Khamis, 28 Julai 2011

The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio

0 ulasan 9:57 PTG Dicatat oleh blog2

Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info

Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio

Posted: 29 Jul 2011 02:53 AM PDT

NTV7 is providing a platform for entrepreneurs to present their business ideas through its latest TV reality show – Make The Pitch – and also rewarding the winner with up to RM500,000 worth of funding.

A collaboration between the TV station and MyEG, Make The Pitch is open to individuals aged 18 and above who have a registered company in their name.

Registered societies, non-governmental organisations and associations which have an innovative idea are also welcomed to take part. The organisation must be represented by a person who is capable of creating change from within the said organisation.

The show, which is slated to premiere on Oct 12 at 8.30pm, is open for auditions.

Those interested can attend the auditions tomorrow and on Sunday (10am-4pm) at Sri Pentas, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Shortlisted contestants will be invited to a recording session where they will pitch their ideas to a panel of potential investors. Those who make it in this round will be offered a marketing task and seed money to create a campaign to sell their idea to the public.

Meanwhile, a group of investors who will help budding entrepreneurs execute their innovative ideas have been identified and they will be investing their money in the entrepreneur's company.

For those who have great business ideas but have no capital, do attend the auditions this weekend and make the pitch of your life.

Go to myeg.com.my/makethepitch for more details.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Delicious win

Posted: 29 Jul 2011 02:52 AM PDT

Besides good music, Red FM has buffet vouchers and more for its listeners.

HITCH a joyride with Red FM deejays Rudy and Jeremy, as well as Terry, and you will find out that it's not just these guys who have all the fun.

Packed with humour, exciting features and Today's Best Music, listeners are up for an entertaining time. Tune in to Rudy and Jeremy on Red FM's Breakfast show (Monday to Friday, 6am-10am) and Terry from Red FM's Drive show (Monday to Friday, 3pm-7pm) for the next two weeks, you may walk away with something delectable on top of the smile on your face.

With the holy month of Ramadan just around the corner, the station joins in the celebration with buffet vouchers to give away for an unforgettable break fast experience. Listen out for the cue to win on both shows and savour a special Ramadan spread.

If you missed these vouchers, you still have the opportunity to pick up delicious mooncakes for the upcoming Mid Autumn festival by tuning in to the morning and drive segments.

Start off with Rudy and Jeremy in the morning as they play your favourite songs and regale you with the latest happenings and weirdest events around the world.

Put your music knowledge to the test with Rudyoke and guess the song being belted out by karaoke enthusiasts. The fun on the road continues with Terry on his Drive show. His infectious energy and passion for movies will ensure an entertaining journey as you make your way home.

So hop on for a great time with the Red FM deejays and don't miss your chance to win some goodies for yourself.

Log on to red.fm for details on the giveaways and their terms and conditions. Join the Red FM Malaysia Facebook fan page (facebook.com/redfm.my) and follow us on Twitter (@iloveredfm) for the latest updates.

Red FM is owned and operated by The Star.

Red FM's station frequencies: Taiping, Kedah, Perlis and Pulau Langkawi: 98.1 FM; George Town and Seberang Perai: 107.6 FM; Ipoh, Perak: 106.4 FM; Klang Valley, Negri Sembilan & Tapah: 104.9 FM; Kuantan, Pahang: 91.6 FM; Batu Pahat and Malacca: 98.9 FM; Johor Baru and Singapore: 92.8 FM.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: World Updates

0 ulasan 9:42 PTG Dicatat oleh blog2

Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info

Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: World Updates

Noted historian accused of stealing presidential docs
China piracy sweep nets fake Tibetan books, porn films
Screening has little impact on breast cancer deaths - study

Noted historian accused of stealing presidential docs

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 09:34 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A noted U.S. presidential historian and another New York City man were indicted on Thursday for allegedly stealing valuable historical documents including copies of speeches by Franklin Roosevelt and a land grant document signed by Abraham Lincoln.

Barry Landau, 63, and Jason James Savedoff, 24, were charged with conspiring to steal major artwork and theft of major artwork since December 2010, according to the two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Maryland.

Landau and Savedoff on Dec. 2 stole documents from Franklin Roosevelt's presidential library, including seven reading copies of speeches and Landau sold four of them for $35,000, according to the indictment.

Such documents are copies of an address from which the president read, signed or initialled them, and sometimes had handwritten notes or corrections.

The two men also were accused of stealing 60 documents from the Maryland Historical Society earlier this month, including a land grant that was dated June 1, 1861, and signed by Lincoln.

An employee from the historical society alerted authorities to the possible theft leading to the probe.

In a sign that prosecutors may believe more valuable historical documents may have been stolen, they urged anyone who has information about buying or the sale of such items to contact the FBI.

"A nationwide federal investigation is continuing," U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein said in a statement. He also said the case should "send a wake-up call to museums that entrust valuable documents to persons who claim to be engaged in academic research."

Landau promoted himself as a U.S. presidential historian and been interviewed several times on television networks. He also described himself on his website as one of the biggest collectors of presidential memorabilia and artefacts.

They both had been previously charged by local authorities in Baltimore, Maryland, for the theft there. Attempts to reach their attorneys were not immediately successful.

If convicted on the federal charges, the theft count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and the conspiracy count has a 5-year maximum prison sentence.

(Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky)

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

China piracy sweep nets fake Tibetan books, porn films

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 09:34 PM PDT

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's latest crackdown on intellectual property piracy has netted more than 20,000 fake Tibetan-language text books, 90,000 copies of a well-known Chinese film as well as porn films, state media said on Friday.

The United States and other Western countries have repeatedly complained that China has not kept promises to stamp out intellectual property theft.

Countless pledges from Beijing to get tough have also failed to stamp out the problem, and pirated goods are commonly found in shops and on the streets of the Chinese capital.

