Lil Wayne to Publish Prison Memoir
Lil Wayne has signed a deal to publish a prison memoir called Gone Till November. The book will be drawn from notes the rapper made while serving an eight-month sentence at Rikers Island on a weapons possession charge.
The book, to be published by Grand Central Publishing, is repped by Matthew Guma, who also served as Jay-Z's literary agent for the rapper's best-selling book Decoded. According to a press release, Lil Wayne's prison journals will detail "his thoughts and feelings, strange people he met, his plans, his family, his children, his past, present and future."
Lil Wayne has written about his sports interests for ESPN the Magazine, and he recently announced the launch of a new skateboarding clothing line. The rapper's most recent album, Tha Carter IV, debuted last year at Number One on the Billboard album chart with just under one million copies sold in its first week of release.
Snoop Dogg Launching Cigar Brand
Who knows smoking better than Snoop Dogg? The rapper is capitalizing on his infamous love for lighting up with a new line of cigars, Executive Branch, which he will unveil at the Coachella Festival when he headlines with Dr. Dre.
The cigars will be made with tobacco sourced from the Dominican Republic and the first round of product, the "Executive Branch Cigarillos," will be sold in packs of two for $.99.
"Throughout my career I have been lucky enough to travel the world and try all different types of tobacco products," said Snoop Dogg in today's press release (we assume dictated while winking very broadly). "During my travels throughout South America and the Caribbean, I was fortunate to encounter this tobacco company, Executive Branch and was so impressed by their commitment to quality . . . Throughout 2012, we plan on releasing new styles and flavors, in which I will be working with their team to make sure all products are up to Snoop Dogg standards."
Snoop's new product is considerably more legal than what he usually carries; just this week, he was arrested for marijuana possession.
Adele, Coldplay Lead BRIT Award Nominations
Adele, Coldplay and Florence and the Machine are among the top nominated artists for the 2012 BRIT Awards, the British record industry's equivalent to the Grammys. The 32nd annual awards show will be held in London on February 21st.
Adele, who scored the top-selling album in her native U.K. in 2011, is up for Best British Album of the Year for 21, as well as Best British Female Solo Artist and Best British Single of the Year for "Someone Like You." Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto is also nominated in the best album category, and the band is in the running for Best British Group. Noel Gallagher, James Blake, Jessie J, Anna Calvi, Elbow, Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian are also nominated in various categories, and Britpop heroes Blur will be honored with a lifetime achievement award.
Though the BRIT Awards are designed to honor talent from the U.K., a handful of North American acts – including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Foo Fighters and Maroon 5 – were nominated in the show's international categories.
The nominations for the 2012 BRIT Awards are as follows:
British Male Solo Artist
Ed Sheeran
James Blake
James Morrison
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
Professor Green
British Female Solo Artist
Adele
Florence and the Machine
Jessie J
Kate Bush
Laura Marling
British Breakthrough Act
Anna Calvi
Ed Sheeran
Emeli Sandé
Jessie J
The Vaccines
British Group
Arctic Monkeys
Chase and Status
Coldplay
Elbow
Kasabian
British Single
Adele, "Someone Like You"
Ed Sheeran, "The A Team"
Example, "Changed The Way You Kissed Me"
Jessie J feat. B.o.B, "Price Tag"
JLS feat. Dev, "She Makes Me Wanna"
Military Wives/Gareth Malone, "Wherever You Are"
Olly Murs feat. Rizzle Kicks, "Heart Skips A Beat"
One Direction, "What Makes You Beautiful"
Pixie Lott, "All About Tonight"
The Wanted, "Glad You Came"
British Album of the Year
Adele - 21
Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
Ed Sheeran - +
Florence and the Machine - Ceremonials
PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
International Male Solo Artist
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Bruno Mars
David Guetta
Ryan Adams
International Female Solo Artist
Beyoncé
Bjork
Feist
Lady Gaga
Rihanna
International Group
Fleet Foxes
Foo Fighters
Jay Z and Kanye West
Lady Antebellum
Maroon 5
International Breakthrough Act
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Foster The People
Lana Del Rey
Nicki Minaj
Outstanding Contribution to Music
Blur
Critics' Choice
1st - Emeli Sandé
2nd - Maverick Sabre
3rd - Michael Kiwanuka
British Producer
Paul Epworth
Flood
Ethan Jones
Heather Locklear Hospitalized After 911 Call
Heather Locklear was taken to the hospital Thursday after a 911 call was placed from her home.
The nature of the emergency wasn't immediately revealed. But TMZ and RadarOnline report Locklear, 50, may have mixed alcohol and prescription medication.
