Selasa, 31 Mei 2011

The Star Online: World Updates

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The Star Online: World Updates


Japan PM faces party rebellion as no-confidence vote looms

Posted: 31 May 2011 08:28 PM PDT

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan faces a rebellion in his party, media said on Wednesday, that while not enough to unseat him in a no-confidence motion will weaken his struggle to cope with the world's worst nuclear crisis in 25 years.

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan attends a special committee on post-quake reconstruction at the lower house in Tokyo May 31, 2011. (REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao)

Analysts have said Kan should survive the vote in parliament, expected to be on Thursday, but that he would still face big hurdles pushing policies through a divided parliament, including an extra budget to pay for rebuilding after the deadly March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Adoption of the motion would force Kan either to resign with his cabinet or call a snap lower house poll. While he has refused to rule out the latter, analysts say holding an election would be tough while part of the country is still trying to recover from the nuclear and natural disasters.

Rivals in Kan's Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), many of whom back scandal-tainted powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa want the premier to quit before the vote.

That could clear the way for a new leader who could form a coalition with the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party to break a parliamentary logjam.

The Asahi newspaper said more than 50 backers of Ozawa, who has been charged over a funding scandal, planned to vote in favour of the no-confidence motion. That would fall short of the more than 70 DPJ votes needed to pass the motion in the 480 member lower house, where the Democrats have 305 seats.

OLIVE BRANCH

Kan, who took office last year as Japan's fifth premier in as many years, is struggling to control the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co's Fukushima atomic plant, pay for rebuilding the northeast region devastated by the tsunami, and craft tax reforms to pay for rising social security costs.

"It doesn't look as if the prime minister will resign," the Yomiuri newspaper quoted Ozawa as telling a close source. "If we go on this way, Japan will be done for. I will act together with my comrades."

Kan was set to meet younger lawmakers from both the LDP and DPJ before facing off with his main opposition rival in a parliamentary debate on Wednesday.

He appeared to hold out an olive branch to his critics by suggesting a parliament session set to end on June 22 could be extended. Kan made the remark in a session of the upper house, adding he would positively consider submitting a second extra budget for the current fiscal year.

The opposition and DPJ critics want the session extended in order to deal with a second extra budget to fund the next phase of rebuilding from the tsunami in what will be Japan's biggest reconstruction project since the early post-World War Two era.

The government also needs to get parliament to enact a bill enabling the issuance of fresh bonds to finance 44 percent of the $1 trillion budget for the fiscal year already begun in April.

Kan's cabinet is also trying to finalise this month proposals for social security and tax reforms -- including a likely doubling of the 5 percent sales tax in stages by 2015.

(Additional reporting by Yoko Nishikawa; Editing by Edmund Klamann)

Copyright © 2011 Reuters

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Japan PM faces party rebellion as no-confidence vote looms

Posted: 31 May 2011 07:57 PM PDT

TOKYO (Reuters) - Dozens of Japanese ruling party rebels plan to vote for a no-confidence motion against unpopular Prime Minister Naoto Kan, media said on Wednesday, short of the number needed to oust the leader but enough to split the party and weaken his clout as he struggles with the world's worst nuclear crisis in 25 years.

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan attends a special committee on post-quake reconstruction at the lower house in Tokyo May 31, 2011. (REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao)

Analysts have said Kan would likely survive the vote, which looked set to take place on Thursday, but he would still face big hurdles pushing policies through a divided parliament, including an extra budget to pay for rebuilding after a deadly March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Adoption of the motion would force Kan either to resign with his cabinet or call a snap lower house poll. While he has refused to rule out the latter, analysts say holding an election would be tough while part of the country is still trying to recover from the nuclear and natural disasters.

Rivals in Kan's Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), many of whom back scandal-tainted powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa -- a veteran strategist known for shaking things up -- want the premier to quit before the vote.

That could clear the way for a new leader who could form a coalition with the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party to break a parliamentary logjam.

But media reports said Kan had brushed off a demand to quit in talks on Tuesday with his predecessor Yukio Hatoyama, who himself resigned abruptly just a year ago.

OLIVE BRANCH

Kan, who took office last year as Japan's fifth premier in as many years, is struggling to control the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co's Fukushima atomic plant, pay for rebuilding the northeast region devastated by the tsunami, and craft tax reforms to pay for rising social security costs.

The Asahi newspaper said more than 50 backers of Ozawa, who has been charged over a funding scandal, planned to vote in favour of the no-confidence motion. That would fall short of the more than 70 DPJ votes needed to pass the motion in the 480 member lower house, where the Democrats have 305 seats.

"It doesn't look as if the prime minister will resign," the Yomiuri newspaper quoted Ozawa as telling a close source. "If we go on this way, Japan will be done for. I will act together with my comrades."

Kan, who was set to meet younger lawmakers from both the LDP and DPJ before facing off with his main opposition rival in a parliamentary debate on Wednesday, appeared to hold out an olive branch to his critics by suggesting a parliament session set to end on June 22 could be extended, media reports said.

