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31

Cricket Anyone / Lara lashes top batsmen..says "we are putting rope around our necks"

« on: March 31, 2007, 12:58:58 PM »

http://jamaicagleaner.com/gleaner/20070331/sports/sports1.html

A disappointed West Indies captain Brian Lara blamed his batsmen for "putting the rope around our own necks" after the hosts lost to New Zealand in their World Cup Super Eights match on Thursday.

West Indies, beaten by holders Australia on Wednesday, were dismissed for just 177 by New Zealand at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium - a total which Stephen Fleming's side had little trouble knocking off with just three wickets down and more than 10 overs to spare.

"We have to look at where we are going wrong. In the two games we have played on this track we have lost the top order (cheaply). We are putting the rope around our own necks," Lara told a news conference just a day after he had defended his frontline batsmen.

"We have to ensure we do a lot better if we are going to perform. We always talk about top three or four batting through and getting a score. (Shivnarine) Chanderpaul did it against Ireland but that's it from five games," he said.

"We have got to get into the frame of mind of winning everything from now on ... the guys have to pick themselves up and know what is in front of us.

These are really desperate times and we have to try and pull the best out to ensure we get to the semi-finals."

West Indies have not made 250 runs in any of their five World Cup innings so far and Lara said he may consider moving himself up the order from number five.

CORRECT MISTAKES

He also indicated he would have some strong words for his team in their post-match meeting.

"It is impossible to pat people on their backs if they are not doing well. You have to look at the mistakes and correct them.

"In the two games in the second round we haven't really played to our full potential and the guys have to be told that," he said.

"I think maybe the guys are not looking at the fact that we have 300 balls to face ... you have got to take it on and respect the bowlers if they are bowling good deliveries."

The West Indies skipper defended his decision toleave out pace bowler Jerome Taylor for an extra batsman in Lendl Simmons, who came in to bat at number eight and finished unbeaten on 14.

"We thought we would try and strengthen the batting as much as possible and use the opportunity to post a total or chase down what the opposition set us," he said.

"I don't think the difference in the game today was the significance of a bowler. I think it was the fact that we scored 177. You simply can't score that on a pitch like that; you can have 10 bowlers and you are not going to defend it."

There was a poor crowd at the stadium for the second successive game involving the hosts and Lara said that while the team was disappointed with the lack of atmosphere which was low-key for a crucial World Cup encounter, his concern was elsewhere.

"We didn't play like it was a crucial World Cup encounter. That is more important to me," he said.

32

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Rudder describes Calypso music...

« on: March 31, 2007, 08:53:12 AM »

http://www.thestar.com/Life/article/197105

Yesterday's music of the dispossessed became political clout with a beat

"Calypso is the mother-music of the English-speaking Caribbean." That's how iconic calypsonian and Toronto resident David Rudder describes this unique musical style in the movie Calypso Dreams.

Its roots reach back to the music of West Africa that travelled reluctantly to the West Indies in the colonial era and fused with European cultures. Song was a way for slaves in Trinidad to communicate, or to criticize their masters with impunity. Since drums were banned by plantations owners (too barbaric!), the music turned naturally toward melody and lyrics – a feature that still characterizes "real" calypso.

After emancipation, the former slaves celebrated carnival (Mardi Gras) with violent stick-fighting competitions. These were accompanied by kalinda singers performing a vibrant call-and-response, sung in a French-Creole patois and accompanied by rudimentary percussion. Out of this grew calypso as it is known today.

The first calypso recording was made in 1914, a landmark event since it enabled an otherwise oral tradition to be heard by the wider world. Calypso "tents" (showcases for singers new and old) appeared in the 1920s and, by the '30s, some of calypso's greatest names were in full swing.

Calypso developed as the voice of the underclass, marked by verbal dexterity, double entendre and sly humour. Social satire, political commentary, passionate protest and just plain bawdiness were all part of the calypsonian arsenal. Accompanied, of course, by an infectious beat.

It was a political force as well. Neither politicians nor priests were safe from the witticisms of popular artists.

