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Blessed greetings

I trust you had are well and enjoying the glorious weather.

 
   

Five found dead in burnt-out car

The deaths of four children and their father in a car fire are being treated as a possible case of murder and suicide by police.
Officers were called to the Poplar area of east London early on Sunday morning by London Fire Brigade, after reports that a car was on fire.

Full story click here >>>


Quote
of the
Week

"And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course."

(Khalil Gibran, Arab Poet)

 

 

What a fantastic few days we've had (especially Sunday) - now that's what I call summer sun, real barbecue weather! - let's hope mother nature keeps it up until the end of the summer season.

Right. Moving on to this weeks issue of the webs number one online weekly.... what have we got in store for you then?

As usual, the Competition Zone hosts a selection of giveaways, including our two star competitions where you can win A WEEK IN THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL with Mbrace fitness, or try your hand at scooping FREE entry to the BFA for you (and up to 3 others), to which you will also travel in style by chauffeur and receive a free bottle of champagne to accompany your three course meal at this star studded event courtesy of Tharmm Equest Sports Group - remember... only telephone votes are applicable to this particular competition, so nominate your favourite black football stars by dialing 0906 755 2002 NOW!

'Achievements of a Black Child', our new feature kicks off this week, where one proud father, (aka Bajanboy) tells us about his two beautiful daughters and their achievements. So come on all you parents out there, send in your contributions (with pics please) to this section so we can BIG THEM UP! Email us with the details to cazandjunior@blacknet.co.uk

Oh well, no 'long-talk' from me this week, as there's so much for you to unearth as you dive into this week's issue. All the usual features are packed with information, entertainment, news, reviews and much, much more.

Over to Ju and I'll see ya on the other side >>> Caz


Work plan for ethnic minorities

Grass-roots organisations in the West Midlands are to be employed by the Government to help get people from ethnic minority communities into work and training.

The Department for Trade and Industry is negotiating with 14 local groups to set up advice centres for black and Asian people.

The overall UK employment rate is 74.6 per cent while the employment rate for visible ethnic minorities is 58.1 per cent.

Ministers hope that local community and arts groups will succeed where the official employment service, JobCentre Plus, has failed.

Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull and Wolverhampton are to be targeted by the initiative.

Full story click here >>>

Contents:


Editors' Chat

Bonjour, how you doing? I hope you're still striving for inner peace, inner strength and finding that balance within your life so you can feel contented because that is what life is all about. You may not have what you want at this moment in time, but does that mean you should not enjoy life? So if you woke up feeling down, stop feeling sorry for yourself, shake off that feeling and keep on moving, stop wasting valuable quality time with your soul, stop beating yourself and get out there and enjoy life!

One thing we tend to do when we are growing up is look at life as filled with problems when we should be looking at life as a challenge. When born naturally our aim was to walk and talk amongst other things, these were seen as a challenge and not a problem. A baby does not get upset because he came into the world and could not crawl, walk, talk, run or jump but in a few months and in its early developing years a baby has accomplished its goals. The same should be applied continuously throughout life, only thing is we get all emotional and wrapped up in the chaos that surrounds us and for some reason it has a devastating impact on our life. So avoid chaos in your life by taking control of it, know what you want and accept the challenge, minimise confusion around you and do not be afraid to adapt.

As we are running late with this week's Newsletter, for which we do apologise, we are keeping the Editor's Chat short, but you know the deal, we'll be back next week, so hold tight until then and continue to spread the word and share. Before we go... Holiday period is amongst us and what would be nice is if you are going on holiday whether aboard or not remember to share your experiences with us!!!

Ju & Caz signing out till next week

Continue the good worx and maximum respect 100 percent!



Brave, four year old, Sanjae Lewis, who lost her fight for life on Monday 15 April 2002

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


CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE SANJAE LEWIS TRUST. Although the original appeal campaign was for Sanjae, the Trust will continue in the same vein, to provide funds for medical research, treatment, support and relief of suffering to children with fibrosing alveolitis. Keep those donations coming - there are other little Sanjae's out there who need our help - don't let the same thing happen again - play your part in creating an institution to which those in need can turn.

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.org or
visit the website www.sanjaelewistrust.org
click here to view and sign Sanjae's Book of Condolences


.Chat 'bout

Feedback

"Hiya all

"Having just recently found out that you had a Newsletter, I immediately signed up as there is isn't too many Black British websites on the web.

"But I am disappointed that time and time again it seems only to be concern with the Black London community, I live in B,ham and it's like we don't exist. Its not just you, it's also all those other Black British websites that are suppose to serve the UK Black community.

"There is a world outside London, and I seriously think its about time it was not just acknowledge but addressed.

June (from outside London)


Ed's say... June, June, June, our sentiments entirely, especially seeing as particular members of Blacknet originate from Brum also! We tirelessly ask people to contribution information, news, events, etc., from outside of London and will also be looking to you to send some info in too! (seeing as you too feel so strongly on this point). Caz & Ju

"Hi,

"Just want to say thanks for publishing my letter.

"My fellow workers are delighted to see a response in the Newsletter; they thought I was kidding but is was good to see their faces looking so happy.

"They cannot wait to read the next letter so once again thank you from me and my fellow workers.

"Thanks Caz & Junior."

Roy


Ed's say... Now that's what we like to see, share and share alike. Good on you Roy! Let's hope other readers follow suit and share their Newsletters with friends, family, colleagues - just about everyone! Caz & Ju

Editors' Comments

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITIQUE is the order of the day if we are to maintain this beneficial
resource - YOUR NEWSLETTER.
Drop us a line to share your views, regardless of what they are: say hi, how much you enjoy
the publication, or mention any changes you would like to see. Your views are important
to us, so please make them known
.
Caz & Ju

Well, do you have an idea for, or opinion on, the Newsletter? If so, please email us
at feedback@blacknet.co.uk with your views, comments and observations and we will
endeavour to implement changes/additions where possible (within reason of course).