The opposition and DPJ critics want the session extended in order to deal with a second extra budget to fund the next phase of rebuilding from the tsunami in what will be Japan's biggest reconstruction project since the early post-World War Two era.

The government also needs to get parliament to enact a bill enabling the issuance of fresh bonds to finance 44 percent of the $1 trillion budget for the fiscal year already begun in April.

Kan's cabinet is also trying to finalise this month proposals for social security and tax reforms -- including a likely doubling of the 5 percent sales tax in stages by 2015.

(Additional reporting by Yoko Nishikawa; Editing by Edmund Klamann)

Copyright © 2011 Reuters

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Bolivia says Iranian minister to leave immediately

Posted: 31 May 2011 07:57 PM PDT

LA PAZ/BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Bolivia said on Tuesday it had taken steps to ensure that Iran's defense minister, who is accused by Argentina of planning the 1994 bombing of a Jewish center that killed 85 people, leaves Bolivia immediately.

The statement came in a letter from Bolivia's foreign minister to his counterpart in Argentina, which said the Iranian minister, Ahmad Vahidi, was in Bolivia at the invitation of the country's Defense Ministry.

Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi looks on as he attends the 24th Khwarizmi International Award (KIA) at the Iran's state television conference centre in northern Tehran February 5, 2011. (REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl/Files)

In the letter Bolivia apologized for the invitation, which it called "a grave incident", and assured Argentina that Vahidi would not be in the country for long.

"As a result of this lamentable situation ... the government of Bolivia has taken the corresponding provisions to see to it that Ahmad Vahidi immediately leaves Bolivian territory," said the letter, which was released in Buenos Aires by the Argentine government.

Sources in Bolivia's government, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Vahidi left Bolivia late on Tuesday.

Vahidi is among the senior Iranian officials accused by Argentine prosecutors of being behind the attack that leveled the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association (AMIA) building in Buenos Aires. Iran denies any links to the bombing.

"Unfortunately (the Bolivian Defense Ministry) did not know about the background of the case," the letter said. Nor did the ministry coordinate the invitation with the rest of Bolivia's government, it said.

Vahidi enjoys diplomatic immunity, which complicates efforts to bring him to trial although in 2007 Interpol notified law enforcement bodies in other countries of an Argentine arrest warrant against him.

Bolivia's leftist president, Evo Morales, has close ties with Argentine leader Cristina Fernandez, who last year proposed that a third country be nominated by Tehran to host the trial of those accused of being involved in the bombing.

Iran rejected the idea, saying none of its citizens were involved.

Iran's state news agency IRNA said Vahidi had visited Mauritania and held talks with the African state's president before traveling to Bolivia.

Guillermo Borges, the AMIA's current president, called Vahidi's visit to Bolivia "a provocation."

The letter said that Bolivia hopes the incident will not affect the "excellent" diplomatic relationship between it and Argentina.

(Reporting by Carlos A. Quiroga and Hugh Bronstein; editing by Mohammad Zargham)

Copyright © 2011 Reuters

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The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio

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The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio


Selling today’s youth

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 02:43 AM PDT

EVER notice the sheer number of TV shows focused on young people these days? You're not the only one. It's hard not to be drawn into the fictional world of the young and the restless when it's just so darn entertaining.

But there's more to the current crop of shows than the pretty faces, journey of self-discovery and tales of love and angst.

For instance, Gossip Girl has characters that are always so gorgeously dressed, so much so that checking out what they are wearing is as much fun as tuning in for the latest drama. Glee, on the other hand, features a lovable cast of underdogs who express how they feel through music from a catalogue of songs, ranging from show tunes to Top 40 hits.

With that in mind, Galaxie magazine takes a look at the top teen-centric shows on TV now in the June 1-15 issue, and that list includes The Vampire Diaries, 90210, Pretty Little Liars and iCarly. The cover story also has interviews with Big Time Rush, Lea Michele and Victoria Justice, all talking about their shows Big Time Rush, Glee and Victorious, respectively.

The latest issue of Galaxie also sees Maroon 5 revelling in having their songs featured on Glee, Switchfoot finding it strange to fall under the rock gospel category of music and Johnny Depp revealing that Penelope Cruz taught him the raunchiest Spanish words.

And as usual, Galaxie rounds up the juiciest goss from the East and the West and gives you the low-down on the latest movie and music releases.

Galaxie, which is owned by Star Publications (M) Bhd, also has a presence online at galaxieblog.com.my, which is packed with celebrity news and views. For even more updates on the magazine, its blog and the entertainment world, follow Galaxie on Twitter (twitter.com/galaxiemag) and visit its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GalaxieMagazine). Evelyn Teo

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Love hurts

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 02:42 AM PDT

House MD follows a new direction in Season Seven, which proves to be a bitter pill to swallow.

HOOK-ups on television are hard to pull off. Take Moonlighting and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman for example – these are two shows that absolutely thrived on the sexual tension between the two leads. The minute the couple was allowed to unearth their true feelings for each other, however, everything that sizzled about them just fizzled out. In the end, it was the shows that suffered.

In the new season of House MD, the writers seem to be attempting to allow the love story between House and Cuddy to develop.

