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Posts Tagged 'psychedelics'
Drugs, feudal, Jobs, neofeudalist politicians, Organics, prison contractor collusion, psychedelics, Racism, real jobs, voting strategies
America's Racist Drug Laws – by Stephen Lendman – 2-6-12
In Abuse of Power, advocacy, amendments to law needed, better laws, drug laws, drugs, racism on February 7, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Sentencing Project Executive Director Marc Mauer's a leading expert on sentencing, race, and criminal justice.
For 25 years, it's "work(ed) for a fair and effective criminal justice system by promoting reforms in sentencing law and practice, and alternatives to incarceration."
Criminal injustice is pervasive, especially against people of color. Racial and ethnic minorities comprise over 60% of America's prison population. "For black males in their twenties, 1 in every 8 is in prison or jail on any given day."
America's racist war on drugs disproportionately targets people of color and ethnic minorities. They comprise 75% of those in prison on drug related charges.
On March 17, 2011, Mauer testified before the US Sentencing Commission regarding proposed federal drug offense sentencing guideline amendments to the 2010 Fair Sentencing Act.
He said in 2009, drug offenses accounted for over half (51%) of the federal prison population. Those imprisoned represent a 20-fold increase since 1980. Their numbers exceed those incarcerated in 1980 for all offenses. They're the most significant source of America's 700% federal prison growth.
In recent years, state incarcerations stabilized. Federal ones keep rising. Drug related offenses are most responsible. Racial and ethnic minorities are grievously harmed. Reform is urgently needed.
Mandatory minimum sentences exacerbate the problem. So do other racist policies, including judicial unfairness, three strikes and you're out, get tough on crime policies, and a guilty unless proved innocent mentality.
New York's 1973 Rockefeller drug laws are most pernicious. Anyone convicted of selling two ounces or more of heroin, morphine, "raw or prepared opium," cocaine, or cannabis, or possessing four ounces of the same substances receive mandatory 15-year minimum sentences up a maximum of 25 years to life.
In 1979, marijuana possession penalties were reduced from crimes to misdemeanors. However, aggressive pursuit of offenders continues, especially in New York City. More on that below.
Nationwide crack cocaine (vs. powder) and marijuana possession penalties are also pernicious. Until revised under the 2010 Fair Sentencing Act, first time offenders convicted of possessing as little as five grams of crack (one ounce = 28 grams) automatically got five years in prison.
The new law reduces, but doesn't eliminate, the disparity between crack and powder cocaine. Henceforth, possessing 28 or more grams of crack subjects offenders to penalties up to five years. Mandatory simple possession sentencing ended. In addition, courts may reduce prior sentencing disparities.
Nonetheless, pot busts define America's drug war. In 2006, Mauer said primary focus since 1990 shifted to marijuana offenses. As a result, they comprised 82% of the increase in drug arrests. Virtually all of them were for possessing small amounts. Enforcement costs are enormous – $4 billion or more annually for marijuana alone.
Under the 1970 federal Controlled Substances Act, cannabis is a Schedule I drug, meaning it's defined as having high potential for abuse. So far, redefinition attempts failed. In 2001, the Supreme Court ruled against medical marijuana use in United States v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers' Cooperative.
In Gonzales v. Raich (2005), the High Court ruled that Congress, under the Constitution's Commerce Clause, may criminalize the production and use of home-grown cannabis, even where states approve it for medicinal purposes. More on that below.
A Brief History of Legal Cannabis in America
In 1619, Jamestown colonial law required settlers to grow hemp. George Washington grew it as one of his main crops. Its use for rope and fabric was common throughout 18th and 19th century America.
Around 1860, cannabis regulations and restrictions were first instituted. After 1906, states began labeling it poisonous. In the 1920, prohibitions began. By the mid-1930s, all states enacted regulations, including 35 under the Uniform State Narcotic Drug Act. Violators were penalized but not imprisoned.
In the 1970s, communities began abolishing state laws and local regulations banning cannabis possession. Federal laws remain in place. In the 1990s, local sale for medical purposes began even though doing so conflicts with federal law.
Nonetheless, 16 states and the District of Columbia legalized medical marijuana, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
Expect others to follow. Possession amounts and other legal provisions vary by state, but the message is clear. Medicinal marijuana works. As a result, criminalizing it harms those dependent for relief.
In addition, it's a growing revenue source for budget-strapped states. It also produces jobs when they're most needed. It's a win-win, regardless of outdated, counterproductive and repressive federal policies.
Efficacious substances should be encouraged, not prohibited. In 1850s America, pharmacies carried medicinal cannabis. Around the same time, states began regulating pharmaceutical sales, including penalties for mislabeling and adulterated substances.
It became a slippery slope toward criminalizing cannabis. Today's momentum suggests eventual legalization, starting with medicinal use.
Racially Biased New York City Marijuana Policies
In 2008, the New York ACLU published a report titled, "Marijuana Arrest Crusade: Racial Bias and Police Policy in New York City – 1997 – 2007."
From 1977 – 1986, 33,000 possession arrests were made. Numbers declined to 30,000 from 1987 – 1996. However, from 1997 – 2006, they exploded to 353,000. Today, outside the report's timeline, they number around 50,000 annually for simple possession of small amounts. More on that below.
US Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas once said:
"As nightfall does not come all at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there is a twilight when everything remains seemingly unchanged. And it is in such twilight that we all must be aware of change in the air, however slight, lest we become unwitting victims of the darkness."
In New York City, Blacks and Hispanics are Exhibit A. They've been victimized by racist drug enforcement, notably for cannabis possession. From 1997 – 2006, Blacks comprised 52% of arrests, Hispanics another 31%. Whites accounted for 15%.
Those arrested and jailed affected 185,000 Blacks, 110,000 Hispanics, but only 53,000 Whites for minor possession offenses. Most were aged 26 or younger. About 91% were males.
Under Mayor Rudy Giuliani (January 1994 – December 2001), marijuana possession arrests exploded 10-fold. Under Mayor Michael Bloomberg (January 2002 – present), they're higher than ever. At the same time, New York police provide little information. As a result, few New Yorkers know their city conducts "a historically unprecedented marijuana arrest crusade."
Cops involved up to top commanders benefit. Marijuana busts are safe. Involved officers and supervisors accrue overtime pay, and produce numbers showing productivity. [[[ *** All a waste of energy compared to a singl legalize bill with price controls as well *** ]]]
In contrast, those arrested are harmed even if not prosecuted. Procedures include handcuffing, fingerprinting, photographing, and potentially obtaining DNA samples. Often people with no criminal records are affected. Henceforth they'll have one and plenty of baggage.
Whether or not convicted, employment and educational opportunities, mortgages or other loans, public housing benefits, licenses, travel visas, and good credit standing are at risk.
Moreover, arrests and overnight custody alone are humiliating, degrading, alienating and unjust for possessing small amounts of controlled substances, especially marijuana that long ago should have been legalized.
Last September, New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly responded to public pressure. As a result, he ordered commanders not to arrest people possessing small marijuana amounts unless they're in public view.
In 1979, New York state decriminalized amounts of 25 grams or less. Henceforth, displaying it publicly became low-level misdemeanors, subject to ticketing, not arrests or jailing.
New York City's stop-and-frisk policy drew widespread criticism. Mostly Black and Hispanic males are targeted. Police routinely confront them, demand their pockets be emptied, and if marijuana is displayed, they're arrested for having it in public view. As a result, around 50,000 annually are criminalized unjustly.
At the time, critics called Kelly's action important. Chief Legal Aid Society attorney Steven Banks said it would make a tremendous difference to wrongfully targeted young minorities.
Drug Policy Alliance executive director Ethan Nadelmann called the order a significant change in how police deal with minor marijuana possession cases. Hopefully, "gross racial disparity" would be curbed.
Kelly's order in part read:
"Questions have been raised about the processing of certain marijuana arrests." Henceforth, "(a) crime will not be charged to an individual who is requested or compelled to engage in the behavior that results in the public display of marijuana." Displaying it must be "actively undertaken of the subject's own volition."
Queens College sociologist Harry G. Levine said public defenders and legal aid lawyers estimate up to three-fourths of those arrested displayed it on police orders. Those affected don't know they're illegal, but police are very intimidating.
Last year, Brooklyn Democratic assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries and Republican Senator Mark Grisanti sponsored legislation to downgrade small possession public displays from misdemeanors to a lessor violations. Bloomberg opposed them, claiming it would encourage greater use.
Despite Kelly's order, marijuana arrests declined slightly but continue. So does NYPD's racist crusade. Bloomberg supports it. So does Kelly tacitly. In 2010, one in every seven city arrests were for displaying marijuana in public view. Illegal police searches and false charges were mostly responsible.
Last year, New York's illegal stop-and-frisk policy affected over 600,000 people, overwhelmingly young Black and Hispanic males. Despite Kelly's order, illegal arrests continue. Institute for Juvenile Reform and Alternatives member Chino Hardin said "build(ing) a movement to stop" New York's crusade is essential.
On December 8, the ACLU called "NYPD Pot Arrests Habit….Tough to Break," saying:
Police Commissioner Kelly's order lowered arrests slightly, but maintained New York's distinction as "the marijuana arrest capital of the world. This just won't do."
City Hall policy is at fault. People of color are aggressively targeted for petty offenses like "graffiti, disorderly conduct, and – you guessed it – minor marijuana possession."
Ingrained habits are hard to break. Kelly's order lacked teeth, especially without City Hall's endorsement.
As a result, New York Black and Hispanic youths face unrelenting persecution unless public pressure forces legislative relief. It's long overdue nationwide with teeth.
