By: Elizabeth Smith
Photography By: Milton Raynor

As we swing into the "Silly Season" - rightly labelled for its overwhelming busyness, reggae music lovers are advised to pull out their calendars as there are hosts of fun having possibilities right across Jamaica and of course the reggae world. Kingston is riddled with cars and people at this time and at the 'Welcome To Jamrock' launch it was announced that there will be plenty parking for patrons attending the show this year.

The night of December 21, 2007 will be a scorcher, when Bentspear Entertainment presents the 3rd staging of Welcome To Jamrock at the Constant Spring Football Club.

Held at the Jonkanoo Lounge at New Kingston's Hilton Hotel, the press launch had a unique twist with sponsors, Appleton, Kingston Beer, Ocean Spray, Air Jamaica and The Gleaner contributing to gift packages for early attendees. Press and industry folk, packed the place to get their earful on the excitement in the making.

Top artists, including international megastar, Taurus Riley and Etana the strong one are slated to perform and audiences are in high anticipation of a 14 year old singing sensation Jevaughn Genius who is guaranteed to mesmerise.

All attending this year's 'Welcome To Jamrock' are being asked to bring a non perishable item that will be pooled together for distribution to those less fortunate.

What in the world is happening... Yardflex came across this story on mtv.com An unknown, armed man went into presidential-hopeful Senator Hillary Clinton's campaign office in Rochester, New Hampshire, on Friday afternoon (November 30), with what appeared to be a bomb strapped to his chest, according to CNN. Two campaign workers are reportedly being held hostage inside Clinton's office, and police snipers and cruisers have surrounded the premises in an attempt to negotiate with the man, who is described as in his 40s. Clinton is currently in the Washington, D.C., area. "We are in close contact with state and local authorities and are acting at their direction," Clinton said in a statement, according to The Associated Press. "We will release additional details as appropriate."

CNN reports that police were called to the office at about 1 p.m. and surrounded the offices by 2 p.m. A woman and her baby were said to have been released by the hostage-taker, and one witness, Lettie Tzizik, told the news outlet she had spoken with the woman soon after she was released and fled for cover in a nearby store.

A young woman with a 6-month- or 8-month-old infant came rushing into the store just in tears, and she said, "You need to call 911," Tzizik said. "A man has just walked into the Clinton office, opened his coat and showed us a bomb strapped to his chest with duct tape."

Clinton, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, was set to deliver a speech at 3 p.m. during a Democratic National Committee event. She canceled that appearance because of the hostage situation.

"Unfortunately as some of you know, there is a hostage situation in New Hampshire involving a Clinton campaign staff person," DNC Chairman Howard Dean told those who were in attendance for the event. "The
details are sketchy at this time, but understandably Senator Clinton is now dealing with this very difficult problem and she is not going to be able to join us today. And we will keep them in our prayers
and hope for a resolution to this situation in New Hampshire."

According to CNN, the nearby campaign office of Senator Barack Obama, another Democrat seeking his party's nomination, was locked down as a precautionary measure. The offices of former senator and Democratic
candidate John Edwards were also closed.

What's wrong with Akon. You would think he would learn from his mistakes!

Akon has been charged with a misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment in connection with a controversial concert this summer in Fishkill, New York, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal. He is reportedly due to be arraigned in a local court on Monday.

During the show, which took place on June 3 and was caught on fans' cell phone cameras, Akon allegedly threw a 15-year-old fan into the crowd. According to the Journal, a small object sailed by Akon's shoulder as he was about to start performing a song onstage, which prompted him to say, "Oh, wait a minute. What was that?" He then urged the crowd to "point him out, point him out. Who is he?"

Audience members identified the alleged culprit, after which a security guard asked Akon if he wanted the boy brought onstage. Akon responded, "So go get him. Bring him out to me."

As the fan was brought to the stage, Akon removed his shirt and chain and then grabbed the boy, tossed him over his shoulder and threw him into the crowd, saying, "Now we can start the show, y'all ready." A moment later, Akon looked down at the crowd and said, "He's OK, he's all right," then shortly later chastised the audience for a perceived lack of support. "See, now you got me feeling by myself," he said in the cell phone video footage. "I thought I had fans and support." According to TMZ.com, after the child was thrown, he fell on another teen who later said she had been diagnosed with a concussion.

The Journal reported that the boy's mother contacted authorities and gave them her son's name, which has not been revealed. Police had been seeking the boy to see if he'd been injured in the incident and was interested in pressing charges. The Journal also said the uninjured boy refused medical treatment on site and left right after the incident. Akon's attorney subsequently released a statement proclaiming the singer's innocence in the bizarre episode.

"Given the information that we have reviewed to date, it does not appear to us that Akon was involved in any criminal conduct whatsoever," read a statement from the MC's attorney, Benjamin Brafman. "We are prepared to fully cooperate with any law enforcement agency that may be investigating this incident. We are confident that after a thorough investigation it will be apparent that no criminal prosecution of Akon is warranted."

The Fishkill incident wasn't Akon's only concert controversy this year, however. In May, he lost his Verizon tour sponsorship for aggressively randy onstage conduct with an underage girl. And in late October, his planned show at Atlanta's Emory University was canceled after several people, including his drummer, were injured while setting up for the gig.

By: Elizabeth Smith

Why wait on focus months or days to delve into our history and celebrate the achievements of those from the African Diaspora? Yardflex caught onto the fact that Dr. Mark Dean, who most of you have never heard of, was not recognised for his achievements at a recent IBM 20th anniversary celebration; when in fact this African American helped to initiate a digital revolution.

Having more than 30 patents pending, Dr Dean is not only a Vice President with IBM, he also is the architect of the modern-day personal computer. As the holder of three of the original nine patents on the computer that all PCs are based on, Dr Dean is featured in the National Hall of Inventors. In fact his ingenuity helped to start an era that created people like Bill Gates and Dell Computer's Michael Dell; millions of jobs in information technology can be traced back to him.

So what is the reason that his praises are not sufficiently lauded you ask, when in fact Dr Dean helped to shape the landscape of our society.? It is the consequence of a systemic poison known too well to "African Westerners" who are still denied substantial and meaningful representation in mass media.

