Monday, August 30, 2010

TISSON'S LAST GOAL


Today, St. Lucia, the sport of soccer, and the world will mourn the death of Isidore Phillip Tisson, 27, who was senselessly gunned down in Brooklyn, NY.


The St. Lucian soccer star was shot once in his head on Utica Avenue in Crown Heights. According to the New York Daily News, Tisson was out celebrating his game winning goal that sent his team and country to the finals of the Digicel Caribbean Cup tournament.


He was leaving a team celebration when an unknown gunman approached his car and fired into his head.


Tisson leaves behind a 3 year old daughter and numerous family members, including his mother. His family, team, and country will most certainly miss him.


A young woman in the car with him suffered a gun shot wound to the chest but is in stable condition at Brookdale Hospital.


It is most unfortunate that this promising, talented, and driven athlete lost his life in such a tragic fashion. It is time that the violence ends so that people may live in both peace and harmony.


The only thing that needs to be killed is the violence.


May Isidore Phillip Tisson eternally rest in peace.




Beware of Earl


Hurricane Earl is a category 3 storm that is continually strengthening. Earl is bringing thunderous rain and damaging winds as it lashes its way through the Northeastern Caribbean.


The hurricane has winds of 120 mph and is expected to become worse. It is currently attempting to ravage the north Caribbean including, Antigua, St. Maarten, St. Barthelemy, St,. Martin, Saba, St. Eustatius, the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.


Around the region many traveleres and toursists are seeking shelter in their hotel rooms where they hope they can sustain the storm. Many airports have been closed in the Northern Caribbean as the islands prepare for the damage. Additionally, cruise ships have altered their itinerary and have diverted away from ports that are in danger from the hurricane.


By week's end the hurricane is expected to reach as far as the United State's eastern seaboard.


One Caribbean Radio hopes that everyone in the Caribbean region and abroad remains safe as Hurricane Earl passes through.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

CLOSE SECOND FOR CARIBBEAN


Las Vegas was most definitely bombarded with worldly beauties for the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant.

The event took place last night at the Mandalay Bay hotel and resort in the heart of the city of sin. However, there was nothing at all sinful about the performances and effort put into the beauty pageant.

In the end Mexican beauty Jimena Navarrete was crowned Miss Universe but she was not without competition. Yendi Phillips who hails from Jamaica was the 1st runner up.

Phillips was the only contestant of Caribbean descent in the top 3. While she did not take home the crown she deserves much respect for the way she represented her native country and the Caribbean.

One Caribbean Radio 97.9 HD2 would like to congratulate all 83 contestants especially Jimena Navarrete and Yendi Phillips. Big Ups!!!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Exclusive Interview with John Mackey, Co-Founder/CEO and Former Chairman of Whole Foods Markets

One Caribbean Radio will be bringing Listeners an exclusive "Money Talk' interview with Whole Foods markets Co Founder/ CEO and former Chairman John Mackey. This very special and exclusive interview, which will be aired Thursday, August 19, at 3:00pm, is a syndication of the "Money talk and More" Streaming live on the Kalaloo media Network at Kalaloo.com.
Remember the time and set the date! August 19 at 3:00pm for a very exclusive interview with John Mackey, Whole Foods markets Co Founder and CEO on One Caribbean Radio FM 97.9 HD2 and streaming live on the Kalaloo Media Network at Kalaloo.com. Make sure you keep it locked on One Caribbean Radio 97.9 HD2 and OneCaribbeanRadio.com

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

JERK FEST!!!


If you're looking for some yummy jerk chicken and you happen to be in the Connecticut area be sure to check out the Caribbean Jerk Fest in Bridgeport.

The annual event will be held on Saturday August 21, 2010 where hundreds of local members of the community will come together to celebrate all elements of Caribbean culture, especially the food.

The event is organized annually by the West Indian American Association of Greater Bridgeport.

Proceeds from the jerk fest will go to community youth centers and programs in Connecticut. The summer tradition in Bridgeport brings countless people to the town to enjoy some authentic Caribbean dishes.

