http://giantmag.com/celebrity/giant-magazine-staff/keyshia-cole-regrets-releasing-i-aint-thru-with-nicki-minaj/

Out in the desert near Taos, N.M., they're building houses out of garbage.

Using old tires packed with dirt, trashed appliances, and discarded bottles and cans -- the stuff that stays in landfills forever -- architect Mike Reynolds and his crew are turning our trash into solar-powered, self-sustaining, energy-efficient houses.

"It's kind of a machine, not a house," Reynolds said. "And it's a machine that involves biology and physics to make it so that the people can NOT need municipal utilities."

He calls his creations "Earthships." They are off-the-grid wonders of physics -- angled south to catch the sun's rays through solar panels on the roof so they remain naturally cool in summer and warm in winter. No heat or air conditioning required, Reynolds said. Earthships hover at about 70 degrees year-round, even when it's below zero in the high-desert winter.

"You just have to orient it right," Reynolds said. "Admit the sun in the winter, because it's low. And block it in the summer, because it's high."

Touring his "model" home, a three-bedroom, two-bath Earthship which Reynolds calls The Phoenix, he points out that Earthships are comfortable on homeowners' wallets as well.

"The total utility bill of this house would be $100 per year to run the propane for the cook stove," Reynolds said. "That's $100 per year total."

Earthships begin with a foundation of old tires, about one thousand per house, each individually packed solid with dirt so they're firm as bricks. Reynolds said he "contrived" the use of tires just to recycle them at first. "But now, as an architect, engineer, contractor, builder," he adds, "I could not dream up a better way to build. If somebody gave me $30 million to invent the best building block, I'd invent the tire."

The tires are stacked high and cemented with desert mud, interspersed with aluminum cans, to form walls. The recycled cans create an irregular surface to hold the next course of mud, Reynolds said. Walls are then built to form rooms, just like a regular house -- living room, bedrooms, kitchen, and baths. Rainwater is captured and used -- and re-used. What looks like stained glass is actually the bottoms of plastic bottles and cans, added to let in light and give interest to the walls.

Saving on Utility Bills

On the roof of The Phoenix, there are cisterns to collect and hold rainwater, and solar panels, in addition to decorative green and gold scalloping along the roofline, which gives the house a whimsical look. Those, Reynolds points out, are junked avocado and gold kitchen appliances -- refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers -- from the '70s and '80s, cut into pieces to decorate the homes.

"Every dump is just full of them, so we harvest all those baked-enamel panels," Reynolds said.

But are owners living a rustic lifestyle inside their Earthship? Not unless they want to. In his showplace, The Phoenix, Reynolds has a flat screen TV, a fireplace with a waterfall and wi-fi. There's also a stocked fishpond, and an attached greenhouse for home-grown fruits and vegetables.

The Thorne family from upstate New York drove four days in an RV to come stay in The Phoenix. "I want to bring this back to the East Coast," Bruce Thorne said, as his wife Lita exclaimed over the "green" utilities and the stained glass-like plastic and metal cans decorating the walls.

Addressing People's Needs

Earthships aren't cheap -- they cost about the same to build as a traditional house. They range from about $100,000 for smaller models, to $1.5 million for the Phoenix. (Reynolds admits he priced it high, primarily because he's ambivalent about selling). But many owners, like Alix and David Henry, save money by doing some or most of their own construction. The Henrys outgrew their one-bedroom earthship when daughter Helen was born. They've added on to make room for their larger family.

Like Mike Reynolds, Alix Henry is an architect. She said her parents used to think she was crazy for living in an Earthship -- until utility costs skyrocketed.

"My mom actually commented about what a good position we're in," Alix Henry said, "because we don't have any utility (payments) and we don't have a mortgage, so a lot of what's going on in the world is not affecting us."

If Mike Reynolds has his way, whole of subdivisions these unusual structures would be built all across the United States and around the world. They're already in Europe, in other cities across the United States, on the Caribbean island of Bonaire, and, most recently, in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, providing an efficient way of recycling the rubble there. Reynolds and his team go back to Haiti in January 2011 to install systems in the house they built earlier this year.

In response to those who view these unusual and unconventional homes as strange, Reynolds points to that $100 a year utility bill, as well as all the junk salvaged from landfills that go into creating Earthships.

"We're addressing the garbage issue, we're addressing the water issue, we're addressing the energy issue, heating and cooling, housing, and food," Reynolds said. "All of the things that people need, we're addressing them now."

...Creepy Or Not?

Across the USA, funeral homes are building and marketing such centers as not just a place to mourn the dead but as sites for events celebrating the living, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday parties and proms.

The lure? It is often less expensive; there is greater availability; and the settings inside and outside can be nothing short of wedding-picture perfect.

Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Centers opened the $10 million Community Life Center in 2001, but it had a slow start. As recently as 2009 it hosted just 10 weddings.

Then, Carla Fletcher took over as special events coordinator in March. The Center now holds a dozen events each month and has nearly every Friday, Saturday and Sunday booked this year, including 99 weddings, as well as bookings that stretch into 2012, she says.

"The place wasn't being utilized because people had tunnel vision," says Fletcher, who also often plays the part of wedding planner for the couples. "They thought since it was a funeral home, they (couldn't) sell it. But I don't see a funeral home; I see an events center."

The idea of getting married in a funeral home wasn't much of a hurdle to overcome,  according to Paulita Flores, 21.

"At first, when I pulled up and saw it was a funeral home, it did concern me," she admitted. "But when we walked in and saw everything, it was overwhelming. I fell in love and thought it was the perfect place. It was breathtaking, so it (the funeral home aspect) didn't cross my mind again."

That is precisely what funeral homes searching to expand their business base amid increased competition are hoping for.

"Over the past five to six years, more and more funeral homes are offering the use of their facilities to the greater community, whether it's hosting a full-blown wedding reception or offering meeting space to an organized community group," says Emilee High of the Wisconsin-based National Funeral Directors Association.

In a 2010 association survey, almost 10% of the 627 funeral home owners who responded says they owned or offered a community or family center, in addition to traditional funeral facilities.

WE HAVE :


Bread Crumz
Sky Juice
Egg Nog
Doza Medicine

Add more names to the list ppl can't memba nuh more right now

soon hear a dj a call himself Pepto Bismal

Spurs last night beat Chelsea in the race for Steven Pienaar after the Everton midfielder signed on at White Hart Lane.

Pienaar, who will wear the number 40 shirt, signed for £3m and penned a four-year deal worth £70,000-a-week for Harry Redknapp's outfit.

And a delighted Pienaar said: "To end speculation, I am going to Spurs. I've had brilliant years at Everton and it will always be a special place in my heart."

The 28-year-old, who passed a medical at Spurs' Chigwell training ground before tying up the final details of his deal, opted for Tottenham despite interest from their London rivals.

He was welcomed to Spurs by new Tottenham team-mate Jermain Defoe who said: "Signing Steven Pienaar is a massive coup for Spurs. This deal really shows how far we have come when a top player rejects a big club for us."

The South African could make his debut in Saturday's game at Newcastle, providing his work permit comes through in time.

A Spurs spokesman added: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Everton and Steven Pienaar for the player's transfer to the club."

Pienaar is Spurs second January signing, with international team-mate Bongani Kumalo, a defender, having already signed a pre-contract agreement.

Everton decided to sell the influential playmaker rather than lose him on a free transfer when his contract expired in the summer.

Pienaar joined Everton on loan from German side Borussia Dortmund in 2007 and the move was made permanent the following year for £2million.

He became one of the club's most influential figures and was named Player of the Year after an outstanding 2009-2010 season but had recently made clear his desire to move on.

Pienaar failed to give assurances he wanted to stay beyond the end of his deal and while a number of players, such as Leighton Baines, Tim Cahill, Jack Rodwell and Mikel Arteta signed new contracts last year, he failed to reach any such agreement.

His departure will give Everton manager David Moyes a chance to sign a much-needed striker in the transfer window.

Source: Mirror Football

ASTON VILLA have smashed their transfer record by signing Sunderland striker Darren Bent in a deal worth up to £24million.

Villa are splashing out an initial £18m for Bent, but additional add-ons mean the final figure could rise by another £6m.

The England player is in line to make his debut in Saturday evening's home Premier League clash with Manchester City and will wear the club's number 39 shirt.

Bent, who has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at the club, said: "Aston Villa is a massive football club and as soon as I knew they were interested in signing me I wanted to join.

"The size of the football club and the history of the club are major reasons for me coming here.

"There are some top, top players here too, real quality, and I've been able to speak to the manager and the owner about their ambitions for the club.

"I'm very excited about being a part of what we hope to achieve."

But Sunderland boss Steve Bruce was less than thrilled to be losing his top goal-poacher.

He said: "It's hugely disappointing that Darren has decided that his future lies away from Sunderland and the players, our supporters and the club as a whole have every right to feel massively let down.

"The timing is especially hard to take, given that we are progressing positively and are in a great position to push on.

"Everyone has been nothing but supportive of Darren in his time at Sunderland but it's obvious he's not been himself in training and we've certainly not seen the best of him in games in recent weeks - and we now understand why. 

"I've always stated that my aim is to build a talented, young squad for the long-term to help the club achieve sustained success and I want Sunderland fans to know that our ambitions haven't changed on that front."

Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn added: "Darren has now left the club and it's important we move on quickly.

"We've worked hard in the last 36 hours to get what we feel is a fair price for him.

"Of course it presents us with significant challenges from a football perspective which we didn't envisage.

"But we'll deal with it and are working hard to find a solution both in the short-term and more importantly the longer term."

