CHRONIXX AND TESSANNE CHIN LEAD IRAWMA NOMINATIONS

Tessanne Chin (left) and Chronixx.
tessanne-chin-chronixxFLORIDA, United States, 
Friday, September 12, 2014 – Internationally acclaimed Jamaican recording artistes Chronixx and Tessanne Chin will vie with each other, Sean Paul, Jimmy Cliff and Soja for the Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year at the upcoming International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), to be staged at the Coral Spring Center for the Arts in Florida on Saturday October 4.
Reggae sensation Chronixx copped three other IRAWMA nominations in the shape of Male Vocalist of the Year, Best Song for “Smile Jamaica” and Best Music Video for “Here Comes Trouble,” making him the man to match at this year’s edition of the annual awards.
Meanwhile, Tessanne Chin, who has been riding a wave of popularity since winning season five of American talent show The Voice, bagged a second nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year.
Earning three nods each were crossover stars, Sean Paul and Shaggy, with Paul’s nomination for Entertainer of the Year joined by nods for Best Caribbean Entertainer and Best Crossover Song (alongside Arash), while Shaggy is in the running for Best Song (“Fight This Feeling” alongside Beres Hammond), Best Album (“Out of Many One Music”) and Best Male Disc Jockey/Rapper.
Also picking up three nods each were former Alliance teammates Mavado and Busy Signal, with both vying for the Best Crossover Song with “Give It All To Me” (featuring Nicki Minaj) and “Bumaye” (alongside Major Lazer) respectively, as well as Best Music Video with “Take It” (featuring Karian Sang) and “Bumaye” respectively.
Major Lazer also earned three nods, including Producer of the Year, while QQ, Jo Mersa Marley and Romain Virgo are among the nominees for Most Promising Entertainer. Newcomers Alkaline and Kranium fly the flag for Jamaica in the Best New Entertainer category along with Daniel Bambatta Marley. more

Mike Tyson Endorses Mayor Rob Ford, Cusses Out Canadian News Host On Live TV


Shortly after endorsing Toronto's crack-smoking mayor Rob Ford as the "greatest mayor in [the city's] history," Mike Tyson appeared on Canada's CP24 NewsWednesday, where he shared a few choice words with the program's host.
In response to host Nathan Downer questioning whether or not the retired boxer's endorsement would actually help Ford's political career, given Tyson's status as a "convicted rapist," Tyson initially remained calm, then let loose on live TV.
"I don't know who said that. You're the only one I heard say that ... and I don't have [any comment], because it's negative, and you're being negative, and I met the mayor," Tyson said with a shrug. "And there's nothing they can do about it."

'Funeral school' no more..... New Tarrant High uniforms brighten faces, community

 BY KIMMO MATTHEWS Observer staff reporter matthewsk@jamaicaobserver.com  Thursday, September 11, 2014  
 A shift from the dull black-and-white uniform at Tarrant High to a more vibrant combination of royal blue, yellow and white has lifted the spirits of the students at the St Andrew institution.
"I am really happy that the school made the decision to change the uniform," said 15-year-old Malika Collins. "It really makes me feel better."
01
A new Tarrant High School look
Students, especially girls, complained that in the past they were subjected to teasing by their peers from other schools because of the colour of their uniform — long, black pleated skirt, black belt, white blouse and a black tie for girls in the upper school; and black, pleated bottom tunic and white blouse for the juniors. The boys wore black trousers, white shirt and black tie.
"Many times they would call us the funeral school because of the uniform. Now all of that has changed," another student told the Jamaica Observer.
Now the black skirt and tunic have been replaced by royal blue with bright yellow belts in the case of the girls; the boys in the lower school wear full khaki uniforms and those in the upper school, khaki pants and white shirts. A bright, blue-and-yellow striped tie is now worn by senior students.
"Since the change in uniform people look at us differently. Students are equally excited and I am confident that it will bring about positive results at the school," said another student, Marvin Campbell.
Residents who live in the vicinity of the school also welcomed the change.
"Mi really proud to see the changes, the place start look like a school now," said Hazel Turner, noting that she disliked the old uniform. more