After six long seasons of shameless flirting between Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) and Lisa Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein), the series' sixth season ended with Cuddy confessing her love for House and wanting to find out if a relationship with the grumpy fellow was possible.

No doubt, the relationship has been a long time coming. Especially when you factor in that these two characters first met each other more than 20 years ago as medical students.

The "relationship" was never too obvious save for when the uncaring House showed his jealous streak when Cuddy dated another man (Season Four) or when House began hallucinating about a sexual relationship with her (Season Five).

So, it makes sense that the writers want to pursue the relationship. At the same time, this new direction provides a chance for the title character go on an uncharted path.

The series explores what happens when a cantakerous man starts floating on cloud nine – does he change his miserable ways or does he bungle the chance to be happy just because it's not in his DNA makeup?

Many viewers – even those in the so-called Huddy camp (as fans have dubbed the couple) – found the way the season opener was set up nauseauting. First and foremost, that episode – titled What Now? – plays out like something a teenager may have cooked up.

Did the writers actually visit the online fanfic sites to get some ideas on how the fans would want the issue to be tackled? Watching House and Cuddy all over each other for an hour was not pretty, to say the least.

What's worse is that, in later episodes, we see some of the things House commits in the name of love (or in spite of it) and – in my opinion – all his actions have just made him a lesser character.

In the past, even when the series showcased some dull episodes, House always managed to be surprising and entertaining.

This season, he may have his moments, but the character is more irritating than anything else, and pathetic and undignified. Maybe this is a sign that the series has run its course? After all, when you don't like the main guy so much, I think it's time to let the series go.

House's love life aside, things are not any better with his team members – they are being relegated to playing the same parts over and over.

It has always been my contention that the series was just wasting Jesse Spencer's character, Chase. This Aussie doctor grew up with a religious background and has daddy issues (like House). So why not make use of the character more instead of just making him the object of House's insults?

Spencer has proven to be quite adept at delivering funny lines, and we appreciate it, but it's almost like the character is never allowed to grow.

Yes, despite the fact we have seen Chase go through life-changing experiences – he was directly responsible for the death of a patient and his marriage to Cameron ended – it all seemed artificial.

It seems the subplots and the supporting cast are obviously just there to allow House to administer his medicine to his benefit or amusement. Even Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) seems one-dimensional this season.

As for Foreman (Omar Epps) and Thirteen (Olivia Wilde), they have never intrigued me much. Ditto Taub (Peter Jacobson) and his storyline surrounding his marriage.

Here's the only good thing about the show's seventh year – the temporary exit of Thirteen and the introduction of Martha M. Masters (Amber Tamblyn).

Masters is a student with zero experience in the field, but that doesn't stop her from having opinions and (unfortunately) an impractical view of how the real world works. For example, she feels it's better to tell the truth every time even if that would cause more harm than good. Naturally, this puts her at odds with House, who has held onto the belief that everyone lies.

Both Laurie and Tamblyn are capable actors who make the most of their characters' traits, turning each scene featuring the two into a searing match-off.

The scenes between the two also happen to be very funny and, at times, touching. It is at these moments that the writing shines through. The dynamic between these two characters allows the series to explore right and wrong in an interesting manner.

Although House is the one who ends up being right concerning a patient, Masters usually makes valid points as well. In that way, it is nice to see House being challenged by someone so young (and, frankly, quite naive).

Thanks to his interaction with Masters, the House we love makes brief appearances every now and then, before he turns into the puppy-eyed doctor in love who seems to have replaced him.

So, while House MD remains somewhat watchable – largely thanks to Laurie, Tamblyn and more than a few clever moments – the series is not as engaging as it used to be.

Before anyone had the chance to say: "Can somebody do something stet, before the series is declared completely dead?", news broke two weeks ago that Edelstein is not returning for the series' Season Eight (and apparently its final season). Sorry to see her go, but it does provide the show a good opportunity for resuscitation.

House MD is aired on AXN, Tuesday to Thursday at 10:55pm.

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Be inspired by Rachel Allen

Posted: 30 May 2011 04:42 PM PDT

Rachel Allen inspires one to cook with her easy-to-prepare dishes which are wholesome and flavourful.

HAD a dash of inspiration suddenly not flavoured celebrity chef Rachel Allen's ambitions at the age of 18, the world might very well be walking around in her shoes (literally) rather than salivating over her recipes.

Many fans of the Irish cooking queen may not know that when she was debating what to do with her future, Rachel seriously considered taking up shoe-designing. Luckily for foodies everywhere, Rachel decided to turn her passion towards cooking instead.

During an interview at the World Gourmet Summit (WGS) 2011 held in Singapore recently, Rachel admitted that it took her a while to realise her calling as a chef.

"It's funny, I always knew I loved cooking and baking, I always knew I loved food, and I always knew I loved being creative. But you know sometimes, something's right in front of you, and you don't realise it. (Back then), I was thinking, what should I do, should I design shoes? And suddenly I realised, oh, food! Why don't I try that?"

Her decision led her to the internationally-reputed Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland, where she trained under the tutelage of her future mother-in-law, Irish celebrity chef Darina Allen.

