Various Internet reports are saying that 50 Cent did indeed drop $100,000 on a 1965 Chevy Impala for his close friend and actor Val Kilmer.

Fiddy became good friends with the actor during their filming of the upcoming Streets of *lo** in Louisiana, where they spoke on their love of vintage cars.

A source says, Val was shocked. 50 is an amazing guy and incredibly generous.

Shaniqua Tompkins - mother of the 50 Cents 10-year-old son Marquise - claimed earlier this week that a Molotov cocktail started the fire which destroyed the rappers 1.2 million dollar mansion in Long Island, New York.

Were sure that the $100,000 car was a token of 50s appreciation for Val Kilmer. We just hope that Miss Tompkins doesnt feel too much on the burnt-out side of this. This feud will definitely the next few months but it wouldnt be surprising to see his son fall into his custody soon.

I DO

How many Yard man say " word" in Jamaica?? Cah mi never hear it wen mi out deh.... Mi mainly hear di americans or british pplz say it...

GARFIELD REID DEFENDS BOWING ON RAGASHANTI What a way Garfield Reid deh pon Ragashanti show this morning ah talk say the XNews misrepresent him with the headline 'Actor Caught on Tape' because him no hide and eat the meat, him do it inna broad daylight. Bwoy, Reid, yu no easy but tek yu forward as Jamaica's most celebrated bowcat, ah your ting dat. BOUNTY'S IT'S THA POOL PARTY FOR JUNE 15 Men will have to shell out $2000 and bikini-clad ladies will be free at the wet bikini affair for the ladies when the Warlord Bounty Killer presents his It's Da Pool Party on Sunday June 15 at 9 Norbury Drive. Jazzy T, DJ Karim, Liquid, Nemesis and Code Red will spin the hits to keep patrons busy, while ladies dressed in bikini will enter free. Ladies without bikinis will have to pay $500. PEPPA, ERUP, ANTHONY B FOR ENGLAND Mr. Peppa who recently parted ways with Natural Bridge Records, will be joining Anthony B and Erup for three shows in England, including one at the Stratford Rex in July this year. Big up Mr. Peppa, just tek it to dem again, zeen, mi hear the new ting dem, just stick to yu goals and persevere. Hypocrites a Talk! STACEY MCKENZIE APPEARS ON 'MADE' Big up the browning, Stacy McKenzie who filmed an episode of the MTV reality show Made, in which she coached an aspiring model. The episode aired yesterday pon MTV. Stacey, mi love how yu a represent Jamaica to the world.McKenzie also established a company called Walk This Way. Workshops by the company deal with aspects of the modeling industry and technique with the goal of teaching aspiring models how to break into the industry. Gwaan my girl. THE PEOPLE WAAN FI KNOW... Who Bounty ah talk when him say ' ..all di johncrow wey a sey me an Mavado a drive di same truck an not even own a car ... him can't even afford fi drive a Kingfish'? If ah true say Lena British have crystals and diamonds embedded in the grill of her money-green Range Rover? Who is the better host of Rising Stars? Yendi or Denise Hunt? BIG UPS Big up to Caribbean Fashion Week, mi hear say Eve ah forward. Big up Raquel, Spanish Town, Tee Tee, Barbee, Candy and the whole entourage. Have a nice weekend.

Stage Name: Stacious

Real Name: Stacy Scarlett

Birth Date: December 28

Which High School did you attend? St Hugh's

How did you get started in the business?

I was living in New York, doing background vocals and my producer said I sounded like a DJ. So when I came back to Jamaica I started working with Computer Paul.

What has been your greatest challenge in the business yet?

Crossing over to Dancehall, as in to get selectors to support my song and to try to find that right song. When radio might be playing your song the selectors will be telling you a different story.

What have you been up to lately?

Well, of course, my song Fallin Down is getting good rotation and is climbing the charts. last I checked it was at number 16. My other song Goodas Clap on Ward 21 Estrogen rhythm is also going well. The video for Fallin Down is out and I will be working on the video for Goodas Clap soon.

Do you look up to any specific artiste?

Yes, Bounty Killa, Lady Saw, Cobra, Mavado and others.

Are you happy with the way things are going for your career right now?

Yes, happy with the growth and hope to continue steadily.

Anything you'd like to change about it?

No, I wouldn't. everything I've experienced has given me knowledge, see it as a stepping stone for the greater that is yet to come.

What are your future plans?

Jus to try and be on top of the game and continue working.

Do you have any advice for young artistes coming up?

Be sure this is what you really want to do and hopefully you're strong enough to handle it.

I am a having a problem. I am a 27-year-old woman who cannot read well and because of this I cannot get a job. I am not pretty and I am so fat. I hate myself because I have no education, I have no skills and I am not pretty.

Sometimes I don't want to live. I feel there is nothing to live for. All my friends and family are very educated, but I am not and I feel so left out because there isn't anything really that I am good at. Many nights I cry. I am not happy with my life like this.

Pastor, I need your advice.

S., Martin Valley

Dear S.,

I can imagine how difficult it is for you and embarra**ing too. You can reduce your weight by going to the doctor and learning how to change your diet, by eating right and exercising.

I am so upset with myself about something I have done. You see, my sister has a boyfriend who comes over to our house often. He is a nice guy and everything. He looks out for my sister who I love dearly and would never do anything to hurt her.

One day my sister's boyfriend and I were in my room alone. We were just talking at first, but then he came on to me and we had sex. I did not want it to happen because I know how much my sister loves him. She tells him everything.

What do you think when you hang up from a good conversation with him/her, and they say oh i'll call you back...and they dont,

and never acknowledge that they did'nt call you back like they said they would?...

I hate that! So...I just feel something came up? They really did'nt want to call you back, or they just thought NA

I don't feel like it in other words I'm not that into you?...

