Posted By: C. Harrison/November 20, 2015

 JAMROCK REGGAE CRUISE TAKES CENTER STAGE

NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 10, 2015

IT IS CALLED THE ULTIMATE CRUISE BECAUSE NOT ONLY IS IT AN HISTORICAL FIRST EVER CLASH  GOING DOWN, BUT THERE WILL BE INTRIGUE MEMBERS OF THE REGGAE INDUSTRY ON BOARD.

 CURRENT WORLD CLASH CHAMPION, BASS ODYSSEY HOLDS THE CURRENT UK CUP CLASH AND MIGHTY CROWN BOAST LOADS OF CLASH VICTORIES AND TITLES ON THEIR RESUME–METROMEDIA OVERCAME MIGHTY CEOWN TO WIN WORLD CLASH R.E.S.E.T. 2013, BASS ODYSSEY DEFEATED METRO MEDIA TO WIN UK CUP CLASH 2014. WITH THIS, ACCORDING TO IRISH & CHIN PUBLICITY, EACH SOUND HAVE POINTS TO PROVE AND ITS SAFE TO SAY, CRUISERS SHOULD EXPECT A DIE HARD BATTLE, AT THIS JAMROCK REGGAE CRUISE (WTJRC) HISTORY.

REGGAE’S FRATERNITY MEMBERS ON DECK INCLUDES: DAMIAN  ‘JR. GONG’ MARLEY, STEPHEN MARLEY, TARRUS RILEY,  MORGAN HERITAGE, TOK, BOUNTY KILLER, TANYA STEPHENS, KING JAMMY’S, KINGSTON 12, SAXON AND THE MIGHTY CROWNS. This will be one for your grandchildren…a can’t miss get on board.

Posted By: C. Harrison/November 10, 2015/5:52pm

THE ILLUSTRATION IS HIGHLIGHTED DIS WAY: ENGLAND’S FAME DAVID ‘RAM JAM’ RODIGAN X  BARRY G 30TH ANNIVERSAY

IS

GOING DOWN SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2015, THANKGIVING WEEKEND—-INSIDE THE RESORTS WORLD CASINO

110-00 ROCKWAY BLVD, JAMAICA, NY.

FEATURING: RORY ♣ STONE LOVE ♣ NINJA & THE MIGHTY CROWN. Get your ticket by purchasing them online or at VP Records, the resorts World Casino box office or wherever you can obtain them. Come looking good.

THAT’S HOW YOU DO FORUMS DEMS ARE HIP

Students/Children In and Out of The Classrooms Today and How They Are Being Treated By Adults Who Are Supposed to Protect Them

Photos via MSNBC

By: C. Harrison/November 10, 2015/3:29am

The Democratic forum in South Carolina hosted by Rachel Maddow was gutsy and effective. Its core points were intrinsic and sends the message to the heart of the Democratic base. The forum was also intriguing in that it solve and bring dreaded issues to the surface. Our fears if we had any,  diminished significantly because of the candidates straight talk and getting to the point. Yes we understood and now knows who the clear front runner is.

I especially like the fact that they touch upon a topic that I wanted to say something about and that is Children, and how they are been treated by adults who are suppose to protect them. In the last couple of weeks we have seen young children shot dead, beaten up, shot at etc.

First, let me say this, that little boy the 1st grader who got shot by police because the father was on the run in his car from law enforcement, should not have happened. Did we not learn from what happened to Mrs. Carey in Washington D.C., when the Secret Service shoot inside her car–killing her in front of her baby, who was in the car at the time.? I ask then why and I am asking now why? Again, I am asking Police Officers around the country to  not shoot inside moving vehicles with children in them. All Police Dept. will have to look into their policies and guideline as far as children are concern. It is wrong, simply wrong.

In addition, everyone including all three candidates agreed that teachers should be helped, so that they are equipped to handle students who are despondent in the classrooms. That student whom that police officer dragged, picked up and dropped on the floor was out of line–that’s not the norm and should never happen again. That teacher should not have allow that child to go through that kind of interrogation. He should’ve been more equipped to handle the situation, as mentioned above.