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.
http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/
1) New York's 1973 Rockefeller drug laws are most pernicious. Anyone convicted of selling two ounces or more of heroin, morphine, "raw or prepared opium," cocaine, or cannabis, or possessing four ounces of the same substances receive mandatory 15-year minimum sentences up a maximum of 25 years to life.
Someone gets high for a day for using what he grew that Mother Nature provided, then all the taxpayers get to support his a$$ for life? Keep at it USA, this way we can be sure that USA will never be a viable super power, all the money is spent on prisons and all the population is in prison. Meanwhile the Senate or Congress or what not enjoys whatever psychedelics they like at parties, the double standards are unbelievable . . .
2) In addition, it's a growing revenue source for budget-strapped states. It also produces jobs when they're most needed. It's a win-win, regardless of outdated, counterproductive and repressive federal policies.
Supporting a supposed 'criminal's' (who decides what is criminal?) a$$ in prison is NOT A JOB that any self respecting person weant to do. It may pay well but only the most corruoted souls on the planet would want to do that sort of job. Even the homeless and beggars have more dignity and principles, get a REAL job so-called government employees, and the state should produce REAL jobs . . . enriching prison contractors is just institutionalized corruption . . . USA sucks, and the writer sucks for sayong jobs are produced when the economy is being destroyed and productivity is wasted, human rights abused . . .
3) In Gonzales v. Raich (2005), the High Court ruled that Congress, under the Constitution's Commerce Clause, may criminalize the production and use of home-grown cannabis, even where states approve it for medicinal purposes. More on that below.
Who are these 'high court' people? Who are their affiliates? What phenotypes are they of? Who are their business partners and friends, fellow colluders? Identify all these groups and the neo-feudalist, lack of neutrality/democracy faction of the USA is exposed. Voters must find this out and make sure that these people from above groups are NEVER voted into power or heck, even promoted into positions of power like 'High Court'. These are plants that grow on their own, and have been placed there by 'God' if you believe in 'God', for humanity to use. No group of people have authority, least of all by threat of incarceration or arms to prevent any person from using these things. Barring the 'psychic' issue which doubtless can be worked around with secure usage facilities and perhaps specialty districts, there is no democratic or human rights basis for preventing people from using psychedelics AS per their desire and with informed consent
4) Despite Kelly's order, marijuana arrests declined slightly but continue. So does NYPD's racist crusade. Bloomberg supports it. So does Kelly tacitly. In 2010, one in every seven city arrests were for displaying marijuana in public view. Illegal police searches and false charges were mostly responsible. Last year, New York's illegal stop-and-frisk policy affected over 600,000 people, overwhelmingly young Black and Hispanic males. Despite Kelly's order, illegal arrests continue. Institute for Juvenile Reform and Alternatives member Chino Hardin said "build(ing) a movement to stop" New York's crusade is essential.
Ok so 3 abusers have been fingered here. Mayor Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and Youth Organizer and Campaign Coordinator for the Prison Moratorium Project Chino Hardin. Kick them out of office by not voting them where they cannot use the vast powers of government to harm ordinary people looking to enjoy a simple high. It's just a high. In Chino's case set up a parallel but opposing Institution At most offer, 'Psychedelics use rooms' where the users can isolate themselves and when sobered up can go out again to live a normal life. Itt is unconscionable to arrest then burden the taxpayers.
adult services, gambling, gaming, legalisation, Malaysia, Negative Freedoms, non-4D gambling, Nurul, Nurul Anwar, Pakatan, psychedelics, zoning
5 Articles on Gaming, Prostitution and Organic Psychedelics – reposted by @AgreeToDisagree – late January 2012
In Malaysia, organic psychedelics advocacy, Prostitution, social freedoms, spirit of the law on January 31, 2012 at 2:21 pm
'What are they waiting for?' – Andrew Sagayam and Joseph Kaos Jr – 23rd June 2011
Deputy minister blasts police 'inaction' on Brickfields vice with arrests of drug-pusher cops
KUALA LUMPUR: Things have come to a head for Deputy Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk M. Saravanan who fired a salvo of criticisms at the police for an apparent lack of commitment to clean up Brickfields' infamous vice activities. He did not mince his words when he said it was high time the police used their powers to "end the menace". "If everyone else is doing their job, the police should too. They (the police) have the power to put an end to this menace once and for all. What are they waiting for?" he told The Malay Mail. Saravanan's frustrations had boiled over on the back of a revelation that six cops were recently detained after being caught for alleged drug dealing in Brickfields. It was believed the policemen could be linked to syndicates running vice operations there. The incident had confirmed residents' worst fear that the very involvement of the men in blue in their neighbourhood's drug business clearly explained why illegal activities continued to flourish unabated there despite concerted efforts by relevant authorities, including the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, to shut them down.
Following the drug bust, City police had pledged to find out if other cops were involved from the six detained. Saravanan said the police had to act or they would find themselves being accused of "protecting" the place for their own interest. Raids ineffective He said City Hall and other enforcement bodies, such as the Immigration Department and Royal Customs Department, were doing what was required of them to tackle Brickfields' vice activities, but not the police. "The raids conducted by police are not enough. City Hall is always conducting checks and monitoring the area. I have personally instructed them to keep an eye on Brickfields every day. "All authorities concerned must be serious about combating crime there. It is certainly a setback to all efforts if those entrusted with ridding the area of these vice menaces are also involved in crime.
"The police have to be more effective in their operation. They must conduct more raids." Saravanan said City Hall had been told to contact the police whenever it discovered illegal activities there. His call for the cops to step up their game was echoed by Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Nurul Izzah Anwar who said the authorities needed to have a "clear and coherent" strategy in curbing social ills there.
The Paper That Cares (yeah right but whatever lol) had, in a series of reports over the past year, highlighted the free-for-all vice activities that had been taking place in Brickfields for years. Residents claimed lack of enforcement contributed to it while some questioned why police seemed reluctant to rid the area of its bad image. THE police have pledged to raid all illegal outlets in Brickfields after getting more information from six policemen nabbed for selling heroin there. City narcotics chief ACP Kang Chez Chiang told The Malay Mail the State police would not wait for Brickfields police to carry out the raids if they had obtained information on drug activities there. "We can conduct operations in the district. As long as we have gathered enough details, be in on our own or from the public, we will carry out raids."
On the six detained, Kang said they were checking if the group was involved in other illegal activities. "The six were actively operating in Jalan Klang Lama, Kuchai Lama and Brickfields areas since early this year. We are still investigating to what extent was their involvement in illegal activities in the district. "We are officers of the law and as narcotics policemen, we are supposed to keep drugs off the streets, not being involved with syndicates and selling them." Last Friday, a KL Narcotics Department team detained the six, who were attached with the Sri Petaling police station, in separate operations following a public tip-off. The first policeman was detained in the evening in Jalan Kuchai Lama for possessing 220grammes of heroin. In a follow-up operation, another cop was nabbed with 48g of heroin in Brickfields.
The other four were arrested later that day. All six, who are in their late 20s and early 30s, have been remanded for seven days from June 18. Two were detained under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 while the rest, who tested positive for drugs, were held under Section 31 of the Drug Dependents (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983. If convicted, the suspects would not only face court sentences but police disciplinary action as well as possible dismissal from the force. Kang said the five lance corporals and a corporal told their superiors they resorted to selling drugs to "make ends meet".
The Malay Mail learnt they each earned about RM2,500 a month from pushing heroin. MP: Deal with Little India menace KUALA LUMPUR: It is high time the authorities step up their game and deal with the problem of social ills in Brickfields. That was the call by Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Referring to the incessant problem of prostitution, drugs and snatch theft in Kuala Lumpur's "Little India", Nurul Izzah said the authorities need to have a "clear and coherent" strategy in solving the problem. She also said the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry's statement that "social ills will suffer a natural death" with the redevelopment Brickfields was an "irresponsible way of looking at it". "I've mentioned before that this issue needs to be settled in a holistic manner. You need to have a clear and coherent strategy. This has to be taken seriously," the Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president told The Malay Mail.
Nurul Izzah cited the relocation of the Brickfields district police headquarters to Sri Petaling as proof that the authorities were not taking the matter of social ills in Brickfields seriously. "They've removed the police station to elsewhere and until today I've not heard any justification from the ministry on why it was relocated.
"They've removed the police station and I've not heard any justification from the ministry on why it was relocated." Highlights OVER the past year, The Malay Mail had been highlighting the long-time shady activities of Brickfields in support of the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry's efforts to reinvigorate the area as a tourist attraction. Eager to rid the enclave of its vice haven image, the government branded it as Kuala Lumpur's 'Little India'. The ministry's deputy minister, Datuk M. Saravananm had been calling for police to be more proactive in cleaning up the area, as highlighted in our report on July 12. Last December, Saravanan had reiterated the ministry would go all out to eradicate vice activities in Brickfields to rid its infamous red light image. He had said rapid development in the area would see a natural death for vice after its final redevelopment phase this year. Acting on this promise, the ministry and City Hall demolished eight vice dens in Brickfields in a joint operation against brothels.
Checks by The Paper That Cares just 48 hours later revealed the vice activities to be operating as usual, with even two new brothels opened in Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad. On June 10, we reported how Brickfields stubbornly remained a stronghold for immoral activities despite continuous and concerted efforts by the authorities. Three days later, we reported Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin as saying challenges in Little India's redevelopment project included non-governmental organisations in Brickfields having different views on how the area should be developed.