"Emergency response personnel responded to a medical emergency call at Ms. Locklear's residence," Ventura County Sheriff's Capt. Mike Aranda tells PEOPLE. "Once they arrived, it was determined that Ms. Locklear needed to be transported to the hospital for further medical attention."
He adds that hospital personnel are "taking care of her situation."
TMZ reports that a sister for Locklear called 911 from the home northwest of Los Angeles and that the actress was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
Later in the day, Locklear's daughter, Ava Sambora, 14, Tweeted, "Well this sucks."
The Melrose Place star was hospitalized in December 2010 for a bacterial infection. Last November, she and Jack Wagner called off their engagement.
Forum member Mrs. Ethlyn Gibbs-Williams addresses the house on PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UK AND OBTAINING GOALS
Member of the Consultative Forum Mrs. Ethlyn Gibbs-Williams is calling for the creation of policies which she believes would empower Turks and Caicos Islanders, as well as strengthen various institutions.
Mrs. Gibbs Williams made the call in a presentation to the Consultative Forum at its meeting on Monday 10th January.
In her presentation, entitled PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UK AND OBTAINING GOALS,Mrs. Gibbs-Williams reminded the Forum's Chair of her very impressive
opening remarks at the December 13th sitting of the Forum, when she made mention of her visit to the UK as part of the Governor's delegation to the Overseas Territories Consultative Council meeting where she highlighted their meeting with Minister Henry Bellingham, in which he expressed the desire to see improved relationship with the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mrs. Ethlyn Gibbs-Williams said while it is very commendable for Mr. Bellingham to express the desire to develop a better relationship between the UK and Turks & Caicos, she said if that message is not clearly communicated to his people over here in the TCI, and steps taken by the authorities to facilitate improved relations with TCI, then the situation will be the same as it is two years from now.Referencing the Order in Council which has been in place for over two years now, Mrs. Gibbs-Williams questioned whether His Excellency realizes the type of environment that has been created.
The Consultative Forum member said the situation with the Order in Council will have to be addressed as a way forward and that as a people we may all be imperfect, but the difference is, we do not have to succumb to wrong doing.
Police 24 hour crime recap
Detective Inspector Calvin Chase has issued his 24 Hour Crime Recap for Providenciales for today 12th January where Police there responded to six reports of serious nature.
Five (5) Burglaries including on Leeward Highway, Discovery Bay and Kew Town and 2 in Blue Hills and there was one (1) report of Wounding, which occurred on Airport Road.
A female was arrested on suspicion of wounding in connection with a report made on 11th January 2012. She was later released on Police Bail with a surety to return on 23rd January 2012 to be further dealt with.
A male was also arrested on suspicion of Wounding and Three males were arrested on suspicion of a number of Burglaries committed in Providenciales.
In Grand Turk, on Wednesday 11th January Law Enforcement Officers while continuing their search of a vessel at South Dock, located an additional quantity of suspected cannabis. A male was arrested on suspicion of Possession of Cannabis with intent to supply.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Census
As preparations continue for the 2012 Population and Housing Census in the TCI, the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics has prepared an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document to help you better understand what will be taking place. Please find the document attached.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE UPCOMING CENSUS
Who provides the census information?
Ideally each responsible adult (18 years or older) in the household should be interviewed. However, this may not be possible because some persons may be out of the islands during the census period. In such cases any responsible adult will be interviewed provided that he/she knows all the required answers. The process may require revisits.
Why is it called a Population and Housing Census?
A population and housing census is a count of every person and building in the country. In addition to knowing 'how many persons live here¡¦ it is also vital to know 'who live here' in terms of age, sex, religion, education, occupation and other important characteristics, as well as 'where do they live' in terms of housing, access to water and other essential facilities.
When will the census be conducted?
The Census is conducted every ten years. The last census was in September 2001 and therefore another is presently due.
Why is the census conducted every ten years?
A census is a massive statistical operation which is very costly. It involves accurate mapping of the entire country, recruitment of over 100 field workers, extensive advertising and promotion to get public acceptance and timely processing and dissemination of the data collected.
Such an exercise will incur significant opportunity cost if it happens more frequently.
What are some of the benefits of a Population and Housing Census?
If planners know 'how many of us live here', 'who we are' and 'where we live,¦ they can estimate our needs for food, shelter, education, health, transport, employment and other amenities at very small levels of geography.
Is the Census compulsory?
Yes it is! The Census Ordinance entrusts to the Census Officer at the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics the legal authority and responsibility to conduct the census. Closer to the census date, the Governor would approve the Census Order and Census Regulations for viewing by the public. There is a fine or penalty for persons who do not cooperate with census officers.