Source: The Sun

CLICK THE LINK -- > http://stacked-deck.net/AoN/media/news/3937-id-crew-cry-for-me-produced-by-ak-cole.html

Oprah Winfrey contemplated suicide when she became pregnant at the age of 14 and even tried to drink laundry detergent in attempt to terminate the pregnancy, she confessed Monday night.

"Getting pregnant was a result of bad choices, not having boundaries, sexual abuse from the time I was 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13," the talk show queen revealed during an interview on CNNs "Piers Morgan Tonight."

Shortly after the pregnancy, Winfreys mother sent the young teen to live with her father in Nashville.

While explaining the strict rules of the household, her father -- not knowing his daughter was pregnant -- declared, "I would rather see a daughter of mine floating down the Cumberland River than to bring shame on this family and the indecency of an illegitimate child."

Fearful, Winfrey thought, "Before the baby was born, Im going to have to kill myself," adding she did "stupid things like drinking detergent and all that kind of crazy stuff that you do when youre trying to get attention, when youre really just trying to cry for help."

In a past interview, Winfrey, now 56, said she "hid the pregnancy until my swollen ankles and belly gave me away." A few weeks later, her baby died in the hospital.

Looking back, Winfrey, whos now a billionaire with her own cable network, said losing the baby who she "had no connection to whatsoever" was a blessing in disguise.

"When the baby died, I knew that it was my second chance," she said.

Winfrey also confessed she has no plans to tie the knot with her longtime partner, Stedman Graham.

"The reason this relationship has worked as well as it has is because we each got to define ourselves in it and not in a traditional form," she said. "... I am a different kind of woman in that I am pretty assured that had I married I wouldn't have remained married. I'm just not the marrying kind."

Mavado turned in an awesome performance this morning at the Pepsi Rebel Salute showing that he can make the transition to roots rock reggae, and be regarded as more than just a dancehall artiste.

The line up was full of solid reggae icons such as Toots Hibbert, Beres Hammond, Little John, Professor Nuts and Tristan Palmer. New age reggae acts David Brooks, I Octane, Romaine Virgo and Junior X did well while Fantan Mojah and Chuck Fenda closed Rebel Salute with a solid tune-for-tune showing where Fantan Mojah seemed to overwhelm Fenda with his high energy onstage.

Earlier, I Octane was in dazzling form, using his great stage presence to wow the crowd with a steady stream of hits. Beres Hammond performed the longest set, prompting some people to comment that the promoter Tony Rebel must have paid him extra to perform such a brilliant set. At one point during Hammonds performance, Mavado tried to get onstage to perhaps share the stage with Beres and the stage manager had to spend 20 minutes to woo him back to his tent.

Later, when Mavado finally took the stage, he was in superb form, using his amazing catalogue of hits to good effect to win over the huge 20,000 strong crowd. His forwards were much bigger than Beres Hammonds, and was most refreshing. Mavado has not bleached out his face, his locks are getting longer and the words that emanate from his mouth are cleaner. What a remarkable transformation from a few years ago. He sang out most of his songs, instead of doing just the punchlines as he would a dancehall show.

DJ Beenie Man was also backstage and he kept going on the stairs of the stage, and walking around in a neon blue conductor suit. He kept walking around and smiling and shaking hands with everyone like a big South American politician. Beenie Man just never stops.

The show ended with Chuck Fenda and Fantan Mojah going tune for tune, to huge ovations and firecrackers kept going throughout their performance together.

-- Edited by BoaseyT0niiB0nii (Mod) on Monday 17th of January 2011 05:17:14 AM

Early yesterday morning, Jimmys passenger van was totaled in a car accident. Luckily, him and his crew walked away from this safely. This isnt the first time Capo was involved in a collision. A year and half ago, his Bentley crashed along side a highway as well.

1.HIM WUDDA BE A MAGNET FI ALL A DI BATTA-EARS GYAL DEM

2.PPL WUDDA SAY "DA BOY DEH TALK BOUT HIM A DO MUSIC....B4 HI GUH TEK UP HIM BOOK....FOCKA GOODLY DUNCE NUH RA.WSE"

3.PPL FROM WHERE HE COME FROM WOULD SAY HE'S BADMIND BECAUSE HE DONT REMEMBER  WHERE HE'S COMING FROM

4.HIM WUDDA DEH A WEDDY WEDDY AND UPTOWN MONDAYS EVERY NIGHT

5.PPL WUDDA PREE WHETER HIM SAY GAZA, GULLY OR J.O.P

6.HIM WUDDA INNA SOME GYAL GROUPIE MIX UP AND GLAMA AND TONI WUDDA POST HIM BUSINESS PON ZONE

7.BEENIE MAN WUDDA KISS HIM A.SS FI TRY GET HYPE OFFA HIM

8.AT SOME POINT IN TIME...PPL ON ZONE WUDDA SAY " HIM SONG DEM NAAH SHOT LIKE ONE TIME...A TRU HIM STOP PAR KARTEL THATS WHY"

9.HOW COULD WE FORGET THE CLASSIC "FROM THE YUTE GET RICH..THE MONEY CHANGE HIM" LINE

10.HIM WUDDA FALLA CERTAIN ARTIST AND OVERCHARGE FI STAGE SHOW AND DUB AND HAVE HIM ONE SONG AND SAY HIM A DI HOTTEST THING A ROAD

The Bayfront Park Amphitheatre in downtown Miami was bursting at the seams as fans of the embattled reggae star, Buju Banton turned out in their numbers for his Before the Dawn Concert here yesterday.

At the time of filing this report, the Reggae star, who has been facing drug charges in the United States, had not yet taken the stage. However, all the artistes who performed, gave a good account of themselves.

Young act Richie Loop came to Miami and emptied his "cupp," kicking things off in great fashion. He was followed by Everton Blender who raised the tempo inside the venue and had the patrons rocking to his popular tunes, Lift Up Your Heads and Ghetto People Song. Despite his short stint on stage Blender was in fine form and the audience loved him.

The bar was raised even higher when former teen queen, Nadine Sutherland, took to the stage. If her performance was to be rated out of 10, she definitely scored a 9.99, giving "action, not a bag a mout" and left the crowds roaring for more of her infectious performance.

Freddie McGregor was up next and his Big Ship sailed across the Miami Bayfront, delivering the hits he is known for.

The Jamaican artiste who had the most international visibility for 2010, Gyptian, also took to the stage to support his fellow artiste. He delivered his big tune, Hold You, much to the delight of the Miami audience.

There was a strong contingent of police at the venue, and this was a poignantly brought home by singer Mykal Rose who burst onto the stage with the opening line of his popular song, "Police and thief inna shoot-out."

This opening segment of the show also featured Gramps Morgan, who has collaborated with Buju Banton for a haunting rendition of Psalms 23. Morgan gave another of his signature performances. Another of the early standouts was Wayne Wonder. Many will remember that he was the first to call a young Buju on stage back in 1990 introducing the 'Gargamel' to Jamaica and the world. Wonder did well to ignite his fans in this city.

If there was one downside to the event, it was the stringent policy put in place to deal with members of the media who journeyed from all over the world to cover the event. Only when the media arrived at the venue for accreditation were we informed that only the first five minutes of each performance could be videotaped or photographed. In addition no photos of Buju Banton could be taken while he is on stage. This resulted in the media being herded out of the 'pit' after the first few minutes of each performance.

In April of this year, it will be 43 years since the assassination of this nations premier civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During that tumultuous and volatile time in 1968, it would have been unfathomable to even think of having an African-American President or a billionaire named Oprah Winfrey who could own an entire television network. Even as recently as the 1980s in New York, when we were forced to tackle racial outbursts like those in Howard Beach and Bensonhurst, it would be difficult to imagine a day where we would be living side-by-side with one another in harmonious neighborhoods.

I still look at my scar from a stab wound at that protest in Bensonhurst, but I take comfort in the fact that I can look at my TV and see a black President salute a gay Latino Congressional aide who saved the life of a Jewish member of the House of Representatives in the state of Arizona. Dr. Kings vision is nearly fulfilled.

As we take pride in our tremendous collective progress, we must remember to utilize all of this renewed energy and apply it toward some of the areas in which we still can equalize the playing field.

We have harnessed the ability to heal and relate to one another on a very real and personal level, but now we must transfer that capability in the direction of education, employment and our criminal justice system. The vast majority of New Yorkers work alongside one another without racial or ethnic strife. We thankfully do not have open mob attacks on people, nor lynchings, nor segregation.

But what we do have is unequal access to jobs, quality education and an imbalanced prison culture. Once we rid society of racial discrimination on an institutional level, then and only then will Dr. Kings dream be fully realized.

An integral platform of my work has consistently centered on serving as a voice for the voiceless and shedding light on injustice wherever feasible. Unfortunate incidents of police brutality like those involving Abner Louima, Amadou Diallo and, more recently, Sean Bell required immediate attention and action to hold the perpetrators accountable. But these horrific incidents also served as a teachable moment for everyone despite his or her ethnic background to acknowledge the very real existence of abusive and biased police conduct. And during these times, we were all forced to take a stern, hard look in the mirror to see how our own shortcomings and preconceived ideas may have contributed to a climate of hatred and animosity.

The violent assaults in Howard Beach and Bensonhurst during the 80s highlighted the very real and very grave extent of racial intolerance. But these two tragic periods afforded us the opportunity to engage in an honest dialogue surrounding ideas of bias, hatred and equality. We openly tackled these obstacles and thankfully today, we do not see instances of white mobs hunting down black men or vice-versa.