In the latest effort to convince a sceptical world its efforts are paying off, the official Xinhua news agency said Chinese courts had given sentences of up to six years in jail to 18 people for pirating the text books and films.

"In one case, Zhang Xinfeng was found to sell more than 30,000 copies of textbooks, including more than 20,000 Tibetan books, to 25 schools in 19 Tibetan cities and counties between September 2009 to September 2010," the report said.

Zhang got five years in jail and a 100,000 yuan ($15,521) fine, Xinhua said.

Two other people were also given jail time for producing 90,000 copies of the 2010 Chinese film, "Let the Bullets Fly", by award-winning director Jiang Wen, as well as "porn discs", it added without elaborating.

Xinhua said the sentences were "the latest move to show the country's determination to combat piracy".

U.S. Department of Commerce General Counsel Cameron Kerry, in Beijing this week on a visit focused on anti-corruption and commercial rule of law issues, said piracy remained an area of concern.

Washington would "like to see continuing improvement in the area of intellectual property enforcement", he told reporters.

Software companies who have done business in China for years "haven't yet seen an uptick in software sales," even though China has touted that all central government agencies are using legally purchased software as of May, Kerry added.

"The recent special campaign was effective at raising awareness, but these efforts need to continue," he said. "They need to deepen the audits of Chinese government agencies and state-owned enterprises."

Chinese piracy and counterfeiting of U.S. software and a wide range of other intellectual property cost American businesses alone an estimated $48 billion and 2.1 million jobs in 2009, the U.S. International Trade Commission said in May.

($1 = 6.443 yuan)

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Sui-Lee Wee; Editing by Ken Wills)

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Screening has little impact on breast cancer deaths - study

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 09:34 PM PDT

LONDON (Reuters) - Falling breast cancer death rates have little to do with breast screening but are down to better treatment and health systems, scientists said on Friday, in a study likely to fuel a long-running row over the merits of mammograms.

A woman undergoes a mammography exam, a special type of X-ray of the breasts, which is used to detect tumours as part of a regular cancer prevention medical check-up at a clinic in Nice, south eastern France January 4, 2008. (REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/Files)

Researchers analysed data from three pairs of countries in Europe and found that although breast cancer screening programmes had been introduced 10 to 15 years earlier in some areas than in others, declines in death rates were similar.

The findings suggest that "improvements in treatment and in the efficiency of healthcare systems may be more plausible explanations" for falling deaths rates from breast cancer, they wrote in a study in the British Medical Journal.

World Health Organisation (WHO) data show that deaths from breast cancer are decreasing in the United States, Australia, and most Nordic and western European countries but breast screening is a hot topic among experts who disagree about whether nationwide mammogram programmes do more harm than good.

The fear among some is that over-diagnosis -- when screening picks up tumours that would never have presented a problem -- may mean many women are undergoing unnecessary radical treatment, suffering the physical and psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis that would otherwise not have come up.

But sweeping changes in U.S. guidelines two years ago that scaled back recommendations on breast screening caused an uproar among patient and doctors groups who said they put women at risk. That was swiftly followed by two conflicting European studies which further fuelled the row.

The first, by Danish scientists, found that breast cancer screening programmes of the type run by health services in Europe, the United States and other rich nations do nothing to reduce death rates from the disease, while the second, by a British team, found "substantial and significant reduction in breast cancer deaths" due to screening.

Then last month, researchers who conducted the longest ever breast cancer screening said it showed that regular mammograms prevent deaths from breast cancer, and that the number of lives saved increases over time.

Every year, breast cancer kills around 500,000 people globally and is diagnosed in close to 1.3 million people.

For this study, researchers from Britain, France and Norway used WHO data to compare trends in breast cancer death rates within three pairs of countries - Northern Ireland versus Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands versus Belgium and Flanders, and Sweden versus Norway.

Each pair had similar healthcare services and similar levels of risk factors for breast cancer mortality, but were different in that mammography screening was implemented about 10 to 15 years later in the second country of each pair.

The team, lead by Philippe Autier of the International Prevention Research Institute in Lyon, France, said they expected that reductions in breast cancer death rates would show up earlier in countries where screening was introduced sooner, but their analysis in fact showed little difference.

The findings showed that from 1989 to 2006, deaths from breast cancer fell by 29 percent in Northern Ireland and 26 Percent in the Republic of Ireland; by 25 percent in the Netherlands, 20 percent in Belgium and 25 percent in Flanders; and by 16 percent in Sweden and 24 percent in Norway.

"Trends in breast cancer mortality rates varied little between countries where women had been screened by mammography for a considerable time compared with those where women were largely unscreened," Autier's team wrote.

"This is in sharp contrast with the temporal difference of 10 to 15 years in implementation of mammography screening and suggests that screening has not played a direct part in the reductions of breast cancer mortality."

(Editing by Elizabeth Fullerton)

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Sports

0 ulasan 7:29 PTG Dicatat oleh blog2

Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info

Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Sports

Injured Roddick pulls out of Washington tournament
Meena Lee takes 2-shot lead at Women's British Open
Woods to end 3-month layoff at Firestone

Injured Roddick pulls out of Washington tournament

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 06:55 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (AP): Three-time champion Andy Roddick has pulled out of next week's Legg Mason Tennis Classic because of a partially torn abdominal muscle on his right side.

The tournament announced Roddick's withdrawal Thursday and said he was hurt while practicing.

Four other players are missing the hard-court tournament with injuries: two-time major champion Lleyton Hewitt, Sam Querrey, Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori.

The highest-ranked players in the field are No. 7 Gael Monfils and No. 9 Mardy Fish.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Meena Lee takes 2-shot lead at Women's British Open

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 05:48 PM PDT

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (AP): Meena Lee overcame wet conditions to shoot a 7-under 65 on Thursday for a two-shot lead after the first round of the Women's British Open.