The little girl out on Long Island who was in her house when shots rang out and she got hit. These incidents must stop, children are our best commodities for the future. Those who are put in charge of protecting them should get proper training for those purposes. Those who are engaged in gun shootouts in neighborhoods have a responsibility and must be held accountable.

Hillary Clinton said at the forum, “We can’t act like the 1950s, we have to act like its 2015.” she is absolutely right. And I will take it one step further.  I would like to see every teacher take or go through several phycology classes and philological work up on children, before they can get a teacher’s license or certificate, this goes for police officers also.

 THREE HONORED HALLMARK FIXTURES  SELFLESSLY AND CONTINUOUSLY CONTRIBUTED TIME AND DECATION TO THE COMMUNITY OF JAMAICA, QUEENS

PC/ C. Harrison: Patricia Chin Susan Deursh & Phillippa Karteron

By: C. Harrison/November 4, 2015/1:55M

At JCAl”S annual Benefit Gala, Soiree, three members of our community was honored for their outstanding contributions to the Arts; Susan Deursch, Patricia Chin and Philippa L. Karteron. JCAL’S reasoning for honoring the three were that they were looking at the past, present and the future and the honorees they felt could address all three areas. The Gala took place at Jamaica  Center for Arts & Learning at 153-10 Jamaica Ave.

First to address the room full of attendees were  guest of honor, Queens Borough President, Melinda Katz, who stated that JCAl, is doing a great job for our community and that all we want for our family is a good education.  Katz, also noted that VP Record, is a large part of our community.

The first honoree, Susan Deursch,  was one of the first person’s to have developed an economic study which stated the need for an arts and cultural space in downtown Jamaica. She was also a pioneer along side Emeritus F. Carlisle Towery, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation President, both fought for the current building that was formerly the Queens Registry Building and it was her implementation that made JCAL possible. It was even mentioned that she literally slept in the Cultural Art Center building to make sure it got done.

Second honoree, Patricia Chin, is the CEO of VP Records and have been in business in the Jamaica community  for 35 years. VP have been contributing to our community since then and to the larger international community. JCAL is seeking to work more closely with diverse local businesses to create arts and cultural programs that can benefit local and international artists; thus, a partnership with VP made sense.  Actually, VP have been working with the Arts in the Jamaica community for many many years.

The third honoree was Philippa Karteron, a community member that have lived in the community for 30 plus years. She has invested in the continuity of JCAL and was a board member for many years. Philippa is a patron of the arts. Her commitment has kept JCAL relevant pointed out JCAL.  Her commitment is invaluable. Also, in all, there were three Presenters for each honorees and good thing because the second introducer literally dropped her award but it didn’t break.

Jcal’s Soiree, was to implement a new vision where they can connect business and artists together to create economic stimulation for Southeast Queens.  According to Roseann Evens, Director of Development for JCAL, they want to remain relevant and inclusive with technology. “We are trying to incorporate technology in the offering that we have here at Jcal. We are looking for help to develop our animation classes, computer programming and design for girls and expand to include video and social media presentations, performance art and other new and cutting edge work. We also want to bring well-known artists and performances to Queens.  Another proactive vision Evens noted that JCAL want, is to understand the need of the evolving demographics of Southeast Queens, while retelling the history and remembering the renowned artists that have been shown at this space over the years, ” Evens said.

In addition, Evens articulated that Jcal has a new partnership with Lincoln Center through the Boro-Line program. The program begins November 7th and run through to December 12, 2015, the program also allows for families to perform for free and workshops for all ages. JCAL further offers live musical performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1 pm at JPAC and streaming from Trinity Wall Street. They want you to know that you can come in on your lunch break and enjoy performances on weekdays, location 153-10 Jamaica Ave.

Evens, moreover explained that they want to see downtown Jamaica become an artistic hub and taken as a cultural destination for tourist, artists and community to come and enjoy—sounds and performances of our local artist from around the world.  And next year, 2016, JCAL will be holding what they term a JamaicaFlux, Art Exhibition; with 20 artists presenting work in and for the community to be intricately involved in the development, research and production of each piece. They are also working on additional partnerships with local and citywide arts/cultural organizations to help expand the offerings to Southeast Queens residents and workers.

