Sabtu, 13 Oktober 2012

The Star Online: World Updates

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: World Updates


Washington urges Tunisia to bring embassy attackers to trial

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 06:48 PM PDT

Tunis (Reuters) - Washington on Sunday urged Tunisia to bring attackers of its embassy here last month to trial and pledged to continue support for the democratic transition in Tunisia, the cradle of the Arab Spring.

"I call upon the Tunisian government to conduct its investigation and bring the perpetrators and instigators of this attack to justice," U.S. Ambassador Jacob Walles said in a letter to Tunisians marking a month after the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Tunis.

Protesters set fire to trees in the U.S. Embassy compound during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy in Tunis September 14, 2012. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi

Protesters set fire to trees in the U.S. Embassy compound during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy in Tunis September 14, 2012. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi

Salafists attacked the embassy last month to protest a film made in California deemed offensive to Islam. At least four people were killed when they stormed the embassy.

In a recording posted to Islamist websites on Friday, al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri called on "free and distinguished zealots for Islam" to "continue their opposition to American crusader Zionist aggression against Islam and Muslims" around the region.

Walles called upon the Tunisian government "to provide security for its citizens and guests," adding that relations between the two countries would not be affected by the attack.

"These attackers were unable to damage the strong link between two peoples and U.S. commitment to support the transition in Tunisia from a dictatorship to a democracy, free and tolerant," he said.

Tunisia expects Washington to guarantee around a fifth of its $2.2-2.5 billion borrowing needs next year to help its economy recover from last year's revolution, the country's minister of international cooperation, Riadh Betaib, told Reuters last month

The U.S. ambassador's message comes while Tunisia is preparing to try Abu Ayoub, a senior leader in the Salafist movement in Tunisia next week on charges of disturbing public security and incitement to violence, including the U.S. Embassy attack.

The government-led Islamist Ennahda movement arrested dozens of Salafists after the embassy attack. Lawyers said the detainees would be tried under an anti-terrorism law.

Lawyers said this week some Salafists had started a prison hunger strike to protest ill-treatment and prison conditions.

U.S. President Barack Obama vowed last month to tighten security at diplomatic missions around the world after the killing of the U.S. ambassador to Libya and attacks on embassies in Tunisia, Yemen and Egypt.

(Reporting By Tarek Amara; editing by Todd Eastham)

Copyright © 2012 Reuters

Washington urges Tunisia to bring embassy attackers to trial

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 06:09 PM PDT

Tunis (Reuters) - Washington on Sunday urged Tunisia to bring attackers of its embassy here last month to trial and pledged to continue to support for the democratic transition in Tunisia, the cradle of the Arab Spring.

"I call upon the Tunisian government to conduct its investigation and bring the perpetrators and instigators of this attack to justice," U.S. Ambassador Jacob Walles said in a letter to Tunisians marking a month after the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Tunis.

Protesters set fire to trees in the U.S. Embassy compound during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy in Tunis September 14, 2012. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi

Protesters set fire to trees in the U.S. Embassy compound during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy in Tunis September 14, 2012. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi

Salafists attacked the embassy last month to protest a film made in California deemed offensive to Islam. At least four people were killed when they stormed the embassy.

In a recording posted to Islamist websites on Friday, al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri called on "free and distinguished zealots for Islam" to "continue their opposition to American crusader Zionist aggression against Islam and Muslims" around the region.

Walles called upon the Tunisian government "to provide security for its citizens and guests," adding that relations between the two countries would not be affected by the attack.

"These attackers were unable to damage the strong link between two peoples and U.S. commitment to support the transition in Tunisia from a dictatorship to a democracy, free and tolerant," he said.

Tunisia expects Washington to guarantee around a fifth of its $2.2-2.5 billion borrowing needs next year to help its economy recover from last year's revolution, the country's minister of international cooperation, Riadh Betaib, told Reuters last month

The U.S. ambassador's message comes while Tunisia is preparing to try Abu Ayoub, a senior leader in the Salafist movement in Tunisia next week on charges of disturbing public security and incitement to violence, including the U.S. Embassy attack.

The government-led Islamist Ennahda movement arrested dozens of Salafists after the embassy attack. Lawyers said the detainees would be tried under an anti-terrorism law.

Lawyers said this week some Salafists had started a prison hunger strike to protest ill-treatment and prison conditions.

U.S. President Barack Obama vowed last month to tighten security at diplomatic missions around the world after the killing of the U.S. ambassador to Libya and attacks on embassies in Tunisia, Yemen and Egypt.

(Reporting By Tarek Amara; editing by Todd Eastham)

Copyright © 2012 Reuters

Missile gets makeover on 50th anniversary of Cuban crisis

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 05:49 PM PDT

MIAMI (Reuters) - In October 1962, as fears of mushroom clouds and radioactive fallout gripped the United States in the midst of the Cuban missile crisis, a battery of anti-ballistic missiles near Miami stood as the nation's first line of defence against nuclear attack.

The Cold-War era Nike Missile Base is seen in Everglades National Park in this undated aerial view released to Reuters October 12, 2012. To mark the 50th anniversary of the Cuban missile crisis, Miami area high school students at the George T. Baker Aviation school are restoring one of the original Nike Hercules missiles once tipped with a nuclear warhead and aimed at Cuba. REUTERS/National Park Service/Handoout

The Cold-War era Nike Missile Base is seen in Everglades National Park in this undated aerial view released to Reuters October 12, 2012. To mark the 50th anniversary of the Cuban missile crisis, Miami area high school students at the George T. Baker Aviation school are restoring one of the original Nike Hercules missiles once tipped with a nuclear warhead and aimed at Cuba. REUTERS/National Park Service/Handoout

Half a century later, the missile base is still there, in the middle of the marshy Everglades, but the missiles are long gone.

