31
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32
General Discussion / Immigration officer fired after putting wife on list of terrorists
« on: February 03, 2011, 10:56:38 AM »
An immigration officer tried to rid himself of his wife by adding her name to a list of terrorist suspects.
He used his access to security databases to include his wife on a watch list of people banned from boarding flights into Britain because their presence in the country is 'not conducive to the public good'.
As a result the woman was unable for three years to return from Pakistan after travelling to the county to visit family.
The tampering went undetected until the immigration officer was selected for promotion and his wife name was found on the suspects' list during a vetting inquiry.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1351937/Immigration-officer-fired-putting-wife-list-terrorists-stop-flying-home.html#ixzz1CuqMXGdM
He used his access to security databases to include his wife on a watch list of people banned from boarding flights into Britain because their presence in the country is 'not conducive to the public good'.
As a result the woman was unable for three years to return from Pakistan after travelling to the county to visit family.
The tampering went undetected until the immigration officer was selected for promotion and his wife name was found on the suspects' list during a vetting inquiry.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1351937/Immigration-officer-fired-putting-wife-list-terrorists-stop-flying-home.html#ixzz1CuqMXGdM
33
Football / 8 Fan guestures that flopped miserably
« on: February 01, 2011, 12:56:39 PM »
Well BOY!
1. Man changes name to Fernando Torres weeks before transfer
Shaun McCormack's extravagant gesture to prove his dedication to Liverpool could not have come at a worse time: the 36-year-old from Sc**thorpe changed his name to Fernando Torres just before Christmas.
"I did think about changing my name to Steve Gerrard but I wanted something a little more flamboyant," said Fernando.
3, 4 and 5. Manchester City fans' triple tattoo trouble
Tattoo parlours and tattoo removal clinics in the Greater Manchester area have long been offering secret prayers of thanks to Manchester City. And, more specifically, fans' habits of getting pre-emptive tattoos done before players have been signed or trophies have been won.
Take 25-year-old Kirk Bradley, for example, who had " Manchester City - Champions League Winners 2011" tattooed on his left arm before the start of the 2009-10 season. City failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Then there was Chris Atkinson, who had the name of Brazilian superstar Kaka tattooed on his chest after becoming convinced that the playmaker would move to Eastlands from AC Milan. Kaka chose to go to Real Madrid instead, and Atkinson was left red-faced.
Not that he learnt his lesson: Atkinson later got a Robinho tattoo after a bet with a friend, this time sensibly waiting for the player's deal to be confirmed. The forward has since left at a loss of around £20m to the club's owners.
Atkinson is not worried, however, and has come up with a novel alternative to having his tattoos removed:
"I'll just wait until I have kids and call them Robinho and Kaka," he said.
Those well-publicised bits of body art proved to be no deterrent for City fan Simon Hart, who spent £500 having a massive image of Wayne Rooney etched into his back with the words "Rooney - City Legend" beneath it last autumn when the England striker seemed set to leave Manchester United.
Needless to say, Rooney decided to stay at Old Trafford leaving Hart with egg on his face as well as ink indelibly injected into his back.
"It would have been so sweet to ram it down their throats after all these years of getting the s****y end of the stick," said Hart.
"Now I've been shafted by United again - and I'm stuck with Shrek's ugly mug on my back."
1. Man changes name to Fernando Torres weeks before transfer
Shaun McCormack's extravagant gesture to prove his dedication to Liverpool could not have come at a worse time: the 36-year-old from Sc**thorpe changed his name to Fernando Torres just before Christmas.
"I did think about changing my name to Steve Gerrard but I wanted something a little more flamboyant," said Fernando.
3, 4 and 5. Manchester City fans' triple tattoo trouble
Tattoo parlours and tattoo removal clinics in the Greater Manchester area have long been offering secret prayers of thanks to Manchester City. And, more specifically, fans' habits of getting pre-emptive tattoos done before players have been signed or trophies have been won.
Take 25-year-old Kirk Bradley, for example, who had " Manchester City - Champions League Winners 2011" tattooed on his left arm before the start of the 2009-10 season. City failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Then there was Chris Atkinson, who had the name of Brazilian superstar Kaka tattooed on his chest after becoming convinced that the playmaker would move to Eastlands from AC Milan. Kaka chose to go to Real Madrid instead, and Atkinson was left red-faced.
Not that he learnt his lesson: Atkinson later got a Robinho tattoo after a bet with a friend, this time sensibly waiting for the player's deal to be confirmed. The forward has since left at a loss of around £20m to the club's owners.
Atkinson is not worried, however, and has come up with a novel alternative to having his tattoos removed:
"I'll just wait until I have kids and call them Robinho and Kaka," he said.
Those well-publicised bits of body art proved to be no deterrent for City fan Simon Hart, who spent £500 having a massive image of Wayne Rooney etched into his back with the words "Rooney - City Legend" beneath it last autumn when the England striker seemed set to leave Manchester United.
Needless to say, Rooney decided to stay at Old Trafford leaving Hart with egg on his face as well as ink indelibly injected into his back.
"It would have been so sweet to ram it down their throats after all these years of getting the s****y end of the stick," said Hart.
"Now I've been shafted by United again - and I'm stuck with Shrek's ugly mug on my back."
34
General Discussion / SIA Shocker
« on: January 21, 2011, 08:36:23 AM »
Hmm
A new Director has been appointed to head the Security Intelligence Agency (SIA).
President George Maxwell Richards, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, earlier this week issued the instrument of appointment to 31-year-old Reshmi Usha Ramnarine.
Ramnarine has been attached to the SIA for the past four years where she held the post of communications technician. She was among the employees sent home when the SIA was busted in October last year.
Her appointment is expected to last for six months.
The SIA came into public glare last year when Attorney General Anand Ramlogan announced that the SIA was illegally spying on citizens of T&T.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in addressing Parliament, called the names of several people, including members of her Cabinet, Opposition MPs, journalists and trade unionists upon whom the SIA was spying.
Following the announcement, Director of the SIA, Nigel Clement was fired. Clement succeeded Lynne Ann Williams, a former soldier, who ran the unit for close to 14 years.
Williams is now the executive director of Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS).
Sources say Ramnarine's appointment has left a sour taste in the mouths of SIA personnel, since she lacks the educational background and expertise to run the agency which deals with intelligence gathering information and security issues with regards to the country.
"She has no training whatsoever in the field of security and intelligence," a source said.
Stating that Ramnarine will be exposed to "extremely sensitive material on national security issues," the source added that employees at SIA were officially informed of the appointment on Wednesday, when Ramnarine called a meeting displaying her instrument of appointment. Calls to several government ministers on the issue were dodged as many of them expressed surprise at the appointment.
One Minister, who did not wish to be identified, said: "I am now hearing of this. It probably happened and we (Cabinet) did not know."
Sources said Ramnarine, a past student of John Donaldson Technical Institute, entered the SIA as a junior support staff member and earned a monthly salary of $5,000.
With this promotion, Ramnarine's salary has now been pushed into the $40,000-$45,000 range. She will also receive transportation, travelling and other allowances. Should she be required to travel, she will be entitled to business class.
Sources further say following the SIA fiasco last year, Persad-Bissessar had appointed Trevor Ganpat, 33, to head the agency. Ganpat, sources say, is a senior intelligence analyst and was in charge of the Threat Assessment Group during the Caribbean Heads of Government Conference (CHOGM) held in 2009, which saw United States President Barack Obama and world leaders visit Trinidad.
Ganpat has been attached to SIA for the past ten years and is currently awaiting results from the University of the West Indies, having completed his Masters in Criminology.
Ganpat is also an intelligence analyst on the National Security Council.
Sources say that Ganpat was given his instrument of appointment to head the agency within 24 hours after a recommendation was made for him to be at the helm, but this was rescinded, weeks after.
Two weeks ago, Ganpat and another senior analyst— Julie Browne—were given their instruments of appointment to the post of Deputy Directors of SIA.
They received their instruments from Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Jennifer Boucaud-Blake.
Repeated efforts to get a response from Ramnarine proved unsuccessful, as calls to her cellphone went unanswered and voice messages were not returned.
Calls to Minister of National Security John Sandy and Minister in the Ministry Subhas Panday, also went unanswered.
A new Director has been appointed to head the Security Intelligence Agency (SIA).
President George Maxwell Richards, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, earlier this week issued the instrument of appointment to 31-year-old Reshmi Usha Ramnarine.
Ramnarine has been attached to the SIA for the past four years where she held the post of communications technician. She was among the employees sent home when the SIA was busted in October last year.
Her appointment is expected to last for six months.
The SIA came into public glare last year when Attorney General Anand Ramlogan announced that the SIA was illegally spying on citizens of T&T.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in addressing Parliament, called the names of several people, including members of her Cabinet, Opposition MPs, journalists and trade unionists upon whom the SIA was spying.