Additionally, an inquiry from the Greater Jamaica Development Corp, regarding their progression in Jamaica, Queens,  revealed that progression in Jamaica has been profound and improvements are ongoing.   ” York College, the Social Security office, county courts, the Air Train, the revival of the Jamaica station area, preservation and transformation of King Mansion. JCAL, enhanced MTA bus and subway service, creation of expanded and affordable parking, cleanup of brownfield conditions and other environmental improvements,  economic development including new affordable housing and business development, hotel development. Progress continues across a broad range,”  according to Bob Liff, Dir. at GJDC

The Soiree finished with dance numbers from children from the arts and buffet style food. You can bye your seats at Jcal, for a small price for each year’s annual festivities now.

Highlight: Photo Credit/C. Harrison

              Patricia Chin & C. Harrison

Posted By: C. Harrison/Nov, 3, 2015

It is that time again and we are asking all registered voters to go out and vote. Call first if you have to and find out where you need to go to cast your vote.

Each year we have people going to wrong polling stations, call up your councilmembers tell them where you live and find out what district you belong in; then ask where do you go to make your voice be heard (Vote). People it is that simple.

Just because you live in a certain neighborhood it doesn’t mean that the school across the street is where you cast your vote. You have to find out who your representatives are, your district and where you go to vote. People, go online if you have to and find out what district you live in and where your district is voting.  I am preaching because we see it happens every year. Be safe and good luck out there. 

OPEN ENROLLED  JUST STARTED YOU HAVE UNTIL JANUARY 1

By: C. Harrison/November 3, 2015/2:30AM

The Affordable Care Act, is now open for enrollment through January 1, 2016.  Since its inception, more than 17.5 million Americans have signed up for coverage.  After 1/1/2016 the deadline is January 15, 2016, and again until January 31, 2016, to get coverage. If you sign up now you could have coverage for the new year.

According to the President, “Starting now, people who need coverage for 2016 once again have the chance to get quality, affordable health insurance through the marketplace.” The President further noted that if, you still don’t have health insurance for next year, financial assistance may be available.

“Even if you already have health insurance through the marketplace, you should still review your coverage options. You might find a plan that works better for you.” the President said.

If you know someone who needs coverage let them know that enrollment is now and that its for a short period of time.

 DEBATE DRAWS OUT CANDIDATES ACTWARD SIDES

photo: C. Harrison  via CNBC

By: C. Harrison/October 29, 2015/7:56PM

The national consensus on the Republican’s Debate last night was ignominious and the dialogue galling; what a fiasco. The daunting of watching and listening to the candidates forestalling with dogmatic jargons instead of debating the real issues of the day.

At one point it was a slug fest between Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush, where Jeb called out Rubio on his attendance and voting record and Rubio hit back with stale new of Secretary John Kerry’s record….meaning to compare himself to Kerry and others. Rubio also tensionaly,  framed his argument to compare his similar up-bringing to that of the Presidents’-this of course will not fly.

Moreover, to our half-slept eyes, we learned further into the debates that nothing they said was news or was worth perking-up our ears for. What we saw was the GOP putting the Government (we the people) on trial, the Media on trial and slamming the President.

According to Bush, who after this week might never see Presidential Sun again...”Because of President Obama, the Country has not moved forward.”  What a crock load of crap. And Rubio is now famed for stating, “The Democrats have the ultimate super pack, the media.”  Note, Rubio did not mind when he got freebees from the media core over the course of his campaign–mad because Hillary got some attention last week.

Ted Cruz for his part, tried but failed when he pointed out that all the moderators did,  was take pop-shots at each of them. Later of course, we learned that the debate was pre-packaged to trash the Media.  Trump cried that voters let him down. Christy’s one saving grace did not save him, he pointed out that they were talking about fantasy football too much. “So many things are happening to us and we are talking about fantasy football, are you kidding me,” said the obdurate Christy.  Carly Fiorina was off in her own shell and the rest did not make much splash but, Ben Carson got called out on his medical ethics and  was the only intemperate character on the stage.