***Commentator Response by @pantherking
Imagine if the Indian PM is reading these news concerning Brickfields. He was shown and presented with this so called Little India of Malaysia when he visited Malaysia. This pride of the Malaysian Indian community is also a symbol of the multi-culturalism of Malaysian politics based on tolerance above all else. Imagine his embarrassment now if he finds out that this place is actually a vice-den by night and prostitution and sale of drugs are the number one economic activities after nightfall!! On top of this, our proud police force actually has a hand in perpetuating this problem as some of the Anti-Narcotics officers also make this area their own for the purpose of dealing in drugs to "make ends meet" as if they are not being paid properly by the government for doing their duties.
Doesn't take a genius to figure out why the Brickfields police department have never been keen to send their guys over to investigate all these illegal activities simply because some of their officers are also working part-time for drugs and vice syndicates!! What a disgrace to the force!! If the PDRM wants more respect from the public they must recognise that the number of rotten apples within their ranks seems to be getting bigger and bigger and that more must be done to throw these rotten apples into the rubbish bin! Submitted by pantherking on Thursday, June 23rd, 2011.
Response to @pantherking : Unlike you, @pantherking, the police have COMMON SENSE and STREET SMARTS. They are not cloistered in your unreal snooty world of religious or social class selfishness/self-consciousness/discrimination. The lower class expressions of humanity will always have a place and the police being REAL people of the world have the sympathy and appreciation of what diversity and colour (also pulse of life) that such things bring.
You can't charge in like a Thai police Colonel and start murdering people. In fact look at Pattaya Walking Street and Netherlands' Organics bars. NEAR PERFECTION for consideration in terms of entertainment capitals, and the police perfect too for their consideration for Brickfields denizens have displayed their exceptional grasp of reality as well – don't condemn because you don't understand.
I'd even have a few more alleyways (how does a series of underpasses sound to ya?) built just to ensure the underbelly of KL is that much stronger so that the OVERBELLY (which is what others are and the middle and upper classes strive to be) is able to thrive. Without darkness there can be no concept of light. And this commentator above calls himself Pantherking? More like lily white coloured Mr.Bigglesworth. 'Kaos' Jr should also rename himself 'Order' Jr. Presence of RLDs and organic psychedelics sales outlets do not even constitute chaos and are quite tepid and sedentary entertainments overall.
Leave our RLDs, organic psychedelics and nightlife venues alone fool! Any independent MPs ready to take up the task of legalisation of RLDs and Organic psychedelics (not synthetics due to the 'permanent damage' effect, while organics are much like alcohol perhaps less damaging than alcohol as well) at least? The Malay Mail though is correct in condemning heroin as this is a concentrated form of Opium (an organic psychedelic) that is as dangerous as synthetics.
Opium and Heroin compared by @prospero :
Opium and Heroine are definitely different, but I think Opium is SO much better. Though the feel-good effect of heroin may be stronger, there's so much going on with Opium – psychedelic dreams while you're still awake, the feeling that time, your brain, and in fact the whole world has stopped, subtle but very strange and uniquehallucinations, the list goes on.
The insular oppressives, weak and narrow minded are the ones disturbing 'the peace'. These are NOT social ills. They are adult entertainments and a Human Right, though not favoured or used by all, but still must be given a place simply because these exist by 'Gods' will. Leave the Red Light District or Organic psychedelics district alone, or better yet LEGALISE it. Or will someone need to step forward to take over where the current MP has failed?
Nurul (an 'Adult Services Unfriendly' product of political nepotism in PKR – Pakatan Rakyat has 50% unvotable MPs and Assemblymen due to nepotism, don't you the ordinary citizen defer to them or be too lazy to challenge NEPOTISM and OLIGARCHY) is VERY selfish to people who entertain themselves with these psychedelics and games. You don't use the services and games, fine. But some of us do use or at least appreciate diversity, so don't just dismiss lightly what people want to do and think only about your own (Muslim) preferences and condemn the police who know the difference that you do not. We hate selfish inward looking people who want to prevent others having fun.
While at it, legalise mahjong, domino, dice, and card casinos to a reasonable degree in proper places to. These casino games should not be considered ILLEGAL but a non-Muslim entertainment as well. It is heart breaking to see these games available ONLY on computer (just so childish), and believe me these computer outlets are EVERYWHERE. just legalise, including the RLDs for adult services. Tabik hormat antara polis dan orang 'Kongsi'. And Rempits/Minahs, a little more Kamen Rider and a little less Samseng where applicable too. Will that independent MP step forward to challenge the socialised oppression of adult Human Rights?
***Commentary : This comment was not allowed in Malaymail Online Magazine. While a good media option, Malaymail has displayed at this time a censorship of opinions of people differing in opinion of their own. Dictatorship takes many forms. And this trend has just infected Malaymail. Think Voltaire, Malaymail, and reconsider posting my comment. Moral Fundamentalism via censorship of comments is no different from any other extremism or intolerance and discrimination, in this case against Sex Workers and the Adult Industry and it's Activists and Supporters. Zone and legalise in appropriate districts.
Prostitution factory in Meru for foreign workers – Monday, 30 January 2012 14:01
A FACTORY building in a small and medium enterprise (SME) industrial area in Meru, near Klang, has become a prostitution den with girls in their teens being used to lure foreign workers in the area.
Dubbed the "prostitution factory" by residents, the den is said to have been in operation for three years, reported Kosmo! Ahad.
The operators, who use closed-circuit TV cameras to scan visitors, have barred local men from entering. The clients are largely from Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam and Myanmar, and the women providing them the sexual service are said to be Indonesians.
A Nepalese worker interviewed by the paper said he had been there three times and to his knowledge the place had never been raided by any enforcement authority.
Jay, 25, said he came to know about the place from a friend, adding that customers can only enter the building through the back door and they must give their name and nationality to a guard there.
"We then choose a girl of our liking and the guard, who is Nepalese, would fix a price for her services," he said, adding the rate depended on the age of the girl and ranges from RM50 to RM100 per session.
Responding to the issue, International Islamic University sociologist Prof Dr Fatimah Daud said many foreigners had left their wives in their homeland to work here and operators of such dens exploit these men who need to have their sexual needs met.
> TWO brothers, aged 13 and 15, shocked residents of Kampung Sealine in Miri, Sarawak, when they were found to be part of a teenage gang that had stolen at least RM30,000 worth of goods in a spate of robberies over the past month.
More shocking, the younger boy said they were taught to steal by their elder brother, aged 18, who is said to be the group's mastermind, reported Metro Ahad.
The two young boys were caught when they attempted to break into a neighbour's house at about 1.30pm on Saturday.
Their arrests led police to pick up four other gang members as well as a 34-year-old Indonesian man who allegedly bought the stolen goods from them.
-TheStar
Legalize the whole profession and introduce price controls commensurate to the earnings of the customer. These are men and they need to feel strong and virile to give their best for the work they do here in Malaysia.
How could you deprive such an important and natural source of fun and relaxation for them? Their thoughts will not be on work if they have no outlets for their natural expressions. This is a human rights abuse if anything. Legalize the adult industry via RLD zones, which will also benefit the locals as well.
Exchange on the comments section – still available as of this date from cache . . . Malaymail has removed the page but it is reposted below :
'Little India' still big on vice – Submitted by Najiah on Monday, December 27th, 2010 – IKRAM ISMAIL
NEW LOOK, OLD PROBLEMS: Sex trade giving Brickfields a bad name
BRICKFIELDS: Residents and business owners in 'Little India' feel the government should do more to make the place vice-free, especially at the red-light area of Jalan Thambipillay. When The Malay Mail checked the area on Nov 23, we saw prostitutes and pimps openly soliciting for customers, many of whom were foreigners.
This was a far cry from the vice-free scenario in late October when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his Indian counterpart, Manmohan Singh, visited the area.
Long-time Brickfields resident Goh Ah Moi, 76, said Jalan Thambipillay had been a haven for prostitution since the 1970s.
"The red-light area used to be at Jalan Scott but when the old buildings there made way for redevelopment, the vice activities moved to Jalan Thambipillay," said Goh, who moved here in 1955 soon after getting married. Her husband passed away in 1987 and she now lives with her daughter.
"In my 55 years here, I have witnessed about 50 vice raids. If the government is serious about restoring the reputation of Brickfields, they should demolish the old buildings in Jalan Thambipillay. It's as simple as that." S. Gunasegaran, 51, was ashamed of the sordid image Brickfields had become.
"Last week, when my sister and nephew from Johor Baru visited me, I advised them not to walk along Jalan Thambipillay as they would be approached by prostitutes and pimps," said Gunasegaran who runs a pub here since 1990. "Tearing down brothels is not effective as the culprits always return. The government should take over the old shoplots and redevelop them into places for legitimate businesses."
Rahman Hussain, 67, a former Brickfields resident who had since moved to London, England, said the government should eradicate vice activities in the area.
"It can be achieved if the authorities work with residents and property owners," said Rahman who left Malaysia a quarter century ago.
On July 11, Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Deputy Minister, Datuk M. Saravanan, said Brickfields would be "vice-free" by year-end. He said the government wanted to improve the image of Brickfields as KL's 'Little India', adding that the transformation of Brickfields had several stages and the first stage was to relocate hawkers, including illegal ones. In early October, when The Malay Mail accompanied Saravanan on a spot-check to Brickfields, he was repeatedly solicited by prostitutes and pimps.
