Republican Congress create Anger and Donald Trump

One of the main reason for the anger and discontent in our society is, "people working harder and are taking home less than they did 15 years ago". Stagnant wages for the middle class while Corporations are a-wash in cash buying back stocks and paying executives enormous UN-conceivable wages.

Donald J Trump

Donald Trump says "Americans are paid too much", Donald Trump hire illegal's to work for him in his corporation, Donald Trump ships American jobs abroad at every chance he get, all Trump brand merchandise sold in stores and on the Internet are made in a foreign country by foreign workers and Donald Trump is now the presumptive Republican Party Nominee, there is conflict and or confusion here!. "Is there more to the anger out there or this perceived anger is a real farce perpetuated on the American people". The truth is this any anger that exist is the product of a "do nothing Republican Congress" who were prepared to stall or wreck the US economy because the could not get 100% of what they wanted.

Rep Eric Cantor

Republicans in congress made a mockery of their constituents and some Americans convincing them they could repeal the affordable care act by voting over fifty times for repeal when they know the President would veto the legislation, this was a game to them to get re-elected wrapped in Conservative principles which really meant protect the rich.

Rep John Boehner

That was not leadership hence two prominent Republican leaders became the ultimate victim of the stupidity, first Majority Leader Rep Eric Cantor lost his seat in 2014 election and recently Rep John Boehner resigned as speaker of the house after failing to convince his republican caucus that what they were doing was not governing and they would end up hurting the Republican Party. Now here is Donald Trump a Liberal taking over as Leader of the Conservative Republican Party duly elected by fiscal conservatives, social conservatives and every other conservative stripe bringing the end of conservatism in the United states of America.

Republican Party destroyed from within

Cheers! Republican Party Demolished

Senator Mitch McConnell: "my single and most important task is to make President Barack Obama a one term President"!

Senator:- How about the economic recovery the american people 61% want you to work with the President they have given you a Republican senate and house to get things done and to move the country forward. 

Answer:- 61% The american people their opinion does not matter the election is over, my job is not to allow this President to have a Legacy we will block every legislation he put forward even ones we supported in the past.

Question :- will that not destroy the republican Party? 

Answer:- Obama is the one trying to destroy the Republican Party, we will have to hold onto conservative principles even it create gridlock in the congress.

Question:- Senator will this not create an opening in the GOP for chaos as we get close to the next election?

Senator:- Well our job is to win the White House.

So why is Barack Obama smiling and having a Beer? the republican party set out to destroy President Obama and his agenda and end up destroying themselves and earn Donald J Trump. 

Donald Trump dividing America and Distroying the Republican Party

Donald J Trump

Donald Trump is spreading hate stoking fear and anger in America by unearthing old dogmas disrespecting long lived traditions Americans hold dear. Mr Trump introduced himself to Americas Political theatre by calling Mexican Americans in the United States Rapist and Drug Dealers. Muslims Mr Trump argued hated America discounting the millions of Muslims who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending the right of Americans here and abroad.

Taking back our country", how many times have we heard that?, since Barack Obama was elected President some people including Donald Trump believe Barack Obama is an illegitimate President. The anger and protest we see at Donald Trump rallies has absolutely nothing to do with Jobs and low income. If that was the case "People would be mad at Donald Trump for refusing to increase the minimum wage and importing immigrants to work in his hotels". 

Donald Trump and 66% of the people who follow him believe President Barack Obama is not a US citizen that is what the anger is about, how shameful. When Donald Trump had the opportunity to create Jobs in America Mr Trump like most unscrupulous American Corporations moved the manufacturing of his apparels to China and Vietnam. Mr Trump sells Shirts, Ties, suits, Socks underwear and other kinds of apparel all made in foreign manufacturing plants.

Jamaica Election 2016 - That is important, Hope!

Growing signs of Unity among Jamaica's Electorate during Election 2016

Roxanne Lammie

Everyone is entitled to their opinion as you said. However, you sound very negative. By the sound of it you are not even in Jamaica, so how can you speak for what is happening now as opposed to when you were here? If it is oh so good why did you leave? Food costs in Jamaica are not very different from those in America. The Price for food is only better in the $ stores or when there is a sale. I have done the comparison. 

The salary scale, on the other hand, bears no comparison and that will need to change for people to manage a bit better. The majority of Jamaicans are tired of going to the supermarket and being barely able to purchase basic necessities. They hope that the change will be for the better. That is important; HOPE. The minute there is no hope in any of the parties then all is lost. The PNP were confident that the Jamaican people liked what they were doing to us and the country based on how long we have allowed them to run the country. 