Requests

Why struggle to find information when you can share your request with our readers - you'll be surprised what they know and/or can do for you. Drop a line to requests@blacknet.co.uk and we will publish the details, and results too!

Do you have a request? If so email us with the details and we will endeavour to source the
results for you. Alternatively, if you have the answer to any of the above drop us a line too!

Speak Out!

Got something to say... been wanting to get that burning issue of your chest... or simply want to air your views on a subject and get some feedback? If so, you're in the right place - send us your 'beef' at speakout@blacknet.co.uk... you know it's time for you to Speak Out!

Editors' Comments

Got something to say, or want to share with us on an issue?
Speak Out! email us with your comments for publication.

Don't stifle yourself! Get it off your chest in Speak Out!
Send us an email with your gripe, or response, to speakout@blacknet.co.uk

Reviews

ERYKA BADU (Thu 4 July @ The Brixton Academy, London)
(Review by: Patricia Campbell)

"The show was absolutely breath taking."

Hi Caz & Junior

I went to see Eryka Badu on the 4th July at the Brixton Academy.

The show was absolutely breath taking. I went to see her last year and I was a little worried that she wouldn't have been as good.

Ms Badu didn't disappoint. She sang most of the songs from her Mama's Gun album, and once again I learned something about the songs, something I had missed even though I have played the album a thousand time. It's although she almost 'acts out' her songs. She sang 3 songs from her debut album (not 'Next life time' though!).

Ms Badu thoroughly entertained the heaving audience. She made us laugh and totally mesmerised us with her powerful God given voice. I would love to know where it comes from because she's so tiny. When she sang 'Green Eyes' she actually stood away from the microphone and you could still hear her. Amazing!

Her backing singers were excellent, and the band tight.

She sang 'Bag Lady' as her finale and jumped into the audience. She really appreciated her audience. The whole evening was excellent. Shaun Escoffery was in support, and well you know the brotha can sing and is quite sexy. I shall be investing in his album!!

I can't wait Erykah releases her 3rd album and graces British soil again. I'll definitely be there.

Peace

Patricia

Why not send us a review - it can be about anything... a film, book, play, event you attended, CD you've just bought - anything! You don't have to be a journalist, all you need is a point of view.
So, if you've been or seen, watched or listened, eaten or read, let us know. Why not share it with our readers so we can enjoy the pleasures too... or not, as the case may be!
Send us your review and we'll publish it.


Opportunity Knocks

Contribute to this section by sending us information to highlight and promote opportunities and/or events that will empower, inspire, motivate, stimulate and mobilse the community, for both business and social purposes.

To submit articles/information for publication in this section, simply email opportunities@blacknet.co.uk

 

Know of anything that could benefit from being highlighted in this section?
Send us the details for publication to opportunities@blacknet.co.uk

Charity Focus

Charity Focus aims to highlight and profile the good work of charitable organisations (registered and otherwise) that are empowering and supporting the community. Most of us know a little about the main ones, Sickle Cell & Thalassemia, Black Cancer Care, ACLT (African Caribbean Leukemia Trust), Stephen Lawrence Trust, Sanjae Lewis Trust, etc., but what about those within the community that are quietly mustering on and fighting the good fight?

We want you to tell us about these charities, organisations and community groups that are helping our youth, elderly, homeless, abused, and socially excluded/challenged members of the community so we can highlight them and bring about awareness to all who may (at some stage in their lives) need to turn to these institutions for assistance. Also, if you are an active member or supporter of any particular community group send us a bio, background information or media pack so we can profile your organisation here.

charityfocus@blacknet.co.uk

Know of an organisation/individual that could benefit from being highlighted in this section?
Send us the details for publication to charityfocus@blacknet.co.uk

Special Feature
If you would like to feature your business, service or product in this section, or simply
wish to submit an article, email us at features@blacknet.co.uk for publication.

Achievements of a Black Child

My daughters' achievements as young black children... Well, where do I begin?

My oldest Daughter is called Camisha Tamara BRIDGEMAN. She is 17 years old and has currently completed her first year of A levels. Over the years she has achieved so much. She is currently learning to drive and is working, every Saturday, for the John Lewis Partnership (as an Audio & TV sales assistant in one of their branches) and aims to study at University where she hopes it'll enable her to spend a year in America in a paid employment placement. She achieved over-the-odds at GCSE level, she got 1A*, 5 A's and 4 B's (whereas her teachers only predicted her 3 A's 3 B's and 4 C's - some even wanted her to sit the Foundation paper but she was adamant that she could 'make-the-grade").

She was voted year 10 class councillor and helped to represent the issues of her peers (she hopes to run for the Wanstead 6th form council). She was also voted her class Year Book and Prom Organiser.

For the past several years she has been captain of the netball team and has won several accolades for her dedication and achievement. She was also in the winning team for under 16's Redbridge girl's basketball team and her photo was taken right beside that of her younger sister (who was only 12 at the time).

Moreover she is a good role model for the younger pupils at Wanstead. For the past year she has helped to teach History to a certain year 8 class as part of the school's Social Contract Policy. Although it was only supposed to be for an average of four month's, she has done it for the past year. Saturday last (13 July), she went to SaarBrueken in East Germany for 1 week's work experience, as she is learning German.

My Youngest daughter Tanita Felicia BRIDGEMAN, was only 10 years old when she began achieving awards for her sporting contributions to her Primary School. She began training to play netball in year 3 working her way up to what she would later accomplish. In 6 years of playing netball she has won 2 sports player of the year awards, 2 gold and 2 silver medals and an outstanding contribution to sports award. Amongst them are 2 basketball trophies and 1 football. Along with a passion for sport Tanita is dedicated to organising her future so when it does arrive it is not such a surprise. At the age of 11 she decided her destiny in life was to become a lawyer and began researching information on the different courses and grades she would need to achieve to make her dreams come true.