If you happen to be in Connecticut or don't mind a change in scenery it will most definitely be the place to be for all things Caribbean.

Make sure that if you attend you save us folks over here at One Caribbean Radio a plate. Yummy!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME

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Jamaican born pop singer Sean Kingston premiered the new video for his single, " Letting Go (Dutty Love)" featuring none other than rapper, Nicki Minaj.

The track is mediocre at best and attempts to incorporate a Caribbean vibe. Kingston hails from Jamaica but has strayed away from his reggae and dance hall roots to create pop music that is mass consumed by the mainstream.

The song itself fails at embodying an authentic Jamaican essence because it is cliche and predictable. It was filmed in the streets of Jamaica and looks like a bad passa passa taping. There are horns with fire blazing out, women scantily clothed while passionately whining and grinding, and the signature choreographed scene of men dancing in unison.

Kingston seems to be trying unnecessarily hard to fuse together his two worlds. He sings the song mostly in his American accent but allows his natural Jamaican accent to peek through at various points in the tune.

Worst yet, is the inclusion of Queens rapper Nicki Minaj. While it is nice to see cultures blend and create music together it is unsettling to listen to someone poorly imitate an accent. Minaj's adlibs and verse on the track consists of her use of a fake Jamaican accent. It is both annoying and slightly disrespectful to hear her botch the accent on the song.

While Minaj does have some Caribbean roots claiming that her nationality is a blend of Trinidadian, Indo Asian, and African American lineage; it is evident on the song that she is not of authentic Jamaican origin and it was a poorly executed idea. Beyond her misuse of the Jamaican accent it is likely that her presence on the track will propel it because of her demand and appeal in the music industry today.

The tune may demand attention in time but the video is sub par and uninteresting.

Peep the video below and decide for yourself!


Grimaldi moving out of Brooklyn?


If you live in NYC (or even in the Southwest) chances are you have been to one of Grimaldi's pizzerias throughout the city. But the famous Grimaldi's near the Brooklyn Bridge, were even first lady Michelle Obama has been seen eating with her daughters is now in jeopardy of being evicted by their landlord for $60,000 in back rent plus reimbursements to their landlord for having to dip into her escrow account to pay of delinquent property tax. The landlord Dorthy Waxman, said through her lawyer she's had enough with the late payments and wants the Frank Ciolli's, "The Pizza Man" out. Both sides say a settlement on the late payments was made in June with Ciolli set to pay $38,000 as a security deposit and $7,000 in legal fees. Ciolli said he paid the deposit but through "a misunderstanding" missed the deadline on the $7,000 in legal fees, and now his landlord is using the loophole to evict him.

You would think that since Grimaldi's is so famous and because it makes so much in sales that the landlord would be happy to allow them to continue doing business but according to the landlords son, "This is not a case of some wealthy landlord kicking out a small business. My mother lives in assisted living, has owned the building 50 years, and this is her sole source of income. But, Ciolli's bounced numerous checks, has repeatedly fallen months behind in rent and has failed to take care of his financial obligations over many years." Even the state has had problems with Ciolli's. In 2008, the state briefly shuttered Grimaldi's for owing $165,000 in back taxes. That bill settled, but as of yesterday Grimaldi's was facing $22,674 in liens from the state for delinquent sales and withholding taxes. So perhaps, Ciolli is not taking rent as seriously as he should because he can hide behind the fame of his restaurant (and the sales). On a daily basis lines build up to a block just for a slice of pizza! A judge will decide if Grimaldi's can stay in the building or not. As always we will keep you posted as soon as we hear more.

SOUNDOFF DO YOU THINK GRIMALDI'S SHOULD STAY?



Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Reggae v. Soca




Caribana and soca have always gone hand in hand. The Canadian celebration has traditionally had sweet soca jammin everywhere but this year's Caribana seemed different with a strong showing of support for reggae/ dancehall artists throughout the course of the weekend. Three Jamaican artists in town for Caribana received warm welcomes and performed for the enthused crowd.