Changing Posture of Jamaica's Electorate

Most people did not vote in JLP because of the promises they made but to get a change, different perspectives for better or worst. The ruling party, whether PNP or JLP, need to be aware that they work for us and if they do not perform then goodbye.We all need to not vote at all if we are unsatisfied with the representation offered and not just vote to get a particular party in. For that matter, as a part of this wonderful democratic process, we should be able to nominate our MPs instead of those stupid die-hearted party delegates. Allegiance to a party name is stupid as the country is run by individuals. Does anyone notice how they jump from one party to the other at the drop of a hat? We are yet to see what Andrew can or cannot do. We already know what Portia can, cannot and will be doing if they continue to pressure her. Let's hope for the best for Jamaica. Patrece Lammie

The eminent decay of Winnifreds Beach

Winnifred Public Beach

The neglect by the leadership of Free Winnifred Beach Benevolent Society to push for the swift implementation of the court order issued in September of 2014 now put the (UDC) Urban Development Corporation in breach of  Resident Magistrate Marjorie Moyston order, that order said,

"UDC has 90 days to create on a new title an easement for the right of the public to access the beach for bathing and recreation purposes." 

With this ruling in hand since September of 2014 very little has been done by the Free Winnifred Beach Benevolent Society to effort the implementation of the Judges orders. The UDC is now in breach of Resident Magistrate Marjorie Moyston orders. Winnifred Beach fought for over 15 years is now in the hands of a few who valiantly fought with the support of the Fairy Hill and surrounding communities.

The struggle of the people of winnifred beach was supported by people all over the world including Sweden, Italy, Germany who have visited Jamaica over and over again to enjoy winnifred beach. It would be an outrage and disappointment to find that top members of Free winnifred Beach Benevolent Society with an hard fought for Legal ruling has bended to Political pressure and pressure from the UDC shelving Justice Marjorie Moyston ruling.

All inclusive Beach Vacation

White Sand Beach in Jamaica

All inclusive beach vacation is one of the most sought after opportunities, for the affluent these vacations can run in thousands of dollars which does not matter but for people with limited resources and a vacation is a necessity. There's always cheap family vacation packages available in Jamaica during the off season however for the long term vacation plan always book early for your cheap summer vacations in an all inclusive resort. 

Some of Jamaica's most well known all inclusive beach resorts are Sandals beach resorts with Sandals plantation Ocho Rios, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Negril and Sandals and Sandals Whitehouse. These all inclusive vacation family vacation beachfront properties offer affordable vacations with the caribbean sea at your doorsteps with white sand beaches where you can watch the sunrise and sunset each day.

Scenic Jamaican Coastline

Other all inclusive caribbean resorts in Jamaica include Riu in Montego Bay in Mahoe Bay an all inclusive family beach resort just 3 scenic miles along the coastline from the Montego Bay International Airport to this attractive resort from landing and customs you could at your resort in 20 mins. This family friendly resort has something for everyone with kids entertainment couples and singles enjoy the resorts nightclubs pools and spa and during the day the resorts golf course and various excursions is available to everyone.

Cardinal Dolan - An Hypocrite?

Cardinal Dolan New York Diocese 

Not so long ago The Catholic Church was exposed for covering up the most widespread Sexual abuse Scandal committed by its Priest. Little Boys ( alter Boys ) and other male Parishioners were sodomized on church Property, outside Church Property by its Priest. The loud mouth Cardinal Dolan who is now all over the Radio Television and teachings at Mass the Evil on Government protecting all people in The United States by ensuring that, "No Citizen is denied medical Coverage regardless of Church affiliation or where or for whom you work" Cardinal Dolan is become a Leader. Where was Cardinal Dolan during the Priest Sex Scandal? Was he a part of covering up for the abusive Priests in his Parish? How much did Cardinal Dolan know about the abuses or acts of sodomy of Boys before by his priests.

Before Cardinal Dolan continue to "hold the Government accountable for acting in the best interest of all its citizens" as is its duty, this Leader of the New York Diocese Cardinal Dolan should start holding his Flock accountable protecting little boys and male members of his flock from his Priests may Sodomize them.

Since the Priest sex Scandal The Catholic Church lost thousands of Parishioners and Cardinal Dolan know this, Churches like St Ann es in Bentwood New York is almost empty on a Sunday. The Hispanic community walked away from the Catholic church in Bentwood because they no longer trust the Catholic Church to Protect its sons.

