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FLOW Cable Tv is moving backward instead of forward!

by SportsWhat's Hot

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What are we paying to see at the moment? Hardly anything. This situation has been brewing in the open since local television decided to buy the rights for The Voice to see our local artist, Tessanne Chin’s season. Coverage was choppy and delayed. Then went the USA series, Suits followed by Empire. What was alarming was that in the case of the new hot series, Empire, they expected viewers to wait an entire WEEK to see the 2-hour season 1 finale. Unacceptable. The only reason they did not try the same thing with Scandal, is because they are so far behind in the season they are currently showing. The same thing has also been happening with football fans for years, not being able to see some games live or getting crappy commentary. This pushes persons to watch shows or sports online and defeats the whole purpose of local television showing desired content and thus boosting its viewership. Also remember that the west channels such as ABC west etc. with a later feed (3 hours after) are no longer available from FLOW. So if we do not make it home in time, we cannot watch the show later in the night.

Now here comes Digicel Sportsmax acquiring the rights to show the NBA. Which group of so called ‘Sports fans’ sat around a table and made the decision to show SOME of the NBA playoffs this year? Who gave them the right to choose what games we can see, or how do they choose what games should be shown?! How can that be logical in any way, shape or form? If they could not afford to show ALL of the games, then they should not show any at all. Simple! And how could the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica approve this madness? Where is the balance of interest for us, the consumers? How could a contract be signed for only Digicel Sportsmax to show the NBA 2015 Playoffs even though they stated they are only showing 18 NBA Playoff games, the Conference finals and the Finals? 18 games are not even 5% of the games before the Conference finals, not even knowing which series will go to a Game 7. So any other channel that we are currently paying for, and that is showing the game is blocked?

Now it seems Digicel Sportsmax opened a can of worms because they have stated on Facebook that, ‘the blocking of channels showing the NBA has been done because the cable operator does not have the rights to that channel for broadcast in the Caribbean.’ Also that, ‘it has nothing to do with Sportsmax.’ Of course it does, because if it was not for Sportsmax putting this contract forward to the NBA and drawing attention to us, (although we should run things legally but who cares) the NBA would not have looked into our cable providers, i.e. FLOW and realise they have not been showing NBA on channels like NBA TV and ABC legally in the first place; hence blocking them now. Then FLOW has its customer service agents lying to the public saying that channels such as TNT US are blocked because only Digicel Sportsmax has the legal right to show the NBA games. Fortunately for us, the NBA authorized that ESPN and SPACE (Who knows what or where is SPACE) cannot be blocked in this region. However, unfortunately for us, not all NBA Playoff games will be shown on ESPN but on many other channels that are blocked such as TNT US, NBA TV etc.

Also, how many years is this stupid contract for? We have gone from All Access to almost zero access. Where are the answers? Where is the communication from FLOW and how are they going to fix this moving forward? Will they only make an effort if they see a dip in subscribers or are we to accept that they are not going to fix this, purchase NBA League Pass and stream to our big screens or set up an American cable system such as DSS? All this contraption, instead of simply turning on the television?! There goes supporting Brand Jamaica because I know for sure many persons will not be supporting this inconsiderate act.

By the way, not showing the games was just scratching the surface. I will not even begin to go into the quality of feed and commentary. Isn’t this counter intuitive to growing the sport as well?!

So where do we go from here? How many more shows and programmes will be taken? And WHEN will our bills or charges be reduced by FLOW? Robbery. That is what this is. Robbery of our money, joy, bar time and sanity in our living rooms.

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Can’t Bother to go get those Pre-sold Tickets or Make a Call? Purchase them at Yardticket.com!

by What's Hot

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Yardticket.com was launched in December 2011. It is an effective way to purchase Event tickets in Jamaica. Persons can also get exclusive Giveaways and Early Bird specials from some of Yard Ticket’s event partners.

Events span a range of categories such as Corporate Events, Parties, Premium All Inclusives, Festivals and Theatre. So everyone can benefit according to their preference in recreational or networking activities.