Now, to mark the 50th anniversary of the missile crisis, students at a Miami aviation school are restoring one of the original Nike Hercules missiles once tipped with a nuclear warhead and aimed at Cuba.

The United States and Cuba remain ideological foes to this day, and Florida is home to tens of thousands of Cubans who fled the island after Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution, but tensions have cooled down considerably as memories fade.

The students realize the decommissioned missile was once part of a historic event, but confess to knowing little about one of the momentous episodes of the Cold War.

"I just know it was part of the Cuban missile crisis, but I haven't researched it," said Abraham Hidalgo, 17, one of the students at George T. Baker Aviation School.

The 41-foot (12.5-metre), surface-to-air Nike Hercules missile was previously stored in a U.S. Army depot in Alabama, covered in dust and spider webs. A flatbed truck hauled it down Interstate-95 to the school next to Miami International Airport.

For the last two months, students have been working to restore the 5-ton missile to near-original condition; sanding wings, replacing sheet metal and repainting the U.S. Army markings. Its final destination is Everglades National Park, where it will be installed at an abandoned Nike missile base.

The 13-day missile crisis began on October 16, 1962, when then-President John F. Kennedy first learned the Soviet Union was installing missiles in Cuba, barely 90 miles (145 km) off the Florida coast.

After secret negotiations between Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, the United States agreed not to invade Cuba if the Soviet Union withdrew its missiles from the island.

'HEARD SOMETHING ABOUT CHE'

"The irony is a lot of these kids are Cuban," said George T. Baker principal Sean Gallagan. "And if this missile was used as it was intended, a lot of these kids wouldn't be here."

Samuel Robles, 16, said he did not know a lot about the incident but "heard something about Che Guevara on the History Channel," referring to the Argentine-born revolutionary who fought in the 1959 revolution.

In 1962, there were four Nike missile bases in south Florida, each armed with 18 Hercules missiles ready to intercept a Soviet attack from Cuba, recalled Charles Carter, 66, an Army veteran who served at the bases for three years in the 1960s.

"We were the first line of defence the Russians would have had to take out before they could attack the rest of the country," said Carter, who has spent 10 years working on the restoration project with the help of Everglades park officials.

Military use of the Everglades site ended in 1979 and the facility, known as HM69 Nike Missile Base, was turned over to the National Park Service, which offers visitor tours in the winter months.

Since the site lies within a national park, the base is almost unchanged since its closure, including the three missile "barns," a missile assembly building, barracks and a guard dog kennel.

The refurbished Nike Hercules is due to be housed in one of the barns and will be officially unveiled on October 20. Carter hopes to restore some of the buildings as well, including the missile Control Room and the radar towers that kept watch for an attack.

During the Cold War, the United States was dotted with Nike sites - named after the Greek goddess of victory - strategically located near cities as part of a national air defence system.

Most have disappeared or been converted into other public uses, including an immigration detention facility in Florida, a golf course in Illinois and an elementary school in Kansas.

Commemoration events marking the anniversary are scheduled across the country, including an exhibition at the National Archives in Washington titled "To the Brink: JFK and the Cuban Missile Crisis," featuring secretly recorded White House tapes of Kennedy and his advisers as they sought to avert a nuclear war.

One of the reasons those anniversaries are important is that "they serve as a flashpoint" for people who do not remember or were not alive, said Graham Allison, director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University.

A handful of events are taking place across Miami - an exile home to many of the Cubans who fled communist rule on the island - including a panel discussion at the local history museum and the University of Miami.

"I think there was more fear and frenzy here than anywhere because we were so close to it," said Paul George, a professor at Miami Dade College and historian at the HistoryMiami museum.

But the "Kennedy years for students are kind of a dim thing. ... I teach history and I see it every day," he added.

(Additional reporting and editing by David Adams; Editing by Jim Loney and Peter Cooney)

Copyright © 2012 Reuters

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio


Television host and actor Gary Collins dies at age 74

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 06:22 PM PDT

(Reuters) - Television host and actor Gary Collins died early on Saturday in Biloxi, Mississippi, of natural causes at the age of 74, according to the local coroner's office.

Collins was admitted to the Biloxi Regional Medical Center less than 24 hours before he was pronounced dead at 12:56 a.m., according to Brian Switzer, deputy coroner at the Harrison County Coroner's Office.

He starred in the 1970s TV series "The Sixth Sense" and appeared in other series including "JAG," "Yes, Dear" and "The Young and the Restless," as well as on "The New Hollywood Squares" game show.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Mobley, a former Miss America from Brandon, Mississippi, and the couple spent some of their time in the state. Collins had been a host of the Miss America pageant.

In January 2011, he was accused of skipping out on a $59.35 restaurant tab in Biloxi, which in Mississippi is a felony.

Those charges were later dropped but not before Collins was arrested in his Biloxi home after the restaurant's employees called the police.

In 2007, Collins was sentenced to four days in jail as the result of a car wreck in California.

Police blamed that accident on the driver of the other car, though Collins pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence.

In the 1980s, he hosted talk shows "Hour Magazine" and "The Home Show." - Reuters

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Sports

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Sports


Mallinger maintains lead at Frys.com Open

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 06:34 PM PDT

SAN JOSE, California: American John Mallinger, winless in seven years on the PGA Tour, fired a one-under 70 Saturday to maintain the lead after the third round of the $5 million Frys.com Open.