Currently residing in County Cork, Ireland, with her husband and three children, 39-year-old Rachel first became known to television audiences in 2004 through the show Rachel's Favourite Food, which was broadcast in Ireland, Australia and Italy, among others.

This was followed by several more TV shows as well as best-selling books on cooking. In Asia, Allen is best known for her BBC Lifestyle show, Rachel Allen: Home Cooking, which premiered last year. Currently, she can be seen on the channel in Rachel Allen's Dinner Parties.

It was at Ballymaloe that Rachel acquired a whole new way of looking at cooking, a philosophy that she continues to espouse today: that good ingredients, simply prepared, will give great results.

"I remember one of the earliest lessons I had with my now mother-in-law. There I was, completely enthusiastic to learn about cooking, and she told us all to get down and do composting!" Rachel recalled with a laugh.

"I was completely shocked. I was thinking, 'This woman's mad!' But then, I got it. That is where good food starts, and is the source of all good produce, which is what makes a dish taste great," she said.

Her recipes are all about showcasing the tastes of high-quality produce, Rachel explained. "If the produce is already good, you don't need to do much to it. Some lovely fresh herbs perhaps, and you'll have a special dish already."

Her focus on flavourful simplicity is perhaps part of the reason why she is fast gaining popularity among her viewers. Known for her home-style cooking, Rachel prides herself on teaching recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to learn and reproduce at home. Coupled with her friendly, down-to-earth demeanour, this makes learning from her shows or books feel almost like swapping recipes with a friend.

Her aim, she said, is to provide people who lead busy lives with the tools they need to cook and eat good food.

"I don't see myself as a celebrity chef, I see myself as a teacher, and I'm definitely not afraid to cook very simple food. The biggest compliment people have paid me is to say, 'I couldn't cook before, and I cooked your food and now I cook for my family or friends.' I really like that!" she enthused.

"I remember so well that feeling when I realised suddenly that I could cook. It was really exciting, and I would love it if I could pass that on. It's the most important thing you can do for yourself, and it's a skill everyone should have."

At the Rachel Allen Celebrity Dinner organised in Conrad Centennial Singapore as part of the WGS, where guests were treated to a sit-down dinner prepared by the chef herself, her penchant for quality produce and fuss-free cooking was on full display.

From a salad nicoise chockfull of fresh, ripe tomatoes, free-range eggs and creamy potatoes, to the deliciously crispy yet melt-in-your-mouth roast pork belly in fennel and garlic rub, to the bread and butter pudding laced with apples and blackberries, the dishes of the night were simple yet bursting with flavour.

"I wanted to showcase very simple dishes, but let the main ingredients speak for themselves. For instance, the pork, which was simply enhanced by the fennel and garlic, or the salad, which gets its flavours from the lovely freshness of the ingredients," she said.

To those who lack confidence in their ability to whip up a dish, Rachel simply had this to say: "Yes, you can! Think about what you enjoy eating, and start from there. If you try to cook something that you don't really like for someone else, your heart and soul is not going to be in it."

Rachel Allen's Dinner Parties airs on BBC Lifestyle (Channel 140 on HyppTV by UniFi) every Friday at 8pm.

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The Star Online: Business

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The Star Online: Business


FBM KLCI up in early trade, RHB Capital spikes on potential merger talks

Posted: 31 May 2011 06:26 PM PDT

PETALING JAYA: RHB Capital Bhd shares surged early Wednesday, on news that banking heavyweights Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) and CIMB Group Holdings Bhd have been given the nod to start merger talks with RHB Capital.

At 9.14am, RHB Capital surged 94 sen to RM10.16.

Bank Negara yesterday gave the nod to both Maybank and CIMB to separately commence talks with RHB Capital and its substantial shareholders for a possible merger of the businesses of the two banking groups.

This was announced by Maybank and CIMB in separate announcements to Bursa Malaysia yesterday. The approval to commence negotiations is valid for three months from Bank Negara's letter dated May 31, 2011.

Meanwhile, the FBM KLCI up 2.10 points to 1,560.39 at 9.02am. Regional markets mostly up.

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 slipped 0.13% to 9,680.74 and Shanghai's A index fell 0.17% to 2,738.92

Taiwan's Taiex Index rose 0.60% to 9,042.65 while Seoul's Kospi Index dipped 0.01% to 2,142.17, with Singapore's Straits Times Index gaining 0.04% to 3,161.15.

Nymex crude oil rose 30 cents to US$103.00 per barrel. Spot gold fell US$4.93 to US$1,530.88 per ounce. The ringgit was quoted at 3.011 to the US dollar.

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Oil price rises on weaker US$

Posted: 31 May 2011 06:12 PM PDT

NEW YORK: Oil rose Tuesday after a sharp drop in the dollar and reports of pipeline problems in the Midwest.

West Texas Intermediate crude, the U.S. benchmark, added $2.11 to settle at at $102.70 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

In London, Brent crude added $2.05 to settle at $116.73 on the ICE Futures exchange.

The dollar lost ground to the euro as the European Union discussed whether to send more financial aid to help Greece's economy. Oil is priced in dollars and tends to rise as the greenback weakens and makes crude cheaper for investors holding foreign currency.

