Hi

Welcome to another issue of the webs favourite, black, online weekly.

You may remember from the 15 April newsletter, a great review by Antonia Hines of a book entitled "Mr Soon Come", by Jasmine Johnson. Well, Jasmine 'talks back' regarding that very review, and many other issues as you will read in the Review, Feedback and Speak Out! sections.

Thank you to all who continually send us your feedback, requests and, latterly, tit-bits for the Laughter Lines sections - keep them coming as all contributions received play an integral part in the make up of YOUR NEWSLETTER.

So, on we go with the show - it's time to hand you over to Ju and I'll see you on the other side - ENJOY!

Caz >>> Full information >>>

Boxer on kidnap charge

The boxer Herbie Hide has been remanded in custody by magistrates in Norwich, charged in connection with an attempted kidnapping.

Full story click here >>>

Race row councillor resigns

The Tory councillor behind an article which claimed black people were "less bright" than whites has resigned, according to party sources.
Geoffrey Sampson was asked to leave his post at Wealden District Council, East Sussex, after publishing the piece, 'There's Nothing Wrong with Racism', on his website.

Full story click here >>>

• Editors Chat
• Sanjae Lewis Trust
• Chat 'bout (Feedback - Requests - Speak Out!)
• Reviews (Jasmine Johnson 'talks back' - on her book 'Mr Soon Come'... and more!)
• Special Feature (Oval Music - music lessons that come to you!)
  
• Events to look out for
• Blacknet Information Community News
• Competitions
• Kickback
• Where are you now? (Reunite)
• To Advertise in the Blacknet Information Community Newsletter

Editors' Chat

Once again thank you Caz, Okay Okay Okay so this weeks Newsletter is slightly late, but you done know it's a BMT ting (BLACK MAN TIME) for the less knowledgeable amongst us (joke) Must apologise, but technical problems caused delay.

First up, let me congratulate Birmingham City for finally making the premiership, wouldn't support them to save my KFC, but that is my home town so I will always give props where props is due, Big up Arsenal for winning the premiership, I don't follow them either, but true to the cause they do have quite a few more black players than a majority of clubs which is nice to see. This weekend sees a friendly match between Jamaica and Nigeria, which is causing quite a stir, who's your money on? Mines is on Jamaica actually turning up straight after a rave in North London ;-). Ladies, I did warn you a few weeks ago that the world cup was just around the corner, if you're not seeing much of your man now, I am quite sure you wont see much of him over this period, tell him to free up the Visa card, round up the girls and go and do some shopping, oh yeah, and make sure he increases the spending limit (If there is anything on it - lol, not like mine)., for the independent ladies who don't use their manz credit card, well what can I say, …... your independent.:-).

May I send out a big massive good luck and just go for it to all those who will be sitting exams over the next 4 weeks or so, it maybe a daunting time but my message is, simply relax and just do the best you can do, quietly believe in yourself, trust in yourself, don't think about the result, just be proud that you have got this far. Believe it or not, you are far more capable than you think. Remember this, if you think you can't do it, well of course you wont, but if you think you can, then you will. No matter what the outcome, when you finish your exams, pat yourself on the back for doing it!

Right then we cannot stop expressing the execellent response we have been getting, please do keep up the good work, by sending us info or even by simply passing it on to your friends and family….

Have fun and enjoy ;-)

Caz & Ju

Beloved daughter of Sandra and Lloyd
Sister of Nathan, Dean, Sarah, Christine, Dwayne and Omar
Little Princess of the Community

Donations can still be made direct at any Barclays Bank, quoting the details below:

Acc. Name: Sanjae In Need
Sort Code: 20-46-60
Acc. No: 40310913
SWIFT Code: BARCCGB22 (required for international donations only)

Correspondence, cheques/postal orders
(made payable to SANJAE IN NEED only) can be sent to:

The Sanjae Lewis Trust
5 Greenwich High Road
London SE10 8JL

LET'S SUPPORT THE CAUSE - WE KNOW WE HAVE THE POWER TO DO IT!!!
Further information can be obtained from calling 0870 746 5000
email info@sanjaelewistrust.co.uk or
visit her website www.sanjaelewistrust.co.uk
click here to view and sign condolence book

Finally, someone has expressed their views against the new style Newsletter - no doubt this will open the flood gates for the rest of you (shy ones) who share the same sentiments! (don't all email at once now will you... lol).

