animal could never give consent and anyone who abuses an animal in that way will abuse a human too. If people know that there are serious consequences, you can stop these things. We need some half a million-dollar fine and some sentence of three to five years."

A preacher who is a taxi operator may have found himself in quite a sticky situation if the allegations against him are, in fact, true.

The police are alleging that they caught the accused man, who is in his late 20s, having sex with a 15-year-old schoolgirl in his vehicle close to Mandeville recently.

On March 23, the police said that following heavy rains in the area they were alerted to a sexual encounter going on in a car. They said that when they went there the preacher and the juvenile, who were both nude, were seen in the act. The girl is said to attend a prominent high school in the parish and had been reported missing from her home for several days.

After the man was arrested, his colleagues expressed shock at the allegation. The taxi operators said that the man was known for professing high morals and standards and was always counselling them about their sexual behaviour.

The accused man was charged with carnal abuse and was granted bail. He is expected to attend the Mandeville Resident Magistrate's Court on May 15.

Luciano charged with harbouring fugitive

Karyl Walker

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

AFTER spending the weekend behind bars, Reggae singer Luciano was yesterday charged with harbouring a fugitive by detectives from the St Andrew Central Police Division.

"He spent the weekend in jail and was charged a short while ago," head of the division, Superintendent Terrence Bent told the Observer last evening.

Luciano, real name Jepther McLymont, was arrested on Friday when he turned up at the Half-Way-Tree police station with his attorney Delano Franklyn. After a question and answer session, the artiste was thrown behind bars and was only charged after Franklyn filed a writ of habeus corpus before Resident Magistrate Glen Brown in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Brown ordered the cops to charge or release the artiste.

The singer will answer to the charge in court on April 9.

Luciano was arrested after cops went to his Westminister Crescent, St Andrew home and studio last Monday in search of fugitive Andrew Senior, also known as 'Shooty Shooty' or 'Conqueror'.

Police say they were greeted with gunfire and during a two-hour stand-off, three cops were shot and seriously injured before managing to fatally wound the fugitive. A 9mm pistol
was seized.

The three cops are still hospitalised but are listed in stable condition. One was shot in the face while the others were shot in the groin and leg.
Luciano faces up to six months in prison for the offence

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/2...NG_FUGITIVE.asp

Donovan Bailey, 33, a farmer of Cambridge district in St Elizabeth, who was found guilty of the murder of his wife, Dahlia Clarke-Bailey, was sentenced to life imprisonment and will not be eligible for parole until after 20 years.

Justice Marjorie Cole-Smith handed down the sentence Friday in the St Elizabeth Circuit Court.

The four-day trial saw the prosecution, comprising Jeremy Taylor and L. Morris, calling seven witnesses for the Crown.

Bailey, in an unsworn statement from the dock, told the court that he did not see his wife two weeks before her death, he had nothing to do with it and he is innocent of the charge.

Unanimous verdict

The 12-member jury retired for 17 minutes and return a unanimous verdict.

Bailey also had three previous convictions in the Black River RM Court registered against him.

Facts of the case are that Clarke got married to the accused at age 16. The two were having domestic problems, after which Clarke left the home in Cambridge and was living elsewhere.

She went missing on October 15, 2005, and could not be located. On October 19, four days later, the police, acting on information, went to the Operation Pride Housing Scheme at Luana in the parish, where they found Dahlia's decomposed body in bushes.

Bailey was represented by attorney-at-law Velma Hylton.

SOURCE: http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20090330/news/news4.html

Have a look this one yah from  the JamStar

Daggerin' songs banned

Ghetto B**** Motor Car Stolen Street prodigy Dane Miller aka 'Ghetto B****' known for his heralding campaigning in the streets was the latest victim of a car stealing operation in the Corporate Area. According to the reports reaching the offices of 876radio.com the incident occurred last Sunday while Ghetto B**** was in attendance at an event hosted by an affiliated of producer SSMG. B**** told 876radio.com that upon exiting the venue at 1:00am he noticed his red Suzuki Swift motorcar which was parked on Woodglen Drive was missing and that's when an alarm was raised. A thorough search of the vicinity confirmed his worse fears that the vehicle had been stolen. Luckily for Ghetto B**** after reporting the incident to the Half-Way Tree station the swift action of the police recovered the car six hours later in the vicinity of the two (2) miles area. However the culprits had already made off with the four wheels and car stereo. Regardless of the loss, B**** said he's still thankful that the car had been recovered and hopes to have it in working condition as soon as possible.