The South Korean had seven birdies and no bogeys in her round played mainly in a heavy afternoon downpour. "I like links golf. It's very different to what we play on the LPGA Tour and I really enjoyed it today, despite the weather," Lee said.

Two strokes back was American Brittany Lincicome, who started her round in good conditions early in the morning and set the early pace with a 5-under 67.

Among a group at 68 were American Angela Stanford, South Korea's Amy Yang, Germany's Caroline Masson and Sweden's Sofie Gustafson.

Twice a winner on the LPGA Tour in her first two seasons after turning professional in 2005, Lee is making her second visit to Scotland, having played in the British Open at St. Andrews in 2007.

Lee opened Thursday with a birdie at the first when she hit her 7-iron second to 6 feet. She birdied the long sixth after hitting a sand wedge to 12 feet, made a 20-foot putt for birdie at the seventh and holed from nine feet at the ninth.

Putts for birdies from similar lengths followed at the 11th and long 14th. At the 17th Lee hit two 5-woods to 45 feet and took two putts for her final birdie. Lincicome made her charge starting at the 12th, where she made a 15-foot birdie putt.

She hit a 7-iron to 7 feet at the 13th and holed the putt. Lincicome hit a huge drive on the 14th - "must have been 300 yards,' she said - and then a 6-iron to 10 feet and holed that for an eagle. She also birdied the long 17th.

"I played really well," she said. "I didn't take advantage of some chances on the front nine but then really got going from the 12th. This is a great golf course and it seems to suit my game really well so I'm looking forward to the next three days."

American Paula Creamer had two eagles and finished with a 69, along with Swedish rookie Caroline Hedwall, Japan's Momoko Ueda and Mika Miyazato, South Koreans Na Yeon Choi and Song-Hee Kim, Taiwan's Amy Hung and Canadian Lorie Kane.

Morgan Pressel and three-time winner Karrie Webb shot 70s, one better than defending champion Yani Tseng of Taiwan. Cristie Kerr had a 72, while Michelle Wie had a lackluster 74.

American Kristy McPherson made a sensational start and reached the turn in 5-under 31, but faltered on the back nine and finished with a 71, the same as Natalie Gulbis.

Last week's Evian Masters winner Ai Miyazato of Japan bogeyed the first five holes on her way to a 76, while former three-time winner Sherri Steinhauer slumped to a 78.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Woods to end 3-month layoff at Firestone

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 05:48 PM PDT

JACKSONVILLE, Florida (AP): Tiger Woods is finally set to get back to golf next week at the Bridgestone Invitational, ending an 11-week break to heal injuries to his left leg.

Woods used his website to announce his return on Thursday. He posted on his Twitter account that he's "feeling fit and ready to tee it up at Firestone next week. Excited to get back out there!"

It marks the third-longest layoff of his career, only this time Woods returns with as much uncertainty about his future as ever.

Along with questions about the strength of his left knee and Achilles', Woods embarks on his latest comeback with a new caddie, and without guarantees he'll be eligible for more than two weeks.

Woods last month fired Steve Williams, who caddied for Adam Scott at the U.S. Open and worked for the Australian again at the AT&T National without seeking permission.

Woods has plunged to No. 21 in the world - his lowest ranking since Jan. 26, 1997 - and has gone more than 20 months since his last win, at the Australian Masters, shortly before he was exposed for having multiple extramarital affairs that led to divorce.

He last played May 12 at The Players Championship, when he withdrew after going 6 over on the front nine because of recurring pain in his left leg. He has said he would not compete again until he was fully healed.

How long he lasts might depend on more than just his leg. By missing three months, including the last two majors, Woods has gone from No. 81 to No. 133 in the FedEx Cup standings.

Only the top 125 players qualify for the opening round of the playoffs at The Barclays, likely leaving him only the Bridgestone Invitational and the PGA Championship next week to make up ground.

Otherwise, he would have at least five weeks off without being able to play on the PGA Tour. At least he is returning to a friendly course - Woods has won seven times at Firestone, matching the most he has won on any course as a pro.

However, he was at his low point on the course in the Bridgestone Invitational last year when he finished 78th in an 80-man field. Before that, Woods had never finished out of the top five on the course.

Woods missed the second half of the 2008 season following reconstructive knee surgery, then sat out five months after crashing his car into a fire hydrant on Thanksgiving night in 2009, changing his career on and off the golf course.

His image shattered, he lost four major corporate endorsements and still has not found an endorsement for his bag. He was divorced in August 2010.

On the course, Woods has lost his aura of the sport's most dominant figure in the last 40 years.

He remains stuck on 14 majors - the last one was in the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines - and he nearly missed the cut the last time the PGA Championship was played at Atlanta Athletic Club in 2001.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Business

0 ulasan 7:12 PTG Dicatat oleh blog2

Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info

Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Business

WCT unit wins RM115mil contract
Plans afoot to turn Bukit Jalil Sports Complex into merchandise centre
HSBC may cut 10,000 jobs

WCT unit wins RM115mil contract

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 06:21 PM PDT

PETALING JAYA: WCT Bhd's wholly owned subsidiary, WCT Construction Sdn Bhd, has been awarded a contract worth RM115.09mil for earthworks services by Vale Malaysia Manufacturing Sdn Bhd in Teluk Rubiah, Perak.

The scope of works under project comprises of earthwork, drainage, roads and pavement, slope protection works and temporary sedimentation ponds at VMM's Project - Phase 1A (Stage 1), Teluk Rubiah.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia, it said works were expected to be completed in April 2013, adding that the contract would contribute positively to the group's earnings and net assets for the financial years 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Plans afoot to turn Bukit Jalil Sports Complex into merchandise centre

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 06:19 PM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth and Sports Ministry plans to transform the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex into a "sports city" where it can become a one-stop centre for sports merchandise.