Its now 2011, and after decades of marches, non-violent protests, calls for action, education and organizing, people as a whole are finally more accepting of each other. An Indian-American female can serve as a governor, a Latino Congressman can represent all of the constituents in his or her respective district and an African American man can be elected to the highest office in the land. In our city alone, even the number of unwarranted police shootings is finally dwindling. Thanks in part to a concerted effort that forced us to confront these issues, we have been able to transcend many of the social barriers that impeded our progress just a few years ago.

So if there are no longer any polarizing conflicts like Howard Beach and Bensonhurst, why must we still continue to discuss race? If we are more socially accepting as a society, why then do we still protest and organize? If young people of color can achieve superstardom, attend Ivy League schools and serve at the highest levels of government, why is race still relevant? If we are in fact closer to sustaining racial peace now than at any other point in history, why do people like myself continue the good fight against discrimination?

The answer is really quite simple: We are still awaiting institutional justice.

In the wake of the economic crisis of 2008, young black men have been disproportionately hit the hardest. In cities as diverse as ours, it is an incomprehensible reality that unemployment rates within the black and Latino communities are astronomically higher than in other ethnic groups. According to several studies, nearly 50% of all young black men in New York City are unemployed. Other studies put that figure even higher when taking in to account the number of underemployed.

As our economy makes a slow recovery, unfortunately not everyone is feeling the effects. When jobs are few and far between, oftentimes managers, executives and decision makers will bring aboard those who most closely resemble themselves.

And though we may have begun to recognize and accept one another, regrettably, certain segments of the population are still deemed as threats.

Without adequate employment and stability, a family structure diminishes, as does any notion of providing long-term wealth. The racially unjust measures of the moment will have repercussions for years to come.

An unfortunate reality of poverty and lack of employment is a rise in crime. Without livable wages, more and more young people of color fall victim to a life of illegal activity. Equally disheartening, however, is the imbalanced way in which our criminal justice system operates. Receiving harsher sentences, and oftentimes unfairly profiled, these young folks are housed in overcrowded prisons that are bursting at the seams.

If we all agree that locking an individual behind bars for petty crimes only hardens him or her, we must work to seek alternatives instead of expanding our prison industrial complex.

Over the course of approximately the last two years, I spent much of my energy and time focused on another impending dilemma our crumbling education system.

Putting aside political differences and teaming up with former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former schools chancellor Joel Klein and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, I focused heavily on the dire and urgent need for reform.

It should come as no surprise that much of the inequality in our education system falls along racial lines. Overwhelmingly receiving unequal access to good education from the onset, many young black and Latino students find themselves at a severe disadvantage in obtaining success. Countless studies and reports have proven that children who begin reading and writing later than average fall years behind their counterparts. Playing a game of catchup through high school and college, if they get there, they are consistently vying for a fighting chance when we as a society have failed them.

How can we expect greatness when we dont even provide the basic necessities for a proper education mainly, the quality teachers every child deserves?

And how can we blame these children for not attending college and bettering themselves when we deliver a message of hopelessness from the beginning? Before we criticize the youth, we must take a look at our own priorities as a nation, and as a people.

Everyday, I am encouraged by the changes I witness around me. And everyday we inch a step closer toward racial equanimity. It took years of protests, organized marches and the sacrifices of many to achieve the success we enjoy today. As a country, we are far more accepting than ever, and racially biased incidents will hopefully be confined to the history books.

But in terms of education, employment and incarceration, much work remains.

It is my hope, and the hope of many, that we can in fact apply our new racial attitudes toward ensuring a new, more racially just reality in our national institutions. In the spirit of our great civil rights leader Dr. King, we will continue to peacefully seek these measures so that one day we can truly say race is no longer relevant.

We as a nation have achieved ardent success; let us now continue until we see the dream all the way through. We have borne witness to the detrimental effects of institutional racism; let us now continue to strive for the day we experience institutional justice.

Sharpton is president of the National Action Network.

The 37-year-old, now playing for Corinthians of Sao Paulo, scored straight from the set piece in the 20th minute of a match against Portuguesa, in the first tie of the new Paulista Championship.

After winning the corner with a typical charging run down the left wing, Carlos spotted Portuguesa goalkeeper Weverton standing out of position while organising his defence.

The quick-thinking former Real Madrid and Inter Milan full-back promptly curled the ball with the outside of his left foot into the unguarded net.

Carlos revealed after the game that the Olympic goal, so named in South America after Cesareo Onzari scored direct from a corner kick against Olympic champions Uruguay in 1924, is a skill he has been working on throughout his illustrious career.

"That was the first Olympic goal of my career. It took a long time coming, right?" he said.

Carlos is just one of a number of Brazilian superstars who have chosen to end their careers in their homeland.

Ronaldo plays at Corinthians with Carlos, while Ronaldinho recently signed a contract to represent Flamengo of Rio de Janeiro.

Source: Metro

-- Edited by I-CO on Monday 17th of January 2011 10:21:33 PM

The annual no-pants subway ride happened Sunday. That's right, fun-loving subway riders everywhere were encouraged by a group called Improv Everywhere to drop trou and ride in their underwear, just for a hoot. In New York alone, an estimated 3,500 braved the cold January weather to do it. Sound weird? Well, in Southern California, merry pranksters gather to moon an Amtrak train once a year. Fun? I guess, but not much of a fashion statement.

We all know how private Jay-Z and Beyonce arebut if youre curious about their relationship, and want to know more about the couple, one of Beyonces ex- personal assistants takes us inside Beyonces & Jay-Zs relationship. Jessica LaShawn says she witnessed the crazy love between the two back in 2003 while she served as one of Beyonces personal assistants.

Heres an excerpt from an article where she discusses Jay and Beyonces first time working together on a live performance, and how their love for each other was so obvious and powerful that everyone around them could see:
During the BET Awards in 2003 I witnessed the makings of a real relationship between two overly focused individuals willing to sacrifice and make time for each other in the midst of accomplishing their personalized greatness.

I was the personal assistant to Beyonce while she prepared for the debut of her new single Deja Vu. I can recall having the song on repeat throughout the duration of my flight from Chicago to LA and feeling captivated by the 808s and horns. There was something about the song that made me feel as if I were being transported to another place all in the name of love. Like most people, I soon realized that the passion hidden behind Beyonces vocals was fueled by her devotion and love for none other than Jay Z.

I sat there in amazement as I watched Beyonce go over every step as if her life depended on it. Id heard all the stories and rumors that she was evil and possibly the daughter of Satan but none of that surfaced. A prime example of her down-to-earth-ness was displayed when she happened to be thirsty and it was my job to get her some water but she chose to go with me in order to ease her mind. She was sweet and reminded me of that home girl we all have that no matter what she just wants to laugh at the end of the day.

 

When politically correct pundits and journalists defended the censorship of Mark Twain's novel 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,' I watched in disappointed disbelief. At that moment, I predicted propaganda to entirely whitewash this country's history.

I didn't realize it would be only a matter of days.

After GOP members felt inspired to read the clean version of the Constitution on the House floor last week, conveniently ignoring such seismic events as slavery and prohibition, the theatrical buffoonery gave their tea-drinking stepchildren in Tennessee a brilliant idea:

Why not erase any and all mention of slavery and genocide from United States textbooks all together?

Envision it, America!

Textbooks scrubbed free of slaves' *la*hd and government-sanctioned murder, ensuring that history books are palatable for generations of bright-eyed schoolchildren for generations to come.
After a news conference on Wednesday, about two dozen members of the Tea Party of Tennessee presented lawmakers with a list of "priorities and "demands" for the 2011 legislative session. According to the Party, it would "besmirch the image of the Founding Fathers" to be honest about this nation's history.

In material distributed to the legislators, they demanded that state laws governing textbook criteria ensure that "no portrayal of minority experience in the history which actually occurred shall obscure the experience or contributions of the Founding Fathers, or the majority of citizens, including those who reached positions of leadership."

Party spokesman and Fayette County attorney Hal Rounds said the group wants to address "an awful lot of made-up criticism" about, for instance, the founders intruding on the Indians or having slaves or being hypocrites in one way or another.

"The thing we need to focus on about the founders is that, given the social structure of their time, they were revolutionaries who brought liberty into a world where it hadn't existed, to everybody -- not all equally instantly -- and it was their progress that we need to look at."

It was their progress we need to look at?

Theirs.

When Gov. Jan Brewer of Arizona, the "mecca of racism and bigotry," signed into law a bill that prohibits ethnic studies from being taught in public schools because it teaches "ethnic chauvinism" and leads minority students to believe they had been "oppressed," I didn't think the ignorance would be contagious, but I was wrong.

As it stands, African Americans rarely get mentioned in any historical context at all if not that of the slave or loyal sidekick. Only the most passive of us managed to escape unscathed into the history books and now this bastion of bigotry from "the Volunteer State" wants to exclude even that so we don't "besmirch" our founding fathers' legacy?

If they were to get their self-serving wish, little white children would look at their black classmates in puzzlement attempting to figure out what planet they landed from, since history would make no mention of our more turbulent arrival to "the land of the free."

When the Huck Finn controversy erupted, I was disturbed that otherwise intelligent people deemed "slave" a more child appropriate word "than n**ger." The n-word is what slave masters called their slaves, making them both sides of the same coin.

Our children need to know their history. They deserve to understand what we've overcome, so that they know what they can become.

That this blatant attempt at revisionism is actually being submitted as a feasible option for the education of our youth speaks volumes about the depths of desperation some conservatives have reached: They are attempting to hypnotize our children into a mindless state of groupthink in hopes of erasing what continuously exists, even if in different forms.