But it's all good - this is the kind of honest feedback we greatly encourage. As whether for or against, it's all about communication and cooperation. Perhaps we can take Danny's views onboard and Ju can do a small weekly text based something for those who prefer that, but we'll see.

In response to Danny's comments, Eds' say: Depending on how long you have been subscribed, you may recall a newsletter in a similar style to this that Caz used to do, and a text based email (mainly an event guide) that was produced by Ju. After careful consideration, it was decided that we would amalgamate the two, hence this new style format - where you still get Ju with his jokes, an all. However, we appreciate that some prefer text based emails, for one reason or another, and are looking into how we can address this issue. All we can say for now is... WATCH THIS SPACE!

COCOBUTTA TALENT SHOWCASE &
AFTER PARTY (Thurs. 16 May 02 @ The Rocket Complex, Holloway Road, N7 )

Don't forget this Thursday sees the return of the Cocobutta Talent Showcase - the freshest urban talent event in London.

If you would like to WIN FREE ENTRY to this event, check out the competition zone (there's a catch... so be warned!)

THE HOTEL EXPERIENCE - 3 JUNE '02

This is the event for the next bank holiday, we are talking 'The Show, The After Party, The Hotel' We recommended this event last time as a hot one to look out for and it lived up to it's name, so we are going to recommend this one again, 'The Hotel Experience' is a collection of three top Midland promoters, This time it is going to be held in Northampton, you can drive down or jump on a coach laid on for people travelling from London - Birmingham - Manchester - Coventry - Stoke on Trent - Northants - Luton but the beauty of this event, is that you can stay over! Simply book your room with your crew, reach there in the day, chill out, use the sauna, dip in the pool, work out in da gym, tone up and look and feel great with a facial in the spa beauty salon leaving you fresh and re-engerized. Hang out with other guests, drink as much as you like and not worry about driving back, believe it's a nice likle vibe going on, and then when you're ready go downstairs to Party where you will be entertained by 2 Rooms of quality:

Room 1: (Buckingham Suite - Party Anthems) Dj's Bionic Steel & Major Popular also DJ Kaos also from London you have The Connoissuers & The Original Tourist.

Room 2: (Essex Room - Soul RnB & Old Skool Dj's Mark B & TDK, Soul Fusion and Raymond James. Some of you will have heard of these dj's and some of you may not have but I am telling you everyone of these events they have all come good and smashed it, so so far, There is no reason for you not to put this one in your diary. Then when you done, it's just a matter of walking upstairs to yuh bed, or look for the Rooms parties which go on till the dem birds sing.

How much is all this gonna cost me you maybe thinking... Well If you are staying over it is only gonna cost you £40 inclusive of entrance, it is worth every single penny, and this event is a dead cert in terms of crowd turnout, so get on the blower, check wid ya peeps, then book your tickets for more information call 07968 716 685 - 07967 609 059 or 07956 129 126 - Junior

Tickets up for Grabs - Click here!!! (terms & Condiditon apply)

Race row councillor resigns

The Tory councillor behind an article which claimed black people were "less bright" than whites has resigned, according to party sources.
Geoffrey Sampson was asked to leave his post at Wealden District Council, East Sussex, after publishing the piece, 'There's Nothing Wrong with Racism', on his website.

In it the Sussex University professor described multiculturalism as "wicked madness" and said racism was "natural".

Professor Sampson's comments heaped pressure on Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith to take action, days after frontbencher Ann Winterton was sacked for telling a racist joke

Mr Thornely-Taylor said: "I have asked for and received Cllr Sampson's resignation."

A spokesman at Conservative Central Office said: "We are pleased that this matter has been resolved. We believe that the outcome is in the best interests of all concerned.

"As Iain Duncan Smith has made clear on many occasions, the Conservative Party is opposed to all forms of racial discrimination."