"We have presented this idea to the EPU (Economic Planning Unit)," said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

"The Bukit Jalil Sports Complex can be a profitable one-stop sports centre. We intend to use it as a model and if it is successful, we would like to replicate it in other states as well," he said after the launch of the Sports Industry Year 2011/12 here yesterday.

The Bukit Jalil Sports Complex includes the National Stadium, Putra Stadium, National Aquatics Centre, National Squash Centre, National Hockey Stadium and is home to both the National Sports Institute and National Sports Council.

Ahmad Shabery pointed out that in popular venues such as the Barclays Premier League team Manchester United's home ground of Old Trafford, there were ample outlets to purchase the team's products and memorabilia but this was not the case in local stadiums, such as the National Stadium at Bukit Jalil.

"The stadium itself should become a profit centre," he said.

On sports as a sector and contributor to the local economy, Ahmad Shabery said the Malaysian sports industry had contributed RM30.2bil to gross domestic product (GDP) in 2009.

"However, Malaysia's sports industry has yet to be accepted as one of the nation's National Key Economic Areas. The ministry believes in the importance or potential of sports as an industry.

"The ministry has embarked on a number of initiatives to make this a reality and to turn Malaysia's sports industry as a major contributor to Gross National Income.

"This, in turn, will help fulfil the Economic Transformation Programme target of a high-income nation by 2020," said Ahmad Shabery.

Sports Industry Year 2011/12 is a one-year campaign that runs until July 27. It is aimed at identifying high growth opportunities in the sports industry, targeting expansion and investment as well as establish the sports industry as one of the major contributors towards the Malaysian economy.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

HSBC may cut 10,000 jobs

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 06:17 PM PDT

HONG KONG: HSBC Plc may cut more than 10,000 jobs as it embarks on a cost-cutting drive, Sky News reported, citing people close to Europe's biggest bank.

The bank's plans had not yet been finalised, Sky News added, citing an insider at the bank .

A HSBC spokeswoman in Hong Kong declined to comment.

HSBC's move would be the latest in a wave of cuts announced by the global financial industry, which has been hit by market volatility and lacklustre profits.

Just yesterday, Swiss bank Credit Suisse announced it would cut about 2,000 jobs after a second quarter hit by weak trading activity and the strong Swiss franc.

Switzerland's second biggest bank saw net profit fell 52% to 768 million Swiss francs (US$958.9mil), it said on Thursday.

Standard Chartered, Lloyds, Goldman Sachs and UBS are among banks that have announced job cuts in recent months, hit by rising costs and weak revenue growth.

State Street Corp, one of the world's biggest institutional investors, said earlier this month it would eliminate as many 850 jobs from its technology unit as it tried to curb costs.

HSBC has about 330,000 employees worldwide.

The Sky report came after it said in May it was looking for sustainable cost savings of US$2.5bil to US$3.5bil in order to reach a cost efficiency ratio target of 48%-52% by 2013.

It also said it would be conducting a strategic review of its cards business in the United States, and would limit its retail banking operations to markets where it could achieve profitable scale.

It already cut 700 jobs in its UK retail banking arm in June this year out of its staff of 55,000 in the country, one of many banks that have said they will cull jobs to save costs as lenders fight off a limp economic recovery.

HSBC shares in Hong Kong were down 1.1% by noon yesterday, in line with the broader market's 1% decline. - Reuters

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies

0 ulasan 3:42 PTG Dicatat oleh blog2

Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info

Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies

Long, winding path to success for Vikram

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 03:43 PM PDT

PETALING JAYA: Tamil movie actor Vikram Vinod is currently one of the biggest names in the South Indian movie industry with hit movies raking in billions of rupees.

But, unlike most heroes who blast to the top after their initial movies, success only came almost 10 years after his first movie En Kadhal Kanmani in 1990.

The forty-something father of two, who was here recently, said he also did not give up because he had faced a bigger tribulation during his college days.

"I was riding pillion on my friend's motorbike and we met with an accident which badly injured my right leg," Vikram, who was here to promote his latest movie Deiva Thirumagal, said.

He had to undergo 23 operations over four years to save his badly shattered leg from being amputated.

"I was bedridden for three years and on crutches for one year before I fully recovered," Vikram said.

Success came after Vikram played the lead role in Sethu in 1999 as a tough young man who becomes brain damaged.

His sterling performance paved the way for other movie roles such as Anniyan where Vikram is a lawyer suffering from multiple personality disorder.

In Deiva Thirumagal, Vikram plays the role of a mentally-challenged man who goes to court to seek the right to raise his young daughter.

The movie is an adaptation of the Sean Penn and Dakota Fanning starrer I am Sam.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Nation

0 ulasan 3:42 PTG Dicatat oleh blog2

Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info

Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Nation

Fighting Malaysia hold Singapore to a draw but out of World Cup qualifiers
Harimau Malaya fans pack National Stadium for World Cup qualifier
Online system allows all police stations to accept accident reports says deputy IGP Khalid

Fighting Malaysia hold Singapore to a draw but out of World Cup qualifiers

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 08:19 AM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia tried valiantly but still came up short when it mattered most.

And the chance to make history evaporated when they could only hold Singapore to a 1-1 draw in the return leg of their Asian Zone World Cup second round qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil Thursday.

Singapore, who won the first-leg tie 5-3 at the Jalan Bandar Stadium last Saturday, thus qualified for the third round on 6-4 aggregate.

It also dashed Malaysia's hopes of progressing beyond the second round for the first time since they began competing in the qualifying rounds in 1974.