Not the first to be treated like a mere footnote, Dr. Dean joins the ranks of other prestigious African American inventors who have been blatantly overlooked. John Stanard, inventor of the refrigerator, George Sampson, creator of the clothes dryer, Alexander Miles brought us the elevator and Lewis Latimer – the electric lamp.

None of these great inventors should be allowed to go quietly unnoticed. They are important and serve as great inspirations for particularly African American youth.

Technically Dr Dean cannot be credited as creating the computer, an English mathematician, Alan Turing mastered that. However, for the machine we use today for homes and small businesses, he deserves great praise, as he led a team that developed the interior architecture (ISA systems) that enables multiple devices, like modems and printers to be connected to personal computers.

Recently, Dr Dean again made history by leading the design team that engineered the first 1-gigahertz processor chip; another big stride in making computers faster and smaller.

Born in 1957, Dr. Dean is still full of inventive ideas. We must ensure his story is kept in the mix when technological advances are being celebrated.

By Richie B - host of "HOT MIX" on HOT 102 FM
TOP 20 DANCEHALL SINGLES

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 4 7 Everybody Dance – RDX – Apt 19 (1wk@#1) U-3
02 3 12 Nah Go A Jail – Busy Signal – Jam 2 U-1
03 1 16 Conscience – Cham – Don Corleon (2wks@#1) D-2
04 2 17 Give It Up – Beenie Man feat Barbee – 357 Records (3wks@#1) D-2
05 7 11 Dem A Sissy – Assassin – Don Corleon U-2
06 5 21 Wine Pon It/Talk To Me – Munga – Casper Productions (1wk@#1) D-1
07 8 10 Tell Dem Don't Follow – Buju Banton – Heart of Love U-1
08 6 16 What I'm Gonna Do – Bugle – Daseca (pp#4) D-2
09 9 9 Me and My Dogs – Mavado – Baby G NM
10 12 7 Pick It Up & Drop It – Sean Paul – Birchill Records U-2
11 13 4 Empire Army – Vybz Kartel – Big Ship U-2
12 14 3 Squeeze Har – Mavado – H20 U-2
13 10 13 Bubble Like Soup – Timber-Lee – Ward 21 (pp#5) D-3
14 11 19 The Days – Busy Signal – Daseca (4wks@#1) D-3
15 18 2 Dandy Shandy – Macka Diamond – Birch Hill U-3
16 15 16 Take My Place – Munga – Don Corleon(pp#6) D-1
17 16 17 Love Is Wicked – Brick & Lace – 180 Entertainment (pp#5) D-1
18 17 10 Crab Inna Barrel – Shane-O – Iceman (pp#14) D-1
19 - New When My Gun Rise – Munga – Heart of Love
20 19 31 Tease Her – Anthony B – Trinity 7 Records (2wks@#1) D-1

TOP 20 REGGAE SINGLES

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 1 12 The World Is A Cycle – Richie Spice – Fresh Ear (2wks@#1)
NM
02 2 14 Poverty – Coco Tea – Minor7Flat5 NM
03 4 11 Fallen Soldiers – Demarco – Star Kutt U-1
04 3 20 Roots – Etana – Freemind (3wks@#1) D-1
05 7 6 Bonafide Girl – Shaggy feat Ric Rok and Tony Gold – Big Yard U-2
06 5 17 I'm Waiting – Ce’Cile – Danger Zone (pp#7) D-1
07 8 12 Take My Wings – Christopher Martin – Fresh Ear U-1
08 9 9 Wi Nuh Trust Dem – Prestige – Timeless Records U-1
09 10 8 Mi Nah Rub – Queen Ifrica – Downsound Records U-1
10 11 8 St. Jago De La Vega – Lutan Fyah – Mac D's U-1
11 6 23 Show More Love To The Youths – Sizzla – Feed the Children (2wks@#1) D-5
12 13 5 Daddy Don't Touch Me There – Queen Ifrica – No Doubt Records U-1
13 12 13 Praise God – Little Hero – Inspire (pp#7) D-1
14 15 5 Fling It Up Pon Mi – Da'ville – Big Yard U-1
15 14 14 Revolution – Edee feat Irie Love – Unseen Lab (pp#3) D-1
16 16 25 Sticky – Jah Cure – Danger Zone (3wks@#1) NM
17 - New Missing You – Junior Kelly/Barbee – B & P Production
18 18 3 A Nuh Me Dat – Richie Spice – No Doubt Records NM
19 - New Old Rugged Cross – George Nooks – Tad's International
20 17 21 Sing To Me – Noddy Virtue – Reflection (pp#5) D-3

TOP TEN ALBUMS/CD CHART

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 2 9 Sean Kingston – Sean Kingston – Beluga Heights/Epic (1wk@#1)U-1
02 1 14 Biological Warfare – Coco Tea – Minor7Flat5 (2wks@#1) D-1
03 4 9 Foreva – Wayne Wonder – VP Records U-1
04 6 6 From August Town – Duane Stephenson – VP Records U-2
05 3 10 True Reflections – Jah Cure – VP Records (3wks@#1) D-2
06 5 6 The Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems 2007 – Various Artistes – Greensleeves D-1
07 8 5 Inna Di Road – Chezidek – Greensleeves U-1
08 9 4 The Love of Jah – Steele – Mobs Production U-1
09 10 2 Unselfish – Courtney (Yogie) John – Fi Wi Music U-1
10 - New Intoxication – Shaggy – VP Records/Big Yard

_____________________NOTES__________________________________

Numbers in bracket indicate the number of weeks at the No. 1 Spot.
Key: U - Upward, D - Down, NM - Non-Mover
TW - This Week, LW - Last Week, WC Weeks on Chart, PP in bracket -
Peak Position
Sources: Sound Systems, Record Shops, Night Clubs & Radio Play

By: Jaide

Mystic Vibes TV – Channel, the Chicago based cable television show that has for 12 years provided the best in world music entertainment was nominated in the category of Best Video Show for the upcoming Chicago Music Awards. "Today is a proud day for Mystic vibes, we work very hard to bring the best in roots and culture to our audiences and to be recognized this way is very special," Executive Producer, Zezel McKenzie, said.