At aged 12 she began researching different universities and the courses they offered students. She narrowed them down to Brunel and Southampton university and now aims to attend Brunel University because of the high grades law students accomplish at that specific university. With all this planning she realised there would be sacrifices. In year 9, students must pick the subjects they would like to study at GCSE level. My daughter has always hated the subject history, but found that this subject offered a taster at some of the skills she would need for studying law. So putting her own personal feelings aside opted for this subject one step closer to reaching her dream.

She is involved in many different school functions, In year 8 she was editor of her years magazine and Assistant Year Councillor. She has just completed her S.A.T's exam and achieved over average scores for her age level 6 in Maths and Science and level 8 in English.

Achieving those grades has won her recognition by the borough of Redbridge (the area in which she schools) who have sent her an application form to apply to be a member of the Junior Windsor Fellowship Programme. This programme is designed for Black and Asian students to improve on self confidence and how to present themselves. It also includes many other aspects they'd need to prepare for before entering adulthood.

Am I a proud father... you bet! Years of loving have given my daughters the start that I had hoped for when my wife and I decided we wanted them. KIDS OF COLOUR.

BajanBoy



Events to look out for


click here for full info on this
MUST SEE PLAY!


The Troy Bar - Saturday 27 July 2002
(10 Hoxton Street, London, N1 6NG)
Presents...
The exclusive ladies night out
featuring Rudy Ranks from Unique FM

Playing the best in reggae, soul & soca from 9 till 4am

Admission by ticket only @ £7.50

You can obtain tickets by calling 07930 636 847

Smart Dress Essential



CAREERS FAIR FOR MINORITY ETHNIC GRADUATES

Organised by Linbert Spencer Consultancy in collaboration with The Cabinet Office, Creating the Future 2002 aims to provide minority ethnic students with a constructive and realistic view of working in the Civil Service. One of its main aims is to help departments to sell themselves more effectively so that they can increase the proportion of minority ethnic employees in the civil service.

Exhibitors include; The Cabinet Office, GCHQ, the Health and Safety Executive, and the Inland Revenue. The Fair is FREE so PRE-REGISTER ONLINE NOW!


NUBIAN TRAVEL PRESENTS THE 5 STAR SPECTACULAR HIDDEN TRUTH PACKAGE IN EGYPT- Back again 2002!!!

~ ~ ~ ONLY 2 SPACES LEFT!!! ~ ~ ~

22 July - 1 August 2002

Are you spontaneous and have a bit of loose change well next week could see you in wonderful EGYPT. We are talking about 10 nights - 5 star exclusive group package. The whole nine yards!!! The complete trip is worth around £1850 but with almost a grand knocked off the price you will certainly have an experience in Egypt to talk about for only £989.00. Let me break it down for you so you understand what I'm talking about.

  • FLIGHTS WITH EGYPT AIR - SCHEDULE AIRLINES.
  • ALL AIRPORT TAXES.
  • VISA FEES TO ENTER INTO THE COUNTRY.
  • ALL YOUR TRANSFERS WITH AIR CONDITIONED COACHES.
  • 7 NIGHTS ABOARD THE 5 STAR 'THE MS PIONEER VESSEL'.
  • 7 NIGHTS ON THE VESSEL - BASED ON FULL BOARD
    (BREAKFAST , LUNCH AND DINNER)
  • ENSUITES ROOMS IN THE CABINS WITH A FANTASTIC VIEW OF THE NILE.
  • A FUN PACKED ITINERARY WHICH INCLUDES VISIT TO THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS / LUXOR TEMPLES / EDFU TEMPLES AND THE PYRAMIDS & MUCH MUCH MORE…
  • VISIT TO A PERFUME FACTORY- THE NATURAL ESSENCES!
  • SHOPPING SPREES DOWN THE LOCAL MARKETS.
  • EVENING ENTERTAINMENT - INCLUDING BELLY DANCERS AND 'THE CAPTAINS PARTY'.
  • EGYPTIAN GUIDE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE DURATION.
  • ENGLISH HISTORIAN TEACHER FROM LONDON TRAVELLING WITH US- PRESENTING THE HIDDEN TRUTH INFORMAL CLASSES!!!
  • PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE FROM NUBIAN TRAVEL.
  • INTERNAL FLIGHTS TO CAIRO INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE.
  • 5 STAR HOTEL THE MENA HOUSE OBEROI: - BASED ON BED AND BREAKFAST - THIS GIVES YOU A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE WONDERFUL RESTAURANT EGYPT HAS TO OFFER - IN COSMOPOLITAN CAIRO.
  • HALF A DAY TOURS TO THE FAMOUS PYRAMIDS AND SPHINXS
  • HALF A DAY TOURS IN THE UNFORGETTABLE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM.

Go on treat yourself a trip of a life time awaits you, all I can say is, give Nubian Travel a call on 0208 797 9660, have a chat with them and see if I'm joking - Junior


BLACK FOOTBALLERS' AWARDS (BFA) (28 Sep '02 @ La Royale Banqueting Suite, Tottenham, London N17)

The voting for the Black Footballers' Awards is now up and ready. To vote for your favourite footballer, log onto www.blacknet.co.uk/bfaawards or call 0906 755 2002 to register your vote and win the 'red carpet treatment' for the night (check out the competition zone for full details)

Brought to you by Tharmm Equest (Sports Group), the three main sponsors are Blacknet UK, Voice Newspaper and Choice FM, from whom further details on how to purchase tickets and the itinerary of the event will be forthcoming.