Malaysia needed to win last night's clash by two clear goals and, for a while, there was a glimmer of hope when Safee Sali cracked in the first goal in the 58th minute.

But the 90,000-odd capacity crowd at the stadium was silenced when Shia Jiayi equalised in the 73rd minute.

To make matters worse, substitute striker Ahmad Fakrani Saarani was sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time.

Special praise must also go to goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat for keeping Malaysia in the game with his remarkable saves.

Singapore, powered by their five naturailsed players, were simply too strong for Malaysian coach Datuk K. Rajagopal's young side, whose target is to qualify on merit for the 2015 Asian Cup.

Singapore were hardly threatened in the opening half and it was the home team who looked vulnerable at the back, with their sloppy defending.

It was left to Khairul to save Malaysia the blushes with three brilliant saves.

Malaysia failed to show any urgency and could barely muster a decent shot at goal, with Safee well contained by a steady Singapore defence led by Muhd Safuwan Baharudin and Shaiful Esah.

Safee's partner-in-crime, Abdul Hadi Yahaya, was barely in the game.

The gaping hole left in the engine room due to Safiq Rahim's absence through suspension and the 23rd-minute exit of centre-back Mohd Aidil Zafuan with an ankle injury added to Malaysia's woes.

Singapore began strongly, coming close twice through flankers Qiu Li and Jiayi. The duo were simply irresistible, easily breaching the Malaysian defence in the 10th and 15th minutes but both times found Khairul unbeatable with point-blank attempts.

Khairul then had to dive full length to stop Shaiful Esah's free kick from sneaking in at the top corner in the 40th minute.

Singapore looked more composed with their neat passing game while Malaysia only threatened in patches and were no threat to the Lions' goalkeeper Mohd Izwan Mahbud.

Referee Takayama Hiroyoshi of Japan stopped play at the half-hour mark when Singapore goalkeeper Mohd Izwan complained of a laser being beamed at his face. An announcement was made through the PA system that the game would be called off if the fans continued with such acts.

Malaysia began the second half in offensive mode and their persistence paid off when Safee found the net with a powerful shot from inside the box, beating the outstretched Mohd Izwan in the 58th minute.

The goal was orchestrated by the tireless Kunalan, who squeezed his little body between two Singapore defenders to put Safee through.

And the prolific striker's crack at goal sent the 90,000 fans into a frenzy.

It was now 1-0 in Malaysia's favour but Singapore were ahead 4-5 on aggregate.

Ahmad Fakri came on for the ineffective Abdul Hadi in the 65th minute but it did not matter when the Malaysian backline cracked in the 73rd minute as Jiayi sneaked past two defenders to beat Khairul from close range.

Even the staunchest Malaysian fan knew then that the road to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil was all over.

Malaysia: Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Mahalli Jasuli, Mohd Asraruddin Putra, Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak (Mohd Muslim Ahmad), Mohd Fadhli Shas, Amar Rohidan, Ismail Faruqi (K. Gurusamy), S. Kunalan, Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal, Mohd Safee Sali, Abdul Hadi Yahaya (Ahmad Fakri Saarani).

Singapore: Mohd Izwan Mahbud, Daniel Bennett, Mohd Safuwan Baharudin, Shaiful Esah (Mohd Isa Abdul Halim), Harris Harun, Shi Jiayi, Qiu Li, Mustafic Fahrudin, Aleksander Duric, Shahril Ishak (Fazrul Nawaz), Juma'at Jantan.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Harimau Malaya fans pack National Stadium for World Cup qualifier

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 04:39 AM PDT

Photo Gallery

BUKIT JALIL: Thousands of Harimau Malaya fans decked in the team colours of yellow and black are now at National Stadium Bukit Jalil to watch the return-leg of the Asian Zone World Cup between Malaysia and Singapore.

Fans waved the national flags, continuously sang and cheered for the national team as they waited for the kick-off at 8.45pm.

Many fans said they had arrived early as they expected the national team to win. Nobody entertained any thought of defeat tonight. Singapore beat Malaysia 5-3 in the first-leg.

For the record, Malaysia began competing in the World Cup qualifying rounds in 1974 and after 10 attempts, have never progressed beyond the second round.

The sold out match is live on Astro Arena.

The Harimau Malaya got an inkling of the support they would receive when they came out to warm up - thunderous applause greeted them.

Malaysian fan and student Ariane Yasmin Middleton said she left home as early as 2pm to make sure that she would arrive at the match.

"My brothers and I left home early to avoid the traffic," she told The Star.

She predicted that Harimau Malaya would be able to beat Singapore in tonight's game.

"We are only behind by two goals. It should be no problem," she said.

Senior manager Khairul Imran Adnan, 49, said he took the day off just for the game.

"I believe they will perform better in Kuala Lumpur.

"Our team has more stamina and I hope they will win tonight," he noted

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Online system allows all police stations to accept accident reports says deputy IGP Khalid

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 02:29 AM PDT

GENTING: From November, police stations nationwide would be linked to the online Police Reporting System, which would allow motorists involved in accidents to lodge reports at any police station.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Datuk Seri Khalid Abu Bakar said with the new system, general policemen at any police stations can conduct the initial investigation.

"They can take down the accident particulars, snap photographs of the damaged vehicle and other necessary records before submitting it online," he said, adding the new initiatives would greatly improve their delivery system.

Khalid said motorist would be able to apply for photographs and sketches of where and how the accident took place via online and choose the preferred police station they wish to collect documents from.

Khalid explained that currently all police stations can accept police reports on traffic matters and accidents, but this was done manually and the hard copy was either sent or faxed to the respective traffic police centre before investigations commenced.

Khalid said this after witnessing the closing ceremony of the three-day Traffic Police Investigation Application Workshop in Genting Highlands Thursday.

The workshop saw 32 state and senior traffic police chiefs attending the brainstorming event to improve the traffic police investigation and delivery system.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Metro: Central

0 ulasan 1:38 PTG Dicatat oleh blog2

Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info

Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Metro: Central

Metro Watch

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 06:27 AM PDT

Photography Competition

The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) is calling out to photographers and photo enthusiasts for the "MTC Photography Competition 2011" in conjunction with the International Year of the Forest. Participants can register online at www.mtc.com.my and submit their entries before Aug 31. For details, visit www.mtc.com.my or e-mail gopinathan@mtc.com.my

Parkinson Talk

D' Happy Club activity centre for seniors is collaborating with the Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association to conduct a talk on "Understanding Parkinson's" on Aug 5 at Pusat Communiti Touch, 124 Jalan SS 2/6, PJ, at 10am. Admission is free. For details, call 012-323 0560 or visit www.kairosforcommunity.blogspot.com

Will writing talk

A free sharing talk on 'Importance of Writing a Will' will be held on Saturday in two sessions, from 10am-11am, 1pm-2pm, at Lara's Place, 26 Jalan 19/31, PJ. Pre-registration required. For details, call 03-7956 8768 or e-mail larasplace@gmail.com

For Southpaws

A Left Hander's Day will be held on Aug 13-14 from 10am-10pm at community corner, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, first floor, Oval (new wing). Activities include brain teasers, fun dip, survey and lefty items for sale. For details, call 016-628 1847 or e-mail leftiesmalaysia@yahoo.com

Durian Feast

For RM8, durian lovers can eat as many durians as they want at the PLUS "Jom Makan Durian" festival at the Sungai Buloh Overhead Bridge Restaurant from today to Saturday, while stock lasts. It is organised by PLUS Expressway and will start from 10am-6pm. For details, call 03-7666 4646/17.

Blood Donation

The National Blood Bank is having a mobile donation unit from Aug 1-7 at various locations in Klang Valley. Public can also visit the Blood Bank from Aug 1-3 (7.30am-5pm), Aug 4-5 (7.30am-8pm) and Aug 6 (7.30am-4pm). For details, visit www.pdn.gov.my or call 03-2695 5557.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Brand has landed at KLIA

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 06:20 AM PDT

BRAUN BÜFFEL, a renowned German premium leatherwear manufacturer, is proud to mark yet another milestone by opening its flagship boutique at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Having made its presence felt in the local retail scene, this new flagship boutique will yet see its latest retail concept come to life to serve travellers from all walks of life at the departure/transit hall of the KLIA Satellite Building.

Located along Gates C31-C37 of the exciting High Fashion Street of the KLIA Satellite Building, Braun Büffel is proud to be part of the new additions to offer tourists and business travellers its premium leatherwear.

Covering an area of over 850sq ft with its signature nude-minimalist boutique décor, this stylish outfit seeks to appeal to time-strapped travellers with its entrance.

Polished marble columns that stand at each entrance add to the classic and yet stylish look of the boutique even from afar.

A sleek and contemporary look is achieved with its clean lines and use of mirror finish stainless steel, while the light pinkish-beige toned wood and warm lights soften the look to create an affable and inviting retail environment.

Its plush single signature Braun Büffel cowhide leather couch adds-comfort for its customers retail experience.

The soothing beige and cream boutique interior expresses the grace, elegance and timelessness of the brand and reinforces the feeling of comfort that is provided by the brand's products.

This new boutique is in line with the Brand's recent move towards a more vibrant, fashionable and younger image.

The new layout will complement the diplay of Braun Büffel products.

The store has been designed to provide space and corners for privacy by the use of different height of cabinets and display cases.

Items will be grouped by class in different areas of the store, providing a progressive boutique experience that will be both enjoyable and relaxing for the customer.

Showcased with a comprehensive range of quality leatherwear and the latest collections from the season's offering, the luxurious boutique at KLIA is definitely the place to shop for the coveted leather bag or a classy leather gift ideal for you and your loved ones.

For details, visit www.braunbuffel-asiapac.com.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Lifestyle: Arts & Fashion

0 ulasan 1:31 PTG Dicatat oleh blog2

Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info

Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Lifestyle: Arts & Fashion

Brand newbies at Robinsons

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 06:40 PM PDT

Robinsons adds two new brands to its fashion stable.

FASHION is often unpredictable. Some brands become hits while others may slowly fade away due to a lack of response. So it's always interesting when new fashion labels reach our shores. More variety is added to our list of options and our world view is expanded, too.

A couple of newbies are now available at Robinsons in The Gardens, Kuala Lumpur. The first brand is from the celestial city of Rome and the other, from the Big Apple.

List Roma, being strong and distinctive, is equated with Italian sensuality, flattering cuts and made-in-Italy craftsmanship. This comes from being in the business for 17 years.

As List Roma produces its apparel a few weeks before the start of every fashion season, it promises up-to-date items. The brand features a complete look that includes accessories and shoes.

It touts high-end quality products at mid-level prices. Throughout the season, List Roma continuously offers flash mini collections to satisfy women's desire to be trendy.

The collection features styles suitable for a wide range of occasions, be it a wedding or corporate event, or even a garden party.

The centrepiece is the dress, complemented by a wide range of tops and blouses, jackets, pants and accessories. The key themes of this collection are Floral, Sand, Dattero, Red, Black & White as well as Black & Ivory. Style-wise, this collection is inspired, among others, by the sophisticated glamour of the 70s.

Thus, you will find long dresses that fall like shimmering water, flared high-waist pants and elegant blouses. The silhouettes of the 50s and 60s make a strong comeback, with shapes that accentuate curves.