In North America, most people associate calypso with Harry Belafonte in frilly sleeves; but Caribbean denizens know better. For them, Belafonte-style music is a frivolity for tourists; true calypso is a much more muscular entity.

As calypsonian Chalkdust says in Calypso Dreams: "Belafonte put plenty brandy in the water."

33

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / T&T David Rudder and Destra to perform at St.Lucia premiere musical event..

« on: March 30, 2007, 06:43:08 PM »

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_stlucia_hosts_superstar_shows.htm


Superstars, Grammy Award Winners, Multi-Platinum Selling Artists and West Indian Legends are coming to perform at The Rodney Bay Village Music BASH; on Monday, April 23, Tuesday, April 24 and Wednesday, April 25 at the Digicel Coco Cabana in downtown Rodney Bay. This premiere musical event brings together a star-studded, award-winning, dynamic line up of Caribbean Superstars that are guaranteed to thrill locals and visitors alike!

The opening night of the Rodney Bay Village Music BASH is a night of legends. Coming to Rodney Bay will be Reggae legend Beres Hammond, whose performance is guaranteed to make sure that no one in St. Lucia is putting up much resistance along with Trinidad’s legendary David Rudder, one of the world’s most prolific singers and performers.

The next night brings together Destra, the Queen of Soca along with Sean Paul-the Grammy Winning King of Dancehall together on one action-packed night that will have everyone jumping and dancing the night away. And, to close the premiere Rodney Bay Village Music BASH, dare we say it may be best night of the BASH, is a night of Grammy Award winners; when musical icons and Grammy award winning artists Maxi Priest and Shaggy perform in a night that will have women screaming, men cheering and children hollering.

You have to be there Monday, April 23 through Wednesday, April 25, and enjoy three incredible nights of live music from the Caribbean's top reggae, soca and calypso artists. Plus, there’ll be some great local St. Lucian performers as well. The BASH begins on Monday, April 23 at the recently unveiled Digicel Coco Cabana in Rodney Bay, located next to the Coco Palm Hotel.

34

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Destra wants to hot wuk

« on: March 30, 2007, 08:28:19 AM »

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/html/20070329T220000-0500_121053_OBS_DESTRA_WANTS_TO_HOT_WUK.asp

Everyone has a breaking point, if disrespected. One of soca diva Destra Garcia's came in the form of a public chastisement while performing onstage at in Trinidad for Carnival 2007.

After hecklers persisted in throwing large glow sticks at her, she scolded "Don't behave like jackasses. It's hard enough for a woman running a band by herself in this industry. So don't behave like a jackass." Today, Garcia is more relaxed for our telephone interview, graciously explaining the ordeal. "I was frustrated, overworked and tired and yes, another side of Destra came out at that moment. People were throwing glowsticks all night, not only at me, but at other artistes also. And what got me upset is that I had already done two shows, and that was my third. But I came out there for the people and never expected them to be disrespectful. I even stopped the band on two occasions and asked the crowd to stop pelting the artistes. When they did not stop and a glow stick hit my face, I became enraged." She continued, "Stuff happens, I have no regrets for what I said. And I think as a woman I stood up for myself."

Has the success gotten to her head? Destra says, "No, I am still just Destra." However, she is quick to point out that she is far from perfect, and has made mistakes in life. "I am human, if you don't make mistakes, then you will never learn."

Born on November 10, 1977 in Trinidad & Tobago, her passion for singing began while in secondary school. At 18, she joined the mostly r&b group PSYKE, which disbanded after only a year. She then attended the School of Business Management, earning a diploma in Sales Management. On realising that the business field was not her cup of tea, Destra decided to return to singing, and in 1999, scored a hit with Ah Have A Man Already with Third Base. Her journey continued with her being given an invitation, by Roy Cape, to join the All-Stars Band to become a lead singer. In 2002, she joined the legendary band, Atlantik where she began releasing hits such as Negative Vibes and Bonnie And Clyde. Her 2003 album, Red, White, Black which included the soca anthem It's Carnival, was well received by the masses, solidifying her as a force to be reckoned with in the business. In 2005 her album, Laventille, named after her hometown, dropped, including the hit Come Beta. For 2006, she had waists wining to Max It Up and Independent Ladies. This year, Destra has six songs, including I Dare You and Sign.