The nominations were announced this week at a press conference by Ephraim Martin of Martin's International Culture Inc., the CMA producers, who have set the gala award ceremony for Sunday, January 27 at the Park West Theatre.

As the only reggae nominee amongst hip-hop, rock and adult contemporary formats in that category, Mystic Vibes proves why it achieved the position of being Chicago's favourite Caribbean music television show.

Audiences have been able to enjoy hot music releases on Mystic Vibes, such as: Stephen Marley's "Mind Control" and Buju's "Too Bad." In depth interviews with reggae greats like, Ziggy Marley, Morgan Heritage, Queen Ifrica and Beres Hammond are the regular types of features, as well as the broadcasting of special event segments.

"You can have your sexuality...you don't have to lose it because you have HIV"

People tend to think that contracting HIV can spell the end of their sex lives, but HIV-positive Africans of all ages are now being urged to reclaim their sexuality and live healthy, normal lives.

"I got this [HIV] through sex, so [I thought] my sexuality was gone and I felt I needed to stop dressing attractively and wait to die," Florence Anam, 28, an information officer at the Kenya Network of Women with AIDS, told IRIN/PlusNews.

Anam said when she first revealed she was HIV-positive, many men avoided her, believing she was out to infect them; she herself had no interest in sex for several months after she was diagnosed. However, she has since discovered she can continue having and enjoying sex, despite being HIV-positive.

"My take on this is that you can have your sexuality ... you don't have to lose it because you have HIV, you just have to be responsible," she said, adding that sex "has to be good or I'm not having it".

At a recent workshop by the Africa Regional Sexuality Resource Centre (ARSRC), at its Sexuality Institute in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa, participants heard that there was a need to rethink sexuality in the context of disease, particularly chronic infections such as HIV.

"HIV as a condition is highly moralised; people face stigma because they are perceived by society to have been sexually immoral," said Richmond Tiemoko, director of ARSRC.

"Women are particularly affected by this type of stigma because they are expected to be the keepers of society's morality, so contracting HIV is seen as a great failure on their part." He said it was important that people living with HIV recognised and claimed their right to sexuality and sexual intercourse.

The Sexuality Institute provides a forum for African health professionals to discuss ways of promoting more positive attitudes towards sexuality in the region.

"We believe that to reduce HIV and promote well-being, we need to adopt a positive discourse on sex and sexuality," said Tiemoko. "Discussing issues of sexual violence, stigma, self-esteem and HIV enables people to have a better understanding of their links with sexuality and to make them less taboo."

I am a human being with sexual needs and feelings, which need fulfillment without apologies to anyone.
The workshop was attended by researchers, government workers and staff from local non-governmental organisations with a reproductive health or AIDS focus. They were encouraged to incorporate messages about healthy sexuality into their programmes for people living with HIV.

"When first diagnosed, I considered sex dirty and blamed it for my fate," Asunta Wagura, executive director of the Kenya Network of Women with AIDS, said in a recent interview with the Sexuality in Africa magazine, an ARSRC publication. "I suppressed this need for a long time, until I could suppress it no more and openly declared, 'I am a human being with sexual needs and feelings, which need fulfillment without apologies to anyone'."

Wagura, who has publicly declared her HIV status, caused controversy when she decided to have a child in 2006. Her son was born healthy and has so far tested HIV-negative.

"I was criticised all round ... the view is that people living with HIV/AIDS should not think along those lines, because having a baby involves sexual intercourse," she said.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr Sylvia Tamale, dean of law at Uganda's Makerere University, said there was a 'disconnect' between sex in a health or medical context, and sex in a pleasure context.

"There is a need to 'unlearn' and refine some of the lessons that society teaches us, and open people's minds," she said, adding that sexuality counselling could go a long way towards changing perceptions.

The ARSRC holds rotating workshops annually in Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. The Mombasa workshop was hosted in conjunction with their partner organisation in Kenya, the Population Council, an international non-governmental reproductive health organisation.

Reproduced with permission from: AF-AIDS eForum 2007: af-aids@eforums.healthdev.org

Rodney King, famous for a videotaped beating from Los Angeles police back in 1991, was shot and wounded on a San Bernardino street corner late Wednesday.

According to tmz.com King called Rialto police just before midnight to report the shooting. According to Sgt. Don Lewis, King was struck in the face and arm with what appeared to be pellets or birdshot. When
police arrived at King's home, they reported that King and others inside appeared drunk. The man got shot in the face -- he deserves a drink!

King was taken to a local hospital, and his wounds were not believed to be life-threatening.

.

Songs of Salvation CEO, Glenford Bryan and international singer Junior Reid is now embroiled in a legal tussle. According to Bryan who is represented by legal firm Sandra C Johnson and Company he had to take the matter further as efforts to get Junior Reid to pay him what is owed to him has been abusive and futile.

Even after Reid received a letter and follow up communications from his lawyer he has been stiff-necked and according to Bryan instructed his (Bryan's) lawyer not to call him again.

The whole drama started in February 2006 when Reid entered into a contract with Bryan for the sale of various musical equipment which amounted to over JA$700,000. After agreeing to pay in installments this broke down after a couple payments according to the receipts Yardflex has in its possession, six payments were made with the largest being JA$190,000.

In a letter sent out by Bryan's lawyer on October 5, 2007 the sum of JA$322,777.77 was being requested to be paid in 30 days time. The letter implied that if Reid failed to make the court's intervention would be sought.

The 30 days grace period has passed and there is no real end to this battle. According to Bryan he will be taking further steps to ensure the money is paid up.

When the Yardflex contacted Junior Reid re the allegations he said it was a personal matter and intimated that himself and Bryan had unfinished business.

According to Reid whenever they were supposed to meet to thrash out things either Bryan didn't show for one reason or another or he Junior Reid was off the island.

Junior Reid also stressed to Yardflex that "if Mr. Bryan nuh want settle to man an man, then dem will have to settle it through the courts."