Following the announcement, Director of the SIA, Nigel Clement was fired. Clement succeeded Lynne Ann Williams, a former soldier, who ran the unit for close to 14 years.
Williams is now the executive director of Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS).
Sources say Ramnarine's appointment has left a sour taste in the mouths of SIA personnel, since she lacks the educational background and expertise to run the agency which deals with intelligence gathering information and security issues with regards to the country.
"She has no training whatsoever in the field of security and intelligence," a source said.
Stating that Ramnarine will be exposed to "extremely sensitive material on national security issues," the source added that employees at SIA were officially informed of the appointment on Wednesday, when Ramnarine called a meeting displaying her instrument of appointment. Calls to several government ministers on the issue were dodged as many of them expressed surprise at the appointment.
One Minister, who did not wish to be identified, said: "I am now hearing of this. It probably happened and we (Cabinet) did not know."
Sources said Ramnarine, a past student of John Donaldson Technical Institute, entered the SIA as a junior support staff member and earned a monthly salary of $5,000.
With this promotion, Ramnarine's salary has now been pushed into the $40,000-$45,000 range. She will also receive transportation, travelling and other allowances. Should she be required to travel, she will be entitled to business class.
Sources further say following the SIA fiasco last year, Persad-Bissessar had appointed Trevor Ganpat, 33, to head the agency. Ganpat, sources say, is a senior intelligence analyst and was in charge of the Threat Assessment Group during the Caribbean Heads of Government Conference (CHOGM) held in 2009, which saw United States President Barack Obama and world leaders visit Trinidad.
Ganpat has been attached to SIA for the past ten years and is currently awaiting results from the University of the West Indies, having completed his Masters in Criminology.
Ganpat is also an intelligence analyst on the National Security Council.
Sources say that Ganpat was given his instrument of appointment to head the agency within 24 hours after a recommendation was made for him to be at the helm, but this was rescinded, weeks after.
Two weeks ago, Ganpat and another senior analyst— Julie Browne—were given their instruments of appointment to the post of Deputy Directors of SIA.
They received their instruments from Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Jennifer Boucaud-Blake.
Repeated efforts to get a response from Ramnarine proved unsuccessful, as calls to her cellphone went unanswered and voice messages were not returned.
Calls to Minister of National Security John Sandy and Minister in the Ministry Subhas Panday, also went unanswered.
36
Entertainment & Culture Discussion / A big tune: Mr. Trinidad
« on: January 03, 2011, 10:53:45 AM »Amazing how much more true this is.
37
General Discussion / Free entry for Indians, Russians
« on: December 31, 2010, 06:53:15 AM »
Ministry of Foreign Affairs WUKKIN!!
Interesting. Wonder what made them decide on Russia. I cant recall off hand hearing of any significant visits.....but I dont pay attention to these things usually so I could be mistaken.
Quote
In an effort to boost tourism and investment in this country, Indian and Russian nationals now have free entry into this country and will no longer require a visa, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Suruj Rambachan said yesterday.
Rambachan said the visa requirement was lifted one month ago. He was responding to questions from the Express on the issue at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's, where Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar hosted a luncheon for the media.
"Indian nationals require visas to come to Trinidad and Tobago. We have removed it for a period of 90 days for business or pleasure. It is to facilitate easier access to Trinidad and Tobago in terms of tourism and people wanting to do business with Trinidad," Rambachan said.
"We also removed it with respect to Russia," he said, adding that a lot of Russians have been travelling to Tobago for holidays.
Rambachan said there is also a large sector of Indian nationals in the United States who want to come to this country for a vacation or business, but are deterred by the visa requirement.
Rambachan added that in order to facilitate persons from Japan coming to this country, their visas are now being processed at the Jamaican Embassy in Tokyo, which takes just three days. He said previously, Japanese had to wait up to a month for their visas to be processed, as it had to be sent from Tokyo to Manila, Philippine.
Interesting. Wonder what made them decide on Russia. I cant recall off hand hearing of any significant visits.....but I dont pay attention to these things usually so I could be mistaken.
38
General Discussion / Has the Partnership Government acted on Crime?
« on: December 26, 2010, 11:55:47 AM »
Kevin Baldeosingh, Sunday Express
Discuss.
Quote
Over the past few months, the coalition People's Partnership government has been taking some flack for an apparent lack of action. Critics say that the Partnership is still searching for solutions to crime and to economic challenges, that Ministers are butting heads on policy decisions, or that the Government is simply moving too slowly.
One measure which can be used to gauge such criticisms is the Government's legislative agenda. Although, contrary to the rhetoric of politicians, passing laws does not solve problems, the various Bills laid in Parliament do indicate what a government's policy priorities are. Since assuming office on May 24, the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration has introduced 18 key pieces of legislation in Parliament. (See box)
Since the present 10th session of Parliament started on June 18, that's an average of just under three Bills per month. This equals the average of the previous PNM regime during their last year in office.
Eight of the Bills deal with crime, while at least four of the other Bills seem to have purely political (in the sense of getting re-elected) agendas. For example, "An Act to repeal and replace the National Ecclesiastical Council of Spiritual Baptist Churches of Trinidad and Tobago" was made a priority on the Government's agenda. Since this Act will give legal force to "organise, establish and maintain a united Spiritual Baptist fellowship through bona fide representatives of affiliated groups and assemblies", the disbursement of State monies and other resources will be facilitated to a group which has traditionally voted for the PNM.
The Children's Life Fund Bill was also prioritised because this was a campaign promise from the Partnership, while Bills relating to senior citizens and persons leasing land are also aimed at catching votes. This last Bill actually requires a special majority to pass, since its provisions contravene the right to property in Sections 4 and 5 of the Constitution.
In fact, of the eight crime-related Bills, five require a special majority because they override entrenched rights in the Constitution. Since the Partnership occupies 29 of the 41 seats in the House of Representatives, it automatically has that majority there, although it would need the support of some Independent Senators in the Upper House to get these Bills passed into law.
What clauses of the Constitution does the Government find it necessary to bypass in order to fight crime? The Firearms Amendment Bill increases the penalties associated with unlawful possession of a gun, but the contravention comes in respect to clauses which allow arrest of any individual who is on the premises or vehicle where a firearm is found and, says the Bill, "shall, until the contrary is proved, be deemed to be in possession of such firearm or ammunition" — in other words, be guilty until proven innocent.
The Interception of Communications Bill, which legalises the now infamous Security Intelligence Agency (SIA), contravenes Section 4(c) of the Constitution, which guarantees "the right of the individual to respect for his private and family life." The Bail Amendment Bill, which is aimed at stamping out criminal gangs, would allow the authorities to deny bail to anyone arrested on suspicion of gang-related activities and to hold such a person without laying charges for four months. In fact, the courts under this Bill are barred from granting bail even if the judge or magistrate wishes to do so. This alone rides roughshod over at least two provisions of the Constitution:
4. (b) the right of the individual to equality before the law and the protection of the law;
(j) freedom of association and assembly.
The first right is contravened because the individual designated a "gang member" will be deprived of equality before the law – i.e. this law cannot be applied to someone charged with the same criminal offence who is not a member of a gang. And, of course, gangs qua gangs have the right to associate with one another – they only become subject to prosecution when they commit acts which are illegal under existing laws.
The Bill also allows an individual to be designated as a gang member on "any evidence reasonably tending to show or demonstrate the existence of or membership in a gang". Such individuals can be detained for five days without any charges being laid. An accompanying piece of legislation, the Anti-Gang Bill 2010, defines a gang as "any alliance, combination, enterprise or other similar conjoining of two or more persons". The Bill's penalties also apply to anyone "who professes to be a gang member when in fact he is not, whether by telling anyone that he is a gang member or otherwise suggesting to anyone that he is a gang member." These penalties include a 20-year jail sentence and, for gang leaders, life imprisonment. A police officer can also arrest anyone just on suspicion of being a gang member.
In its first seven months in office, therefore, the Partnership administration has prioritised crime legislatively, and showed that it feels limiting citizens' enshrined rights is the most effective way to go about fighting this battle.[/b]
Discuss.
39
Football / The Perfect Striker
« on: December 14, 2010, 11:16:29 PM »
Just came across this..had to share.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/z04lJgIOSF8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/z04lJgIOSF8</a>
40
Jokes / Spanish Woman
« on: December 12, 2010, 09:31:28 AM »41
Football / Hardest Job in the World...
« on: December 11, 2010, 10:26:18 PM »
Read this and couldnt help but notice how familiar a lot of it sounded.
Is coaching Nigeria the hardest job in world football?
Sunday Oliseh (bottom row, centre) believes former World Cup team-mate Siasia (top row, second from left) can only win over his squad by ruling with an iron fist
Countless international managers would claim to have the toughest job in the world game but could new Nigeria coach Samson Siasia find he holds that dubious distinction?
England managers past and present may think their high-pressurised life is intolerable but Super Eagles coaches have it just as bad, if not worse - leading a nation whose fans, like Brazilians, (and president) tend to see anything other than a tournament victory as failure.