READ: Vice will be stamped out after Brickfields' Little India revamp is complete
READ: Minister gets sexual invites during Brickfields visit
[[[ *** RESPONSES *** ]]]
A proper zone in all major cities encompassing a street or few should be designated where the sex workers, pimps (cool hats!) and madams are allowed to solicit. This should not be considered vice as long as participating parties are both consensual and not trafficked or coerced and is an organic way to prevent society from becoming too fragmented by fear of horny men, feminists or broken marriages, even prevent incest. Give the libido it's proper place. Young (or stingy) men are healthier or happier (a more productive and happier society) with easily available sex (from lower class women of beauty but no upward mobility) and this in fact will prevent false courtships to obtain sex, separate the libidinous from the morbid (or religious), and will mean marriages will be longer lasting and more meaningful when they do occur. For those who have their own religious convictions, to each his own, so for Muslims or certain faith denominations, these will certainly be off limits in their respective communities. And because some people can't afford to hire (middle class) outcall escorts or want privacy i.e. prefer not to deal with Madams or Pimps, prefer not to share but want to support a dedicated kept mistress (upper class or women at the end of their youth, sometimes with good education to cater for the sensitivities of companionship of the upper classes), or can afford a wife (probably for love, though some for status, education being unimportant especially for poorer but good families), or even a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th wife (should institute for non-Muslims too), the lower end adult services industry will always thrive. While already overcharging (value for money dictates that a blue collar worker's 8 hours of work is worth far more than 1 session of sex – so don't get conned young guys, pay no more than 1 third of a day's work if you are no fool), adult services really should also have a proper designated zone. Posing as a massage parlour or other business is pathetic and speaks volumes about Malaysia's sex negativity and extreme moral policing. Legislate those Red Light Districts and give better definition to society and thus strengthen the family unit. It's all too grey and opportunist based as it is now. Liberalise and emancipate, open choices for those inclined, while ensuring everything has a proper space. Adds variety and colour as well. Note : Replace all male terms with female terms and vice versa (or LGBT terms) if so inclined. – Submitted by AgreeToDisagree on Monday, December 27th, 2010.
'Agreetodisgree', I honestly respect your disgreement with the definition of free will, especially when u don't believe Allah in the 1st place. I was just trying to tell u that recognizing vice officially or allowing even 1 of u to tell public that u do it/allowed to do it or even suggesting, is against our culture since we believe that it will lead us to destruction, degradatin of humanity, dishonour of women dignity, our mother/sister/daughter, u and me. Many of my writings have not made here too so u might wan na take it offline tru sedarlah at gmail dot com. – Submitted by muslim on Monday, January 3rd, 2011.
Regulating so that those who do actually participate is not asking ti to be recognized as allowed in Islam. However the non-Muslim community that does use or participate in adult services need regulation to PROTECT them. In this case though, to further assure that Muslims will not come into contact with the adult services industry (as in gambling or pork or alcohol) I further suggest that zoned areas be monitored by non-Muslim non Malay police as well. In fact other than to ensure that unmarried persons (those divorcees, with deceased spouses but not wishing to get married or have emotional commitment again, bachelors or sexually mature teens) and persons with spouses unwilling (we do know that childbirth changes a woman sometimes), or at least spouses who do not mind (and even appreciate the lack of sexual pressure), foreigners from outside Malaysia have access to sexual outlets in a fun a pleasurable environment.
I do not advocate any good family's women or married women to participate, and bid that only those with :
1) uncertain futures from impoverished backgrounds from the lower social strata without access to expensive educations or limited quota scholarships
2) no family reputation to uphold (i.e. orphans who's parents treated them as accidents *BUT NOT* ALIENATED children)
3) suffering from uncommon libidos, or conditions such as nyphomania or satyriasis
4) spouses with weak constitutions or constitutions weaker than that of the husband's or wife's
5) during late stage pregnancy
6) anyone who so happens to feel most at home in a sexualized environment and wants to make a living of it
7) foreign women from 3rd world countries who intend to remit funds back home to support their families
Everyone else, especially the HAPPILY married (unless unable to cope etc.) should not patronize the Red Light District at all but this cannot be a lw though a divorce on the basis of a husand using sex services is ridiculous. Some husbands need to have sex very ofetn and some wives don't want to. This is where the sex worker comes in when the husband does not have the money for a few wives but can afford occasional sex worker visits. Destruction of society will not occur, in fact pensions should be mooted for those who have served a number of years, medical checks and even in-area Medical personnel could be assigned to overlook the area. It should not be considered degrading either as it is another form of culture (like fan-idol concerts or sports), though not 'high culture' for certain.
It is interesting and diverse, a place to relax NOT anything else as you fear. It is not devilish, it is HUMANISH. As a species, biologically we need to breed, and to prevent overpopulation, such outlets actually keep numbers down while affording a sense of intimacy as well. It is not reasonable to deny anyone, especially a non-Muslim to access intimacy (it is not 100% about sex, quite companionship also) in a public setting, entirely zoned away from Muslims. There would be alot of less frustrated people making society a psychologically (and aura-wise) difficult place.
Personally I am also disinclined to patronage of such places due to social background and personal preference (not like sharing, more into polygamy haha) considerations, but do want others to be able to access for convenience. Yet you will certainly see me there, enjoying the atmosphere, gathering inspiration for literary works, art photography etc.. and not judging or belittling others. It's all about diversity and holistic governance. People need 'unmarried' sex or multiple sex partners or persons who do not demand a relationship to begin with. And this again will be strictly for non-Muslims AND in a cordoned area. Of course there are so many that APPEAR like goats but better in a controlled environment than no outlet at all. They would end up as predators eventually, or waste far too much money travelling outside Malaysia for a simple service and that would have been averted simply with the legalisation of adult services industry and a proper red-light zone.
I can't imagine how poorer or less emotionally invested Muslims keep their libidos in check or manage to keep all wives happy, but then again to each his own, and in this I think there will be not much difference in society at all, excepting some very wide smiles on some weary faces. This has been a very meaningful discussion, I hope the government (or a future candidate in Brickfields) will take the points in this exchange into consideration to Emancipate the Libidos of non-Muslims in Malaysia. @muslim and all the other pious peoples, we walk separate paths but we can also always be friends and relegate our differences to the separate districts I propose. – Submitted by AgreeToDisagree on Tuesday, January 4th, 2011.
Its getting to be boring here when people turned this column into viva voce for phd examinations or academic, political and religious polemics. this is not the battle ground for semantics or pseudo intellectualism,…… come on…life is too short, lets enjoy a few mugs of toddy and visit brickfield with saravanan….(p/s dont forget to bring yr rm40 for service charge) – Submitted by GOUNDAMANI on Saturday, January 1st, 2011.
That's the spirit! Life's too short, but this is best enjoyed when legal. If you run for candidacy in Brickfields, do tell me where your campaign is! Or vice versa haha. Like bulls we will charge . . . come to think of it how about *Bullfighting* in Malaysia eh? Get some matadors over here from Spain! – Submitted by AgreeToDisagree on Tuesday, January 4th, 2011.
Your definition of free will has flaw and is going to lead to destruction of humanity, and most probably not god-given. Allah gave a better definition of free will, for both muslim and not, u and me, faithful or not, ALL MANKIND. He said we are given two path, one lead to wellbeing and the other to destruction/hell. It is about hereafter. Nonetheless, Islam won't force you to embrace/believe it and never lead to monoculture. But trust me, its teaching is proven historically. It's already been academically debated in numerous journals/books. So read quran which is easily available in webs and bookstore, to both muslim and not, u and me, EVERYONE. Then u may learn to give muslims the space, and not try to suggest to encroach our life. Islam doesn't force u to repent and read quran, it' just my advise as a preacher/da'e. Please also have respect to > 50% of pop here, to official religion. Your suggestion is disrespectful. -sedarlah di gmail titik com – Submitted by muslim on Wednesday, December 29th, 2010.
hi @muslim,
Well Allah's view on free will was relevant to the culture the Prophet came from, and indeed under those desert conditions without much technology, it very well could lead to destruction of humanity. Outside of that region and environment of course the situation would certainly be different that is why non-Muslims developed very different cultures being in different environments. Two path, one lead to wellbeing and the other to destruction/hell could be applicable to some, depending on the moderation in usage for what is considered haram to Muslims. Some people however do have their weaknesses and being non-Muslim are not bound to follow Hadiths as well.
Teaching may have been proven historically, but conditions are different, cultures are different. It's already been academically debated in numerous journals/books but always in the context of Arabian and Islamic culture and not the rest of the world. That is why it may not apply to everyone everywhere else.
@muslim said : Then I may learn to give muslims the space, and not try to suggest to encroach our life. Well in every instance I have advocated keeping anything haram away from Muslims and in consideration of naturalised migrants, evven as some Malays have gone to any foreign country still practice their faith., Also that Islam itself was imported from the Middle East and subsumed Nusantaran Animism, what I suggest will not encroach on Muslims at all because only non-Muslims wil have access?
@muslim said : Islam doesn't force u to repent and read quran, it' just my advise as a preacher/da'e.
Thank you for keeping me informed on this choice which is also your duty. Proselytizing is best done on invitation though. Please also have respect to > 50% of pop here, to official religion.
The mention of population percentage defeats the principle of free will for those who are not Muslims, especially if they do not intend to encroach and have taken all reasonable measures to keep the 2 differing and incompatible worlds separate. To keep everything separate and disallowing Muslims into the 'Haram' Zones should be enough. It will in no way encroach and as the lands of the world belongs to all men after all, it would be wrong to deprive any entertainments deemed haram to non-Muslims who are not bound by the Hadiths correct?