The 33-year-old had a 15-under 198 total at the CordeValle golf course. He equalled the course record 62 in the second round after opening with a 66 on Thursday.

"It was a little scrappy," said Mallinger, who has a two-shot lead. "I didn't have my best off the tee, but I started hitting some good shots coming in. I hit a lot of good putts that just didn't fall.

"Hopefully, I can straighten out the drive and make some putts tomorrow."

Mallinger had finished second twice, including losing in a playoff to Bo Van Pelt three years ago in Milwaukee.

Sweden's Jonas Blixt was second after a 66, while Americans Charles Howell and Jason Kokrak were another stroke back at 12 under. Howell shot a 66, and Kokrak fired a 67.

Fiji's Vijay Singh and Brazil's Alexandre Rocha were 11 under after both shot 66.

The 28-year-old Blixt birdied five of the last eight holes. He was even-par on the front nine with a birdie and a bogey. He shot up the leaderboard with birdies at 11 and 13 and then rolled in a birdie on 15 to get to 11-under.

Blixt birdied the 17th and followed with a six-foot birdie putt at 18 to finish two back. He finished third last week in Las Vegas.

"The front nine is a little harder. The back nine you can make a couple birdies," Blixt said. "Hopefully, I can finish like I did today."

Greg Owen (68), Scott Dunlap (70), Jhonattan Vegas (71), Danny Lee (67) and Russell Knox (65) share seventh at 10-under-par 203. -AFP

Ex-Olympic champion Harrison flattened in 82 seconds

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 06:36 PM PDT

LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom: Former Olympic champion Audley Harrison's latest bid for a meaningful performance in the heavyweight ring ended in a humiliating 82-second flattening on Saturday.

Harrison, now 40, was knocked out by David Price in the first round as the winner retained his British and Commonwealth titles.

It was Sydney Olympic gold medallist Harrison's sixth professional loss, coming two years after he was knocked out in the second round in Manchester by David Haye. -AFP

Nicol edges Raneem for 63rd WSA title

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 06:40 PM PDT

PETALING JAYA: World No. 1 Nicol David (pic) rubber-stamped her status as the best women's squash player in the world by beating Egypt's Raneem El Weleily to nail her first US Open on Friday.

It was also sweet revenge for Nicol as she carved out a 14-12, 8-11, 11-7, 11-7 win in 45 minutes.

The 29-year-old Penangite had lost to Weleily last month in the Malaysian Open final, leading to speculations that she could be on a downward spiral.

Memories of a disastrous September – in which Nicol also lost in the quarter-finals of the Carol Weymuller Open – now seemed a distanced thing of the past as she picked up the last remaining major squash title in convincing style.

This first US Open win was also Nicol's 63rd Women's Squash Association (WSA) title and eclipsed Sarah Fitz-Gerald's record of 62 titles.

At Philadelphia, Nicol was always sharper and managed to take the first set 14-12 despite the second seeded Weleily playing equally well.

Weleily, however, came back strongly with some beautiful drops to take the second set 11-8 and appeared to put Nicol into trouble again by surging to a 6-2 lead in the third set.

A day earlier, Nicol displayed the determined side of her game by winning 10 straight points against Kiwi Joelle King in the semi-finals. Yesterday, she played with the same nerves of steel to take eight consecutive points to turn the tide around.

From then on it was one-way traffic as Nicol eventually sealed the title after Weleily racked up far too many unforced errors.

"I just can't believe that I have won it," said a delighted Nicol.

"I keep thinking that I should still be out there running after Raneem's dropshots like I've been doing all night. When she gets on a roll like she did in the third set, she can score six points before you can even move out of the 'T'.

"But I managed to get my act together, become more positive and stronger on my shots and played my game, not hers.

"It feels really fantastic to be the US Open champion and next I just hope that we can get into the Olympics. If we do, I'll make sure I'll be there even if I have to turn up with my walking stick," joked Nicol.

The six-time world champion will return to her Amsterdam base before flying off to Shanghai for the China Open from Oct 23-28.

Meanwhile, in the men's event, the extremely talented Ramy Ashour of Egypt was also on top of his game to beat France's Gregory Gaultier 11-4, 11-9, 11-9 for his first US Open title as well.

"I've lost in this final three years ago so to win now against a great player like Greg feels quite unbelievable," said the 25-year-old Ashour.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies


Once upon a time

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 11:58 PM PDT

Ipoh-born filmmaker Jack Lim sets scenes from the past for his latest movie in his hometown.

JACK Lim is pulling out all the stops to make sure his upcoming movie Once Upon A Time is a huge success in the lunar new year box office.

In his quest to make the movie's period scenes look as authentic as possible, the 37-year-old Malaysian filmmaker spent over RM1mil to build a prehistoric China palace at the iconic Ipoh limestone hills in Perak, complete with a throne, ancient chandeliers and bamboo flooring.

Members of the media who were invited to the set at Lahat Mines 2 for a site visit were given the privilege of watching the cast and crew film a few scenes.

"After debating whether or not to film the scenes from 6,000 years ago in Ipoh or Kuala Lumpur, we finally settled on the former because of its beautiful limestone hills and low noise pollution.

"Besides, it feels good to be back at my hometown," said Lim during a press conference.

The movie, which has exceeded its budget of RM3mil, is adapted from Lim's popular radio skit Wong Kung Can Lan (Palace Stories) and revolves around a lazy, gluttonous emperor (played by Lim) who inadvertently ends up in 2013 with a few of his companions while escaping a coup d état.

