The News Hub

After top notch everyone's hearts last year, Susan Boyle constructed her 2009 debut on America's Got Talent last night, in on a rousing rendition of "Wild Horses."






Susan Boyle sang the Rolling Stone's classic with plenty of charm and grace, and reminded any person why she was a prefered go on year. There's continued mich speculation about whether all the fame and deliberation might undergo been too significantly for Susan Boyle, but she with out a doubt seemed to be at her better persist night! Great to see her carry on to shining.

 Susan Boyle "Wild Horses" on America's Got Talent (VIDEO)

 9/16/2009 Susan Boyle - Wild Horses * Americas Got Talent 2009 HD. The closing ten performers send back to the stage to find out out how the American audience has voted, and the winner of the competition, who am able to take away the $1 million prize and the title of most talented American, is announced.

The United Kingdom has become the latest country to confirm cases of the swine flu. At the same time, the World Health Organization has raised its alert level from 3 to 4. With 150 people already killed in Mexico, the WHO revealed that the influenza virus has the sustainability for human-to-human transmission and can cause community level outbreaks.

One can recall a similar outbreak known as bird flu which was more risky than H1N1 virus. According to Professor Neil Ferguson of the World Health Organization, H1N1 is nothing when compared to other similar outbreaks such as SARS or the 1918 Spanish flu.

According to the professor, the evidence is clear that the United Kingdom is headed for a swine influenza pandemic in the coming months. However, it would be difficult to determine the extent of the epidemic since this is usually the time of the year when flu is prominent in the United Kingdom.

It is likewise almost sure that if the H1N1 outbreak disappears in the coming weeks, there might still be an outbreak of the virus in the autumn. If the situation indeed transforms into an epidemic, then 30% - 40% of the general population might become susceptible to infection. Professor Ferguson believes that any outbreak might become longer since the summer season in the United Kingdom is fast approaching.

On the other hand, Sir Liam Donaldson, who is concurrent Chief Medical Officer for England, believes that this new strain of H1N1 virus is something which people has natural immunity and has not received any vaccination yet. For this reason, one becomes susceptible to infection and spread to other people.
However, there is no sufficient information about the virus yet and H1N1 is still a subject of studies by major laboratories in the world. Once there is sufficient information about the virus, only then can it be possible to make improved predictions about individuals who are at higher risk and likely to have serious complications.

At present, the situation in Mexico is creating confusion and it is hard to make a firm a conclusion about what is likely to happen. In any case, there is a need to be ready for any untoward incidents that may happen.

Professor John Oxford, meanwhile, believes that the H1N1 outbreak is not as alarming as the H5N1 bird flu virus. He believes that the country can provide the basic H1N1 immunity for the population. The outbreaks outside of Mexico have not resulted to deaths which is an indication that the virus is not that aggressive.

Aside from that, the summer months is fast approaching so it is less probable for the H1N1 virus to cause an outbreak as well. In any case, the United Kingdom has enough antiviral medicines to treat half of the population.

With this in mind, there is no cause for worry about the H1N1 virus, as it appears that it would cause an outbreak that would be felt all over the world and increase mortality rates.

The outbreak of H1N1 began in Mexico City and as of today has resulted to the death of 42 people and more than 800 confirmed cases of swine flu infection. Although it has now spread in 22 countries, it is believed that this new virus outbreak would not be result to a pandemic and is milder than similar virus infections.

According to the World Health Organization, efforts for developing a swine flu vaccine has been ongoing since the first human case of the virus has been confirmed. Estimates place the initial doses of the vaccine will be administered in 5 to 6 months time.

While people diagnosed with H1N1 virus seems to be headed for recovery, there have been deaths recorded. Aside from that, receiving vaccines for this virus is important particularly the elderly and individuals with a weak immune system, since they are prone to complications such as pneumonia.

Likewise, the vaccine will serve as protection in case the condition persists particularly during the winter months which is the time when influenza is at its peak.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), although they are still incomplete, current evidence shows that seasonal influenza vaccines will provide minimal or no protection against swine flu. Every year, a new batch of flu vaccine is developed and matched with strains that the WHO determines will most probably circulate in the winter months, which happens to be the peak season for influenza outbreaks.