Yardflex will keep you posted on this development.

By Joan Wilson

Yardflex got its hands on a copy of Vegas' new album "Hot It Up" and all we can say is that it's worth the effort of listening.

Hot It Comes with a lot Vegas chart topper and makes the experience an enjoyable cruise into listening land.

The album kicks off with the emotion puller "Do You Know" yes, that same track that shows Vegas sensitive side as he takes a trek into the emotional roller coaster that's called postpartum depression. This song rode every local chart and created havoc on the international scene.

Track two "Tamborine" is meant to take you out of that mood and bring on a more festive vibes. The soca-laced song is just the thing to do it too.

You should be sweating now and ready to really go into a full workout and track number 3 is just the thing to do it "Hot Wuk" needs no introduction. It is still maintaining a dominant presence on the scene and even made its way to the Billboard Hot R&B chart.

The dancing vibes continues with you track number 4, "Tek Weh Yuhself" another song that is creating mad vibes in the dancehall.

This song is showing no sign of fading in the background any time soon.

Vegas and Jovi Rockwell team up for this slow, oldies groove remake of Errol Dunkley, "You Gonna Need Me". It carries a fun vibe to it and you can almost feel yourself getting caught up in the fun and frolic coming across in the song.

"Lean Wid It" comes in at number 7 on the album followed by the mad "Raging Bull" with Over Mars. We are talking some classic stuff here.

Other tracks featured on the album are "Sitting On My Corner", "Bloodstain" featuring Sadeke, 'Gangster Prayer", "We Nuh Want Nuh Friend", "Meck Dem RIP", "Up and Live", "Talk The Things Dem" featuring Opal and "Taxi Fare" featuring Mr. Lex.

Executively produced by Mr. Vegas "Hot It Up" is the album for the archives of classic collections.

Will lady luck smile on Brandy? Well any day now the R&B diva could find herself off the hook as time is winding down the the L.A. City Attorney's Office to file criminal charges against Brandy, who was involved in a multiple car crash that killed Awatef Aboudihaj, the mother of two boys. The first anniversary of the accident, December 30, is fast approaching, but Brandy has not been charged.

According to TMZ the City Attorney's Office plans to make a decision at the very last moment. If charges aren't filed, chances are the public wouldn't notice over the holidays and the case would quietly go away.

The website had an exclusive chat with Bill Sayed, lawyer for the victim's husband, Marouane Hdidou. Sayed questioned the delay, saying, "There is a death and obviously reckless driving involved, which is
enough evidence for an involuntary manslaughter charge. As to why the City Attorney has taken this long? I think we would all like to know."

Over the past year, Brandy has pursued her usual activities; shopping, partying and living a normal life. Sayed says, "Brandy continues to live life with really no negative results...doing what Brandy is
doing...as if though nothing has occurred here." He also describes how life has become a roller coaster for his client. "Thanksgiving just passed and he was all alone, he has no family here."

On December 30, 2006, around 10:30AM, Brandy was driving her brand new Range Rover northbound on the 405 Freeway at about 65 mph -- and didn't notice when traffic in front of her slowed down. She then hit
Awatef Aboudijah's car, which veered to the left and was hit by another vehicle before crashing into the center divider. Awatef died at the hospital eight hours later, from massive internal bleeding.

By: Rootzgirl

Well, in my last article I spoke about what a hopeless case women are when it comes to dealing with car woes...but if you think they are bad check out men and shopping!

No woman in her right mind will want to send her man to the market...it's an experience she won't soon forget. Living in Jamaica you done know how you have to juggle to make ends meet and going to market is a battle of wits and looking for the best deals.

Feeling sick one week, the husband was left with the job. The same money that would see me coming home with a bag full of goodies saw him heading through the door with a handful of things looking rather pleased with himself too!

"A wha dis?" Can you believe it, the man had the heart to brag how
the lady gave him a sweet deal on the yam and few sick looking bananas after she charge him an arm and a leg for it too!!!

Honestly, if he wasn't so willing and meant well all now I would still be cussing!

The other mistake girl friends don't make and that's to let their husbands accompany them while they go shopping. The smart partners already know what's in store and will find any excuse to duck out of it, even sweetening the pot by giving his woman some extra money!

After the first experience shopping with your man...trust me the woman won't be asking again and the man won't be offering either!

"Mercy he took all the fun out of shopping for me. You could see the look of impatience, sometimes he asked what's wrong with the outfit it looked fine to him...and why I had to try on so many shoes..." one woman bemoaned after having to cut short the fun day of shopping she had planned.

Men, learn something about us...half the time it's not even the buying...it's the thrill of feasting our eyes and then leisurely deciding on what we will be taking home. Don't get it yet?...don't even bother to try it's a woman thing...that's why you don't catch us sitting in front of the tube watching Monday night football!

That's it, we are convinced that R. Kelly just have a thing for the young ones. Following a story posted on mediatakeout.com where R Kelly's publicist Regina Daniels abruptly quit working with him after 14 years. Regina's husband, music legend George Daniels also cut all ties with the R&B legend.

Initially, it was thought that R Kelly physically assaulted Regina. But it now appears that he did something much worse!!!

According to the website some faithful readers gave them the real 411 on the situation.

Many assumed that Kelly hit or sexual assaulted Regina. But word on the street is the real reason George and Regina quit, is because R Kelly allegedly slept with their 21-year-old daughter [Maxine].

Why is this a problem? She is 21. You say, well the problem is that he has known her since she was 4 years old. She's basically like family to him. From what I've heard he has even referred to her (on many
occasions) as his "lil sis". R Kelly that's just nasty.

And there's more there are whispers that the two may have had a relationship for years. Yup, you do the math...

Beenie Man has not yet collected the results of a paternity test he did recently to determine whether or not he is the biological father of Marco-Dean.

Reports are that the deejay was to collect results today. In a recent television interview, Beenie Man said there is a possibility that the child is not his, and if it turns out that way, D'Angel would have to repay the entire child support money that he had been paying.