On how she comes up with the lyrics for her songs, Destra simply explained, "I have a whole year to think about them, and they just come to me."

Known for her high-energy performances, six-pack abs (which she says took her a year to get) and daring costumes by Trinidadian designer Meiling, Destra is the Trini's version of a pop princess (a young Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera). And the hair! Although the saying goes 'If you bought it, it's yours' the question was posed to Destra, if it was all hers. She answered with a laugh. "Yes it is mine, although during the Carnival season, I do add a few extensions for volume, but on the off season it is all mine."

A day before her arrival in Jamaica for Bacchanal Jamaica's Friday Night Fete dubbed Tropical Fantasy, Splash needed to ask, after the scolding in Trinidad if she was aware that Jamaicans are arguably a harder crowd to please than any other in the world, and wanted to grasp exactly what she had in store. "Let me tell you, I miss Jamaica so much, the vibes is always irie there, the people in Jamaica enjoy soca so much and have never been disrespectful. You would think that because it is Jamaica, that people only embrace dancehall, and that is so false from my experience. In my opinion, you have not lived as a soca artiste, until you touch down in Jamaica. For me, I just can't wait to see the reaction of the crowd to my new and old songs. And just have an energetic vibe as usual, cause we know Jamaicans love to dance. So I coming ready and prepared to dance. And I can't wait to see what dances Jamaicans have for my song I Dare You, cause I always come and learn what dances I can do for my songs in Jamaica, and I can't wait to do the Hot Wuk dance onstage."

35

General Discussion / BOY,14,CHOPPPED TO DEATH

« on: March 30, 2007, 08:11:51 AM »

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161123065


The body of a 14-year-old student was found chopped and burnt in a forest on Wednesday afternoon.

Aleem Ali, of Cane Farm Road, Arouca, was reported missing by his uncle Ahazad Ali on Monday afternoon after the teenager failed to return home from school.

The body was identified by Ali's mother Wahida at the Forensic Sciences Centre in St James shortly after 4 p.m. yesterday.

An autopsy revealed that Ali died from shock and haemorrhaging, consistent with multiple chop wounds.

Homicide officers say they are working along the lines that the murder may have stemmed from an altercation at Ali's Five Rivers Junior Secondary School where allegations were made against a security officer.

Police say Ali's murder may have been an act of revenge following the dismissal of the officer following allegations of improper conduct two weeks ago.

Sources say the school board got involved in the matter and the guard was subsequently dismissed.

Efforts to get a comment from the school yesterday were unsuccessful as an official at the school refused to comment.

A report was made to the Arouca Police Station following Ali's failure to return home on Monday afternoon.

Wahida, who works in the school's cafeteria, told police she saw her son at school that day.

Speaking with the Express at the Forensic Sciences Centre yesterday, Ali's uncle Ahazad said, "He was missing since Monday afternoon and that night we searched for him all over and very few in the household got any sleep."

Stating that family members are trying to cope with the murder, Ahazad said that the family, especially Ali's mother, remain in disbelief.

"He was not involved in anything illegal and spent most of his time in the mosque or in the pluck shop where he worked on a weekend," Ahazad said.

Stating he received the news while walking along a dry river in the area, Ahazad said he overheard a man saying a body was found in the Pine Forest, which is a few metres from Ridge Road, Boulevard and the St Michael's Estate.

Ahazad said when he went to the area and saw the body on Wednesday afternoon he did not recognise it to be his nephew. Following confirmation that it was his nephew's body, he said "evil in this society is on a rampage."

36

General Discussion / Carenage residents claim girl, 14, raped by cops

« on: March 29, 2007, 12:16:52 PM »

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161122651

A 14-year-old school girl was allegedly raped by two police men during a raid on a house in Carenage on Tuesday night.