TransCanada temporarily shut down the Keystone Pipeline after noticing a minor spill at a pump station in Kansas. The pipeline delivers a half million barrels of oil per day to the U.S. from Alberta. It feeds supplies to Cushing, Oklahoma, the delivery point for benchmark crude, and a sustained shutdown could push prices higher this week.

"We hope to have it up and running within a few days," TransCanada spokesman Terry Cunha said. It's the second shutdown of the pipeline this month.

A weak consumer confidence reading cooled slowed the rise in oil. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index for May showed the lowest reading since November. Economists said consumers were losing confidence due to a choppy rebound in the job market, high gas prices and an ongoing slump in home values.

"That's a definite negative," analyst Jim Ritterbusch said. "When they're not confident, consumers don't buy as much. And they make up 70 percent of the economy." Gasoline prices have been falling most of the month after hitting a three-year record at $3.9845 per gallon ($1.05 a liter). Pump prices are still $1.048 a gallon more expensive than the same time last year.

In other Nymex contracts, heating oil rose 5.16 cents to settle at $3.053 per gallon, gasoline gained 1.9 cents to $3.0503 per gallon and natural gas rose 14.8 cents to $4.666 per 1,000 cubic feet. - AP

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US stocks end a down month on an up note

Posted: 31 May 2011 06:09 PM PDT

NEW YORK: That screeching sound you heard in May? That was the stock market.

While the month ended with four days of gains in most of the indexes, concerns that high gas prices, tornadoes and flooding in the South, the post-natural disaster slowdown in Japan and a growing debt crisis in Europe sent the Standard and Poor's 500 stock index down 1.4 percent in May. That decline followed a 2.85 percent gain in April, which followed gains that set the fastest pace in the first quarter since 1998. Before this month, stocks were boosted by higher corporate earnings, increased business spending and a global economic expansion.

May was the first down month for the S&P since August 2010.

Other risky assets also saw declines in May, following a year of increases. The prices of commodities like oil, cattle and coffee fell by an average of 7 percent. Meanwhile, Treasury bond prices, which tend to rise when investors fear that the economy is slowing, rose to near their highest level of the year.

For Tuesday, the stock market ended higher, on signs that Germany might drop its demands for an early rescheduling of Greek bonds, paving the way for a deal that could prevent Greece from defaulting on its debt. The S&P index gained 14.10, or 1.1 percent, to 1,345.20. The Dow Jones industrial average added 128.21, or 1 percent, to 12,569.79. And the Nasdaq composite rose 38.44, or 1.4 percent, to 2,835.30.

These gains came in spite of another grim report on the U.S. housing market. Home prices in in 12 of the 20 cities tracked by the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller index dropped in March to the lowest levels since the housing bubble popped in 2006. "Home prices continue on their downward spiral with no relief in sight," said David Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&P Indices.

Oliver Pursche, president of Gary Goldberg Financial Services, said the report didn't hurt investors' confidence much because their expectations for the U.S. housing market were already low.

"There's no shock factor there," Pursche said. "We knew it was going to be bad, and it is."

Even so, the month of May was an unhappy one for stock holders for the second year in a row - although the losses weren't nearly as bad as they were last year. Just like 2010, when the S&P index lost 8 percent in May, Greece said that it will need outside help from other European Union countries to meet its debt payments. And in the U.S., the domestic economy sputtered again. Thirteen economic indicators, ranging from personal spending to manufacturing orders, were weaker than economists had predicted, a sign investors and analysts say indicates that high gas prices are slowing growth more than anticipated.

Some investors believe that May was merely a short-term dip_and given the news of the month, markets could have seen bigger declines. "(Stocks) held up reasonably well this month, given all that the market had to digest in terms of worries," said David Kelly, chief market strategist at J.P. Morgan Funds.

Kelly and others say that the lingering good feelings from a strong earnings season, where the average company beat Wall Street's quarterly earnings expectations by more than 6 percent, was part of the reason the broad market didn't decline further. Another reason, Kelly says is that the belief "in the market that any of the slowdown in the economy is relatively temporarily."

One-time factors like bad weather and problems with getting parts from Japan, along with a sharp upturn in investments by private companies, all suggest that the economy will continue to grow this year despite recent signs of weakness, Kelly said.

The few industries that performed well in May were so-called defensive ones like health care and utilities that have stable earnings because the items they sell are not luxuries. Consumer staples - companies like PepsiCo and Costco Wholesale that sell everyday items like soda and diapers - rose nearly 2.5 percent, the most out of any group.

June should provide some answers as to whether the economy truly is slowing down. Economists expect that Friday's jobs report will show that the unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent in May from 9.0 percent in April. And at the end of the month, the Federal Reserve will end its bond-buying stimulus program, QE2. The program has kept interest rates low, which makes owning riskier assets, like stocks or commodities, more attractive.

Some investors believe that the end of the Fed's stimulus program is already reflected in stock prices. "The market looks ahead six to nine months, so if the market thought the end of QE2 was going to be harmful we would have felt it already," said Peter Maris, the founder of Resource Financial Group, a financial adviser in Wilmette, Ill.