'Awkward'

Earlier on Monday Professor Sampson said he would stand by his views, even if they meant expulsion from the party.

Professor Sampson said he did not believe his views were controversial, claiming they were "well established".

Asked whether he stood by his views even if it meant expulsion from the Conservative Party, he said: "I am a professional academic, it's not part of the academic profession to believe things are true but to refrain from saying them because they are rather awkward."

'Race card'

Professor Sampson's comments led to demands for his expulsion from the Conservative Party by Labour minister Peter Hain and local Liberal Democrats.

Mr Hain, said: "I think Iain Duncan Smith should expel him from the party, and anybody like him, because there are many in the Conservative ranks who clearly are racists and proud to be so."

A Conservative Party spokesman claimed Mr Hain's remarks were aimed at distracting attention away from the controversy over the latest row over donations to Labour.

The spokesman added: "Whenever Labour is in trouble they play the race card."

The boxer Herbie Hide has been remanded in custody by magistrates in Norwich, charged in connection with an attempted kidnapping.
Mr Hide - who twice held the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) version of the heavyweight title - was arrested by police following an incident at a house in Norwich on Saturday afternoon.

He has been charged with taking away a woman named Maureen Chin, against her will, and of possessing a shotgun with intent to commit kidnapping.

The boxer appeared in court with another man, Courtney Thompson, who faces the same charges as Hide. Both men were remanded in custody for seven days.

'Confidence'

During the 30-minute hearing, Simon Nicholls, for Mr Hide, told the court that the charges were denied and asked for a crown court trial.

Mr Nicholls said: "He (Hide) has great confidence in the British justice system."

Mr Hide's wife, Helen Howard, who is the mother of his two children, was at Norwich magistrates court throughout the hearing.

Herbie Hide won the WBO belt in 1994 but lost it to Riddick Bowe a year later.

In 1997 he regained the title and went on to make two successful defences before being stopped by the Ukrainian Vitali Klitschko in 1999, the only other defeat in his 34 fight career.

Mr Hide and Mr Thompson are due to return to court on 20 May.

Despite this advice and the exception of a few sporadic statements R&B superstar R.Kelly spoke out for the first time on television in defence of allegations he videotaped himself having sex with an under age female on Wednesday May 8th 2002 in an interview on BET's BET Tonight with Ed Gordon. The interview was shot in Atlanta, where Kelly is recording his new album. Dressed in a black pinstripe suit black V neck sweater, Kelly was devoid of all Bling Bling (Jewellery). His demeanour was serious and at times seemed in tight control of his emotions but at times he was clearly near to tears.

Since the alleged R.Kelly tapes first hit the media two months ago the primary question has been if the girl featured on the 27 minute tape, currently under investigation by the Chicago Police, was actually under age since her identity has been kept a secret. While her immediate family as well as the girl herself have yet to step forward, a former protégé of R Kelly has told a Los Angeles radio station that the girl on the tape is her niece whom she says was 14 at the time the tape was made.

Sparkle, who had a hit with Kelly in 1998 called "Be Careful," told radio D.J.Adimu of the Beat (KKBT) on April 3rd that her niece was a fledging rapper whom she introduced to Kelly. She said this took place during a time when other members of her family also had a working relationship with the singer (Sparkle's brother-in-law, for instance, played guitar for Kelly she said. " Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. " We've had contact all along with the girls family,"Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. " But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that (Sparkle is the girl's aunt)"

Though it's causing division within her family, Sparkle said that she's aiding the Chicago police investigation. Her family would rather keep the matter quiet, she said, even if that means protecting and alleged predator. " It's crazy and torn up. In every way imaginable," she said. " it's hurtful to my sister, to my brother in law and to my niece, especially, because it's all her."

