Been reading about the London Riots all day. Bumped this Killer Mike track and thought about the shit happening over there.

So in the last decade or more, social sites have become the everyday hang out spot on the net. Myspace (is that shit still open), Facebook, Twitter, and others, plus the new and upcoming Google + (they are praying it succeeds beyond that Google Buzz crap they released previously). We all know some employers go online and do a search and see what their employees or people that want to hire do on their free time. Right? Came across this article on Forbes. Read up and see what is gonna be the new standard on "employee research" along with credit and drug testing. Gotta watch what I say when drunk and on Twitter now!

The FTC has given thumbs up to a company, Social Intelligence Corp., selling a new kind of employee background check to employers. This one scours the internet for your posts and pictures to social media sites and creates a file of all the dumb stuff you ever uploaded online. For instance, this sample they provided was flagged for "Demonstrating potentially violent behavior" because of "flagrant display of weapons or bombs."

The FTC said that the file, which will last for up to seven years, does not violate the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The company also says that info in your file will be updated when you remove pictures from the social media sites. Forbes reports, "new employers who run searches through Social Intelligence won't have access to the materials if they are completely removed from the Internet."

Here is a statement on their privacy policy the company's COO sent Forbes:

While we store information for up to seven years we do not "reuse" that information for new reports. Per our policies and obligations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, we run new reports on applicants on each new search to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information is utilized, and we store the information to maintain a verifiable chain-of-custody in-case the information is ever needed for legal reasons. We are not however building a "database" on individuals that will be evaluated each time they apply for a job and potentially could be used adversely even if they have cleaned up their profiles.

Another profile was flagged for having racist tendencies for clicking "Like" on a Facebook group called, "I shouldn't have to press 1 for English. We are in the United States. Learn the language."

Forbes link Article 1, Article 2, Article 3

A United States magistrate yesterday rejected a bail application for reggae superstar Buju Banton. The magistrate also denied a request from lawyers representing Buju that he be ordered moved to a non-maximum security penal institution. US magistrate Anthony Porcelli said he would not order Buju's release because he believes there is a risk he could flee to his home country, Jamaica. The magistrate also said he would not interfere with the operations at the Pinellas County Jail where Buju, whose correct name is Mark Myrie, is being held.


Attorney-at-law David Markus had gone to court claiming that Buju had lost 40 pounds because he was denied the vegetarian diet he requires for religious reasons, and that his mental and physical health had been rapidly deteriorating. Marcus also claimed Buju had been transferred to a maximum security section of the jail and this was hindering his ability to prepare for his trial, which begins in weeks.
But a federal prosecutor told the court that the claim that Buju was being treated inhumanely was a lie. and he had gained 11 pounds


Assistant US Attorney General James Preston presented evidence which showed that instead of losing 40 pounds Buju had gained 11 pounds since being in custody. The court was told that Buju was 150 pounds when he was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on January 5, and when he was weighed recently he tipped the scale at 161 pounds. Markus challenged those records, asserting Buju's weight when he was booked was just an estimate.


But a jail official said the numbers were supported by records kept by jail medical staff, who have weighed Buju several times during his detention. Markus complained he hadn't seen the records before the hearing.


According to the prison official, Buju never asked the jail chaplain, who handles such requests, if he could be placed on a vegetarian diet. The official said he reviewed records of Buju's commissary transactions and found purchases of meat and fish, including chicken, tuna and mackerel.


According to the jail official, he has since directed that Buju be given a vegetarian diet. Markus said Buju gave other inmates the meat he bought in the commissary and had filed a diet request with the chaplain. The prison official also rejected claims that Buju was being housed in a maximum-security section. He said Buju was being kept in an older part of the jail where the security arrangements were different, but not punitive, because he argued with a prison official who told him not to give his food away.


Quote from Arthur Hall, Senior STAR Writer

Buju Banton is still in Pinellas county jail awaiting his trial on cocaine distribution / conspiracy. I was reading the local newspaper yesterday and saw an article on him.

I am going to preface these quotes by addressing one point, they mentioned Ital food as a fruit and veggie diet strictly. Ital food is more than just a vegetarian/vegan diet. It doesn't allow salt and preservatives, and some Rasta may eat fish. I am not sure if Buju eats fish though...