So what's your take on this? what runs through your mind when this happens?

sumfest_launch.jpg Dozens packed in to a New York City restaurant Wednesday night as the sixteenth annual Reggae Sumfest festival kicked-off officially in the Big Apple. Among those welcoming the Summerfest Production team to New York was new Jamaican Counsel General to New York, Genieve Brown Metzer; and New York Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs, Guillermo Linares, who presented a message from New York City Mayor, Mike Blo****erg. Emcee Irwine Clare then introduced SummerFest Productions Executive Director Johnny Gourzong to the throng of media practitioners, sponsors, Caribbean community leaders and supporters. Gourzong for his part revealed the 2008 line-up, which will include reggae's John Holt, Beres Hammond, roots' singer Anthony B, Richie Spice, Queen Ifrica, Jah Cure, Tarus Riley and Etana and dancehall's Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Voice Mail, Macka Diamond, Vybz Kartel, Harry Toddler, Busy Signal, Wayne Marshall and Mavado. Additionally, Gourzong revealed that negotiations are underway for Keisha Cole, Akon or Chris Brown to perform at the event, set for July 13-19 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

MONEY O FLYER.jpgMacka Diamond's Money O Sundays kicked off last week in Old Harbour, (Beside the Old Harbour Tax Office).

The free event enjoyed a decent turnout. Speaking with Karl Larmond he said at first the people were rather skeptical regarding the fact whether Macka would turn up or not, but as soon as Macka arrived at the venue they started coming in.

The vibes was right and patrons enjoyed themselves to the max. The only stipulation on the night came from the police and it was that they obeyed the night noise act. Keeping that fact in mind the dance ended at 2:30 am. "There are a lot of weekly events and Macka Diamond wanted to do something in that vein," Karl Larmond told YardFlex.

Unlike some events that attract a cover charge, Money O Sundays is free and come Sunday night, it is hoped that the DJ will have a special guest artiste there. "She is talking to a certain top artiste and everything looks promising," Larmond promised.

Gargamel Music is very proud to announce that our newest compilation, Buju Banton Presents: Jamrock Classics Vol. 1 (GGM 0164), was made available in stores and online in the US and Canada last Tuesday, June 3. Produced by Banton at his Gargamel Music studio in Kingston, Jamrock Classics Vol. 1, features stellar guest turns from the legendary Pinchers, George Nooks, Terror Fabulous, Ghost, Jah Cure, Yami Bolo, Tony Curtis and Lutan Fyah. The boss actually blesses the album twice - with Gargamel artist New Kidz on the deadly c****o "Curfew" and also with the timely anti-gun tune "Cowboys," which has been receiving outstanding reviews at home and abroad. Jamrock Classics Vol. 1 is the third compilation from Buju Banton's blossoming Gargamel Music label. The project will be officially released on June 30th in Jamaica and the Caribbean, the UK and Europe. Hear tracks from the album @ www.myspace.com/gargamelmusicinc

The Hunts Bay police have beefed up patrols in the tense Seivwright Gardens/Cockburn Gardens area of Kingston 11, after reports began circulating that both sides have marked for death 40 men and 20 women from each community.

The community is divided into two warring factions. The top section of the community includes Finch Crescent, Canary Avenue, Woodpecker Avenue, lower Cockburn Gardens and some sections of Henderson Avenue. These communities are said to be in friction with lower Woodpecker Avenue, Guava Road, Solitaire Road and lower Mahoe Road.

Public concern

Residents of Woodpecker Avenue publicly stated recently that men from the neighbouring communities were planning to kill 40 men and 20 women in their community.

Superintendent in charge of the St Andrew South Division, Derrick Knight, told THE STAR that he was aware of the reports by the residents. "I've heard some concerns from them. What is happening in that area is straight criminality. People want to take over in terms of donmanship."

He said the section of the community which is complaining about the alleged 'contracts' is the top section, but added that the other section was also making similar claims.

Countercharges

"There are charges and counter-charges," he said. The officer said the police had a meeting with members of the community last Thursday and police presence has since increased. "There is an increased presence in the area - mobile and foot patrols. We are putting a buffer between them, to prevent people from going on either side, until we can put a lid on the problem."

Superintendent Knight said the police were seeking several men from both sides of the community for questioning in relation to the violence. At the top of the list is Ricardo 'Bully' Thomas, who is believed to be the leader of the Bully gang which, reportedly, controls the upper section. A warrant for his arrest was issued after he was implicated in a recent murder. Also wanted are men known only as 'Pie' and 'Wayne Marshall'. They are wanted in connection with several murders which have taken place in the community over the last six weeks.

The men wanted from the bottom section are Dwight Sproul, and men known only as 'Waldy', 'Mackerel', and 'Honeyboy'. The police say this section is controlled by the 'Raymond Barrett' gang.

The first signs of trouble in the community came on May 7, when THE STAR reported that residents of Solitaire Road had been chased from their homes by thugs from neighbouring communities.

MediaTakeOut.com told you earlier in the week that R&B singer Ashanti's new album The Declaration may not sell 80,000 units in its first week - now our worst fears have come true. Here's what the website hitsdailydouble.com is reporting:

Universal Motown pop R&B songstress Ashantis The Declaration looks to be in the 80k range.

.
All we can say is - WOW!!! We knew that she's have trouble selling - but 80K units???? That's almost as bad as Kelly Rowland.

We reached out to one person in Ashanti's camp about selling 80,000 units and she gave MediaTakeOut.com a one word response - "Devastating!!!"

ruff ryder give girl more pleasure wid the studs wat u say ladies ?

A HUSBAND who found out his bride was not a VIRGIN when they wed has had the marriage ANNULLED.

The man, who has not been identified, claims the bride said she had never had sex before.

However, when he discovered that was a lie, he went to court to annul the marriage and a French judge agreed.

The ruling ending the Muslim couples union has stunned France.