More cases against R.Kelly will come forward, Sparkle predicted, if they don't settle out of court first." There have been a couple of cases that have come to light that have been settled out of court, so that they would not go to criminal court," Sparkle said, referring to Kelly's settlements with Tracy Sampson and Tiffany Hawkins. " But there are others that haven't spoken of that have been possibly paid off…………As of today, they're still investigating the situation. I believe that the police have a lot that they are actually going to bring to light"

Though Kelly has talked to local Chicago media about the scandal, he hasn't addresses a lot of issues about the tape. In one of his few public comments on the issue, Kelly told Chicago radio station WGCLI in Chicago on April 4th 2002 that he couldn't comment on much of the scandal, per his attorneys advice. His response so far has been that the tapes are fabricated and that he's been blackmailed.

When quizzed by Gordon Kelly responded " I have an ex manager that's been on my back," he said. A lot of people know about it, but when the smoke clears, you guys will really be able to know exactly what is going on…..people are trying to make money off my music and may my name in very negative way. I've been blackmailed for the last four years, and I didn't give in, and I am still not giving in…..There are a lot of people who are trying to destroy me" When asked to give more specific information he declined to expand.

Gordon the BET interviewer said that he had reluctantly looked at the video " I personally did not look at the video before the interview since I was disgusted by the whole affair. I have now seen it and it looks like you in terms of build stature and other features. He jokingly went on to state that if it isn't you then you must have a twin out there?" said Gordon. Kelly continued to deny any participation in the video. He insisted that it wasn't him " It wasn't me!!"

Prior to the BET interview Kelly told Chicago radio station WGCLI in Chicago on April 4th 2002 that he couldn't comment on much of the scandal, per his attorneys advice. However during the BET interview Kelly admitted that he had already settled two legal cases brought by women who alleged that they were teenagers at the time they had sexual relationships with him. He did so only because his lawyers advised him his long silence was only because of their counsel. He'd always wanted to address the allegations. Kelly denied he knowingly had sex with any minors, but did not discount the possibility either. " If I was involved with a minor she would have lied to me," But I wouldn't sit here and say , no way possible." It was this point that Gordon went surprisingly quiet before repeating the question "Are you sure it wasn't you in the interview ? Kelly continued to deny all knowledge of the video including making the video.

During the interview Kelly, reiterated his previous claims that the tape is a hoax, though he hasn't viewed it himself. " Why would I want to see something that disgusting and crazy?" the singer said rhetorically. However, Chicago police have seen the tape, and continue to investigate its origin. Kelly said that he has yet to be questioned by the authorities, but that he plans to co-operate fully. He said that he's not concerned about answering potentially embarrassing questions from police " this is already embarrassing to me."

When Gordon asked about former protégé R&B singer Sparkle, who has stepped forward to identify the girl in the video as her niece and claims the girl was 14 at the time the tape was made. Kelly says she has an axe to grind over creative differences that cause a rift between them. But when the conversation turned to the late Actress/Singer Aaliyah he became visibly more tense than at any other time in the interview. Gordon indicated that both a marriage certificate and an annulment decree existed in Michigan. Gordon clearly looked prepared to provide the evidence if Kelly attempted to deny the existence of the marriage. He even went as far as reading the documents. The singer refused to discuss the late R&B singer Aaliyah, whom he married when she was only 15 years old. " I will not discuss Aaliyah here out of respect for her parents," he said adamantly. He also said that any comment would be inappropriate as Aaliyah is not here to defend herself and that she had nothing to do with the current situation.

When asked if he is concerned about the possibility of jail time if the Cook County, Illinois District Attorney eventually files criminal charges against the singer for his alleged actions on the tape in question, R Kelly responded very much so. " I am very concerned about that,. I want America to know you can't believe everything you hear and nowadays you can't believe you see," he said. There are a lot of ways to make things seem what they are not. Now, I haven't seen this tape, and I am not interested in seeing this tape. I know I have got a lot of problems in my life. I'm dealing with a lot of things within myself. I'm not this perfect guy. I am not sitting here saying that. I am not an angel. But I am not a criminal."

After settling two previous civil law suits over sexual allegations R.Kelly has vowed to fight a third one filed on Monday April 29th 2002. The latest suit was filed in Cook County, Illinois by Patrice Jones who claims she was subjected to sexual relations with the singer when she was 16 years old. According to the suit, Kelley induced Jones into sexual relations in 1999. ' two or three times a week" at various hotels around the Chicago area as well as in the singer's tour bus and recording studio.