Bob Marley's "Legend" rises from #100 last week to #5 on Billboard top 200 album chart....The set sold over 41,000 units last week...The album was released in 1984

 BY KEVIN JACKSON Observer Writer  Thursday, September 11, 2014    
LEGEND — Bob Marley & the Wailers Greatest Hits album — has moved to number five on the Billboard 200 Album chart, a massive jump from 100 last week.
The set sold over 41,000 units last week thanks to a sale discount at US$0.99 by the online Google Play store. The digital album normally sells for US$8.
Along with British band Pink Floyd's Dark Side of The Moon, Legend is among the best-selling catalogue albums.
Three other Jamaican reggae acts have made
 the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 Album chart.
 They are Marley’s son Damian, Shaggy
and Sean Paul.
Released in 1984, three years after Marley's death, it contains classics such as No Woman No Cry, One Love, Redemption Song and Waiting In Vain.
Since Nielsen Soundscan began tracking album sales in 1991, Legend has sold 11.6 million copies in the United States.
Overall (including sales before the Soundscan era), the album has been certified multi-platinum for sales of over 15 million copies in the US.
Legend has been a steady seller over the years, but never reached the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 Album chart.
It reached number 54 on its release 30 years ago and peaked at number 18 in 2012.
According to Billboard, Legend sells between 3,000 to 5,000 copies weekly.
This is Marley's second time in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 Album chart. In 1976, Rastaman Vibration peaked at number eight.
Three other Jamaican reggae acts have made the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 Album chart. They are Marley's son Damian, Shaggy and Sean Paul.
Shaggy was the first since Marley in 1976, to score a Top 10 album. His 2000 effort Hot Shot for MCA Records climbed to number one. To date, he is the only Jamaican to have a number one album on the Billboard 200. more

Do you like curried goat? 3 PALAS related persons are in this Curried Goat special video recently released in JAMAICA in the Observer....Can you name them?

A wha de heck happen. Wow! Check it out. Dwl I'm crying! I thought this pastor was a faithful? Pls watch till the end

Rumours about 69-year-old Jolt Holt has been debunked by the artiste....“My health is fine. I’m eating, drinking, laughing,” said Holt,

BY CECELIA CAMPBELL-LIVINGSTON Observer reporter livingstonc@jamaicaobserver.com  Wednesday, September 10, 2014    
VETERAN singer John Holt is dismissing rumours that he is suffering from a life threatening illness. Speaking from his home in London, the 69-year-old artiste told the Jamaica Observer yesterday that he has heard several stories regarding his health.
John Holt
“My health is fine. I’m eating, drinking, laughing,” said Holt, whose many hits include Stick by Me and Only a Smile.
He admitted, however, that he will be absent from the stage for a while. “I may take a couple of weeks ... into months. I’ll be relaxing and chilling a little.
But I’ll be back,” he said. On the weekend, social media was abuzz with rumours that Holt had collapsed and died in London. “It seems somebody don’t like me in this world for that person to start that rumour,” he said. “It was heart-rending ... I couldn’t take it."
Holt is one of reggae's most influential singers. He had a remarkable career with the Paragons during the rocksteady era of the late-1960s.
His solo career is just as impressive. He recorded hits for producers Clement Dodd, Bunny Lee and Joseph Hoo Kim in the 1970s as well as the classic album 1000 Volts of Holt, a big seller in the United Kingdom.
He was awarded the Order of Distinction, Jamaica's fifth highest honour, in 2004.

NATION of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan will be attending Jamaica's 'Million Man March', to be held on October 19.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014    
NATION of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan will be attending Jamaica's 'Million Man March', to be held on October 19.
Details of Farrakhan's participation will be announced today at a press conference to be held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.
The Million Man March — the brainchild of Farrakhan — was first held in 1995 and was dubbed "one of the most historic organising and mobilising events in the history of Black people in the United States".
Jamaica will be hosting the event for the first time.
Farrakhan
In a press release yesterday, the Nation of Islam said its main objective is to see more than one million black men heed the call to declare their right to justice, as well as to atone for their failure to accept responsibility as heads of their families.
Formerly known as Louis X, Farrakhan was mentored by Malcolm X and was appointed national representative of the Nation of Islam by its long-time spiritual leader Elijah Muhammad.
Farrakhan was preceded by Warith Deen Mohammed as leader of the Nation Of Islam. He has made several visits to Jamaica over the years, including attendance at the funeral services of late former Prime Minister Michael Manley and former minister of national security Ambassador Dudley Thompson.