If they can re-create history in a way that minimizes slavery, then it will be easier for all the subsequent inequalities to be deemed an exaggeration. Americans will perceive the judicial, educational, occupational and health care disparities facing minorities not as remnants of slavery and Jim Crow, but a testament to the laziness and apathy of African Americans.

If that shift occurs, it will be easier to implement their radical call for the repeal of the 17th Amendment, bringing this country back to square one as it pertains to race relations.

Some may think my assertions are far-fetched, and last week I would have agreed with them.

Until I witnessed a resurgence of Dixiecrats joining with educated scholars to successfully change the words of a dead man.

So to the Tea Party of Tennessee: Maybe you all should strive to genuinely erase prejudice and injustice in this country instead of perpetuating division, violence and historical myths. Then maybe your legacy won't need to be whitewashed to absolve your descendants of guilt as you're pathetically trying to do now.

You know your stuff is good when as an artiste and your material reaches the point where it is "leaked" to the Public. That was what happened to I-Octane with a Cash Flow Production called "Who Fool Dem". The track has been getting some good reviews and is deemed another hit from the new "hit monster" I-Octane. If I-Octane continues in the same vain then chances are one could easily claim that he is relativley close to top acts like Mavado, especially along the line of consistency with good sounding, mature people loving music.
The artiste has not yet broken through to the level of "international" recognition but does hope that he will reach there soon as a pay-off to show that good music can be successful.
The cash flow team has regretted the fact that the tune was leaked and has expressed that it is in their best interest to put out high quality production and was concerned about their reputation if this does happen again.
check out the track

Singer Alaine continues to reap more success with her poignant tribute You Are Me. The track which was written and produced by Alaine and released on her very own 1 Thirty 1 record imprint, has taken over the number one spot on the MTV Based Africa Dancehall chart.

You Are Me which is featured on VP Records Strictly the Best Volume 42 compilation (released in December 2010), is also making inroads on reggae charts in Jamaica where it sits pretty at number twelve on the Jamaica Music Countdown Top 25 Reggae Singles chart.

Alaine was quite excited about the success of You Are Me and in a statement to the media she expressed her thanks to the fans for continuously supporting her music. Its a blessing to be able to sing and entertain persons from all walks of life and I am happy that persons can relate to the message in the song. You Are Me is a very special and personal song to me and I also want to thank all the radio jocks in Jamaica and all over the world for giving the song all the support. It really means a lot to me, said Alaine.

You Are Me is the second number one single for Alaine within the past few weeks. Her collaborative effort For Your Eyes Only featuring Shaggy, topped the New York Reggae chart a few weeks ago. That song has been fast making its way up several charts in Jamaica and is currently number one on the BBC 1Xtra Dancehall chart in the UK.

And in related news, Alaine was recently named as Female Singer for 2010 by Television Jamaicas Smile Jamaica Morning Time television programme. Additionally, Alaine is nominated in the Female Vocalist of the Year category of the Hitz 92 FM Music Awards for 2010.

And further capping off a successful 2010, Alaine recently won two awards in Nairobi, Africa. The nods were for Song of the Year (You Are Me) in the Kingston 10 Reggae Awards in Africa. She also won in the category Live Performance of the Year (Sepetuka, Nairobi).

In an article recently released by a major Kenyan newspaper Alaines performance was credited with revitalizing the live show market in Kenya. This has now opened the doors for other artistes to perform there.

FAST FACTS:
*Approximately 90 students at Frayser High School are pregnant or have recently given birth

*The startling numbers fall in line with high teen pregnancy rates in the entire Frayser community

*A new initiative to help combat the problem will soon be introduced

About 90 students at a Memphis High School are either pregnant, or have been recently.

The startling news was confirmed by a high ranking city official and comes as the community plans to roll out a new initiative to help combat the problem.

However, one Frayser High School graduate says teen pregnancy is not a new problem for the school.

"When we would come back from summer break, there would be a thousand people pregnant. We were like, what's going on?" joked Alicia Williamson, who graduated from Frayser in 2004.

"There were a whole lot of bellies. You had to watch out so you didn't bump into them. Being 2011, I thought a lot of them would have thought this is not the right way to go, having babies during school time," she added.

The organization, Girls, Inc. teaches girls about preventing pregnancy.

Deborah Hester Harrison, who heads the organization, says Memphis' teen pregnancy rate stands at between 15 and 20 percent, almost twice the national average.

In the Frayser zip code, the rate is about 26 percent. Harrison partly blames the media.

"So much of our society is sexually oriented. As adults we can look at that and it doesn't impact us, but kids are different," Harrison said.

It's why Girls, Inc. offers classes where teenage girls "care for" computerized babies to give them a feel for what teenage parenthood is like.

The organization will also be part of a new initiative tentatively scheduled to be introduced next week.

Jamaican sprinting superstar Usain Bolt is already the world's fastest man and now he has his own drink.

The world-record holder over 100 and 200 metres will touch down in Sydney, Australia, next Tuesday, September 14, to officially launch the newest variant of Gatorade a brand-new lemon ice flavour, which has been inspired by him - Gatorade Bolt.

A tribute to the Olympic and World 100-metre and 200-metre champion, the new Gatorade Bolt is said to be scientifically formulated to meet the hydration needs of amateur and elite athletes and contains a scientifically balanced six per cent carbohydrate blend that helps speed fluid back into the body and fuels working muscles.

Now available in Australia, Gatorade Bolt Lemon Ice has been developed by scientists at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) as an addition to the core-product range.

"I'm very happy that Gatorade is bringing me to Australia for my first ever visit "Down Under", said Usain Bolt. "I've been using Gatorade sports drinks since 2008 and I am really honoured that they have now named their latest product after me."

As part of the Gatorade Bolt launch, Usain will be attending the Competitive Edge Athletic All Stars meet in Sydney, which will feature the highly anticipated 'Gatorade Bolt: the quest for the fastest man in football'. Usain will also take part in a celebrity 4x100m fun relay, anchoring one lucky team on the final leg of the fun run.

Fastest Men

"During my time in Australia, I'll be working with the fastest men in football to make sure they have the best chance of competing to their full potential in the Gatorade Bolt," said Usain. "As well as a few tips on how to use starting blocks and pace themselves. I'll be sharing my advice on hydration and giving them a couple of bottles of Gatorade Bolt to make sure they get their hydration right!".

Both globally and within Australia, Gatorade works with leading sports and science associations to deliver effective sports drinks to athletes competing at every level. In Australia, the entire Gatorade range, including Gatorade Bolt Lemon Ice, is used and endorsed by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) and Sports Dietitians Australia (SDA).

Kim McConnie, Marketing Director, PepsiCo Australia, saids: "As a brand with a long history of supporting both professional and amateur athletes, it has been great to work with one of the world's greatest as part of the launch of our new Gatorade Bolt Lemon Ice."


-- Edited by I-CO on Saturday 25th of September 2010 06:37:14 PM

Former Digicel Rising Star Romain Virgo.. who can now be described as one of the baddest young acts around in the reggae music and who can easily hold is own and is defiantly a force to be reckoned with. In a recent report it was stated that Mr. Virgo had expanded is fan base beyond areas where not too much Jamaican expatriates do reside..the young singer now has a gathering of fans in Alaska
According to the report the young artiste was listed amongst 30 top reggae artiste and turned up as number 17 on the list with his track called "Murderer" on a programme called 'Vibes of the Time' on Anchorage, Alaska's KRUA 88.1 FM.
The other reggae artist listed in the top 30 includes Beres Hammond, Jah Cure, Queen Ifrica, Busy Signal and Tarrus Riley.
Romain Virgo was reported as saying that, "It was surprising to know how far up north my music is being accepted; somewhere like Alaska that many of us don't even think about. It's a great feeling though. Fi real, it is."
Mr Virgo is expected to be at the Pepsi Reggae Salute, to be staged at Port Kaiser, St Elizabeth on Saturday night.

Kanye West has always been a style icon, not only because he wears only the trendiest threads, unique kicks, but now he has his own face on a watch. Not just any watch, this gold Tiret Watch with a combo of white, yellow, brown, and black diamonds is said to be worth $180,000. These diamonds all come together to form his face donned with some stunner shades, the kind that he typically wears. Usher is another artist who also enjoyed the customization of a Tiret watch.

The watch dial features two Swiss quartz chronograph movements, which means you can display two different times on the watch. The bezel is also lined with diamonds. The watch happens to Kanye's favorite accessory to wear because he has been seen a few times with it on. Check out the photos of the 18k gold watch and Kanye rocking it at various events. Also check out Usher's very own Tiret watch.

 

 

Source: Global Grind

Former NFL star Lawrence Taylor pleaded guilty Thursday to sexual misconduct and patronizing a prostitute, misdemeanor charges that carry no jail time but require him to register as a sex offender.

The 51-year-old ex-linebacker, who led the New York Giants to Super Bowl titles in 1987 and 1991, will serve six years probation.

"She told me she was 19," Taylor, standing with his hands clasped behind him, said in court as he admitted having sex with a prostitute who turned out to be a 16-year-old Bronx runaway. Taylor said he now knows the girl was legally incapable of consent.

Taylor was arrested in May at a suburban hotel.

He previously had pleaded not guilty to third-degree rape, patronizing a prostitute, sexual abuse and endangering a child. He had been resisting a plea deal for months.

Prosecutors said in December he had been offered a six-month jail term and 10 years' probation in exchange for pleading guilty to a felony. Taylor would have had to register as a sex offender. Defense attorney Arthur Aidala had called that offer unacceptable but said he would listen to any other offers.