The suit estimates the couple had sex " between 20 and 30 times prior to her 17th birthday-the legal age of consent in Illinois. The suit also claims Jones was impregnated by Kelly and coerced her into having an abortion in 1999 as well. "Kelly, particularly considering his status as a successful and well-known recording artist, knew or should have known that Jones by virtue of her age, desire to work in the music industry and other particular vulnerabilities, was uniquely and especially susceptible to emotional and psychological harm from an illicit relationship with Kelly,"says the suit. Jones is seeking $50'000 for criminal sexual assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress

Because of the legal settlements, Kelly said that he could not discuss details of two cases he's already resolved out of court. He admitted knowing both girls, but says " I had no personal or professional relationship with them. " When Gordon attempted to elaborate, Kelly continued to repeat the that statement with no further details. " I've got to come out and say something," he said all along. Now that there is a third law suit, which he is fighting, he regrets that he settled out of court I didn't think that settling out of court would be seen as an admission of guilt. Married with two daughters, Kelly says his wife is in his corner," This crisis , he says has made him reassess his priorities. " I've got to protect that life adding that his life is more important than his music.

Gordon made reference to Michael Jackson who was also accused of sexual improprieties and it's impact on his career. " Do you think that these accusation will have an impact on you career ? How do you feel about the fact that several radio stations have dropped you from their play list and the personal protest against you ? " I am human it hurts it hurts real bad" said Kelly. The backlash appears is real and is slowing his career as well. As his highly anticipated album with Jay-Z, the Best of Both Worlds, has met less than block buster sales.

Student Caroline Yearwood " This is a lesson for all those stars who think that they can pick up any women and do what they like and get away with it" However, Computer analyst Paula Johnson commented " This situation makes black women look bad again, it's no wonder that black men run to white women when they get where they get. Our problem as black women is that we sometimes don't know when we are been taken seriously or taken for a ride. White girls seem to be a little bit more on the ball. They marry them first then mess them up later" she said jokingly

Sociology Professor Dr. Michael Barnet of Florida International University adopts a more academic view " The Best of Both Worlds with rapper Jay-Z, was hotly anticipated but has quickly dropped from the Billboards 200's top 30 and has yet to achieve even gold status--- an unheard of statistic for both artists." he said. Kelly's record company has since pulled out of marketing and promoting the album, due to the negative press. However, the singer chalks the sluggish sales up to bootlegging prior to the albums release. He also stated that the record label continue to be supportive of the singer, but ultimately, he must face the battle alone.

When asked by Gordon what he had to say to the fans R.Kelly had this to say to his fans: " My music speaks for itself, I believe in my music and I believe the people that buy my music believe in me. So I would just ask my fans to focus on me trying to be a brother that's just trying to make it in life for himself, be with his family, and keep continuing to give them great music." In the mean time Kelly has hired private investigator Jack Pallidino to help build his defense, Pallidinos office confirmed. Chicago police have not charged Kelly and will only say that the investigation is continuing.

Delroy Constantine-Simms
Toronto Canada

Police have launched a fresh appeal to catch the killer of former child rap star and Wolverhampton father Noel Cockshutt on the first anniversary of his death.

The former member of dance band 808 State was shot with a single bullet and lay dead for three days before the 22-year-old's body was found by his estranged wife at his flat in Hailes Park Close, Parkfields.

Six people were arrested in connection with the murder but none charged.

Detective Inspector Clive Mansell hopes the one-year anniversary of Mr Cockshutt's death will jog people's memories and produce new information.

"The investigation into Noel Cockshutt's death is continuing.

"I am keen to hear from anyone with information concerning the shooting or was in the Hailes Park Close on Saturday, May 5 who may have seen anyone or anything to contact the police," he said.

Noel Cockshutt, also known as Mario Campbell, was a member of 808 State when aged 13 and he moved to Wolverhampton in 1995 or 1996.

Appeals for information were made by Mr Cockshutt's uncle Martin Osuji and Nicky Locket, better known as MC Tunes from 808 State.