IN JAMAICA: Roger Clarke hailed as champion of poor, affable politician, fine human be ...PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller yesterday characterised the late Roger Clarke as one of Jamaica's favourite sons.

PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller yesterday characterised the late Roger Clarke as one of Jamaica's favourite sons.
"...We also recall with pride and gratitude the life of a most loyal and prolific warrior and champion for the poor, the underprivileged and the dispossessed in Jamaica," Simpson Miller told the House of Representatives as she kicked off a round of tributes to the former agriculture and fisheries minister at Gordon House, lasting more than two hours.
01
Tributes to Roger Clarke
She said that Clarke distinguished himself as an outstanding parliamentarian; a representative of the people, a minister of government par excellence, and, a one of a kind politician.
She said that Clarke brought his immense theoretical knowledge and unrivalled practical understanding of his professional field to the art of governance and his chosen vocation of representational politics.
Simpson Miller also recalled Clarke as a close colleague, who always believed in her, her abilities, and in "the sincerity of my mission to serve the people of Jamaica".
"He was a valiant, trusted ally in my personal crusade and professional cause to help the poor, the oppressed, and the disadvantaged. I share in a deep way the monumental sense of loss which is being felt by his loved ones, especially his dear wife, Sonia, and their children," the prime minister said.
She extended sincere condolence to Clarke's family, on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica and the People's National Party (PNP).
Enjoying the tributes
Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness also paid tribute to Clarke on behalf of himself and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
"He was the most affable politician I knew. Blessed with wit and an infectious sense of humour, he was able to make us laugh at ourselves," Holness said.
"He resonated with those with whom he came into contact as a sincere and service-driven individual; quite approachable and always prepared to engage persons who reached out to him for assistance in one way or another," Holness added. more

Video/photo shoot.....PALAS awards top students with J$3.6 million scholarship...Hon. Lisa Hanna & Patrick Campbell gave great speeches

Miss Lou lauded in word, song in observance of the 95th birthday of Jamaican folklorist Louise Bennett Coverley

BY RICHARD JOHNSON Observer senior reporter johnsonr@jamaicaobserver.com  Tuesday, September 09, 2014    
THE Corporate Area rain on Sunday put a damper on the celebrations in observance of the 95th birthday of Jamaican folklorist Louise Bennett Coverley, popularly known as Miss Lou.
However, the much-needed rain, could not stop the spirit in which the performers took to the stage to pay tribute to the late cultural icon.
The event dubbed An Evening With Miss Lou was aptly staged at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre in St Andrew.
Storyteller Amina Blackwood-Meeks (left) delivers her
 ‘duppy story’ at An Evening with Miss Lou at the
Louise Bennett Garden Theatre in St Andrew on Sunday.
 Deon Silvera (background right) acted as
 emcee for the evening. (PHOTO: KARL MCLARTY)
Lovers of local theatre and long-time friends of the Miss Lou came out to show support for the woman who helped popularise Jamaican culture, both local and overseas, through her writing and performances.
The event took on the theme of Ring Ding — the children's talent show which aired on the now-defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation Television between 1969 and 1980.
Stage actress Deon Silvera took on the role of Miss Lou and guided the evening's proceedings which seemed to have been contracted due to the intermittent showers.
Dressed in the signature bandana national costume, Silvera brought home Miss Lou's spirit and memories of the popular TV programme with her "clap them, clap them" at the end of each performance or tribute.
With an impressive backdrop of an old Jamaican house, Silvera sat in an old rocking chair surrounded by children.
Humorous recollections came from the likes of playwright and radio talk show host Barbara Gloudon, actress and broadcaster Fae Ellington and entertainment personality Weston Haughton. more

Hon. Lisa Hanna at PALAS 4th annual awards presentation at UWI-Mona in Jamaica.....PALAS Director, Jackie Brown makes presentation to Lisa Hanna. Please donate at www.PALAS1.org