In a related case, federal prosecutors in Manhattan filed a complaint last year against a man who is accused of acting as the girl's pimp. Court papers in that case say Taylor admitted to sex acts with the girl but said he was told the girl was 19.

Ramapo police Chief Peter Brower said after Taylor's arrest that ignorance of a minor's age is not a defense to third-degree rape.

Sentencing is March 22. That same day, state Supreme Court Justice William Kelly will determine what level of sex offender status Taylor will have.

His lawyer said he would seek to have Taylor's probation transferred to Florida, where the former player now lives.

Pizza Restaurant Owner Who Was Molested As A Child Convicted & Sentenced For Kiddie Porn...Get's Reduced Sentence From Judge

 

Federal Judge Jack Weinstein reluctantly sentenced a Brooklyn pizza maker who was the victim of sexual abuse as a child himself to five years in prison for possessing of kiddie porn.

The judge, who previously tried to sentence defendant Peter Polizzi to a year and a day, noted that he had been ordered by the U.S. Court of Appeals to hand out the mandatory sentenced.

Polizzi, the owner of a pizzeria in Bushwick and father of five children, declined to appeal the tougher sentence but went out swinging at the government.

"My childhood life was taken from me," Polizzi said. "Every single day of my life I ask myself, 'Why did this have to happen to me?'"

Polizzi, 56, testified in graphic detail at his trial how he was raped as a child in Sicly by an uncle, a family friend and two police officers.

"I'm not an abuser, I'm a victim!" he cried. "You want to put me jail, fine, but I'm not a criminal."

The jury rejected Polizzi's insanity defense built upon the argument that he was searching for himself among the sexually abused children he voraciously viewed on his home computer.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Bode accused Polizzi of crying crocodile tears for his sorry self. "He's hiding behind real victims of sex abuse," Bode said. "Mr. Polizzi should be ashamed of himself."

The prosecutor noted that Mr. Polizzi wouldn't find himself among the many images of "little girls" he trolled through in his monthly purchases of the illegal porn.

Polizzi's wife Anna, who is suffering from cancer, thanked Weinstein for understanding that "not everything is black and white.

The judge got in one last poke at the feds, though -- he allowed Polizzi to self-surrender to prison over the prosecutor's objection.

Aretha Franklin is on the mend and she's setting the record straight about her December health scare. Sort of.

Though the Queen of Soul declines to get into the specifics of the problem, she wants to make one thing clear: "I dont know where 'pancreatic cancer' came from," the Grammy winner, 68, told Access Hollywood in a Thursday interview. "I was sitting there reading the newspaper and it was saying someone in my family said that. No one in my family ever said that to anybody."

What she will reveal, however, is that she sought treatment after experiencing a pain in her side that "was so hard it almost brought me to my knees."

And following a successful procedure, Franklin is back and better than ever.

"[My doctor] said, 'The surgery that you just had is going to add 15 to 20 more years to your life," she said, adding that she's slimmed "down to a rockin' [size] 16-18. Its getting better every day. I plan on keeping this weight that I have now -- Im so happy with it."

The singer is also thrilled with the level of R-E-S-P-E-C-T she received from fans during her recovery -- including President Barack Obama.

"I got a wonderful and beautiful letter from the President," she said. "And nobody does it like him!"

A new campaign to prevent teen pregnancies has been launched in Memphis in response to a huge spike in expectant mothers at one area high school.

According to recent statistics, 86 students at Frayser High School are pregnant or have given birth in the last year, myfoxmemphis.com reported.

The new campaign called No Baby! is designed to educate both teenage girls and boys about how to prevent and deal with unplanned pregnancies. The program is also tailored to give girls the confidence to just say no to sex.

"Right now, these girls don't know how to say no, they're having sex when they don't want to, they just don't know how to say no," Deborah Hester Harrison with Girls Inc., which is a nonprofit group, told the news station.

Another concern for these young mothers is the lack of prenatal care.

A lot of these girls aren't developmentally ready to be really effective parents, and that affects the child's development, Marc Goodman-Bryan with the Urban Child Institute said.

Dr. Manny Alvarez, senior managing health editor of FoxNews.com and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Science at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey agrees and said those issues are just the beginning.

Teen pregnancies are high risk. For some of these girls, the risk factors include premature delivery, pregnancy-induced hypertension and many times, you have a higher incidence of Caesarean sections due to cephalopelvic disproportion, which happens when a the fetus is too large to fit through the pelvis.

Last month, U.S. health officials released new government figures for 2009 showing 39 births per 1,000 girls, ages 15 through 19 the lowest rate since records have been kept on this issue Yet, the sobering context is that the teen pregnancy rate is far lower in many other countries.

The most convincing explanation is that contraceptive use is much higher among teens in most Western European countries.

Harrison said the teen pregnancy rate for Memphis fluctuates between 15 and 20 percent, which is almost twice the national average.

In the schools zip code the pregnancy rate is about 26 percent.

"We're looking at ways to combat it, and we're trying to combat it in the area where the need is the greatest," Harrison said.

In addition to the No Baby! campaign, Memphis school officials are also looking at ways to combat this problem by hiring new social workers, putting new programs in place, as well as providing support for teenage moms.

Its upsetting that we continue to see the rates of teen pregnancy ticking up in certain areas, Alvarez said. I think we really need to focus on education thats really the key.

Schools Chancellor Cathie Black joked that there's a simple solution to overcrowding in lower Manhattan - birth control.

"Could we just have some birth control for a while?" Black said Thursday night. "It would really help us."

Black earned chuckles for the joke at an overcrowding task force meeting, but downtown parents say the growing population of youngsters is no laughing matter.

"I always cringe when I hear that. Joel Klein said it a couple of years ago as well," said Public School 234 parent Tricia Joyce. "I understand the temptation to joke about it. But our situation isn't funny any more."

The problem, parents and advocates charge, is that the city offered incentives to developers to build without also increasing school seats.

Joyce was also upset that Black compared weighing the needs of different schools to the movie "Sophie's Choice."

"As we all know, one child dies (in the movie). This isn't optional," Joyce added. "We have a right to a public school seat."

Meanwhile, Mayor *la*hmberg on a Friday radio appearance defended Black's choice to attend a press conference on the snow instead of going on a scheduled visit to a Staten Island school.

"I thought it was important that she be there to answer questions, which she did, about school closings. So, sorry, but we will reschedule."

Days of devastating mudslides and floods have killed at least 335 people in a mountainous area near Rio de Janeiro.
Rescue operations in the area north of Rio known as the Serrana were suspended because of darkness and dangerous conditions after at least three firemen were killed when they were buried by tonnes of mud.

The full extent of the devastation was unknown because communications and access to the stricken zone were made difficult after roads and bridges were destroyed and telephone services cut.

Officials said the disaster was the worst ever to befall the Serrana, once a getaway for 19th century Brazilian nobility and now a tourist spot for Rio residents.

At least as much rain water as the region usually sees in two or three weeks hit the Serrana before dawn on Wednesday as residents were sleeping.

The downpour triggered mudslides and caused rivers to overflow, carrying away cars, homes and people. Meteorologists blamed the extraordinary rainfall on a cold front that intensified the already heavy wet season.

That cold front moved through Sao Paulo earlier, leaving at least 13 deaths in its wake, before moving on to Rio de Janeiro state. More rain is forecast.

There are fears the toll could climb still further when rescue workers reach remote hamlets.

The Brazilian government has released US$420 million (HK$3.27 billion) in emergency aid to help the region.

The health ministry announced it is also sending seven tonnes of medicine including antibiotics, *la*hd pressure remedies, masks and syringes - enough to last 45,000 people one month.

Professor Helen Sang: "Not only could we use this approach to tackle bird flu but other diseases"

UK scientists have created the world's first genetically modified chickens that do not spread bird flu.

Writing in Science journal, the team says their work
demonstrates it is possible to create a variety of GM farm animals
resistant to viral diseases.

The research team inserted an artificial gene into chickens;

this introduces a tiny part of the bird flu virus into chicken cells.

These birds become infected but render the virus harmless to other poultry.

The team believes that the genetic modification they have
introduced is harmless to the chickens and to people who might eat the
birds.

Professor Helen Sang of Edinburgh University told BBC News

that genetic modification is potentially a much better way of protecting
against diseases than vaccination because the GM technique works even
if the virus mutates.

"It will protect a whole flock from avian influenza

infection. This is really exciting because bird flu is a real challenge
to poultry production and if it were introduced to poultry breeding it
would protect our large scale production flocks from avian inlfuenza,"
said Professor Sang.                        

FOR MORE INFO(VIDEO) VISIT

WORLDS 1ST FLU RESISTANT CHICKEN


-- Edited by {*~*Fra$s*GeNiuS*~*} on Friday 14th of January 2011 11:33:51 AM

Should This Be The End Of Corporal Punishment In Schools?

 

A belt buckle on the end of a strap wielded by a fifth-grade teacher, forever changed the lives of 11-year-old Tajoery Small and his mother Carlene Clarke.

One fateful December morning in 2009, the teacher a member of staff at the New Providence Primary School in St Andrew who had grown frustrated with another student's behaviour, delivered a blow to the unruly child which somehow struck Tajoery's left eye as he sat on the bench the two children shared.

The accident severely damaged the young boy's cornea and lens, requiring extensive surgery at the Bustamante Hospital for Children in St Andrew. Still Tajoery lost his vision in that eye.

The outcome shattered his world and devastated his mother, who has struggled to pay for his medication and the countless trips to and from clinical and counselling sessions. She said to date, she had spent more than $300,000.