Police believe he was killed on May 5 and are still trying to trace items missing from his flat including a set of keys, a JVC video camera and a mobile phone.

His body was found by his estranged wife Natasha Campbell on May 8. He left a four year-old daughter called Chantay.

The father was described as a "small-time" drug dealer who had been shot at close range in the back of the head.

At the time police appealed for information about a military-type vehicle and two black men seen near the flat at about 1.30am on Sunday, May 6.

Anyone with information can call the incident room on 01902 643422 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Black British and heterosexual journalist Delroy Constantine-Simms controversial book " The Greatest Taboo: Homosexuality In Black Communities has won the Lambda Literary Award for best Non Fiction Anthology 2001 at the 14th Annual Lambda Literary Awards for excellence in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender literature.

The winners were announced at a celebrity packed gala event at the Tribeca Rooftop in New York City May, 2002. Margaret Cho was also honoured with the Lambda Literary Foundation's Bridge Builder Award. Performance poet Emanuel Xavier presided as emcee.

" I had no idea that the book was going to be nominated let alone win, but I am glad that it has. I didn't expect to win but at least the book and the contribution of all the authors have been given the acknowledged and recognition they deserve. Without there efforts this book would not have been possible" said Constantine-Simms. He also went on to state " The black and mainstream press in the USA and especially Britain have given this book more press coverage than I expected.

In admiration of the black press he said " Regardless of what many people think about the black press they came through for me in a very major way. His comments regarding contributions from British based gay writers are not as generous. However, he did level a few reluctant criticisms at black gay writers in the UK

" My only disappointment is that I tried to include as many Black British writers in this project so that they could also join me in my success or at least get published. It may sound conceited but that's how I feel. Sadly, I had to rely on American to produce the goods. While I have met with a lot of criticism from a fair number of British based black gay writer who claim that I haven't gone out of my way to attract there interest I can only argue that such comments are utter rubbish"

Constantine-Simms states " I can only argue that I don't I have a monopoly on the subject neither do they. There is no point claiming that I have not made an effort to attract writers especially when the writers that do come forward fail to meet the standards let alone deadlines. That's not my issue. In all fairness to them I have made a more concerted effort for the next book project but it clear the Americans do not miss an opportunity to get their work published."

Constantine-Simms also said " As a heterosexual I refuse to be held to ransom by black gay writers because they are black gay and British, they need to recognise that we live in a global and diverse world and move away from that typical British Island mentality as well as this typical anti-African American nonsense. I am no great fan of America but they have an attitude that really helps in terms of getting projects done. That's probably why many top gay and straight academics and artists end up in the USA. Unlike the Blacks gays in Britain African- Americans complain and get the work done anyway just get on with it. It's a lesson that some of in Britain should learn for the Americans"

When asked what other projects he had up his sleeve Constantine-Said " I am currently finishing of The Greatest Taboo Volume Two with Kheven Lagrone: which should be out at the end of the year. This book will be a lot more controversial than the last edition. I am also in the latter stages of my pet project " Hitler Forgotten Victims: The Black Experience In Nazi Germany, I have already been approached by media organisations who want to use the manuscript for a film that is being looked at by two well known New York based African-American film-makers"

The non-profit Lambda Literary Foundation is the only national organization dedicated to the recognition and promotion of gay and lesbian literature. The Lambda Literary Foundation is headquartered in Washington, DC. Visit our Web site at www.lambdalit.org or call us at 202-682-0952.

Wolverhampton soul diva Beverley Knight's father instilled a motto in her as she was growing up: you have to work hard for what you want.

She stuck to that advice and now she has just been added to the guest list of this year's biggest sporting party hosted by David and Victoria Beckham in aid of children's charity NSPCC. Beverley will perform tomorrow at Posh and Becks' Hertfordshire home, dubbed Beckingham Palace.

Speaking from their family home in Penn Fields where 29-year-old Beverley grew up, her mother Deloris said they were all very proud of her.
She said the fact she will be rubbing shoulders with members of the England football team, Elton John, Ronan Keating and other A-list celebrities at the Beckham's pre-World Cup party just shows how far she has come.

Mrs Smith (Knight is Beverley's stage name) said: "If she wants something she works for it which is what her father said all our children should do.

"This party is a prestigious event and everyone, her family and her friends, are delighted for her.

"It is a great opportunity for her. She works hard and when you work hard, you deserve to make it. She has always got on well with Posh Spice and is really looking forward to this party on Sunday," she added.

Mrs Smith, a staff nurse at the Wolverhampton Eye Infirmary, said Beverley's father Eddie, brother Adrian and sister Cynthia were all musical.

She said: "I knew she had the voice and the personality to go with it. And once she decided what she wanted to do, I didn't have any doubt that she would make it."

She added they were a very close-knit family and Beverley came home as often as she could. They were looking forward to her performance at the Wulfrun Hall in Wolverhampton on May 27.

Her former music teacher John Regler, head of music at Highfields, said today the school was very proud of her success.

Beverley has stressed that, contrary to press reports that she would be getting £15,000 for tomorrow's performance, she will not be receiving a fee as it is a charity show.

Her single Gold is released on June 24 and her UK tour kicks off in Middlesbrough on May 15.

Competition Zone

Congrats goes out to the 10 winners who each receive a pair of tickets to the Nigeria v. Jamaica game @ Queen's Park Rangers this coming Saturday (18 May) - all names will be published next week as we are still waiting for a few of them to confirm acceptance of their prize.

The Hotel Experience

All you have to do is tell me where 'The Hotel Experience' is being held on the 3 June '02

Send your answers to: junior@blacknet.co.uk

Junior

The AFRO Hair and Beauty Show, Europe's largest Black hair, beauty and lifestyle event celebrates its 20th anniversary with a retrospective look at this unique market.

As promised a few weeks ago, courtesy of Visage International Partners (one of the exhibitors at this years spectacular show), I have a few goodies to give away.

If you would like to win one of 3 Black by Design Sensitive Time-Release Relaxer Systems, all you have to do is email me with your name and contact telephone details - and that's it!

Send your answers to: Caroline@blacknet.co.uk

WATCH THIS SPACE - In forthcoming issues I will be giving away tickets to this event!

Caz

This is a real quickie of a competition, and a rare opportunity for one lucky reader to gain FREE ENTRY (for two) to this event, on the proviso that they supply us with a review to publish next Monday.

There is also an opportunity for two lucky readers to obtain FREE ENTRY (for two) to attend the event where they can simply chill out, relax and enjoy themselves for the evening.

No trick questions, just email me with your name and contact telephone numbers to be in with a chance. THIS COMPETITION CLOSES ON WEDNESDAY 15 MAY 2002 @ 12.00 NOON.