After allegedly forcing her to perform oral sex on one of them as well, the officers reportedly took the girl and dropped her off at Beetham Gardens along the Priority Bus Route.

According to one of the occupants of the house, he was at a bar (almost next door) when he saw the two unmarked police vehicles stop in front of his home at 8.30 p.m.

The man said he was pulled out of the bar by one of the officers and forced into the house. The police told him they were searching for narcotics. Also in the house at the time were the man's two brothers, one nephew, the nephew's male friend and the girl, who was visiting.

The man's nephew said the officers broke down the bedroom door and began beating him about the head. The girl in the meantime was taken out the room. He said all the males were made to lie (face down) in the living room.

In the meantime, the officers allegedly sexually assaulted the girl.

After the ordeal, the girl was taken away by the officers and dropped off along the Priority Bus Route, Beetham Gardens. Using her cell phone, the girl called her mother, who picked her up. They made a report to the police and the girl was medically examined, where the tests proved that she had had sex.

Contacted on the matter yesterday, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Winston Cooper, said he was not aware of the case, but promised an investigation.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Gilbert Reyes gave a similar response.

"I don't know anything about that," he said, "but there will be an immediate investigation, following which a report will be submitted to the Commissioner of Police and based on the initial report coming from the investigators they may suspend the officer."

However, Snr Supt Roderick Roach, the head of the Western Division, confirmed to they had already started an investigation into the matter. He said officers from outside the division had been appointed to conduct the probe.
   

37

Cricket Anyone / Pakistan players return home to hostile reception.

« on: March 28, 2007, 06:35:01 PM »

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/current/story/287631.html


Pakistani cricketers returned home to a heated reception on Wednesday, angry fans telling them to "go to hell". The team's outing in the West Indies had ended in tragedy, their first-round exit from the World Cup being followed by the murder of their coach Bob Woolmer.

Shahid Afridi, Danish Kaneria, Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Sami were heckled by a crowd of around 100 people after arriving at the Karachi international airport. The players were protected by dozens of policemen.

"Why have you come back?" one fan shouted while another supporter bellowed "Go to hell" at Afridi, according to an AFP reporter. When Kaneria tried to leave the arrivals lounge the crowd shouted "Shame on you" and he went back inside, before asking for police protection to help him leave.

Afridi said that all the Pakistani players were feeling "disturbed" after the events of the past two weeks. "The police did ask us a few questions but these were normal inquiries," said Afridi. "We have been asked by the PCB [Pakistan Cricket Board] not to speak much on the issue. Just pray for us."

Inzamam-ul-Haq and several other squad members arrived in Lahore but were driven out of the airport's cargo section to avoid waiting reporters and fans. "We didn't want to hurt them, we just wanted to vent our frustration," said one fan after finding out that the players had eluded them.

Pakistani police had pledged to protect the players if necessary. "We are deploying police at the airport. We will not allow people to go near the players," Malik Iqbal, the Lahore police chief, told AFP. "The players will be provided with mobile police escorts as well."

38

Cricket Anyone / Mcgrath and Lara speak about facing each other for possibly the very last time.

« on: March 26, 2007, 06:59:39 PM »

http://blogs.cricinfo.com/surfer/archives/2007/03/lara_and_mcgrat.php

After 12 years of battles Brian Lara and Glenn McGrath prepare for what may be their final meeting by swapping a series of compliments.

    "He was definitely the toughest fast bowler," Lara said in News Ltd papers. "He just didn't give you opportunities to score … Series after series, Glenn came at me with the same plan. He has been an outstanding competitor. Players like myself and Sachin (Tendulkar) want to be dominant, but he is one of the bowlers you don't want to face."

McGrath, who has dismissed Lara 15 times, was also generous in his praise for a man he first met on the 1995 Caribbean tour.