A 28-year-old health inspector of Carlston Close, Cumberland, St Catherine, died from injuries he sustained when his car crashed on the Nelson Mandela Highway yesterday.

Dead is Omar Campbell.

Reports received by the CCN are that about 4:30 a.m., Campbell was driving his red Suzuki Swift motor car, registered 8642FK, along the highway towards Kingston. On reaching a section of the road, he lost control of the vehicle which crashed into a utility pole.

The car overturned and ended up in a ditch. Campbell, who sustained severe injuries, was taken to the Spanish Town Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Central Village police are investigating.

SOURCE: http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20090330/news/news7.html

The Bethel Town police in Westmoreland are now investigating the circumstances under which a 15-month-old boy drowned at his home on Saturday.

Dead is Rasheen Baker of Ginger Peas district in Bethel Town.

According to the police, the baby boy drowned in a bucket of water.

According to the Constabulary Communication Network, about 1 p.m. young Rasheen was left with a female family member who then left him at the house as she went to run an errand.

When she returned, the toddler was found face down in a bucket of water.

An alarm was raised and the baby was taken to the Savanna-La-Mar Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

SOURCE: http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20090330/news/news6.html

str8 outa LA dem seh...cuzo bus me pon di video dem so excuse dem language...

"iJERK iSMOKE iDRANK iJERK" ...[dem nigga ya mek high skool luk fun ]




this is a crazy chick Jerkin...lukin hot doh

Commissioner of Customs, Danville Walker, has said that the department will be going after persons who engage in the underinvoicing of goods, robbing the country of revenue to provide essential services and fund development projects.

Walker, addressing a meeting of the Rotary Club of Mandeville held recently at the Golf View Hotel in Manchester, said that such persons will not be able to get away under a restructured Customs Department.

"We have a number of persons, who want an unlevelled playing field. They are prepared to bribe officers and they are the same people who take the Government to task over the police not having cars and about the teachers being underpaid. The role of Customs is to collect those revenues to support those services that everyone wants, and we have to conform to the rules. We cannot assist with the undermining of the revenue base of the country for selfish good," he stated.

Track down persons

Walker declared that the customs officers "will not heed in their vigilance to track down persons who seek to undermine the country", noting that the department "is working hard to prevent underinvoicing of agricultural imports, which can threaten the survival of agriculture in Jamaica".

Avoid customs duties

Underinvoicing is the provision of an invoice that states the price of goods as less than is actually being paid. This is done to reduce or avoid customs duties and government taxes. The importer usually asks the exporter to enter an artificially low value on the commercial invoice and to supply a second bill for the difference between the commercial invoice value and the true transaction value.

In the meantime, Walker said that the restructuring programme, being undertaken at Customs, is to make it easier to do business in Jamaica.

"Customs is part of the supply chain of many businesses and it is important that there are no stumbling blocks to the growth of business in Jamaica," he said. "We are trying to make it easier to do business with us. We want to reach a point that when you put entries in with us, you can have them back the same day."

Source: http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20090330/news/news3.html

Michael Vick Will Be Free in Mid-2009, But He's Done in the NFL

Tags: Michael+Vick, MichaelVick, Roger+Goodell, RogerGoodell

Oprahs girls school in Africa is reportedly involved in another sex scandal.  The NY Daily News is reporting that seven students were suspended last week for sexually hara**ing their schoolmates.

Last Thursday four girls from the Academy - two of them from Orlando West, Soweto - were suspended after they were found guilty of breaking the schools code of conduct.

 

On Saturday three more girls were also suspended. One 15-year-old pupil was accused of making physical contact of a sexual nature with another pupil on the campus, intimidation and bullying other girls on the campus and of being dishonest by not telling the whole truth to investigators.

Oprahs spokesperson, Lisa Halliday, confirmed the girls had been suspended from the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy School for Girls - but gave few details.