Send your entries to: Caroline@blacknet.co.uk

Caz

Good Luck to all who enter!!! - Caz & Ju

SISTERS OF SOUL WORDSEARCH Aaliyah Alicia Keys Angie Stone Aretha Franklin Ashanti Beverley Knight Brandy Brownstone DA Brat Deborah Morgan Destiny's Child Diana Ross Dina Carroll Erykah Badu Eve Faith Evans Foxy Brown Gabrielle India Arie J Lo Janet Jackson Jill Scott Kandi Kelis Kelly Price Lauren Hill Lil'Kim Macy Gray Mariah Carey Mary J Blige Miss Dynamite Missy Elliot Monica Mya Mysteeq Nina Simone Patti LaBelle Queen Pen Sade Samantha Mumba SWV Tina Moore Tina Turner TLC Toni Braxton Tweet Whitney Houston Xscape Did you know you can highlight this section and print it out? Remember to click the 'print selection' option in the print manager, or paste it into Word and print from there.. (Answers in next weeks Newsletter) There's a mystery FREE GIFT for the first completed one faxed to Caz on 020 8694 8631
click here for answers to last weeks brain teasers and puzzles
Laughter Lines ("A good laugh is sunshine in a house." - William Makepeace Thackery, ..........................................1811-1863, Indian-born British Novelist)
A few years after inheriting the family farm, two sisters found themselves in financial trouble. To avoid repossession, they were advised to purchase a bull to breed their own stock. One sister took their last £600 out West to purchase a prize bull. She told her sister she would contact her if she purchased the bull and needed her to bring the trailer. Upon inspecting the bull she was advised by the owner she could purchase it for no less than £599. After paying him, she drove to the nearest town to send her sister a telegram. At the telegraph office she explained the situation and was advised the rate was 99 pence a word. As she only had £1.00 left after purchasing the bull, she thought for a while and said, "I want you to send her one word: "comfortable." The telegraph operator shook his head and asked, "How is she ever going to know to hitch the trailer to your pickup truck and drive out here to haul that bull back to your farm if you send her the word "comfortable?" to which she replied, "She'll read it very slowly. I was recently at a hamburger restaurant, and watched an elderly couple sit down, with one hamburger between them. The gentleman proceeded to cut it in half, give half to his wife, and eat his half while she watched. Feeling sorry for them, thinking maybe they couldn't afford a second one, I offered to buy another hamburger for her. She said to me, "Oh it's okay, we share everything, and it's his turn with the teeth. Once there was a man named Jim who let his dog out to do its business late one night. He watched some TV and then remembered to let the dog back in. When he opened the door, he was shocked at what he saw! In his dog's mouth was his neighbour's cat, dead! "Bad dog! BAD DOG!" said the panicked man. He took the cat away and looked at it. He couldn't bring himself to tell his neighbour what happened, so he decided to clean it up and leave it on the neighbour's porch. He took the cat into the bathroom and washed off all the blood and dirt. It took him forever. He had to wash it four times to get it all cleaned. He brushed its beautiful white fur as he blow-dried it and put its collar back on. Since it was so dark, he snuck into the neighbour's yard and laid the cat down on the porch, in front of the door. The next day, he saw his neighbour. "Hi," the neighbor said. "Hi," replied Jim, nervously. His neighbour said, "Something weird happened last night." "Oh yeah? What's that?" asked Jim, sweating now. "Well, my cat died yesterday, and we buried him, and this morning he was lying on my front porch!" (Sent in by : M E Kelly)
Got any good (clean-ish) jokes for the Kickback section? Send them to us at kickback@blacknet.co.uk
Think on these things... "There is no such thing as can't, only won't. If you're qualified, all it takes is a burning desire to accomplish, to make a change. Go forward, go backward. Whatever it takes." (Jan Ashford) "A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm." (Charles M. Schwab) "Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. He who looks outside...dreams. He who looks inside... awakes." (Carl Jung) "The brain can be developed just the same as the muscles can be developed, if one will only take the pains to train the mind to think. Why do so many men never amount to anything? Because they don't think." (Thomas Edison, 1921)
Answers to last weeks brain teasers and puzzles:
Teaser 1 Q. You have two fuses (a fuse is something you burn to eventually set off an explosive), one which burns 1 hour and one which burns 2 hours. The fuses do not burn at a constant rate, so, for example, the last few inches of the first fuse could take 5 minutes or 55 minutes to burn. You have as many matches as you want. With these fuses, you have to measure a time period of exactly 45 minutes. How do you do this? A. First light the fuse of one hour at both sides and simulataneously light the fuse of two hours at one side. The first fuse will be gone in 0.5 hours. At that time you light the second end of the fuse of two hours. 1.5 hours remain on this fuse. This fuse will now burn in exactly 45 minutes.	Teaser 2 Q. When World War I had just started many of the fighting men wore only cloth caps. As the number of head injuries rose alarmingly high, metal helmets eventually replaced the cloth hats. Ironically, after issuing metal helmets, the number of head injuries were even higher. Since the fighting intensity remained constant, how can this strange phenomenon be explained? A. Although the number of head injuries increased, the number of deaths declined significantly. Many soldiers who would have died wearing the cloth caps, were now sustaining life surviving head injuries. A soldier killed from a head injury would have been a death statistic rather that a head injury statistic.
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Got any suggestions for the Kickback section? Send them to us at kickback@blacknet.co.uk

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