Influenza virus comes in various strains which contains different proteins on their surfaces. The body's immune system can only fight and destroy a virus if they are able to recognize these proteins. It is worth noting that antibodies that recognize one strain may not detect other strains.
Existing vaccines may only offer some protection against swine influenza if the proteins on its surface are identical to strains used to develop previous vaccines. According to the NIBSC, they are trying to determine if the swine flu virus, which is an H1N1 strain of type A influenza, as well as previous H1N1 vaccines match current vaccines.

The preparation of a vaccine commences after a virus develops as they provide the starting point for the production of the vaccine. As such, there is always a time delay while a vaccine is being developed. Preparation of a vaccine involves several steps so it would take several months before a vaccine becomes available.

According to WHO estimates, the virus needed for producing the vaccine will be accessible to vaccine manufacturers by the middle of May while the initial dose for a new vaccine would be ready within 5 to 6 months after that. Waiting time would be much longer if the growth of the vaccine proceeds rapidly.

Vaccination plays a crucial role in the prevention and reduction of the effects of serious conditions. Unfortunately, they are not entirely effective and could lose its effectiveness if the virus mutates.
Existing flu vaccines are valid for about one year and are 70% - 80% effective against transmission with strains of influenza virus that are identical to strains used in the production of vaccines.

The WHO believes that it is too early to tell how the A(H1N1) virus would change. It is closely monitoring any changes in the virus and this would help countries quickly react to any important changes that the virus may show.

Vaccines help the body combat certain diseases in case an individual becomes afflicted with the illness in the future. On the other hand, an antiviral drug is used on people who is already infected with a virus. Although they work in various ways, they generally work to prevent the virus from spreading to different cells in the body.

Swine flu vaccines are administered prior to exposure to a virus so they would be protected from that agent. Antivirals only work if administered within a certain period of time before or after they are exposed to the virus.

Swine flu is an illness which derives its name from a virus that infects pigs. While the virus cannot affect people, they are likely to get an infection from time to time. The virus is communicable and can be transmitted from one person to another.

The symptoms of swine flu are like those manifested in a regular flu and may include cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, fever, chills and fatigue.

The H1N1 virus continues to become widespread in the United States. The Center for Disease Control believes that the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths will continue within the coming days and weeks.

The Center for Disease Control is aggressively responding to the growing outbreak. The objective of the agency is to curb the spread and severity of the illness as well as to inform health care providers, public health officials, and the general public to fend off the challenge by the medical crisis. Likewise, the CDC is giving interim guidance on a daily basis as a response to the rapidly growing crisis.

For treating swine flu, there are antiviral medicines that can be administered. So far, oseltamivir, amantadine, rimantadine, and zanamivir are the approved drugs for swine influenza treatment in the United States.
However, amantadine and rimantadine will not work against swine flu as the H1N1 virus was found to be resistant against these medicines. Laboratory procedures, on the other hand, have proven that H1N1 is susceptible to oseltavimir and zanavimir.

Using antiviral drugs in the treatment of swine influenza works by making your illness milder and making you feel relieved earlier than expected. Aside from that, antiviral medicines prevent the onset of serious complications.

Antiviral medicines are most effective when administered after the onset of the illness usually within a couple of days. However, it should be considered two days after the onset of symptoms, especially for hospitalized patients or those at greater risk for influenza-related complications.

Administration of anti viral drugs is also useful in preventing influenza when given to an individual who is not sick but has exposed to a person with swine influenza.

It can reduce the possibility of infection by 70% to 90%. The duration of intake will be determined by the condition of the patient. Currently, there are no accessible vaccines for protecting against H1N1.

In order to keep yourself from getting infected by the virus, here are some of the things that can be done:

- Keep yourself informed about H1N1. You can visit the official website of the World Health Organization or check brochures from local hospitals or medical facilities.
- Since the influenza virus can be transmitted from one person to another through coughing or sneezing, you can keep yourself busy by doing the following:

- When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. After using the tissue, dispose of it and throw it in the trash.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after coughing and sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers whenever necessary.
- To prevent germs from spreading, refrain from touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
- If you become ill, the CDC recommends that you avoid contact with other people at work or school so as not to infect them.
- Comply with public health advice concerning school closures, crowd avoidance, and social distancing efforts.