From TBO.com: Grammy-nominated reggae singer Buju Banton is being treated "inhumanely" in the Pinellas County Jail as he awaits trial on federal drug charges, his lawyer said in a court filing. Because he "had the audacity to share his food with another inmate," Banton was placed Thursday in a maximum security wing where he is unable to prepare the vegetarian diet he requires for religious purposes, according to defense attorney David Oscar Markus.


Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Tom Nestor said Banton was disciplined because he was "using food as currency." He said inmates are told such behavior is prohibited. Markus is asking a federal judge to release his client on bail. Failing that, Markus requested that Banton be moved to a "non-maximum security" wing. He said Banton's "mental and physical health has been rapidly deteriorating," and that the transfer has hindered his ability to prepare for his April 19 trial.


Banton, who is from Jamaica, previously had been allowed to prepare his own food using items purchased in the commissary. He "is now in a maximum security wing for caring enough to offer food to another inmate who was hungry, and genuinely believing there was nothing wrong in doing so," Markus wrote. Markus said his client "is being punished for who he is." He said the transfer decision was made by a corporal "who has had it out for Mr. Myrie during his entire stay."


-------------------

The 2nd quote from TBT newspaper was: Attorney David Markus filed an emergency motion for bond Monday, claiming Banton has lost 40 pounds and not been provided with a diet in accordance with his religious views. The 36-year-old, Jamaican born singer is a Rastafarian, a religion that places importance on a vegetable- and fruit based diet.




Excuse the "Cannabis Cup" from the Youtube video, I wanted to use this great song but couldn't find it elsewhere. Rasta is not just about "smoking weed" as some people think.

Quote from madaroad.com :

The plot has thickened in Buju Banton’s conspiracy to distribute cocaine case. According to court papers that were filed today in Tampa, Florida, Banton’s defense team may use an entrapment defense. According to Wikipedia, in criminal law, entrapment is when a law enforcement agent induces a person to commit an offense which the person would otherwise have been unlikely to commit.


In the court papers filed today, Banton’s defense reportedly states that the ‘confidential source’ [see the affidavit for details] who helped authorities to investigate Banton, had pestered him for months to join him in a cocaine deal. As a result of this, the defense is asking a judge to order prosecutors to disclose the identity of the confidential source, an individual whom Myrie reportedly met on flight from Madrid to Miami in July 2009. They allege that the confidential source is a “paid government informant.”

Today’s court papers stated: “During the long international flight to Miami, the confidential source (CS), after softening up Mr. Myrie with small talk, began discussing cocaine. Throughout the flight, the CS tried to interest Mr. Myrie in buying cocaine. Mr. Myrie, however, was not interested.” The CS they say, kept in touch with Banton, and relentlessly pressured him to sell cocaine. Some of the conversations were apparently recorded, and the defense states that the recordings captured Banton’s “repeated attempts to put off” the source. “Finally, on December 8, 2009, the CS was successful in convincing Mr. Myrie to meet with him. Just to make sure Mr. Myrie attended, at 12:50 p.m. the CS called Mr. Myrie. However, the tape of the call reflects Mr. Myrie did not want to meet. Nonetheless, according to the complaint, Mr. Myrie attended the meeting at 2:29 p.m. at an ‘undercover warehouse.’ At this preliminary meeting, the CI showed Mr. Myrie and a co-defendant a brick of cocaine. Mr. Myrie then went back to Miami.“

Two co-defendants continued to meet with the source, and the co-defendants were arrested when they met the source in a warehouse. From the court papers filed today, Buju Banton’s lawyers are seeking information about the source’s prior criminal record, and how much money the source was paid for his help in this case and others.

Banton continues to be held without bail in Federal custody in Florida.

- Damn at them tryna set up Buju. Will keep updating this until Buju a free man again!

I always wonder how dudes can have so much pent up rage over a woman. My marriage isn't perfect, and is probably not going to last forever (real talk). I'd never get so heated that I run up on my baby-mama and unload my nine on her though.

This guy in  Brazil - Fábio Willian da Silva, 30 years old, killed Maria Islaine de Moraes, 31, his ex-wife with 8 shots. Fábio, a tire repairman, went to Maria's own beauty parlour and committed the crime after four years of marriage and one year split. He never accepted their separation.