What must I do to be counted?
During the census period, specially identified enumerators will visit every household in the Turks and Caicos Islands. When visited, be sure to cooperate by responding to all the questions on the census questionnaire. If you are not visited please call or email the Statistical Office at the numbers and address published.
Why not use an online method for the census?
An on-line census system is technically complicated and costly and most countries reject this method. Presently no Caribbean country uses an on-line system. This system requires money and time to develop and test. We must also remember that census field work requires three simultaneous activities: canvassing, listing dwelling units, and interviewing households. Canvassing involves going through an enumeration area to identify all buildings or structures that are used as dwelling units.
Identified dwelling units should correspond to household interviews. The matching of canvassing/listing activities with an on-line interview would make this process complicated and costly.
Will this census be the first one conducted in the Turks and Caicos Islands?
This census will present an unbroken record of census taking in the Turks & Caicos Islands. It has been documented that the first census in the Turks & Caicos Islands was taken in 1891 as part of a Demographic Survey of the British Empire. From that date onward, a census was taken every ten years in the Turks & Caicos Islands up until this time with one notable exception. In the early 1930¡¦s there was no census taken in the Islands.
This was perhaps because of some major upheaval in the world.
Who is counted during the census?
All persons who usually reside within the borders of Turks and Caicos Islands at the time of enumeration are to be counted in the census, regardless of citizenship or length of stay.
¡¦Usually¡¦ refers to having lived in the Turks and Caicos Islands for at least six months or having the intention to remain in the Turks and Caicos for at least six months.
The following persons who are outside the country are to be counted where they usually live:
X Persons temporarily absent for less than 6 months on business, holiday,medical treatment, etc.
X Person studying abroad who have the intention of returning home,regardless of the length of stay abroad
Breast cancer at record levels in the Bahamas
A report has found that BREAST CANCER is affecting Bahamian women at the highest levels in the world. Researchers are holding out hope, however, and are steadily working towards their goal to make genetic testing more accessible to high-risk Bahamian women.
The highest prevalence of the BRCA1 gene mutation, out of any population in the world, is found in Bahamian women - which put them at greater risk of breast cancer.
Findings on the prevalence rate of the hereditary bad gene were announced last year.
Since then, the Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation (BBCIF) has been working steadily to facilitate further research and prevention strategies.
Securing a genetic counsellor and data-base coordinator is paramount to this initiative as it would allow lead researchers in the study, Dr Steven Narod, of Toronto University, and Dr John Lunn, Medical Director of the BBCIF, to undertake critical follow-up projects.
Priority objectives call for in-depth study of breast cancer presentation and treatment in the country; the frequency of BRCA1 mutations; the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy. Further studies will also seek to identify risk factors for the development of breast and ovarian cancer in women with the BRCA1 mutation and identify new breast cancer genes for Bahamian women.
So convinced of the project's value, and the potential for important discoveries, Dr Narod has committed 15 per cent of his time to the endeavour free of charge.
Aggressive strains of breast cancer appear in Bahamian women at an unusually early age. According to published reports, only 12 per cent of American women under 44 years old are diagnosed with breast cancer, while 34 percent of Bahamian women are diagnosed at that age or younger.
The high prevalence of one of five BRCA1 mutations, which is a breast cancer susceptible gene, means the Bahamas is an abnormally high risk population.
According to Dr Steven Narod, who collaborated in the study, the global average is five to six per cent: 20 per cent of the Bahamian sample tested positive for the abnormal gene.
In an earlier interview with The Tribune, Dr Lunn said: "The next study we're going to do is to measure the genetic composition of people who go for screening mammograms. "That would tell us the frequency of the gene in the non-affected population, people who don't have breast cancer, that's important to know.
"It's important to know whether or not you have a genetic predisposition, then we can see how if we can stop this gene from becoming active - that's the next step - but at least you can identify patients very early who are high risk and then you can prevent them from getting breast cancer, that's the idea.
"It's a big factor, when a quarter of your patients with breast cancer have a nasty gene that's huge," he said.
Chair of the Consultative Forum says Governor Todds inaugural promise has never seemed more hollow
Chair of the Consultative Forum Mrs. Lillian Misick, director of the small Business Development Center at TCInvest, has penned a letter to His Excellency the Governor Ric Todd, in light of his announcement yesterday, to replace TCInvest.
Mrs. Missick said she felt compelled to state for the record how truly dismayed she is by the way in which Governor Todd has gone about making, and informing them of his decision to abolish TCInvest.