The heavy expenses, however, are secondary to the sleepless nights Clarke endures, attending to her son who is often wracked with pain, she related in an interview with the Sunday Observer last week. The cost is also minute in comparison to the contempt she feels for the teacher, who she said had not been punished in any substantial way for the incident.

"Tajoery cries constantly because of the pain. Sometimes he says 'mommy take out the eye nuh, weh mi agguh do? It a hurt me'," she continued, adding that she had to stop him from wearing prescribed eyeglasses, which he said made his eyes hurt "like they were on fire."

"And what hurts me more than anything is that this teacher is still at the school teaching, still getting a salary, and my child is here suffering because of her," she lamented as she fought back tears.

"When I heard about the extent of the damage to my child's eye, the way I feel, the neglect, everything, and to think that nothing is happening, to be honest, I just feel like I wanted to fight," she grieved, adding that she had to be the one to report the incident to the Ministry of Education.

 

"A referral letter from the Ophthalmology Department at the Bustamante Children's Hospital reported that he (Tajoery) had suffered a left corneal laceration with rupture of the left lens..."

"Examination at the University of the West Indies Eye Clinic revealed visual acuity of 20/20 in the right eye, and 20/200 in the affected left eye." read the letter.

In layman's terms, someone with 20/200 vision would have to come up to 20 feet to see a letter that a person with normal vision could see at 200 feet.

Another letter, dated December 9, 2010, written by consultant ophthalmologist Dr Donovan Calder, also one of Tajoery's doctors, concurred.

"He (Tajoery) was assessed as having a left corneal scar... This corneal scar is permanent and he will need to be fitted with either contact lens or have a secondary intraocular lens implanted." said Calder in the statement.

"As a result of this injury, his vision in his left eye will be permanently impaired, although it can be improved significantly (with surgery)... Tajoery would have experienced a considerable amount of pain at the time of the injury and would have been absent from school for several weeks," the letter continued, adding that the child's medical history showed that his vision was fine before the accident.

Clarke has since contacted the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and has secured a February 11, appointment for consultation. However, the corneal transplant Tajoery will need is estimated to cost some US$20,000, and Clarke said she does not know how to find the first dollar.

Her fears deepen as the appointment date draws closer.

Olga Clarke, principal at New Providence Primary School confirmed that the teacher responsible for the accident is still teaching at the institution. She said that aside from a warning letter from the school, no sanctions have been made against her.

While she noted that the school generally conformed with the education ministry's policy that corporal punishment should not be practised in schools, she acknowledged that: "It is just an unfortunate incident, but normally when you punish, you don't do it to abuse or to cause any injury," she said, adding that the accused teacher has been working at the institution for many years.

Clarke said strict warnings had been given to other teachers to prevent such an incident from reoccurring, but confessed: "I can't be in all the classrooms all the time. But I try to ensure that they don't do it."

While corporal punishment is not illegal, Minister of Education Andrew Holness reiterated his stance against it, while explaining that he was unable to speak about the legal aspects of Tajoery's case.

"The ministry has articulated a policy against corporal punishment precisely for the reason of what happened to young Tajoery. His eye cannot be replaced, and there is no form of indiscipline that could justify the blinding of the child, albeit accidentally," he said.

Breaking News!! Sudden Return Of Baby Doc Duvalier To Haiti....What Does his Return Mean for A Country Already In Turmoil?

The link below gives a comprehensive chronological account of 20th century atrocities in Haiti.

http://www.massviolence.org/Massacres-perpetrated-in-the-20th-Centu...

 

...............................................................................................................................................

 

Haiti's election mess turned explosive Sunday when ex-dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier unexpectedly arrived in Port-au-Prince after 25 years in exile.

Photos posted on Twitter showed Duvalier, 59, walking off an Air France plane with his companion, Veronique Roy, to be greeted by supporters.

It was his first visit to Haiti since he was deposed by a popular uprising in 1986.

Agence France-Presse reported he was met by a delegation of former officials who had served as his cabinet ministers 25 years ago.

Duvalier's intentions for returning were unclear. Some feared he would try to seize power.

He told the press at the airport that he came back "to help."

 

Port-au-Prince erupted in a frenzy of rumors and ringing phones.

Haiti is in the middle of a major political crisis over disputed presidential elections.

President Rene Preval is resisting international pressure to remove his handpicked candidate from a runoff that many consider rigged.

Duvalier, who ruled Haiti after the 1971 death of his authoritarian father, Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier, had been living in exile in France.

In 2007, he asked the Haitian people to forgive him for the "errors committed during his reign" and suggested to supporters he might return.

Preval said then that if Duvalier did return to Haiti, he would face trial.

Duvalier arrived three days after the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake that leveled Port-au-Prince.

Haitian authorities say Duvalier siphoned $100 million from the hemisphere's poorest nation.

Dozens of Haitians were killed in the riots that ousted him.

 

WITH THIRTY-FIVE cases of ackee poisoning recorded in the country between December 1, 2010, and Wednesday, January 12, this year, the Ministry of Health has placed the country on high alert when consuming the national fruit.

The ministry yesterday said all the incidents of ackee poisoning had been from ackees cooked at home. It said no case of ackee poisoning had resulted from the consumption of the tinned product.

The Outbreak Response Team of the ministry has been called out by Minister of Health Rudyard Spencer to discuss and plan measures to strengthen the programme of public education.

The public has also been warned against eating unfit and unopened ackees.

In a media release yesterday, Spencer said special attention should be paid to ensure that only fit and well-opened ackees are used by householders.

"It cannot be said too often that ackee should be allowed to open naturally and fully on the tree before it is picked and eaten or sold," Spencer said.

He added: "They should not be opened by force, or by using a knife or any other implement. The water that is used to boil the ackee should be discarded immediately, and should not be ingested or reused for cooking other foods such as ground provisions and rice."

Ackee, Jamaica's national fruit, if not properly ripened, contains high levels of a toxin called hypoglycin, which can potentially lead to death if consumed.

Carnival celebrations in the Caribbean are the best parties in the world and come from a long and honored tradition. Carnival originated in Italy hundreds of years ago when Catholic Church members participated in costumed festivals before the first day of Lent. The word carnivale originates from a Latin phrase that means put away the meat, indicating that Lent is a time of fasting and sacrifice of material pleasures. Carnival festivals were meant to give the people one last wild fling before the sobering time of reflection and atonement represented by Lent. The practice spread across all the Catholic countries of Europe, and when the French, Spanish, and Portuguese traveled to the Americas, their beliefs and celebrations, including Carnival, came with them.

In the Caribbean, Carnival traditions were combined with African festivals. The importation of slaves and the high numbers of indentured laborers brought from Africa to work on plantations had a strong influence on Carnival celebrations. Plantations owners hosted lavish parties, while slaves had their own celebrations nearby.

The ancient African traditions of holding parades and dressing up in costumes and masks before circling through villages were widely adopted. It was believed that these actions would bring good luck, healing, and appeasement of relatives who had passed into the next world. African influences on Carnival in the Caribbean are also shown in the materials used to create masks and costumes. Feathers, which represent the ability of human beings to rise above their problems, are often incorporated in African masks, for example. Other aspects of African influence are felt in the music and dance moves popular in Carnival. Today, Carnival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in virtually all the countries of the Caribbean.

Travelers who plan to enjoy Carnival festivals in the Caribbean have been warned by Hugh Riley, secretary-general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, that Caribbean music is highly infectious and can lead the body to stretch muscles that wouldnt ordinarily be used. Expect to be lured into a music-infused costumed-covered trance that is addictive and hard to resist, he says.

Tourists have many options for participating in Caribbean Carnival celebrations, and although the overall experience is similar wherever they go, the unique flavor of each Caribbean country will shine through.

Calypso Carnival in Montserrat

Festivities on Montserrat include calypso contests and party-goers following trucks throughout the community as they broadcast musical selections for the enjoyment of all. Known as The Festival on the island, two special activities feature the Soca Monarch on December 22 and a concert with soca stars Edwin Yearwood and Burning Flames on December 28. See www.montserratfestival.com for more information.

Party in the U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands each have their own fabulous party happenings. St. Croix starts things off with the Crucian Christmas festival, which runs now through January 8. Food, artisan exhibits, and music are on view in St. Croix, with the jouvert a favorite with the crowds. This celebration features many bands that play on flatbed trucks and roll through the town, attracting participants to dance in the street. Chantal Figueroa, the islands deputy commissioner of tourism, says she has participated since she was eight years old. During the month-long celebration, we eat traditional dishes to delight our bellies and then wash it all down with old-time drinks, she says. Visit  www.stxfestival.com for more information.

The biggest party of the year is held in St. Thomas in April, and in St. John, a family-friendly celebration is held on July 4.

On St. Kitts, Happiness is a Street Parade

The Carnival festival in St. Kitts runs from December 17 through January 2. It features dancers in extravagant costumes, Mocko-Jumbies, dancers on eight-foot stilts, wild calypso gyrations, and the presentation of the comedy The Bull. In St. Kitts capital city of Basseterre, Festival Village is not to be missed on December 26. On New Years Day, theres an exciting parade and on January 2, the Last Lap Jam is a favorite tradition on the island. Visitors are enthusiastically welcome and can even participate in the Grand Parade, says Sen. Ricky Skerritt, minister of tourism. Skerritt says he is very fond of the street parades and has been actively participating in them since he was a teenager. For more information, visit www.stkittsneviscarnival.com

Bahamian Boogie Nights and Days

At midnight on December 26, a midnight blast from a shotgun signals the start of the Bahamas Carnival as the Junkanoo, a street parade featuring music, begins in Nassau. The Junkanoo takes its name either from the African tribal chief called John Canoe, or the French phrase linconnu, which means unknown people, and refers to the fanciful masks that are trademarks of the parade.