BY RICH SCHAPIRO 

DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Updated Wednesday, April 1st 2009, 1:30 AM

The computer world is bracing for the retooling of a virus so menacing that Microsoft has offered a $250,000 bounty for tracking down its shadowy creator.

Called the Conficker worm, the nasty computer bug already has poisoned up to 12 million computers and is feared to launch a new wave of cybercrimes Wednesday.

"The worm represents a very successful Internet worm, the likes of which we haven't seen for five or six years," said Don DeBolt, head of threat research for New York IT firm, CA.

After the first version of Conficker began infecting computers in October by exploiting a Microsoft Windows security hole, it hasn't spawned many symptoms.

But experts fear April Fools' Day may mark the date when a master computer gains control of all the infected machines and wreaks havoc.

"It's a very large number of machines that can be used for cybercrimes," said Kevin Haley, director of Semantic Security Response. "The big question is what kind of cybercrime might that be."

The scenarios are many.

The virus could delete all files on a person's computer, shut down Web sites or enable its creators to steal credit card numbers, passwords and other identifying information.

Experts say the virus might also attempt to get computer users to buy phony software or other bogus products.

"We don't necessarily know what the endgame of the authors is right now, and that's what's gotten everybody so worked up," DeBolt said.

What makes Conficker especially nasty is that it spreads without human involvement and prevents infected computers from downloading software designed to destroy it.

The sophistication of the bug has convinced some experts the Conficker mastermind is not a single individual.

"They have very advanced skills, and they're very quick at what they do," DeBolt said.

A gay-rights group in San Francisco has launched a boycott of Jamaica and Jamaican products.

The chaos predicted by some as the Conficker worm updates itself have so far failed to materialise.

There had been concerns that the worm could trigger poisoned machines to access personal files, send spam, clog networks or crash sites.

Many of the infected machines are based in Asia where there have been no reports of unusual PC behaviour.

Conficker is believed to have infected up to 15 million computers to date.

Those monitoring the progress of the worm as 1 April dawned around the globe said there was no evidence it was doing anything other than modifying itself to be harder to exterminate.

The hackers behind the worm, which effectively have all infected machines under their control, have yet to give the virus any specific orders.

But security experts warned that there was no room for complacency.

"We are going to be on high alert for a long time. Come 2 April we will still be watching while most people will have moved their focus elsewhere," said Vincent Weafer, vice president of security response at anti-virus firm Symantec.

 

LINK TO FULL STORY...    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7976099.stm

At a time when people are having trouble holding on to their houses, Barack and Michelle Obama have sensibly decided not to use taxpayers money to renovate theirs. New presidents are allotted $100,000 to overhaul the White House residence and the Oval Office, and the Obamas hired Hollywood decorator Michael S. Smith (known, per his site, for mixing Old World classicism with very contemporary settings). But the First Couple isnt spending that money. They are not using public funds or accepting donations of goods for redecorating their private quarters, says Camille Johnston, director of communications for the First Lady. Nor is the couple, who reported $4.2 million in household income in 2007 tax returns, using money from the White House Historical Association, a privately funded foundation that paid for a $74,000 set of china shortly before Laura Bush left town.

But does this mean theyre going to spend more than $100,000 or less? Though Michelle Obama has talked up Pottery Barn, Smiths client list includes cost-is-no-object types like Rupert Murdoch, Steven Spielberg, and former Merrill Lynch CEO John Thainfor whom he procured that $87,783 rug. Theres no question that hell get it done in the way that its supposed to be done, says Smith client and Democratic donor Katherine Chez. But how, I dont know. The White House declined to disclose the budget, saying that all expenses would remain private as a result of the Obamas decision to absorb the cost.

 

Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has teamed up with DAngel to record a single called Caan Stall which features lines which could be references to DAngels bitter break-up with Beenie Man.

However, Vybz Kartel shot down suggestions that the song was meant to diss the Doctor in any way.

She approached me with the idea to do the song, and I see nothing wrong with it. I am an advocate for womens rights and social equality, I am an advocate for their sexual liberation, I am the male version of Dr. Glenda Simms (a well-known womens rights advocate), he said, laughing.