In her letter to Governor Todd yesterday, Mrs. Missick said quote:- Many of us greeted your inaugural promise to run a collaborative and transparent administration in good faith and with goodwill. And even though I have been moved on a few occasions since your inauguration to challenge you to honor it, that promise has never seemed more hollow than it did during the Forums closed session this morning.
I was so caught off guard when your Director of Strategy Philip Rushbrook informed me in the parking lot on Friday of your decision to abolish TCInvest that I requested an urgent meeting, which you graciously granted yesterday afternoon.
At that meeting you explained the reasons why you thought this decision was necessary. I countered by explaining that your reasoning was fundamentally flawed because it focused entirely on the mismanagement and abuse of the agency; i.e., to coin the phrase you used, perhaps unwittingly, you were throwing out the baby with the bath water.
To be fair, I gathered that you were basing your reasoning on a report by UK Advisor Stephen Turnbull, a copy of which you were kind enough to present to me midway through our meeting. But I felt constrained to question the reliability of its findings after glancing a section on the Business Development Center. I served as chairman of TCInvest for 5 years and director of the Business Development Center for 10.
I thought it would give you pause when I pointed out that it strains credulity to think that any advisor could produce a comprehensive report on the functioning of this agency, let alone my department, without speaking to me.
In fact you paused long enough to reassure me that it was only a draft report and that you were quite prepared to grant my request for the Forum to hold a public hearing so that the proffered reasons for closing TCInvest could be properly examined.
Yet less than 24 hours later you were insisting in our closed session that there was no need for further discussion because your mind had been made up, presumably based on Mr. Turnbulls flawed and incomplete draft report.
Let me hasten to clarify that I have never questioned your authority to make this or any other decision, which makes me wonder why you continually assert - with the gratuitous force of a parent asserting her authority to discipline her child - that you have this authority.
My sole purpose for appealing to you on this and other matters was to get you to demonstrate that your talk about making your interim administration the most honest, open, and transparent in the Caribbean is not just hot air.
Alas, that you were adamant to the point of appearing defiant this morning about your decision to abolish TCInvest, despite the earnest pleadings of members for just a chance to be heard, made it clear to all present that my appeals to you have been in vain.
I hope you appreciate how much credence this gives to those who dismissed the Forum from the outset as nothing more than a rubber-stamp for the neo-colonial mach-i-nations of British inter-lopers.
This is profoundly regrettable and por-tends dire consequences for our UK-TCI relationship, end quote.
The preceding was the text of a letter to His Excellency the Governor Ric Todd, from Lillian Misick, Chair of TCI Consultative Forum, following a
press release from Governors office yesterday, announcing the replacement of TCInvest.
Advisory Council Upbeat about 2012
A strong positive outlook was identified for the TCI in 2012 when the Advisory Council held its first meeting for the year today Wednesday, 11th January 2012 at the department of Disaster Management and Emergencies in Providenciales.
A release from the governments press office noted that the Council, in discussing the year ahead, felt the economic situation was showing positive signs, led by a robust tourism sector. This sector continues to build on last years record breaking performance, which saw the TCI reaching the one million visitor mark for the first time. The sector is also expected to benefit from the Tourist Boards recent marketing efforts in Europe, which promoted the TCIs capacity to accommodate long haul jets
on the recently extended Provo international airport.
TCI will this year also be at the heart of NASAs celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the historic first orbit of the earth by an American John Glenn, and his landing off the island of Grand Turk.
The Advisory Council welcomed the appointment of the five new Permanent Secretaries and looks forward to working with them. It also welcomed the new Chief Executive of the TCIG Patrick Boyle, who took up office on January 3rd. The new PSs will work with Mr. Boyle at the helm of a restructured and fit-for- purpose public service, which will be tasked with providing efficient public services to the wider TCI community.
His Excellency the Governor Ric Todd explained the plans to wind up TCInvest and improve the delivery of the services for which it is responsible. A recent in-depth study concluded that the essential functions of TCInvest; inward investment, business licensing, small enterprise support and loans, can be delivered more effectively through other TCIG or external means.
This year will also see the holding of elections, once the ministerial milestones are met. A key part of meeting the milestones and improving the situation for the people of the TCI, is a programme of legislative change. The Council today looked at a programme of draft laws, which will soon be published.
Also in prospect for 2012 is the White Paper on the Overseas Territories, which will set the stage for a re-defined relationship between the UK and the OTs.
The Council reviewed the progress made in engaging the public on the pathway to citizenship in the TCI. It also discussed the recent interception of the two sloops and expressed appreciation of the excellent work done as well as lessons learned in the handling and repatriation of the passengers.