Once Upon A Time, directed by Silver, will see the cast of Ah Beng The Movie: Three Wishes reuniting on screen. They are Gan Mei Yan (who plays the Imperial Servant), Vivian Tok (Eunuch), Chen Keat Yoke (Minister), Jeff Chin (Prime Minister) and Bernard Hiew (Bernard).

Other actors who have signed up to appear in the movie are Royce Tan, Jason Phang, Jym Chong, Gan Jiang Han, Wang Chun Pin, Catherine Ang, Susan Lankaster and award-winning actor Rosyam Nor.

Lim said his surprising choice to feature scenes from 6,000 years ago in the movie was made to give the set and costume designers more artistic freedom in depicting rural China.

"If I were to set the movie during the Ming or Qing Dynasties, they would need to follow rigid designs as the look of those periods have been portrayed many times in movies and television.

"By setting the period scenes 6,000 years ago, we can come up with our own designs as there are no records from that time, thus we are not restricted in our creativity," Lim explained.

Silver, who also worked on Ah Beng The Movie, was confident that the movie would make it big in the box office.

"I am lucky to work with such a talented and experienced cast again, as they are able to act as soon as the cameras start rolling. This has resulted in the smooth running of the shooting till now, despite how difficult certain scenes are, especially when action is involved.

"I do not believe in overworking the crew; the most I will make them work every day is about 10 hours, while industry standards range from 12 to 14 hours per day. There is no point in prolonging the shooting duration every day as the crew would get tired and the quality of the shots would suffer," he said.

Another aspect of the movie that fans can look forward to is the debut of seven-year-old Tan Zheng Kang, who will play Katt Chai, a smart child beggar raised by his grandfather.

"There was a massive turnout from all ages, races and walks of life when we held auditions, but Zheng Kang stood out with his happy-go-lucky and active personality that perfectly embodied the character of Katt Chai.

"Truthfully speaking, with Zheng Kang's natural ability to bring Katt Chai to life, the character might just take the spotlight in the movie and become the highlight when it is released next year," shared Lim.

Despite Zheng Kang's extraordinary acting abilities, Lim has no plans of signing a contract with the boy as he wants Zheng Kang to focus on his studies first.

"I admit it is tempting to see how Zheng Kang can develop as an actor, but I do not want to affect his childhood and studies by making him continue in the film industry right now.

"After Once Upon A Time is done, I will wait for Zheng Kang to finish his schooling before letting him decide if he wants to continue in the film industry," he added.

> Once Upon A Time is set for a nationwide release on Feb 7, 2013.

Thai, Lebanese films share top award at Busan fest

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 10:29 PM PDT

BUSAN, South Korea: A low-budget, experimental production from Thailand and a gripping Lebanese drama shared the main award at Asia's largest film festival, which draws to a close on Saturday.

Jurors for the New Currents award at the Busan International Film Festival described first-time Thai director Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit's "36" as "breathtaking" while praising the "extraordinary sympathy" director Maryam Najafi was able to draw from her audience throughout her entry "Kayan".

Both productions receive $30,000 for the award, which offers two first prizes and is open to first- or second-time Asian filmmakers.

Nawapol's film - made for just $20,000 - is set around 36 static images and tells the story of a young woman struggling to relate to her own memories.

"The first time I screened this film it was in a conference room for about 20 people so I was honoured to be invited to Busan," said Nawapol.

"My story's about how many different ways there are to look at the way we live our lives."

The New Currents jury, headed by the veteran Hungarian director Bela Tarr, celebrated Nawapol's work for creating his "own film language".

"The jury found especially that the writing was breathtaking, artful, economic, and never included an unnecessary word," they said in a statement.

Praise came also for first-time director Najafi's sympathetic portrayal of a Lebanese woman trying to juggle the twin demands of business and family in a foreign country and for the filmmaker's ability "to go from emotion to analysis in the acute portrait of a woman fighting to keep a new life going".

"We did everything you are not supposed to do with this film - from using child actors to borrowing sets - but we persevered," said Najafi.

The 10-day BIFF closes Saturday with the official awards presentation and the world premiere of Bangladeshi filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki's comedy-drama "Television", which focuses on a clash of generations in a rural village.

Festival organisers said more than 220,000 people had attended this year's 17th edition, a record for the event.

While film fans were treated to 304 films from 75 countries - with 93 world premieres - much of the talk surrounding the festival was about how strong the local representation was this year.

The world premiere of the Chung Ji-Young-directed "National Security", which offers a harrowing look at state-sponsored torture in the 1980s, brought universal praise from festival-goers and film critics.

The director said he had deliberately set the release of the film to come before December's presidential elections in South Korea.

Park Geun-Hye, the daughter of South Korea's former military leader General Park Chung-Hee, who was blamed for implementing government-backed torture during his reign in the 1960s and 1970s, is running in the election.

The world premiere of another local production also grabbed festival-goers' attention. Independent director O Muel's low budget, black-and-white action-drama "Jiseul" is set in the late 1940s on the island of Jeju.

It tells the story of a group of islanders who try to hold out in a cave against government forces and the production picked up the NETPAC award for the promotion of Asian cinema and also an award handed out by the festival's team of citizen reviewers.

The festival also featured the rare screening of a film from North Korea, with two sold-out sessions greeting the romantic comedy "Comrade Kim Goes Flying". - AFP

Rock singer disapproves of Nabila’s sexy gown at awards show

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 08:24 PM PDT

PETALING JAYA: Rock singer Amy of Search has criticised his daughter for wearing a sexy gown at an awards ceremony.