@muslim said : Your suggestion is disrespectful. -sedarlah di gmail titik com
There was none intended, and the point was to access anything considered Haram in a manner away from Muslims. To have access to what non-Muslim cultures consider as just another facet of the diversity of life is a Human Right of any who are not Muslim. This exercise of this right should not be considered disrespectful especially if care is taken to keep such things away from Muslims. Please do not say non-Muslims are disrespectful when they exercise their rights of God given free will, also do not resent them if their actions are Haram or different from as the Quran advises. They have nothing against Islam and are not bound by Hadiths as they are not Muslims. I also resent the disrespect implied in calling me disrespectful. PC is so lacking in some faiths and cultures.
Think of my suggestion as a very large private home with internal roads (much like Genting or even those little 4D shops or places of worship where much runs counter to Islamic practice. Privacy of an owner is respected in Islam, what the non-Muslim people do in their home is their business.
We walk a different path and bear you no hatred and pay no heed to any differences and preference that neither should impose, in the interest of neutral shared Earth, and God given free will, do bear us no hatred too as we carry on separate lives. I think that you know that disrespect is not my intention, so try to reconcile the differences between choice of lifestyles if you can and don't bother about how differently we feel about the world, we can't understand how to live such a strict life either and thanks for thoughtful reply, best wishes on your seeking of closeness to Allah too.
Malaymail, I posted this comment but did it see it posting, so here it is again, just in case it somehow did not appear or was removed by another less open minded moderator for whatever reason. – Submitted by AgreeToDisagree on Thursday, December 30th, 2010.
I was a little bit concerned too about the perception and particular remark to your earlier post. Well, thanks for taking the time to fill in this extention. About Censorship of POSTs, it exist and Big Brother is watching irrespective of Editorial bias. They know where you are the moment you log in to this site. This information is easily available thru etc etc including coercion of Malay Mail. So, be aware. – Submitted by Anonymous on Friday, December 31st, 2010.
@Anon (aka Malaymail?) Thank you for giving a clear picture on this and I empathise with the immense pressure you must feel though the conversations we are posting here are badly needed for cross civilisational understanding. All parties could gather that these same issues could very well be brought up in Parliament some time too, not out of personal immorality but as an exercise of democratic principles that really must not be seen as an incursion on our more spartan and serious god seeking fellow citizens.
Those recent raids on 31st are quite inconsiderate. Where are all the bachelor(ettes)s, ex-pats and foreign workers going to get some New Year's 'fun'?
The sense of entitlement to what 'God/Allah' has given the religious among us, needs to be tempered with recognition that 'God/Allah' has also given the supposedly faithless or those of different faith – free will. Man is no angel and should not be required to live as an angel – this is Earth, not Heaven. Those who have decided to follow any Prophet or other faith system, also have the choice to do so follow of course, but that does not mean others have to follow either. Perhaps use of religion an attempt to oppress even as APARTHEID itself is used to drive naturalised citizens of different ethnicity? That is in fact 'Kiasu' and 'Kiabo' Singapore type behaviour. This preacher of course may have had little time or need to consider the wider context of application of religion, he does sound like hes from a different world, which does also contribute to diversity, but has forgotten about the non-Muslims and their right to free will! I hope he likes the continuation of my post below.
@muslim,
. . . and most probably not god-given . . . very human and not of god for certain yes. But human beings are not angels and could never live as angels. While Muslims would try to be angels, the Quran also acknowledges the rights of non-Muslims to non-Muslim expressions like alcohol or pork or gambling. This enclosed system is much like an alcohol pub or food outlet selling pork or a hotel that caters to non-Muslim couples, an zone dedicated adult services industry would hardly be felt by Muslims at all. This would be the best way to prevent strife between differing expressions and of course assimilate Singapore via my 13 point plan as well. It is not about sequestration of land or wealth per se, but the principle of free will and democracy as applicable across the world and the desire for inclusion of Muslims in diverse societies.
I hope @muslim will consider it as ensuring free will of mankind rather than anything else. Punishment as mentioned would be by God and not by Man. Abiding by the Hadiths are the responsibilities of Muslims and Angels, not non-Muslims much less non-Muslims not of Islamic faith.
Pleasure is a human right after all, so look out for an outspoken candidate on the legality of adult industry for international zones issue, I think City Hall has just killed a large voting bloc that should pave the way for an independent candidate if the open minded among voters would consider a Little Haadyai for Emancipation of the Libido, and who knows, even a Little Netherlands for Organics – but only for non-Muslims though! Make space for everyone! – Submitted by AgreeToDisagree on Friday, December 31st, 2010.
soon Brickfields will turn into Bang Cock.. – Submitted by Rayan Ka Goling on Wednesday, December 29th, 2010.
No! No! No!…its Bang Syok…..Bricfield will one day possibly become National STD centre, National HIV centre – Submitted by GOUNDAMANI on Thursday, December 30th, 2010.
I think the proposed solution of sending all the pimps and the prostitutes to Pulau B*** etc is ticklish and short-sighted besides being easier said than done . It is like saying the same things about drug traffickers and drug addicts, just banish them to an isolated island, solve the problem. How simplistic a thought. I agree to some extent with AgreeToDisagree. Everyone has a space in this planet and so long as society can work out ways to accommodate and regulate them so that no great social upheavals could develop, it is not too bad. There are certain men who visit prostitutes and these are people who suffer certain personality disorders like wanting to control, laden with emotional rage or having an abnormal urge due to their hormonal imbalance. It's like an addiction. Just try telling a drug addict that God is angry whenever he takes drug, it's like asking a hardcore smoker to stop smoking! So you want all these people to be banished? Have treatment,counselling,courses,seminars by all means but simply banishing people without proper legal recourse is going the path of an uncivilised society. For the high and mighty among us, do pray that you do not develop a growth in your brain making you a sex-addict or an uncontrollable social misfit to be trampled, despised and punished by "normal" members of your society. – Submitted by anonymous on Wednesday, December 29th, 2010.
agree to disagree,thanks for your long long seedless comments. suggest you play golf with one HOLE,you can feel the different. – Submitted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 29th, 2010.
"Wish Unto Others As You Do Others Wish Unto You." – Submitted by AgreeToDisagree on Wednesday, December 29th, 2010.
willing buyer & willing seller………vice versa. enforcement is important,also public info to the relevant authority….. – Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 28th, 2010.
Prostitution, especially male is well known among the muslim countries. Simply, using religion to claim prostitution is not very intelligent argument. NO religion allows or condones Prostitution, yet it flourishes among the most conservative religioous societies. The bottom line is prostitution flourishes where there is poverty. Eradicate poverty and support more enlightened societal roles, prostitution with be challenged when there is less human suffering and misery and degradation of women. Respect the women as equal partners, then there is less chance of prostitution taking hold. Exploitation of men and women should be outlawed, and gangs attacked with laws in place to challenge them daily and reduce opportunities for soliciting along the streets and roads. In otherwords effective policing by both the community and police and samaritarians,should uplift the society morals and will to ensure the good prevails. Reading religion on its own will only produce a group of religious bigots who will be bent on creating intolerance in the society. – Submitted by EthnicMalaysian on Tuesday, December 28th, 2010.
how to stop people from screwing? it is like bolt and nut, let them be. no religion allowed prostitution. thats why adam was kicked out from heaven because of 'forbidden food'. sometimes 'haram food' taste better from 'halal food'. those who go there are adult not a child. even muslim men with more than 1 wife go there. you know why? that 'thing' if you look carefully is ugly but the temptation is unbearable. let them be, let it be. – Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 28th, 2010.
'Agreetodisagree', we muslims live in obedience of the holy book quran which condemns such vice activities, against allowing it to continue happening. Your religion/faith/believe may allow you to let such practice without control but Allah knows best that those thing will disintegrate humankind, society and family values and men himself. Your theory is therefore absurd. So repent and read islam. – Submitted by muslim on Tuesday, December 28th, 2010.
Because the world, lands wealth and right to exist and express oneself, belongs to ALL MANKIND : Have absolute respect for the diversity of mankind and that can only be shown by ensuring space for EVERYONE and ALL EXPRESSIONS. Some people like halal diets and strict families in strict societies that forbid abortion and prophylactics so they have a right to spaces where lifestyles reflect their preferences. Conversely, some people like pork, alcohol and sex or even euthanasia and abortion or contraceptives, so they also have a right to demand spaces where what they prefer can be accessed as well.
So as free will is God given (and punishments for 'personal sins' certainly require an element of conscientious 'non-proliferation' especially to protect religious sensitivities), no man may forcibly impose their preferred lifestyle upon any other human being if their culture or faith or lifestyle is different, especially by force of arms or threat of jail terms and sentences which in fact oppress self determinism.
This can be as simple as placing a wall or enclosed area (google – Boy's Town, Nuevo Laredo for an idea) so that Muslims will not have cause for concern and expand the size on when necessary. Even post religious police at entrances or exits to make sure that no Muslims enter properly zoned Red Light Districts. From what I know, Islam applies to Muslims only and not non-Muslims, so any non-Muslims are free to live their own lifestyle. Of course to be principled in approach as regards to God given free will, care should be taken by both different lifestyle sides, to not encroach or sequester unnecessarily space for others to live their preferred lifestyles as well.
Well about repenting and reading Islam, it is rather invasive and disrespectful to challenge free will given by God, so do know that to proselytize to those of other faiths that are non-Muslim, no faiths, or lifestyle preferences, will only result in resentment and monoculture. Monoculture while convenient for the lazy minded and/or insular, creates and attenuates cultural diversity and in the comparative context of the natural bio-diversity, is necessary for social ecology to thrive with the most popular of diverse forms being the most populous. Let the your fellow human choose their own preferred lifestyle.