Several palettes define this collection: the Floral theme relies on white, purple, orchid pink and floral prints; the Sand and Dattero themes group natural tones of gold sand, brown, indigo blue, olive oil green and ivory together; while black and white dominate the most timeless pieces of the collection.

Fabrics range from the versatile jersey and the ultra classical crepe, to feather-light chiffon and organza, luxurious silks and satins, sensual lace and macramé.

Exclusively available at Robinsons, prices for List Roma starts from RM179.

Distinctive sparkle

Now, let's head over to the fashion capital of the United States.

Established in 1972 in New York, Carolee offers distinctive jewellery collections that reflect a contemporary woman's lifestyle.

The collections span from sleek, modern sterling silver to classic, colourful pearls.

They utilise the same techniques and care as in the making of fine jewellery. Each design takes three months to complete, from the drawing board up to the final product. The materials used are chosen for their exceptional quality and beauty.

Carolee's standout collection this season is jewellery inspired by four women of the 20th and 21st centuries, whose timeless sense of individuality and fashion styles have made them truly iconic.

Fifteen classic jewellery designs emulate looks made famous by Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis, Michelle Obama, The Duchess of Windsor and Eva Peron.

Exclusively available at Robinsons, the collection is priced from RM109.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Bright colours of Nine West

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 06:39 PM PDT

Bright colours, mixed materials and spunky names make up Nine West's Fall/Winter collection.

IN the ever-evolving world of fashion, even the drabbest winter day can be livened up when you put beautiful colours together.

This was especially apparent during a recent trip to Hong Kong, where it seemed people there have a special knack for indulging in daring cuts and colours, and a unique dress sense.

Another person who's got a flair for fashion is creative director Fred Allard, the man behind Nine West's gorgeous collections.

The brand's latest Fall/Winter collection conveys images of lush, green trees, the shining sun and streets bustling with fashionistas wearing lively shades.

The Frenchman's flair was evident in the outfit he wore. His ensemble comprised a black vest (with a crisp yellow collar peeking out underneath), a grey blazer, white pants and brown leather shoes; it was stylish, yet not too far out.

Gesturing animatedly, Allard was personable throughout the interview at the Nine West Fall/Winter press conference in Hong Kong; he has the qualities of a fashion-savvy friend that you'd want to take along for a fruitful shopping trip.

Allard was chief designer at European brands Stephane Kelian and Castaner before taking on the role of fashion head at Nine West; it's a position he has held for the past 10 seasons.

"In fashion, there is such a wide spectrum of colours, from bright shades to pastels. I personally love grey, navy and black, but I enjoy pastel as well for its soft and calming effect. Bright colours, on the other hand, empower you with their energy," he said. "Balance is everything and how you carry fashion is very important."

Allard's vast experiences in fashion and travel make him an interesting person to talk to. His love for colours is expressed in the current collection, in which bold reds, stylish tans and spunky emeralds are apparent amongst monochromatic blacks and greys.

There are five interesting themes in the collection: Electroshock, Eternally Luxe, Decades, Extravagance and Post Industrial. Each range is elegant in its own way, playing on different materials.

"The season is all about mixing materials. Think snake skin and suede, or leather and suede with a trim of patent," said Allard. "I've played with shines and mattes – they are all very rich in texture."

For him, inspiration comes from observing his surroundings. This includes observing women walking down the streets of Paris or most memorably, visiting the exquisite Madame Gres museum in Paris recently.

"She was known for her style of draping," quipped Allard in his heavy French accent.

He remembered, in particular, three exhibition rooms at the museum. The first was a play on white, grey and nudes, the second on pastels and lastly, a room filled with bright colours.

He frequently taps into his memory of the museum for new inspiration and ideas. He also listens to contemporary bands such as Air and LCD Soundsystem, and surrounds himself with young people for the energy they offer.

"As a man designing shoes for woman, I have a propensity for high heels," he said with a grin. "Whether they are high platforms or low ones, they make a woman's movement very sexy and pretty."

Among the gorgeous designs in the seasonal collection are suede peeptoe pumps, oxford platform pumps, knee-length and thick-heeled low boots.

Whether it's for a long day at work or the casual weekend, these shoes look hardy and fashionable.

"This is my favourite pair this season," said Allard, holding up a pair of deep purple Mary Jane platforms.

He explained that the heels are a classic style that go extremely well with pants or even a retro chiffon dress. In fact, the idea for this particular design came to him when he bought an old pair of shoes at a vintage store in Paris.

"Mary Janes have nice proportions and clean lines, giving women beautiful silhouettes," he said. They even have a cute name – Around Town.

It's charming how Nine West gives each style a spunky name. This season, there are monikers such as Checkit, Desireable, Gracious, Havesome, Hoppy, Kobel, Mavenue, Nettle, Newkimmie, Nobelman and Pinktop.

When asked for his preference for other shoes, Allard replied, "Flats!"

"On a good pair of legs, they can be very sexy," he said with a wink.

"Comfort is very important to us. There's nothing worse than watching a young girl at a party, all dressed up, but clearly suffering!" he exclaimed with a laugh.

To ensure compliance with house standards, a technical team in New York carries out a thorough inspection on production.

"Thickness of foam and other elements of comfort are ensured. In fact, we have a 'Wear Test' where we pay women to wear our shoes to work and give us feedback," explained Allard; his statement made this scribe's jaw drop. Allard works closely with Eric Daman, the stylist of hit TV series Gossip Girl. Daman has offered positive feedback as well as suggestions on the latest Nine West collection.

It is refreshing to know that Allard does not limit his exposure to designers when creating a new collection. In fact, he enjoys taking inspiration from entertainers as they are "people who see fashion in an entirely different light".

"There is so much creativity in a woman. Blake Lively is a good example," Allard added. "The Nine West woman wears the right item at the right moment. She is informed and knows what she wants." (Blake Lively is an American actress and model who can be seen in Gossip Girl. Not a Nine West ambassador, she is a celebrity whose style Allard appreciates.)