"Like any other father, I do not approve of my daughter wearing such outfits," he said, referring to Nabila Huda's revealing black dress at the Anugerah Blokbuster 2011 held at Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam last Saturday.

The dress had a slit up to her thighs, besides revealing her chest and midriff.

He told Kosmo! that Nabila had covered her midriff with a piece of cloth when she appeared on stage to present an award.

Amy also noted that Nabila was an artiste and should know how to carry herself well.

"She is mature enough and is able to think for herself. Don't give any space to anyone to talk about us and bring us down," he said.

Nabila, on her part, has apologised to all those concerned.

"I am sorry if the fashion has caused any uneasiness. I take responsibility for it," she said.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Nation

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Nation


Govt doctors urged to specialise as anaesthetists

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 07:03 AM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: Doctors in government hospitals are being urged to specialise in anaesthesiology to help overcome the shortage of anaesthetists in the country.

Ministry of Health director-general, Datuk Seri Dr Hassan Abdul Rahman urged He said there were only 300 anaesthetists in government hospitals nationwide.

"The ratio between anaesthetists and surgeons in the country is still low. The ideal ratio is 1 to 2 but in Malaysia it's 1 to 6," he told reporters after launching the 2012 National Level Anaesthesia Day here Saturday.

As a short-term move the Ministry is encouraging private hospital doctors to work part-time in the government hospitals facing the shortage, he said.

On a separate development, he said the Ambulatory Care Centre at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital will start operations in November and will be equipped with 56 beds and eight operating theatres. - Bernama

S’gor DAP representatives have failed to serve the people, says Chua

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 06:56 AM PDT

KLANG: DAP representatives in Selangor have failed to serve the people since they were elected in the general election, said MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.

Dr Chua said the Chinese community, in particular, should realise this and not simply give their vote to DAP.

"DAP thinks the Chinese community has no other alternative but DAP. That is why in Selangor, after they won, they do not serve the people.

"They think they only do policy-making. (Problems like) drains and others are the work of the 'machai' (rank-and-file)," he told reporters at a mega dinner organised by MCA here.

Thousands of people turned up for the dinner, which is one of nine that would be held nationwide.

Dr Chua said the theme of the mega dinners is "Stability above chaos", with a target audience of between 5,000 and 10,000.

He said the theme was chosen as many Malaysians regard the nation's racial and religious stability for granted.

"Everyone must ensure that we have that stability. We are also organising these dinners because we don't want DAP to always insult the Chinese community," he said.

He added that each guest paid RM30 to attend the dinner, and proceeds would be channelled to education.

Dr Chua said the dinners would also be a platform for MCA to explain the difference between the national budget and the shadow budget.

"Every year we reduce the (fiscal) deficit, but they only know how to spend money. They don't say where the money is going to come from. That's why they will make us bankrupt," he said.

Also present at the dinner were MCA vice-president Gan Ping Sieu, Selangor MCA chief Datuk Donald Lim and MCA Young Professionals bureau chief Datuk Chua Tee Yong.

25 more English Teaching Assistants for Malaysia in 2013

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 04:45 AM PDT

JOHOR BARU: An additional 25 English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) will be brought into the country next year to help enhance students' proficiency in the language.

Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that the 50 existing ETAs who are currently assigned to Malaysia have helped boost English proficiency in the schools that they are assigned to.

"We hoped for more but the United States Government was only able to provide us with 25 new ETAs next year," he told reporters after officiating the Young Teachers 1Malaysia gathering here on Saturday.

The ETAs were assigned to the country under the Fulbright English Teacher Assistantship programme, which aims to enhance English instruction in local secondary schools in Johor, Pahang and Terengganu,

Under the programme, young American graduates from various universities in the US, majoring in diverse fields, are placed in schools in different districts to assist English teachers.

The programme, jointly administered by the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE) and the Education Ministry. allows native speakers to provide interesting information and insights about the English language, American society and culture to local students.

The programme is a shared commitment between US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to expand bilateral people-to-people exchange programmes between both countries.

Related Stories:
English language teaching takes centre stage at Education Blueprint dialogue
Muhyiddin: All schools to be single-session in 5 to 10 years
Postings in place for 10,000 fresh teachers
DPM: All graduates from teacher education institutions will get postings
British education experts share tips

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Metro: Central

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Metro: Central


Metro watch

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 05:41 AM PDT

JUMBLE SALE

Ibu Family is holding another jumble sale to raise money for their organisation as well as two chosen charities today from 9.30am to noon at Alice Smith School, Jalan Bellamy. All are welcome. Come grab fantastic discounts and buys for the whole family. Perfect for bargain hunters and to let the kids run off their energy.

TICKET GIVEAWAY

Spend RM200 and above in a single receipt at The Mines from now until Oct 16 to redeem two complimentary movie passes at the information counter at level 3, for the special screening on Oct 21. Limited to one redemption per shopper per day, while stocks last. For details, visit www.the-mines.com.my

BOOK EXPO

The Ekspo Jualan Buku 2012 will be held at the Putrajaya Corporation Complex conference hall lobby until tomorrow from 9am to 7pm. There will be books from 20 publishers offering university books, children's books, religious books, magazines and stationery. There will be activities such as poetry by local authors and celebrities, Arabic reading, and debates. For details, visit www.ppj.gov.my or call Mohd Jaini on O19-325 8285.