The S&P index has risen 7 percent this year, before dividends. At this point would take an 87.56 point drop for it to turn negative for the year. The Dow would need to drop 992.28 points to erase its 8.6 percent gain for the year. - AP

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The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies

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'Jersey Shore' star Snooki in Italy car crash

Posted: 31 May 2011 12:55 AM PDT

NEW YORK (AP): Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi and a fellow "Jersey Shore" cast member have been involved in a minor traffic accident in Italy.

The popular MTV reality show is filming its fourth season in Florence. The network said in a statement late Monday that two cast members were involved in a crash.

The statement said no alcohol was involved and no one was arrested. It provided no further details.

SallyAnn Salsano, executive producer at "Jersey Shore" production company 495, tells The Star-Ledger newspaper that the incident was "just a minor fender bender." She says the show is still filming.

Photos posted on celebrity gossip website TMZ.com show Polizzi and co-star Deena Nicole Cortese, apparently uninjured, sitting on the sidewalk after the crash.

The show's first and third season were set in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. The second season sent the cast to Miami.

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'Hangover' hurls up huge numbers with $86.5M debut

Posted: 29 May 2011 06:04 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Hollywood's hangover is a lot bigger the second time around.

"The Hangover Part II" hauled in $86.5 million in its first weekend, putting Hollywood on course to set a new revenue record for the long Memorial Day weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.

From Friday to Sunday, Hollywood's domestic take totaled about $220 million.

Once Monday's receipts are counted, the industry should finish the four-day weekend with around $270 million, easily topping the $254.6 million Memorial Day record set in 2007, said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com.

"The Hangover" sequel did nearly twice the business of the original blockbuster comedy in its $45 million opening weekend two years ago.

In its first four days since opening Thursday, the Warner Bros. sequel has taken in $118.1 million and is on track to finish the long Memorial Day weekend with about $140 million in the bank.

The first "Hangover" did not hit the $100 million mark until its second weekend. The movie went on to gross $277 million domestically.

"The Hangover Part II" reunites stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis as they awake in another haze and attempt to piece together the mayhem of their drunken night in Bangkok, Thailand.

Overseas, the sequel opened in 40 other countries and added $59 million.

DreamWorks Animation's "Kung Fu Panda 2" opened solidly with a $48 million weekend, though it came in well below the $60.2 million debut of the first installment three years ago.

Since opening Thursday, "Kung Fu Panda 2" has pulled in $53.8 million. Distributor Paramount estimates the sequel will reach $68.2 million when the holiday weekend closes.

With voice stars Jack Black and Angelina Jolie returning, "Kung Fu Panda 2" follows the menagerie of martial-arts heroes as they face a villain aiming to conquer ancient China with gunpowder and cannons.

"Kung Fu Panda 2" also took in $57 million in 11 overseas markets, including $18.5 million in China.

After a No. 1 debut the previous weekend, Johnny Depp's "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" slipped to third-place with $39.3 million. Distributor Disney estimates the sequel's domestic revenues will reach $163.6 million by the end of the holiday weekend.

"On Stranger Tides" also has taken in nearly half a billion dollars overseas, with its worldwide total through Monday estimated at $646.5 million.

Director Terrence Malick's sweeping drama "The Tree of Life" drew huge crowds in limited release, debuting with $352,320 in just four theaters in New York City and Los Angeles.

That gave the film a whopping average of $88,080 a theater, compared to a $23,923 average in 3,615 cinemas for "The Hangover Part II."

"The Tree of Life" stars Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain in the story of a grown son reflecting on his boyhood with his two brothers, saintly mother and loving but domineering father. The film, which won the top honor at the Cannes Film Festival the previous weekend, expands to more theaters Friday.

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Lindsay Lohan settles suit over 2007 highway chase

Posted: 27 May 2011 07:06 PM PDT

BEVERLY HILLS, California (AP): Lindsay Lohan has settled a lawsuit filed by a woman who was chased by the actress in a pre-dawn pursuit that has haunted the actress in civil and criminal courts for nearly three years.

The starlet on Wednesday settled the lawsuit filed by Tracie Rice, who claimed she was traumatized and lost a well-paying job because of the incident, court records show.

Rice was a passenger in a car driven by the mother of Lohan's former assistant, who the actress pursued down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in July 2007. The chase ended with Lohan's arrest in the parking lot of a police department; Rice has said she thought the actress was trying to carjack her.

No details of the settlement, which was first reported Friday by celebrity website TMZ, were released.

"Lindsay is very pleased to put this unfortunate event behind her," her attorney, Ed McPherson, wrote in a statement.

Lohan was arrested twice for driving under the influence in 2007, and remains on probation for offenses. She has struggled to comply with the terms of her release, with three separate judges sending her to jail since July 2010.

The "Mean Girls" star was sentenced to four months in jail last month for violating her probation by taking a necklace without permission, and on Thursday surrendered to authorities and began serving her term on house arrest. She is expected to spend roughly 35 days on home confinement.

Rice's case against Lohan has been repeatedly delayed in the past year because of Lohan's stints in jail and rehab. Rice's attorney, Paul L. Hoffman, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Friday.