As far as swine flu is concerned, health authorities are doing everything they can to prevent the outbreak of another deadly virus.

Here are chosen baby friendly, value-for-money hints to see you from bump to submit baby bulge in style.

Comfort and validation are your new discovered buzzwords tracked intently by flat shoes. If you mostly wear heels you can carry on to do so for limited “spurts” but you ought to send back yourself leading in flats. Luckily there are one or two substantially glamorous ballet pumps out there and Pennys is one shop too springs to mind for low&wshyp;priced footwear.

You is able to moreover get with these kinds of nine cycles surrounded by two new perfect friends, the empire succession and the elasticated waist. An empire chain cut drapes within your tummy and is tightest below your bust. This style is flattering and can be found in dresses and tunic or smock tops in your initial size. If you’re comfortable working at so, v-necks are magnificent for showing off your newly higher boobs.

In the original stages, maternity jeans may be too big, so loop a rubber band during the button hole of your average trousers and jeans and hook it within the button, presently as long as get you another couple of weeks wear. Otherwise, the “bump band” from Topshop that is worn nearly the waist, means you can comfortably wear various of your own shirts and blouses without exposing too a good deal of the present beautiful belly.

While a small amount of maternity clothing quantities can be expensive, there are some basics costs making an investment in.

Boutiques can be costly so try Topshop or H&M’s Mama. Topshop inventory "under the bump” jeans which will be able to do you until a insured stage. For the latter stages of your pregnancy, you may want “over the bump” trousers – try Next’s bootcut jeans that are basically flattering. When trying on maternity jeans and trousers, stand up and sit at a slump a few times to see if properties stay put.

Other options in the trouser department are leggings or maternity brown trousers. Between the pregnancy and the post baby bulge you will need particular easy fashionable items.

Only invest in items you’ll wear after the baby this as belts, bags and flat shoes.

For underwear, the majority of above average street shops have maternity bras but note who if you’re pregnant in the summer, maternity bras own thicker straps, so bear this moment in mind for sleeveless tops. Elle Macpherson Intimates is a stylish margin of maternity bras that you can source online.

Nursing tops are somewhat you may make a home in post-birth. You won’t hold period to are certain about how to wear, so within your pregnancy buy a couple of nursing vests and many colour cardigans to wear over them. Jojo Maman Bebe is a good online resource for nursing tops whereas H&M and Zara are perfect for coloured cardis in block colours.

Dressing for an “occasion” additonally you’re pregnant needn’t be an ordeal. Look for a flowy, grecian style dress in an empire sequence cut. Monsoon proposals a good choice. Otherwise, Beautiful Shapes in Lucan, Dublin, own great maternity occasion wear that you can hire.

Jackets: Wear an open jacket to reveal a narrow column glimpse of your dress underneath. This is a decent way to carry out the illusion of a slimmer silhouette! Don’t wear cropped jackets; properties can sit on your bump, emphasising relatively than hiding it.

If your Hello How Are you? dresscode dictates that you suffer to wear a suit, find a longer amount suit jacket that am able to accommodate your bump. Even right if you can get one amid a low cut neckline to lengthen your upper body.

Maternity tights are steep so a funny things prudent selection is opaque “hold up” tights that should hide your swollen ankles. Believe it or not, your legs is able to be on the look slimmer as opposed to frequently during right now minute so rely on a pair of brown opaques that am able to go amongst the majority of dresses in winter and spring.

Jersey, jersey, jersey. This material could grow in your order and is considerably flattering. Wrap dresses in a jersey fabric are the best event ever since sliced bread when you’re pregnant (even when you’re not!). Choose a dress in on a busy print that will take away of your curves and continue you seem to be in proportion.

Finally, in the wake of you are going back to your median condition you can swap your favourite buys with your girlfriends - especially folks maternity jeans!

The earliest study was published on WhatSheWears.ie. Anne Marie Boyhan is the editor of WhatSheWears.ie , a fashion tips, newly written patterns and celebrity style website.