PUBLIC FORUM

CHEVENING Alumni of Malaysia will be hosting a public forum on 'Vision for Economic Development for Malaysia' with Khairy Jamaluddin (Umno), Tony Pua (DAP) and Dr Jayakumar Devaraj (PSM). It will be held on Oct 17 from 7.45pm to 10pm at the Auditorium, Bangunan Getah Asli in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. Admission is free. To register, email info@cheveningalumni.org.my

FOOD RELIEF

In conjunction with World Food Day 2012, Rotary Club of Melawati is collaborating with Stop Hunger Now to jointly organise a meal packaging event where nutritious meals comprising rice, soy, vegetables and 21 essential vitamins and minerals are packed and made available for disaster relief operations and for feeding programs at schools and orphanages. Individuals, families and groups are encouraged to support them today at AEON Jusco AU2 Setiawangsa from 10.30am to 3.30pm. For more information visit www.rotarymelawati.org or www.stophunger.org or call Shanmugam on 017-879 2012.

MENTAL HEALTH SEMINAR

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) Selangor branch in collaboration with the Malaysian Mental Health Association is organising a seminar on the religious perspectives of mental health issues today from 9am to 1pm at the MMHA office at Jalan Othman, Petaling Jaya. For details, call or SMS 012-300 7377 (Alvin) or visit www.mccbchst.org and www.mentalhealth.org.my.

Underdogs Samudera beat favourites in boys’ Under-14 final

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 05:41 AM PDT

SAMUDERA Volleyball Club were the surprise package in the Selangor Under-14 volleyball championships at the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) Indoor Stadium in Serdang Jaya recently.

And it was a proud moment for its coach Mohd Yazid Sulaiman, who guided the underdogs to win the boys' title in the three-day championships.

In the final, Samudera Volleyball Club, comprising students from SMK Seri Gombak, put up a gallant effort and defeated favourites SMK Seri Kembangan 25-23, 25-23. To make it a memorable outing, six players — Muhammad Zulfikri Madzlan, Muhammad Nur Syazwan Zaihan, Muhamad Fathi Yazid, Alif Syafiq Edisafri, Muhammad Luqman Hakim Mohd Saman and Khairul Afiq Faiq Yusri — have been called for centralised training.

Mohd Yazid, a teacher, said the students were all from SK Taman Samudera in Gombak and had been training for the past six years.

"Now they have moved to SMK Seri Gombak to continue their education in the secondary school. But they come back to train with me at SK Taman Samudera. That's the reason why we call ourselves Samudera Volleyball Club.

"The boys are well disciplined and I don't mind spending my time with them. Last year, we finished second but the hard work and determination of the players has resulted in us becoming the champions,'' said Mohd Yazid.

The final between Samudera Volleyball Club and SMK Seri Kembangan was a close affair. However, Samudera Volleyball Club had a good setter in Muhammad Zulfikri, who played exceptionally and guided his teammates to victory.

Mohd Yazid said he was happy for his players who have been selected to attend centralised training.

But there was good news for SMK Seri Kembangan. The girls' team defeated SMJK Kwang Hua 27-25, 20-25, 15-9 in the final.

SMK Seri Kembangan coach Woo May Kiew admitted that it was a tough match.

"Both teams have a good set of players. But we were lucky to get the points in the deciding set,'' added May Kiew.

The championships was organised by the Selangor Volleyball Association (SVA). Eight teams took part in the girls' category and nine in the boys' category.

The selected players

Boys: Chay Soon Kent, Loke Zi Jian, Yap Chun Zhen, Teoh Chun Tze, Lionel Lee, Muhammad Zulfikri Madzlan, Muhammad Nur Syazwan Zaihan, Muhamad Fathi Yazid, Alif Syafiq Edisafri, Muhammad Luqman Hakim Mohd Saman, Khairul Afiq Faiq Yusri, Jason Siew Wai Kit, Muhammad Haiqah Hijjaz Mohd Isa, Low Zhen Heng, Tan Zhi Khoon, Vincent Lim Tian Jie, Sharulizan Hakim, Damian Wong.

Girls: Michelle Beh Jia Wei, Vanessa Ng Sze Sze, Loh Su Cheng, Loo Yi Jia, Lim Yun Thong, Yew Jing Woon, Yap Yin Ying, Yap Sze Yinn, Ng Jia Wei, Yong Jeat Yen, Tam Wei Yee, Chhai Wei Yie, Hu Suk Shin, Joanna Ng Jia Wen, Lee Sze Theng, Teoh Yinn Leng, Nur Syakirah Mohd Saidil, Tay Wan Pin.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Lifestyle: Arts & Fashion

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Lifestyle: Arts & Fashion


First-ever live-streaming only fashion event

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 08:10 AM PDT

The world's first live-streaming only fashion event will be held in Singapore next weekend.

THE quintessential idea of a fashion show has always been associated with the exclusivity it affords to the guests invited. However, this has changed with the advent of the Internet and now, a first look at some of the pieces paraded down a particular runway is often made available to an immediate global audience online.

Live streaming of a fashion event is nothing new, of course, but what about one where it can only be viewed on the Internet? Runway shows without guests – or more importantly, front row guests, for that matter – is a concept that many in the fashion circles would find foreign indeed.

In this context, an upcoming Singapore fashion event is considered to be the start of a digital revolution within the industry. Named Digital Fashion Week (DFW) Singapore, it is the world's first fashion event to be completely live from Oct 20 to 22, streamed online in absence of an extensive guest list for the show.

The venue for DFW Singapore is at The Tent @ Millenia Pavilion in Ritz-Carlton Singapore. Set against a botanical backdrop, the event area is a fully air-conditioned canopy, boasting a space of 455sqm with glass windows overlooking lush garden surroundings and an outdoor wooden deck.

According to Charina Widjaja, project director of DFW Singapore, the event will feature an integration of e-commerce services where viewers can immediately place an order for fashion pieces featured on the runway. DFW Singapore is working with Zalora to make this happen, whereby the e-commerce company will be handling all aspects of the pre-ordering by viewers.

"In the DFW, six top designers from Singapore will be showing their Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

"Normally it will take about six months for these looks to hit the stores, but we are cutting down the time frame and consumers will be able to get their hands on the different pieces within two months," explains Widjaja.

The six Singaporean designers to be featured during DFW Singapore are Thomas Wee, Eugene Lin, Tze Goh, Pauline.Ning (by Pauline Lim), -J-A-S-O-N- (by JR Chand) and duo Johanna and Shu Juang, from OwnMuse.

"We adhere to a very strict criterion when it comes to the curation of our designers at DFW Singapore as we want to ensure they truly represent what Singapore fashion is about," comments Widjaja. "We have a very good mix of talents, from veterans like Thomas Wee, overseas-based designers who have garnered international media attention like Eugene Lin and Tze Goh, and designers who are based locally like Pauline.Ning, OwnMuse and –J-A-S-O-N-."

"As a truly digital-based fashion week, we're working closely with partners like YouTube to ensure our designers reach out to as many people as possible internationally. We are aiming for seven million viewers worldwide for the three-day event."

Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei will be featured in a special closing show of DFW Singapore and New York-based and androgynous supermodel, Andrej Pejic, will be walking for five of DFW Singapore's runway shows as well.

Pejic is the muse for Jean Paul Gaultier and has received recognition from walking for prestige designers such as Marc by Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith, Jeremy Scott, Raf Simons, Neil Barrett and Comme des Garçons. Guo Pei, on the other hand, is considered to be one of China's top fashion designers at the moment.

It is also reported that DFW Singapore will be seeing some internationally acclaimed names in attendance. Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated American stylist, Patricia Field and the latest America's Next Top Model winner Sophie Sumner are slated to make an appearance during the event.

Despite DFW Singapore's tag of being a live-stream only fashion event, a VVIP viewing party will still be held for guests during the event. Keyis Ng, creative director of DFW Singapore explains, "The guests will not be shown on the live runway footage as we are housing them in a corner. Our focus for DFW Singapore is and always will be for online audiences."

Regarding their need to put up such an event, Widjaja says, "Unlike the fashion capitals of the world like New York and Paris, Singapore currently does not have a huge fashion industry to support a full-fledged fashion week that solely focuses on local designers.

"In order to broaden the local fashion market and allow more exposure for our talented, yet underrated Singaporean fashion designers, we need to go digital and show the world what they're missing out on, allowing these designers to get the attention they deserve."

DFW Singapore is also set to be a biannual event, showing the Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections separately, and in 2013, the aim for it is to branch out to other key cities in Asia.

"We are already in talks with partners to bring the concept to other cities in Asia. For example, DFW Bangkok will feature top Thai designers and DFW Beijing will feature top Chinese designers, and are already in the current pipeline of our plans," reveals Widjaja.

Ng states that he sees a promising future for fashion events held on a live-stream only platform. He thinks that such events may eventually replace the conventional ones of the past.

Regarding the duration of DFW Singapore, which spans only three days, he explains, "DFW Singapore is our very first edition and we want to ensure the quality is there, hence the short duration. Of course, next year we are looking at a longer DFW Singapore."

> DFW Singapore will be streamed live exclusively on YouTube (youtube.com/DigitalFashionWeek) and DFW's website (DigitalFashionWeek.com).

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Metro: South & East

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Metro: South & East


21,300 copies of the DVDs worth RM106,500 confiscated in raids

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 03:05 AM PDT

KOTA KINABALU: Two businessmen were poorer by RM106,500 after police raided their outlets selling DVDs without the B licence early this week.

Sabah Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CID) chief Superintendent Saiman Kasran said a total of 21,300 copies of the DVDs worth RM106,500 were seized from two premises in a crack down called "Ops Ostrich" at the Centre Point Shopping complex in town.

"Police confiscated a total of 1,650 copies of DVDs in the first raid, and arrested a 24-year-old man believed to be the caretaker of the shop," he said.

"A second raid was carried out about 15 minutes later in a nearby shop and saw another 19,650 copies of DVDs seized. They too did not have the B licence. The DVDs were kept in a box behind the premise counter," he said.

A 17-year-old woman working in the premise was also detained to facilitate investigations, Saiman added.

Both cases would be investigated under Section 18 (4) (a) of the Film Censorship Act 2002.

Meanwhile, Saiman said police investigation believed some DVDs and VCDs that were sold in the state without the B licence were made locally while most were imported from neighboring countries.

"Although such activities are still under control, police would continue to monitor and carry out raids especially at shopping malls.

"Police have also found out that some premises are selling both legitimate DVDs and without the B licence.

Salleh: There is a lot of developments in Sabah

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 03:02 AM PDT

KOTA KINABALU: Development is a never ending commitment while infrastructure, especially water and electricity is being implemented at a most rapid pace in Sabah, contrary to a survey claim.

At the same time, both development and infrastructure are localized and these are not often highlighted in the media, according to Sabah UMNO deputy chief, Datuk Salleh Said Keruak.