"Managing Nigeria is an uphill task," says Sunday Oliseh, who played alongside Siasia as Nigeria won the 1994 Nations Cup before shining at USA' 94.
"You have to look at the magnitude of the pressure through our population. We are a nation of 150 million and everyone loves football, so you have to succeed."
As if to prove his point, Oliseh claims fans' expectations have lowered in recent times but then states that Siasia's only hope of completing his four-year deal is by reaching the 2012 Nations Cup final "because it's been 10 years since we finished second in Africa".
The Super Eagles have recorded several third-place finishes in that time but 1994, when their Fifa ranking peaked at fifth (currently 33rd), remains their last African crown. This year's disappointing World Cup, where they failed to win a match and finished bottom of Group B, means Nigeria will be chasing their first group win in nearly two decades should they compete at Brazil 2014.
But Siasia's challenge is not just Herculean because of insane pressure (many fans genuinely thought they would win the World Cup) but also the number of areas that need improvement if he's to restore life to a national game which even Nigeria's federation (NFF) says is 'in the emergency ward'.
Vital organs have indeed been failing - not least inadequate support from an adminstratively-poor NFF, undue pressure from various powers for the coach to select certain players as well as a squad whose commitment has been questioned. All this has often infuriated the fans.
Then there's the added problem of Nigeria's top footballers enjoying near-godlike status, meaning Siasia needs to tame some sizeable egos.
The former striker has already endured run-ins with John Mikel Obi, Taye Taiwo, Peter Osaze Odemwingie and Victor Anichebe along the way to reaching the 2005 Fifa U20 World Cup and 2008 Olympic finals.
Furthermore, his new charges - Odemwingie aside - are widely seen to exert more effort for their clubs than for Nigeria, and it's not just the fans making such claims.
"We want our players playing like they do at their clubs - because if they come here and play something else, we'll find someone else," Siasia, 43, said during his unveiling.
This may be music to the ears of many Nigerian fans but it's one thing to talk tough, another to exercise hard-line policies while trying to win matches under pressure - and the Super Eagles currently trail Guinea in their 2012 Nations Cup qualifying group.
New Nigeria coach Samson Siasia (right) advises his players en route to the 2008 Olympic Games final in Beijing
Siasia played his international football under the man widely credited with changing the face of Nigerian football. Dutchman Clemens Westerhof may have been a character but he was also no-nonsense, eschewing talented players who didn't use their skills for the benefit of the team - as a young Jay-Jay Okocha soon discovered.
Westerhof's strict discipline kept players on their toes to such extent that they fretted about their place should they arrive late for international camps, a far cry from the current attitude.
"If our players are not disciplined, we will not move forward," says Oliseh.
Westerhof's inspired tutelage sparked Nigeria's 1994 Nations Cup win as well as their maiden World Cup appearance later that year, followed - as coach Jo Bonfrere rode his slipstream - by a historic gold at the 1996 Olympics.
"Another problem is that Samson's team will constantly be compared to those of the 1990s," adds Oliseh.
Yet Siasia, who played for French-side Nantes during his career, would do well to point this out - for the key is that Westerhof was given nearly six years in his role, allowed to build bit by bit as the Dutchman finished his masterpiece.
Nonetheless, the new coach, who favours free-flowing football, will find time the rarest of luxuries, with no Nigerian having ever lasted longer than three years in the post.
"Give me 2-3 years to put together a team that can play the way Nigerians want - offensive-minded, hard-working, using the wings properly and being tactically disciplined," he told the media last week.
His ambitious overhaul includes screening the country's youth before selecting the best to work under his system (so that they're ready when forced to step up), undoubtedly curtailing the careers of several old-timers (e.g. Yakubu) while also hunting new talent - such as trying to persuade Sunderland's Nedum Onuoha to choose Nigeria rather than England.
But Siasia has to rebuild while not just winning but doing so with conviction and good football: for lest we forget, the last Nigerian to coach the Super Eagles won his first six qualifiers but still came under enormous criticism for his style of play.
Shaibu Amodu also achieved all the aims set him by the Nigerian federation - qualifying for the World Cup and reaching the semis of Angola 2010 - but was still sacked nonetheless.
Siasia has been tasked with reaching the next World Cup semi-finals but the NFF has upped the ante by saying he'll only be in Brazil if he wins the 2012 Nations Cup.
Or then again, bearing Amodu in mind, even that's not guaranteed.
Is coaching Nigeria the hardest job in world football?
Sunday Oliseh (bottom row, centre) believes former World Cup team-mate Siasia (top row, second from left) can only win over his squad by ruling with an iron fist
Countless international managers would claim to have the toughest job in the world game but could new Nigeria coach Samson Siasia find he holds that dubious distinction?
England managers past and present may think their high-pressurised life is intolerable but Super Eagles coaches have it just as bad, if not worse - leading a nation whose fans, like Brazilians, (and president) tend to see anything other than a tournament victory as failure.
"Managing Nigeria is an uphill task," says Sunday Oliseh, who played alongside Siasia as Nigeria won the 1994 Nations Cup before shining at USA' 94.
"You have to look at the magnitude of the pressure through our population. We are a nation of 150 million and everyone loves football, so you have to succeed."
As if to prove his point, Oliseh claims fans' expectations have lowered in recent times but then states that Siasia's only hope of completing his four-year deal is by reaching the 2012 Nations Cup final "because it's been 10 years since we finished second in Africa".
The Super Eagles have recorded several third-place finishes in that time but 1994, when their Fifa ranking peaked at fifth (currently 33rd), remains their last African crown. This year's disappointing World Cup, where they failed to win a match and finished bottom of Group B, means Nigeria will be chasing their first group win in nearly two decades should they compete at Brazil 2014.
But Siasia's challenge is not just Herculean because of insane pressure (many fans genuinely thought they would win the World Cup) but also the number of areas that need improvement if he's to restore life to a national game which even Nigeria's federation (NFF) says is 'in the emergency ward'.
Vital organs have indeed been failing - not least inadequate support from an adminstratively-poor NFF, undue pressure from various powers for the coach to select certain players as well as a squad whose commitment has been questioned. All this has often infuriated the fans.
Then there's the added problem of Nigeria's top footballers enjoying near-godlike status, meaning Siasia needs to tame some sizeable egos.
The former striker has already endured run-ins with John Mikel Obi, Taye Taiwo, Peter Osaze Odemwingie and Victor Anichebe along the way to reaching the 2005 Fifa U20 World Cup and 2008 Olympic finals.
Furthermore, his new charges - Odemwingie aside - are widely seen to exert more effort for their clubs than for Nigeria, and it's not just the fans making such claims.
"We want our players playing like they do at their clubs - because if they come here and play something else, we'll find someone else," Siasia, 43, said during his unveiling.
This may be music to the ears of many Nigerian fans but it's one thing to talk tough, another to exercise hard-line policies while trying to win matches under pressure - and the Super Eagles currently trail Guinea in their 2012 Nations Cup qualifying group.
New Nigeria coach Samson Siasia (right) advises his players en route to the 2008 Olympic Games final in Beijing
Siasia played his international football under the man widely credited with changing the face of Nigerian football. Dutchman Clemens Westerhof may have been a character but he was also no-nonsense, eschewing talented players who didn't use their skills for the benefit of the team - as a young Jay-Jay Okocha soon discovered.
Westerhof's strict discipline kept players on their toes to such extent that they fretted about their place should they arrive late for international camps, a far cry from the current attitude.
"If our players are not disciplined, we will not move forward," says Oliseh.
Westerhof's inspired tutelage sparked Nigeria's 1994 Nations Cup win as well as their maiden World Cup appearance later that year, followed - as coach Jo Bonfrere rode his slipstream - by a historic gold at the 1996 Olympics.
"Another problem is that Samson's team will constantly be compared to those of the 1990s," adds Oliseh.
Yet Siasia, who played for French-side Nantes during his career, would do well to point this out - for the key is that Westerhof was given nearly six years in his role, allowed to build bit by bit as the Dutchman finished his masterpiece.
Nonetheless, the new coach, who favours free-flowing football, will find time the rarest of luxuries, with no Nigerian having ever lasted longer than three years in the post.
"Give me 2-3 years to put together a team that can play the way Nigerians want - offensive-minded, hard-working, using the wings properly and being tactically disciplined," he told the media last week.
His ambitious overhaul includes screening the country's youth before selecting the best to work under his system (so that they're ready when forced to step up), undoubtedly curtailing the careers of several old-timers (e.g. Yakubu) while also hunting new talent - such as trying to persuade Sunderland's Nedum Onuoha to choose Nigeria rather than England.
But Siasia has to rebuild while not just winning but doing so with conviction and good football: for lest we forget, the last Nigerian to coach the Super Eagles won his first six qualifiers but still came under enormous criticism for his style of play.