Like we say on SOHH with unfaithful women - "You share that girl!"

Play Cloths (owned by The Clipse) is doing a special run Tee. The Haitian Jack t-shirt will only be on sale from Friday, January 15th to Friday, January 22nd (one week only). They will be shipping Friday the following week. These tees have their Jack character running with the Haitian flag, instead of the normal logo. All proceeds go to Yele.org (website is down, but keep trying)

Like I said yesterday - You can use your cell phone to text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund.







 Also if you are in Houston Bun B, has organized a concert to raise money: 

Rapists getting 3 - 4 years in jail. A woman in Tampa, Florida hit and ran over 4 kids (3 died), she got probation. This dude in Atlanta burglarized a house, ok it's not a violent crime (it may have been if the owners were home). He pleaded guilty which meant he owned up to it. Normally this gives you a lighter sentence, they didn't brandish no guns on nobody in the video footage... no one was hurt.

The judge still gave him 15 years.. 15, really? 15... cot'damn He couldn't believe it either and passed out during the sentencing. They better put him on suicide watch.

How much time would have been fair? I don't know, but 15 is too long.

Pat Robertson is just talking reckless, look at her face as he goes off on his tangent. I hate when people bring more bullshit on top of a tradegy. He also says it's a 'blessing in Disguise' and now they can rebuild.

Later (2nd Video) Olbermann goes hard and ethers Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson..






Also here Wyclef's interview on Anderson Cooper (they both are now in Haiti, I saw A.C. earlier on a cable show).

Please make a small donation if possible to help Haiti. If you don't know where to donate, go to the Redcross. They are already in Haiti doing work.

Look for food and clothing drops in your area. If musicians like Wyclef release songs to fund Haiti, buy it don't download it.

*You can help immediately by texting "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be charged to your cell phone bill and given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts.*

**You can also use your cell phone to text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill), or you can visit Yele.org and click on DONATE.**

A natural disaster has happened in Haiti. A major 7.0 earthquake, which is not the norm as I always associate disasters in my home region to come from hurricanes. My heart goes out to all the families that are going to be impacted by this in some fashion.

I  was a youngin in 87' not sure who allowed me to see this movie Cherry 2000. It was about a android love robot, and it broke down. The owner of it was some lame that fought tooth and nail to get another one, even going as far as hiring bounty hunters. I dunno what sci-fi horny nerd was watching that movie recently because they have released the 1st robotic sex doll named Roxxxy. She's not a Cherry 2000, crap it's 10 years overdue if you went by that name.

Gonna try and find this movie again and no I won't ever need a doll for adult activities.

My earliest travel memories of flying as a child were waking up early. Getting dressed in my BEST clothing, headed to the airport in the early morning (Mom only booked 1st flights out). I'd be so sharp possibly in my Sunday Best as a lil kid. As I grew to a teen, it toned down to just dressing well... But now I go to the airport in as little as possible. Sweat Pants (loose and comfortable), my Jordan Brand flip flops and white socks (tired of taking shoes off an on), and a white tee.

But I might as well just show up nekkid now. These new Bodyscan machines are gonna be showing my junk to all of TSA anyway. If its a fine TSA woman (like them young bubble gum chomping Latinas in certain airports in Florida) I'm gonna have to make eye contact with them and wink before I step in that machine, cuz I'm proud like that. If it's a dude... damn, don't even wanna go there.

Seriously how much money was spent on these Bodyscan machines? Kalik could rig one up in a day from home depot.... Just give some 2x4's and sheetrock (drywall) and I'd make a lil booth, with a peep hole (dressing room sized) with a sign go inside and get nekkid... I mean its the same thing right?

Well these Bodyscan machines may be an invasion of privacy and may even go as far as violating child laws (nekkid children)... you can read about that on Wired.com

The media is making Tiger Woods into a thug, see Vanity Fair's cover below (edit - I say thug because his portrayal is no longer professional Golf star, but a Pimp). So I had some fun with photoshop. Keep ya head up Tiger. I heard about you ordering 20 bottles of Vodka and a case of Redbull up to your hotel room, and having 3 chicks sent over. Guess you like them Redbull and Vodkas? Tupac had his own drink Thug Passion and maybe you'll have your own one day. I know if Pac was alive he'd defend ya, he had his womanizing case and he stuck up for Mike Tyson...