The Catholic Church and Cardinal Dolan must realize, "The Catholic Church is part of the American experience and not America a part of the Catholic Church". This is a Nation that embraces all people, Religions, Beliefs and those that do not even believe. It is the role of the Catholic Church to teach its flock their doctrines regardless of the Laws of this Country in the boundaries of religion. It is also the duty Government to enact Laws for all people of this nation Regardless of religious teachings.

When Cardinal Dolan and the Catholic Church convinces is Parishioners that Birth control methods are IMMORAL then they would have reached their objective a conversation would no longer be necessary. The truth is that, "Catholic Parishioners while they continue to respect their Church no longer find life's reality fitting into some teaching of the Church", People are evolving and the Church is way behind the people they serve.

During the Priest Sodomy Scandal the Catholic Church and Cardinal Dolan had to be embarrassed into financially settling with their victims. The Church paid in the region of $2 Billion dollars to get that scandal behind them, the Catholic Church has not recovered from that experience. If Cardinal Dolan think taking on the government on Birth Control is a way revive the Church he is so wrong. 98% of Catholic Women already us contraceptive for birth Control or other medical reasons. 

"If Cardinal Dolan and his Catholic Church continue its fight with Government on basic women's health care the Church will further its isolation from the Community started during the Priest Sodomy Scandal".

The Blue Lagoon Jamaica in Decay

Visitors who now go to the Blue Lagoon wonder in dismay why such a beautiful part of Jamaica is left to rot while its surrounding is gushing with construction of some of the finest waterfront properties in the world. 

In Decay Blue Lagoon Bar and Restaurant

Once the hub of  Portland's Tourist attraction and pride of the community "The Blue Lagoon Jamaica" is now in disrepair and a state of decay.  The Blue Lagoon was purchased by Portland Holdings in 2009 with a promise that it would be restored to its former glory after it suffered damage in an Hurricane and was never restored. Since its purchase six years ago the new owners have for reasons not of the interest of the Portland community have kept the property closed. The vendors that were located there and the people who worked at the Blue Lagoon the once #8 wonder of the world continues its downward spiral and now in decay.

Once a 4 Star Bar and Restaurant

The Blue Lagoon property is owned by Michael Lee-Chin founder and Chairman of Portland Holdings Inc., a privately held investment company which owns a collection of diversified operating companies in sectors that include media, tourism, health care telecommunications and financial services. Mr Lee -Chin also own the Trident Villas and Hotel and one of the palacious beach front properties on the Blue Lagoon yet the public facilities that for more than 50 years serve and attract visitors is left in ruins.

 The Blue Lagoon property is owned by Michael Lee-Chin founder and Chairman of Portland Holdings Inc., a privately held investment company which owns a collection of diversified operating companies in sectors that include media, tourism, health care telecommunications and financial services. Mr Lee -Chin also own the Trident Villas and Hotel and one of the palacious beach front properties on the Blue Lagoon yet the public facilities that for more than 50 years serve and attract visitors is left in ruins.

Visitors who now go to the Blue Lagoon wonder in dismay why such a beautiful part of Jamaica is left to rot while its surrounding is gushing with construction of some of the finest waterfront properties in the world. 

Homes and Villas along the Blue Lagoon

The buildings that once house the Blue Lagoon public facilities a Bar, Restaurant, gift shops, scuba diving training facility a floating barge where you enjoy "Blue Lagoon the cocktail", ingredients - 1 part Blue Curacao, 1 part Vodka, 4 parts Lemon juice with some of the best Jamaican cuisine that is all gone, taken by those with power and means, the buildings left to rot in front of our eyes. The Blue Lagoon is one of many attractive beach getaways like San San beach, winnifred Beach and water falls. Reach falls Jamaica one of Portland's premier falls with it natural pools with slithering rocks and Somerset Falls west of Port Antonio with its caves and thunderous falls. With all its difficulties Portland remain one of the great vacation spots in the world with many places to stay in Jamaica.   The decaying Blue Lagoon  Public Facilities is an enormous loss to tourist and tourism in Jamaica however the natural beauty of Portland especially San San area where the Blue Lagoon is Located continues to attract local and foreign guests.  The loss of jobs and potential jobs as a result of  the continued closure of the Blue Lagoon in Jamaica is devastating the Portland community that has adapted and transformed itself over and over again to make ends meet.

 The buildings that once house the Blue Lagoon public facilities a Bar, Restaurant, gift shops, scuba diving training facility a floating barge where you enjoy "Blue Lagoon the cocktail", ingredients - 1 part Blue Curacao, 1 part Vodka, 4 parts Lemon juice with some of the best Jamaican cuisine that is all gone, taken by those with power and means, the buildings left to rot in front of our eyes.