The decision also exposed the shame borne by some Muslim women who break long-held customs demanding proof of virginity on the wedding night.

Lied

 

In its ruling, the court decided the woman had misrepresented herself as a virgin and that, in this particular marriage, virginity was a prerequisite.

Xavier Labbee, the lawyer for the bridegroom in question, says it was not the young womans virginity that was at issue.

"The question is not one of virginity. The question is one of lying," he said.

Some critics have blasted the ruling.

The court decision "is a real fatwa against the emancipation and liberty of women. We are returning to the past," said Urban Affairs Minister Fadela Amara

It is reported that the 2006 marriage ended based on "an error in the essential qualities of the bride, who had presented herself as single and chaste."

Public outcry has reached such fever pitch that Justice Minister Rachida Dati asked the prosecutors office to lodge an appeal.

What began as a private matter "concerns all the citizens of our country and notably women," a statement from her ministry said.

The hitch is that both the young woman and the man at the centre of the drama are opposed to an appeal, according to their lawyers.

The names of the woman, a student in her 20s, and the man, an engineer in his 30s, have not been disclosed.

An estimated five million Muslims live in France out of 64 million people, the largest Muslim population in Western Europe.

 

ROHAN Townsend, one of four persons implicated in the November 2007 murder of Assistant Commissioner of Police Gilbert Kameka, is to return to the Home Circuit Court today when an application for bail is expected to be made on his behalf.

The June 6 date was set last Friday when Townsend, who is charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice and accessory after the fact, appeared in court, along with Massinissa Adams, 26; Kemar Dawkins, 18; and Tina-Gaye McGowan, who are charged with the murder of Kameka.

Townsend was in March offered $100,000 bail in the Half-Way-Tree Resident Magistrate's Court but the offer was withdrawn when the matter was transferred to the Home Circuit Court.

Senior Resident Magistrate Glen Brown, while offering bail in the RM Court, said after reading the case files, that he could see no reason for further remanding Townsend.

Kameka, was shot dead on November 29 last year at premises in Irish Town, St Andrew, where he had reportedly gone to spend time with McGowan, who had told the police that they both were intimately involved.

Kameka, the highest-ranked Jamaican police officer to be murdered, had his firearm stolen after the shooting.

Some local church leaders have acknowledged that investment schemes have provided a useful source of financing for their social programmes.

During a Gleaner Editors' Forum, at the company's North Street offices, central Kingston,this week, the religious leaders from several denominations agreed that churches are being required to provide greater social relief in their communities.

Executive Chairman of the Church of God in Jamaica, the Reverend Lenworth Anglin, said tithes and offerings are insufficient to operate the numerous welfare ministries operated by churches.

"I will confess that the Church is getting involved in so many things now - income earning - high-level too,"he said.

Anglin suggested that the Church seek guidance on investment choices.

Supporting the move

The president of the Jamaica Association of Evangelicals, Reverend Dr Peter Garth said he supported the move for the Church to earn money through legal investment opportunities.

According to him, a significant number of church members are involved in foreign exchange trading and have reaped significant benefits.

During the forum, the religious leaders also examined the fees charged by some churches to host funerals and weddings.

They said in some cases, the charges ranged from $5,000 to $35,000.

Garth acknowledged that there may be a need to offset expenses incurred in hosting the ceremonies, but said some of the related fees were exorbitant.

"We must stop it," he charged.

Aulous Madden, an elder at the Maranatha Gospel Hall, said his organisation does not charge for weddings and funerals and added that some of the fees being charged were "too high".

SEET DEH AH DEM TING YAH PASTOR AH DO WID DI COLLECTION MONEY INVEST IT INNA CASHPLUS..

I Do....If He WAs In The Police FOrce In The Line Of Duty.....Nuff PPL WOULDA DEAD BUT HIM WOULDA KEEP DI CRIME TO A MINIMUM

Wat Do U THINK???

Are Beyonce and Jay Z looking to be bi-continental. MediaTakeOut.com spoke with an international real estate investor who claims that they are. The insider explained to MediaTakeOut.com, "Beyonce has expressed interest in buying a second home in Dubai for some time. Her and [Jay Z] will be visiting this summer and [hopefully] they'll decide to make an offer." So Jay Z would be living in the desert .... nah that's too easy ....

It will be a wet Bikini affair for the ladies when the Warlord Bounty Killer presents his It's Da Party Pool Party on Sunday June 15 at 9 Norbury Drive. This will be the first in the series, and according to the Killer, the event will be off the hook.
"A pool party was chosen instead of a stage show because Bounty is not just about stage shows he is about the party.

Parties usually turn into stage shows because of the fact that I am already there and the fans expect and request performances and you cannot disappoint the fans," Bounty explained in a recent interview.

"This is one party you don't want to miss," the Killer concluded.

Jazzy T, DJ Karim, Liquid, Nemesis and Code Red will spin the hits to keep patrons busy, while ladies dressed in bikini will enter free.

Word is that Darius McCrary tried to MURDER Karrine Steffans earlier today. Here's a report taken from the NUMBER 2 entertainment site on the internet: It's Karrine. U have to help me. My boyfriend just tried to run over me with his car. [I] Just made a police report. In August, he placed me in a choke hold at a strip club on my birthday. There's a report and photos of that. There was another choking I never reported but is now being investigated. I lied to the city attny to save his ass but I'm DONE. He'll kill me if I go on with this. YESEddie Winslow from Family Matters!

MediaTakeOut.com told you months ago that Queen Latifah and her girlfriend - personal trainer Jeanette Jenkins were engaged. Well now, we're hearing that the two are all set to get hitched. Here's what the National Enquirer is reporting:

[Queen Latifah] who lives with her fiancée at homes in New Jerset and Los Angeles, is planning an intimate cerempny with close family and friends, say sources.