In a press release issued yesterday, D'Angel accused Beenie Man of being fully aware of the DNA results at the time when he made these comments on the television interview.

------------------------------------------

Protection for Record Producers

The Jamaica Music Society, An Organization that protects the rights of record producers was launched on Tuesday, at Terra Nova hotel in Kingston.

Evon Mullings, General Manager, says the Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS) will also focus on labels. He explained that JAMMS’ role is set to be very significant in the music industry as it will also be collecting royalties, on behalf of the major international companies, that represent remuneration for usage of their collection(s) in broadcasts and public performances locally.

JAMMS was formed pursuant to the copyright act of Jamaica to administer intellectual property rights granted to producers of sound recordings.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

HELP US CHOOSE THE BEST IMAGES FOR OUR 2008 YARDFLEX CALENDAR

A tally of all the votes appearing in the comments will be done and the winner will be posted on December 1, 2007.

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Name: ASHLEIGH NICOLE

D.O.B: 12/10/1985

Height: 5'5"

Weight: 135

Nationality: Chinese/Jamaican/Indian

Location: Coral Springs, Florida.

Career Goal: Well I'm in school for Advertising and Marketing, So I plan on working with a major magazine company in the near future as a Project Manager for Organizing AD Campaigns.

Occupation: Model/Fashion Merchandiser(Buyer)/Student!!!

Hobbies: I love to party, shop, travel, and eat alot!!! LOL

What do you like about yourself: My Personality...I'm very outgoing and fun to be around...I can make you smile!!! LOL

Favorite Dish: Curry Shrimp with Rotti

Favorite Color: Black

Favorite Travel Destination: Any island!!! I'm an island girl.

[Chorus]
Uh uh uh uh oh ooh
why'd you have to go-oh
away from home
me love.

Uh uh uh uh oh ooh
why'd you have to go-oh
away from home
me love.

[Verse 1]
See the first time me look inna your eyes
me did tell you, you want a guy like me -guy like me
we use to ave gud times on da evening
me and you chilling on da beach -on the beach

We use to kiss and caress an trust me
girl it feels so sweet -feels so sweet
den one day you move
now im feelin kinda blue
cause me hear say you leave -you leave

I feel like im drownin in da ocean
somebody come and take me away

[Chorus]

[Verse 2]
Now im sittin in a chair wit no one here
and im feelin all alone -all alone
thinkin to myself like
damn why my baby up and gone -up and gone
its like im missin her and i know she's missin me- missin me
its been two years an a half in july will make it three. -make it three

I feel like im drownin in da ocean
somebody come and take me away

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
Why you leave me, wuh why you leave me
baby tell me, beh baby tell me
why you leave me, wuh why you leave me
why you leave me

Why you leave me, wuh why you leave me
baby tell me, beh baby tell me
why you leave me, wuh why you leave me
why you leave me

I feel like im drownin in da ocean
somebody come and take me away

[Chorus]x2

This release is to break the silence on matters concerning my relationship with my husband Moses Davis a.k.a. Beenie Man. In recent times I have restrained myself from discussing the breakdown of our marriage in interviews as I was always of the view that it was a family matter and private.

Over the past five months I have been vilified and maliciously maligned by the lies and comments of Beenie Man and after recent comments made by him in connection with the case in Court I feel I need to speak out and make the public aware of the facts so that this matter will come to an end with the truth.

On the Programme Onstage broadcasted on CVM TV on November 24, 2007, in an interview with Winford Williams the host, Beenie Man made comments which were misleading to the public concerning matters pending in Court.

On the 8th of August 2007 I obtained an interim restraining order against Beenie Man for my personal protection and that of our son Marco Dean. The restraining order which prevented him from having access to Marco Dean was lifted by the Court on the 23rd of August 2007. It was agreed that the arrangements for access of Marco Dean by Beenie Man would be discussed through our respective Attorneys. There was no objection to access on my part as I believed that it was important for Beenie Man to see his son, but arrangements had to be put in place, as there was still a restraining order against him for my protection. Knowing that there was no injunction restricting him from seeing Marco Dean, Beenie Man went on the airwaves and lied to the public that I had an injunction preventing him from seeing his son.

Regarding communications with me concerning Marco Dean, Beenie Man made no attempt to call to enquire about the welfare of his son nor did he provide any maintenance for Marco Dean from he left the matrimonial home in April 2007 until he was ordered by the Court in September to start making interim payments.

When it was expected that his Attorneys would communicate with my Attorney regarding access to see the child, Beenie Man instead came to Court in September and told the Court that he was not sure that Marco Dean was his child and therefore he wanted a DNA Test done. In Court he objected to paying any maintenance for Marco Dean which was being asked for by me and the Judge was lenient to order an interim payment until the DNA Test was done to prove otherwise. Beenie Man therefore in his interviews was irresponsible in misleading the public about the truth of what transpired in Court in September as it related to Marco Dean.

In an interview on Irie FM on November 9, 2007 the day of Marco Dean's Birthday, he again misled the public about my denying him access to his son. The truth is there could be no discussion of access of Marco Dean by Beenie Man when the issue of Marco Dean's paternity was yet to be settled in the Court. How could he speak of Marco Dean being his son and that I was preventing him from seeing his son on his birthday when in September he denied being the father? Furthermore since 23rd August, 2007 to this date his Attorney has made no communication to my Attorney to discuss any arrangements for access to Marco Dean, yet he continues to tell the public that there is an injunction preventing him from seeing Marco Dean.

The Court made it clear that the DNA Test and the result should be confidential until the matter was heard in Court. Instead Beenie Man went ONSTAGE and made it public. The DNA Test was done and at the time of his interview on the Programme Moses Davis a.k.a. Beenie Man was fully aware of the outcome of the testing.

I have at all times maintained my dignity despite the lies and malicious statements made by Beenie Man in the media to malign my character and impede my career. The records of events in Court speak for themselves. I would encourage Beenie Man to desist from making false and misleading statements to the public concerning the Court hearing and our marriage and instead to consult with his Attorneys before opening his mouth. Maybe then they will tell him it is wise to keep silent.