Shaibu Amodu also achieved all the aims set him by the Nigerian federation - qualifying for the World Cup and reaching the semis of Angola 2010 - but was still sacked nonetheless.
Siasia has been tasked with reaching the next World Cup semi-finals but the NFF has upped the ante by saying he'll only be in Brazil if he wins the 2012 Nations Cup.
Or then again, bearing Amodu in mind, even that's not guaranteed.
42
Jokes / Petty Crime Watch
« on: December 06, 2010, 07:03:26 PM »43
General Discussion / Well I certainly never anticipated something like this...
« on: November 21, 2010, 07:03:49 PM »
Sat to launch Cudjoe's 'Indian Time Ah Come'
Quote
They've put their heads together in the past when both were part of the Race Relations Committee.
Now, Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) head Satnarine Maharaj will, on Tuesday, launch the latest literary work of Prof Selwyn Cudjoe, head of the National Association for the Empowerment of African People (NAEAP).
The new book, entitled Indian Time ah Come, which has been dedicated to Maharaj and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, not only looks, in part, at the social and political history of East Indians in Trinidad and Tobago, but also examines the factors surrounding the election of Persad-Bissessar.
Maharaj told the Sunday Express yesterday he will be at the launch, at 6 p.m. at City Hall in Port of Spain, to offer his opinion on the tome.
Asked how he came to deliver the feature address, Maharaj said:
"Well, he (Cudjoe) came home here at my house and asked me to launch it. I told him I had reservations about the title as I have not heard anyone in the Indian community utter the words that it is 'Indian time' now.
"I continue to say what I have been saying publicly that the community I represent does not want anything that everyone else is not getting. I want that everyone should be treated equally.
"But I have agreed to launch it, and I will be there to give my honest opinion. While I appreciate some of the historical facts in the book and I have read most of it, some facts are true and some are fabricated, but not by him. I was alive, I know that some of the facts are not true."
Cudjoe is a prolific local author, with Beyond Boundaries: The Intellectual Tradition of Trinidad and Tobago in the Nineteenth Century (Calaloux/University of Massachusetts, 2003), being one of his best known works.
44
General Discussion / It really shoulda get painted yellow....
« on: November 19, 2010, 06:51:57 AM »
*Sigh*
Quote
TWO weeks after a 12-year-old pupil of the Barataria South Secondary School was robbed of his Government-issued laptop computer in San Juan, the device is yet to be located.
Police said the laptop was one of thousands distributed to successful Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) pupils as part of the People's Partnership Government's campaign promise.
Hewlett-Packard (HP) was awarded an $83 million contract to supply 24,000 fully-loaded laptops.
According to police, the computer, which was the first to be reportedly stolen, up to late yesterday could not be traced, despite previous assurances by Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh the devices could be traced to their precise location if stolen.
In a two-page advertisement in the daily newspapers early September, Gopeesingh said Computrace software, which was expected to be installed in the laptops, allows "us to spot the location of a stolen computer by tracing the IP (Internet Protocol) address when it logs on. And it permits us to remote-wipe, which erases all material off a stolen computer."
He also stated schools will provide a safe place to store computers for children who prefer not to travel home with the devices.
On November 4, the victim, who is a Form One pupil, reported to police that around 2.35 p.m. that day, he was walking west along Bissessar Street, off Don Miguel Road, when a man approached from behind.
Without warning, the suspect unzipped the boy's school bag, which he had on his back, and took out the laptop before escaping on foot.
Officers believe the suspect was one of three men who were liming on the roadway when the schoolboy walked past the group.
The victim, police said, saw a police vehicle passing shortly after the incident and informed the officers about what had transpired. Police immediately went in search of the three men but they could not be found.
The matter was reported to the school, and a report was submitted to the Information Communication and Technology Unit at the Ministry of Education, the Express was told. Calls to Gopeesingh's cell phone went unanswered late yesterday.
45
General Discussion / I was fired because of ethnic tensions
« on: November 18, 2010, 03:16:48 AM »
Well Boy!
A Trinidadian banker who worked for a Guyanese boss is suing JPMorgan Chase, saying she was fired because of ethnic tensions.
Shivana Persad, 26, says she was treated like a second-class citizen at Chase Manhattan's South Richmond Hill, Queens, branch.
Persad says she was insulted after she complained to a Guyanese manager after witnessing two co-workers having sex near a copy machine in March 2009.
"You Trinis need to mind your own business," she was told, according to court papers.
She alleges the branch manager called Trinidadians "lazy" and "nickel-and-dime workers" and made her work on the Hindu holiday Diwali.
Guyanese co-workers got prized schedules while Persad worked six-day weeks to combat her boss' prejudices, she charges.
"I had a job and I needed to keep it, especially in this economy," she said.
Persad was fired in April 2009, months after she complained to human resources that she had not been paid for overtime.
A spokesman for JPMorgan could not be reached for comment.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/11/12/2010-11-12_trinidadian_claims_bias_in_suit_vs_bank.html#ixzz15ckLiTOD
A Trinidadian banker who worked for a Guyanese boss is suing JPMorgan Chase, saying she was fired because of ethnic tensions.
Shivana Persad, 26, says she was treated like a second-class citizen at Chase Manhattan's South Richmond Hill, Queens, branch.
Persad says she was insulted after she complained to a Guyanese manager after witnessing two co-workers having sex near a copy machine in March 2009.
"You Trinis need to mind your own business," she was told, according to court papers.
She alleges the branch manager called Trinidadians "lazy" and "nickel-and-dime workers" and made her work on the Hindu holiday Diwali.
Guyanese co-workers got prized schedules while Persad worked six-day weeks to combat her boss' prejudices, she charges.
"I had a job and I needed to keep it, especially in this economy," she said.
Persad was fired in April 2009, months after she complained to human resources that she had not been paid for overtime.
A spokesman for JPMorgan could not be reached for comment.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/11/12/2010-11-12_trinidadian_claims_bias_in_suit_vs_bank.html#ixzz15ckLiTOD
46
General Discussion / Death by Farmville
« on: October 28, 2010, 04:23:54 PM »
I eh even know what to say...
A Jacksonville mother charged with shaking her baby to death has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Alexandra V. Tobias, 22, was arrested after the January death of 3-month-old Dylan Lee Edmondson. She told investigators she became angry because the baby was crying while she was playing a computer game called FarmVille on the Facebook social-networking website.
Tobias entered her plea Wednesday before Circuit Judge Adrian G. Soud. A second-degree murder charge is punishable by up to life in prison.
Prosecutor Richard Mantei said Tobias' sentence could be less because of state guidelines that call for 25 to 50 years. Soud offered no promises on what he'll order during a sentencing hearing scheduled for December.
Outside the courtroom, Mantei said Tobias' plea will help avoid the family reliving the tragedy during a jury trial.
Tobias told investigators that she shook the baby, smoked a cigarette to compose herself and then shook him again. She said the baby may have hit his head during the shaking.
A Jacksonville mother charged with shaking her baby to death has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Alexandra V. Tobias, 22, was arrested after the January death of 3-month-old Dylan Lee Edmondson. She told investigators she became angry because the baby was crying while she was playing a computer game called FarmVille on the Facebook social-networking website.
Tobias entered her plea Wednesday before Circuit Judge Adrian G. Soud. A second-degree murder charge is punishable by up to life in prison.
Prosecutor Richard Mantei said Tobias' sentence could be less because of state guidelines that call for 25 to 50 years. Soud offered no promises on what he'll order during a sentencing hearing scheduled for December.
Outside the courtroom, Mantei said Tobias' plea will help avoid the family reliving the tragedy during a jury trial.
Tobias told investigators that she shook the baby, smoked a cigarette to compose herself and then shook him again. She said the baby may have hit his head during the shaking.
47
General Discussion / I cant believe its not...
« on: October 27, 2010, 02:24:36 PM »human.
48
General Discussion / A kiss for the bride... who are you again?
« on: October 26, 2010, 10:49:04 AM »
Groom in sham marriage didn't remember name of wife-to-be
When the happy couple could barely communicate with each other because they didn’t share a common language, it was a little suspicious.
But when the groom couldn’t even recall the name of his bride, the couple could be fairly sure the game was up.
Yesterday Portuguese-born Jorge Mouchinho and his Trinidadian bride Falana McKenzie were jailed for a year after she paid him £2,000 to go through a sham marriage with her.
The couple had booked to marry at Nottingham Register Office in August.
But staff became suspicious when they appeared nervous and hesitant at a meeting prior to the wedding.
They had difficulty communicating with each other without an interpreter and Mouchinho was unable to give his prospective wife’s name.
So staff alerted police and, just when they were about to say ‘I do’ at the wedding ceremony, they were interrupted by the UK Border Agency.
Nottingham Crown Court was told that as an EU citizen, Mouchinho, 33, had a legal right to be in the UK.
But his bride-to-be did not. McKenzie, 30, from Trinidad, had previously been in the UK legitimately on student and working visas, but her most recent student visa expired in April this year.