Tickets are on sale now for Father Ho Lung’s KING DAVID. Look out for Rebel Salute Early Bird tickets soon. Tickets for Zen Tropicale in the summer and Nirvana in Christmas, Absinthe, Twisted Spiritz, Beach Bums and more are usually available on Yardticket.com. Yardticket.com is currently negotiating the sale of tickets for other Theatre productions, Sporting events and Parties. So look forward to even more options in the near future!

Yardticket.com pleases both the buyer and the seller, as the website is not only a medium to sell tickets, but to advertise as well. Each promoter gains immediate access to funds thus aiding in successful planning and execution of their event. The cost of printing tickets will be significantly reduced and of course, their funds will be more secure as a result of reducing the back and forth of ticket agents or ambassadors with funds.

So with all these advantages, is the website secure? Is there a chance that credit cards will be compromised? Do not worry. In their 3 years of operation, there has been no detection of hacking or fraud to date. Yard Ticket uses the NCB Credit Card platform, keeping account information safe and all transactions take place in 128-bit encryption supported by Geo Trust and Credit Card protection by 3-D secure. Say what? It will take hackers quite a bit of time to get by 128 encryptions and it should be detected at some point along the way. Therefore Yard Ticket ensures you are completely protected from abuse and it is just as safe as shopping on Amazon or Ebay.

So forget about wasting time and gas in traffic to buy pre-sold tickets or inconveniencing yourself by leaving the house earlier in a grand rush to catch the gate where available tickets are not guaranteed. ‘Search. Click. Buy’ with Yardticket.com!

Yard Ticket Contact Information: [email protected] 

You can also follow ‘Yard Ticket’ on Twitter or like their Facebook page.

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The NBA Playoffs begin this Saturday!

by SportsWhat's Hot

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Yesterday was the last day of the 2014-2015 regular season. The 2015 NBA Playoffs begin this Saturday, April 18. The Atlanta Hawks clinched the Eastern Conference division, while the Golden State Warriors clinched the Western Conference division.  The NBA broke its attendance record by drawing nearly 22 million fans during the 2014-15 regular season.

Russell Westbrook closed the season as the highest scorer with an average of 28.1 points per game, although that meant nothing to him because he will be sitting at home watching the playoffs as OKC finished 9th in the Western Conference division.

Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade will also be watching the playoffs from home for the second time. While the Lakers and Knicks closed their worst seasons in franchise history. Lakers with a 21-61 record and Knicks with a 17-65 record. Shameful.

Of course, the Cavaliers open playoffs as favourites to win the title. But let us see, as the Spurs or Warriors will be great contenders!

This Saturday will be Game 1 for the following:

● Wizards vs. Raptors @11:30am

● Pelicans vs Warriors @2:30pm

● Bucks vs Bulls @6:00pm

● Mavericks vs Rockets @8:30pm

Let the Playoffs begin!

 

Photos by Garfield Robinson, The Jamaica Observer

Watch the Video of how The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel Pleased the Palate of Barack Obama

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot
Photos by Garfield Robinson, The Jamaica Observer
Photos by Garfield Robinson, The Jamaica Observer

See the exclusive video by The Jamaica Observer here on what President Barack Obama ate at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Word is he cleaned his plate and some of the must eats got crossed off of Suga’s recommended list such as Ackee and Saltfish and Red Stripe beer!

Click on link below:

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Catch Furious 7 while you can! No worries, this is not a spoiler!

by What's Hot

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Furious 7 is still in theatres. The response was HUGE and deservedly so. Besides the fact that the movie was made out for the late, Paul Walker, it definitely was one of the better ones. Jason Statham has to be the most annoying villain. That just shows how good he was, but were the Furious 7 better? The movie definitely did Paul Walker justice.

Of course, there were the usual ‘that is not possible’ scenes but the creativity was still quite commendable. Tyrese gets the award for most hilarious in this one as well. Good fight scenes between Statham and Dwayne Johnson, ‘The Rock’ and a hardcore cat fight with Michelle Rodriguez (Letty).

Do not make the mistake of watching this one online, the effect of seeing cars drive out of planes will not be the same (not a spoiler, this was in the preview/trailer :))

This Fast & Furious franchise could go on forever and I would still watch it. Definitely Suga endorsed.