These awards are to honour Black Footballers of the past, present and future. Voting is strictly by the community - YOU the community, PICK the winners. Registering your vote by telephone could win the opportunity to attend the function in fine style.

VOTE NOW!

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR FURTHER UPDATES AND INFORMATION

We welcome notification of events taking place out of London.
Send them to events@blacknet.co.uk
For further event listings check out the 'What's On' Calendar

Blacknet Information Community News

Work plan for ethnic minorities


Grassroots organisations in the West Midlands are to be employed by the Government to help get people from ethnic minority communities into work and training.

The Department for Trade and Industry is negotiating with 14 local groups to set up advice centres for black and Asian people.

The overall UK employment rate is 74.6 per cent while the employment rate for visible ethnic minorities is 58.1 per cent.

Ministers hope that local community and arts groups will succeed where the official employment service, JobCentre Plus, has failed.

Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull and Wolverhampton are to be targeted by the initiative.

Minister for Work Nick Brown said: ''There's an unacceptable difference between the overall employment rate and that of people from ethnic minorities, which is clear evidence of wasted talent.

"This new outreach service will explore different ways jobless people can be brought into work or training and forms part of a concerted effort to narrow that 17 per cent gap."

The contractors include small, locally-based grass roots organisations which have an established or potential rapport with specific groups of disadvantaged ethnic minority people in the East Midlands, Greater London, Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and West Yorkshire.

The projects will work by attracting people to mainstream services such as the New Deal by improving links between communities and employers or by providing specialist training where necessary.

Mr Brown added: "We know that work is the best route out of poverty and that many of the country's ethnic minority communities are based in its poorest areas.

"These providers are well-placed to identify the key obstacles preventing their clients from taking up work, and then to build rapport and win their trust in a way which gets results."


 Five found dead in burnt-out car

The deaths of four children and their father in a car fire are being treated as a possible case of murder and suicide by police.

Officers were called to the Poplar area of east London early on Sunday morning by London Fire Brigade, after reports that a car was on fire.

The silver Nissan Primera was severely damaged by the blaze and contained the bodies of a black man and four black children.

A post mortem found that the five died from severe burns and inhalation of fumes from the fire.

'Shock'

The man is understood to have been estranged from his wife and children - two girls and two boys. None of them have been named by police. Friends of the dead man said they were devastated by the tragedy.

Laying flowers at the scene Grace Omia, 31, said: "He loved his family so much... We are all in shock." Her sister, Cissy Owschi, said: "It's a tragedy, I don't know what has happened."

'Intense fire'

Detective Superintendent Jim Osbourne, who is leading the investigation, said: "Murder and suicide are a potential line of inquiry.

"The early indications are that the man found is native to this part of London. His estranged partner has been informed of the death."

Mr Osbourne said the man's marriage and custody arrangements for the children would be part of the investigation.

He added: "There has been an intense fire, the vehicle and the bodies are badly burnt but it is too early to say the cause of the fire."

Police are looking for witnesses, but said the only people likely to be in the isolated spot so late at night would be courting couples, delivery drivers or night workers.

CCTV images

Forensics experts and a Home Office pathologist spent the day examining the car and surrounding area. Officers are also looking at CCTV images.

The bodies were removed late on Sunday afternoon and the car was taken away shortly afterwards.

The Serious Crime Group in Barking are heading the investigation and police are appealing for anyone who saw a silver Nissan in the area to contact them.

Detectives have set up an incident room. Anyone with information is asked to call 0208 345 3985.


World Bank targets Africa's conflict zones

The head of the World Bank, James Wolfensohn, is touring Africa in order to build relationships with countries emerging from conflict.

Mr Wolfensohn is visiting Rwanda for the first time on Monday, following on from a landmark trip to the democratic republic of Congo at the weekend.

He is due to discuss how Rwanda's economy can be restored at a private dinner with the country's President Paul Kagame.

Mr Wolfensohn's trip to Rwanda comes as the country begins the transition from emergency reconstruction to long-term development, eight years after its horrific genocide.

From there, he will go on to Tanzania, and meet finance ministers from nine African countries emerging from conflict.

Debt relief hopes

Mr Wolfensohn has already held up the democratic republic of Congo as an example of a country that has implemented sound economic policies despite civil war.

"What the government has done here is extraordinary, they have created a base with a stable currency and budget," he said.

As a result, Mr Wolfensohn has recommended that the World Bank wipe out 80% of Congo's $12bn debt mountain early next year.

"We want to establish a clean slate for the country," he said.

Civil-war broke out in Congo four years ago, and the United Nations is still struggling to broker a peace agreement.


Powerful images of murdered kids

DRAMATIC artwork depicting the death of Damilola Taylor has been turning heads at a south London gallery - just a few streets from where he died.

The 10-year-old schoolboy bled to death on the North Peckham estate on November 27, 2000.

Two teenage boys were cleared of murder, manslaughter and assault with intent to rob after a trial earlier this year.

Powerful images showing the aftermath of his death have gone up at the Camberwell College of Arts on Peckham Road.

The printwork - entitled 'Future in Shadow' - is part of an exhibition by MA graduate students.

Artist Lara Ige- Jacks said she wanted to use her work to ask why there were so many cases of child murder in this country, including Damilola, Sarah Payne and Victoria Climbie.

The award-winning 39-year old artist said: "The issue of child violence in Britain is overwhelming and oppressively sad. My work on this series was very painful and sad."

And she added that her work tackled a subject which south Londoners should not shy away from. "Yes, it is very dramatic but it is a reality. Something has to be done to get people thinking about this.

"It is an issue that really needs to be addressed. "It is a very sensitive issue, but if you don't think about these things, you cannot prevent them from happening again. You have to think about the past if you want to find a solution."


Armed police patrol city after shooting

Armed police were patrolling Wolverhampton city centre last night following a shoot-out between rival drugs gangs which left three men injured.