Beenie Man has openly remarked that he is moving on with his life. I wish to move on with my life too and wish he would allow me to do so without him having to vilify me in the public's eyes.

I have always been a faithful wife and a good mother to Marco Dean. I am focussed now on building my career as well as a life for myself and a safe stable loving environment for Marco Dean, ensuring that values of honesty and integrity and respect for persons are instilled in him so that he can grow into a decent respectable young man.

Michelle Downer-Davis

Say it ain't so! Yardflex came across the information on mediatakeout.com that Bobbi Kristina daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown could be headed down the same road as her parents!

According to the website the 14-year-old was caught smoking what looked to be illegal stuff. And that's not all. The person who sent the photo claims that Bobbi Kris is on a downward spiral. Tells the family friend, "I'm worried she'll go through what [her parents] went through...Please get the word out so that someone can help her."

Oh no save her please!

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1st verse
And I can't stand you
Must everything you do make me wanna smile
Can I not like you for a while - no
But you won't let me
You upset me girl and then you kiss my lips
All of a sudden I forget that I was upset
I can't remember what you did

Pre
Girl I hate it - you know exactly what to do
Still I can't stay mad at you for too long - that's wrong
Girl I hate it - you know exactly how to touch
So I don't fuss and fight no more
Said I despise that I adore you

Chorus
And I hate how much I love you girl
I can't stand how much I need you
And I hate how much I love you girl
But I just cant let you go
Girl I hate that I love you so

2nd verse
And you completely know
The power that you have
The only one that makes me laugh
Sad and it's not fair
Girl you take advantage of the fact that I
Love you beyond the reason why
And it just ain't right

Chorus

Bridge
One of these days maybe your magic won't affect me
And your kiss won't make me weak
But no one in this world knows me the way you know me
So you'll probably always have a spell on me

Chorus

New York state health officials notified 628 former patients of a Nassau County anesthesiologist that they need to seek testing for HIV, Hepatitis and other blood borne diseases, because between 2000 and 2005 the medical practitioner in question reused syringes when injecting patients with more than one drug, New York Times reports.

Investigations into the practice of anesthesiologist Harvey Finkelstein of Plainview, N.Y. began in 2005 after two of his patients contracted hepatitis C. According to the Times, Finkelstein would use a new syringe for each patient. However, Finkelstein told investigators that in 2000 he began using the same syringe to draw medicine from more than one vial when giving a patient more than one type of drug by injection, which caused the potential contamination of multidose vials.

The blood of a patient with one virus could, by backing up through the needle and entering the vials, be transmitted to another person when that vial of medicine was reused.

Investigators in 2005 notified 98 of Finkelstein's patients who had received epidural injections in the three weeks before, during and after his two patients were infected, that they should seek testing for blood borne diseases. Of the 84 who were tested, no other cases of infection were traced to Finkelstein. The state then expanded its investigation to examine records from 2000 to 2005. New York Health Commissioner Richard Daines in a statement released this week said that "the department identified all 628 patients who had received injections between Jan. 1, 2000, and Jan. 15, 2005, after a thorough review of medical records at all sites where this physician practiced" (Vitello/Kershaw, New York Times, 11/16).

Timing of Notification
State health department officials said Thursday that they had planned as early as October 2006 to notify all of Finkelstein's patients that could have been infected with HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, Long Island Newsday reports. However, Finkelstein hired attorneys to avoid submitting all the names of the patients to state and Nassau County officials, and officials then decided against issuing subpoenas. "Initially Dr. Finkelstein was very cooperative," Claudia Hutton, spokesperson for the New York State Department of Health, said, adding, "Then later on he retained an attorney and was not as cooperative." Amon, Long Island Newsday, 11/16).

Editorial
Finkelstein's "lax approach to infection control has raised troubling questions about the adequacy of medical oversight in New York state," a New York Times editorial says. According to the Times, state and county health officials have been "justifiably" criticized for moving too slowly to alert Finkelstein's patients of the possible transmission of HIV and hepatitis.

It "seems inexcusable" that it took the state almost three years to notify people under Finkelstein's care that they should be tested for HIV and hepatitis, the editorial says, adding that it will be necessary to determine if the state's investigatory and disciplinary process is "tilted too much toward protecting doctors rather than any patients who may have been harmed." Plans by state officials to eliminate multidose vials "would provide the surest protection against such contamination and not leave patients at the mercy of a doctor's ignorance or carelessness," the editorial concludes (New York Times, 11/17). It also goes to show that HIV infection is not a "gutter" or moral issue, so the infected should never be judged.

Asylum chief says 'sorry'

Brian Chung, owner of the Asylum Night Club is apologizing for the premature end to the club's 10th anniversary celebrations, held at Mas Camp on Saturday.

Proceedings reportedly came to an unscheduled end when a generator in the building went dead.

During an interview today, Mr. Chung explained, "We had two generators at the venue, one for the sound system and the other for the lights. At around 4:00AM Sunday morning the generator for the sound burnt up and we were unable to fix it in time which resulted in the abrupt end to the celebration."

Further, he revealed that Shaggy and Sean Paul who were the surprise acts of the night were unable to perform due to the technical glitch.

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On the Charts

In related news, Shaggy's album Intoxication is # 1 on the Billboard Reggae Album Chart. The album is characterized by collaborations with Sizzla Kalonge, Akon, Rik Rok and Nasha.

Meanwhile in the number 3 slot on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart is Ky-Mani Marley with Radio.

I-Wayne's Book of Life is at # 6, Stephen Marley's Mind Control is # 8 and Gangster Life, the Symphony of David Brooks by Mavado is at 9.

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Byron Lee still a run tings

A free concert held on Sunday in Peacock Park, Coconut Grove, Miami, brought out a massive crowd of around 5000 people who enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Caribbean from 3:00PM until 11:00PM. Byron Lee and The Dragonairs punched out their powerful rhythms that never cease to captivate. As audience members showed their pleasure in vibrant movement and song, Jamaica's leading Calypsonian kept up the rhythmic pulsating beats. "Byron can't done...him sell off," a patron exclaimed.