"Queen is very busy with her career, so she wants to wait to set a date until she has time for a honeymoon," revealed a family insider.

"The two are being very secretive about the upcoming ceremony and have only told immediate family members. Queen is concerned about her career. She knows people's attitude toward gay relationships and marriages are changing, but there is still some resistance, so she wants to keep a low profile."

Congrats you two ... and HOW YOU DOIN?????

Lil Wayne is in real trouble. Media Take Out.com told you a few days ago that people close to him are trying to convince him to enter a drug rehab facility. Despite recent reports to the contrary, Wayne has not yet entered any treatment facility. And over the weekend, Lil Wayne nearly lost it - and he threatened DJ Khaled. It all happened on the set of the video for DJ Khaled's new song We Out Here Grinding. An insider explained to MediaTakeOut.com, "He was supposed to show up at the video shoot - but he didn't. Everyone was wondering where he was - so Khaled called him up and told him that if he get to the video shoot - they were going to use a body double to play [Lil Wayne]." But Lil Wayne reportedly didn't find it funny at all. The insider told MediaTakeOut.com, "Wayne told Khaled that if he tried that then he'd take it to the streets next time they saw each other - and he was serious. Dude is going nuts." Wayne ... hurry up and get yourself right ...

A new unit is to be formed within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to help secure witnesses to crimes.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields told The Gleaner yesterday that the new initiative, called the Justice Support Unit, is part of new crime-fighting strategies to c****at the surge in the problem.

"If a witness doesn't qualify for the witness protection scheme, we will be able to give support to the witnesses and the investigators," he said.

The unit will also link witnesses with social and welfare agencies to ensure that other needs are addressed.

"For example, if a witness needs to embark on a two-day exercise which is complex, we will be able to support these witnesses by providing police officers with funds and resources to take care of the witness," Shields said.

Advertising internally

He told The Gleaner that the Jamaica Constabulary Force would be advertising internally for a superintendent to take charge of the new unit within a month, after which the composition of the squad would be determined.

The crime chief also reported that the JCF would seek to train more police personnel to function in covert operations as witnesses in cases. However, they would not replace civilian witnesses.

Shields also said that there would be more reliance on forensic and other technological applications.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Fund and the United Nations Development Programme yesterday call for all stakeholders in Jamaica to help stem the illegal use and flow of small arms in the country.

In a joint press release, the groups drew attention to the recently published report, The Impact of Small Arms on Children and Adolescents in Central America and the Caribbean.

That report indicates that the Latin America and Caribbean region has the highest rates of armed violence in the world and 42 per cent of all homicides globally.

The report states further that small arms are widely available in the region and the trade in arms is highly lucrative, with a US$3.5-$10.1-million (J$248.5-$717 million) market for the legal trade and much more for the illegal trade.

The groups called for greater emphasis on preventive efforts, including strengthening of parenting skills, constructive lifestyles promotion and male-image building.

Here's what Janet told hip hop website Sohh.com "Thats pretty difficult to say, only because of the record label at this point. We started off with Feedback and the label and myself havent quite seen eye to eye since the "Feedback" single so theyve kind of basically stopped all promotion. Im trying to figure out a way to say this, but just to say it and to be quite honest, they just stopped all promotion whatsoever on the album so I dont think youre going to hear another single off this album." The old my album flopped because of the label is soooo 2006. You're gonna have to come up with something new ....

Tarrus Riley. the new face of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice. (Photos: Garfield Robinson)

Reggae artiste Tarrus Riley is now officially the face of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice in Jamaica. The announcement was made at a special launch at Devon House last Wednesday.

The award-winning artiste will be the face of the product for two years, and as he tells Splash, he's loving it.

"It just start enu, but mi a enjoy it. A something weh di business dem need fi do, and di artiste dem nuffi shy weh from it," Riley, who recently copped the International Reggae and World Music Award for Best Male Vocalist, and Best Song for his hit She's Royal.

WYSINCO group managing director William Mahfood told Splash that picking Tarrus Riley "was too easy".

The new face of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Tarrus Riley (centre) shares a joke with WYSINCO group managing director William Mahfood (right), and Karen Rosen.

"Tarrus is just a natural fit for Ocean Spray. I mean, we're a healthy product, his music is healthy. It was just a perfect synergy," Mahfood said, before adding that it was more than pleasureable working with the man whose Lion Paw and Stay With You rouse audiences everywhere.

The night ended with Riley taking the stage to perform his My Baby (Cyaan Sleep) with his guitar, and his hit singles Lion Paw, Stay With You, and She's Royal. This, however, was after Dean Fraser thrilled the gathering with his skills on the saxophone.

The number of ethnic minorities going under the knife for cosmetic procedures continues to climb, with African American plastic surgery patients increasing nearly 10% last year, according to recent statistics compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. About 847,000 African Americans underwent plastic surgery procedures in 2007, up 8% from 2006, compared with 1,011,000 Hispanics and 767,800 Asians, whose numbers increased by 8% and 26%, respectively, the study reports. Nose reshaping, liposuction, and breast reduction were among the top cosmetic procedures African American patients requested. Hispanic patients requested breast augmentation, nose reshaping, and liposuction, and Asians requested nose reshaping, breast augmentation, and eyelid surgery. Rhinoplasty and most plastic surgery is no longer a taboo for most ethnic groups, says Brian N. Evans, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who is featured on reality show Dr. 90210. There are a lot of minority patients who undergo plastic surgeryprobably higher than whats reported. Evans runs his practice with his wife, Dr. Susan Evans, a Beverly Hills skin-care specialist who also is featured on the show. More African Americans opting for plastic surgery has to do with greater awareness of this form of operation, Evans believes. People want to look as good as they feel, he says. Although Evans admits television shows are a big factor behind the increased desire to undergo cosmetic operations, he dismisses the idea that the majority of people choosing cosmetic surgery do so to do away with their ethnicities. Thats not a realistic objective anyway, he says. If you were a black person before the surgery you are going to be a black person after the surgery, he adds. In fact, Evans says the current trend among his patients is trying to preserve their ethnicity and maintain who they are. Chicago-based plastic surgeon Julius W. Few concurs. What I find with my patients of color is that they are just trying to find a balance in their life and are not trying to look more Caucasian, he says. Few, who is director of the Few Institute for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, specializes in the eye area. He sees more than 1,000 patients annually, with African Americans comprising 30% to 35% of his practice. In general, 91% of all patients are women, with the average age of those receiving invasive and non-invasive procedures around 42. Over the past three years, Fews has noticed African American patients are getting younger, although across the board those coming in for facial cosmetic surgery are older than their Caucasian counterparts. While liposuction is the most commonly performed procedure, both Few and Evans stress that its no substitute for having an appropriate nutritional regime and exercise program. Few also points out that cosmetic breast surgery among African American patients is more of an issue of function than cosmeticsit is often done to help minimize back pain. African Americans may be more at ease with undergoing cosmetic surgical procedures. But these operations arent without risks. Most notably, the untimely death of Donda West, the 58-year-old mother of hip-hop superstar Kanye West, cast a spotlight on the possible dangers associated with such operations. West died last November, shortly after a cosmetic surgical procedure. Its beyond unfortunate that happened. The reality is that people are [now] looking at plastic surgery more seriously, Few says, adding that 98.5% of the time plastic surgery is safe. The remaining [percentage] of the time is related to surgical risks. Risks are extremely rare, occurring about 1 in 60,000 surgeries, Few says.

Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Eartha Smith (right) congratulates her daughter, Britney Smith, a student at St Richard's Primary School, St Andrew, yesterday, after she got news that Britney was placed at Immaculate Conception High School, based on her performance in the 2008 Grade Six Achievement Test. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Jasper Lawrence, chief education officer in the Ministry of Education, yesterday said he was disappointed with the national averages of the 2008 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), but said measures were being put in place to improve student performance.

GSAT replaced the Common Entrance Examination in 1999. Performance in the test determines the placement of students in secondary schools.

Not satisfied

"We are not comfortable with those averages because we would like for students to do well," Lawrence told The Gleaner last night.

The averages for all the subjects last year were not available yesterday, but the education ministry said there was an improvement in mathematics this year which had a national average in the 40s in 2007.

The Ministry of Education said 48,733 students have been placed in grade-seven programmes this year based on their performance.

Lawrence disclosed that come next year, students will have to be successful in the Grade-Four Literacy Test before they are advanced to sit GSAT. He said this was important because if students were not literate, they would not be able to understand the other subject areas.

He noted, too, that when some students perform well and others are underperform, the national average is affected.

Some tears of joy

Meanwhile, tears of joy and disappointment flowed freely at St Richard's Primary School, St Andrew, yesterday as students received their GSAT results.

Abigail Henry was among those rejoicing.

"I feel great because I am going to one of the best schools in Jamaica," said the student, who will be attending Immaculate Conception High School.

When the Gleaner news team visited the school about 3 p.m. yesterday, the results were not ready as a teacher had to return to the Ministry of Education because the compact disc that she was given had no data.

She eventually returned about 4 p.m with a hard copy of the results.

Romoy Francis was very excited when he was presented with his results. He jumped and pranced around the schoolyard when it was revealed that he would be attending Campion College.

"I am really happy. I am so glad because this is the school I really wanted to go," Francis said.

He said he could not have done so well without the support of his mother and friends.

Britney Smith, who will be attending Immaculate Conception High School, said she was pleased with her results.

"I feel very, very happy because this was my first choice," she told The Gleaner. Smith said she was merely reaping the benefits of her hard work, staying up late at night and the extra classes she attended.

Meanwhile, sisters Jheneal and Ashanna Simms were disappointed with their placements. In fact Jheneal cried openly after she got her results. She was placed at a school she does not wish to attend.

"I am disappointed," Jheneal said. "I really wanted to go to Meadowbrook."

Mavado freed of gun charges
Dancehall artiste Mavado had the gun-related charges against dropped earlier today when he appeared in the Gun Court in Kingston.

According to IrieFM, the director of public prosecution made an order that the proceedings should not continue after the police told the court this week that the witnesses had migrated.

These charges were the reason for him being refused entrance to the US awhile back. Hopefully, with the charges dropped, the DJ will once again be able to travel to the US.

July 27th last year, it was alleged that Mavado was involved in a shooting incident on Mannings Hill Road in St. Andrew.

With the help of the success of his hit single "Love in this Club" Usher's newest effort, Here I Stand, has taken the #1 spot on the charts with just under 443,000 sold in its debut week. Following not far behind, Bun B holds the #4 spot with II Trill selling 40,000 units this week. This week, Bun B was bested by The Sex and the City soundtrack and 3 Doors Down's self-titled album respectively.

Mariah Carey holds onto a top ten spot at #8. E=MC2 sold 35,500 copies this week which places the diva still short of platinum (she has sold a total of 967,500). With production help from The Roots' Amir "?uestlove" Thompson and James Poyser, as well as tracks featuring John Legend, Corrine Bailey Rae and Anthony Hamilton, Blue Note recording artist Al Green debuted his 30th studio album, Lay It Down, at #9 this week. The living legend sold just under 34,000 copies. Meanwhile, Denver, CO rap group Flobots take the #18 spot with their second album, Fight With Tools, selling just over 19,000.

Top 200 Album Sales (Top 5 Hip Hop/R&B)
Rank Artist Album This Week Total
1
Usher
Here I Stand
442,930
443,974
4
Bun B
II Trill
40,222
138,566
8
Mariah Carey
E=MC2
35,581
967,568
9
Al Green
Lay It Down
33,753
33,953
18
Flobots
Fight With Tools
19271
74524

A little further down the charts, Rick Ross takes the #25 spot with Trilla selling just over 15,000. Lyfe Jennings' Lyfe Change holds the #29 spot with 14,000 sold. The Roots' Rising Down, though met with many stellar reviews, still declines on the charts this week and lands at #85 selling 7,500 copies. Snoop Dogg still can't find his way to Gold, with Ego Trippin' selling a total of 331,300 in its 12th week on the charts. Ego Trippin took the #99 spot this week. To round out the top 100, Gnarls Barkley's The Odd Couple sold 6,700 copies this week (a 21.4% increase from last week).

Other Notables
Rank Artist Album This Week Total
25
Rick Ross
Trilla
15,140 550,186
29
Lyfe Jennings
Lyfe Change
14,101
161,045
85
The Roots
Rising Down
7,517
104,928
99
Snoop Dogg
Ego Trippin
6,793
331,365
100
Gnarls Barkley
The Odd Couple
6,781
171,343

Everyone knows that June 10th sees the release of Lil Wayne's The Carter III. In the meanwhile, check next week to see if Usher can hold down that #1 spot.

amaicas crime rate has been spiraling beyond control in recent times. There has been constant b****ardment on our dancehall artistes to clean up their music as it is argued that the violent lyrical content contributes to the crime wave.

OutAroad.com caught up with ace deejay Busy Signal, known for hits such as Nah Guh a Jail Again, The Days and Badman Place featuring Mavado, who shared his views on the argument outlined above.

Some people take the message of the music the wrong way, but yuh still cant blame the music in Jamaica or the rest of the world (for the spiraling crime rate). Music cannot be solely blamed for crime, there is also poverty, lack of jobs and the fact that the highest set of crimes worldwide is caused by dirty politics, Busy explained.

Busy has shown his versatility in the dancehall genre of music with songs like The Days, a single depicting the everyday hardship in Jamaica, and Nah Guh a Jail Again, which talks about the alleviation of criminal activities. However, one can argue that he also trespass onto the gangster role in Badman Place.

I try to keep it dancehall and leave out the graphic aspect out of the music. There are all types of people out there who enjoy different kinds of music. When we sing positive songs there are still people out there who dont listen to them, they still gravitate towards the hardcore ones,
he told OutAroad.com.

Radio disc jocks need to play positive music, but they also need to play for their audience. They cannot shoulder all the blame either.

OutAroad.com: Do you think dancehall is growing in popularity?

Dancehall is building, but there are those who try to zoom in on all the negativity and shine a bad light on dancehall. People are trying to blame dancehall for violence.

According to Busy if one is going to start branding dancehall as a perpetrator of violence there are several other factors and entities that will need to fall under that umbrella.

If you are going to start blaming dancehall for the spiraling crime then you will also have to start blaming the internet, movies, alcohol and drugs. What critics need to realize is that a lot of times artistes sing what they see, Busy argued.

Busy Signal is presently voicing several singles and is in the process of completing several high-end music videos. He is also looking forward to his album that is due to hit the streets in the latter part of July or early August. Signal has an extended tour of Europe in July and August, but will return to Jamaica for Reggae Sumfest.

Busy is also fine tuning his movie soundtrack single Cop and a Bad Man for the soon to be released movie Loaded Maga.

The purpose of a record pool is to dominate its market and to break records at will. TJ's DJs Record & CD Pool uses this purpose as a mandate and a guideline from which to follow. Breaking records is not only our duty, but our responsibility.

TJ's DJs Record Pool was created by Thomas "TJ" Chapman as a result of the need to fulfill a need for new music in North Florida. TJ began humbly in 1994 with 10 DJs as a result of a business deal with an older record pool from Quincy, Florida and was serviced mostly by independents record companies.. Today, the record pool has a full time staff, servicing from almost every record label in the land, 70 DJs in the record pool and 35 DJs in the cd pool.

The DJs from TJ's DJ's Record & CD Pool have done very well not only at home, but nationally as well. They have been in musical publications like the Source, Vibe, XXL, Blaze, Technitions, Ozone and have been featured on BET's Planet Groove and Rap City to name a few. They have even traveled around the country on national tours with major labels like Columbia and Loud. Yet, after all of this national exposure, the DJs still have an intense desire to break the hits at home.

Locally, they are involved in the community by spinning at the hottest spots in town, including the Moon, Club Deep, V12, Floyd's, Chubby's, Mt. Zion, the Garden, and more. TJ's DJs also hold numerous programming positions in radio from Music Directors to Program Directors to mix shows and pirate stations. Not to mention we have DJs that move almost 15,000 mixed CD units per month independently! Plus, we have key DJs placed in Florida's favorite place to break music, the strip clubs. To put it simply, TJ's DJs has Florida and Southern Georgia on lock.

As a matter of fact, just recently some of the events that they have organized or sponsored include the TJ's DJ's Tastemakers Only, Tech.Nitions Cool-Out Conference, Picnic-In-The-Park Program each summer, Break-Down Magazine's Shootout, the Urban Music Conference, Florida A&M's Homecoming Car Show, Kappa Luau, FAMU's Corporate Village, FAMU Homecoming Concert, the Hip-Hop & Jock Charity Basketball Game, and the Florida's Invitational Stepshow to name a few.

TJ's DJs Record & CD Pool believes feedback is necessary to continue the excellent servicing that we receive. After all, our reporting and ability to break music as a pool is the sole reason why they service us in the first place. Labels like Arista, Def Jam, Columbia, SRC, Bad Boy, Cash Money, Universal, Atlantic, Interscope, Priority, Jive, VP, AV8, Roc-A-Fella, and J Records, just to name a few, entrust us with their product. The least we can do is get the real word on the streets from the DJs. That is why we require an email address of all our DJs. Email, after all, is the quickest and most efficient way to correspond.