Two of the injured, described as black, were among a group of ten who came out of the Decadence club in Broad Street early yesterday (July 13) and became involved in an argument with two other men who were across the street.

The gunmen crossed the road and targeted the pair.

One suffered wounds to his lower body and the other was wounded in the shoulder.

Detectives said the two victims were known to the police.

The third injured, described as Asian, suffered ricochet injuries to his hand.

Police said there was a possibility he could have been a bystander and not connected to the group.

The gunmen ran off and the victims made their own way by taxi to the New Cross Hospital.

Police sealed off the street until midday yesterday and ammunition from a semi-automatic handgun and a revolver were recovered.

The victims underwent surgery for their injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening and were under police guard at the hospital last night.

Chief Supt John Colston said it was not a random shooting and special measures were being taken to avoid a repeat.

"This is a serious incident which we are treating as attempted murder," he said.

"Our early inquiries suggest that two men were targets and a third, who was Asian, was hit by a ricochet. We don't know at this point whether the third man was a member of the gangs."

He said it was believed the shooting was drugs-related and two of the victims were known to the police.

"In a one-off operation, 50 police officers with some armed will be patrolling the city centre to provide a visible deterrent against a repeat of anything like this happening.

"They will be using stop and search powers with the aim of making people feel safe in Wolverhampton."

Meanwhile in Birmingham, Dawn Marshall, aged 38, and two other Handsworth mothers have formed Parents United to help tackle the problem of gang-related gun crime.

"This shooting is another of the type we hear about every day," he said.

"As the years go by it is getting worse and worse and this is the time to try and do something about it.

"Lots of parents are in denial about their sons being in gangs and they think they are doing the best thing by not saying anything about it.

"But it is not just the kids in gangs that are dying and getting hurt it is innocent people, too.

"It is a delicate situation but parents need to talk about it and hope they will attend the meeting."

The first meeting will take place at Handsworth Community Fire Station at 6pm on Wednesday.


Cannabis message 'is wrong'

A Midland headteacher has said that downgrading cannabis sent out the wrong message about drugs to schoolchildren.

Elspeth Insch, head teacher of King Edwards VI Handsworth School for Girls, said the Government's move to reclassify the drug would have no effect on the strong anti-drugs message sent out by schools.

She said the Government had "effectively condoned spending money on something that is harmful".

Miss Insch said: "We have a strict policy, one of zero tolerance of either being under the influence of drugs or having them on site or trading or taking drugs," she said.

"I understand that in certain countries such as Holland it works very well, but not here because it teaches young people to look on drugs as a way to have fun.

"My feeling is that cannabis can lead people to other narcotics and it takes you into circles where drug dependency is part of the culture."

Miss Insch said the lure of drugs was not just an issue for inner city schools.

"People assume that drug abuse is linked with the inner city but it's often kids in leafy suburbs with money to spend," she said.

Sir Robert Dowling, headteacher at the George Dixon International School, said the downgrading of cannabis would make no difference to the message children got about drugs from school, parents and the local community.

"I think there's a danger in being hysterical about this," he said.

"To some extent I have sympathy if one of my youngsters were caught with a piece of cannabis I'd hate to see them get a criminal record.

"The message we give is not going to change in that drugs are not a good thing to do and the notion that you can control it is not backed up by evidence."


African patients push British HIV figures to new record

IMMIGRANTS from Africa have overtaken homosexual men as the largest group reporting new HIV infections in Britain.

Last year 4,163 people were found to be HIV positive, of whom 1,338 were homosexuals and more than 1,500 heterosexuals from Africa. Fewer than 200 cases were attributed to heterosexual sex in Britain.

Barry Evans, HIV consultant at the Public Health Laboratory Services’s centre for communicable disease surveillance, said: “The figures show that there were more newly diagnosed cases of HIV among African immigrants than gay men for the first time." The number of African immigrants diagnosed with HIV has trebled in the past five years from around 500 to 1,533 last year. The total number of new cases was the highest since testing began in 1985.

Of the 22,000 people known to be living with HIV in Britain, more than 5,000 are from Africa, including refugees, students, nurses and others with work permits, and people visiting relatives. The Human Rights Act gives overseas visitors who are found to be HIV positive the right to stay and be treated for the rest of their lives if treatment is not available in their home country.

Callum O’Mahony, chairman of the Association of Genito-Urinary Medicine, said that the trend could spark a new outbreak among British heterosexuals. “There’s a huge potential to spread that wasn’t there before, because the number of gays is just not that high: there are far more heterosexuals."In 2001 there were 2,225 new cases among heterosexuals in Britain. Dr Evans said that of those 80 per cent were infected in Africa, 10 per cent elsewhere in the world, and 10 per cent in Britain. Kings College Hospital in South London reports that about 60 per cent of its HIV cases are African immigrants and Caroline Bradbeer, of St Thomas’s Hospital in London, said: "We’re now seeing more diagnoses among heterosexuals than gay men, and most of the heterosexuals are from Africa.”

Many HIV specialists say that they are unclear about who they are meant to be treating, and under what circumstances. Some patients visiting relatives attend clinics, where they are not legally entitled to treatment without first applying to remain in the UK on compassionate grounds.

Doctors have been appealing to the Department of Health for guidance, but say they have been told not to raise the issue because it is too sensitive.

Some countries, such as the USA, Canada and Australia are insisting on HIV tests before being granted permission to immigrate.

We welcome news articles on any subject and current affairs, in particular from out of London. Simply email communitynews@blacknet.co.uk together with any images and your byline for publication.