Queen Ifrica, Busy Signal, and Gyptian all graced Canada with their presence this weekend. Putting on their hits for thousands of concert goers and raising new questions in Caribbean culture.

In recent years the fusion of soca and reggae have produced some great music as artists from both genres collaborate to represent their cultures. However, it begs the question has the international appeal of reggae music crossed over into territories that were once ruled by soca?

In Trinidad and Tobago, the birthplace of soca music, reggae has began to take a stronghold with artists like Serani selling out concert venues. This new age fascination with reggae in countries that have been predominantly soca driven is both refreshing and perplexing at the same time.

Why has there been a change in cultures? Will reggae one day be the predominant genre of music throughout the Caribbean? Is soca's appeal in Trinidad, Canada, and other "soca based" countries dwindling?

All these questions and no answers. Only time will tell just how big reggae will become in soca dominant territories. One thing is for certain soca and its melodies will probably not become extinct or irrelevant anytime soon.

Soundoff: Do you think reggae will supercede soca in countries that have traditionally been soca driven?

DE BANDS COMING


As the summer winds down to the end there is still one big event to look forward to, one grand finale, a culmination of summer fun that brings out millions of spectators and participants submerged in a sea of cultural identity and pride. This event is formally known as the West Indian American Day Parade.

This year marks the 43rd Labor Day parade and it promises to be eventful and filled with energy. On August 12th New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will host his annual dinner to kickoff the festivities leading up to Labor Day 2010.

The dinner party will have countless numbers of influential Caribbean Americans, as well as, tons of press.

New York City is home to the largest West Indian parade celebration in the United States and attracts millions of people to Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn for the past 43 years. This year's Labor Day celebrations will begin on September 2 at Brooklyn Museum where the West Indian American Day Carnival Association is hosting a benefit concert for Haiti.

As Labor Day weekend draws closer look to One Caribbean Radio for the latest in updates and information. Remember to tune into One Caribbean Radio 97.9 HD2 or online at www.onecaribbeanradio.com

Soundoff: Who's ready to get on bad on the parkway this year?

MEH BACK, MEH BACK


Usain Bolt has announced today that he is putting away his track sneakers for the remainder of the summer 2010 season because of a back injury. This comes just days after the world record holder lost to American rival , Tyson Gay. The loss marked the first time in two years that Bolt had lost an individual race.

Bolt's physician says that his back is strained and if it is not allowed time to rest and heal it could create problems for his calves and hamstrings. The Jamaican running sensation will continue to run in 2011, a very important championship year for track contenders.

It seems Bolt will have time to relax, spend some time in his native Jamaica and even take in his girl, Milan's performance later this month at the Ms. Jamzone International Pageant in Guyana.

Perhaps if we're lucky he'll grace One Caribbean Radio with his presence now that he has new found free time. Come on Usain give us a call.

Monday, August 9, 2010

OCR'S DISTANT RELATIVE: GYPTIAN



Gyptian has been turin up the heat this summer! Not just at One Caribbean Radio, he has been from city to city town to town with his heavy hitter "Hold Ya". This song was a summer must have to any REAL DJ.

There is no way you can play a song like this and not move your body to the rhythm.

One Caribbean Radio 97.9 HD2 wants you to visit his site to check out the album and upcoming events @: http://www.vprecords.com/index.php?page=artistDiscsRuz&a_id=24&d_id=1584

Thursday, August 5, 2010

BRINGING DE HEAT!



Although summer is coming to an end, One Caribbean Radio is still in full flaming effect. We are now proud to announce that One Caribbean Radio is doing BIG things in the Caribbean with two of our most talented hosts simucasting live from Jamaica and Barbados.

Our Caribbean show correspondents include, Jeanille Bonterre who makes every morning "bright and insightful" inside the Morning Mixer, and the lovely Lydia Patel who keeps you "in the know" during the afternoon rush.