Hon. Lisa Hanna and Jackie Brown
NOW in its fourth year, the Peace and Love Academic Scholarship (PALAS) Awards were presented at the Chemistry Lecture Theatre of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus on Saturday, August 23, 2014.
Seventy-two grateful students from secondary and tertiary institutions were presented with scholarship packages for the 2014/15 academic year. PALAS Director Patrick Campbell, now a successful attorney in the United States, told the awardees that he is a product of "Mountain View, below Jarrett Lane" and he made it....."I see myself in all of you...it's not where you came from, it's where you are going," he said. Campbell offered pointers for success to the students, advising them to make time for their studies and never to allow their circumstances to dictate their future.
Hon. Lisa Hanna and Rula Brown
"Don't let other people set your limit; be determined to do what you want to do. Set your goals and set them high. Emulate successful people, live with principles and integrity, give back to your community, appreciate all the best things in life," were his sage words.
His sentiments were echoed by the keynote speaker, Minister of Youth and Culture Lisa Hanna, who encouraged awardees to be "courageous, leaving nothing to chance". more at www.PALAS1.org

Prince William, The Duchess of Cambridge, Expecting 2nd Child.....The former Kate Middleton was being treated at Kensington Palace for severe morning sickness.

 AP Posted: 09/08/2014 5:32 am EDT
LONDON (AP) — The Duchess of Cambridge, wife of Prince William, is expecting her second child and being treated for severe morning sickness, royal officials said Monday.
WILLIAM AND KATE
This photo taken Wednesday, July 2, 2014, and released Monday, July 21, 2014, to mark
 Prince George's first birthday, shows Britain's Prince William and Kate Duchess of
 Cambridge and the Prince during a visit to the Sensational Butterflies exhibition
at the Natural History Museum, London.
 (AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool) | ASSOCIATED PRESS
The couple's Clarence House office said they and their families were "delighted" with the baby news. The former Kate Middleton was being treated at Kensington Palace for severe morning sickness, Clarence House said.
She was hospitalized for the same condition, hyperemesis gravidarum, during her first pregnancy with Prince George, who was born in July 2013. The illness means the 32-year-old duchess may need extra hydration, medication and nutrients.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said he was "delighted by the happy news that they're expecting another baby."
The new baby will become fourth in line to the throne, pushing Prince Harry to fifth. Toddler Prince George is third and likely to become Britain's monarch one day.

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Do you have US$139 million to spend? JAMAICAN, William P. D. Pierce sets real estate world abuzz with ‘highest priced’ listing on US market ....Pierce's father, Douglas was responsible for the building of the Cement Company of Jamaica complex in east Kingston

Monday, September 08, 2014 BY NOVIA MCDONALD-WHYTE AND PATRICK FOSTER     
AT US$139 million, Le Palais Royal is currently the most expensive property of its type listed for sale in the United States. And the 60,000-square-foot, French-inspired "Braux Arts masterpiece" is being presented by Jamaican William P D Pierce, of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Florida.
Alluring view of the Le Palais Royal
Pierce, who, after a casual conversation some time ago with US real estate tycoon Donald Trump, switched from selling motor cars to luxury homes - selling a whopping 19 condos in one day - listed the property last Thursday night and set the real estate world from Florida to Europe buzzing with excitement.
The son of Douglas and Dawn Pierce, and brother of attorney-at-law Nicole Pierce, William attributes his success to the application of all the teachings and discipline from his father.
Douglas Pierce, a civil engineer who owned Douglas Pierce Engineering and later Cornwall Agencies, was responsible for the building of the Cement Company of Jamaica complex in east Kingston, The Flour Mills Dry Dock, Sans Souci, and Bank of Jamaica building, to list a few. To the teachings and discipline of his father he adds "determination, perseverance and, most importantly, not letting the 'nos' in life take over and it will come, it will all come."
Inside view of the Le Palais Royal
His philosophy: "Success is the best revenge, for as many people that rise to help you, there are that many waiting for you to fall. When you get opportunities to achieve higher and create the unbelievable, well that sends a strong message to the ones who don't want you to succeed."
Pierce is recognised by his contemporaries as the No 1 individual Coldwell Banker sales associate in South Florida, and for always presenting amazing properties to the market. His biggest prize to date, Le Palais Roya,l sits on over four acres and 465 feet of beachfront at Millionaires Mile on Florida's Atlantic coast.
William Pierce
Le Palais Royal, inspired by a palace in France, boasts a 492-foot private dock that can accommodate a 185 foot mega yacht and an underground garage with parking for over 30 cars. Currently in the final phase of construction and slated for completion before the end of 2015, the price tag includes the finishing, the agents Coldwell Banker reported.
This royal palace also features a 4,500-square-foot infinity edge pool with a 12-foot cascading waterfall, double loop LED-lit waterslide, fire pit and swim-up bar for outdoor entertaining. more