Competition Zone

Congrats to all our latest winners: Sandra Marshall who won a pair of tickets to D&D Double Birthday Dinner, Show & Dance (Fri. 12/07/02), courtesy of TAQUA, and to recent Corn Silk Beauty Product winners,

IMPORTANT NOTICE - PLEASE READ

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE REMEMBER TO PROVIDE YOUR NAME, DAY AND EVENING CONTACT TEL. NOs. WHEN SUBMITTING COMPETITION ENTRIES, AS ENTRIES FAILING TO BEAR THIS INFORMATION WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE DISCOUNTED.

PLEASE ALSO DO NOT SUBMIT ENTRIES TO COMPETITIONS FOR EVENTS IF YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND ON THE DAY AND TIME STATED.



Corn Silk Loose PowderCORN SILK BEAUTY PRODUCTS (ends 31 July 2002)

Calling all the ladies - where my ladies at? - have I got some goodies for you!

"Use Corn Silk powder to matt down your face after you've been sweating to high heaven! make-up doesn't move once you put on Corn Silk Translucent Powder." (Beverley Knight, More!, 28 Nov '01).

Countless women swear by this product (and I'm one of them I'm afraid, after having been sent a sample through the post - it's never left my handbag since! ), including diva soul queen Beverley Knight, who always has Corn Silk lurking in her make up bag somewhere. For a perfect, shine-free complexion that will last all day try Corn Silk Face Powder. Made from a unique natural walnut formula, Corn Silk has been proven to be more effective at absorbing excess facial oil and perspiration than traditional talc-based formulas.

Corn Silk Powder PapersYou hear that ladies, just what we need this time of year (well all year round in fact seeing as we're always working so hard). Now, not only have I got 20 FREE Corn Silk Loose Powder sets to give away (pictured above), I also have 20 FREE Corn Silk (Oil-Absorbent Powder Papers sets to go with it too! (pictured left). Encased in a compact with mirror, these oil-absorbent powder papers eliminate shine in seconds. Soft blotting sheets remove excess facial oil and moisture, leaving a touch of sheer powder that keeps skin dry and fresh-looking for longer. Whether you apply over existing make-up or on its own, the translucent powder blends instantly to enhance your desired look - simply perfect for touch-ups on the go!

I will be giving away one set each day (starting from Wed 3 Jul) until they run out, so If you would like to scoop up one of these items, Simply send your name and contact telephone number(s) (day and evening) to: Caroline@blacknet.co.uk

There are no questions to answer, or puzzles to solve - so hurry, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!!!

Terms & Conditions of entry
1. The closing date for the competition is the 31st July 2002.
2. Winners will be notified immediately by email/telephone and items despatched within 7 days by second class post.
3. Entries chosen at random by the judge on each day will be selected as winners.
4. The prize includes either a Corn Silk Loose Powder or Oil-Absorbent Powder Papers set.
5. The competition is not open to employees of Corn Silk, Chattem UK Ltd, Sellers PR or Blacknet UK Ltd.
6. There is no cash alternative.
7. The judge's decision is final.
8. Corn Silk, Chattem UK Ltd, Sellers Public Relations or Blacknet UK Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any lost, delayed or incomplete entries.
9. Competition applicable to UK residents only.

Please remember if you are a winner we request you send us a personal review of the item(s)


MBRACE FITNESS HOLIDAY (Algarve, Portugal) (ends 22 July 2002)

I know you can't believe it, but yes - IT'S TRUE!!!

Courtesy of Mbrace fitness, the number one UK fitness organisation, I am giving one extremely lucky reader - YOU - the chance to win a week in the sun with Mbrace.

Cassius Frankson - Instructor (mmmmmmmm)From Thu 17 Oct - Thu 24 Oct you will enjoy the sunny climate of the Algarve in Portugal, staying at the beautiful LTI Alfamar Beach Resort. The Alfamar complex is located between the resort centres of Albufeira and Vilamoura, both 25 minutes distance by road from FARO and its international airport. The complex is positioned on the beautiful Falesia beach, to which it is unique in having direct access to its 7km of sand and largely undeveloped pine wooded cliff tops.

In association with Dial-A-Flight and Lotus International join Mbrace for the ultimate in Fitness Holidays. There will be... click here for full info

Jenni Russell - InstructorAs usual, there is a little catch, the lucky person will be sharing their villa with two other individuals, one male, one female - so unless you're the outgoing, get-a-long type maybe this competition is not for you. We will require you to give us a full rundown of your experience on this fitness holiday of a lifetime, with pics 'n' all. So, if you're up for it submit that entry fast, WHICH MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PICTURE.

Ok, so what do you have to do to win this star competition..... hmmmmmmmm... what wicked task can I set you............ let's see now........ (Ju says... stop tease the people dem, jus' give whey da ting man!) Okay, okay, just kidding wid y'all, all you need to do is answer the following questions:

A. On what date and where will Mbrace's 1/2 Marathon in aid of Cancer Research UK take place?
B. At what hotel will you stay if you attend the Mbrace fitness Party & Pamper Weekend in Wales in January 2003?
C.

Lastly, in not more than 40 words, say why you think you deserve to win this fitness holiday with Mbrace.

(clue: check out their website)


Send your answer, together with your name, day and evening contact telephone number(s) AND A PICTURE to: Caroline@blacknet.co.uk

Simply too good to miss? 130 people who've booked so far think so!
If you were at Lanzarote 2001 then you will know what a great time you'll
have on Mbrace's holiday, working out and having fun in the sun!!

For further information on Mbrace's fitness holidays/events,
call Paul on 020 8262 5343

Terms & Conditions of entry
1. The closing date for the competition is Thursday 22 July 2002.
2. Winner will be notified immediately by email/telephone.
3. The prize includes an 8 days/7 nights holiday in the Algarve, Portugal only.
4. The competition is not open to employees of Mbrace fitness, Dial-A-Flight, Lotus International or Blacknet UK Ltd.
5. There is no cash alternative.
6. The judge's decision is final.
7. Mbrace fitness, Dial-A-Flight, Lotus International or Blacknet UK Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any lost, delayed or incomplete entries.
8. Competition applicable to UK residents only.