While they are away keeping us up to date in the Caribbean our website www.onecaribbeanradio.com is also being updated. It is currently undergoing intense construction for advanced accessibility.

You know we have to keep you turned on if you are tuned in! So make sure you lock it and leave it! At Onecaribbeanradio.com or on 97.9 HD radio.

Stay tuned for our daily programming which includes:

THE MORNING MIXER w. Jeanille Bonterre 6-10am
THE GLOBAL MIX @ 10am-12pm
REAL TALK w. Hr. HD and Berel Lerman 12-2 pm
THE AFTERNOON RUSH w. Lydia Patel 3-6pm

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Breastfeeding? Right or Wrong?

Tune into 97.9 HD2 or www.onecaribbeanradio.com to learn more about the Breastfeeding Leadership Committee, the 3rd annual subway caravan, and the benefits of breastfeeding.

Mr. HD and Kathleen Carpenter of the Breastfeeding Leadership Committee are live in the studio now discussing the benefits and challenges associated with breastfeeding and its cultural implications.

The Subway Caravan will take place on August 6th 2010 and will start at Restoration Plaza on 1368 Fulton Street at 12 p.m.

In the Caribbean breastfeeding is a common practice even in public however, in the U.S. it is taboo and considered offensive when done publicly. The question isn't who's right but what is best for the baby?

Should women be worried about their image or their child's development and growth? You decide.

Soundoff: What are your thoughts on breastfeeding?

BERES HAMMOND LIVE & DIRECT IN BROOKLYN


This Friday the legendary Beres Hammond will be performing live at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Beres Hammond will be shutting Brooklyn down on August 6th 2010 when he and his band come to perform his greatest hits presented by Jammins Entertainment.

The prolific reggae artist will only be in New York for one night only on his For Your Love tour.

Guess who has your free tickets to win??? Yeah, you guessed it none other than One Caribbean Radio. Listen today on 97.9 HD2 or www.onecaribbeanradio.com for your chance to win!

Get ready to Rock Away with Beres Hammond.

Soundoff: What is your favorite Beres Hammond chune?

JAMZONE SUMMER BREAK 2010


Guyana's Hits and Jams Entertainment will be hosting its annual Jamzone Summer Break Concert this August.

The jam session is set to begin on August 14th and will run through the 22nd.

Among the many events for the weekend are two super concerts, one featuring the Jamaican "Gully God" himself Mavado and the other headlined by platinum recording artist Neyo.

Mavado has become an important figure in reggae music and has gained international recognition through his collaborations with major acts like Jay- Z and Lil Wayne. He will headline the Jamzone Dancehall/ Reggae night on August 20th. The concert ticket is reasonably price at fifteen-hundred dollars.

The people of Guyana will certainly be jamming heavy as Neyo serenades the crowd with his music. The popular recording artist is set to perform August 21 and the ticket price is two thousand dollars. A small price to pay for the people of Guyana to witness the suave and smooth gentleman do his thing.

The highly anticipated concerts have earned a reputation of being diverse and the highlight of the summer in Guyana.

Past concert acts inlcude Soca legend and sensation Machel Montano and his HD band and singer and producer Akon.

The Jamzone Summer Break weekend includes 3 concerts, a massive beach party, and an international beauty pageant.

Soundoff: Will you be jamming in Guyana this August?

BOLTING TO LOVE


It seems Olympian track star Usain Bolt has found himself in a new kind of a race, a race for love.

The Jamaican native, Bolt, is rumored to be dating model and reality star Milan. Milan also hails from Jamaica and the internet has been buzzing about the two being spotted and looking quite affectionate in public.

Bolt has been linked to ba variety of different women since the eligible bachelor has become a popular sports figure. Known for his world record setting speed Bolt is a Jamaican hero who enjoys sprinting towards the ladies in his free time.

WYCLEF FOR PRESIDENT *UPDATED*


The speculation has officially ended as Haitian born musician Wyclef Jean has announced he will run for the office of the president in Haiti.