US visa fees up, some down.... Friday It will cost more to give up American citizenship, will increase from US$450 to US$2,350....Fees for family-based immigrant visas, commonly known as "filings", will increase from US$230 to US$325.

Monday, September 08, 2014 Source Jamaica Observer   
EFFECTIVE Friday, fees for certain consular services, including visa applications and the renunciation of US citizenship, are being changed to reflect actual processing costs to US embassies and consulates worldwide.
The pending changes were announced in a release to the media by the US Embassy in Kingston.
Jamaican Passport
Fees for family-based and fiancé(e) immigrant visas will increase, while fees for employment-related immigrant visas will decrease. Fees for the Visitors' Visa (B1/B2) have not changed.
Fees for family-based immigrant visas, commonly known as "filings", will increase from US$230 to US$325. These include immigrant visa petitions filed by family members in the US, such as spouses, parents, adult children, and siblings. Fiancé(e) visas, known as "K" visas, will increase from US$240 to US$265. Employment-based immigrant visa petitions, however, will decrease from the current US$405 to US$345.
Additionally, the fee to renounce one's US citizenship will increase from US$450 to US$2,350.
"The new fee for renouncing US citizenship is a five-fold increase, and reflects the real, unsubsidised cost of providing this service. A renunciation is a serious decision, and consular staff must be certain that the person renouncing fully understands the consequences. Consular officers spend a substantial amount of time on each renunciation case. Further, before a renunciation is complete, the case must go to the State Department in Washington DC for review and a final decision. The former fee of US$450 represented less than a quarter of the department's processing costs. The new fee now reflects the service's full costs," said the embassy.
Fees have also decreased for out-of-office consular services, such as depositions, from US$231 an hour to US$135, an hour.
Embassy Kingston processes approximately 100,000 non-immigrant visa applications and 12,000 immigrant visa applications a year. Each year, the entire Department of State processes more than 11 million non-immigrant visas and 600,000 immigrant visa applications.

Do Jamaican doctors observe the Hippocratic Oath? BAILEY... "My father slept on my bed every night to take me to the bathroom because I could not walk"

Monday, September 08, 2014  
YESTERDAY'S Sunday Observer provided the intriguing information that, for the first time ever, the Medical Association of Jamaica — founded in 1872 — met with a Jamaican prime minister.
Mrs Portia Simpson Miller and president of the medical association, Dr John Hall, are said to have discussed a range of issues central to medical care.
BAILEY... My father slept on my bed every night to take me to
 the bathroom because I could not walk
Given the stresses and strains affecting the medical sector—- often reported on in this newspaper and other media outlets — it is clear that there needs to be close contact between Government and the various professional groups.
Yet, another article has given us cause for disquiet on this score. The story headlined 'Miss Universe Jamaica finalist declares war on lupus' is essentially about Miss Zandrea Bailey's battle with the life-draining disease lupus, and her commitment to make a "difference" in the campaign to overcome the disease.
Our concern here is with her version of the response she got from hospitals during her period of crisis with her medical condition, when, as she puts it, she felt close to death.
Miss Bailey claims that, as her father sought desperately to get her the expert treatment she needed, she was turned away from one public sector hospital because "exams were in progress and they would not be admitting anyone unless it was critical". more

Trishanner Pitter receiving the Jean M. Brown Academic Scholarship at PALAS 4th annual awards presentation at UWI

Post by Bring Back Our JAMAICA, #BBOJ.