Image by Adam Crowe via Flickr

Google has came up with a the best mystery this morning. If you go to Google's homepage (see below) and click on today's Google doodle, which is an image of a UFO, it takes you to to a over&wshyp;arching search for the term, "unexplained phenomenon." Moreover, as of

Unexplained Phenomenon: A Mystery Created by Google?
this writing, two of the top Google search terms are the aforementioned "unexplained phenomenon" and "top 10 unexplained phenomena." What is baffling to many Web surfers about the Google unexplained phenomenon phenomenon is that typically, a Google doodle corresponds surrounded by a particular worry the as a vacation or the birthday of a well&wshyp;known person. But that performs not appear to be the state of affairs this morning.

Google has created a classic chicken or egg conundrum. Are "unexplained phenomenon" and "top 10 unexplained phenomena" top search terms when of the Google UFO doodle - which suggests that Google is purposely driving income to folks topics - or did Google start the UFO logo in response to the popularity of the search terms "unexplained phenomenon" and "top 10 unexplained phenomena"?

The Google unexplained phenomenon incident step ups an interesting question: How much hurt does Google have in terms of driving the news? It seems as though if Google chooses to, it can create a tremendous lonely time of buzz on any topic by crap creating a Google doodle that is representative of that exact topic.

It never occurred to me before today this the Google doodle has the impending to be a potent create of advertising. For instance, some are speculating too the Google UFO doodle is linked to the release of the film "District 9." If this is the case, it is rather supple compose of promotion. But imagine the possibilities who a Google doodle could provide to a studio interested in a other direct form of promotion. I can envision a situation where a studio, say Disney, would pay Google big income to put up a doodle such a might press income to the website of a new film

Image via Wikipedia

Jesse Mahelona, a former University of Tennessee defensive tackle who was drafted by the Titans, has died in a car accident in his native Hawaii, his agent said today.

Mahelona was selected by the Titans in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL draft. He played in 10 games as a rookie, then bounced from the Titans to the Dolphins and Falcons in 2007. He last played in a 2007 game for Atlanta.

• The Taos Hum

Some residents and visitors in the small city of Taos, New Mexico, have for years been annoyed and puzzled by a mysterious and faint low-frequency hum in the desert air. Oddly, only about 2 percent of Taos residents report hearing the sound. Some believe it is caused by unusual acoustics; others suspect mass hysteria or some secret, sinister purpose. Whether described as a whir, hum, or buzz and whether psychological, natural, or supernatural no one has yet been able to locate the sound's origin.

• Bigfoot

For decades, large, hairy, manlike beasts ca lled Bigfoot have occasionally been reported by eyewitnesses across America. Despite the thousands of Bigfoot that must exist for a breeding population, not a single body has been found. Not one has been killed by a hunter, struck dead by a speeding car, or even died of natural causes. In the absence of hard evidence like teeth or bones, support comes down to eyewitness sightings and ambiguous photos and films. Since it is logically impossible to prove a universal negative, science will never be able to prove that creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch N ess monster do not exist, and it is possible that these mysterious beasts lurk far from prying eyes.

• Intuition

Whether we call it gut feelings, a 'sixth sense,' or somethin g else, we have all experienced intuition at one time or another. Of course, gut feelings are often wrong (how many times during aircraft turbulence have you been sure your plane was going down?), but they do seem to be right much of the time. Psychologist

s note that people subconsciously pick up information about the world around us, leading us to seemingly sense or know information without knowing exactl y how or why we know it. But cases of intuition are difficult to prove or study, and psychology may only be part of the answer.

• Mysterious Disappearances

People disappear for various reasons. Mos t are runaways, some succumb to accident, a few are abducted or killed, but most are eventually found. Not so with the truly mysterious disappearanc

Image via Wikipedia

es. From the crew of the Marie Celeste to Jimmy Hoffa, Amelia Earhart, and Natalee Holloway, some people seem to have vanished without a trace. When missing per sons are found, it is always through police work, confession, or accident never by 'psychic detectives'). But when the evidence is lacking and leads are lost, even police and fo rensic science ca n't always solve the crime.