Lohan is also being sued by three men who were in the sport utility vehicle the actress used to pursue Rice. McPherson wrote the actress expects to be vindicated in that case.

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The Star Online: Nation

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The Star Online: Nation


Stick to agreed fees and conditions, maid agencies told

Posted: 31 May 2011 06:45 AM PDT

PUTRAJAYA: All agencies supplying Indonesian maids to Malaysia have been told to stick to the fees and conditions agreed upon by the Malaysian and Indonesian governments.

"The initial fees employers have to pay to get an Indonesian maid should no longer hover between RM6,000 and RM8,000, like what's happening now," Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam told reporters on arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here Tuesday.

The two countries on Monday inked protocol amendments to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the employment of Indonesian maids inked between them in 2006.

The revised MoU, among others, sets the initial fees employers have to pay at RM4,511.

"The Indonesian side has pledged their commitment on this matter, and we should do that too," he said.

In addition, Dr Subramaniam said a joint task force would be set up to deal with issues raised by employers and their employees.

"The task force, among others, will look at salary issues based on demand and supply principles. We'll know the outcome in two weeks," he added. - Bernama

Related Stories:
New MoU on maids inked

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Umno supreme council members to go to the ground for polls feedback

Posted: 31 May 2011 06:26 AM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Supreme Council members will go to the ground in their respective states next month to get feedback on preparations for the coming general election.

Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan said they would also assist in holding mock polls next month as part of preparations for the election.

The feedback from Umno divisions will be used for the preparations, which would include setting up operations rooms and election committees, he told reporters Tuesday after receiving applications from 64 former DAP members from Kampung Lembah Kinrara in Puchong to join Umno.

"The supreme council members are the foster fathers (under the champion of the people programme), each of them is responsible for three to five divisions," said Ahmad, who is Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.

On the mock election, Ahmad said it would take about two months and the foster fathers were required to submit a report to the party leadership.

He said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would be in charge of the simulated polls. - Bernama

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Improved NS physical module from next year

Posted: 31 May 2011 05:47 AM PDT

KOTA BARU: The National Service (NS) Training Department will introduce an improved physical module for NS trainees starting January next year, said its director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil.

He said the sports science-based module would include commercial elements which participants can benefit from after the training ends.

"We have asked the Sultan Idris University of Education (UPSI) to come up with the improved module.

"UPSI will publish a guide book on the new module for trainees and trainers, and we expect to implement the module by January 2011," he told reporters here Tuesday.

Abdul Hadi said the new module would not do away with the existing one which offers activities such as shooting, marching, water activities and other extreme sports, and would also be upgraded from time to time. - Bernama

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The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf

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The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf


Bestsellers for May 2011

Posted: 29 May 2011 02:11 AM PDT

[unable to retrieve full-text content]FOR the month of May 2011:


One of the best

Posted: 29 May 2011 02:09 AM PDT

[unable to retrieve full-text content]A master crime writer takes a different path but is still as compelling as ever.


Reminder to be happy

Posted: 29 May 2011 02:07 AM PDT

[unable to retrieve full-text content]IN memory of Johnny Cash, Curtis Mayfield, and Bo Diddley, all of whom died between the time of being interviewed and the publication of this book. And for all those who are going to die afterward." With a dedication like that, you know the book is going to be good.


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The Star Online: Lifestyle: Arts & Fashion

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Welcome to Melinda Looi's world

Posted: 26 May 2011 02:38 AM PDT

A new column offering opinions on fashion and other matters, from a designer's point of view.

SO, celebrations are in order. I have finally joined the ranks of designers with a lyrical purpose.

While I am no award-winning columnist or even an aspiring writer, this column will be the perfect opportunity to express my ideas and thoughts on all things fashion ... and beyond.

My name is Melinda Looi and I am a fashion designer.

They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. In terms of my connection with fashion, I was practically born into it.

My family's source of income came from tailoring and fashion manufacturing. My earliest childhood memories were that of my siblings and me running around the factory floor amidst sewing machines and rolls of cloth. But even with my keen connection to fashion, I was leaning more towards the fine arts.

When I hinted to my parents that I wanted to pursue an education in that field, they shot the idea down. They had a biased perception that I would either starve to death (from not being able to make a living as an artist) or only get famous when I am deceased. So truth be told, the options were not really desirable.

It didn't come to anyone's surprise that my parents were supportive when I brought up the idea of fashion designing. After a whirlwind romance with the arts, I finally found my true calling and accepted a scholarship in Montreal, Canada. That set the ball rolling.

Fast forward 10 years and I am now older and wiser with three children. I have three fashion brands (Melinda Looi Couture, Melinda Looi Pret-A-Porter, Mell Basics) and Mell Eyewear. I am blessed with many loyal supporters of my fashion including international celebrities and real women the world over. I am busy running a business and travelling to all corners of the world to be inspired.

You may think I have come a long way, but I like to say that I have learnt life lessons the hard way.

I learnt that success doesn't come easy, there are no easy shortcuts and there will be trials and tribulations.