PALAS awards honours top students with J$3.6 million scholarship....Hon. Lisa Hanna & Attorney Patrick Campbell delivered powerful messages to 72 awardees. Winsome Benjamin sang her heart out to a capacity audience and Daddy UROY presented 10 of the scholarships (JAMAICA OBSERVER 9/7/14)

PALAS awards honours top students with J$3.6 million scholarship....Hon. Lisa Hanna & Attorney Patrick Campbell delivered powerful messages to 72 awardees. Winsome Benjamin sang her heart out to a capacity audience and Daddy UROY presented 10 of the scholarships (JAMAICA OBSERVER 9/7/14)

—by Cecelia Campbell-Livingston (Jamaica Observer 9/7/14)

72 PALAS awardees at UWI with Hon. Lisa Hanna
NOW in its fourth year, the Peace and Love Academic Scholarship (PALAS) Awards were presented at the Chemistry Lecture Theatre of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus on Saturday, August 23, 2014.
Seventy-two grateful students from secondary and tertiary institutions were presented with scholarship packages for the 2014/15 academic year.
PALAS Director Patrick Campbell, now a successful attorney in the United States, told the awardees that he is a product of "Mountain View, below Jarrett Lane" and he made it.
Rula Brown presents appreciation certificate to Lisa Hanna
"I see myself in all of you...it's not where you came from, it's where you are going," he said. Campbell offered pointers for success to the students, advising them to make time for their studies and never to allow their circumstances to dictate their future.
"Don't let other people set your limit; be determined to do what you want to do. Set your goals and set them high. Emulate successful people, live with principles and integrity, give back to your community, appreciate all the best things in life," were his sage words.
Full house at Chemistry Lecture Theatre at UWI-Mona
His sentiments were echoed by the keynote speaker, Minister of Youth and Culture Lisa Hanna, who encouraged awardees to be "courageous, leaving nothing to chance".
"It will take courage [and] unapologetic refusal to have anyone nozzle your voice. I can't tell you how to find it, but... commit to excellence, ensuring you serve others. Be the change you want to see in the world; when truth is on your side one is a majority," she said.
Winsome Benjamin(L), Natasha & Patrick Campbell, 
Rula Brown, AnnP & PALAS board member
 Milton Galloway
Hanna also urged students to follow their convictions. "Get involved in something, enjoy it, make mistakes -- it's OK, get comfortable in your skin. Ladies, discover yourselves, focus on your own desires and goals, get your heart broken, you will get over it. Embark on new journey... you have it in you," she encouraged.
PALAS founder Rula Brown broke down in tears while addressing the gathering. He spoke of one of the outstanding recipients, Yemalla Edwards, who for a while was homeless but still maintained great grades as a first-year medical student at the University of the West Indies (UWI).
Gold Star winner, Maria Attarwala receives
 Alex Panton Academic Scholarship from Lisa Hanna's son Alex.
Brown finally managed to get the words out: "If he can do it, you can all do it. Don't give up," before a fresh wave of tears overcame him.
Special mention was made of the gold star winners, who impressed with their grades and essays and received laptops/tablets.
Javanney Campbell of Clan Carthy High School emerged top high school awardee, while Maria Attarwala, medical student at UWI, was the gold star winner for the tertiary level.
Daddy URoy presents to 
UWI student, Mishae Kinlocke
The total value of the scholarships handed out was $3.6 million.
—by Cecelia Campbell-Livingston (Jamaica Observer 9/7/14).more

Man With Upside-Down Head Is An Inspirational Success Story


With his head bent upside-down against his spine because of a congenital malformation, Claudio Vieira de Oliveira has a different perspective on life.
And it's all positive.
"I have never contemplated giving up," the 37-year-old Brazilian said in the clip of TLC UK's "Body Bizarre," above.
De Oliveira, in fact, has gone waybeyond not surrendering. He graduated from college, became an accountant and now makes motivational speeches, according to the video below.
Not bad for a guy doctors said wouldn't live more than 24 hours.
De Oliveira was born with congenital arthrogryposis, a disorder that awkwardly curved his limbs, People reported. He learned to walk on his knees at age 8 and begged his mother to let him attend school.
There's been no stopping him since.