• Ghosts

From the Shakespeare play "MacBeth" to the NBC show "Medium," spirits of the dead have long made an a ppearance in our culture and folklore. Many people have reported seeing apparitions of both shadowy strange

rs and departed loved ones. Though definitive proof for the existence of ghosts remains elusive, sincere eyewitnesses continue to report seeing, photographing, and even communicating with ghosts. Ghost investigators hope to one day prove that the dead can contact the living, p roviding a final answer to the mystery.

• Deja vu

  

Deja vu is a French phrase meaning 'already seen,' referring to the distinct, puzzling, and mysterious feeling of having experienced a specific set of circumstances before. A woman might walk into a building, for example, in a foreign country she'd never visited, and sense that the setting is eerily and intimately familiar. Some attribute deja vu to psychic experiences or unbidden glimpses of previous lives. As wit h intuition (see #3), res earch into ,human psychology can offer more naturalistic explanations, but ultimately the ca use and nat ure of the phenomenon itself remains a mystery.

• UFOs

There is no doubt that UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) exist - many people see things in the skies that they cannot identi

fy, ranging from aircraft to meteors. Whether or not any of those obje cts and lights are alien spacecraft is another matter entirely; given the fantastic distances and effort involved in just getting to Earth from across the universe, such a scenario seems unlikely. Still, while careful investigation has revealed known causes for most sighting reports, some UFO incidents will always remain unexplained.

• Near-Death Experiences and Life After Deat

  h

People who were once near death have sometimes reported various mystical experiences (such as going into a tunnel and emergi

ng in a light, being reunited with loved ones, a sense of peace, etc. ) that may suggest an existence beyond the grave. While such experiences are profound, no one has returned with pro of or verifiable info rmation from "beyond the grave." Skeptics suggest that the experiences are explainable as natural and predictable hallucinations of a traumatized brain, yet there is no way to know with certainty what causes near-death experiences, or if they truly are visions of "the other side."

• Psychic powers and ESP

  

Psychic powers and extra-sensory perception (ESP) rank among the top ten unexplained phenomena if for no other reason than that belief in them is so widespread. Many people believe that in tuition (see #3) is a form of psychic power, a way of accessing arcane or special knowledge about the world or the future. Researchers have tested people who claim to have psychic powers, though the results under controlled scientific conditions have so far been negative or ambiguous. Some have argued that psychic powers cannot be tested, or for some reason diminish in the presence of skeptics or scientists. If this is true, science will never be able to prove or disprove the existence of psychic powers.

• The Body/Mind Connection

Medical science is only beginning to understand the ways in which the mind influences the body. The placebo effect, for exam

ple, demonstrates that people can at times cause a relief in med ical symptoms or suffering by believing the cures to be effective - whether they actually are or not. Using processes only poor ly understo od, the body's ability to heal itself is far more amazing than anything modern medicine could create.

source www.livescience.com/strangenews/top10_unexplained_phenomena-1.html

Image by Stewf via Flickr

Michael Jackson took more than 10 Xanax pills a night, "asking his employees to get the prescription sleep medicine under their names and also personally traveling to doctor's offices in other states to obtain them," according to CNN.

The bombshell reports comes from a 2004 Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department document that contains confidential interviews with two of Jackson's former security guards. The interviews were conducted as o

Image via Wikipedia

fficials prepared for the singer's 2005 child

One security guard told sheriff's deputies that he expressed his concern to another staffer about Jackson's use of 10-plus pills a night.

According to CNN, the second staffer replied: "Jackson was doing better because he was down from 30 to 40 Xanax pills a night."

One of the guards said he and three other employees would get prescriptions for Jackson under their names.

The second guard supported the claim, adding that he had picked up medicine for the singer that were in other people's names.

Jackson would often appear "out of it and sedated," one guard said.

According to document, the guard who provided the bulk of the information told investigators he was not comfortable getting prescriptions for Jackson and eventually quit after Jackson "fell on his face" in a hotel room and hurt himself.

Detectives are investigating the singer's history of using prescription drugs and have spoken to a number of doctors who had treated Jackson over the years.

Police aren't ruling out homicide, but said they are "going to be very dependent on the toxicology reports."

Jackson died at the age of 50 after suffering cardiac arrest June 25.

Source

Juventus striker Amauri talked about the coming season, in which he will get back his beloved number 11 shirt, and the possibility of playing for Italy.