    "I would have to rate him the best I bowled to," McGrath said. "Technically, Tendulkar was more correct but Lara was genuinely more dangerous. He has all the shots and could be very destructive. I always loved the challenge of bowling to him."

39

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Sparrow or Kitchener??

« on: March 25, 2007, 03:06:47 PM »

  Allyuh ah jus trying to create ah lil bachannal  ...Two great calypsonians..and two men who were trendsetters for de rest ah we T&T performers.....Now between The Mighty Sparrow and The Lord Kitchener who is more of YOUR favorite artist?...and WHY?....Which one would sell more tickets if they were both performing on the same day, at the same time...at different venues Trinidad?

40

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Tobago pastors dont want John to perform in bago...

« on: March 24, 2007, 12:24:19 PM »

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161120411



Tobago pastors are again calling on promoters of the Plymouth Jazz Festival 2007 to ban headliner Sir Elton John from performing at the event.

In a press release signed by "Concerned Tobago Pastors" yesterday, the Christian community said for the last few weeks there had been an ongoing debate on the issue of homosexuality in Tobago.

"This debate ensued from the invitation given to Sir Elton John to be the featured performer at the Tobago Jazz Festival 2007, " the release said.

"As we all know, Sir Elton is perhaps the most outspoken and brassy gay activist in the world of entertainment, making many provocative statements that often tempt many in the heterosexual camp to respond in an equally insensitive manner.

"We have heatedly discussed and contemplated on the larger concern, which in our view appears to be an advancement of the gay agenda on our island."

The pastors said they were aware of the practice of homosexuality in Tobago.

"We have counselled, prayed for and have offered the right hand of fellowship to persons who once practised a gay life <myspace>style</myspace>, yet in the same breath we can never be pleased with any initiatives that seeks to advance homosexual practices, " the release said.

"We would find it offensive to embrace an outspoken, unrepentant drug lord or paedophile, so an opened door to perhaps the world's most outspoken and influential gay activist says to us that we are willing to give thoughtless endorsements to a practice, which we believe, would have serious negative consequences in our society."

In a recent interview with the Express, promoters of the Plymouth Jazz Festival 2007 said John would perform as scheduled, despite the calls by the Christian community.

Anthony Maharaj, CEO of CL Communications, yesterday said John's scheduled performance for the Jazz Festival, which is in its third year, should not have anything to do with his private life.

41

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Machelmania in Manhattan

« on: March 22, 2007, 09:41:17 PM »

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161119850

Reigning National Road March Monarch Machel Montano yesterday drew more than 300 fans to the J&R Music Store at Manhattan, New York, where he was on hand to sign autographs for people who purchased copies of his 2007 CD collection The Book of Angels.

Before sitting down to meet his fans, Montano delivered a short yet highly-charged performance in the store that had the West Indians that had come to J&R specifically for the signing, jumping up Carnival style.

So powerful was Montano's presentation, patrons who were there on other business, some of them having never heard of Montano or soca music before, began to ask the store clerks who he was and also about his CD.

Montano will tonight create history when he becomes the first soca artiste ever to headline at Madison Square Garden, New York.

He is scheduled to deliver two concerts, the first at 8 p.m. and the other at midnight.

Montano told the people that he was excited and was prepared to present a show like none he has done before.

"This is one of my greatest dreams coming through for me and I want to thank all of you for the support. We here will give them a bit of the African in us, some of the Indian in us and all the Trini in we. From eight o'clock at Madison I will be in full effect and then again at midnight we will do it all one more time," Montano said as he began to perform "One More Time".

"If all yuh loss all yuh work today doh worry, I will mind you ladies," Montano told the many women who said they had run away from work to see him.

The promoters of the concert said everything was in place for the show, which has created a major buzz throughout Manhattan and the Tri-borough area.

The show has not only attracted West Indians but others who have been hearing of Montano over the years.

Even the world famous Virgin Mega Music Store on Times Square has Montano's music as well as that of other soca artistes on current rotation.Â

Another event that had people talking was the Machel Montano Concert after-party, which has already also attracted a sold-out audience.Â