The Republicans were beguile in their presentation in this debate and once again tell half truths. We did not here too much about a progressive agenda for the economy, none spoke out on foreign affairs and how they would handle it. We got nada, zip-nothing. Confuse, they are. The only thing we know for sure is Carson and Trump will keep the front lines.

HOLDER’S DEATH HYPNOTIZED AND INSENSE A POPULUS GONE IMMUNED TO GUN VIOLENCE

Officer Holder via NYONE News

By: C. Harrison/October 29, 2015/6:10PM

Officer holder came into this world during the 1960s, an era of great discomfort, turbulence and creativity and one could add prosperity for some. He grew up and learned about what droved our world, the underbelly of the beast and the finer things in life. According to those who knew him best gave testimonies to the fact that Holder, wanted those finer things in life like anyone else but doing it his way—- by working through the hurdles of helping his fellow man.

It was while working through those hurdles last Tuesday night, October 20, 2015, at 420 E. 102 Street that officer Holder would do his last helping and duty, his sun settled permanently. He was shot once in the head execution style, while chasing a gang member on a bike. The shooter Tyrone Howard, a known criminal who may or may not have lived in the area of the building he was parading around. Howard was indicted on first degree murder charges in the death of Detective Holder.

Holder is described as caring, fun-loving and always look forward to helping those he can. During his funeral service Police Commissioner Bratton stated that “This is what we do,” and was visible shaken–this makes the 4th police officer, gun down in the line of duty in the past couple of months.

We  has a nation paused at this particular killing because it was indeed senseless. It was also the way the story was told how the gunman got off his bike turn around shoot one time to the fore head. Howard claimed he was not the one who made the fatal shot but, that remains to be seen. Officer Holder, is in a better place now smiling down at us.  Condolences to his Family and friends. Mr. Holder is resting in peace.

photographs are captured by: C. Harrison and via New York 1 News

When a person does wrong its just plain wrong—no justification can make it go away no matter who you are.

A JAMAICAN WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE

History should have found her a long time ago but too many times women of great nobility are lost on the path ways of life when historians don’t knock. 

photo credit: C. Harrison

By: C. Harrison/October 23, 2015/3:43AM

Stories have been told about her over the years; school children have heard & read stories about her and Jamaican Politicians talked of her each year when hero’s day comes around, even here in the States, our parents tell us about her. So why did it take so long for someone to recognize the gift that this Pioneer gave us is the question.

We were told at the United Nations where we saw a World Premiere Screening on Queen Nanny, Legendary Maroon Chieftainess, recently, which coincided with a decree from the Jamaican Government stating that This Maroon hero, is now a Jamaican National Hero.  The Premiere was launched in partnership with the United Nations Remember Slavery Programme and Action4Reel. It was co-sponsored by the Permanent  Mission of Jamaica and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations. The Producer of the film is Roy T. Anderson, a Writer, Producer and Director. The theme for 2015 was Women and Slavery.  We say its about time.

The program ran for 1 hour and we saw Gloria Simms, a Caribbean actress who bought Queen Nanny to life, in telling her story. The story gave us an about face history lesson on the legend of who Queen Nanny was, what she stood for and how she, leader of the Maroon, lead her people to victory in not only winning a war but drove back the Spaniards from taking over her Maroon township. Nanny, was depicted as a trailblazer who quite possibly is the first woman to ever fought a guerrilla-war-fear in spite of what’s written down in documented history.

The film led us on a journey with actors  who set out on a journey following the path of the Spaniards who showed up on the shores of  Jamaica,  to show us how ill conceivable it was for those Spaniards to win the war for Maroon Town. The factor of why it took so long for the Great Worrier Queen Nanny, to have a place at hero’s circle according to  Producer Anderson, was because what we know was only hand to mouth or to God’s ear information and the fact that nothing was written down in stone.  All we had was legendary tales and no one was sure if these tales were truth. So it took some doing.

