An Update on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370

Malaysian police have identified the two men who had fake passports on the plane: 19-year-old Pouria Nourmohammadi Mehrdad, and 29-year-old Delavar Seyed Mohammad Reza.



It's been reported that the two men were Iranian and that there were trying to seek asylum. I know this because police have been talking with the 19-year-old passenger's mother.



And INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble, saying:



As of typing this there are still no answers as to what happened to the plane, and why.



Now, there is news that the search area for the aircraft has expanded. This, due to military radar, has shown that the plane may have diverted further away than previously thought. Additionally, it's been reported that a satellite imaging company is crowdsourcing to help along with the search.



But, the final message has been revealed; and it appeared to signal everything was normal. The message was from the flight pilot who stated: 'All right, good night'. And then they veered off into the Strait of Malacca? You see, the plane vanished over the South China sea, but information since then has been spotty. That's because the Malaysian Military has not done such a great job of staying consistent with their statements or, the Malaysian Media has been...I don't know...making stuff up? A Malaysian newspaper quoted the country's air force chief, Gen. Rodzali Daud, as saying, "The plane veered West before its disappearance." And then the air force chief was like:



But then, Malaysia's civilian aviation chief, Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, said that:



As it stands, the current search area is 27,000 nautical miles covering varying depths across the Strait of Malacca, and the Andaman Sea.



On a creepier note, friends and relatives of the 239 missing people have reported that they were able to call their relatives' cell phones, and that it would ring. They also reported that according to QQ, which is a Chinese instant messenger service, many people were indicated as still being online.



These reports were mostly ignored however, in large part due to communications experts explaining that a ringing phone isn't anything unusual, and that the calls were not likely to be ringing on the other end. A ringing on the initiating call's end indicated that the signal was searching for the phone.

This is one big, ridiculous, and very terrifying story. There's still no answers to the big question. I will keep you up to date as best I can. We'll have to wait and find out.

Malaysia Airlines

Early Saturday morning, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 lifted off at Kuala Lumpur with 227 passengers and 12 crew members; and started to make its way to Beijing, and then, it disappeared.





And now, even with the efforts of search clues from 10 different countries, the mysterious disappearance is leaving airline officials scratching their heads; and terrified family members of those onboard the flight, waiting for any type of information.





34 planes and 40 ships are scouring a 100-nautical mile stretch of sea where radar first picked up the flight before it vanished. But still, there's no trace of the plane, and no tiny wreckage has been located.



Data indicates that Flight MH370 may have double-backed and turned around near Thailand's border but the pilot provided no verbal indication or signal of distress.



As of now, authorities are not ruling out anything: the plane could have simply malfunctioned, went down in the ocean, disintegrated at 35,000 feet due to mechanical failure, or the passengers could be the victims of terrorism.



But then, on Sunday, a group that no one has ever heard of before – called the Chinese Martyrs' Brigade – claimed responsibility. But, many authorities and news agencies are dismissing it as a hoax.



There were big reports that there was an oil slick found in the ocean, but it's been reported that it is not the plane.



Then, it's been reported that during the search, they found debris – a yellow object they called it.



But, it's seeming like authorities are believing it's not the plane.



Now, authorities are beginning to focus on the identities of 2 men that they know boarded the plane with stolen passports.



Now, although it's alarming that they made it through screening, it's important to know that the region is notorious for illegal immigration to a Western country. So, officials are not jumping to the terrorism conclusion. Those fake passports belong to Christian Kozel of Austria; the other to Luigi Maraldi in Italy. Additionally, the tickets purchased under those names were one-way tickets. While fake passports might be related to terrorism, it also might be related to human trafficking. There are lots of possibilities.

5 very fortunate people didn't board the plane that day, for one reason, or another.



Situation is tragic, and crazy, and I can't imagine what all the family members are going through right now. Hopefully, they'll have some answers soon. I'll keep my eyes and ears open for any updates to this story, and I'll be sure to update you guys here.

Update on Ukraine, Russia, China, America

The United States announced sanctions against Russia.





These sanctions include visa bans for Russian officials as well as an executive order further sanctioning "those who are most directly involved in destabilizing Ukraine."



Basically, people sanctioned are not specifically named. So, we'll see Russia's response to that.

Meanwhile, Crimea — which of course is the place where all this stuff is happening — their Parliament just asked to join Russia, effectively seceding from Ukraine!



And that's with 78 of the 100 deputies voting to join Russia.