Along the bumpy paths, you'll meet wonderful people, get pats on the back and be provided support. And that is what makes it all worthwhile.

I will never forget my first customer, or the first person who gave me my first big break or my first runway show. Likewise, I will never forget today which marks my very first column; it's humbling and memorable.

I look forward to all the learning curves, as well as your questions and feedback. I sincerely hope my readers will embark on this new chapter of my life with me as Melinda Looi, the fashion/lifestyle columnist.

> Award-winning fashion designer Melinda Looi tries to marry consumerism and materialism with environmental consciousness, and believes her greatest creations are her children. Follow her on Facebook or write in to star2@thestar.com.my. Mel's Place will appear fortnightly on Thursdays, alternating with Sense Of Style.

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Helping in style

Posted: 26 May 2011 12:54 AM PDT

Fashion brands reinforce their commitment to support recovery efforts in Japan.

IT is always fashionable to be kind. The earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March continues to inspire people all over the world to lend a helping hand.

Fortunately, fashion houses have also come forward to do their part. Now's your chance to help in some small way and look trendy at the same time.

Star quality

In an effort to support the disaster relief in Japan, A|X Armani Exchange has organised a fund-raising event this Saturday (May 28). Scheduled as a meet and greet session with celebrities, it is held at A/X Armani Exchange store on level two of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur from 3pm to 5pm.

Fans get to purchase an exclusive "A|X Loves Japan" T-shirt and get the stars to sign on it. Celebrities at the event include Amy Search, Belinda Chee, Owen Yap, William San, Atilia, IZ, Ryzal, Lynn Lim, Jojo Goh, Carmen Soo, Dennis Lau, Xandria Ooi, Bittersweet, Tracy Cheong, Karena Teo and Joanne Yew.

The limited edition tee in white is retailed at RM120. That's not all, you can take a picture with your favourite celebrity and donate any amount.

Proceeds from the sale of this T-shirt and photography session with the stars will be channeled to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society and subsequently to Red Cross Society in Japan.

Wrist wonder

Luxury fashion house Gucci has created a limited edition charity bracelet to support earthquake relief efforts in Japan. All proceeds from the bracelet's sales will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society to support victims of the devastating Higashi Nihon Dai-Shinsai earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March.

Featuring a white-red-white web that recalls the colors of the Japanese flag, the bracelet carries a medal with a message that reads "Gucci loves you." Detailing includes non-allergenic white calf leather on the lining and Italian brand's iconic horsebit. The one-size bracelet offers three adjustable sizes.

The charity bracelet made its debut at Gucci stores in Japan shortly after the earthquake, followed by worldwide distribution in Gucci flagship stores across the United States, Europe and Asia including Malaysia.

Priced at RM430, the bracelet is sold at Gucci boutiques in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Suria KLCC.

Flaunt this tee

A brand designed for men, Show Off carries a range of casual wear inspired by the street and runway. The British brand believes that fashion should be made available to just about anyone who wants to flaunt his body.

To express support and love for Japan, Show Off has created a series of fund-raising T-shirts. Motifs on the tees are colourful and quirky, ranging from samurai elements to prints illustrating the crane (bird with thin long neck and legs).

The tees are priced at RM99 each and sold at Mooks outlets in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Suria KLCC; 50% of the profits will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross via Red Crescent Society Malaysia. – William K.C. Kee

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Platform for designers

Posted: 26 May 2011 12:24 AM PDT

SOME of the biggest challenges faced by fashion designers include getting exposure for their products and marketing them. Thankfully in the Malaysian fashion scene, there are many avenues to getting one's brand out there.

Recently, Malaysian International Fashion Alliance (Mifa) and Maxis Berhad opened The Twelve, a fashion concept store at Fahrenheit 88 in Kuala Lumpur. The store is a physical extension of Maxis' fashion portal (www.fashionista.my), which was launched last November.

"Maxis is keen on providing services beyond telecommunication; that was one of the reasons we launched fashionista.my. The website has been doing very well since it began, so we decided to take it a step further and collaborated with Mifa to open The Twelve," explained T. Kugan, vice president of product, device and innovation for Maxis.

The Twelve essentially serves as a platform for selected local designers to showcase their products to a large urban market. The concept store stocks products from 12 designers, whose merchandise are also available on the fashion portal.

The brands were chosen based on the commercial viability of their designs. The designers must be able to produce enough items not just for the store, but also to meet export demands should the opportunity arise.

The featured couturiers and labels are TAS Iman by Tom Abang Saufi, Zero To Ten, PU3, Radzuan Radziwill, Key Ng, Sasha Rowena, Benson Chen, Shinju Pearls and JKhan.

There are also selected designers who showcase their work under the Bumiputra Designers Association (BDA) and Young Designers' Arena (YODA) banner.

At the same time, The Twelve has a space dedicated to uREKA, a collective group of artists helmed by Lucas Blim that create art-inspired products like stationery, handmade dolls, paintings and more.

Several in-store events, including monthly fashion shows by the labels, will be held throughout the year. You can look out for updates on www.fashionista.my. Melody L. Goh

> The Twelve is located at Lot G21 & G22, Fahrenheit 88, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

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