Image via Wikipedia

After a solid first season at Juventus, in which he scored a respectable 12 Serie A goals, Amauri is preparing for his second campaign with the club, in which he will get back the number 11 shirt he used to wear after Pavel Nedved's departure.

The striker spoke to Sky and once again stated he would not mind playing for Marcello Lippi's Italy.

"Wearing the Juventus shirt again for the second season is exciting in itself," he said. "I hope to have a great year. Now I also have the number 11 shirt back, I'm very happy to have my number back, it's the number I became famous with."

Asked if he feels a special responsibility wearing Nedved's shirt number, Amauri said, "Yes, Nedved is a great player, a great man, we are very disappointed to lose a player like that, also because he could easily have played two or three more years.

"However, I am proud to wear the number 11, his number, and like he said, it will certainly bring me luck."

On the arrivals of Diego and Felipe Melo, whose transfer from Fiorentina should be finalised shortly, he commented, "We have certainly reinforced ourselves well. We have bought Diego, a player who had a great season last year, we all hope he repeats that, or does even better, he will certainly increase our quality.

"As for the transfer rumours on Felipe Melo, if Juve take him, they would have another great champion."

Coming back on the Brazil-Italy dilemma, Amauri said, "If everything goes well, and it looks like it will, by September I will be Italian and then something important will happen...The Italian national team? Who knows, it could happen."

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

SHE WOLF IS COMING Image via Wikipedia Shakira is back with a bang We're very pleased to confirm that Shakira is back with a brand new single, the pulsing "She Wolf". The mischievous, electro-driven track will be available to download worldwide from July 14th. Ahead of its release, you can hear the Spanish language version of the track, "Loba", on the player at Shakira.com (that track will also be available to download on July 14th). While you're on the official site, check out the stunning artwork for the single, new pictures of Shakira, the lyrics for "Loba" and evidence of some slightly unsettling She Wolf sightings. Also, look out for the amazing video for "She Wolf" later this month...

Most of us always seek the truth.

When there were rumors spreading that Michael Jackson has converted into Islam a few months ago, I did not pay much attention. I stood by my principle.

But when I have heard the news of his demise, and when I noticed that most major news stations seems to ignore to report about his faith, than I could not stop thinking that is an act of intentional omission !

I am fully aware of the fact that the faith of a person is a matter between him and Allah.At the same time the act of downplaying his religious faith while digging all his biography from A to Z is unfair to Micheal Jackson and the people who loved him.

Following are the youtube videos and links about Michael conversion. At the same time I will not be surprised if the news turn out to be other way round.

We should not forget the request of Jermaine Jackson’s request to respect the privacy of the family, at the same time those professional media people should report unbiased news coverage of his death.

Allah knows the best,

New York Post: Michael Jackson Accepts Islam

Kampala — In the wee hours of Friday morning at exactly 1.25am local time, Michael Jackson, commonly known as the King of Pop, was pronounced dead by doctors at the UCLA Medical Centre Los Angeles after succumbing to a fatal heart attack.

The pop star was rushed to hospital from his home in the Bel Air district while paramedics tried to restart his heart after a suspected cardiac arrest. Mr Jackson was described as "unresponsive" when paramedics arrived at his home and he was transported by ambulance to the UCLA Medical Center where he passed away.

In Kampala, the news of Mr Jackson's death was received with great shock. News started filtering through, with Ugandans sending text messages on Friday, as early as 1.30am announcing the sudden death of the king of pop.

Mr Moses Serugo, a local music critic, described Mr Jackson's passing thus: "This is a very big loss to the music world. This is a man who revolutionarised the way music is done for the likes of Madonna who later became stars. Personally, it wasn't a shock that he died. He deserves to rest not with the bashing the media was giving him. The same media that made him brought him down."

Ms Angella Kalule, a local musician, said "It came as a shock to me. He was very influential and we are going to miss him."

The headlines of international news stations the likes of CNN, Sky News, Al Jazeera and the BBC, all of a sudden had shifted from the Iranian election crisis, to the breaking news of the pop star's demise, with many of the stations interviewing his friends, his former music producers like Quincy Jones, who all appeared shell-shocked by his death.