A real Muslim is one who joins Islam by choice, not out of social pressure, economic benefits, inculpation in childhood or simple cultural aggression or being weak willed or im[poverished that they cannot resist domination by another who willingly and in an unprincipled manner takes advantage of such weaknesses (being young and unable to form an opinion is a weakness if any) to proselytize and convert. It does not count unless that person is fully conscious and does not fall into any of the above criteria for conversion. To ensure world peace, no person should feel a greater sense of entitlement by being of a certain faith denomination, even non-faith, or wish to impose their values or faith on any other, for the very essence of the flaws as mentioned in previous paragraph in any conversion would render the convert a false convert, in this case a false Muslim.
As for eating of haram foods like alcohol and pork, or haram trade like adult industry, banking and usury, these are personal sins of Muslims and not even applicable to non-Muslims. All such acts not of the nature or intent of war against any faith and done in isolation without any link to Islam should be permitted to other faiths.
If there will be punishment in the afterlife for any actions, then to punish in this life would be 'Spiritual Subjudice', even more so against non-Muslims. Do not take upon yourself what is tasked to the devils tasked to punishment of sinners or you will bring hell to Earth.
As for "The solution is to get rid of pimps and prostitutes by sending them to Pulau Babi or to an isolated island with 24 hours security." may the one who suggested this take a course on Democracy 101, Civilisation 101 or Ethics 101. This suggestion promotes rule of mob, force of arms or a violence based solution not considering the rights of fellow equals. What is wrong with you?
As for @EthnicMalaysia's economic based view, that too is inaccurate. It is a matter as much of economics as activism on Sex Positivity, or in some cases persons with exceptional libidos that do feel the need to enter the trade at any level to both indulge themselves and or service those with no immediate access or inability to commit resources (emotional or financial) to marriage. It's not all materialism based, and to that materialism issue, again all citizens could NOT allow Prostitution to consume society organically. How? By paying any sex worker for an unskilled service with no real innate value, no more than what a fully trained and 60-200K invested degree holder might get. Most degree holders themselves do retire slightly into the upper middle (200-500K asset) or lower upper wealth (500K-1.5M) stature at most. Should a sex worker get the same to even begin with? An insult to the truly productive people of a nation and those who got into debt taking study loans, studied so hard and paid so much for their degrees, struggled to office everyday! Of course it is also arguable that education at tertiary level should be free as well, but that will be discussed again if our MPs can rubberstamp it into reality which would truly cut out all those who are merely interested in the financial aspect of adult industry than Sex Positivity activism or emancipation of libidos per se.
To ensure society remains productive, all a sex worker deserves is a comfortable and modest retirement, so pay accordingly (i.e. no more than 1/3rd of a blue collar shift worker's salary), otherwise society will collapse with everyone becoming sex workers out of sheer greed. That way, only those particularly inclined (i.e. libidos or suitable background – tell the next VIP's daughter putting out at the club or looking to be a mistress to take a hike or get married simply cos you respect the VIP and society's stability) to that sort of thing will join and thus maintain the integrity of society. Socio-sexual ethics 101.
So think in terms of Multifaith-Multiracial conditions, if a Muslim and non-Muslim were the last persons on the world, could either honestly force another or berate another into joining or leaving a religion? Hence free will which humans have as opposed to angels who do not. We who are non-Muslim have rights to out own space and expression, even as Muslims have a right to their own practices which run counter to non-Muslims. By these facts, all it takes is awareness of social structure, and a simple wall and proper buffers or sensible zoning to end all strife and allow all expressions. Unlike some people, please take consideration in my posts so that oppression does not occur and common sense prevails.
A compilation of a study of sorts from various articles could be available in print sometime, maybe discussed and edited by reasoned and esteemed proponents as Datuk Khaw Boon Pin or Dr Choong Sim Poey (if they are so inclined to participate) as well. Any others are also invited to give viewpoints on this "Socio-Sexual Ethics Study" if interested. And yet lets all understand that Hudud for consenting Muslims also represent diversity as well and is something I will certainly promote as well! Live and let live. There really is space for all on this planet. – Submitted by AgreetoDisagree on Tuesday, December 28th, 2010.
i think this posting by Agreeto disagree is stupid and nonsensical. The solution (instead) is to get rid of pimps and prostitutes by sending them to Pulau Babi or to an isolated island with 24 hours security. Here they all will have to undergo a 3 year Moral course to teach them how to behave and to do good to society. Later they will have to work in legally jobs and pay back the cost to the government for the lessons they learnt while in the isolated island. This will make others- pimps and prostitutes to stopr this stupid oldest trade in the world. Also foreign prostitutes should be jailed for a year. Then deportation. It will be a lesson to others not to indulge in such trade. Those pimps will have to be put behind bars and go for mandatory 3 years Moral course. As for those who patronised prostitutes, they too will have to pay for the course for a 6 months period. In this way in 5 years time the question of pimp or prostitutes will be a thing of the past. Law enforcement must be clean of corruption in order for this methodology to work. – Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 28th, 2010.
There is some merit to AgreeToDisagree's point of view. It may also reduce unwanted and abandoned newborns. Maybe we should study how, again, Singapore addressed the issue. It was trial and error then. When all the illegal activities were clamped down, rape and indecent assault cases propped up. Un-planned pregnancies too. No kidding. – Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 28th, 2010.
This is such an emasculated country. Won't let you hire partners to play with the fleshy guns that nature gave you, and no 2nd Amendment Rights for metallic weapon guns either. Fireworks are also illegal. No popping at all. Just lots of political 'pooping'. Oppressive. Meanwhile REAL men are having fun all-ways, and always, in Europe or parts of Asia and in the Middle East little kids carry AKs and Stingers or mounted weapons on their cars like warriors. Try a simple rifle based Safari for domesticated food animals and instant barbecue maybe?
These are Human Rights (so long as people don't kill each other, if a kid can tell the difference, adults with everything to lose sure as hell should not be disallowed . . . ), so please legislate appropriately rather than oppress. Any legal panel read to take up these challenging issues? Start with the RLD and organic psychedelics ones first . . . that I believe is very close to 50% of the population (the male 50%) and voters at least . . .
Hard times drive local women to vice Monday, January 30, 2012 – 22:22 by Aizat Sharif
FROM DESTITUTION TO PROSTITUTION – Mohd Bakri Zinin revealed figures showing an increase in the number of local women busted for vice last year. Pic: Arif Kartono
KUALA LUMPUR: Financial difficulties and the lure of easy money. These are the top two reasons why Malaysian women are turning to prostitution.
Police yesterday revealed figures which showed an increase in the number of local women busted for providing sexual services to customers last year. Federal Criminal Investigations Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin said the trend is worrying and advised women not to be easily duped into such activities.
"Last year, a total of 1,801 local women were picked up for prostitution. This is 741 women more than 1,060 local women nabbed in 2010," He said out of the figure, more Malays were nabbed for vice, from 213 in 2010 to 377 last year compared to Chinese (from 333 to 420) and Indians (from 84 to 151). Checks by the Anti-Vice, Gaming and Secret Society Division showed most of the local prostitutes came from poor and broken families. "Financial hardship was believed to have forced them into participating in the illegal activity.
"There are those, especially the younger ones, who can't resist the lucrative pay promised by these syndicates. Some were taken in by peer pressure after seeing their friends living luxuriously, driving flashy cars and staying in luxury houses. "At the same time, there are also those who claimed to have been abandoned by their partners. Without any steady income and support, they turn to prostitution in order to feed their children, pay off debts and to survive living in the city," he said.
Meanwhile, on foreign prostitution activities, Mohd Bakri said China nationals were the most number of people caught last year, totalling 5,922, followed by those from Vietnam (2,169), Thailand (1,492), Indonesia (1,208), the Philippines (750), Myanmar (112), India (67), Cambodia (36), Bangladesh (34), Laos (14), Uzbekistan (12), Nigeria (eight), Uganda (four), and Austria and Taiwan (one each).
"There is a slight drop of arrest involving foreign prostitutes last year from 11, 919 in 2010 to 11,832 last year," he said, adding that police would not compromise in combating vice activities, human trafficking and gambling, and would continue to conduct raids and arrests from time to time
Non-Muslim prostitutes have the right to sex work. And Muslims are rightfully forbidden from visiting these non-Muslim prostitutes as well as non-Muslims may be fined and punished for entertaining Muslims. The law needs to be changed to reflect this and to be fair to the non-Muslim citizens who do visit brothels or sex workers when they need to.
" . . . after seeing their friends living luxuriously, driving flashy cars and staying in luxury houses . . . "
The above types are the blood diamonds of the lot, no ethical John would want to use their services. It is best that the greedy or the financially compromised or the coerced among prostitutes should not be patronized. It is not too difficult to get a sense of who is viable based on this criteria. Broken family types who turn to pleasure and giving joy since they were so miserable are the only ethical choice – there is empathy between those who have a surfeit of companionship and those from the appropriate background and inclination. Those who do so out of an elektra complex or incenst or abused and ran away are being taken advantage of and should be counselled instead.
The worst of course are those who do it despite being wealthy. Greedy! Though insecure is not as bad. Too wealthy to be a prostitute – there is such a thing as reverse economic snobbery that the poor can very well apply! The irony. These trolls, being vastly wealthier than the customers in some cases (the most off putting thing ever is a prostitute driving a luxury car, or a prostitute that drives at all! Mistresses though, I have no comment, though legalize polygamous marriages for non-Muslims, Mistresses exist because there is no requirement for VVIPs to commit – at least allow them the option though do not enforce, not Muslims in either case so use civil laws . . . ), makes sex with these characters a losing proposition for the customers, spirit wise that is.