The Blue Lagoon is one of many attractive beach getaways like San San beach, winnifred Beach and water falls. Reach falls Jamaica one of Portland's premier falls with it natural pools with slithering rocks and Somerset Falls west of Port Antonio with its caves and thunderous falls. With all its difficulties Portland remain one of the great vacation spots in the world with many places to stay in Jamaica.  

The decaying Blue Lagoon  Public Facilities is an enormous loss to tourist and tourism in Jamaica however the natural beauty of Portland especially San San area where the Blue Lagoon is Located continues to attract local and foreign guests. 

The loss of jobs and potential jobs as a result of  the continued closure of the Blue Lagoon in Jamaica is devastating the Portland community that has adapted and transformed itself over and over again to make ends meet.  

Rafting on the Rio Grande

Lovers Rock along the Rio Grande

When Errol Flynn visited Jamaica on vacation he visited the Parish of Portland, the natural beauty its vegetation, Beaches, the common life of its people captivated Flynn. He spent some time visiting various popular spots in Jamaica the North Coast including Discovery Bay, an undeveloped Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Errol Flynn returned to Port Antonio and was taken to the Rio Grande Valley where ground provision was transported to market on Bamboo Rafts with great imagination Errol thought if Bamboo Rafts could transport Banana's to the Market those same Rafts could take tourists on the most amazing ride into sunset and the Caribbean Sea. Rafting on the Rio Grande was born and Rafters Rest established, 

Winnifred Beach Jamaica's Public Beach

After a Long Protracted bitter fight for the people of Jamaica by the  Free Winnifred Beach Benevolent Society and the residents of Fairy Hill and the surrounding communities the court decided Winnifred Beach belong to the people of Jamaica and declared Winnifreds beach Jamaica's Public beach.

Restaurant at winnifred Beach

The ruling, which was handed down in the Port Antonio Resident Magistrate's Court in the parish last month by Resident Magistrate Marjorie Moyston, said UDC has 90 days to create on a new title an easement for the right of the public to access the beach for bathing and recreation purposes.

Four members of the Free Winnifred Beach Benevolent Society took the matter to court five years ago, seeking a declaration of the public's absolute and indefeasible right to access the beach.

The Court order include, "The beach park would feature, at minimum, the following amenities: a ticket office, guard post, business offices and family-oriented recreational facilities, as well as sanitary conveniences," noted the EIA report done by consultants Technological and Environmental Management Network.

Republican Joshua Black

Joshua Black

“I’m past impeachment,” Joshua Black, who is also African American, tweeted on Monday Dr Martin Luther King day. “It’s time to arrest and hang him high.” “I make no apologies for saying that President Obama is not above the People,” he added in his post. “If ordinary Americans should be executed for treason, so should he.”

This Tea Party Republican like most Tea Party Republicans are loud, they have the habit of using words and phrases loosely and in the case of this candidate for the Florida House of representatives Joshua Black have no sense of history. Mr. Black would be well served taking a car ride up to Mississippi find a white family and ask, what does it mean to "hang him high" he should then sit and listen for however long it takes.

"AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Changing the Game for Ordinary AMERICANS"

Affordable Care Act

To put things in proper perspective, some Political Representatives are afraid that the "affordable Care Act Obama Care" will work and make Americans healthy over time then insurance companies will no longer be able to exploit them raising rates at will while unable to drop people with pre-existing conditions.

Americans with the ACA or "Obama Care" will have a choice and no longer have to stay in dead end low paying Jobs like Walmart Stores and other employers who see their underpaid workers as their way to maintaining wealth.

Americans with aspirations and goals can now pursue then knowing that their health insurance will always be there for them and no longer threatened by a loss of employment, a peace of mind never enjoyed by American's before. Middle aged Americans with skills and Training who have been cut out of the Economy by technology and business consolidation and end up working at low paying Jobs like a Greeter at "Walmart Stores" for $8.75per hour to maintain, "Junk Health Insurance" now have a choice. By purchasing health Insurance through "Obama Care, the Affordable Care Act" these American's can now move on and pursue other dreams like starting their own new business taking risks and helping a always grateful Nation. .

Would you believe that this is what all this fuss is all about, "Americans having health Care no one can take away from them"? The Affordable Care Act is changing the Game for ordinary Americans putting them in the drivers seat and "Corporate America" is scared.