Junkanoo is an exciting way of becoming intimately acquainted with what it means to be Bahamian, says Sen. Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, the islands tourism minister. It is truly one of the great performance art traditions of our country.

There is a new museum on Nassaus waterfront that showcases costumes worn in Junkanoo. It is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information, visit www.bahamas.com.

The Out Islands have their own Carnival festivities as well.

Rocking in Aruba

From New Years Day through March 8, Aruba offers its most mind-blowing celebration of the year. Homes on the island become factories that turn out costumes for women of all ages as they ready themselves for the Carnival Queen Competitions. Featured on Aruba at jump-ups that get the crowds in the mood, while marchers parade with pride and sing their songs with gusto. The Lighting Parade on February 26 is a magical scene as costumes glow with tiny lights all along the parade route and shine cheerily in the night.

Tourist Night is held at Paseo Herencia on March 1 and features a wide variety of steel bands. The Grand Parade in Organjestad is scheduled for March 6. This is the longest parade in the islands. It is a once-in-a-lifetime sight, with islanders decked out in sequins and other extravagant regalia. The Old Mask Parade on March 8 follows the Dutch Caribbean tradition of burning King Momo in effigy to signal the beginning of a new year.

Find more information at www.carnavalaruba.net

Carnival in Curacao

In Curacao, Carnival lasts from January 8 to March 8, the liveliest period of the year on the island as it celebrates with pre-season parties and the African-Caribbean music of Tumba from January 31 to February 4. Several parades make the festivities in Curacao memorable. There is the Horse Parade on February 20, the Childrens Parade on February 27, and the Teen Parade on March 4. Everyone gets into the act! The signature non-stop shimmy of the Gran Marcha is featured on March 6, while the Farewell Parade on March 8 ends with the burning of King Momo after night falls.

Andre Rojer of Curacaos Tourist Board notes, that since Carnival is such a celebratory time, we like to say that babies born in November are Carnival babies.

For more information, visit www.Curacaocarnival.info.

Jamaica Be Jammin

Bacchanal heats up the island of Jamaica beginning with street marches on February 1 and continuing through May 1. The parades wind through the streets of Kingston and on the Hip Strip in Montego Bay. The celebration here is friendly local affair, but tourists are very welcome to all Carnival events. These include Bacchanal Fridays, the Beach Jouvert on April 23, Soca at De Sandbar on April 27, and Bacchanal Jouvert on April 29.

Visit www.bacchanaljamaica.com for more information

Carnival in Tempting Trinidad

In Trinidad, the Carnival is considered the best party on Earth. It runs from March 5 to March 8 and attracts serious party-goers from around the world. Hotel rooms and plane tickets are booked far in advance as fans flock to watch as parade participants, decked out in flamboyant costumes that can reach 30 feet in height, dance to the music of steel drum bands. Revelers in Trinidad take pleasure covering their bodies with oil, grease, chocolate, and mud as part of the sacred traditions of Carnival Monday and Tuesday on March 7 and 8.

For serious fans of Carnival willing to pay fees starting at $500, its possible to join a band. The fee buys a costume, food, and drinks for two entire days of wild and reckless partying on the island. Visitors select a band with a style that suits them and can choose between the Way of the Warrior in the Tribe Band, the largest group. It signs up over 4,000 people every year and has its own website at www.carnivaltribe.com. There is also the Planet Rock style of the Harts Band that many fans find appealing. Visit the website at www.hartscarnival.com.

For general information about Trinidads Carnival celebration, see www.goTrinidadandTobago.com.

(AP) PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) - MacKendy Francois lost a leg in Haiti's Jan. 12 earthquake, one of thousands whose limbs were amputated so they could be extricated from the rubble or to stop a dangerous infection.

The 23-year-old is one of the lucky few who have found an unlikely outlet in amputee soccer, a physically demanding sport that advocates for the disabled hope will create new opportunities for Haitians who have lost limbs and are now struggling to survive.

Francois, who previously worked in a factory that was destroyed in the earthquake, now plays defense for the Haiti Men's Amputee National Team, which was set up with the aid of the International Institute of Sport, based in Arlington, Texas, in the aftermath of the disaster.

"It is something I love and God created this possibility for me," he said before a match Monday against Zaryen, another team formed after the earthquake, at the national stadium. "He created something for me to live for right now."

The exhibition match against Zaryen was held to mark this week's anniversary of the earthquake, which left much of the capital in ruins and killed an estimated 300,000 people, according to the Haitian government. The national team won the match 1-0.

Amputee soccer is fierce, requiring enormous strength and balance. The players lunge onto the field, each with one leg pumping furiously toward the ball, their crutches skittering over the artificial turf. Powerful kicks often send the men crashing to the ground, but they jump up quickly and head down field.

"These guys are extremely physical," said Chris Campasano, managing partner of Phoenix Pro Soccer who helped organize the national team. "Other than the loss of the leg, they give 110 percent and are extremely strong and physical guys."

The American Amputee Soccer Association says the game has been around since 1980 and is a thriving international sport with a world cup held every two years. Uzbekistan won the world cup for a second time in a row last year against Argentina in an event held in the South American country.

The rules of the game differ slightly to those of traditional soccer: Each team has seven men on the field and games have two-25 minute halves. Goalkeepers must have two legs, while outfielders run with crutches. Prosthetic limbs are not allowed during play.

 

There were thousands of amputees in Haiti before the earthquake, many barely getting by in an impoverished country where disabilities have long been a social stigma and few have access to physical therapy. The quake created as many as 4,000 more amputees, but also brought aid from around the world.

One of those who came to help was Fred Sorrell, president of the International Institute of Sport, who started the effort to create a national team - not such a hard task in a country where soccer, or football rather, is a beloved sport.

They eventually recruited 15 players for the national team, including three who lost limbs in the quake and sent a team to the world cup this year in Argentina but didn't win any matches.

Though the Haitian team lost all its games in the tournament, the coaches said they exceeded expectations, given the team had only been formed 35 days prior to the world cup, and had never played a competitive game.

More importantly, the organization are the physical benefits and emotional support for the players. Sorrell said he also hopes to eventually raise enough money for a rehabilitation center that will provide physical therapy and educational training for amputees.

Crystal Harrison, STAR Writer

The streets of Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, are buzzing with popular talk about two females who were caught red-handed in heated sex in the parking lot of a shopping mall recently.

The incident is said to have happened about 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

THE WEEKEND STAR understands that the two women, one wearing a strap-on dildo, were spotted at the root of a tree by two security officers.

Interestingly, the security officer who first saw what was taking place quickly alerted his other colleague to see the two lovers holding on to the tree.

When THE WEEKEND STAR visited the same morning after hearing about the incident, we were informed that due to the time of the day when the incident happened not many persons knew about it at first. It was said, however, that news started to spread quite quickly after that.

Mi watch dem

"You would think is a man a sort out di girl, me can't believe weh mi see because only on cable I see these things," one of the security guards who witnessed the action said. "Mi watch dem for about 45 minutes before mi walk down towards them and seh a my time now and as mi seh dat, a same time di man one push in the dildo in her pants like a living man."

Another security guard said that he had to try his luck at the Cash Pot betting game, as he thought he was getting a supernatural sign that he would have won some money.

"Me buy Cash Pot until mi weak. Mi buy number two fi lesbian, and number 20 for disgrace. Di two girl dem nuh shame because after we approach dem fi a piece of the action and dem jus walk off as if nothing never happen," he said.

He further stated they were having rough sex. "Mi want to know a weh di two of dem a come from so early in the morning. Mi did have to laugh."

One man who also spoke with THE WEEKEND STAR said that he heard that one of the female lovers was very attractive. "Mi hear seh dat one of di woman dem look like living man, dress like man and her hair trim like man but mi also hear that the girlie one sexy like hell and she did have on a sexy piece of shorts."

While on location, we received mixed reaction from men who were chatting about the incident. All of them, however, said that they would have loved to have seen what took place or were disappointed that the security guards didn't tape the action.

Aidonia and Black Ryno teams up under the influence of a close associate and has nothing to do with an attempt to derail the Jamaican Dancehall Music affiliated Gaza Camp? This is after the three day threat/warning that seem to have gone by unrecognized by Vybz Kartel. Kartel should have responded to Aidonia! Now it has reached a the stage where Diddi is manufacturing his musical artillery perhaps with some help from the one time lieutenant and former right hand man of Micheal "Cake Soap" Jackson aka Vybz Kartel.... Blak Ryno.
It was seen during Sting 2010 stage show that Kiprich used the same technique by drawing for Black Ryno. This makes perfect sense because Ryno would have the inside material, the inside dirt to spill which can be used to reduce the current Portmore Empire squad to a ruble.
Check out one of Aidonia latest piece of music to put a dent on the popularity of Vybz Kartel and his crew.

SO THIS MEMBER.....


SEEMS TO HAVE SOME SMART-A.SS COMMENT TO MEK...AND MI A PREE HIM DUTTY WAYS FROM LONG TIME

EVERY MAN HAVE DEM OWN OPINION...BUT IF EVERYTHING U DO...IS A PROBLEM TO PPL...........I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO CALL IT BUT BADMIND...NUH TRUE

MI POST WHAT ME FEEL LIKE POST...I PUT IN MY TIME AND EFFORT TO DO WHAT I DO......I DONT SEE THEM DOING THE SAME THING.....