Jean is expected to officially announce his candidacy Thursday on CNN's Larry King Live.

This comes just days after he expressed uncertainty about running. Jean will run against his uncle Raymond Joseph who serves as Haiti's Ambassador to the United States.

The question remains the same will Wyclef be able to win the vote of his country? Only time will tell but much like his song it seems Jean will be busy campaigning and gone till November.

Soundoff: Do you think Wyclef stands a chance running against his politically involved uncle, Raymond Joseph?

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

STREET FESTIVAL


The 1st Union Street Back to School Giveback Street Festival will go down on August 28th 2010. Be sure to be there. The event is FREE, FREE, FREE! The festival will kick off at 11 am on Union Street between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues. One Caribbean Radio 97.9 FM HD2 will be out there mixing and mingling so make sure you're there as well.

On the Verge of a Comeback


Lauryn Hill may be returning to the music scene. The world renowned singer hit the stage and crooned her popular hits in Portugal this past weekend.

The 2010 Festival dos Oceanos held in Lisbon, Portugal had over 40, 000 attendees who watched Hill perform her classics. She sang "Ex- Factor", "Doo Wop (That Thing)", "Lost Ones", "Turn Ya Lights Down Low", as well as, songs from the Fugees. She concluded the show with "Killing Me Softly" before the enthused crowd demanded an encore.

Hill who has been on hiatus from music for years has been making appearances more frequently in recent months. Perhaps the soulful songstress is attempting a comeback. Maybe a Fugee reunion with her Haitian band mates Wyclef Jean and Pras is likely. Only time will tell but until it has spoken take a moment to enjoy her classics.

Soundoff: Do you think it would be good for music if Lauryn Hill returned to the recording studio?

President Jean?


Bruce Golding, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, David John Howard Thompson, Wyclef Jean??? Could the hit making producer and musician join the ranks of these Caribbean world leaders by being elected to the office of the president in his homeland of Haiti?

Perhaps the better question is not whether he will be elected rather the question is will he announce his intention to run before the August 7th deadline? Jean has four days to decide if he wants to begin a new venture in the realm of politics and provide his country with the leadership it needs to overcome devastation, disaster, poverty, as well as, a dysfunctional and alleged corrupt government.

While Jean has gained global success both in his musical endeavors and humanitarian efforts his true and most rewarding success would be helping his struggling home progress. The former Fugees band leader would make a popular candidate in Haiti because of his celebrity status and his undying allegiance to his home. Since January, Jean has worked tirelessly to raise funds to help with the recovery efforts in Haiti following the devastating earthquake.

While Jean remains undecided about the likelihood of running for president he is determined to get the youth involved in politics. He has started an organization called "Face a Face" which in translation means face to face. The group's primary objective is to encourage young people in Haiti to vote and be proactive in the election process.

Jean has publicly stated that as of now he does not have political aspirations but that has not stopped the media to speculate that he is likely to put in a bid to lead the impoverished Caribbean nation.

In a little under 96 hours Haiti and the world will know for sure if Jean is ready to be the Barack Obama to his beloved red, white, and blue.

Soundoff: Would you like Wyclef Jean to be the president of Haiti?

Monday, August 2, 2010

Wedded Bliss




Love was most certainly in the air this past weekend as celebrity couples tied the knot.

Former United States president Bill Clinton's daughter, Chelsea, walked down the aisle and married her longtime beau Marc Mezvinsky in Rhinebeck, NY this past weekend. The couple exchanged their vows in front of over 400 guests. They were amongst three big name couples to dive into the pool of matrimony on Saturday.

Famed rapper Clifford "T.I." Harris and his new bride and former Xscape group member Tameka "Tiny" Cottle were married at a Miami courthouse on Friday. On SaturdayPost Options they decided to do it again and held a small private ceremony in Miami. The couple who have been dating since 2001 and share two children finally decided to make their union official.