There is a very fine balance to who can and cannot, in too many cases most are too far manipulated, or simply too victimised. In general though many others settle down after they get married, so the issue is not as serious excepting that the law offers no protection and the prostitutes have no recognized trade union and too many are overcome with greed and destroy the men who patronise them by being too expensive.
Hemp is bursting out all over! Friday, 08 July 2011 02:04 Acharya S Contributing Writers – Acharya S
In a world where bad news floods us, it's just so great to see all the positive moves toward hemp legalization and cultivation, not only in the United States but also in various other places globally. Many countries, such as Hungary, France and Canada, have been years ahead of the U.S. in sensibly recognizing the value in growing the hemp plant for a wide variety of purposes, from fiber to oil to seed. Before I continue, however, I must make the usual disclaimer that by hemp, which comes from the cannabis genus but which contains insignificant amounts of the psychoactive chemical THC, I am not referring here to medical marijuana, which itself has merits on its own.
In any event, along with the burgeoning medical marijuana industry, the cultivation of hemp as a major resource and economy saver is likewise receiving a great deal of positive attention nationally, and it appears that the state of California is just a hair's breadth away from passing the Industrial Hemp Farming Act or SB 676, introduced by Senator Mark Leno in February.
As a one-time denizen of Southern California who worked passionately as a hemp activist for a number of years, including faxing hemp information sheets to numerous law offices in the area, among other activities, I am delighted to see industrial hemp blooming into a potentially rich future harvest.
In 1994, I stood up at a Jerry-Brown-for-President press conference in Los Angeles and asked Brown – who was standing just a few feet away – whether or not it was time to look hemp as a means to solve many of the world's resource problems. I'm told there's a video of the exchange somewhere on Youtube.
Brown is now the governor of California, and I'd like to hope I planted a little hempseed, especially since he's previously made unsupportive statements about the subject.
Go, California! Hemp could TRULY help revitalize the economy. Are you listening, Governor Brown? (And Feds?)
"Support for hemp farming and manufacturing in California has been very strong."
Thanks also to the incomparable Jack Herer, RIP, whom I met a number of times and who inspired me to raise the issue with Jerry Brown.
SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Introduced by Senator Mark Leno earlier this year, SB 676, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act is moving quickly through the California Legislature. SB 676 would create an 8-year pilot program to allow industrial hemp farming in five California counties, Kern, Kings, Imperial, San Joaquin and Yolo. Passing through the Assembly Committee on Agriculture last week with a 6-0 vote, leading hemp advocacy organization, Vote Hemp, expects the bill to reach the Governor's desk this September.
The bill has the endorsement of the UFCW, the Imperial County Farm Bureau, California Certified Organic Growers and other leading farming organizations. Dan Rush, UFCW 5 Statewide Special Operations Director, stated, "UFCW enthusiastically supports SB 676 because we see it as a jobs and revenue generator at a time when they are sorely needed in California."…
"Support for hemp farming and manufacturing in California has been very strong. It is passing through committee after committee with a positive reception. We expect this bill to be on its way to the Governor's desk by early September. Governor Brown will then have 30 days to act on the bill," explains Patrick Goggin, California Legal Counsel for Vote Hemp.
The bill clarifies that industrial hemp is separate and distinct from forms of Cannabis used to produce marijuana and if passed will allow commercial farming of industrial hemp in five counties (Imperial, Kern, Kings, San Joaquin and Yolo) under an 8-year pilot program. Industrial hemp was grown in California up until shortly after World War II. Industrial hemp is the non-psychoactive, low-THC, oilseed and fiber varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp has absolutely no value as a recreational drug….
A variety of products made from industrial hemp including healthy food and natural body care products as well as eco-friendly clothing are made in California. "There are over 50 member businesses of the Hemp Industries Association (HIA) that make or sell hemp products in the state of California alone that could benefit from an in-state source of hemp seed, fiber and oil," says Eric Steenstra, Executive Director of the HIA. "Because of outdated federal and state policies these businesses are forced to import millions of dollars of industrial hemp from Canada, China and Europe." Companies that manufacture or sell products made with hemp include Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, a California company that manufactures the number-one-selling natural soap in the U.S. as well as best-selling hemp food manufacturers, such as French Meadow Bakery, Living Harvest, Manitoba Harvest, Nature's Path, Nutiva and Sequel Naturals who make their products from hemp grown in Canada. Major companies such as Ford Motors, Patagonia and The Body Shop also use sustainable hemp seed, fiber and oil.
"Dr. Bronner's currently purchases twenty tons of hemp oil each year from Canada. We look forward to the day that we can meet our supply needs from hemp produced right here in our home state," says David Bronner, President of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps of Escondido.
On May 11th, Rep. Ron Paul introduced The Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011 (H.R. 1831) in Congress along with 22 co-sponsors including 6 Representatives from California (Farr, McClintock, Miller, Rohrabacher, Stark, Woolsey). If passed, H.R. 1831 will remove federal restrictions on the cultivation of industrial hemp.
To date, 17 states have passed pro-hemp laws or resolutions, including the California Assembly in 1999 when it passed a resolution declaring that "the Legislature should consider action to revise the legal status of industrial hemp to allow for its growth in California as an agricultural and industrial crop…
The Hemp Industries Association (HIA) represents the interests of the hemp industry and encourages the research and development of new hemp products. Vote Hemp is a national, single-issue, non-profit organization dedicated to the acceptance of and a free market for low-THC industrial hemp and to changes in current law to allow U.S. farmers to once again grow this agricultural crop. More information about hemp legislation and the crop's many uses may be found at http://www.VoteHemp.com and http://www.TheHIA.org.
SOURCE Vote Hemp
Apart from licensing organic drugs manufacturing businesses for hemp or other organic psychedelics, it is best to not allow monopolies to occur via :
1) Allow growing for own use up to 1000 sq ft per person
2) Controlling Prices (make sales per ounce limited to USD$3)
3) Allowing Storage for own use (3 cubic metres max?)
Legalise red light districts so that spillover into Muslim parts of town will not occur. At the same time, adult service business operators should not traffick people (though snakeheading the consensual is an entirely different matter), otherwise crackdowns will be difficult to defend while attempts to legalise and properly zone red light areas will also be affected.
Non-Muslim services from haram food processing, to alcohol to gambling to adult industry should not be affected by Ramadan. Consider a dedicated Nudist Beach or Park or City area if you are up to it. Religion has no injunctions against those who are not members of the faith.
I don't think during the Prophet's PBUH time any such commandment was made against non-Muslim 'Quarters' of town. Maybe some lesser personages did this before, but one should follow the Prophet not less personages. After all who did Malaikat Jibril visit and talk to. The Prophet or some clergy born generations later?
It's not the job of anyone to prohibit or punish, Allah did not give anyone the right to punish non-Muslims, even Muslims, for personal sins at least (which in fact include drinking alcohol or eating pork or visiting adult industry venues btw), though later in the afterlife will the offenders be punished.
The Hon. (YB) Chor Chee Heung and the Hon. (YB) Goh Leong San, (also Datuk Khaw Boon Pin or Dato Dr Choong Sim Poey patrons of Penang Heritage Trust) are the 'alpha male' parallels of Bung Mokhtar, Ibrahim Ali (pity he's still racist) and other Obedient Wives Club members (the above mentioned 4 should be made honorary members of the OWC if not form a non-Muslim branch of the same). Men with emancipated minds need places and organisations to match their emancipated . . . well you get the idea, though some might not necessarily indulge though they advocate FREEDOM to live as Voltaire does.
With some effort, polygamy could be extended to the minorities in Malaysia too, and hopefully by efforts of MPs and would-be MPs not yet on the scene legalized Adult Services Industries as well as gambling licenses for non-4D based outlets as well. The issue is zoning and price control so that patrons will not be impoverished should they be inclined to over-indulge.
Luminaries among intelligensia and self determinism who do advocate appropriate spaces for all expressions of humanity, Sir Ahmed Salman Rushdie and the Venerable Sardar Khushwant Singh, could be invited to advise, though once again to remind, all of the above are only relevant to non-Muslims and in urgent need of implementation wherever Dhimmitization or extreme Islam oppress non-Muslims.


I was thinking yesterday about the mother daughter relationship and how interesting it is. I know with my mom it evolved from provider, to enemy (those fun teenage years), to friend and I'm sure that is the case for many mother daughter relationships. But through all of those changes the lessons remain. I still learned things that shape me today that I will try and instill in my daughter.
Everyone needs a friend, you never want to be the mean girl.
It's so much better to have many friends than only one at a time.
Lying is much more hurtful than disobedience.
Only marry a man that you can't spend one day without.
Reading is one of life's greatest joys.
Beware of men who drive trucks, the back of them are called beds.
You don't have to know the correct lyrics to a song to enjoy it.
A thigh master is not an appropriate Christmas gift.
It's okay to expect big things, you don't have to settle.
It is never appropriate to throw a fit in public.
Southern women are a cut above.
High school is not the end all be all in life.
You can never get in trouble for doing your best, even if it's not an A.
You can never go wrong with good table manners.
Life isn't always fair, but God is always good.
Thanks for all of these lessons and more. They all mean so much more now that I'm charged with teaching them to these doodles!
* Note my mother's day present, a new chair!


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It is not true that septic tank pumping is only necessary when the septic system is viewing indications that it has been clogged of dysfunctional already. Some people wait for the signs like foul smelling from the septic system, or the bathroom is backing up neither the drainage field. However, this misconception is not acceptable since septic plumbing schedule should be regular. It must be done every 2-3 years even there is no obvious indications of leakage or damage.