The days entertainment was provided by a good cross section of cultural greats. The Caribbean Folk Dancers threw down some fancy footwork to wonderful sounds and Jovi gave an excellent presentation, as did the eldest Marley son, Ziggy.

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Nikki Z birthday bash held over the weekend in Portmore at Sugarman's Beach was a real star-studded affair with many of the radio diva friends coming out to celebrate with her.

Attractively decorated, it was a welcomed sight to those who made their way on the beach to enjoy some first class performances and all other attractions that were on offer at the bash.

The bash saw some good performances from the likes of Junior Reid, Deva Bratt, Future Fambo, Erupt, Tifa, Delishus, Esco, Natural Blacks and many others.

The place was ram packed with party goers and the vibes was great.

But it wasn't the big performances – good as they were or the hot outfits that were the hallmark of the night...it was the booes that D'Angel generated!

"Jah know star, da B de brave," one patron was heard commenting in wonder.

Among the others who delivered solid performance until the wee hours of the morning were Bascom X, General B who paid tribute to Nikki Z, Frisco Kid and Martina.

All in all it was a night of fun, frolic and great festivity.

By: Jaide
Photography By: Milton Raynor

Last Saturday night, Asylum Night Club had their 10 year anniversary bash, "...But we should have gone to Nikki Z's Birthday bash instead," was the general consensus amongst some patrons after the whole thing ended behind a power surge and slight crowd disruption.

Mas Camp was the spot where Asylum hosted this culmination of events, wrapping up a solid week of celebration. Brian "Ribbi" Chung, owner of Asylum, who once ran its now defunct sister club, Cactus, delivered on his promise to provide the very best, but unforeseen circumstances aborted the fun.

Sound System, AreaCode 876, really rocked the Mas Camp revellers in the early hours and party people were well tuned in to his smooth selections to which they responded with loud approval. When Yardflex arrived at about 1:30AM selector Blade was ripping through the crowd with cutting sounds.

Interspersed with the handing out of $10,000 cash door prizes to holders of winning tickets, the stage show included amazing comedic talent from Itty, Fancy Cat and Pretty Boy Floyd. The comedians' job was to not only call people up to compete for the B-Mobile phone and gift basket prizes, but also to add an extra hilarious spin to it all by coming up with the (often ridiculous) criteria for the mini competitions.

Girls with the worst hairstyle, or those whose hair matched their tops, were called out among others. The entire place almost popped down when the worse hairstyle winner who was racing too fast to reach onto the stage, wiped out with a terrible fall. Of course, once everyone realised she was not badly hurt, the whole place "ketch a fire" with laughter.

Other crowd pleasers included, Baby Cham, who had the crowd 'eating out of the palm of his hands' with some of his tunes from the '90's. Bembe Crew's Jigsy King whose lyrical fitness had the crowd 'going' as he chanted down Babylonian principles like 'bleach out face boys', 'tight pants boys' and other ills. Selector Sky Juice was also on hand and he absolutely tore up the place with his early '90s and 2000 selections, coupled with his signature belly rolling dancing that was this time complimented by a true dancehall style split! Assasin worked the stage fairly well until joined by Baby Cham giving a full and well received set.

Although a premature ending came around 4:00AM when there was a power outage and a bit of crowd disorder, patrons with tickets were offered an added chance for fun, as Mas camp tickets were honoured on Sunday night at Asylum Night Club in New Kingston, where the final anniversary fling called 'The Afterparty,' was held.

Mighty Crown is the champion! And only just as they took the 2007 title by a narrow margin from Bass Odyssey.

According to reports the two sounds were going at it 'neck and neck' with both boos and forwards!

Ninja Man started off his segment on a high note getting huge forwards as he in his own inimitable style ridiculed Rodigan who came out dressed in a red and white Elvis Presley outfit.

Rodigan was not out for the count though, cause with his change in another outfit came a change in gear as he stepped up the pace and drew some of Ninja's own clash specials on him!

After a really tight and exciting segment, Rodigan got the edge of Ninja as he drew two wicked selections that completely done the place. Even Ninja Man had to concede defeat but not without a warning, Mi a guh stop deejay and tun selector fi kill yuh Rodigan!" It
was however done in a friendly way and patrons didn't take it as a 'real clash'.

The excitement in Amazura went to another level when Beenie Man clashed with Tony Matterhorn. This segment was very exciting as Matterhorn drew some first clased tracing tunes on Beenie Man and pulled out the first big forwards.

As Beenie Man went into his slot, he too got a big response. Both Beenie and Matterhorn continued to go at it with the crowd still not choosing the winner. Some patrons gave the nod to Beenie Man while others said it was Matterhorn and seemed too close to really call.

The Amazura was filled to capacity and fans were pleased with promoters Irish and Chin for giving them their money's worth. Already fans are looking forward to the next big world clash in 2008 where bigger things are anticipated to take place even though 2007
world clash is said to be the 10th and last.

By: J. Koni

Gospel singing legend, Shirley Caesar has released her 43rd album in her 40th year in music. The album is entitled, "Still Sweeping Through the City," a compilation of 12 of her favorite songs.

The album will feature the classic song, "Hold My Mule," that was released in 1987 and became a number one hit. It stayed on the Billboard Gospel Album Sales Chart for a 110 weeks.

"Hold My Mule was number one for 52 weeks on Billboard," she confesses. "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do that again with the new CD? We're just gonna wait and see what God is going to do."

Shirley revealed that she dusted off some of her rarer classics from the 1970s such as "Faded Rose" and a medley of "Peter Don't Be Afraid," "Nobody But You Lord" and "Teach Me Master." Also from that period is the heart-rending "How Many Will Be Remembered?"

From the 1980s, Caesar resurrected "Jesus I Love Calling Your Name", "He'll Do It Again," "Peace in the Midst of the Storm" and "Never."

The Mighty Clouds of Joy's raspy-voiced lead singer, Joe Ligon, rose from his sick bed for the recording of "Never". "Joe had a triple bypass," Caesar announced. "But God touched his body and he was able to sing with me." He traded notes with Caesar on a bit of "Teach Me Master," "God's Got it All Under Control" and "Sweeping Through the City."

The album was recorded last July at the 300-member Mt. Calvary Holy Church that Caesar co-pastors in Raleigh, North Carolina.

By: Joan Wilson

Now here is a gospel singer who has truly seen and done it all and is now on fire for Jesus. Through his mistakes he is now imparting the words to others so that they can avoid the same pitfalls.

Neil Hall aka Dunamis is on a mission to reach the world with the transforming message of the Power of God.

Born in Bull Bay, St Andrew he left Jamaica at the age of 10 then got "shipped back" to Jamaica on a one way ticket by my single mom who was out of her elements with his street activities of robbing and possessing and selling guns.

After returning to Jamaica he attended Kingston Technical for three years.

Strange as it might sound inspite of his street life on Sundays he would be in church and in the summer at church camp. He actually made an attempt to serve Christ in 1993 when he accepted the Lord as his
Saviour.

That didn't last he backslid the same year and lived the life of the prodigal son with riotous living as he says.

"My crew and I use to throw big sound parties and running women."

Soon Dunamis started taking an inward look at his life and realized it wasn't as fulfilling as he thought. That's when he asked the Lord to give him another chance to go back to the States and he promised to dedicate his life to Him.

"I called my mom and she said yes I could come back and I kept my promise."

Since giving his life to Christ Dunamis says, "I am a new man and a new creation old things are passed away. I put God first in everything I do we send it up in Prayer. His words declare that he knows the plans he has for us plans to give us HOPE and a FUTURE but we have to seek him believing in our hearts."

The gospel artiste had encouraging words for young people and it's simple, "Give your life to Jesus Christ, when you do so your life will change for the better. Don't get me wrong you will still have struggles but the Lord will be with you every step of the way and trust me Christianity is not boring."

Since his trek into Christendom Dunamis has shared stage with Papa San who is also a brother and mentor to him, Stitchie, Shelly Thunder, The Grace Thrillers and Carlene Davis just to name a few.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Jamaican netballers "The Sunshine Girls" performed creditably at the just concluded world netball championships when they maintained their third place ranking by defeating England in a tight finish 53-52.

Earlier, in the tournament the girls won their zone to qualify for the semi-final with the big three Austrailia, New Zealand and England.

However, despite playing competitively against New Zealand in the semi-final The Sunshine Girls could not withstand the strong challenge from that country's "Silver Ferns" and succumbed to a 59-49 defeat.

The Connie Francis trained team then showed their mettle by defeating England to win the bronze.

Stand out goal shooter Romelda Aitken was voted the best new talent and Connie Francis the best upcoming coach. Yardflex sends hearty congratulations to the administrative staff and the team.

Meanwhile, Australia went on to defeat defending champions New Zealand for the gold.

The Canadian Diabetes Association suggests those at high risk for getting diabetes get tested at least every three years. If you answer yes to any of the questions below you are considered to be at high risk for type 2 diabetes:

● Have you had gestational diabetes?
● Does an immediate family member have type 2 diabetes?
● Are you overweight?
● Are you over 40?
● Do you have high blood pressure?
● Are you of aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian or African decent?

You should also watch for common signs and symptoms of diabetes, including:

● Unusual thirst
● Frequent urination
● Weight change
● Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
● Blurred vision
● Frequent or recurring infections
● Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
● Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet

If you experience any of these symptoms for a period of time, don't take them lightly. People with diabetes can live full, active and healthy lives. The earlier a diagnosis is made the better the odds of avoiding complications and preventing the disease's progression.

Intro:
Fi di yute dem! Seen! Yo!!!

Verse 1:
Wah coulda possess a man?! Fi tun a AK-47 pon a young woman?!
And have di heart to fi send har go to neverland mi have a question
When oonu kill off di ooman dem weh oonu fi do, F man!!!?
Eh! Wah coulda possess a yute?! Fi lick dung a baby modda and har likkle yute
Look how she beg him and plea but him still a shoot
And come back pon di corna and a laff and a tink seh it cute
Nah mon dem bredda ya mad
Jamaica when yuh read di news it nuh mek yuh sad
Man a shot up all church den a soh dem bad
Hold on now mon, weh yuh try fi tell mi seh, gunman nuh rate God?!
Government weh oonu ago do?! Yuh see it look inna mi eyes did I tell oonu?!
Some man a talk bout dem a shotta dem a iddi poo
A must a cow push dem out cau mi caan believe dem have a modda too

Chorus:
A nuh so mi know it go, a nuh so we do we ting
Yardman nuh murda old woman and kill sucklin!
A some sick white people do dem ting deh a farin!
Yo mi lose off a oonu weh di man dem study king?!
A nuh so di ghetto run, a nuh rumor mi nuh spread
Bout man nuh rape likkle pickney in Jamaica and nuh dead!
Man nuh rob poor people and di don nuh buss dem head!
Man nuh bun dung house wid old people inna bed!

Verse 2:
Yo a Sherlock mi live and mi know certain flex
Man wi tief a phone card incase dem need fi send a text
Man wi run go fi him tool wen him an a man vex!
But badman nuh lay dung wid di same sex
Mi and mi modda Siddung pon mi veranda
We a hol a reasonin and read di news paper
She a ask what's di deal wid dem likkle yute yah
Mi caan figure it out, mi still a wonda

Repeat Verse 1
Repeat Chorus
Repeat Verse 2 until fade

Yardflex came across one angry cop who is vowing to one day get the chance to serve that summons on the radio host who absolutely refuses to take care of his children.

"Him just a go round and a have up dis bag a pickney and di mother dem haffi a come to wi fi serve summons fi get him fi mind dem," the cop ranted.

But what gets to the security personnel is the fact that this same personality can be heard on the air hitting out at men who don't mind their children.

"Di last time mi hear him a lick out fi up a di station and a wait fi him, but the station manager look like him warn him off and him nuh come a work dat day," the cop related to Yardflex.

Well Mr. show host remember, you can run, but you can't hide forever and so save the cop the trouble and start mind yuh pickney dem...shame pon you man.

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