What this Producer did differently and because he himself is a Maroon, he went into Maroon Town and talk to the people, a People who tend to be closed mouth around strangers who may have come calling for information.  Very interesting depiction, some in the crowd said that Nanny should’ve had a voice but, other believe that not having a voice Nanny keeps her legend intact.  The film will become a film tour with stops in Florida, Texas and other places around the United States and eventually worldwide.

credit C. Harri Writer/Producer/Director: Roy T. Anderson

According to Anderson, his next projected film will be a Buffalo Soldier documentary film. Lead actress Gloria Simms who is also a Maroon, said, “I would say I am a bridge. I want to open a women’s museum in Jamaica. I will centralize it. It will be a gift from the Maroons.”

On hand for this historical launch  for opening remarks were: Ms. Cristina Gallach, Under-Secretary-General, Department of Public Information. H.E.Mr. Courtney Rattray, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Jamaica and H.E.Mr. Edfen Charles, charge` d` Affaires a.I., Permanent Mission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations. Rita Marley, and Una Clarke.

Panelist consist of: Ms. Cristina Gallach, Dr. Harcourt Fuller, Producer and Assistant Professor of History, Georgia State University, Gloria Simms and Ms. Gaynel Curry, Gender and Women’s Right Advisor for the United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Mr. & Mrs. Una Clarke   Actress Gloria Simms

Donisha Prendergast   Sophia, H.E.Mr. Courtney Rattray  & C. Harrison

photos C. Harrison

A COLOSSAL OF NOTHINGNESS

The Republicans had no new or clear evidences that Mrs. Clinton, former Secretary of State did anything wrong.

Hillary Clinton at her testimony via MSMBC

By: C. Harrison/October 23, 2015/1:35AM

Today the world saw just how bad things are with the Republican Caucus.  Today makes the 8th -time that this committee has come together to punish Former First Lady & Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, over  Benghazi Gate. Today, once again, Hillary Clinton had to testify before the Benghazi Hearing Committee (CMTE); a cost to tax payer at 4 1/2 almost 5 Million Dollars. People wake up.

Eleven hours of Testimony that some are reporting is un-precedent and unconscionable; to make matters worst Rep. (D) Cummings Stated that the Committee “did not set any rules.” What the fuss continues  to be over and getting Hillary hammered for is–a chain of command requests that didn’t reach her desk on time and she never saw..

The incidence in question took place September 11, 2012, where Islamic Militants attack the American Diplomatic Compound in Benghazi. Thereafter, Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, CIA contractors  Tyrone S. Woods and Glen Doherty was killed and ten others were injured in that attack.

Imagine sitting for 11-hours testifying on some thing that you have already testified on numerous times before–you sit there knowing that the line of questioning is not bring forth nothing new and the Republicans are sticking it to the American people royally, in way of using up precious money. Eleven tenacious hours and nothing good and no new found clues as to what the Republicans really want.

“The answers have not change since I have been here two years ago,” Hillary told the panel. Mrs. Clinton also stated that she could not believe that what was done in Benghazi is now being used for Party gain.

A Republican member of the Panel state that the reason why Mrs. Clinton was asked to come in-front of this Panel to be reprimand, was because a group of people called themselves Stop Hillary pack, got 260 signatures demanding that Hillary be brought to justice. There was in fact a special committee that does handle these type of crisis and they did come together to find out what had happened and they found that the Former Secretary of State, did nothing wrong.

What I believe is that they should look into who got what information inside the chain of command. Hillary took the blame but, we all know that in the chain of command notes or recommendations can get stop or stuck.  I surmised here- that no one is actually at fault. This kind of incident had never taken place before even though some saw the danger and asked that it be fixed.  But for some reason the chain of command did not follow through. There was no before data and no one could possible envisioned something like that happening; even though some of us do get premonitions–for which most of you don’t believe in it.

To further confuse the American people, the CMTE noted that it was not finish yet, they are poised to call more people in to testify; people they’re not naming yet. How many of these rounds are we going to endure before people start scoffing–how many? How much more money are they going to asked for to sure up their next inquiry? the 9th one.