TJ's DJs also has a CD Pool that was established to address the needs of the current trend of DJs who spin cds. With the increasing acceptance of dj equipment like the Pioneer CDJ line of cd decks, djs need to have the same music on cd that the vinyl djs have. Plus, having the music on cd gives the djs a better chance to listen to the music. Just think, new music can be listened to in the car, the home stereo and on the compuer at a djs leisure. A lot of labels and artists use the CD Pool to get music out before it even gets pressed up. We get mp3s emailed to us all the time straight from the studio.

TJ's DJs team consists of TJ Chapman (CEO), Keith Kennedy (Pool Director), and Malik Darby (Music Director), Brian Sealy (Promotions Director) and DJ Shane.. Together, the team works hard to gather all of the good music and make sure it gets broken. In addition, TJ's DJs reports to numerous industry trades, website, magazines, retail stores and radio stations to increase awareness of projects that are serviced. To this end, TJ's DJs reports to RecordPoolCharts.com, DJ Times, Behind the Scenes, UrbanTip.com, and many more. Plus, they are also listed as a core pool of the National Record Pool Coalition, a coalition dedicated to furthering the cause of breaking records. These factors and TJ's DJs diligent work are coming together to make Tallahassee, the rest of Florida, and Southern Georgia viable markets by any means necessary.

 

so ladies , imagine ur Silda Spitzer. do you leave?
 
would it be different if it wasnt a prostitute?
what if it was just strippers? (no sex)
 
is there a difference between a stripper and a hooker?

have one?

what do you use to bait women?... if u set bait

would you not date/ have a relationship  with a man cus of his job?

If your man/husband suddenly got rich,would you give up your independence(wk)?
 
or  
 
which do u prefer...& why?

Well  im gettin old and im tryin 2 accomplish alot in my 20's - 30's
what r some ways myself and other people can do to get rich legaly because the illegal way is goin 2 end up makin situation worst
SO what Are some ways People can be rich or at least live comfortable

hehehehehe!

A BOY of ten fell out of a tower block window and 200ft to his death after saying I love you to his little brother.

Christian Castano got the words out as he clung to a ledge of his mums 18th-floor flat.

He had been leaning against the window when a safety catch restricting the opening to just four inches slipped.

The pane lurched forward and brother Steven, eight, watched helplessly as Christian held on for a few seconds then fell.

 

Family friend Ellie Dunne, 27, said: Christian managed to say I love you bro to Steven as he lost his grip.

Christian had been calling out to pals playing at the foot of the block in Ladbroke Grove, West London.

 

Waste

 

His tearful mother, Carla Nurden, 25, was in another room at the time.

 

 

 

She said last night: "I cant begin to explain how I feel. Its such a waste of life."

Carlas mum Sheila, 49, witnessed Christians fall from her own flat in a neighbouring block.

 

A family friend said angry locals blame a faulty window width restrictor.

Kensington and Chelsea council confirmed a probe had been launched.

A spokesman said: This year we have only been notified of two minor window problems. Neither concerned width restrictors and both were repaired promptly.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene for Christian who also had a two-year-old brother Andre.

 

Scotland Yard said Saturday nights tragedy was not being treated as suspicious.

National Security Minister, Colonel Trevor MacMillan, says new measures were introduced by the police on Saturday to stem the crime wave.

MacMillan, who was addressing yesterday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, said the new measures include the intensification of efforts to dismantle criminal networks; the strategic deployment of law enforcement personnel in communities recently attacked by criminals and a renewed focus on hot spot policing.

Cooperation

According to MacMillan, there would also be increased cooperation between the security forces and citizens to promote the free flow and confidential exchange of information. He also said there would be increased efforts to seize illegal guns and to prevent more weapons from entering the island.

He added that the Ministry of National Security would actively support the work of the security forces by providing the policy framework for the implementation of these strategies, including the introduction of legislation.

The national security minister repeated the commitment given in Parliament on Tuesday by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, that efforts would be made to ensure that the security forces receive the required level of resources.

I cant lie. I didnt see it and I couldnt find it online. But, I heard that G-Unit is or is about to be on 106 & Park again. This time, there was no 50 Cent/ Rocsi friction, but I heard it certainly was awkward. I heard the Rocs was a bit apprehensive and seemed to look as if she was worried about the Guerrillas. But Tony and Banks didnt attack her, but nobody was hugging either. Like I said, I didnt see it, but I heard that Janet Jackson was there that show and she was the star attraction

BFF!! Wow! 50 Cent reportedly gave Val Kilmer a car worth $100k just because they are cool. They are both in the movie Streets of *lo** and they both play cops

Christopher Martin Turns Driver

Would you believe Christopher Martin wants to be a driver? Well thats what the soulful singer would have you believe in his latest video for hit single Ill Be Your Driver.

The single which has been burning up the local charts represents an eclectic mix of the genres R&B, Reggae with a sub-genre of Lovers Rock that Christopher is best known for.

The video boasts cutting edge technology with approximately 85 percent of this 4 minute mini movie was shot in front of a green screen. The video features Christopher telling a woman upon on meeting her that he is willing to take her anywhere she wants to go, hell be her driver.

Directed by The Guru himself Ras Kassa, who has been the go to director for artistes such as Damian Marley, Sean Paul, Willie Nelson and Beenie Man. It opens with a sepia gold overlay motif with Christopher gazing through a car window when he spots a lady strutting down the street with shopping bags. He alights from his car and engages her in lyrical dialogue. In the opening scene we see the interjection of animated graphics which adds for viewers, playful and direct visual expression.

The video continually cuts between the following six scenes, Christopher chauffeuring his established female love interest in a topless car while grayscale shots of the Jamaica flickers in the background; Christopher crooning while she dances in a unfurnished blue lit room; the two engaging in teasing banter over the telephone with side by side screen shots of them both; and the two other scenes are of Christopher is by himself singing.