SO UNTIL DEN........GO FOCK UR SELF AND GUH NYAM OUT THAT HOLE U CAME THROUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOOK HERE

I POSTED GOOD TYMEZ RIDDIM ZEEN.........THIS IS WHAT HE SAYS

revenge

says
gamepun, u serious wit ur password ting? grow up!


says
dont take u too serious, u will have stolen this riddim from a other ite too loool bless up

I POSTED JUNIOUR GONG COMPILATION

revenge
says
stop doin ur own albums kid

1. Taylor Swift, Speak Now, 52,000. The album holds at #1 for the sixth week. This is its 11th week in the top 10. Two songs from the album are listed on Hot Digital Songs. "Back To December" dips from #26 to #28. "Mine" drops from #35 to #56.

2. Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday, 39,000. The album jumps from #4 to #2 in its seventh week. It has been in the top 10 the whole time. Four songs from the album are listed on Hot Digital Songs, topped by "Moment 4 Life," which jumps from #90 to #54.

3. Bruno Mars, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, 38,000. The album jumps from #7 to #3 in its 14th week. This matches its highest position to date. This is its third week in the top 10. Three songs from the album are listed on Hot Digital Songs, topped by "Grenade," which holds at #1 for the fourth week.

4. Daft Punk, Tron: Legacy soundtrack, 34,000. The album jumps from #6 to #4 in its fifth week. This is its highest ranking to date. This is its third week in the top 10. "Derezzed" drops from #139 to #164 on Hot Digital Songs.

5. Eminem, Recovery, 33,000. The former #1 album drops from #2 to #5 in its 29th week. This is its 23rd week in the top 10. Four songs from the album are listed on Hot Digital Songs, topped by "No Love," which dips from #40 to #41.

6. Rihanna, Loud, 33,000. The album drops from #3 to #6 in its eighth week. This is its seventh week in the top 10. (It's #1 in the U.K. for the second straight week.) Three songs from the album are listed on Hot Digital Songs, topped by "What's My Name?" (featuring Drake), which dips from #6 to #9.

7. Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, 33,000. The former #1 album drops from #5 to #7 in its seventh week. This is its fourth week in the top 10. Three songs from the album are listed on Hot Digital Songs, topped by "Runaway" (featuring Pusha T), which drops rom #89 to #105.

8. Mumford & Sons, Sigh No More, 31,000. The album holds at #8 in its 42nd week. This is its second week in the top 10. Two songs from the album are listed on Hot Digital Songs. "Little Lion Man" jumps from #72 to #70. "Cave" jumps from #192 to #136.

9. Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party, 29,000. The album rebounds from #13 to #9 in its 10th week. This is its third week in the top 10. Two songs from the album are listed on Hot Digital Songs. "Don't You Wanna Stay" (featuring Kelly Clarkson) jumps from #57 to #40. "My Kinda Party" drops from #50 to #57.

10. Various Artists, Country Strong soundtrack, 28,000. The soundtrack vaults from #149 to #10 in its fifth week. This is its first week in the top 10. Three songs from the album are listed on Hot Digital Songs, topped by Gwyneth Paltrow's "Country Strong," which re-enters at #72.

 

Two of the albums in this week's top 10, Tron: Legacy and Mumford & Sons' Sigh No More, have sold more digital than physical copies over the course of their runs. Here are the albums in this week's top 10, ranked by which have sold the most digital copies as a percentage of their total sales to date: Tron: Legacy (62%), Sigh No More (55%), Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (42%), Country Strong (37%), Bruno Mars' Doo-Wops & Hooligans (34%), Eminem's Recovery (25%), Rihanna's Loud (24%), Taylor Swift's Speak Now (17%), Jason Aldean's My Kinda Party (17%) and Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday (15%).

I have good and bad news for Katy Perry. Good news first: Her album Teenage Dream tops the 1 million mark in its 20th week of release. (That's a big improvement over Perry's previous album, One Of The Boys, which took 48 weeks to top the 1 million mark.) Now the bad news: The album drops out of the top 10, dipping from #9 to #11. Keyshia Cole's Calling All Hearts also exits the top 10, dropping from #10 to #23.

Lady Antebellum's Merry Little Christmas vaults from #70 to #12 as retailers cut prices to dump their Christmas inventory. This is the EP's highest ranking to date. The EP peaked at #17 when it was released last fall. The country trio's Need You Now rebounds from #30 to #18 in its 50th week.

The Black Keys' Brothers jumps from #26 to #14 in its 34th week. This is the album's highest ranking since May. The duo performed on Saturday Night Live last weekend. The album is a Grammy nominee for Best Alternative Music Album.

An eponymous album by Kari Jobe, a female Contemporary Christian singer, sold 7,000 copies last week, putting it at #1 on Top Catalog Albums. Kari Jobe is the first non-Christmas album to top the chart since The Beatles/1967-1970, which scored in October. The album jumps from #81 to #63 on The Billboard 200, which is higher than it peaked (#67) when it was first released in 2009.

The Coen Brothers' remake of True Grit was #1 at the box-office over the weekend. Carter Burwell's score soundtrack sold about 1,000 copies, too few to make The Billboard 200. The soundtrack to the 1969 movie, which featured a Top 40 hit performed by the movie's co-star, Glen Campbell, reached #77.

Coming Attractions: Cake's Showroom Of Compassion and Cage The Elephant's Thank You Happy Birthday are both expected to debut in the top 10 next week, with sales in the 30K to 40K range. The country duo Steel Magnolia is looking good for a top 15 bow with its eponymous debut album.

 

Via: Yahoo

50 Cent 50 Cent may be $8.7 million richer after encouraging his Twitter followers to invest in a money-losing penny stock, but now 50 cent may be in big trouble with the Security Exchange Commission. There are very strict guidelines as to what a person can do in terms of possibly manipulating the value of a stock, financial expert and 60-Minute Money Workout author Ellie Kay tells FOX411. I dont think it would be a huge surprise to anyone if 50 Cent were investigated for what he did. On the SECs web site, a list for common violations that could lead the government agency to conduct an investigation include manipulating the market prices of securities.

Kartels Skin Bleaching is a topic that is quite pertinent right now. If you were following dancehall from the early noughties youll remember Kartel as a Dark-skinned black man, even up to two three years ago he was quite dark. During their rivalry Mavado and others were accusing Kartel of bleaching, a notable example the stinging Nuh Bleach Wid Cream diss song from Mavado. At this time Kartel denied the claims Yuh Bleachin Argument Stale Out he stated on Weh Dat Fah. An old song Wah di bleaching Fah recently leaked by Kartel even criticizes bleachers. However two years later his increasing levels of success seems to correlate with the lightening shade of his skin! There is no dispute he is doing something whether it be bleach or this supposed Cake Soap fad. Unless youre visually impaired it is plain as day and he is now extremely vocal about his skin whitening exploits in numerous songs and interviews.

Liverpool sack Hodgson, Dalglish takes charge

Liverpool today confirmed that manager Roy Hodgson has left the club by mutual consent. Hodgson had been under huge pressure following poor results this season and the decision came as no surprise with the club 12th in the Barclays Premier League, just four points above the relegation zone.

Kenny Dalglish will take control of team matters for tomorrow's third round FA Cup tie with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

In a statement on the club's website, principal owner John Henry said: "We are grateful for Roy's efforts over the past six months, but both parties thought it in the best interests of the club that he stand down from his position as team manager.

"We wish him all the best for the future."

Hodgson added: "Being asked to manage Liverpool football club was a great privilege.

"Any manager would be honoured to manage a club with such an incredible history, such embedded tradition and such an amazing set of fans.

"Liverpool is one of the great clubs in world football. I have, however, found the last few months some of the most challenging of my career.

"I am very sad not to have been able to put my stamp on the squad, to be given the time to bring new players into the club in this transfer window and to have been able to be part of the rebuilding process at Liverpool.

"The club has some great, world-class players, with whom it has been a pleasure to work and I wish the entire squad well for the rest of the season.

"I thank those with whom I have built up a close working relationship at the club for their loyalty and support during very testing times, and finally of course to the Liverpool fans, your passion and dedication to the club will see Liverpool at the top of the game once more."

Speaking about the decision to put Dalglish in charge of the team for the rest of the season, Henry added: "We are delighted that Kenny Dalglish has agreed to step in and manage the team for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Old Trafford and for the remainder of the season.

"Kenny was not just a legendary footballer, he was the third of our three most successful managers - three giants. We are extraordinarily fortunate and grateful that he has decided to step in during the middle of this season."

Chairman Tom Werner said: "No one who cares for this great club has been happy with the way this season has unfolded and we have examined options and considered at length what is best for us going forward.

"Kenny will bring considerable experience to the position and provide management and leadership for the rest of the season."

Hodgson was named Liverpool boss on July 1 last year, signing a three-year contract and looking to translate his success at Fulham onto a bigger stage.

But despite victories in the early stages of the Europa League, domestic results failed to live up to expectations, most memorably with a Carling Cup exit to League Two Northampton at Anfield.

The Reds even found themselves in the bottom three of the league with a 2-1 home defeat to promoted Blackpool, the first time since September 1964 they had ended a round of top-flight fixtures in such a position.

A run of three straight league wins, including over Chelsea at Anfield, eased the pressure, but Hodgson was forced to apologise to the club's fans for saying he "had never had the famous Anfield support" since taking over.

Those comments came after another home defeat, this time to bottom side Wolves, and the final straw came with Wednesday's 3-1 loss at Blackburn.

Source: Mirror Football