Please remember if you are a winner we request you send us a personal review of the event


BFA (Black Footballers' Awards)
(ends 16 August 2002)

The voting for the Black Footballers' Awards is now up and running. To vote for your favourite footballer, log onto www.blacknet.co.uk/bfaawards or vote by phone - 0906 755 2002 - to register your vote and be in with a chance of winning 'red carpet treatment' for the night.

Simply call 0906 755 2002 to make your nominations and leave your details. The lucky winner (along with up to 3 guests) will win:

1. Chauffeured travel to the event/home (up to 4 people);
2. All expenses paid to come to the show (up to four people - Dinner/Awards/Dance);
and
3. Bottle of Champagne

Does that sound good, or does that sound good!? (Ju says: I tink I better call that number myself man!)

These awards are to honour Black Footballers of the past, present and future. Voting is strictly by the community. YOU the community, PICK the winners. Telephone votes only will also give you the opportunity to attend the function - SO COME ON, GET DIALING,

CALL 0906 755 2002 NOW!

Terms & Conditions of entry
1. The closing date for the competition is the 16 September 2002.
2. Winner will be notified immediately by telephone and further arrangement made via Blacknet UK/Tharmm Equest Sports Group.
3. First entry chosen at random by the judge will be selected as the winner.
4. The prize includes: (1) Chauffeured travel to the event/home (up to 4 people); (2) All expenses paid to come to the show (up to four people - Dinner/Awards/Dance); and (3) Bottle of Champagne only.
5. The competition is not open to employees of Tharmm Equest Sports Group, Voice Newspaper. Choice FM or Blacknet UK Ltd.
6. There is no cash alternative.
7. The judge's decision is final.
8. Tharmm Equest Sports Group, Voice Newspaper. Choice FM or Blacknet UK Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any lost, delayed or incomplete entries.
9. Competition applicable to UK residents only.

Please remember if you are a winner we request you send us a personal review of the event.

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


Kickback

Teaser 1

You have 1023 lemons and 10 bags. You have to distribute these lemons in these 10 bags in any way you choose. But when I ask for a certain number of lemons you have to give them in terms of bags without transferring the lemons from other bags. How do you distribute the lemons?

Teaser 2

Arrange twenty cubes in four piles using these clues:

* All piles contain an even number of cubes;
* There are twice as many cubes in the first pile as in the second pile;

* The largest number of cubes is in the first pile;
* All piles have a different number of cubes;
* Each pile has at least one cube.

How many cubes would be in Pile 1? Pile 2? Pile 3? Pile 4?

(Answers in next week's newsletter)

Teaser 3

A bathtub has separate taps for hot and cold water. With the cold water tap you can fill the tub in 6 minutes and 40 seconds. With the hot water tap it takes exactly 8 minutes. If the tub is full and you pull out the stopper it takes 13
minutes and 20 seconds for the tub to drain.

If you leave the stopper out and open both the hot and cold water taps, how long will it take to fill the tub?

Teaser 4

Name 3 things that have eyes, yet cannot see.

Teaser 5

In the house of Mr. And Mrs. Strange there is a strange room. In the strange room are 6 strange rugs; on each rug are 6 strange 6-legged tables; on each of the 6 strange 6-legged tables are 6 strange 6-legged creatures. How many legs are in the strange room of Mr. and Mrs. Strange if there are no humans in the room?

Laughter Lines

What's in a name?

A man sitting on board an aeroplane awaiting take-off glances up to see a beautiful woman take the seat right beside him. Eager to strike up a conversation he blurts out "business trip or vacation?"

"Nymphomaniac convention in Milan," she says.

He asks, "What's your business role at this convention?".

"Lecturer," she says. "I use my experiences to debunk some of the popular myths about sexuality."

"Really," he says. "And what myths are those?".

"Well," she explains. "One popular myth is that Italians are the most romantic men on earth, when in fact it is the Native American Indian who is most likely to possess that trait. Another popular myth is that Frenchmen are the best lovers when actually it is men of Greek descent."

Suddenly, the woman becomes very embarrassed and blushes. "I'm sorry," she says. "I shouldn't be discussing this with you. I don't even know your name."

"Tonto," replies the man as he extends his hand. "Tonto Papadopoulos."

Thanks to Mike & Angela Smith for this one


Early morning tee

There's a fellow who is an avid golfer. Actually he's a golf fanatic. Every Saturday morning he has an early tee time. He gets up very early and golf's all day long.

Well, this one Saturday morning, he gets up early, dresses quietly, gets his clubs out of the closet, and goes out to his car to drive to the course. It is raining a torrential downpour. There is snow mixed with the rain and the wind is blowing 50 mph.

He comes back into the house and turns the TV to the weather channel. From there he finds that it's supposed to be bad weather all day long. So he puts his clubs back into the closet, quietly undresses and slips back into bed where he cuddles up to his wife's back, and whispers, "The weather out there is terrible."

She replies, "Can you believe my stupid husband is out golfing?"


Comfortable underwear

When Winston's wife had to rush to hospital unexpectedly, she asked me to bring her a few items from home. One item on her list was "comfortable underwear."

Not sure what she considers comfortable, Winston asked, "How will I know which ones to pick?"

"Hold them up and imagine them on me," she answered. "If you smile, put them back."

Got any good (clean-ish) jokes for the Kickback section?
Send them to us at kickback@blacknet.co.uk

Think on these things...
  • "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction....The chain reaction of evil -- hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars -- must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation." (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
  • "When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it... always." (Mahatma Gandhi)
  • "Nobody can help everybody, but everybody can help somebody." (Anon)
  • "Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand." (Chinese Proverb)
  • "If you give me some food you have fed me for a day. If you teach me to grow food then you have fed me until the land is over-taxed so it can be seized for development. But if you teach me to organize, then whatever the challenge, I can join together with my peers and we will fashion our own solution." (Anon)

Did you know...? (14% of all facts and statistics are made up and 27% of people know that fact.)

  • It has been recommended by dentists that a toothbrush be kept at least 6 feet (two meters) away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush! (I can see all of you now rushing home to move your toothbrushes - hee hee)
  • During your lifetime, you'll eat about 60,000 pounds of food, that's the weight of about 6 elephants
  • In ancient Rome it was considered a sign of leadership to be born with a crooked nose.
  • A giraffe has no vocal cords.
  • The starfish has no brain (obviously related to Ju)

It's a strange world...

GAY 1 number plate fails to fetch auction asking price

A Leicester man's car number plate, GAY 1, only fetched £15,000 at an auction.

Andrew Saunders was hoping it would fetch up to £60,000 at the city's Heathcote Ball's auction house.

He says he sold the number plate because he was fed up of people making fun of it after the meaning of the word gay changed.

The registration mark was on a Stag Mr Saunders' father owned and passed on to him in 1973.

The 57-year-old says he hoped the sale of the registration MG1 for £132,000 would boost interest in the number plate.

He adds he was also disappointed by the lack of interest in it from gay celebrities.

He told The Mail on Sunday: "I am absolutely astonished that there has been so little interest in the registration plate. You keep hearing about high-profile personalities saying they're glad to be gay, but no one seems to want to wear the badge on their car."

Trevor Wells of Heathcote Ball said: "Even Graham Norton wasn't interested. We were very surprised."


Judo kids banned for eyebrow plucking

Six Japanese schoolchildren have been banned from a judo tournament for plucking their eyebrows.

The boy and five girls were punished by Tochigi Prefecture's junior high school sports federation.

Officials say tournament rules ban plucked or shaved eyebrows.

Head of the federation, Tatsuo Kakizaki, said: "Judo is a sport that places enormous importance on manners and thin eyebrows create an unpleasant image.

"Federation rules have banned plucked eyebrows for several years. It's one way of teaching children. We have no intention of changing our rules either."

Dyed or tinted hair, piercing and even hair ribbons are also forbidden according to The Mainichi Daily News.


Answers to last issue's brain teasers and puzzles:

Teaser 1

Q. What is the only five letter English word that has the same pronunciation when you take away four of it's letters?

A. Queue (*cue*) - ueue = q (*cue*)

Teaser 2

Q. Which of these words is the odd-one-out?

BENEFIT ~ FLOTSAM ~ HIJACK ~ ROSEBUD SUITED ~ TRUMPETER

A. BENEFIT starts with a boy's name (BEN) - the others all end with one.

Teaser 3

Q. If you divide thirty by a half and then add ten, what would your answer be?

A. 70. When dividing by fractions, you multiply by the reciprocal. Or if you used a calculator:
(30 / .5) = 60
60 + 10 = 70

Teaser 4

Q. One father and two sons were stranded on an Island. They have a boat, but the but the boat can only hold up to 200 pounds. The two sons weigh 100 pounds each, and the father weighs 200 pounds. How do the two sons
and the father get home?

A. The two sons go on the boat together and row home. One son stays home and the other one goes back to the island. After the son who went to the island got to the island, the dad took the boat and went home. When the dad got home, the son that was already at home took the boat back to the island, and the two sons rowed home together.

Teaser 5

Q. The person who needs this doesn't know it.
The person who buys this doesn't use it.
The person who makes them sells them.
What Am I?

A. A Coffin.

TEST THE COMMUNITY'S THINKING SEND IN YOUR TEASERS AND PUZZLES TO:
kickback@blacknet.co.uk

Got any suggestions for the Kickback section? Send them to us at kickback@blacknet.co.uk

Where are you now?

Looking For: Sandra Joseph

I am looking for my sister, Sandra Joseph, whom I have not seen for almost 14 years!

She is 39 years old (July born), about 5'5" tall, medium complexion, used to be fairly slim - dress size about 12.

Last known living in the Essex area of London, i.e. Ilford/Romford/Barking.

If anyone knows of, or has seen, her please, please, please get in contact, or ask her to contact me.

If you know of Sandra Joseph whereabouts click here to email Carol

If you're looking for someone email us and we will post the details in next weeks Newsletter
or you can enter your details in our reunite section by clicking here

Advertise in the Blacknet Information Community Newsletter

Blacknet Information Service has been around for many years and its subscriber list continues to grow at a fantastic rate. www.blacknet.co.uk (The Black Network) which comprises of three additional sites (www.blacksearch.co.uk - www.blackchat.co.uk - www.blackprofessional.co.uk) is all about spreading information, encouraging interaction and promoting the Black community. To put it simply... if you want your business (whether it be an event or company, big or small) to gain excellent exposure then talk to us first. For a full information pack call 0870 746 5000, or email advertise@blacknet.co.uk.


If you have any suggestions for additions or improvements to the Newsletter, please remember... just drop us a line or give us a call with them, whether it be Feedback, Reviews, Kickback, Speak Out!, Features, Community News, Charity Focus, Opportunity Knocks - just about anything!

Until next week, take good care of yourself.

Caz 'n' Ju

On behalf of Blacknet UK - Thank you.
Please pass this e-newsletter on to your friends, colleagues,
family or someone you feel may benefit from it.

Blacknet UK- More than just a website...
5 Greenwich High - Greenwich - London - SE10 8JL
Tel: 0870 746 5000 fax: 020 8694 8631
www.blacknet.co.uk - cazandjunior@blacknet.co.uk
© 2002