Perhaps the most unexpected nuptials of the weekend were the ones exchanged by platinum recording artist Alicia Keys and her record producing groom Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean. Mr & Mrs. Dean were married by mind and body guru, Deepak Chopra in Paris, France. While the entertainment world had long buzzed about their pending nuptials Keys and Dean kept the ceremony very hush-hush. Dean who has been married once before and has two sons with his ex wife, songstress, Mashonda had his eldest son serve as his best man. The couple are expecting their first child together later this year.

Warrant Out For The King


As I'm sure most of you are aware, The Crop Over festival is happening in Barbados right now (in fact it's been happening since May) and One Caribbean Radio's own Jeanille Bonterre is one the scene right now checking out the latest. I hope to have a quick interview with her later this week (everyone cross your fingers). But, anyway just today in Bridgetown, Barbados an arrest warrant went out for the newly crowned Calypso King Anthony 'Mighty Gabby' Carter. Apparently, he assaulted TV and Radio host of the popular Festival Stage program, hosted every Crop Over season, Anthony 'Admiral' Nelson. Nelson was openly critical about his victory because he felt one of this songs was not a true Calypso and he was not deserving of the win. Nelson claims Carter attacked him, unprovoked, at last night's Cohobblopot show, destroying the shirt he was wearing at the time. And he has vowed that there will be no mercy for the Calypsonian, insisting that "no man has a right to hit another man for speaking."

Nelson has said he doesn't want any apologies but will take Carter to court and aim to get the maximum penalty. "This is going to make the best Festival Stage in Barbados Wednesday morning. The police took the shirt from me. I wanted the shirt to show on TV as evidence but I have pictures of it and I will show it," he said. Tune in to One Caribbean Radio 97.9HD2 for updates.
SOUNDOFF: Do you think it's okay to hit another man for speaking his opinion when it may offend others?




Sunday, August 1, 2010

Pouch Leads to Arrest


Did anyone hear about the student that spent the night in jail for bringing her miniature poddle into the Bay Ridge subway station? Icelyn Garcia, 25 claims she was wrongfully arrested after she carried her pooch, Louie, into the 86 Street station on the R line. Apparently, she had her bags in one hand, and Louie tucked under her other arm. Garcia, who was with her 19-year-old cousin, said she was confronted by Officer Jessica Gavaras, who told her that she had to put the dog into a carrying case. Garcia said she pleaded with the cop not to give her a ticket and had her cousin take the dog out of the station. But Gavaras refused to let her off the hook, she said. According to Garcia, the cop held on to her ID for what seemed like an eternity, but made no effort to write her a ticket. Garcia then pulled out her cellphone, she said, setting off a tug-of-war. The officer snatched the phone out of her hand, Garcia said, and she grabbed it right back. "I went to look at the time [on the phone] and she got really upset," Garcia said. The two struggled in the station over the phone and the officer slapped the cuffs on her. The student was charged with disorderly conduct, and spent the night in Central Booking, doing her best to avoid the dirty looks from the other ladies in lockup. "This was the worst night of my life. A prostitute offered me a job, there were women in there hiding drugs in their private parts, and people were fighting," she said.
Here's the kicker though...THE CHARGE WAS LATER DISMISSED! "I was embarrassed. I was humiliated," she said. "It wasn't right. [Gavaras'] reaction was over-exaggerated." So Garcia is doing what most Americans would do...she suing. Garcia filed suit yesterday in Brooklyn federal court seeking unspecified monetary damages. The NYPD refused to comment so right now all we have is Garcia's side of the story. I would also like to note that Garcia has no priors to this. But, if what she states is true, hell even if its only 75% she certainly deserves a settlement. First of all, she was not placed under arrest so the cop had no right to snatch her phone. Second, is she trying to teach her a lesson by having her spend the night in jail and then simply dropping the charges and saying, "Okay you can go home have a nice day now..." In a city like New York the cops have a lot more to worry about then a cute little dog being brought on a subway.

SOUNDOFF: DO YOU THINK GARCIA DESERVED TO BE ARRESTED?