Republican Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) who does he speak for?

Rep. John Boehner, "Rep. Steve King comments are deeply offensive and wrong"!

Rep. Steve King  (R-Iowa)

Europeans were welcomed to the United States through Ellis Island and their names were forever etched in the history of their new country. Some europeans continue to live in the United states without ever becoming citizens of the country that welcomed them, granted those alive today are well into their eighties and nineties and enjoy the benefits of their labor as citizens of the United States.

The other notable migration to the United states were black people purchased as slaves and brought to the united states as slave primarily to work on farms but later worked on some of the most prominent monuments including the capital building and the white house. Republicans like Rep. Steve King of Iowa continue to deny the very existence of black people and their contribution to this great country.

The attack by Rep.Steve King on "DREAMERS" and the "dream act" that would allow young people including Hispanics, Asians including indians, west Indians and other nationalities brought to the United by their parents to become legal residents and eventual citizens is not surprising. These are sentiments are expressed in the work place in public places and in the general community by individuals who feel disenfranchised as educated and qualified minorities now participate in prominent jobs and decision making that affect the nation going forward.

This is Rep. Steve King thinking of these young people and he will not back down from it,

        

"Some of them are valedictorians and their parents brought them in. It wasn't their fault. It’s true in some cases, but they aren't all valedictorians. They weren't all brought in by their parents. For every one who’s a valedictorian, there’s another 100 out there who weigh 130 pounds and they've got calves the size of cantaloupes because they've been hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert". Rep. Steve King

Regardless of Rep. John Boehner rebuke he is the leader of the Republicans in the house of representatives and he allowed these deep resentments of minorities to fester and grow in his caucus Rep. John Boehner should have seen this national embarrassing statement coming.   

Immigration Reform - the Cost

                                                                                                                                                                                 May 6, 2013  Chapter one      

Heritage Foundation Estimate,

The conservative Heritage Foundation has issued a scathing report against the immigration reform bill proposed by the Senate’s “Gang of Eight,” arguing that the bill would cost more than $6 trillion Dollars a claim summarily rejected by Republicans pushing for the bill.

Gang of Eight by-Party Senators “It probably understates real future costs because it under counts the number of unlawful immigrants and dependents who will actually receive amnesty and underestimates significantly the future growth in welfare and medical benefits,” Rechtor and Richwine write.The report states that legalizing current illegal immigrants would cost $9.4 trillion over a lifetime and pay just $3.1 trillion in taxes, resulting in a net cost of $6.3 trillion. And the authors of the study, Robert Rechtor and Jason Richwine, say that’s a conservative estimate.

                                                 ------------------------------------------------

Thursday, June 20
Chapter Two
In a new report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) that estimates the fiscal and economic impact of the immigration reform legislation taking shape in the Senate. Not surprisingly, budget analysts found that a net increase of 10.4 million people living in the United States over the next decade, and an increase of 16 million over 20 years, would be a tremendous shot in the arm. 

The CBO found that over the next decade direct spending would increase by $262 billion if, among other measures, the Senate immigration bill is passed, opening a path to citizenship for many of the 11 million immigrants now in the United States illegally. But at the same time, the CBO calculated that with so many more people working, revenues would soar by $459 billion over the same decade; the federal deficit would go down by almost $200 billion. Likewise, the CBO found the legislation would boost the country’s overall economic output by 3.3 percent over the next decade, and by 5.4 percent over two decades, compared to what it would be without reform.

On Thursday June 20th, Republican senators reportedly made progress in formulating a security plan that would satisfy enough border hawks to ensure passage of a bill. We worry about the price, in dollars and unneeded infrastructure; but the main thing is to keep moving toward a bill that will bring most of these hard workers out of the shadows.

Emancipation Park or Usain Bolt Park

                                         Emancipation Park Kingston Jamaica

ONE OF the most enthusiastically sung lines from Bob Marley is his delivery of Marcus Garvey's command to, "emancipate yourselves from mental slavery none but ourselves can free our minds". While it is generally recognized, if not embraced, that Christopher Columbus did not discover anywhere and the African people did not begin their existence as slaves, emancipation from mental slavery goes beyond the general rewriting our story. In our daily lives, as a people, we celebrate and elevate the very things that enslaves us to positions of pride.

Hon Marcus Garvey,"emancipate yourself from mental slavery none but ourselves can free our minds".

Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jr. was born in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica to Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Sr., a mason, and Sarah Jane Richards, a domestic worker. Of eleven siblings, only Marcus, the youngest, and his sister Indiana survived until maturity. His family was financially stable given the circumstances of this time period. Therefore, Garvey's father could afford to maintain a large library, and it was from his father that Marcus Garvey  gained his love for reading. He also attended the elementary schools in St. Ann's Bay during his youth.  While attending these schools, Garvey first began to experience racism. When he was younger, he used to be friends and play with his white neighbors. However, when they reached their teenage years, they began to shun him. Sometime in 1900, Garvey entered into an apprenticeship with his uncle, Alfred Burrowes, who also had an extensive library, of which young Marcus made good use.

Is the 4-h Club dying?

By 2020 the Jamaica 4-H Clubs will become the leading youth leadership organization in the Caribbean.

The goal of 4-H Club is to develop citizenship, foster youth leadership, responsibility and life skills of youth through experiential learning programs and a positive youth development approach. Though typically thought of as an agriculturally focused organization as a result of its history, 4-H Club today focuses on citizenship, healthy living, science, engineering, and technology programs

The foundations of 4-H Club began around the start of the twentieth century, with the work of several people in different parts of the United States. The focal point of 4-H Club has been the idea of practical mentoring programs for youth and hands-on learning, which came from the desire to make public school education more connected to rural life. Early programs tied both public and private resources together to benefit rural youth.

The 4-H Club  program aims to educate youth in arts and sciences and encourage fellowship through,community youth programs and service opportunities. With continued urban sprawl, 4-H Clubs continues to develop new projects like life skills for youth for its members well beyond the traditional agriculture, animal husbandry,  photography, conservation, cooking, public speaking, sports shooting , history, art, leadership program for youth and other life skills.

4-h membership hit an all-time high in 1974 as a result of its popular educational program about nutrition, Mulligan Stew, shown in schools and on television across the country. Today, 4-h clubs and activities are no longer focused primarily on agricultural activities, instead emphasizing personal growth and preparation for lifelong learning. Participation is greatest during the elementary school years, with enrollment in programs and activities peaking in the 4th grade.

The 4-H Pledge

"I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world."

The Jamaica 4-H Clubs is now in its 73rd year of existence and over that time we have distinguished ourselves as an organization to be reckoned with. Our reputation and our proven track record in training the nation’s youth is a standard not to be taken lightly. At this juncture, there has been a change of the guard in terms of leadership. On May 1, 2013 the mantle was transferred to me, so I have taken up the task of standard bearer. It is a task that I am deeply honored to receive and I humbly accept.

Jamaica's Allspice and Cancer

Jamaica Pimento

The Jamaicas allspice is known for flavoring cuisines around the world with a blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, pimento and pepper, but according to a new study by University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine researchers in Florida, United States, (US) the aromatic spice could be known one day for impeding the growth of, or maybe even preventing, prostate cancer, the number-two cancer-killer of men in the US.

In the study published online last month in the Oxford Journal's Carcinogenics and led by Bal L. Lokeshwar, PhD, professor of urology and radiation oncology and co-director of research in the Department of Urology, researchers demonstrated that Ericifolin, a complex compound in the allspice berry, Pimenta dioica, significantly slows the growth of prostate cancer tumors by suppressing the androgen receptor (AR). A molecule central to the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer, AR enables prostate cancer cells to survive even after hormone therapy, which along with surgery and radiation is the standard treatment for prostate cancer.

"Androgen receptor, or AR for short, is the principal drug target for the treatment of prostate cancer, but there is no drug that completely eliminates AR. This complex compound in allspice seems to do that," Lokeshwar said.

"The most interesting data show that it actually kills tumor cells which express the very specific prostate cancer marker, the androgen receptor. That is not to say that people should start eating allspice with every meal, but there exists the potential that the slow and steady consumption of this chemo-dietary agent may slow or even prevent prostate cancer."

For now, Lokeshwar and his study team, including first author Shamaladevi Nagarajarao, PhD, a postdoctoral research associate, and Lei Zhang, a graduate student, have demonstrated that Ericifolin kills prostate cancer cells and reduces tumor growth by more than 50 per cent in animal models, specifically mice that were injected with prostate cancer cells, then, either fed or injected daily doses of an aqueous allspice extract.

"To our surprise, it worked very well," Lokeshwar said. "It was surprising because lots and lots of products kill cells in the test tube, but they are not effective when consumed or injected in animal models. In this case, the tumors did not disappear, but they grew about 50 per cent more slowly with both methods. Further, these mice did not exhibit any obvious toxicity associated with other anticancer drugs."

Exploring anti-cancer activities