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Obama gave Jamaica a reality check. Words to remember

by What's Hot

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The Town Hall Meeting staged at the University of the West Indies, Mona last Thursday for the President of the United States, Barack Obama’s visit, yes I said staged, touched on all the topics we needed to hear about and he wished to talk about. It cannot be a coincidence that Gun control, Foreign Direct Investment, Cuba, China, His Presidency, Marijuana etc. were all addressed. I don’t know how they got him to pick the chosen few from the audience to ask those specific questions, but they did and it was well done. He just randomly picked out the President Elect of the Guild? Really? Also, I rate some Jamaicans, but when have we ever ALL sounded so prepared? Anyhow, that’s just Suga’s conspiracy.

Did you see how Obama eloquently answered questions and had the audience fully engaged? Something I wish our current leaders could do, speak well even when prepared and think sharply on their feet, or just think full stop. As Dr. Michael Abrahams said in his article yesterday, he makes you want to listen to every word that comes out of his mouth. I totally agree.

One thing Suga would like to go into is China. Obama stated that, ‘It is great to have China invest and help make our country better but where we need to get concerned with China is when they start using their size and muscles to force countries like us into subordinate positions. If China is investing in our infrastructure, education and our people, welcome them, but it is important to look at what strings may be attached. They were invited to work here, build roads and ship in their workers, but we do not know the conditions behind the contract made with our Government as to how they were brought here and how it will help is in the long run’. Look around, the Chinese no longer need a permit to work in Jamaica. They are coming in droves. No longer opening tuck shops, wholesales or Chinese food places, but fancy restaurants such as Sea Deck. They are all over our streets, no longer humble, some well dressed now, feeling more and more comfortable, most not caring to learn or speak English, bringing their children up in our system. Will they one day rule? Will we become slaves to the Chinese? Look out Jamaica. It definitely is a concern.

Obama certainly had a lot to say, but the most important things that stuck for me were in order for us to become a better country we need our Government to exercise the following:-

● Transparency

● Clean up Corruption

● Have a good Infrastructure

● Invest in Research, Education, our People and Skilled Workers

Was our Government listening or did his wise words fall on deaf ears? If they do not take heed, we will continue on the very same path, a downward spiral. We must and can do better. Thanks Obama.

President of the United States of America, Barack Obama makes unannounced visit to the Bob Marley Museum last night

10 Things Obama should Eat and Drink in JA

by What's Hot
President of the United States of America, Barack Obama makes unannounced visit to the Bob Marley Museum last night
President of the United States of America, Barack Obama makes unannounced visit to the Bob Marley Museum last night

1. Cheese Patty

2. Ackee & Saltfish with Fried dumpling

3. Callaloo and Boiled banana

4. A Steamaz (Steamed fish)

5. Oxtail

6. Chippies Banana chips

7. A Bob Marley shot

8. A Red Stripe Beer

9. Some Whites (Wray & Nephew white rum)

10. A slice of Easter Bun and cheese

Have a great trip Obama !

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Breaking: Digicel Sportsmax Secures NBA Rights

by SportsWhat's Hot
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Tuesday, March 31, 2015

After a long day of work, ready to unwind with the Spurs-Heat NBA game on TNTUS, I saw it was blocked. I was not the least bit amused. It was a mixed feeling of panic, shock and anger all at the same time. My favourite sport blocked?! This was not a Tv show I could find online later or watch at my leisure when ready, it was a LIVE game. FLOW stated, ‘Digicel Sportsmax have bought the rights’, so I called immediately to subscribe. What about persons that do not have or wish not to spend more money on subscription channels? After all, I AM already paying for TNTUS. I then think I am missing a huge part of the game since it took 35 minutes to speak to a FLOW agent. The 2 Sportsmax channels were finally added. Angry but ready, what do I turn to Digicel Sportsmax to see? Football! on one channel, ok, the next? Sports Zone! News!, telling me about their big announcement yesterday about their ‘ideal’ acquisition with the NBA to show the games. Great. How about actually showing the game then?! Waiting any minute for them to cut and show the game, nope, did not happen. They chose to only show the second game scheduled on TNTUS that night, Warriors vs Clippers. At this point I was Irate.

So with investigation and according to digicelgroup.com, yes, Digicel Sportsmax have secured NBA rights in more than 30 Caribbean territories, making Digicel the official partner of the NBA in the region. They now have a MULTI-YEAR partnership with the NBA that will deliver live games and extensive NBA programming. Where was my Spurs-Heat live game?!

They will show 48 regular season games and 8 playoff games each season. They also claim to include the highlights show ‘NBA Action’, NBA TV and select classic games. So what about the games they don’t select? Are they going to block them too like last night?

For a full broadcast schedule, we are to visit digicelsportsmax.com but up to last night they still only had last week’s schedule up. The FLOW guide is also useless. Today I see a schedule in the paper. I am not going to have the paper at home when I am ready to watch tv, nor feel like going through the hassle to look up a Sportsmax schedule online.

I am all for progress and admire the ambition of our local television networks and the fact that Digicel has made a significant step in evolution from a pure mobile generator to a total communications and entertainment provider, but they have crossed the line with this one. I admire it but I do not care and I don’t think half of the passionate basketball fans in Jamaica and the Caribbean care either. No money is going into our pockets. More is being taken out. President and Sportsmax CEO, Olly McIntosh stated that ‘For fans this is a real treat with Digicel Sportsmax bringing a true Caribbean feel to the programming and basketball fans closer to court side than ever before’. What treat?! Not showing all the games? I already felt close to court side before this. Why must customers pay for a cable service that is constantly being disrupted? Why must customers be subjected to this? What am I left with? When will it end? It is unfair. We are expected to pay extra for channels that some of us do not want to watch, to see only SOME of our usual programmes. They block the channel from showing the programme and they do not show the programme on the station that they forced us to subscribe to. In the case of TV shows, for instance with the new show, EMPIRE, local Tv waits a whole week to show a finale that has been aired. Are they serious? Who waits a whole two weeks for a finale? Did they do the maths there?

Thank goodness for NBA League Pass, but you have to pay for that as well. I personally prefer to watch the game on the big screen and not a computer or phone if I don’t stream to the tv or have All Share Cast. The NBA League Pass does not show ‘Inside the NBA’, which was also blocked, or Halftime shows.

If our cable providers or television networks plan to make such a huge step, being inconsiderate of fans that not only just watch the game but all the juicy, in-depth analysis that comes with it as well, be prepared to show the game in the first place and have quality feed too.

I already looked through the newspaper in the early am, so after an extremely long work day, like others, I would have loved to unwind in peace, watching the channels that I just finished working hard all day to pay for. I do not feel like watching the news or anything else, I had a timer set on my phone app to watch a specific game. My therapy. Others who have to work and to a larger extent kids to take care of etc. and needed this outlet, that small time for themselves, were robbed last night and sadly may be robbed even further by Digicel Sportsmax. If I was so irate last night, I don’t want to see myself during the Playoffs! Fix it Sportsmax! Fix it! Or jus do not bother to psychologically and emotionally mess with our daily lives and routines. It affects our health as well by raising our blood pressure. Fix it.

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Australia demolishes New Zealand to win ICC Cricket World Cup 2015!

by SportsWhat's Hot

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Australia bowled out New Zealand for 183 runs in 45 overs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last Saturday. They then moved on to win their 5th World Cup title by 7 wickets with 186/3 (33.1 overs) !

Australia certainly was never our favourite to win the tournament based on past rivalry with the West Indies but well done and Congratulations to them.

50 Shades of Lame

by What's Hot

How did you all find 50 Shades of Grey? Suga finally got around to watching it and was very disappointed. A sequel is surely forthcoming with the juicier part of the plot, but 3/4 of the movie spent showing how Mr. Grey courts Anastasia? Yawn. Then not to mention the lack of erotic sex scenes. There were a few humorous points and I loved the intensity with regards to Mr. Grey’s interactions, but the movie definitely did not live up to the hype built.

Suga thinks they should have gone straight to the action and then show us the foreplay in the sequel, with how it all began. They had the excitement in reverse. So movie watchers, don’t give up on the sequel, it should be better, especially if you read the series and know what to expect.