Beenie Man and I have done a collaboration after that so I dont see where there is a problem. Beenie is an artiste that is about music, the only thing that troubles him is when he doesnt have a mic in his hand. The problem with people in the media is that they take music too seriously. Music is for amusement only; just like how it is suggested on the poker boxes in bars and restaurants islandwide.

The Beenie Man-Kartel combination is called ironically No Liberty on Skattas Sting 93 rhythm.

DAngel deejays lines like gi him a scandal bag and two knapsack and find a new man, model and mek it bun him. The chorus goes: yu man lef, but yu lifetsyle no stall/yu look good, still shopping at the mall.

This is taking twittering to a whole new level.  Diddy has been having tantric sex and hes letting us know about it via the internet. The rapper goes on about his lengthy Tantric sex session and says after 10 hours, only after feeling sore, he had to stop.

What is tantric sex you ask? Tantric sexual practices teach us to prolong the act of making love and to utilize potent orgasmic energies more effectively.

Diddy writes Having tantric sex!!! I feel so much better!!! Thank you, via the rappers Twitter.

After 10 long hours of a goal oriented 36 hours, Diddy writes, I gotta stop. Im tired and sore! Ill try again tomorrow. Go back to work people.

Diddy may want to clean his keyboard.

Born into a family immersed in business and politics, William "Bill" Gates  inherited quite a knack for running a business and managing people, which would ultimately lead him to a billion-dollar success. From an early point in his education, he was competitive, driven, and was striving to be on top. 

This would prove to be the crucial ingredient in his ride to fame, success, and unimaginable wealth.

It was during his stay at Lakeside, a private school, that he first laid his hands on the tool that was to propel him to fame: the computer. Little did he know that computers would later on make his name known the world over.

Despite his attempt at education as a pre-law student at Harvard University, Bill Gates' fate was far too entwined with computers. He enrolled only to later on drop out, with the tempting challenge of rocking the computing world.

It was also there that he met Paul Allen, one of the first Microsoft programmers, who ventured into the computer business with him. Early on Bill Gates and Paul Allen studied and learned everything they could about those early computers and knew  that they could take  the world of computing to a different level.

As if destiny was playing a part in it all, Paul Allen came across a magazine that featured the Altair 8080, headlined as the World's First Microcomputer Kit. It was a golden opportunity that presented itself at just the right time, and having been born competitive and aggressive, Bill Gates immediately called MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems), the Albuquerque - New Mexico company who manufactured the Altair and convinced them that they were working on a BASIC program that would work for their Altair computer - even though they did not yet have the software written!

It took them eight weeks, dividing the workload, to come up with a program.

Testing the program for the first time on the first Altair they had ever set eyes on, they were faced with a one-in-a-million chance, and they successfully closed a deal. At this point, Bill knew it was time and he dropped out of Harvard. Not long after that, Microsoft was born. This was in 1975.

1980 was the year that would finally bring the Microsoft name to the masses. IBM was on their way to creating their new personal computer and needed an Operating System for it. They had approached a leading It company at the time called Digital Research but could not get a contract that both parties could agree on.

By this time they had heard of Bill Gates and so met up with Microsoft to discuss the creation of an Operating System for their new PC.

For this contract, Microsoft negotiated a license for a "clone" of the dominant operating system at the time: CP/M (the clone was called 86-DOS because it was designed to run on the Intel 8086 processor) from a company called Seattle Computer Products. It cost $25,000 and they then re-licensed it to IBM.

IBM later renamed it to PC-DOS.

Microsoft then acquired all rights to 86-DOS Operating System for only $50,000 from Seattle Computer Products in July, 1981, shortly before IBM released the PC. he then went on to create his own Operating System from the 86-DOS Operating System and called it MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)

Bill Gates managed to convince IBM to let him retain the rights to MS-DOS and to sell it separately from the IBM personal computers with its PC-DOS. It was this wise business move that made him a computer tycoon up until now, earning huge amounts of money from the licensing of the MS-DOS. 

Because of its history, MS-DOS was the key to the growth of Microsoft. License earnings funded the company's further efforts. They released later versions of the system, and were intent on upgrading and improving it for a while. The interest, however, in graphical user interface or GUI, prompted them to create an add-on to MS-DOS in 1985 called "Windows".

This marked the birth of the Windows operating system. Initially designed to run on top of MS-DOS, it allowed more user options such as multitasking, installation of devices, and to run applications for longer periods of time.

Finally, Windows became a world wide Operating System, and gave birth to a continuous stream of improvements and updates that finally brought to life the operating systems most of the world uses today.

After the release of Windows NT in 1993 version, there soon followed the "home user" version called Windows 95.

Then came Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows ME or Millennium Edition.

More recently, Whistler, or more popularly known as Windows XP became a huge hit, and Microsoft progressed on with Windows Vista.

Work has now begun on the replacement for Vista...

Security experts are downplaying the potential impact of a virus which some believe is set to strike on 1 April.

Conficker has infected up to 15 million computers to date and is set to change the way it works on Wednesday.

There have been some reports the worm could trigger poisoned machines to access personal files, send spam, clog networks or crash sites.

"We don't know what will happen but don't expect anything dramatic," Symantec's Vincent Weafer told the BBC.

He added: "We believe the software is geared towards making money. The characteristic of this type of worm is to keep it slow and low, keep it under the radar to slowly maximise profits over the long term."

FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME More from Today programme Q&A: How do I protect myself? Timeline: Conficker virus

Mr Weafer, vice-president of security response at anti-virus firm Symantec, said: "We are going to be on high alert for a long time. Come 2 April we will still be watching while most people will have moved their focus elsewhere."

Origins

Conficker, also known as Downadup or Kido, first appeared last November. The worm is self-replicating and has attacked a vulnerability in machines using Microsoft's Windows operating system, the software that runs most computers.

It can infect machines via a net connection or by hiding on USB memory drives used to ferry data from one computer to another. Once in a computer, it digs deeps, setting up defences making it hard to extract.

Microsoft put up $250,000 to catch those behind Conficker

Among those affected by the virus have been the House of Commons and the defence forces of the UK, Germany and France.

The reason for the hype and the concern around Conficker is that 1 April is the day the worm is set to change the way it updates itself, moving to a system that is much harder to c****at.

Five months ago a consortium of web security firms banded together to form the Conficker Working Group, to learn more about the worm and to try to stop it.

Last weekend the team located what they call a "fingerprint" or "signature" for the virus that means they can detect how an infected machine can be identified on a network much quicker than previously.

Security researcher Dan Kaminsky, a member of the group and director of penetration testing at IOActive, told the BBC this was a major breakthrough.

"We know these bad guys are in places they really shouldn't be. With this new trick it is much easier to find them. It means we can say, OK, I don't know what will happen but I can tell you 10,000 systems are under the control of the bad guys and here they are."

Lucrative

While no-one in the industry is 100% sure of the aim of Conficker, they are positive the people behind it are more concerned about making money than causing mayhem.

That is a view backed by PC Magazine editor-in-chief Lance Ulanoff.

"People write malware today not because they want to make a public splash. It's old school to want to make computer screens turn red and say Love Bug.

The worm has also been able to spread via USB flash drives.

"Today crime syndicates run these things because they are interested in making money and if they are not making money there is no point in it."

A recent report by security firm Finjan claimed that cybercrime is as lucrative a business as drug trafficking.

Its Cybercrime Intelligence Report found that a single hacker could make as much as $10,800 (£7,300) a day, which the company extrapolated to $3.9m (£2.6m) a year.

Finjan's chief technology officer Yuval Ben-Itzhak said: "Cybercrime today is a very, very big business and those behind Conficker have spent a lot of money organising, writing code and securing these machines so they will be looking for a return soon.

"This type of cybercrime activity is here to stay and will grow because there is so much money involved and its hard to get caught."

"Arms race"

In February Microsoft put up a bounty of $250,000 to anyone who could help identify those behind Conficker. It also issued patches to address the vulnerability.

Industry experts say consumers and companies should regularly update their security software and apply Windows updates as well as protect computers and files with strong passwords.

Conficker is an aggressive worm that has crawled into millions of machines

Symantec has issued a free trial version of its products that will detect and remove the worm.

VeriSign, one of the guardians of the networked world, believes these bugs exist because the general level of security is just not high enough.

"This is a testament to making consumer products useable and user friendly, which means security has to be relaxed a little," said VeriSign's chief technology officer Ken Silva.

"If all the security measures were deployed that should be deployed, they would become too annoying and too difficult for most consumers."

Many in the industry describe Conficker as one of the worst worms they have seen for years and certainly one of the more aggressive.

"This is an arms race," said Mr Kaminsky. "We have to find these guys. We have done it in the past. I can do what I can as a geek but there is as much need for law enforcement and state action as there is for technical creativity.

"But people should feel good because the good guys are working to stop these bad guys."

From The Independent:
In Brazil, Gordon Brown continued his pre-summit tour but there was embarra**ment when his host, President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, said the financial crisis was caused by white people with blue eyes. He told a joint press conference with Mr Brown that he had never met a black banker.

This is a crisis that was caused by people, white with blue eyes. And before the crisis they looked as if they knew everything about economics, he said. Once again the great part of the poor in the world that were still not yet [getting] their share of development that was caused by globalisation, they were the first ones to suffer.

Since I am not acquainted with any black bankers, I can only say that this part of humanity that is the major victim of the world crisis, these people should pay for the crisis? I cannot accept that. If the G20 becomes a meeting just to set another meeting, well be discredited and the crisis can deepen.

amie Lynn Spears show Zoey 101 has reportedly been cancelled as the 16-year-old recently announced she is 12 weeks pregnant. The fourth season of the popular kids show has already been filmed, but sources say Nikelodeon is now questioning if they should continue to air the show as they initially planned.

After Spears announcement, Nickelodeon released a statement saying We respect Jamie Lynns decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now it for Jamie Lynns well being.

 

The channel initially said the show would continue to air in its regular timeslot, but sources say officials may cancel the show.

 

Nickelodeon bosses are still undecided whether to air season four or not. For now it looked like it has been canned, says a source. 

 

Meanwhile, the actress older sister Britney Spears has asked Jamie Lynn to come live with her at her Bel Air home. The girls mom, Lynne Spears, is said to be against the idea as she thinks Britney will be a bad influence on Jamie Lynn.

 

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Mavado & BET, What Went Wrong?

Dancehall singjay Mavado whose real name is David Constantine Brooks and his management only moments ago unveiled the much anticipated video to his hit single 'So Special' on TJ Records Unfinished Business riddim compilation. The video surrounded by an enormous amount of media hype was not premiered on Monday's edition of BET's 106 and Park as promised but nonetheless the soft launched via the internet was enough to get a lot of tongues wagging. Since then Mavado's management has released a statement addressing the issue. "We were as surprised as everyone at BET's decision not to follow through on their promise to premier the "so Special" video on yesterday's 106 & Park. Despite 106 & Park's presenters hyping the premier for several days, including showing clips from the video, a last minute intervention by someone in the legal department prevented the video from airing. - Julian Jones-Griffiths told trapmuzik-sounds "The anticipation was very high for the BET premier. We weren't notified until late in the day that there was a last minute objection by one of the legals over there, who had a censorship issue. He objected to "excessive display of alcohol" and "careless use of women as writhing set dressings!" The video is now available to watch online so people can make up their own minds about that." Mavado's management went on to say that when the video was first submitted to BET they flagged several issues and were sent three (3) different edits before approval. "The show's programmer had passed the video and had been running promos so she was livid at the decision," he continued. "Its disappointing but all is not lost. If anything this may help publicise the video even more -  Mavado can't seem to step without some form of controversy!" The partially computer generated project sees cameo from several high profile members of the Alliance including the Warlord Bounty Killer and Bling Dawg alongside Stacious and a flock of adoring females as Mavado demonstrates why he's 'So Special'. Mavado recently  left the island to be by the side of his child's mother as she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy name 'David Brooks Jr.' We the family of trapmuzik-sounds would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartiest congratulations to the Gangster and his significant other as we wish them all the best in their family endeavours. In other news Mavado is slated to release his upcoming album dubbed 'Mr. Brooks - A Better Tomorrow' on March 4th 2009. We have embedded a copy of  the 'So Special' video below for your viewing pleasure (see player below)

tell di truth people listen to di song dem