Buju Banton has assembled a top–notch legal team to defend him against charges of intent to distribute cocaine, five kilos or more. A statement released by the artist’s record label, Gargamel Music Incorporated, indicates that the artist will be represented by David Oscar Markus, who has been involved in several high profile drug cases. In an interview with online magazine Caribworldnews.com, the president of Gargamel, Traci McGregor, was quoted as saying, “This is Buju and we’re going to get him the top legal representation there is. We are ready to fight”. She also urged people to remember that he is innocent until proven guilty.

Buju has waived his right to a bail hearing and therefore remains incarcerated  in Tampa and could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Many comments circulating on the Internet indicate a common belief that the charges are trumped up in part due to his conflicts with gay rights activists, who accuse him of promoting violence against gays in his music. The controversy stems from a song written and performed by Buju over 15 years ago called “Boom Bye Bye”. The current negative publicity is overshadowing what had been a good year for the artist, with critical acclaim for Rasta Got Soul, a conscious reggae album that promotes his Rastafari beliefs, and a Grammy nomination for the project.

*Buju hope 2010 see you a free man - Kalik*

From Sky News: (not a pun - Kalik)

The White House says an incident involving a small explosion on an airliner was an attempted act of terrorism. A US intelligence official said the passenger who ignited a "powdery substance" on the Delta Airlines flight was trying to blow up the plane.

The flight was arriving at Detroit's Metropolitan Airport when the incident took place. The suspect, who suffered third-degree burns, reportedly told federal investigators that he was directed by al Qaeda. The 23-year-old suspect from Nigeria is under guard in hospital.

He was flying from Nigeria to the US for a religious ceremony according to his entry visa.
Reports in the US suggest he is an engineering student at a university in London. A US intelligence official said the explosive device was a mix of powder and liquid. It failed when the passenger tried to detonate it.

Representative Peter King, who sits on the House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee, said the device was "fairly sophisticated". The White House says President Obama, who is on holiday in Hawaii, is "actively monitoring" the situation. Mr Obama spoke by conference call with national security advisers, and then "instructed that all appropriate measures be taken to increase security for air travel," White House spokesman Bill Burton said. Homeland Security Press Secretary Sara Kuban said Homeland Security chief Janet Neapolitano had been briefed on the situation.

She said: "Passengers may notice additional screening measures put in place to ensure the safety of the traveling public on domestic and international flights."

Witnesses on Flight 253 said they heard a sound like a firecracker going off and one passenger jumped over others and tried to subdue one of the passengers. Shortly afterwards, the suspect was apparently taken to a front row seat with his trousers cut off and his legs burned.

Delta Airlines said two passengers were injured in the small explosion. (video above is 1 of them - Kalik) The flight was carrying 278 passengers from Amsterdam.

I know a few people who got their Jordans stolen off their feet in the 90's. Hearing this news clip reminded me on why Jordans was always so popular... the cost, the look, the desire to own one. The Jordan - Space Jams has been rumored to brought some smash and grab robberies to two Footlockers stores in Atlanta.

The rumors of Hova being a Free Mason and/or a part of some Illuminati has been circling for awhile now.   An 80-minute documentary has been released showing some insight into the rumors often spoken about Jay-Z. This is a must watch for me, and I hope it provokes discussions on what really happens inside the music industry.

Edit - Camel got the video pulled. Looking for an alternate site. Hopefully megavideo.

The affidavit has been released from the DEA agent who nabbed Buju Banton. It's a good read, and I feel bad for Buju. Realistically I have no clue why he was buying (or attempting to purchase) narcotics. I watched his career over my lifetime from I was 11 in 1991 till now. I've attended many of his concerts, before the gay boycotts from Cali to Florida of 2009. I am sure the loss of tour money dipped into your cash flow, but I hope you didn't turn to coke sales to keep your lifestyle afloat.

I am a true fan of Buju Banton... I am disappointed if everything written HERE in this document is correct. I had you as the #2 reggae ambassador behind Bob Marley, in my eyes. Every person has their favorite artist and you were one of mine... I have so many memories set to the tunes of your music.

Hope it is a fallacy and you beat the case. - Jah bless!