Stations like KFM, Sanyu, and Radio One, all had Michael Jackson classics like One More Chance, Liberian Girl, Human Nature, Billy Jean, Dirty Diana, BAD, Rock Wit You, dominating their playlists, with radio presenters like Fat Boy, Roger Mugisha, indulging their listeners with the illustrious music history of the pop star.

The office talk too was dominated by the death of the star.

The seventh child of the Jackson Family, Michael Jackson kicked off his music career with his siblings who went by the stage moniker Jackson 5. With the young Michael employed on the lead vocals, Jackson 5, went on to churn out memorable hits like ABC, I Want You Back, and I'll Be There and by the 60's way through to the 70's Jackson 5 had acquired stardom with the young Michael Jackson emerging as the main draw of the group.

In 1979, Michael Jackson paired up with the legendary producer Quincy Jones, whom he met while Jackson starred in a film musical The Wiz, whose musical scores were arranged by the legendary producer. That partnership was to give birth to the album Off The Wall, which spanned classics like Rock Wit You, a favourite with many Ugandans, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough among others.

Thrill of Thriller

However, it was in 1982, that Michael Jackson reached the apex of his musical career when he dropped the Thriller album. Again, with Quincy Jones behind the production decks, Thriller went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide making it the best-selling album of all time.

A record that to some in the industry are predicting will never be broken since nowadays buying of music albums is on the decline due to the emergence of the internet where people can freely download music.

Thriller not only churned out memorable classics like Billy Jean, Thriller, and Human Nature but revolutionised, forever, the concept that is video making and song-presentation. With videos like Thriller, which were movie-like, Michael Jackson, had given a new approach to video making and in the process "forced" the music network MTV which originally featured videos of white artistes who mainly specified in Rock music, to play R&B videos and in the process making Michael Jackson, the first African-American to have his videos on heavy rotation on MTV.

This opened doors for the likes of Lionel Richie who were starting, out to have their videos played on the network.

However, the revolution was just starting; Michael Jackson introduced dance moves like the legendary "Moon Walking" which was a famous dance "stroke" for Ugandans, he even made men wear white socks, Tabliq-like trousers, complete with a single white glove on their palm, hold their crouches and let off a mild scream...Ohh! Jackson-mania gripped the whole world that his world concerts not only had tickets selling out in minutes, but scenes of fainting women were normal occurrences.

Cost of stardom

But his stardom was to come with a fatal price. As his star shone brighter, especially in the 80's where he kept releasing hit albums like Bad (which featured the rock hit Dirty Diana) way through the early 90's, Jackson was slowly turning into one freak show. His continuous usage of plastic surgery made his face look awkward. His eccentricities like attending press conferences with his pet chimpanzee named Bubbles, appearing in court to answer child molestation charges wearing his pygamas! or his over-friendliness with young children; whom according to his admission occasionally slept in the same bed with him at his Neverland Ranch left some questioning his mental state.

The hits too dried up, with his last album Invincible released in 2001 not doing as well as expected. Court cases too were to dominate his later years on this earth, with many involving his questionable relationship with young children.

Some accused him for being a pedophile, but he was always cleared of any charges and always had a waiting crowd outside the courthouses screaming his name in admiration...Michael, Michael...! He was due to have another c

Cover of Bad

hance at a comeback with a massive concert tour in Britain-some were saying this was his make or break chance for a comeback- but sadly it was not to be.

The Pop star aged 50 left behind three children and millions of fans worldwide, who forever will remember the King of Pop.

Source : allafrica.com

Kampala — In the wee hours of Friday morning at exactly 1.25am local time, Michael Jackson, commonly known as the King of Pop, was pronounced dead by doctors at the UCLA Medical Centre Los Angeles after succumbing to a fatal heart attack.

The pop star was rushed to hospital from his home in the Bel Air district while paramedics tried to restart his heart after a suspected cardiac arrest. Mr Jackson was described as "unresponsive" when paramedics arrived at his home and he was transported by ambulance to the UCLA Medical Center where he passed away.

In Kampala, the news of Mr Jackson's death was received with great shock. News started filtering through, with Ugandans sending text messages on Friday, as early as 1.30am announcing the sudden death of the king of pop.