Towards the end of the video Christopher rips off his t-shirt to reveal his toned, muscular body a definite high note for his female following.

According to Kassa who took full creative control, it was very easy working with Chris. He indicated no resistance from the singer was felt as he understood the artistic direction of the production. Kassa wanted the video to do all of the following things for viewers, to tell a story, have an abstract playful appearance and give you the feel of an old Hollywood film. He explained that the type of graphics used in the video were very deliberate as he wanted female fans of Chris to go back to a personal memory of possibly having a bad day and a pick-up line from a stranger they ran into cheered them up. That was the feel he wanted to create in the beginning of the video.

The video was innovative, well shot with distinct elements that give viewers the feeling that they are watching a short film rather than a music video and sure stand out from other videos being released currently.

Nb. We have embedded a copy of the video below for your viewing pleasure (see video below)

DANE Bonner, the Old Harbour murder convict who wept bitterly after being found guilty last week for the 2002 home invasion murder of a woman in his community, was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment.

Although Bonner, dubbed the 'weeping murder convict', never shed any tears yesterday, he was forcibly removed by a police officer from the prisoners' dock where he sat stunned following his sentence.

"Come Mr Bonner," the officer instructed the 27-year-old Bonner, who sat still with his face buried in his palms.
To no avail the cop again instructed Bonner to leave the dock, before gripping him by the waistband and removed him so that the court could continue its sitting.

After being led away, the overwhelmed Bonner paused to sit at the door just outside the courtroom but was prevented from doing so.

Bonner's mother, Ina Bonner, one of four persons who appeared at the sentencing as character witnesses, stood stunned outside the courtroom with her hands on her head, as she lamented the sentence.

The convict was ordered by the court to serve 35 years of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
Bonner, a mason and carpenter by trade, was found guilty on May 27 for the February 17, 2002 murder of 41-year-old Shirley Powell who was found at her Succaba Pen, St Catherine home with gunshot wounds to her body.

Before Powell succumbed to her injuries she reportedly told the police that ". Dane and Bross shot mi over drugs". She went on to name and describe Bonner's mother. Bonner was arrested some time after.

Following his conviction Bonner wept while professing his innocence.

"Dem find mi guilty, star, and mi nuh do nuten," wailed Bonner. "Yuh honour, please, mi nuh know nutten weh dem a talk bout. It better dem kill mi."

Adults, as well as the nation's policymakers, have been called on to be more responsible and to be better role models in the fight against the use of tobacco, as the nation's health service grapples with the cost of keeping its people healthy.

The call came from Pastor Milton Gregory, health ministries director of the West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, while speaking at the Mount Salem Adventist Church in Montego Bay, St James recently. The service, organised by the Health Ministries Department of the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, was in recognition of World No Tobacco Day under the theme "Tobacco-Free Youth".

On cigarette manufacturing

"We need to help create a smoke-free environment to protect our children," said Gregory. "Children don't manufacture cigarettes, but they are victims of the actions of adults who act as role models, create attractive advertisements, movies and other devices that encourage children to light up. Adults in many respects are our children's worse enemy."

Illnesses

He added: "Based on research, it is estimated that 10 out of 10 long -term smokers develop emphysema. One out of 10 smokers will be disabled. Family illness means someone can't work, no income, saving is depleted, school fees can't be paid, and the children are sent out to work. With no education, the family cannot make its way in the world and sinks deeper into poverty."

Gregory said he was therefore calling for policymakers to take five courses of action., including the banning of advertising or promotion of tobacco products.

"Studies have shown that the burden of tobacco falls most heavily on the poor," he said. He further argued the poor were more likely to smoke than better-off people and that they spend a greater proportion of family income on the habit.

A MUM was convicted of neglect after leaving her two-year-old son home alone for the weekend while she went to stay with her boyfriend, today.

Lincoln Crown Court had heard that Kelly Tollerton, 22, left the two-year-old penned into the kitchen of her flat, which had later flooded.

He was found by police in a dirty vest and pants, sobbing for help, the jury heard.

Tollerton was convicted of one count of child cruelty by way of neglect, one of child cruelty by way of abandonment and one of perverting the course of justice.

 

 

Mr Recorder William Harbage QC told Tollerton she faced a custodial sentence.

He said: "You have been convicted on the clearest possible evidence of leaving your two-and-a-half-year-old son home alone while you went to stay for the weekend with your partner.

"This was the culmination of a period of wilful neglect of him and, on the evidence, your parenting of this child was totally inadequate.

"These are very serious matters and a custodial sentence, a prison sentence, is highly likely."

Garnering yet another first in his career Dancehall's fastest rising bad boy the Gully God Mavado is set to make his film debut this summer when he appears in the Steve "Tehut-Nine" McAlpin directed 'What Goes Around' summer thiller.

Mavado who will be bringing his hard-edged Gangsta Fi Life persona to the film will play the role of a sinister character known only as "Gully God". The film will also feature other Dancehall Recording artists such as KC Jockey, the late Rraw Dawg, who was gunned down in front of a D.C. Night Club earlier this year and Flippa Mafia who with popular New York sound system selector Nohard "Noah" Grant ("Son-Son" in Bashment: The Fork in the Road) encumber lead roles alongside Sakina Samuda and Kim Goss.

Just last week 876radio broke the news that sports manufacturing giants Nike will be including Mavado in a promotional campaign to support the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing China this alongside the now second fastest man in the world Asafa Powell. Hailed in a recent Rolling Stone Magazine article as the best reggae artist since Bob Marley and Peter Tosh Mavado continues to make history and so 876radio salutes this achievement.

As usual we always have the exclusives and have embedded a trailer from the upcoming film for your viewing pleasure (see video below) this had been another first brought to you by the good folks at 876radio