As for a more casual feel, Nine West carries Vintage America Collection, a sister brand that currently features androgynous looks with lug bottom details, heavy buckles and studs. Cosier shoes with faux fur as well as utilitarian boots with heavy metal buckles paired with lug soles or stacked heels are also included.

"We have incorporated platforms and casual flats. We wanted a more casual aspect for Nine West as it's commonly associated with a dressier feel," said Allard.

To understand customers better, Allard keeps up with them on the brand's Facebook page.

Relying heavily on comments from the public and his team, the fashion maestro is open to criticism and tries to work suggestions into his designs.

"I'm always going around asking, 'What do you think?' It's a good thing that women know what they want and say so!"

The only downside is, we probably won't be seeing men's shoes from the brand anytime soon.

"It's an entirely different process for men's shoes," he said.

As we parted ways, Allard left us with a crucial piece of fashion advice. "Never wear white socks with loafers," he said quite seriously, shaking his head dismissively. "To me, that's the worst possible fashion faux pax!"

■ The Fall/Winter 2011 collection, priced from RM159, will be available at all Nine West outlets nationwide next month.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Metro: South & East

0 ulasan 11:24 PG Dicatat oleh blog2

Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info

Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Metro: South & East

More than just good looks
Police to curb smuggling of firecrackers
Father of six calling for help

More than just good looks

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 06:17 PM PDT

THOUGH her entry into the modelling industry was not planned, Marina Suwendy now navigates her career with a purpose and the intention of staying there for a long time.

The lass, who is a mix of Chinese, Nyonya and Dayak parentage, says that she usually does television commercials and print advertisements in New York where she is based.

"However, I believe that models cannot do such work all the time so I decided to be versatile and get into acting as well," she said, adding that she is currently studying at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York whose alumni include Warren Beatty, Marlon Brando, Benicio Del Toro, Kevin Costner and Salma Hayek.

She recently did some acting in two upcoming movies, one a remake of Alfred Hitchcock's Rope and the other is the highly-anticipated Men In Black 3.

"For the former, we sometimes did scenes that took up to 20 minutes without cuts and that means about 30 pages worth of script. It was intense," she said, adding that her character was that of a girl who seduces then murders someone before crumbling into an emotional breakdown.

A law degree holder with a diploma in liberal arts and a para-legal certificate, Suwendy also works for her father who is in the property development industry.

"I do liaise with overseas consultants and with him, trash out ideas as well as do some research. Currently, we are working at bringing the concept of luxury retirement serviced apartments featuring medical facilities to Malaysia," she said.

Suwendy is also starting up her own business that is still under wraps though she revealed that it will have something to do with the fashion lifestyle industry.

She completes jigsaw puzzles to destress and while home in Malaysia, which she tries to do every six months, she will try to accompany her mother on her fishing trips.

"I also like watching live badminton matches a lot and will wake up in the wee hours to catch it on television. I think my neighbours are not too fond of me as I tend to become very loud when cheering on our country's players," she laughs.

She also loves cooking and food in general, introducing local fare to her friends back in the States.

"Whenever I head back, I bring something for them to try including Chinese New Year cookies, dodol and Tambun biscuits from Penang. I have not managed to get them to try anything durian-based yet though," she said, adding that she can find durians in New York but they were not as fresh as those available locally.

Inspired by her mother's side of the family, Suwendy also does her own cooking and her favourite recipe is bak kut teh though she considers her specialties to be Indonesian rendang, sweet and spicy crabs.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Police to curb smuggling of firecrackers

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 06:16 PM PDT

KUALA TERENGGANU: The police will intensify efforts to curb smuggling of firecrackers during Ramadan.

Terengganu police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Jamshah Mustapa said enforcement action would be intensified during the fasting month, as the police would be cooperating with other enforcement agencies to fight smuggling of firecrackers.

"We have already discussed the matter with the Customs and Immigration department to prevent the shipment of smuggled goods from entering into the state.

"We will conduct more stringent checks on every cargo at every entry point into the state," he told newsmen at an event where he was handed laptops courtesy of Digi Telecommunications here recently.

SAC Jamshah said smuggled firecrackers were produced in neighbouring countries before being brought into the state.

"We will not compromise when it concerns the people's safety.

"Playing firecrackers can lead to serious accidents and even death," he said.

He added the police have identified a few hotspots for the sale of firecrackers and anyone caught dealing with them, would be dealt upon severely.

On receiving the laptops, SAC Jamshah hoped it would enhance the efficiency of police personnel during the course of work.

"The police must embrace the age of information technology," he said.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Father of six calling for help

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 06:16 PM PDT

KUANTAN: Having snails for dinner because they have no money for food is not a problem for Mohamad Yasim Mat Ali and his family.

He just needs help to build a new house for his family.

The 56-year-old former house builder can no longer do heavy work after falling off a rooftop, which he was fixing about eight years ago.

"I hurt my backbone and since then I can't do any heavy lifting or else I will faint.

"Now I just sit at home looking after my six children, aged one to 14 and repair fishing nets to earn some money," he said when met at his run down home in Kampung Sepat here recently.

Mohamad Yasim said he would look for snails in his backyard and then have his wife Kamariah Ngah, 39, cook it with some onions and spices.

"We have no problem with eating snails.

"The house we are living in is actually an inheritance shared by my wife and her nine siblings.

Mohamad Yasim appealed to the public to help him build a new home on the land partitioned to his wife.

"I hope somebody can help me build a shelter for my family because I do not know how long we can stay here.

"A hut will be enough," he said. Those who wish to help Mohamad Yasim, can call 013-941 8124.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Khamis, 28 Julai 2011