They asked Vladimir Putin to accept the province into Russia, after a referendum.





And, experts say that this move, which is a surprise one, does seem to legalize Russia's effective seizure of Crimea, and essentially, throw a big wrench into the new government that Ukraine is trying to have.



Proportionally, and as expected, the government in Ukraine, and the European Union, are saying that this is unconstitutional. But, I don't know if that's really going to stop anything from happening.

Additionally, I have a report from Ukraine where they said that Russia sank their own ship: essentially a junked vessel they sank to create an obstacle so that Ukrainian Navy ships can't get out. Lol, slow but sure escalation.



Taking sides

You have the United States and the European Union backing the now interim government of Ukraine. China backs Russia, so we'll see what happens next.

Conclusively, do you think we're headed for another World War? Or would this just be an isolated incident, and it's more of a...Cold War? I'd love to know your thoughts, and why, in the comments down below. Maybe while you're at it, hit the share button.

Update on Ukraine

After the allegations and dismissal I blogged about day before yesterday, Putin went on TV to talk.



In the speech he made some key points:

1. Affirming the Kremlin's right to use all options in Ukraine, but adding "there is no reason yet" to use military force.



He called Ukraine's current leadership illegitimate, and the ouster of the former Ukrainian President an "unconstitutional coup".



Russia also warned that they could reduce their dependency on the US dollar to zero. This in response to the possibility of sanctions against Russia, because of Ukraine. Adding that this would crash the financial system of the United States of America.



Putin also defended his threat to cut Ukraine's gas subsidy, because they did not pay their last bill.



He denied that Russian troops were surrounding Crimea, despite reports otherwise, and dismissed photos of troops with Russian insignia – alleging that those uniforms could be bought from any shop.



But, US President Obama has refuted those claims, saying he doesn't think that Putin is fooling anybody.



Then, just after that speech, US secretary of state, John Kerry did arrive in Ukraine.



This, of course, after the cold war-tastic White House offer of $1 billion in aid to the interim government in Ukraine.



Additionally, the White House pledged to support Ukraine in implementing economic reforms, holding fair elections, combating corruption, and withstanding politically motivated trade actions by Russia, including in the area of energy.



And then, in case you were wondering if the cold war was really back on or not: as part of Russia's military games, they tested intercontinental ballistic missiles.



Saying:



Or put the way it was intended, 'I just want to make sure our missiles work, in case anyone makes me want to use them'.

So, there we go, I guess, kind of a nice change of pace from a chaotic escalation, to a more passive aggressive escalation on both sides. And, we'll see what happens next, unless the US and Russia blow each other up. But who knows really?

Mastermind

Mastermind is the sixth studio album by American rapper Rick Ross, released on March 3, 2014, by Maybach Music Group, Slip-n-Slide Records, and Def Jam Recordings (after pushing the album back from its original December 17, 2013, release date).



Precisely, that's the standard edition cover. Here's what the deluxe edition cover looks like:



Personally, I copped the deluxe edition. And, that's what I'm about to review in a few.



The artwork is impeccable. Take portrait, and add in a little bit of abstract, it's just so new-fashioned.



Also, the deluxe edition contains 3 bonus tracks, in addition to the standard 16 tracks, bringing the grand total to 19.



1. "Intro"



The album starts off with the trademark: 'What is this?...Maybach Music...I like this Maybach Music...Sswweett...a cute cachinnation...a couple distortions...then there's a relaxed, plainspoken flow churning out something you need to know about the Mastermind: 'In order to understand the overall concept......to achieve success in all that you do; you must know that you can borrow other people's knowledge, achievements, life experiences, and even their personal resources, in order to execute your own life goals. By adapting this one idea, you can achieve more in a short time, than you could in a lifetime otherwise'....the tone veers from malicious to nostalgic and introspective. Here's my favorite part: 'We all know that you cannot get something for nothing; there is a price tag to everything even your own success.' Couldn't agree more. This is the Intro of Intros.

2. "Rich Is Gangsta"



My second best track on the album. This wicked Jake One production features live instrumentation: boom-bap drums, lush keyboards, smooth saxophones, velvety violins, petals immaculate...no flaws. Pure orchestral music. Ross was swaggering all over, addressing the pricelessness of a loyal friend, giving a Cartier to Wale, and giving Meek Mill a Range Rover. The Boss also took the time to reignite his feud with 50 Cent.

3. "Drug Dealers Dream"



Not too far from fantastic. Mostly shout outs and a short story about a rich nigga who went to jail and put Wi-Fi in his cell so he could Skype in the middle of the night. Can't forget the banging beat though.