Mr Moses Serugo, a local music critic, described Mr Jackson's passing thus: "This is a very big loss to the music world. This is a man who revolutionarised the way music is done for the likes of Madonna who later became stars. Personally, it wasn't a shock that he died. He deserves to rest not with the bashing the media was giving him. The same media that made him brought him down."

Ms Angella Kalule, a local musician, said "It came as a shock to me. He was very influential and we are going to miss him."

The headlines of international news stations the likes of CNN, Sky News, Al Jazeera and the BBC, all of a sudden had shifted from the Iranian election crisis, to the breaking news of the pop star's demise, with many of the stations interviewing his friends, his former music producers like Quincy Jones, who all appeared shell-shocked by his death.

Stations like KFM, Sanyu, and Radio One, all had Michael Jackson classics like One More Chance, Liberian Girl, Human Nature, Billy Jean, Dirty Diana, BAD, Rock Wit You, dominating their playlists, with radio presenters like Fat Boy, Roger Mugisha, indulging their listeners with the illustrious music history of the pop star.

The office talk too was dominated by the death of the star.

The seventh child of the Jackson Family, Michael Jackson kicked off his music career with his siblings who went by the stage moniker Jackson 5. With the young Michael employed on the lead vocals, Jackson 5, went on to churn out memorable hits like ABC, I Want You Back, and I'll Be There and by the 60's way through to the 70's Jackson 5 had acquired stardom with the young Michael Jackson emerging as the main draw of the group.

In 1979, Michael Jackson paired up with the legendary producer Quincy Jones, whom he met while Jackson starred in a film musical The Wiz, whose musical scores were arranged by the legendary producer. That partnership was to give birth to the album Off The Wall, which spanned classics like Rock Wit You, a favourite with many Ugandans, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough among others.

Thrill of Thriller

However, it was in 1982, that Michael Jackson reached the apex of his musical career when he dropped the Thriller album. Again, with Quincy Jones behind the production decks, Thriller went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide making it the best-selling album of all time.

A record that to some in the industry are predicting will never be broken since nowadays buying of music albums is on the decline due to the emergence of the internet where people can freely download music.

Thriller not only churned out memorable classics like Billy Jean, Thriller, and Human Nature but revolutionised, forever, the concept that is video making and song-presentation. With videos like Thriller, which were movie-like, Michael Jackson, had given a new approach to video making and in the process "forced" the music network MTV which originally featured videos of white artistes who mainly specified in Rock music, to play R&B videos and in the process making Michael Jackson, the first African-American to have his videos on heavy rotation on MTV.

This opened doors for the likes of Lionel Richie who were starting, out to have their videos played on the network.

However, the revolution was just starting; Michael Jackson introduced dance moves like the legendary "Moon Walking" which was a famous dance "stroke" for Ugandans, he even made men wear white socks, Tabliq-like trousers, complete with a single white glove on their palm, hold their crouches and let off a mild scream...Ohh! Jackson-mania gripped the whole world that his world concerts not only had tickets selling out in minutes, but scenes of fainting women were normal occurrences.

Cost of stardom

But his stardom was to come with a fatal price. As his star shone brighter, especially in the 80's where he kept releasing hit albums like Bad (which featured the rock hit Dirty Diana) way through the early 90's, Jackson was slowly turning into one freak show. His continuous usage of plastic surgery made his face look awkward. His eccentricities like attending press conferences with his pet chimpanzee named Bubbles, appearing in court to answer child molestation charges wearing his pygamas! or his over-friendliness with young children; whom according to his admission occasionally slept in the same bed with him at his Neverland Ranch left some questioning his mental state.

The hits too dried up, with his last album Invincible released in 2001 not doing as well as expected. Court cases too were to dominate his later years on this earth, with many involving his questionable relationship with young children.

Some accused him for being a pedophile, but he was always cleared of any charges and always had a waiting crowd outside the courthouses screaming his name in admiration...Michael, Michael...! He was due to have another c

Cover of Bad

hance at a comeback with a massive concert tour in Britain-some were saying this was his make or break chance for a comeback- but sadly it was not to be.

The Pop star aged 50 left behind three children and millions of fans worldwide, who forever will remember the King of Pop.

Source : allafrica.com