Why is consistent septic tank pumping necessary? Well, it is very important to maintain the effective functioning of the tank. It eliminates the occurrence of serious problems related to the tank which is a bit expensive especially when there is a need for system replacement.
Septic tank pumping could be well performed by licensed and reliable septic services company. Thus, you need to give them a call to assist you in inspecting your septic system and eventually perform the septic pumping. This action is a great way of saving your time, money, and even hassle. It's a lot better to prevent existence of problems, than solve it when it already occurred. It will cause you so much trouble and you will need to disburse money, and may at times exceeds your budget.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013 at 1:42 pm	and is filed under Septic System, Septic System Maintenance, Septic Tank Inspections, Septic Tank Pumping, Septic Tanks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


← THE OBAMA INHERITANCE wins 2018 Anthony Award for Best Anthology!!
If you think Artificial Intelligence will mark the end of humanity then think again.
Look at the world around you. Where is the intelligence? Where? Lying is the norm. Incompetence is rampant. Information is soiled with whatever spin is footing the bill.
Time to concentrate on exposing the ignorance. Lay it right out there for the whole world to see. The Kool-Aid is your mind!!!!
This year we will be handling all submissions through Submittable.com — Please click the button below to submit your work.


text:
Karina Corradini
Mountain View Jazz Series
Shop Music
Full Length Bio
'Bridge To Infinity' is the recording debut of Karina Corradini, a very talented and versatile singer who is equally skilled at straight ahead jazz, ballads, boleros and Latin American classics. Her beautiful tone, powerful voice, highly appealing jazz phrasing, ability to scat at even the fastest tempos, and warmth when caressing ballads make her one of the most promising singers on the jazz and Latin jazz scenes today.
Karina Corradini was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in a neighborhood by the La Plata River, in San Isidro, one hour away from downtown Buenos Aires. She started out with conventional tastes in music, enjoying the Beatles and the Bee Gees before she discovered Brazilian music. "I started to pay attention to what was called 'Tropicalismo' and was crazy for Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and Gal Costa. A bit later I discovered my all-time favorite, Elis Regina. I also really liked Nat King Cole, with his sweet American accent as he sang Latino tunes. When I was 15 years old, I met a group of young musicians who introduced me to jazz through Pat Metheny. I also listened to Paco de Lucia, John McLaughlin, and Al DiMeola and was very much into Egberto Gismonti and Lyle Mays as well. But then, after discovering the duets of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, I realized that that was the music I wanted to sing, and if I only could sing a little like Ella, my purpose in life would be totally fulfilled."
She began singing professionally when she was 18, leading her own jazz sextet, 'Karina Corradini and the Summer Band,' which performed at the beach, bars and restaurants during the summer. When the summer season ended, she sang on Corrientes Avenue in Buenos Aires, including a twice a week engagement for two years that often ended up as a jam session with veteran musicians. Karina worked at many venues (including the Teatro Coliseo, Jazz Club de la Plaza, the Thelonious Bar and Clasica y Moderna), and also twice toured Southern Brazil with her group. By the time she decided to move to the United States in 1999, she was among the busiest jazz singers in Buenos Aires. Even now, when she returns to Argentina each year to visit family, she is always welcomed to perform at major jazz clubs.
"I moved to Los Angeles to learn Ella Fitzgerald's language, and to study music in the land of jazz." Karina attended Rhiannon's workshop three times, seminars by Sheila Jordan, Mark Murphy and Kevin Mahogany, and studied music at Los Angeles City College and art El Camino College. After performing with a rhythm and blues band for a year, she formed her own jazz group and has since performed at a countless number of clubs, restaurants, concerts and festivals, mostly in Southern California.
The story behind the release of 'Bridge To Infinity' includes a lot of highs and lows for the singer. The first high, no doubt, was "One of the first people who I mentioned my idea to was my dear friend Christian McBride. He not only got excited for me but also wanted to be part of the project!" The great bassist—who would become the album's producer and main arranger—was not immediately available, so Karina recorded six songs on a demo with pianist Mahesh Balasooriya, bassist Rene Camacho and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith. She used the arrangements of Eric Bulling—who had been the writer for the Ella Fitzgerald album Ella Abraça Jobim. The results were so rewarding that those performances are also included on the CD. When Corradini and McBride finally got together in the studio with tenor and alto saxophonist Zane Musa, trumpeter Nolan Shaheed, pianist Mahesh Balasooriya, drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith, and percussionist Munyungo Jackson, the other nine songs were completed in just two days. "It felt like a big party and was fun all of the time. All of those musicians are incredibly talented. But just as important to me, all of them have warmth, are non-judgmental, have an open minded vibe, and have a great deal of humanity."
The wide-ranging program includes swinging standards ("You Turned The Tables On Me," "Until I Met You," and "Lover Come Back To Me"), boleros ("What A Difference A Day Makes" and "Tu Mi Delirio"), a tribute to Elis Regina ("Cai Dento"), bossa-novas ("Doralice" and "Voce E Eu"), and romantic ballads ("I Could Have Told You" and "If You Went Away"). Karina had one of her mentors, pianist Howlett "Smitty" Smith, guest on his original "When The Time Is Right," and guitarist Barry Zweig is on two numbers including the uptempo "I'm Gonna Lock My Heart And Throw Away The Key." Throughout the set, Karina's singing is both inventive and beautiful while Zane Musa's contributions consistently uplift the music.
Unforeseen developments and tragedies resulted in the release of 'Bridge To Infinity' being stalled until now. Karina caught a serious fungus, Systemic Candidiasis, that resulted in her being ill for three years until, through research and the help of a nutritionist, she cured herself. In 2015, her close friend Zane Musa died in an accident. And Karina later fell down a flight of stairs in Argentina, breaking a wrist and suffering from chronic pain syndrome for a year. Fortunately she is now fully recovered and quite active on the music scene.
"After all of that, 2018 is finally my year. I cannot believe that the project is finished and now everyone can hear it. I hope listeners really enjoy it. It is dedicated to the genius of Zane Musa." While Karina recorded a demo with the Tom Garvin Trio in 2001 (which made it possible for her to be hired for many jobs) and an unreleased CD in 2005 that included her good friend the late bassist Jorge Pasquali, 'Bridge To Infinity' is her first recording to be released to the general public. Finally listeners who live far beyond Southern California will get to appreciate her wonderful voice, musical talents and ability to make every song sound as if it was written for her.
Download bio in PDF Format
Medium Length Bio
Karina Corradini was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She began singing professionally at age 18, leading her own jazz sextet to perform at summer beach bars and restaurants. After that summer, she sang on Corrientes Avenue in Buenos Aires, including a twice a week engagement for two years that often included a jam session with veteran musicians. Karina worked various venues (including the Teatro Coliseo, Jazz Club de la Plaza, the Thelonious Bar and Clasica y Moderna) and twice toured Southern Brazil with her group.
At the time she moved to the United States in 1999, she was among the busiest jazz singers working in Buenos Aires. Even now, when she returns to Argentina each year to visit family, she is always welcomed to perform at major jazz clubs in Buenos Aires.
"I moved to Los Angeles to learn Ella Fitzgerald's language, and to study music in the land of jazz." Karina attended Rhiannon's workshop three times, seminars by Sheila Jordan, Mark Murphy and Kevin Mahogany, and studied music at Los Angeles City College and art at El Camino College. After performing with a rhythm and blues band for a year, she formed her own jazz group and has since performed at a countless number of clubs, restaurants, concerts and festivals, mostly in Southern California.
For making her first CD, 'Bridge To Infinity,' includes many highs and lows for the singer. The first high, no doubt, was "One of the first people who I mentioned my idea to was my dear friend Christian McBride. He not only got excited for me but also wanted to be part of the project!" In fact, the great bassist, would become the album's producer and main arranger.
However, with Christian's busy schedule, he was not immediately available. So Karina recorded six songs on a demo with pianist Mahesh Balasooriya, bassist Rene Camacho and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith. Using arrangements of Eric Bulling—who had been the writer for the Ella Fitzgerald album Ella Abraça Jobim—the results were so rewarding that those performances are also included on the CD. When Corradini and McBride finally got together in the studio with tenor and alto saxophonist Zane Musa, trumpeter Nolan Shaheed, pianist Mahesh Balasooriya, drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith, and percussionist Munyungo Jackson, the other nine songs were completed in only two days.
The wide-ranging program includes swinging standards, boleros, a tribute to Elis Regina, bossa-novas, and romantic ballads. Also included is one original from her mentor, pianist Howlett "Smitty" Smith. Karina's singing is both inventive and beautiful, while Zane Musa's contributions consistently uplift the music.
'Bridge To Infinity' is her first recording to be released to the general public. Finally listeners who live far beyond Southern California will have the chance to appreciate her wonderful voice, musical talents and ability to make every song sound as if it was written for her.
Karina Corradini was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She began singing professionally when she was 18, leading her own jazz sextet, she also twice toured Southern Brazil with her group. By the time she decided to move to the United States in 1999, she was among the busiest jazz singers in Buenos Aires. Karina took lessons and attended seminars with some of the biggest vocal jazz masters in the world, and also studied music at Los Angeles City College. She performed with her own group at a countless number of clubs, and festivals, mostly in Southern California.
For the making of 'Bridge To Infinity,Tribute to Zane Musa', Karina teamed up with great bassist Christian McBride, who is the album's producer and main arranger. The wide-ranging program includes swinging standards, boleros, a tribute to Elis Regina, bossa-novas, and romantic ballads.
(click each photo to download a high resolution file or click here to download all the high resolution photos in a zip file.)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl