.Spinters Nominated for Award
Jamaica's triple Olympic gold medalist and world 100 metres and 200 metres champion Usain Bolt is among three Jamaicans nominated for the IAAF's World Athlete of the Year award.
The two other Jamaicans, both female, are Veronica Campbell-Brown, Olympic 200 metres gold medalist, and 400 metres hurdles champion Melaine Walker.
According to a report on the IAAF's website, three finalists for the Athlete of the Year (man and woman) will be selected based on online voting.
The final selection of the Athlete of the Year will be made by a jury of the International Athletic Foundation. The winners will be announced at the World Athletics Gala in Monaco on November 23.
The candidates are:
Men - Kenenisa Bekele, Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia), Usain Bolt (Jamaica), Bryan Clay, LaShawn Merritt (US), Dayron Robles (Cuba), Irving Saladino (Panama), Andrey Silnov (Russia), Andreas Thorkildsen (Norway), Samuel Wanjiru (Kenya).
Women - Veronica Campbell-Brown, Melaine Walker (Jamaica), Tirunesh Dibaba (Ethiopia), Gulnara Galkina-Samitova, Yelena Isinbayeva (Russia), Pamela Jelimo (Kenya) Françoise Mbango (Cameroon), Barbora Spotakova (Czech Republic), Valerie Vili (New Zealand) and Blanka Vlasic (Croatia).
To vote for your favourite athletes CLICK HERE
Jagger and Lennon wanted money not revolution: Study
October 10, 2008 - 7:08AM
Pop culture icons John Lennon and Mick Jagger were clever capitalists who cashed in on the mood of the 1960s, not spokesmen for a generation seeking revolution, a British academic said.
Cambridge University historian David Fowler said that so-called "Swinging London" was in fact beyond most normal people, "less a golden age for the nation's young than a celebration of wealth by its social elite."
"The 1960s are often viewed as the point at which youth culture in this country exploded, but in many ways they were the years in which the idea began to fall apart," said Fowler.
"Groups like The Beatles were basically capitalists interested in enriching themselves through the music industry. They did about as much to represent the interests of the nation's young people as The Spice Girls did in the 1990s."
Fowler notes that Rolling Stones frontman Jagger himself, when asked by an interviewer whether he was a spokesman for a generation, replied that he was just a musician.
The academic, who teaches modern British history in Cambridge, said more authentically revolutionary youth movements can be found in the period between World War I and World War II.
He singled out a little-known Cambridge student Rolf Gardiner, who was fascinated by the concept of Jugenkultur in Germany as a way that young people could express themselves more freely and challenge their elders.
Gardiner's cult championed physical labour and rural reconstruction, Fowler said, recounting also how he organised naked bathing sessions along the Cam river, as an expression of "back to nature" values.
"People forget that real youth movements are about a lot more than spending and consumerism -- they are a way of life," added the academic from Clare Hall college, Cambridge, author of "Youth Culture In Modern Britain, c.1920-c.1970."
"People like Rolf Gardiner were true cultural subversives, pop stars before pop even existed. In terms of the influence he had on giving Britain's young people a sense of identity ... he is just as important as Mick Jagger."
The reason the 1960s is perceived as the dawn of youth culture is because of a "break in chronology" due to World War II, which left a state of "collective amnesia," the academic said.
Groups like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones took advantage of this -- but their separation from real fans' lives was reflected in the way they installed themselves in grand country houses, while the London "scene" was equally beyond most people's purses.
"The world of Swinging London may be viewed as an emblem of youth culture now, but it was really for the Michael Caines of this world; an elite who could afford it," Fowler said.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/m...3145579726.html
Half-ton Mexican man dies after pleading for help
JUAREZ, Mexico - A 990-pound bedridden man who had appealed on Mexican television for help tackling his weight problem died Tuesday of heart failure, his family said.
Emergency officials had to knock down Jose Luis Garza's bedroom wall and load him onto the back of a friend's pickup truck as he fought for his life. The 47-year-old was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital in northern Mexico.
Garza followed in the footsteps of the world's fattest man, fellow Mexican Manuel Uribe of Monterrey, by taking his weight problem public. Garza lived about an hour away from Uribe in the town of Juarez.
Garza said he always struggled with his weight, but that he fell into a desperate cycle of depression and overeating nine months ago after his parents died of natural causes within two weeks of each other. He had been bedridden for four months.
Garza's condition deteriorated over the weekend as he struggled to breathe and eat. At his funeral, family members slammed state officials for not moving Garza to a hospital before he became critically ill.
"If he had received support at the time he asked for it, he would still be with us," said his brother Pedro Garza.
State officials argued there was little they could do.
"The attention he would have received at a hospital would have been the same he got at home," said Julio Cesar Cano, spokesman for the Nuevo Leon state health department. "Moving a patient of that magnitude is very difficult. A normal ambulance won't work."
Uribe, whose record weight of 1,230 pounds earned him a place in the 2008 Guinness Book of Records, has claimed to have lost around 550 pounds by following the Zone Diet invented by Dr. Barry Sears.
Uribe tried to help Garza by sending him kiwis, grapefruit, pears and a protein supplement. Uribe's fiancee, Claudia Solis, delivered the food on Friday evening.
Twinkle Dwivedi, 13, has a strange disorder which means she loses *lo** through her skin without being cut or scratched.
She has even undergone transfusions after pints of it seeped through her eyes, nose, hairline, neck and the soles of her feet.
Sometimes her condition is so bad she wakes up with her entire body covered in dried *lo**.
Villagers near her home in Uttar Pradesh, India, believe she must be cursed and shout cruel things in the street.
Her frantic family have sought help from numerous doctors as well as preachers from many different religions without success.
"I am desperate to help my daughter," said her mother Nandani Diwedi, 42.
"We are not superstitious people but we became so desperate.
"We've been to temples, mosques, churches and sufi saints, but nothing has cured her."
Indian medics now believe her condition is an extreme version of a rare *lo** platelet disorder for which they cannot find a cure.
However, a ray of hope has been offered by a British specialist, who believes Twinkle may have a different clotting disorder, for which treatment will be possible.
Last year, Twinkle was a normal 12-year-old who enjoyed school, painting and playing with her friends - but then she suddenly started bleeding between five and 20 times a day.
"I was so scared," she said.
"It didn't hurt. But it was scary and messy, and my friends thought it was disgusting.
"My school blouse went all red. No-one would come near me or play with me.
"I used to cry nearly every time it happened. But now I just keep quiet."
Twinkle was thrown out of one school and another refused to teach her because of her strange condition.
Now she studies at home and rarely sees other children.
Her mother said: "I am very worried about her. She is very weak and pale from the *lo** loss.
"She is very isolated and depressed. She wants to get better so she can go back to school.
"I now believe doctors in India are incompetent. I don't think they can help her."
The first time the bleeding happened from Twinkle's mouth in July 2007, her parents took her to a GP who suggested a common ulcer.
But then, a few weeks later, the bleeding also started from her nose, eyes, feet and hairline.
Twinkle's parents took her to see dozens of different doctors who could not find a reason for her *lo** loss.
Her dad Aditya Kumar Diewdi, 47, a railway worker, said: "They told us they had never seen a case like this before.
Aidonia & Sanjay Make Amends
Jamaican Deejay/SingJay Sanjay has recently released a video for his track Girls Like featuring CeCile and Aidonia produced by Samuel 'Sam Diggy' Johnson for Fresh Ear productions. What is noticeable however, is that while you will hear Aidonia's fast tempo rhymes, he is absent from the video.
The video, which was shot in 2006, depicts a dating game show where contestant CeCile must choose between two bachelors both played by Sanjay. Sanjay 1, dressed in a cap and a pink & white polo, plays the role of the romantic bachelor, who insists that he knows that girls like a more romantic lover. While Sanjay 2, dressed in a green T-Shirt, portrays the more hard core Jamaican bachelor, the role originally to be played by Aidonia who was absent from the shoot.
Sanjay explains:"Aidonia and I first recorded Girls Like, CeCile then added her part after. When I played the finished track for Aidonia he said he loved it and everything was fine. A few days later I heard one of his friends comment that he had a problem with CeCile's line 'Love it when you do it to me baby' which is from her track Do it to Baby (which we all know what that is in reference to). But no one called me and said anything so I assumed it was just a rumour".
"On the day of the shoot Aidonia did not show up, when we finally got in touch with someone from his camp, they confirmed the rumours, he did have a problem with the line. So we agreed to remove the line, but he still did not make an appearance so we were forced to change the concept of the video and have me play both roles and I redid his voice from the track."
Aidonia's absence posed numerous problems for the video as the film crew had to find a suitable double for Sanjay and pre-editing was needed in order to ensure the best quality. These problems caused the shoot, which should have taken 1 to 2 days, to drag on for months. By the time the video was ready, Sanjay had already released the video for his now popular track Man of My Word and decided to hold Girls Like until a later date.
However Sanjay was quick to point out that everything is all good: "Since then, Aidonia and I have spoken and all is amicable between the camps as Aidonia has called Fresh Ear producer Arif Cooper and the camps have made amends."
Sanjay is now currently focused on promoting his new single Photogenic on the 'Sexy Girl Riddim'.
We have embedded a copy of the video for your viewing pleasure (see video below)
Caribbean Movie Makes History
Movie maker Steve "Tehut-Nine" McAlpin and the team behind the hit movie "What Goes Around" are thrilled after learning that their movie made Canadian history for being the first Caribbean themed movie to premiere at the prestigious Yorkdale movie theatre.
Presented by Jaydees Entertainment and L3 Publicity, the movie saw swift ticket sales ahead of the premiere date, and a line up extending around the movie theatre prior to the box office opening at 6:30pm. The movie theatre manager, Roy, said "I have not seen ticket sales like this, or demand like this, since the showing of Batman: Dark Knights. This is crazy!" Based on this successful staging, Jaydees and L3 plan to take the movie national with showings in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Windsor, London, Kitchener, Hamilton, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax.
"We are pleased to be able to provide opportunities to our Caribbean movie directors and producers", says Natasha Von Castle from L3 Publicity. "Based on the feedback, and the number of people who asked for second and third showings, as well as the few who drove from Buffalo and Detroit to attend the Canadian premiere, we see this as a win-win for the community as well as individuals who aspire to make movie making their career".
Steve and team have several showings scheduled for the US including Atlanta, Boston and Los Angeles.
About the Movie:
"What Goes Around" stars Nohard Grant, Flippa Maffia, Sakina Samuda, Kim Goss, Dayne McDonald, Kashna Clarke, Tashika Carpenter, Ras Atiba, Vivienne Bent, Michael Bridges, Mavado, KC Jockey, Ding Dong and Supa Twitch.
Directed by Steve "Tehut-Nine" McAlpin, this bold movie follows the romantic relationships of two brothers, taking the viewer through their triumphs and failures, as well as the tangled webs they weave with the women they love, like or just 'check for'. Dramatic, funny, thought provoking and serious, the movie addresses the emotional toll as well as tackle the epidemic of HIV/AIDS and the stereotypes that are pervasive in the Caribbean community.
We have embedded the official trailer below for your viewing pleasure (see video below)
London, Oct 10 : The police in northern Italy have rescued a women who was kept a prisoner at her home by her husband for about 50 years, the Daily Telegraph has reported.
The woman, who was not allowed to come out of the house alone and not to speak with anyone else, raised an alarm when she was admitted to a hospital for heart problem in Trento, near her home in Val di Non town in northern Italy.
She told doctors that her jealous husband had kept her a prisoner in their home virtually since the day they married in 1958, the newspaper said.
The couple, who were not identified, are both in their seventies and are believed to have two grown-up children.
According to the woman, her husband used to lock her inside the house when he went out, and would not even let her watch the television all these years.
Speaking about the case, a police spokesman said: "Once the hospital informed us of the woman's story we acted immediately and informed the local prosecutor.
"It appears that the woman was kept a virtual prisoner in her own home for 50 years. She was only allowed out when her husband was with her and if he went out on his own he would lock all the doors and windows.
"At 5 p.m. when he came back he would lock the place down, She was not even allowed to see her children and they were not allowed to visit," the police official said Thursday, describing the cruelty of the man.
"It's a very sad story and the woman's life has been made a misery by her husband - if it wasn't for the fact she was admitted to hospital and bravely decided to speak out her ordeal would have continued," the official added.
Trento prosecutor Fabio Biasi has begun an investigation into the matter and requested an order for the man to be taken to secure accommodation while the investigation continued.
Two alleged bus robbers shot dead in Kingston
|
COREY ROBINSON, Observer staff reporter robinsonc@jamaicaobserver.com Thursday, September 25, 2008
|
TWO of approximately six armed men who held up a passenger bus were shot dead yesterday morning by a licensed firearm holder in Kingston, Jamaica's capital city.
Frightened passengers on the bus, operated by the National Transport Co-operative Society (NTCS), were forced to duck for cover as gunshots rang out during the botched robbery along Slipe Road, an area of the city where buses are frequently held up.
The dead men were identified as 22-year-old Kashka Clarke of Franklyn Town in Kingston and Damion Williams, alias 'Omar', of Slipe Road.
Police said the men, shortly after boarding the bus at Torrington Bridge about 9:00, brandished guns and knives and proceeded to rob the passengers and conductor.
The robbers were, however, surprised by the licensed firearm holder who opened fire, hitting Clarke and Richard, according to the Constabulary Communication Network, the police's information arm. The *lo**y Clarke, the police said, attempted to escape but collapsed and died on Slipe Road, while Williams succumbed to his injuries inside the public passenger vehicle. The other hold-up men escaped on foot in the area.
The passengers escaped unhurt, but eyewitnesses said some of them jumped through the windows of the Toyota Coaster bus during the ordeal.
Yesterday, as Scene of Crime detectives examined the death scene, Elaine Scott, Clarke's mother, wept uncontrollably as she viewed his lifeless body sprawled on the hot asphalt.
According to the grieving woman, her son had left home for work and "was in the wrong place at the wrong time".
"I don't know what else to say; Kashka leave out to go to work this morning. Is janitor work him do at a guest house near King's House. I don't know how he managed to end up here this morning," said Scott, as a teary-eyed male relative consoled her.
"If him guilty God will deal with it and if it is innocent *lo** that was shed, God will deal with it, I just have to leave it up to God," cried the woman, before her shaky voice broke into a solemn gospel hymn.
But while Scott and a handful of Clarke's relatives wept, dozens of onlookers who gathered at a nearby gas station, gloated over the men's demise.
"Is regular them come rob the bus them on the road, I don't sorry for none of them. Is poor people travel on bus and is the same poor people them robbing, I wouldn't mind if everyday two of them dead just like these two," said a male onlooker.
The 1980s signaled the birth of an additional musical era, and the slow demise of another. With the help of producer King Jammy and musicians Steely and Clevy, Dub made way for a faster, more aggressive tone with artists deejaying (and rapping) over drum machines instead of acoustic sets.
In prior years, more sound selectors (DJs) started to leave sound systems to record their toasts and showcase their talents within the accepting walls of the nightly dance halls of the ghettos.
Consequently, this faster beat with crude and often sexual, violent overtones (which at the time was not played on the radio) became known as Dancehall music.
Slowly, new stars from Kingston's inner cities began to emerge: namely, King Yellowman, Papa San, Super Cat, Ninja Man, Shabba Ranks and others.
1980 Bob Marley's single "Jamming" is the inspiration behind "Master Blaster" ("Jammin'") by Stevie Wonder.
1980 Bob Marley's Uprising (his final studio album) was released. It is probably one of his most spiritual albums, with tracks including "Forever Loving Jah" and "Redemption Song.
1981 King Yellowman becomes the first Dancehall artist to be signed to a major American label, CBS Records.
Video of Josie Wales and others deejaying/rapping at a party:
1981 Bob Marley, the first Jamaican and Third World artist to achieve extraordinary international stardom dies of cancer.
Having traveled with Bob Marley and the Wailers, actor, author, lecturer and owner of the world's largest Bob Marley memorabilia collection, Roger Steffens (renamed 'RoJah' by Bob), gives AllHipHop Alternatives the real deal behind the rise of Bob Marley and Reggae music:
AllHipHop.com Alternatives: In what ways has reggae music made an impact on the US urban landscape?
Roger Steffens: The most obvious impact Reggae has had is in the Hip-Hop/Dancehall fields. The form was developed and matured in the '60s and '70s in Jamaica, carried by immigrants to the U.S., and given a distinct Bronx twist through the work of Kool Herc and others. Now that form has turned on itself, and is influencing the styles of current rappers/toasters in Yard.
AHHA: What impact did Bob Marley and the Wailers have on the urban market?
RS: Bob Marley is probably the one Jamaican Reggae artist whose work is universally known. The fact that American urban artists have often quoted his lyrics, or participated in remix updates of his catalog, speaks for itself.
AHHA: Tell us about the importance of Reggae music and the social climate that existed in the US and the Caribbean when it emerged.
RS: Reggae emerged in 1968, a time of racial upheaval throughout the world. People in Jamaica were keenly aware of the civil rights battles ongoing at that time in America. Bob himself began visiting his mother in Wilmington, Delaware in 1966, and witnessed the daily news reports of the battle for equal rights and justice bringing the races together in the States in unprecedented fashion.
Lyrics of Jamaican music began to be more geared toward the current politrickal situations, both on the island and abroad, with the rising importance of a "third way" - that of Rastafari, a movement that eschewed politics and religion.
AHHA: Apart from Bob, who would you say are some of the Reggae music's forerunners, who helped to propel the movement into mainstream America?
RS: Initially, the contributions of Johnny Nash were of major importance in introducing the rhythms of Jamaica to the U.S., although ironically they were never referred to as "reggae."
Of lesser, but significant importance, are the two keystone Jamaican hits of the '60s - Little Millie Small's ska sensation, "My Boy Lollipop," in 1964 and 1968/69's "Israelites," the first international Reggae smash, by Justin Hinds and the Dominoes.
Jimmy Cliff's breakthrough movie of 1973, The Harder They Come, played a huge role in letting foreign audiences witnesses the culture that produced the music. Third World brought an R&B edge that gained mainstream Black radio play with songs like "Now That We Found Love" and "96 Degrees in the Shade." Hippies everywhere adopted Peter Tosh's 1975 ganja anthem, "Legalize It," and made him a crossover force.
AHHA: Do you think enough has been done by Jamaican artists to be a part of the mainstream market?
RS: It is a continuing problem. The inability for Jamaican artists to gain access to a mainstream U.S. market. Most major labels don't have the sensitivity to the Reggae audience to properly market to it and see the returns as too tiny to bother.
The obvious exceptions are one-offs like Ini Kamoze's "Hotstepper" and Damian Marley's "Jamrock," which have made a lot of money for Columbia and Universal, respectively.
Jamaicans can continue to knock on the doors of the dwindling number of majors, but they continue to regard Reggae as an outsider's music.
AHHA: What else could be done to make Reggae more mainstream?
RS: My question would be, how mainstream must it become before it loses its roots and the spirit that has attracted so many of us to it?
AHHA: Is it fair to equate music's importance with its mainstream success?
RS: The importance of Reggae worldwide cannot be overestimated. Everywhere I go in the world today, I encounter the continuing presence of Jah Music, whether it's in the bottom of the Grand Canyon with the Havasupai Indian nation, or on Guam and Hawaii [where it's virtually the National Music], or in New Zealand, where Marley is considered a national hero called "Uncle Bob," or in Australia where Aboriginal people regard Marley as their own personal spokesperson.
In South Africa, a growing local Rastafarian brotherhood carries the message of Reggae, and you'll find it all over South America as well, not to mention the other islands of the Caribbean. France, Germany and Italy all have homegrown Reggae bands, standing for truth and rights.
So Reggae's "success" is in its penetration into markets thousands of miles away from its sources. Reggae influences culture - everything from styles of hair and dressing, to personal philosophies (livities), and movements for the legalization of herb.
AHHA: There has always been a debate about where the name Reggae originated: From Toots' song, "Do the Reggay" or, according to Bob, reggae was the Latin word for the king's music. Where did it originate?
RS: We'll probably never know the origin. Some say it came from word for king - rex/regis, mixed with "streggae," the name of a street woman. I have searched for an answer to this for 35 years, and am still not satisfied I know the correct one.
1982 King Yellowman's "Zungguzungguguzungguzeng" is released, from which a number of reggae and hip-hop stars in subsequent years sampled melodies.
1983 Bob Marley's compilation album, Legend, is released and becomes the best-selling reggae album in history with sales of more than 12 million copies. Also released that year was his album Confrontation with the hit "Buffalo Soldier.
1984 Ini Kamoze releases the album Ini Kamoze, which features the track "World A Music" on the Island Records label.
1985 Supercat released his album Si Boops Deh with his hit single "Boops" (1986) sampled from King Yellowman's "Zungguzungguguzungguzeng.
1988 Afrika Bambaataa (recorded as Afrika Bambaataa and Family on Capitol Records) dropped the album The Light, featuring UB40, George Clinton, King Yellowman, and Boy George, among others.
1989 Shelly Thunder emerged with the US hit "Break Up.
1990s
Suddenly there were two Dancehalls: one aspect of the genre catering to the Shabbas and Beenie Men with Loverman lyrics and another catering to the Super Cats, Bounty Killers and Ninjamen, who echoed the more gritty and morbid reality of the Jamaican ghetto.
Yet, Dancehall couldn't exist without the two characteristics. Shabba Ranks helped pioneer a sex symbol following for Jamaican artists in the urban market, while Super Cat remained outspoken in his lyrics about politics, violence and poverty, which the then urban rising stars: Heavy D, Mary J. Blige, Wu-Tang Clan's Method Man and others could also embrace in their music.
It is also interesting to note, that in very much the same way, lyrical clashing became the norm in Jamaica. So it was that in the US urban underground, rap battles became an almost compulsory feature.
Supercat and Ninjaman face off at Sting '91:
1990 Shelly Thunder again hit the mainstream with a fusion of rap and dancehall in "Working Girl. "Just give me the mic and I bet you're gonna thank me," she chimed, and as it turns out, she was correct.
1991 Indisputably one of dancehall's most prolific deejays, Shabba Ranks burst onto the international scene and secured a major record deal with Epic Records. Some even argue that the origins of Reggae's latin subgenre, Reggaeton, can be partially traced back to the riddim of Shabba's hit, "Dem Bow" produced by Bobby "Digital" Dixon, from the album Just Reality, also released that year.
1992 Supercat's sophomore album, Don Dada cemented him as a lyrical heavyweight, not only in the Caribbean market, but also in the rap game. The album featured forceful rap acts, including The Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy on tracks like "Don Dada" and "Dolly My Baby.
1992 Shabba released "Mr. Loverman" featuring Chevelle Franklin. The single landed in the No. 40 spot on the US charts. A skit parodying Shabba and his portrayal in "Loverman" even appeared on In Living Color.
In Living Color Sketch:
1993 Shabba surfaced with yet another hit, "Housecall" (Your Body Cant Lie to Me) featuring Maxi Priest.
1993 UB40 released their most successful worldwide single a reggae cover of the Elvis Presley ballad "(I Can't Help) Falling In Love With You" featured on the Sharon Stone movie Sliver that year.
Video for "(I Can't Help) Falling In Love With You":
1993 The deejaying/rapping and singing duo, Born Jamericans (Edley Shine and Notch), burst unto the urban scene with the single "Boom-Shak-Attack" (not to be confused with Junior Reid's 1985 single, "Boom-Shak-A-Lack"). The single was an instant hit with the youngsters in the US urban scene, though they found diminutive success in Jamaica.
1994 Bob Marley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Time magazine labeled Marley & The Wailers' Exodus as the greatest album of the 20th century.
1994 Ini Kamoze released the song, "Here Comes the Hotstepper, which would become his most famous song to date. The song appeared on the soundtrack to the fashion-industry satire film, Pręt-ŕ-Porter (released in the US as Ready To Wear).
1994 Patra first made an impression on the US charts as a featured singer on the Shabba Ranks song "Family Affair, also featuring Terri & Monica. The song copped the No. 84 spot on the Hot 100.
Later that year, she emerged with her first solo recording, Queen of the Pack, and her second single "Worker Man", which peaked at no. 53 on Billboard's Hot 100 and reached the R&B Top 20 and hit No.1 on the US Dance chart.
Her third single, "Romantic Call" (no. 55 US, no. 21 US Dance), was a collaboration with female rapper Yo-Yo. The video also featured a cameo appearance by rapper 2Pac.
"Romantic Call" video:
1994 Born Jamericans' "Cease & Seckle" landed in the No. 32 spot on the US Hot Rap Singles chart.
1994 Though the duo Chakka Demus and Pliers released the cover of the Isley Brothers' song, "Twist and Shout," and it reached number one on the UK Singles chart. However, it was their single "Murder She Wrote, which became a huge crossover for them in North America.
1994 Diana King appeared in the The Notorious B.I.G.'s song, "Respect," from his Ready to Die album. She thereafter signed a recording contract with Sony Music.
1995 Patra sang the lead vocals on the Panther movie soundtrack on both the rap and r&b versions of the song "Freedom (Theme from Panther). The songs also featured the collaborative efforts of TLC, Aaliyah, Mary J. Blige, SWV, Queen Latifah among others.
1995 Shabba Ranks' "Let's Get It On" flooded the mainstream airwaves and peaked at No. 81 in the US.
1995 Junior M.A.F.I.A. (feat. Biggie Smalls) sampled King Yellowman's "Zungguzungguguzungguzeng" on their track "Player's Anthem, Remember, "Grab your d**k if you love Hip-Hop, rub your t**ties if you love Big Poppa"?
1995 Shaggy's "Bo****astic" creates a stir in the US market.
"Bo****astic" video:
1995 Diana King's first single "Shy Guy," from her debut album Tougher Than Love, became an instant hit. It reached number thirteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold by the RIAA in the U.S. and went on to sell nearly three million singles worldwide. The song also made the soundtrack to the film Bad Boys, also released in that year.
Video for "Shy Guy:
In a recent interview with AllHipHop.com Alternatives, here's what Diana had to say about her success throughout the years and her contribution to the US urban market.
AllHipHop.com Alternatives: When you look back on your life and career, how do you feel about your achievements?
Diana King: I feel truly blessed. But I do believe the best is yet to come.
AHHA: What would you say has been your biggest musical achievement to date?
DK: Off the top of my head, I'd say "Shy Guy. It was on every chart at Number 1 for monthsHard to top, but I can say that I've done it. But it's really a daily achievement just being able to do the thing you love to do everyday and get paid for it. [laughs]
To work with all the people I have over the years, to travel to wonderful places to experience different cultures, etc. It's more than I ever dreamed: to write songs that people love to singWOW.
AHHA: "Shy Guy, which was featured on the soundtrack for the movie, Bad Boys how do you think this (and you) impacted the mainstream scene because of that?
DK: It made a great impact for Jamaicans and Caribbean artists all over. And every time one of us gets a break, it gets stronger. It's taking a long time still, but that has played a big part in convincing the world that our music is not just the flavor of the day, but comes from a people of great talent, passion and soul.
AHHA: Do you sometimes feel trapped by the success of the song?
DK: Not at all. I am very proud of "Shy Guy. If anything, it has pushed me to try my best to bring quality music to the people because of all the loyal fans of all ages that I received from just that one song.
AHHA: Who were some of your musical idols?
DK: My idols were/are: Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, Bob Marley, Patti LaBelle, Grace Jones and Sting.
AHHA: Do you think Jamaican content needs to be diluted to be a greater crossover success?
DK: No I wouldn't say diluted I don't really care for that word, nor the word crossover [laughs], but we all know what good music is, so that's what we should strive for at all time.
Music from our culture; music that moves and uplifts; music that makes you feel good; music that makes you think and act and I don't necessarily mean deep, cause we all aren't Bob [Marley], but music that we want to still play long after we are gone from this lifeMusic that lasts forever.
AHHA: What is Diana King up to these days?
DK: I'm about to go on tour in a few days again to Asia, but I'm working on a few projects of my own. I hope to release something new in the very near future. I have my own company now [called] Think Like A Girl, so I've been working on that as well.
My goal is to educate and work with upcoming female artists from Jamaica in all areas of their career so that they are prepared when the opportunities come.
So many of us have messed up along the way, but we don't teach. I wish I had some guidance when I started. I had to learn as I went along. Some never recover from that. I believe it's my duty
Zebra to touch the road soon
02 May 2008 | by Phlex, Staff Writer
Deejay Zebra will no longer be singing the blues in prison come September this year when he is expected to emerge from the bowels of prison after a long incarceration on rape charges.
"Zebra was convicted of one count of rape and admitted to prison November 19, 2001. He became eligible for parole on March 5, 2005 and the earliest date of release September 6, 2008. However, this date is conditional as he can lose days of remission if he commits any breaches," Major Richard Reese, Commissioner of Corrections, said.
"His conduct so far has been very good and he is involve in the Rehab through Music programme," Reese added.
Zebra is now at Tower Street Adult Correctional Center.
In a 2005 interview with journalist Claude Mills, he had said: "In prisonwhen yu come out, that is your release date, because who knows, something terrible might reach me afta mi lef da interview ya. The date when I come out alive, that is my release date."
During that interview, he said he regretted some of the things he did when he was viewed as a major dancehall act.
"I was on a hype ting, around some hype modelling females, ah par with some hype yutes, so when mi catch the buss, mi just explode the hype pon dem. Children live what they learn, y'know, and at that time, that was Zebra, ah only I and I did a guide I self, no damagement, no tooking agent, so ah just so it go. Mi mek some wrong choices, is a set-up ting and ah so it work out."
Zebra is a far way from the dizzy days of stardom. He first showed up on the dancehall radar when he teamed up with Prince Jazbo to render Wha Yu Run Fah? in 1990. He followed up with Wha Yu Bow Fah?, but soon caught the attention of Tiger and a rivalry of sorts developed between the two because of the songs.
Then he served several years in prison on a rape charge, before returning to the business in 1998, only to be imprisoned two years later on an additional rape charge.
Between 1998-1999, Zebra dominated the local scene with his unique brand of humour and catchy singalong hooks. He scored a barrage of hits including Rupert, Hype Type A Love, Gal Waan Mi Picture Fi Frame and Redder Than Red. He was also a brilliant stage performer, starring stage shows with his charismatic delivery and would have topped Sting in 1999, if not for Beenie Man's performance that year.
Reggae music pioneer Alton Ellis, who enjoyed a career revival in recent years after a string of hits in the 1960s, has died in a London hospital. He was 70.
Officials at Hammersmith Hospital said Ellis died "peacefully" Friday and that his family did not wish to release further details. He had been hospitalized for several weeks.
In a tribute to Ellis posted on its Web site, Trojan Records on Saturday mourned "the passing of a reggae legend" and said Ellis had been suffering lymphatic cancer. He collapsed during a club performance in London in August and never recovered his health, the record company said.
Ellis was known as "the Godfather of rocksteady" and enjoyed a string of hits in Jamaica during the very early days of reggae.
At the beginning of his career, he had several hits while fronting the vocal group "The Flames," including "Dance Crasher," "I'm Just a Guy" and "Sunday Coming."
He began his career in the late 1950s, before Jamaican music had earned a worldwide following, and recorded for many local producers before launching his own All-tone label.
Ellis moved to Canada and then to England in the 1970s as his career went into decline, but he returned to popularity in the last 15 years because of a rocksteady trend in Jamaica and Europe.
Ellis is survived by his wife and more than 20 children.
Funeral plans were not immediately announced.
The puzzling reference to Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) as that one by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has become the most-discussed moment of a bland, forgettable presidential debate.
Its President That One to you, a poster on Daily Kos chided McCain.
A website, http://www.thatone08.com, is selling T-shirts featuring both McCain and Obama, and has a logo with Obamas rising-sun campaign changed to read Thatone. There's a that one Facebook page and a biography with every Obama reference changed to that one.
That one was named the winner of the dreary debate by both Arianna Huffington at The Huffington Post and John Dickerson at Slate.
Liberal critics argue that the expression was at least cranky and perhaps demeaning, as if referring to those people.
Some Obama supporters have joked that they thought McCain had forgotten Obamas name, and one Democrat suggested the slogan, That one ... that won.
The Obama campaign immediately e-mailed reporters to call attention to McCains use of the phrase, when he said: My friends, I know you grow a little weary with this back-and-forth. It was an energy bill on the floor of the Senate loaded down with goodies, billions for the oil companies, and it was sponsored by Bush and Cheney. You know who voted for it? You might never know. That one. You know who voted against it? Me.
Maria Gavrilovic of CBS News reported from the spin room in Nashville that the Obama campaign was using the comment to argue that McCain looked peevish, irascible, uncomfortable, odd.
Obama campaign manager David Plouffe told her it was an odd moment. And Obama chief strategist David Axelrod noted that last time McCain didnt look at Obama and now he is calling him that one.
Foxs Major Garrett reported to post-debate viewers: The Obama campaign only highlighted it for this reason: They believe it was a moment of crankiness from John McCain, and thats kind of a button they like to push on John McCain.
Nicolle Wallace of the McCain campaign told CBS: Im shocked that at a moment of national crisis, where our economy is on the minds of every single person, I am shocked that they are again proving to be the fussiest campaign in American history.
Pundits at first were skeptical about the Obama spin.
On ABCs Nightline, senior Washington correspondent George Stephanopoulos, who was at the debate hall, said: That didnt really strike me, in the moment.
Me neither, anchor Terry Moran replied.
The Obama people are pushing it pretty hard, Stephanopoulos continued. Theyre saying it showed disdain again. What surprises me even more: In the spin room tonight, the Republican National Committee is acting like theyre going to keep saying that one about Barack Obama. I think thats a huge mistake.
Im missing the point of that, Moran said.
Im not sure I get it, either, Stephanopoulos said.
Moran concluded: Im not even sure its that demeaning.
|
(L-R) Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture representative in Jamaica, Cynthia Currie; permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Donovan Stanberry; and Dr Dunstan Campbell, Food and Agriculture Organisation representative in Jamaica, field questions at Tuesday's launch of World Food Day at the ministry's Hope Road, Kingston headquarters. (Photo: Bryan Cummings) |
Only 39 per cent of the foodstuff that is consumed in the island is locally produced, pushing the country's food import bill over $662 million and threatening the success of government's "eat what you grow, grow what you eat" drive.
"Sixty-one per cent of products in the food basket are import-based," Donovan Stanberry, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture said Tuesday, adding that Jamaica's food bill was rising at an alarming rate, standing at $479 million in 2002 and climbing to $662m in November 2007.
"This is a major statement on our level of dependency, hence our vulnerability to external shocks," said Stanberry.
He was speaking at the launch of World Food Day at the agriculture ministry on Hope Road in Kingston.
World Food Day will be observed October 16 under the theme 'World Food Security: The Challenge of Climate Change and Bioenergy'.
"Given the prospects of continuing increases in prices, we (Jamaica) must attempt to reduce dependence on imports for consumption," Stanberry warned.
According to Stanberry, the "frightening" situation has led the agriculture ministry, through the Rural Agriculture Development Authority (RADA), to implement several strategies to stimulate local production.
He said that greenhouse clusters are being established to significantly increase production of fruits and vegetables that will consistently produce "what the market requires".
Focus is also being placed on the production of tubers, Stanberry said, and meetings have been held with yam farmers and the Irish potato growers' association.
An increase in the numbers, and improved training for agriculture extension officers was also critical, said Stanberry, who added that overseas training of additional officers was being conducted.
He added that a revitalisation of the dairy industry, through the disbursement of loans to dairy farmers was under way.
"We are providing loans to increase pasture and improve our breed and undertake rapid multiplication," Stanberry said. "People are taking up the loans," he added.
Stanberry, however, charged that food security was more than simply producing food.
"We have to build infrastructure, increase the number of extension officers and improve the marketing and distribution network," said Stanberry. "That's why we have been improving RADA."
He added that the ministry would also be promoting the food security programme in schools, and plans to have 900 school gardens in three years to "lay the foundation for a sustainable programme".
The permanent secretary declared that while many people frowned on government's backyard garden kits as a gimmick, empirical evidence proved that planting the items in the kit could save as much as $12,000 per year in food bills.
A mans body chemistry changes after orgasm. The biochemical prolactin is released, physically altering his body and making him very tired, says Dr. David McKenzie, a sex therapist in Vancouver, Canada.
Further, exertion during sex and after climax depletes the muscles of energy-producing glycogen, which leads to sleepiness. Since men have more muscle mass than women, theyre generally sleepier after sex.
Mens libido goes up and down
Think PMS is only for women? Think again. Your monthly peaks and valleys are triggered by changes in testosterone that affect your mood, libido, energy level, beard growth and sperm count.
According to research by naturopathic physician Dr. Marcus Laux, men have more energy, a greater sense of well being, lower body weight and less need for sleep during the peak of their cycle. The valleys bring apathy, indifference and the tendency to magnify small problems into big ones.
If you keep track of your personal cycles, whether its shifts in energy levels, mood or sex drive, you can anticipate changes, says Laux. Then, you can take advantage of the times youre at your prime and better cope when youre not feeling your best.
Your penis is a barometer of overall health
Dr. Mehmet Oz, co-author of You: The Owners Manual, calls it your dipstick because it reveals the health of your other body parts. The physical mechanisms that send *lo** to your brain, heart and kidneys also inflate your penis. If its not standing tall, you may have arterial problems.
A mans lack of interest in sex is a big red flag that something is out of balance. Up to 25% of men have a low-to-no sex drive, says Dr. Laux. It could be even higher, as men don't talk about low libido.
The possible causes of restricted *lo** flow include diabetes, endocrine disorders, heart and vascular problems or kidney diseases. But, says Laux, don't rule out fatigue, psychological factors, relationship issues, poor nutrition, insomnia or lack of exercise.
Alton Ellis' survival cast in shadow
Basil Walters, Observer staff reporter
Friday, October 10, 2008
The undisputed Godfather of rocksteady, Alton Ellis' performances were always legendary.
A year ago, pioneer Jamaica singer/songwriter Alton Ellis, was admitted to London hospital where he was undergoing treatment for cancer of the lymph glands. After this newspaper carried the story with the headline, "Say a prayer for the Godfather of rocksteady," his amazing recovery was celebrated with two memorable performances in Jamaica in June of this year.
However, at press time, his condition has deteriorated to the point that rumours are swirling far and wide that the veteran entertainer has made his exit from this life. Such is the state of the health of rocksteady's best crooner, that in recent days family members have been so overwhelmed with panic and anxiety, it has given rise to rumours across countries that he has died.
"There are a lot of rumours going around, but let your readers know that he (my father) is not dead. He is deteriorating all the time, so we his kids and family are staying by him," Clive Ellis, son of Alton Ellis, told the Observer from the hospital in London at the time of writing.
And Owen "Blacka" Ellis said that his uncle Alton was not talking or moving, and this cast a shadow over his prospect for survival that led to the spate of rumours that he had undergone the worst. The undisputed Godfather of rocksteady, Alton Ellis' performances were always legendary, always commanding attention, and in this his most challenging experience ever, is no different.
A supremely gifted artiste whose professional career is marked by his ability to take rhyhtm and blues/souls songs, popular or obscured, and turned them into reggae hits, rather than just another cover version. One can't help but wonder if Alton Ellis, in his heyday, was scripting the soundtrack for the phase he is now going through.
In this moment of s****re contemplation there are songs in which he could take comfort, in reflections. Songs evoking memories of his two most recent performances in Jamaica like Can't Stop Now, Girl I've Got A Date, Too Late to Turn Back Now, Cry Tough, The Feeling Inside, Can I Change My Mind and Still Trying.
And anyone who attended his Get Ready to Rock Steady concerts in June put on by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports at the National Indoor Sport Centre, as well as Comedy Rock Steady staged by his family organisation Ellis International at The Roof of the Portmore Pines Plaza, would have had an experience to cherish forever.
Higher borrowing costs and slower consumer spending have left carmakers, insurers and energy companies fearing they will be the next victims of the financial crisis.
The Dow fell 678.91 points, or 7.3 per cent to end at 8,579.19 at the close. It had not fallen below 9,000 since August 6, 2003.
Shares in the United States have now lost 20 per cent of their value in the last week.
A year ago, the Dow closed at a record high above, 14,000.
In the UK, the FTSE 100 finished lower than any time since August 2004 after another one per cent fall, on top of Wednesday's five per cent tumble.
President Bush will make a statement on the global financial meltdown on Friday to assure Americans that their leaders are grappling with the crisis, the White House said.
Mr Bush will "assure the American people that they should be confident that economic officials are aggressively taking every action to stabilize our financial system," said spokeswoman Dana Perino.
Wall Street had begun the day on a better footing on news the Bush administration was considering taking part ownership in a number of US banks.
The aim of such a move would be to thaw the lending freeze threatening to push the world's economy into recession.
It soon fell however after declines in companies such as General Motors, whilch fell 31 per cent to its lowest level since 1950.
Car manufacturer Ford also fell by 22 per cent.
President George W Bush had earlier said he had a "desire to work with our European friends to develop, as best as possible, a common policy" to tackle the global financial crisis.
He said: "The United States will take strong action in dealing with the current economic situation."
Arthur Hogan, chief market analyst at Jeffries & Co, an American investment bank, said "The story is getting to be like that movie Groundhog Day."
He pointed to the still-frozen credit markets, and Libor, the bank-to-bank lending rate that remains high despite the Federal Reserve's recent rate cut.
He added: "Until that starts coming down, you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone getting excited about stocks.
"Everything we're seeing is historic. The problem is historic, the solutions are historic, and unfortunately, the sell-off is historic. It's not the kind of history you want to be making."
The scale of the problem was shown by the National Debt Clock near Times Square in New York, as it ran out of digits.
The federal government's current debt stands at about $10.2 trillion (Ł5.9 trillion) and, as a short-term fix, the digital dollar sign on the billboard-style clock has been switched to the figure "1".
With beauty, brains and a smashing singing voice the first lady of DASECA, Raine Seville is tuned to be the next big female singing sensation.
Not since the melodious voices of Alaine and Etana, has Jamaica seen what could be a break out International singer. Loraine Raine Sevilles transformation from aspiring amateur singer to full-fledged professional is the kind of story that scriptwriters dream up and youngsters dream of. While singing in her van, Raine met up with singer and producer Serani who told the young starlet to come by the studio with a demo.
One year and lots of hard work later Raine is the first lady of the high-riding DASECA camp with her unforgettable R&B/dancehall sound, her solo single and video for Drive Me Crazy, has been gaining airplay on radio and television. Her duet with Serani, 'Rain A Fall' has become an instant sexy hit, with 'Reserve' with Bugle and Crying For Peace with Serani scheduled for release soon. And there are lots more to come.
Raine has had a passion for music, often seen on the music scene at various parties and almost always in the studio, writing and singing. While she has been busy working on her career, Raine has not neglected school, as she holds a Bachelors degree with honours in Marketing/International Business from UTech. Ive had a genuine love for music ever since primary school. However, my parents thought it was best to get the right education before pursuing the music, she says.
Leaving a secure job in marketing for the up and down world of music does not hold any terrors for Raine, as she uses the confidence her father expressed in her before he died as her foundation. Before my father died he would always say that out of his six kids if he was to die he knew I would be the only one he wouldnt have to worry about. That gave me a permanent drive to succeed and made me truly realise that it was my duty and responsibility to achieve, no what obstacles come my way. My destiny lies within me, so once I have God, health, strength and courage I must achieve Raine says.
Raine describes herself as a dedicated, spiritual and focused artiste who is always willing to learn. Im a very laid-back person who loves to communicate, loves to help people, very spiritual. I put the Lord first in everything that I do. Raine Seville the artiste is a dedicated and disciplined person who looks at her influences to always try to better herself as an artiste, she says.
Raine is currently working alongside producers such as TJ Records, Jordan from Chimney Records and Shane Brown.
Jay-Z sings for free in support of Obama
Jay-Z has taken his fervent support for Barack Obama to another level. He is reportedly appearing for free at concerts produced by himself that target all people who register to vote
The free show circuit hit Miami on Sunday and together with Wyclef Jean, Jay-Z performed in a concert titled, 'Last Chance For Change." More than 18,000 patrons attended.
The show was very successful and the Jigga, who was honoured last week by the United Nations and given a Global Leadership Award, announced plans to throw an impromptu bonus concert at the Bayford Park venue this week.
At the UN Awards Gala in New York last Wednesday, Jay-Z gave a moving speech as he was awarded for his efforts in helping African youth acquire clean water. Again he spoke up for issues he was passionate about, bringing the reality of an African water crisis to MTV with his special called, "The Diary of Jay-Z Water for Life."
-- Edited by lyndo bwoy at 13:32, 2008-10-09
Removal from US Stop List gives Mavado new lease on music life
">
being charged with possesion of a firearm and shooting with intent in March this year, Mavado had his travel documents seized and he spent several months on the US stop list. In August the situation was overturned and the 'Gully God' was once again able to travel freely to the US, as the charges were not only dropped but all other obstacles were removed and Mavado's US visa was renewed.
On October 25 he will be giving his many fans what they have been longing for with a full performance in the 'Return of The Gully God' show scheduled to take place at Club Amazura in Queens, New York. At this first up close and personal show since resolving the travel issue, Mavado, whose real name is David Constantine Brooks, will feature some of his 'so special' friends like: Foota Hype, Boom Boom, DJ Oneson, Massive B and Troopa Chaloopa.
The summer festival, Irie Jamboree was one of Mavado's first appearances following the removal of his name from the US stop list and crowds went wild, wanting more of Mavado who has become a hot commodity in especially New York. According to his manager, Julian Jones-Griffiths, songs like: "So Special" and the Jay Z remix of "On The Rock," have turned the dancehall star into a hot commodity in New York, as the songs have been on heavy rotation at stations like HOT 97. The Irie Jamboree festival afforded Mavado the opportunity to perform only briefly, as he was just one part of a long line-up of reggae stars.
Jones-Griffiths said the decision to launch 'The Gully God' show came about because fans were demanding more of Mavado and deserved more as well. 'The Gully God' show will give Mavado a chance to run through his huge catalogue of songs.
There are many appearances on Mavado's upcoming tour schedule and he is also quite busy on the creative end as well. He did recordings in early September on a Kanye West produced song with Jay Z for Jay Z's last Def Jam album called "Blueprint." Jones-Griffith said 50 Cent also sent a beat on which he wants Mavado to record a song. And Mavado's upcoming album, "Mr. Brooks: A Better Tomorrow," will be released by the end of the year.
Stephen 'di genius' McGregor is staying true to his word, that he plans to drop a new riddim every month and so said, so done.
This time around he has teamed up with J.O.Ps front man Aidonia for a new single called "Bruk It Off" where Aidonia is making a plea to the ladies to see if they are skilled enough to try and dismember his GOD given gift
(let's hope he doesn't regret issuing such a challenge to the fairer sex).
The song is laid on Stephen's brand spanking new riddim called "Day Break", which results in a very upbeat tracks that just invigorates your body and makes you want to move.
The riddim has not been officially released, but our inside source tipped us that it will feature some big names and a few newcomers like of Jim Laden a young upcoming artiste from Digicel Rising Star fame.
Even though the compilation has not been released you know we at
876radio.com always have the exclusives for you so we've embedded a sample of the Aidonia tracks
Its looking official Jayonce have finally gone after that marriage license!
According to a source, the pair took out a license on Tuesday morning. The document is valid for 60 days.
A rep for Beyoncé told PEOPLE, No comment. Jay-Zs spokesperson could not be reached for comment.
Beyoncé, 26, and Jay-Z, 38, have been dating since 2002, though the
couple have stood reluctant to discuss their relationship publicly.
Rumors about their romance began circulating after the singer appeared
on Jay-Zs song 03 Bonnie & Clyde, followed by collaborations on
Beyoncés solo hit Crazy In Love, in 2003.
Playstation 2 component incites African war
Console war reaches past the couch and into the Congo, claims report.
Has the video game industry dug up its very own *lo** diamond?
According to a report by activist site Toward Freedom, for the past decade the search for a rare metal necessary in the manufacturing of Sony's Playstation 2 game console has fueled a brutal conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
At the center of the conflict is the unrefined metallic ore, coltan. After processing, coltan turns into a powder called tantalum, which is used extensively in a wealth of western electronic devices including cell phones, computers and, of course, game consoles.
Allegedly, the demand for coltan prompted Rwandan military groups and western mining companies to plunder hundreds of millions of dollars worth of the rare metal, often by forcing prisoners-of-war and even children to work in the country's coltan mines.
"Kids in Congo were being sent down mines to die so that kids in Europe and America could kill imaginary aliens in their living rooms," said Ex-British Parliament Member Oona King.
So where's the connection to Sony? According to Toward Freedom, during the 2000 launch of the PS2, the electronics giant was having trouble meeting consumer demand. To pump out more units, Sony required a significant increase in the production of electric capacitors, which are primarily made with tantalum. This helped drive the world price of the powder from $49/pound to a whopping $275/pound, resulting in the frenzied scouring of the Congolese hills known for being ripe with coltan.
Sony has since sworn off using tantalum acquired from the Congo, claiming that current builds of the PS2, PSP and PS3 consoles are sourced from a variety of mines in several different countries.
But according to researcher David Barouski, they're hardly off the hook.
"SONY's PlayStation 2 launch...was a big part of the huge increase in demand for coltan that began in early 1999," he explained. "SONY and other companies like it, have the benefit of plausible deniability, because the coltan ore trades hands so many times from when it is mined to when SONY gets a processed product, that a company often has no idea where the original coltan ore came from, and frankly don't care to know. But statistical analysis shows it to be nearly inconceivable that SONY made all its PlayStations without using Congolese coltan."
Currently, the Playstation 2 is the best-selling video game console of all-time, having sold through over 140 million units.
By JOE GOULD & CORKY SIEMASZKO
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
It was a Maalox Monday on Wall Street as stocks plunged 500 points in early trading, stoking fears the U.S. economy is on the brink of a recession - if not already in one.
Three days after the House approved a historic $700 billion bailout aimed at saving troubled U.S. banks and easing a credit crunch, there was little sign the agreement was allaying fears of a massive financial meltdown.
The Dow fell below 10,000 for the first time since October 2004 - stunning the trading floor into silence.
"There was a bunch of brokers standing around looking up at the board," said James, a 27-year-old trader who declined to give his last name.
"As soon it traded through 10,000, there was a moment of silence. You heard a whisper, a buzz, and then everyone was quiet. There are people definitely stressed in there."
The tumble appears to have been sparked by the realization that President Bush's "rescue" plan was not going to unfreeze credit markets right away - or make it easier for banks to get their hands on cash.
Meanwhile, a survey by the influential National Association for Business Economics (NABE) found that 69% of economists think the economy has started or will enter a recession this year - and that it won't get better until next year.
"The general view is ... that this recession will be longer than the last two - lasting roughly one year," the survey concluded.
The silver lining? It will be "relatively mild."
The 2001 recession started in March and ended in November. The one before that began in July 1990 and ended in March 1991.
Wall Street stocks began tumbling after governments across Europe rushed to prop up their own failing banks.
The German government agreed on a $68 billion bailout for commercial-property lender Hypo Real Estate Holding AG, while France's BNP Paribas agreed to acquire a 75% stake in Fortis's Belgium bank after a government rescue failed.
Germany, Ireland and Greece also said they would guarantee bank deposits.
In Iceland, where the currency went into freefall last week, there were reports of food hoarding after a supermarket spokesman said there wasn't enough foreign currency to import more food.