4. "Shots Fired"



Just a short spliced documentary on the shooting/car crash incident Ross was involved in, not too long ago.

5. "Nobody" (featuring French Montana and Diddy)



A radical remake of the classic "You're Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You)" by The Notorious B.I.G. – may he rest in peace.



6. "The Devil Is a Lie" (featuring Jay-Z)



This was the first official single to support the album. It's always a problem whenever these two link up. Apparently, because of their typical blasphemous banter. Jigga murdered Ricky on this one – again. But, with lukewarm lines like 'Black Jesus turned water to wine, and all I had to do was turn the stove up', I just had to focus on the rumbly, deep-gloss beat.

7. "Mafia Music III" (featuring Sizzla and Mavado)



A boatload of seemingly irrelevant information: from silk underwear, to Kanye's concerts, to Kim Kardashian's Instagrams, it simply got more absurd with each new addendum. He went on to address the two attempts on his life. Rozay drew differences between his MMG artistes, labeling Wale a genius, and tagging Meek Mill a superstar. He also announced his new crib in Phoenix with a 10-car garage. His braggadocio hides the fact that he feels personally inadequate as he honestly reveals how his main bitch complains about his premature ejaculation and calls him a fat cry baby everytime she fucks him. I lol'd hard! For the record, the beat is just a recycle of Jay-Z's "Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)".



8. "War Ready" (featuring Jeezy)



The album's second official single. I can characterize the content as venomous because that's exactly what it is. Looking at the track listing, I was glad that Jeezy and Ross had finally put their differences aside and work together in an intellectual endeavor. But, halfway through the track, it starts looking like they're taking subliminal shots at each other. Jeezy starts the second verse by saying that 'a coward dies a thousand deaths; a real nigga dies but one'. Ross then raps (in the third verse), 'I can die a thousand times, but never die a fuck nigga'. By the way, the beat is off-the-chain! It's three thumbs up to Mike WiLL Made It. Or four...four fat ones...thumbs.

9. "What a Shame" (featuring French Montana)



Love this track. My third best on the album. Surprisingly, French carried the vibe pretty well. I erroneously thought he'd screw it up. Sadly, the track is shockingly short. It finishes as soon as it starts. What a shame!

10. "Supreme"



This is a Scott Storch production. You sure know what to expect.

11. "BLK & WHT"



'A nigga black but he selling white...' Lol, catchy chorus. Features a mellow production. Basically, a rags-to-riches narrative by Rick Ross. The Trayvon Martin reference was way off if you ask me.

12. "Dope Bitch" (Skit)



Nothing really dope about this bitch. Just a materialistic groupie ho rambling about her craze for designer shit, basic bitches making her nervous, how a boss should impress her, having her weave washed with Belaire Rosé champagne, blah, blah, blah.



In case it's unclear, Rick Ross made millions in Belaire Rosé endorsements.



13. "In Vein" (featuring The Weeknd)



I'll give this one to The Weeknd. He actually produced this track; so it's no excuse that the production complements the dark, nostalgic themes of his lyrics. Regarding Ross, it was wonderful hearing him rap fast for once.

14. "Sanctified" (featuring Kanye West and Big Sean)



A triple threat banger. Features gospel and neo soul influences. Has boom bap and classical elements in its production, including classical piano, orchestral strings and funky drums. Yeezy's production lean[s] toward opulent and epic.

15. "Walkin' on Air" (featuring Meek Mill)



This joint has an underground vibe and keyboards similar to Ross' 2012 song "So Sophisticated".



16. "Thug Cry" (featuring Lil Wayne)



Has flickering production with R&B elements. Its lyrics extol both Weezy and Ross' rapping prowess.

Deluxe edition bonus tracks

17. "Blessing in Disguise" (featuring Scarface and Z-Ro)



My number one song on this album. Hands down! Scarface killed it! Totally! Scarface is like a high-end caterer whose dishes feature an array of over-the-top garnishments. Classic...a complete classic...matter of fact, it is infinitely classier than that term. The instrumentation mixes soul and jazz elements.

18. "Paradise Lost"



Two words: raw, funky.

19. "You Know I Got It (Reprise)"



This is just a musical repetition of Jay-Z's "FuckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt", without Jay-Z himself.



Conclusively, Mastermind is an authentic album; a must-have for thoroughbred hip hop heads – and all who love solid music. I'll give the album four out of five stars.