When McKenzie’s home was searched, photos were found of her with a boyfriend who was not Mouchinho.
It also emerged that the couple had lived more than 140 miles apart – Mouchinho’s last address was in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, while McKenzie had previously lived in Dulwich in South London.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1323516/Sham-marriage-groom-Jorge-Mouchinho-forgets-bride-Falana-McKenzies-name.html#ixzz13U5wmN5C
When the happy couple could barely communicate with each other because they didn’t share a common language, it was a little suspicious.
But when the groom couldn’t even recall the name of his bride, the couple could be fairly sure the game was up.
Yesterday Portuguese-born Jorge Mouchinho and his Trinidadian bride Falana McKenzie were jailed for a year after she paid him £2,000 to go through a sham marriage with her.
The couple had booked to marry at Nottingham Register Office in August.
But staff became suspicious when they appeared nervous and hesitant at a meeting prior to the wedding.
They had difficulty communicating with each other without an interpreter and Mouchinho was unable to give his prospective wife’s name.
So staff alerted police and, just when they were about to say ‘I do’ at the wedding ceremony, they were interrupted by the UK Border Agency.
Nottingham Crown Court was told that as an EU citizen, Mouchinho, 33, had a legal right to be in the UK.
But his bride-to-be did not. McKenzie, 30, from Trinidad, had previously been in the UK legitimately on student and working visas, but her most recent student visa expired in April this year.
When McKenzie’s home was searched, photos were found of her with a boyfriend who was not Mouchinho.
It also emerged that the couple had lived more than 140 miles apart – Mouchinho’s last address was in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, while McKenzie had previously lived in Dulwich in South London.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1323516/Sham-marriage-groom-Jorge-Mouchinho-forgets-bride-Falana-McKenzies-name.html#ixzz13U5wmN5C
49
General Discussion / When yuh feel like things cyar go no lower....
« on: October 20, 2010, 10:30:31 PM »
Somebody does pull out a shovel
and in other news....
To hell in a handbasket we go.
Quote
Schoolboy caught having sex with goat
Story Created: Oct 20, 2010 at 3:04 AM ECT
Story Updated: Oct 20, 2010 at 3:04 AM ECT
A 14-year-old schoolboy was caught having sex with a goat in a bedroom at his home yesterday morning.
The teenager was detained by police and the animal is expected to be slaughtered and the carcass disposed of.
He was caught by police officers who went to the village to investigate a report of a missing goat. The incident occurred at Sahadat Avenue, Princes Town.
Investigators said they were alerted after neighbours heard "strange sounds" coming from the house. The boy was caught in the act.
and in other news....
Quote
Form 1 pupil raped; 5 teens surrender
Story Created: Oct 18, 2010 at 10:41 PM ECT
Story Updated: Oct 18, 2010 at 10:41 PM ECT
FIVE teenagers will appear in court today charged rape and grievous sexual assault after they surrendered to the St James Police Station yesterday.
The teenagers, all pupils of a secondary school in West Trinidad, were charged by PC Nicholas Nurse after their alleged victim, a 12-year-old Form One pupil, of the same school made a report to the police station last week.
The boys, ages 16 and 17, are in Forms Four and Five and surrendered to the police along with their parents and their lawyer, Larry Williams. The boys are alleged to have committed the act on September 17 and October 11, after school was dismissed.
To hell in a handbasket we go.
50
General Discussion / Tunnel of One Love
« on: October 15, 2010, 11:10:04 AM »
Tunnel of One Love
BC Pires
Published: 15 Oct 2010
BC Pires
Published: 15 Oct 2010
Quote
The new People’s Partnership government is attempting to solve T&T’s problems and, in this period of national rebuilding, everyone has a job to do.
The Prime Minister, eg, has to fly all around the world every chance she gets. (You can never tell where the next opportunity to lead a group of stodgy politicians in a Bob Marley chorus will arise; but you can be sure the photo-op will not be wasted.) The Leader of the Opposition has to spend sleepless nights thinking up outrageous statements that lead to nothing more than headlines for him. The redoubtable Minister of Works and Transport has to toss out a dozen ideas a day, several of them fully-baked. And I occasionally have to take the Mickey out of all of them.
People say to me, “BC, is not fair. You not doing nothing constructive, you on’y being destructive. Why you doesn’t offer some solution instead of study making p’oblem?” I reply, “Hey, it’s not my fault if they choose to take upon themselves the most difficult jobs in the country—and then turn around and make mine easy. Why don’t you try to keep them on their toes instead of giving me grief for shooting fish in a barrel?” When you see Kamla jetting around the world now, eg, you shouldn’t be surprised. The moment she moved into the palace, the most glaring symbol of everything Mr Manning did wrong, she was sending a clear message that a lot of what she would be doing in the future would be pretty, expensive and serve no useful purpose, like a lot of Westmoorings wives. It’s Kamla’s work to sing karaoke at Buckingham Palace and it’s mine to admire the Empress’ new clothes.
So, though I have great respect for his achievements—for they are impressive, even if measured by Donald Trump’s standards, and all the more so because attained on the world stage by a Chaguanas schoolteacher—I’m having doubts about some of our Jack’s many ideas; but I think I found a way of implementing a couple of them that would kill two birds with one stone and set us up to make Mr Mannings 2020 “developed nation status” a reality—which, in our terms, means, of course, “a really nice fantasy.” The good minister’s suggestion of a tunnel to Maracas Bay was criticised by a whole heap of people for an even bigger heap of reasons. A tunnel to Maracas would be expensive, not as pretty as the existing mountainside road or a possible cable car, hugely dangerous in construction, bound to flood in the first rain and something between pointless and otiose if it’s ever finished, if it doesn’t turn into the Brian Lara Maracas Tunnel. (It’s difficult to accept my memory’s suggestion that the tunnel in fact stands as a done deal, though not yet quite done and dusted.)
Jack was also heavily rebuffed for his idea of legalising what are called “PH” taxis—private cars plied for hire. Many saw the notion as a head-on collision between law and order and crimi- nality, but the ever-pragmatic Jack saw it as an immediate way of relieving real suffering thousands of hardworking people endure daily. The flaws are obvious, the most glaring one being that the PH drivers could make themselves legal right now, by getting taxi badges and upgrading their insurance to cover the risk of carrying passengers. My pardner Zolin also pointed out that, once you set out to legalise what was on its face criminal activity, you had the difficulty of knowing where to draw the line: did you just declare that private drivers were now taxi drivers and private cars now taxis? Or did you say that private vehicle insurance was now public vehicle insurance? Or that no insurance at all magically became insurance? If, as happened to Zolin himself, a car was stolen and was found “pulling bull” (running PH) in a rural area, did you legalise the car theft, too? If not, why not? It’s not so far removed from the starting point in degree, and it is identical in substance.
But I have a way of harnessing the strengths of both these ideas, eliminating their weaknesses and creating a template for solving all our problems: let the first PH drivers to be legalised be the ones that work the Maracas tunnel. That way, we know the tunnel would be finished, too. If the Brian Lara Maracas Tunnel to Tarouba proves successful, the principle could be extended. Our Jack could end up doing more for community leaders than Patos, who was content to invite them to hotels and give them state contracts. Applying the legalised bull-pulling idea across the board, we could pass an act to transform criminals into SRPs (Special Reserve Police). One vote in Parliament and the crime problem would not only vanish, but the police force would be increased. (We might have to hire actuaries to figure out how to treat criminal police officers, though.)
All those people in rural areas who bought a pair of pliers secondhand and appointed themselves dentists would, after the Bull/Tooth-Pulling Act, become real ones; with just a little imagination and one more section in the legislation, a legalised PH driver could do a route canal. The sky’s the firetrucking limit with this idea, and it could work. All of Port-of-Spain is already one big retention pond but we could add a specific section to the Bull-Pulling Act, changing the name from Gulf to Detention Pool of Paria. Sno-cone vendors would become Haagen-Dazs outlets. A parlour would become a mall. A Chinee man in a merino and khaki short pants would become Tommy Hilfiger.
And T&T would become a country.
* BC Pires is going to be charged with sedition—which will be
automatically upgraded to treason. Read a longer, more libellous version of this column and more of his
writings at www.BCraw.com
51
General Discussion / New Levels of Dotishness found: Accused teen sues dead woman’s estate
« on: August 05, 2010, 08:13:21 AM »
Dis beyond amazing.
Firstly
DEN! If yuh head eh shake with part one....here's part two !
Firstly
Quote
An Evergreen teenager who prosecutors allege drove her car into oncoming traffic in an apparent suicide attempt has been charged with the deaths of the pregnant Columbia Falls woman and her 13-year-old son who were killed in the crash.
Justine Ellen Winter, 16, was charged Tuesday with two counts of deliberate homicide by the Flathead County Attorney's Office. Erin Julie Thompson, 35, of Columbia Falls, and her son, Caden Vincent Odell, a Kalispell Middle School student, were the victims of the head-on collision, which occurred on March 19.
Winter, a student at Glacier High School, was released on her own recognizance during an initial appearance Wednesday afternoon in Flathead County District Court.
Under the terms of her house arrest, Winter - who will be electronically monitored via ankle bracelet - is allowed only to attend class, medical appointments, and meetings with her attorney. She also is prohibited from driving.
"I don't believe for a minute this young 16-year-old intended to kill those two unfortunate people," said Flathead County Attorney Ed Corrigan, adding however that her actions, knowingly undertaken, nevertheless resulted in two deaths and warrant homicide charges.
Following the hearing, Winter - who is charged as an adult - was booked into the detention center, then immediately released.
Another hearing will be held Oct. 2 to determine whether Winter's case will remain in District Court or be transferred to Youth Court. Winter's attorney, David Stufft, had no comment Wednesday.
According to court records, Winter was southbound on U.S. 93 between Kalispell and Whitefish at about 8:30 p.m. on March 19 when her Pontiac Grand Am crossed the centerline and struck a Subaru Forester driven by Thompson head-on.
Thompson, who was four months pregnant, and Odell were pronounced dead at the scene, coroners said. They had been returning to Columbia Falls after a middle school choral concert where Odell had performed as a percussionist.
Investigators believe Winter, who had argued earlier in the day with her boyfriend and may have concluded they were going to break up, drove into oncoming traffic in a suicide attempt.
Winter dropped her boyfriend off at his house between about 7:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., less than an hour before the crash occurred, and then sent him several text messages.
Some read:
"Good bye… My last words…"
"If I won. I would have you. And I wouldn't crash my car."
"And think this is now life or death. It shows you would rather me die because I want to kill myself. Good bye…"
"Because I wanted to kill myself. I wanted you out of my car so I could do what you told me I couldn't. Because I lost you and it's my fault."
A witness following Winter described her driving as erratic, but as he passed her he noticed both her hands were on the steering wheel and she did not appear distracted, court records show.
Investigators with the Montana Highway Patrol found no skid marks or other pre-collision tire marks to indicate Winter tried to avoid the crash. There were no adverse weather conditions and alcohol was not involved, according to prosecutors.
Data recorded by Winter's car indicates that Winter was not wearing a seat belt, was at 95 percent of full throttle, and was traveling at 86 mph three to five seconds before impact and 85 mph at impact.
Winter, who suffered massive internal injuries and numerous broken bones in the crash, was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after being stabilized at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Corrigan said Wednesday he does not expect debate over whether head injuries Winter suffered in the crash have diminished her capacity to face the charges against her to become an issue.
DEN! If yuh head eh shake with part one....here's part two !
Quote
In an unusual legal maneuver, Justine Winter — the Evergreen teenager charged with deliberate homicide in the traffic deaths of Erin Thompson and her 13-year-old son — has sued Thompson’s estate and the construction company that built the U.S. 93 overpass at Church Drive where the accident occurred.
Winter, 17, with her father, Randy Winter, filed the lawsuit in Flathead County District Court July 15 against Knife River Corp., Western Traffic Control Inc., Mountain West Holding Co. and the estate of Erin Thompson. The complaint lists Thompson’s husband, Jason Thompson, as personal representative of the estate.
The lawsuit was filed in District Judge Katherine Curtis’ court. Curtis recently presided over a preliminary trial for Winter and has yet to rule whether she will face trial in juvenile or adult court. Winter was charged as an adult.
Winter alleges that Thompson, of Columbia Falls, negligently operated her vehicle in a manner that caused it to collide with Winter’s vehicle on U.S. 93 in the vicinity of the Church Drive overpass bridge.
The allegation flies in the face of the prosecution’s stand that Winter deliberately drove her car into oncoming traffic in an apparent suicide attempt.
The accident occurred on March 19, 2009, as Thompson (four months pregnant at the time) and her son, Caden Odell, were on their way home from a middle-school choral concert.
Court records indicate Winter was southbound when her Pontiac Grand Am crossed the centerline and struck Thompson’s northbound Subaru Forest head-on at a speed of 85 mph.
Winter further alleges that Knife River, which was in charge of the overpass construction, along with Western Traffic Control and Mountain West Holding Co., negligently failed to adequately construct and maintain traffic-control devices and signals, including lighting, lane delineators and reflective markings. The area wasn’t properly marked or striped, the lawsuit claims.
Those assertions follow testimony at the preliminary trial by defense witness Scott A. Curry, a self-employed engineer, who testified there were no stripes or fog lines on the bridge when the collision occurred based on photos taken by the state Department of Transportation. Curry also maintained there is no evidence that Winter’s vehicle was in the northbound lane when it crashed.
Scrapes and “scrubs” in the southbound lane on the overpass “had to be made by [Winter’s] Grand Am,” Curry testified.
The lawsuit notes that Winter suffered permanent and continuing injuries, along with mental pain and suffering and the loss of capacity to enjoy life. It cites future loss of income and past, present and future medical expenses. Winter is seeking a judgment against the defendants for damages, costs, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest and other relief deemed appropriate.
A key issue in the case is the allegation — based on several text messages just before the crash — that Winters intentionally crashed into Thompson to commit suicide.
Flathead County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ernie Freebury, who served as coroner for the accident, testified at the preliminary trial that it’s reasonable to conclude the crash was intentional based on inspection of the speedometer of Winter’s vehicle that indicated she was traveling 85 mph, and that the vehicle’s brakes weren’t applied until one second before deployment of the air bags.
A forensic linguist for the defense testified that Winter likely didn’t mean to kill herself when she texted her boyfriend about intentionally crashing her car.
The deaths of Erin Thompson and her son provoked an emotional community response.
At a memorial service in March 2009 attended by hundreds of people, they were remembered as “spiritual giants” who added substance to every life they touched.
52
Jokes / A "true" story
« on: July 21, 2010, 10:33:48 AM »
As dis happen...a man tell me bout dis apparently true story that happened in San Juan.
A couple (somewhat past their best years) lived alone in Sandy Lane (I think that's the name) and in the house next door, lived a single woman of their age... and she was always "making eyes" at the fellah (who, I presume, noticed.)
The wifey went to town one day. In those days, this outing was a whole-day affair - and the lass next door soon appeared on the doorstep, with ideas of another type of affair herself. The fellow apparently found this sort of idea agreeable, so they took matters in hand, and took their relationship to another level - horizontally, that is.
While they were banging away at it in the couple's bed, the lady cried out, "Oh God!" The fellow assumed that this was a cry of pleasure, which meant he was doing it right, and so he carried on with his business. When he was finished, he came to the realization that so too was she, in a manner of speaking. The woman had apparently suffered a heart attack and died during the activity.
Horrified at the thought of the consequences, he called a good friend of his, who was a policeman, and explained the situation. His friend calmed him down, stating that nothing was going to happen, as he personally knew the DMO, and there was a way out of the mess: come to his home, they would go fetch the DMO, together they would visit the site, remove the body discretely, and all this would be done without the eye of the public viewing anything.
While the man was out following his friend's instructions, his wife came home, much earlier than expected. She glimpsed a person - seemingly sleeping - in her bed, and immediately identified the said person. Having quietly observed, and suspected, the woman's actions of late, she easily concluded why that woman was asleep in her bed. She quietly fetched a 2X4 from outside the door, and leaping into the bedroom, proceeded to beat the prone figure with much ado. When she came to an end, she found to her horror, that so too had the woman in the bed. Assuming she had just murdered the tramp, the woman began to bewail her fate. Imagine her anguish when she sees a car pull up outside and a uniformed policeman get out... for it was at this time that her husband, his friend and the DMO arrived. She went weeping and bawling straight to the officer, showing him the cudgel, crying, "Oh god, sah, ah kill she, ah didn't mean to..."
The policeman, her husband's friend who knew her well, tried to comfort her, and told her "Don't worry... Is not your wood dat kill she..."
A couple (somewhat past their best years) lived alone in Sandy Lane (I think that's the name) and in the house next door, lived a single woman of their age... and she was always "making eyes" at the fellah (who, I presume, noticed.)
The wifey went to town one day. In those days, this outing was a whole-day affair - and the lass next door soon appeared on the doorstep, with ideas of another type of affair herself. The fellow apparently found this sort of idea agreeable, so they took matters in hand, and took their relationship to another level - horizontally, that is.
While they were banging away at it in the couple's bed, the lady cried out, "Oh God!" The fellow assumed that this was a cry of pleasure, which meant he was doing it right, and so he carried on with his business. When he was finished, he came to the realization that so too was she, in a manner of speaking. The woman had apparently suffered a heart attack and died during the activity.
Horrified at the thought of the consequences, he called a good friend of his, who was a policeman, and explained the situation. His friend calmed him down, stating that nothing was going to happen, as he personally knew the DMO, and there was a way out of the mess: come to his home, they would go fetch the DMO, together they would visit the site, remove the body discretely, and all this would be done without the eye of the public viewing anything.
While the man was out following his friend's instructions, his wife came home, much earlier than expected. She glimpsed a person - seemingly sleeping - in her bed, and immediately identified the said person. Having quietly observed, and suspected, the woman's actions of late, she easily concluded why that woman was asleep in her bed. She quietly fetched a 2X4 from outside the door, and leaping into the bedroom, proceeded to beat the prone figure with much ado. When she came to an end, she found to her horror, that so too had the woman in the bed. Assuming she had just murdered the tramp, the woman began to bewail her fate. Imagine her anguish when she sees a car pull up outside and a uniformed policeman get out... for it was at this time that her husband, his friend and the DMO arrived. She went weeping and bawling straight to the officer, showing him the cudgel, crying, "Oh god, sah, ah kill she, ah didn't mean to..."
The policeman, her husband's friend who knew her well, tried to comfort her, and told her "Don't worry... Is not your wood dat kill she..."
53
Cricket Anyone / Sachin Tendulkar's blood used to prepare special edition of his memoirs
« on: July 19, 2010, 07:25:36 AM »
De luxe version of the Tendulkar Opus, costing £49,000, features cricketer's blood mixed into paper pulp, tinting the signature page
Quote
Worship of cricket's "little master", Sachin Tendulkar, is set to cross a new boundary, as a luxury book publisher brings out a special edition of his autobiography made with the batsman's blood.
Only for the most dedicated of fans, the "blood edition" of the Tendulkar Opus, which also includes unpublished family pictures and Tendulkar's thoughts about his career, weighs 37kg, measures half a metre square and stretches to 852 pages edged in gold leaf, costing $75,000 (£49,000). Out next February, only 10 copies are being printed and they have all already been pre-ordered.
"The signature page will be mixed with Sachin's blood – mixed into the paper pulp so it's a red resin. It is what it is – you will have Sachin's blood on the page," said publisher Kraken Media's chief executive Karl Fowler. "It's not everyone's cup of tea, it's not to everyone's taste and some may think it's a bit weird. But the key thing here is that Sachin Tendulkar to millions of people is a religious icon. And we thought how, in a publishing form, can you get as close to your god as possible?"
As well as taking blood from the cricketer, Kraken asked for a sample of his saliva and used this to create his DNA profile, which will be printed on a two-metre gatefold in the book. "What you'll be looking at is his genetic makeup," said Fowler.
All proceeds from the sale of the 10 copies will go to Tendulkar's charitable foundation to help build a school in Mumbai.
Kraken will also publish around 1,000 copies of a cheaper edition of the autobiography at $2,000-$3,000 (£1,300-£1,900). Signed by Tendulkar, this edition will also be a half-metre square in size and will contain around 75% previously unpublished material about the cricketing star, as well as his DNA profile – but not his blood. It is also releasing a $200-$300 (£130-£190) smaller edition of the book.
"We're publishing next February, in time for the cricket World Cup, which is being held in India. It's perfect timing," said Fowler. "He's never done an autobiography before and has a great story to tell."
Other titles out later this year from the luxury publisher include a book on major league baseball, one on Ferrari and one on Formula One. No plans to use blood in any of these have yet been revealed.
55
2010 World Cup - South Africa / Brazil v Côte d'Ivoire
« on: June 20, 2010, 05:55:04 AM »
Like allyuh forget dis game is today. I shamelessly banditing dis from somewhere else.
Brazil-Côte d’Ivoire preview
Throughout their glittering FIFA World Cup™ history, Brazil have never lost to a team from outside South America or Europe, a record they will put to the test against Côte d'Ivoire in Johannesburg on Sunday evening. Victory for Dunga's side will secure them a place in the next round, but with Didier Drogba having recovered from his elbow injury, achieving that will be easier said than done. After drawing 0-0 with Portugal in their Group G opener, the Elephants can ill afford to lose.
The match
Brazil-Côte d’Ivoire, Group G, Soccer City, Johannesburg, Sunday 20 June, 20.30
Much vaunted for their attacking firepower, Brazil and Côte d’Ivoire were both involved in largely low-key opening games. Brazil spent most of their meeting with Korea DPR trying to find their way through the well-drilled Chollima defence, while the Ivorians were frustrated by Portugal in a match in which the defences held sway throughout. Having worked off their debut nerves, however, and with the Round of 16 beckoning, the two sides ought to serve up an entertaining encounter. With the likes of Drogba, Luis Fabiano, Salomon Kalou and Robinho on duty, another defensive spectacle is unlikely.
Players to watch
Lucio v Didier Drogba
The Elephants' centre-forward had an excellent season with club side Chelsea, playing a leading role in their English Premier League and FA Cup double success by hitting a total of 44 goals in 52 games. The only blemish on the Blues' season came when they were eliminated by Inter Milan in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. That tie featured a fascinating duel between the inspirational Drogba and Inter bulwark Lucio, one that was edged by the Brazilian and that will be renewed on Sunday night. Inter's 3-1 aggregate win was one of the high points of their run to the continental club title but. having enjoyed a late run-out against the Portuguese, Drogba will be relishing the chance to exact revenge.
The stat
6 - The number of consecutive wins that Brazil have strung together, just one short of Argentina's current run of seven straight victories. The last time they failed to win was in October 2009 when, having already secured qualification, they fielded a weakened side in a qualifier against Bolivia and lost 2-1. Prior to that match, Dunga's charges had won 11 on the trot.
What they said
"Côte d'Ivoire are physically very strong but I think the fact they drew their first game will work in our favour. They need to go out and get a result and it will be a totally different game to our opening match against Korea DPR, who just wanted to defend and hit on the counter. I think Côte d’Ivoire will come out and play more," Julio Cesar, Brazil goalkeeper.
"I have a lot of respect for Brazil. They are one of the best teams in the world without question, but I'm not scared of them. I have some top-class players who bear comparison with any team in the world. Discipline and cohesion will be vital. That's the way to beat Brazil," Sven-Goran Eriksson, Côte d’Ivoire coach.
Voice of the fans
"Côte d’Ivoire have their strengths and they're a team with plenty of pedigree. Even though Drogba isn't fully fit, they'll have their chances. I'm banking on them. May the best team win," RasLeo, FIFA.com user.
Have your say
Can Brazil book their place in the next round at the expense of the Ivorians?
Source: FIFA.com
Brazil-Côte d’Ivoire preview
Throughout their glittering FIFA World Cup™ history, Brazil have never lost to a team from outside South America or Europe, a record they will put to the test against Côte d'Ivoire in Johannesburg on Sunday evening. Victory for Dunga's side will secure them a place in the next round, but with Didier Drogba having recovered from his elbow injury, achieving that will be easier said than done. After drawing 0-0 with Portugal in their Group G opener, the Elephants can ill afford to lose.
The match
Brazil-Côte d’Ivoire, Group G, Soccer City, Johannesburg, Sunday 20 June, 20.30
Much vaunted for their attacking firepower, Brazil and Côte d’Ivoire were both involved in largely low-key opening games. Brazil spent most of their meeting with Korea DPR trying to find their way through the well-drilled Chollima defence, while the Ivorians were frustrated by Portugal in a match in which the defences held sway throughout. Having worked off their debut nerves, however, and with the Round of 16 beckoning, the two sides ought to serve up an entertaining encounter. With the likes of Drogba, Luis Fabiano, Salomon Kalou and Robinho on duty, another defensive spectacle is unlikely.
Players to watch
Lucio v Didier Drogba
The Elephants' centre-forward had an excellent season with club side Chelsea, playing a leading role in their English Premier League and FA Cup double success by hitting a total of 44 goals in 52 games. The only blemish on the Blues' season came when they were eliminated by Inter Milan in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. That tie featured a fascinating duel between the inspirational Drogba and Inter bulwark Lucio, one that was edged by the Brazilian and that will be renewed on Sunday night. Inter's 3-1 aggregate win was one of the high points of their run to the continental club title but. having enjoyed a late run-out against the Portuguese, Drogba will be relishing the chance to exact revenge.
The stat
6 - The number of consecutive wins that Brazil have strung together, just one short of Argentina's current run of seven straight victories. The last time they failed to win was in October 2009 when, having already secured qualification, they fielded a weakened side in a qualifier against Bolivia and lost 2-1. Prior to that match, Dunga's charges had won 11 on the trot.
What they said
"Côte d'Ivoire are physically very strong but I think the fact they drew their first game will work in our favour. They need to go out and get a result and it will be a totally different game to our opening match against Korea DPR, who just wanted to defend and hit on the counter. I think Côte d’Ivoire will come out and play more," Julio Cesar, Brazil goalkeeper.
"I have a lot of respect for Brazil. They are one of the best teams in the world without question, but I'm not scared of them. I have some top-class players who bear comparison with any team in the world. Discipline and cohesion will be vital. That's the way to beat Brazil," Sven-Goran Eriksson, Côte d’Ivoire coach.
Voice of the fans
"Côte d’Ivoire have their strengths and they're a team with plenty of pedigree. Even though Drogba isn't fully fit, they'll have their chances. I'm banking on them. May the best team win," RasLeo, FIFA.com user.
Have your say
Can Brazil book their place in the next round at the expense of the Ivorians?
Source: FIFA.com
56
2010 World Cup - South Africa / Somali militants threaten World Cup TV viewers
« on: June 15, 2010, 09:09:45 AM »Quote
Somali militants have threatened football fans they will be publicly flogged - or worse - if they are caught watching the World Cup on TV.
Gangs of Islamists are reported to be patrolling the areas they control looking for people watching games.
Dedicated fans are watching matches in secret, or in the few areas controlled by government forces.
On Saturday militants killed two people as they attacked a house where people were watching a game.
Militant group Hizbul-Islam also arrested 10 others at the house north-east of the capital Mogadishu where fans were watching the game between Argentina and Nigeria.
More here
57
2010 World Cup - South Africa / Posters of 32 national teams for WC2010
« on: June 07, 2010, 04:06:52 PM »
58
General Discussion / Human shields in Tivoli
« on: May 20, 2010, 08:58:08 AM »LATEST NEWS:
Mango thief gets 3 month prison sentence 9:11 AM
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News
Human shields in Tivoli
'Dudus' supporters fire first volley in show of defiance
Thursday, May 20, 2010
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IN a day of high tension in West Kingston, thugs held residents of Tivoli Gardens, the power base of strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, as potential human shields and mounted deadly barricades to keep security forces at bay.
Their rear guard action came as Government officers signed the arrest warrant for Coke, and 48 hours after Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced he would let the courts decide on the United States extradition request for the man alleged to be among the most lethal drug and arms traffickers.
A resident of the community shows her support for Tivoli strongman Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, who is facing extradition to the United States. (Photos: Lionel Rookwood)
Cooking gas cylinders sit among items used to block one of the entrances in Tivoli Gardens yesterday.
[Hide Description] A resident of the community shows her support for Tivoli strongman Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, who is facing extradition to the United States. (Photos: Lionel Rookwood)
[Restore Description]
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Near nightfall, the Jamaican authorities responded by summoning the Army Reserves, a clear sign that it was taking seriously the manoeuvres in Tivoli Gardens, ironically in the prime minister's Jamaica Labour Party constituency.
Questions about whether Coke was in the famous enclave went unanswered, but some of his supporters were clearly not taking any chances. Police said the thugs confiscated cellphones from law-abiding residents and prevented them from leaving the community.
Cooking gas cylinders were placed in the barricades around the community, while barbed wires were thrown on high voltage Jamaica Public Service electrical wires and attached to metal objects in the rubble, as they vowed not to allow the security forces to enter the community.
The education ministry took pre-emptive action by shifting the vital CSEC and CAPE examination centres from schools in West Kingston, but it was uncertain how students from homes in Tivoli would leave the community to sit exams.
Some defiant residents of Tivoli, meanwhile, called on the authorities to leave Coke alone.
"Leave Dudus alone, a him send our children to school, him no break no law, a lie dem a tell pon him," screamed one woman.
"Dudus is next to God, leave him alone," shouted another.
A highly-placed Observer source said last night that Coke's four children were sent out of Tivoli, raising concerns among other residents who were penned in as to their own fate.
The thugs, some said to be heavily armed, began mounting roadblocks around Tivoli and sections of neighbouring Denham Town since Monday night.
Yesterday, the police reported that one of its armoured personnel carriers was shot up while travelling in the Denham Town area.
A police source said the lawmen attempted to clear a roadblock in the vicinity of the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) when they came under gunfire.
Police also confirmed that there was heavy gunfire in the early afternoon in the Hannah Town area, just behind the KPH. Groups of masked men armed with high-powered weapons were reportedly seen walking along the roadway early yesterday.
Meanwhile, police sought to reassure law-abiding residents that they need not fear the presence of the security forces in Tivoli, which has a history of tragic run-ins with the law, including one incident in which 27 persons, among them four policemen, were killed.
"The police are also appealing to these residents to report any acts of criminality and are assuring these citizens that they have nothing to fear from the presence of the security forces as we intend to conduct our operations in a professional manner, in accordance with the law, and in the interest of all concerned," said an afternoon statement from the Police High Command.
The police, as expected, declined to say how they intended to serve the arrest warrant on Coke.
"We have and will be executing the warrant. We won't tell you or anybody else what are the options we are foreseeing, but certainly they will be strategic and deliberate," said Deputy Commissioner Glenmore Hinds, the officer in charge of operations.
Asked if Coke was in the Tivoli Gardens community, Hinds responded: "Certainly you do not want me to tell you what I know and what I don't know. Now is not the time when we can be free and open to the media."
And while Jamaicans went about their business in downtown Kingston yesterday, storeowners and vendors were taking all the necessary caution.
"...A don't even know what to say, we just have to keep watching," said a storeowner who operates on Orange Street. Vendors were seen whispering among themselves, but declined to comment.
In East Kingston, thugs threatened to firebomb the police post in Mountain View. However, it was not clear if it was linked to the Dudus extradition issue.
The request for the extradition of Coke was submitted last August, but the Jamaican Government delayed acting on it, arguing that the evidence presented by the Americans was gathered in breach of Jamaican law.
59
General Discussion / I'm in love with my grandson...
« on: April 29, 2010, 04:24:18 PM »
My Word....
When 72-year-old Pearl met her grandson, little did she realise she'd soon be 'pregnant' with his child
Pearl Carter is positively glowing with joy. She has a handsome new boyfriend, is enjoying an active sex life after many years of celibacy and, amazingly, is preparing to become a mother again.
But the retired grandmother isn't carrying the baby herself. She and her young lover have spent a staggering $54,000 hiring a surrogate to help them with their dreams of having a child.
What makes Pearl's decision to become a mum again even more shocking is that her new boyfriend is her biological grandson, 26-year-old Phil Bailey.
Phil is the son of Pearl's daughter Lynette Bailey, and the pair is braving public horror and even prison by breaking one of the last taboos – incest.
However, the pair makes no apologies for their controversial plan to start their own family.
'I'm not interested in anyone else's opinion,' Pearl says. 'I am in love with Phil and he's in love with me. Soon I'll be holding my son or daughter in my arms and Phil will be the proud dad'.
When 72-year-old Pearl met her grandson, little did she realise she'd soon be 'pregnant' with his child
Pearl Carter is positively glowing with joy. She has a handsome new boyfriend, is enjoying an active sex life after many years of celibacy and, amazingly, is preparing to become a mother again.
But the retired grandmother isn't carrying the baby herself. She and her young lover have spent a staggering $54,000 hiring a surrogate to help them with their dreams of having a child.
What makes Pearl's decision to become a mum again even more shocking is that her new boyfriend is her biological grandson, 26-year-old Phil Bailey.
Phil is the son of Pearl's daughter Lynette Bailey, and the pair is braving public horror and even prison by breaking one of the last taboos – incest.
However, the pair makes no apologies for their controversial plan to start their own family.
'I'm not interested in anyone else's opinion,' Pearl says. 'I am in love with Phil and he's in love with me. Soon I'll be holding my son or daughter in my arms and Phil will be the proud dad'.
60
General Discussion / Vagrant alerts police about robbery
« on: April 10, 2010, 06:25:08 PM »
Dis could end up being a crime plan if used properly
Quote
A VAGRANT used his cellphone to call the police about a robbery in progress in Petit Bourg yesterday. His call eventually helped lawmen arrest two men, who were allegedly caught stealing thousands of dollars worth in electrical supplies from a business place.
According to North Eastern Division police, the incident occurred around 2.30 a.m. Police said the homeless man was walking along the Eastern Main Road in Petit Bourg when he observed two suspects breaking into Fans Plus Electrical store.
Officers said the man took out his cellphone and called Sgt Roger Alexander, head of the North Eastern Division Task Force (NEDTF), and reported the incident. Alexander, in company with NEDTF officers, immediately went to the scene, where they allegedly caught the suspects, ages 21 and 24, walking out of the establishment with more the $15,000 worth of goods. As officers were making further enquiries into the incident, they observed a motorcar pulling up in front the business place, but the driver sped off as they approached the roadway. Officers later found close to $100,000 in goods taken from the store at the side of the road. Officers believe the driver of the car which fled the scene was about to pick up the stolen items. Investigators said before the suspects broke into the warehouse of the establishment, they threw a t-shirt over a surveillance camera located outside. A bolt-cutter, which was used to gain access from the side of the building, was also recovered by police. Up to late yesterday, the suspects, of Petit Bourg and Champ Fleurs, were being questioned in connection with a series of break-ins in the area.