Hence to state that there is a lack of development and poor infrastructure is not accurate, when all sorts of development is taking place throughout the state all the time such as the Kota Kinabalu international airport extension, the ammonia and urea plant, power stations, roads and industrial parks Rural water and electrification programmes have picked up in pace over the last few years and it is only the exceptionally remote areas with small communities that are still without piped water and electricity," said Salleh in reference to a Merdeka Centre survey report.

"Even then, the government is doing its best to provide water tanks and gravity water as well as generator-powered electricity to the remote villages in the interim."

Salleh said people often complained about the lack of development or poor infrastructure as these are common issues, "but those who have got both are appreciative of what the government is doing or has done".

But he acknowledged that some problems cannot be solved overnight; it is deep-rooted and when steps are taken to clear the matter, some people would be happy but there would also be others who would object.

The survey, jointly funded by Merdeka Centre and a regional consultancy firm, was carried out from Sept 6 to 17 to gauge perceptions of current developments in Sabah. It reported that some people had complained about lack of development and poor infrastructure as well as highlighted the illegal immigrant situation The report claimed that a total of 829 registered voters throughout the state were interviewed and that there were those who felt the state was headed in the right direction and expressed continued satisfaction at the pace of economic development and the continuing peaceful conditions in the state.

Not wanting to dismiss outright the report, Salleh however did say that looking at it objectively,it gives the Sabah BN the opportunity to know what's in the minds of the people and to takeproactive action to address outstanding issues.

"If what has been reported is correct, then the Sabah BN must take stock of the situation and take steps to correct the misperception that development is lagging.

"Our elected representatives should point out the inaccuracies to the people, and should highlight various development and infrastructure projects, in the local media or using their own efforts, such as a community newsletter, face book or their own blogs.

"It would not be fair to say that there has been a lack of development when a huge chunk of the State budget, supplemented by federal funding, goes into all sorts of development.

As for the illegal immigrants, Salleh said that now that the Royal Commission of Inquiry has started its mission, it should be left to the wisdom of its members to carry out their task, and those with grouses, can go up and meet them.

"But let us allow them to carry out their job in the mean time and see what their recommendations are at the end of the day. The government is indeed serious about tackling the illegal immigrant issue and all concerned should lend their support.

It has been reported that the Commission would also investigate whether immigrants in Sabah who possessed the blue identity card, temporary identification receipt (blue) or citizenship in an illegal manner had been registered in the electoral roll.

It has been given six months from Sept 21 to complete the investigation. The investigation report must be submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Student succeeds against all odds

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 03:05 AM PDT

KOTA KINABALU: No one should give excuses if they want to succeed in life.

That sums up the philosophy of life for accounting student Shafiqa Naidah Sarifuddin, 22, who graduated from the Kolej Yayasan Sabah recently though she had seven other siblings to care for.

Despite having her hands full she never shirked from focusing on her studies.

"I am the eldest but I always make time to study," said the east coast Tawau-born lass who received her scroll from Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman. She was among 500 graduates at the college's 17th convocation.

The day was an extra special one for Shafiqa who was named the college's "Chief Executive and Gold Medal" award winner for obtaining a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.64 for her diploma.

The daughter of a hotel food and beverage executive said living idly does not guarantee her a comfortable live in future if she does not prepare herself from young.

"What I do is for my family and I, and if I study and get good results at least I can ensure that my siblings will lead a better life after I have a stable job," she said.

Shafiqa was among the 506 graduates from the college, and is currently working in a company under the Felda Holdings in Pahang and plans to further her studies once she has a stable income.

Among the courses the graduates completed were Diploma in Automotive Technology, Diploma in Technology Management (Accounting), Diploma in Multimedia, Certificate in Journalism, and Building Construction programmes.

Meanwhile, Musa who officiated at the convocation congratulated Shafiqa for her achievement and wished her all the best in life.

He also hoped the other graduates would emulate Shafiqa's strive in her studies and continue to focus and do well in life.

"I am sure many of the students here today would be able to further their studies as the college had provided a good foundation for them to take a step ahead," he said.

Musa hoped all graduates would be able to build a more comfortable live for themselves and contribute to the country's socio-economy.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Entertainment: Music

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Entertainment: Music


Eric Clapton sells Richter painting for record $34.2 mn

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 05:16 PM PDT

LONDON: A painting by Gerhard Richter owned by British guitarist Eric Clapton has sold for 21.3 million ($34.2 million, 26.4 million euros), a record for the work of a living artist, auction house Sotheby's said.

An anonymous bidder bought the red, blue and yellow oil painting on canvas, "Abstraktes Bild (809-4)", in London on Friday for more than ten times the $3.4 million that Clapton paid for the painting plus two others in New York in 2001.

The price beat pre-sale estimates and Richter's previous record of $21.9 million in May for "Abstract Picture (7938-3)".

The German artist, 80, is described as the world's top-selling living artist.

Richter was born in Dresden and grew up in communist east Germany. He now produces both abstract and figurative painting as well as photographs from his Cologne studio.

His profile has been boosted by a retrospective, "Gerhard Richter: Panorama", which has been shown in London, Berlin and Paris this year.

Clapton, 67, known for his work with Cream and the Yardbirds and for songs including "Crossroads", "Layla" and "Tears in Heaven", has an extensive art collection.

The sale comes as the art world descends on London for Frieze Art Week, with contemporary art exhibits from hundreds of galleries around the world.

Sotheby's senior director Alex Branczik said: "The combination of outstanding provenance and gold-standard quality in this sublime work by this blue-chip artist made for an historic auction moment.

"Gerhard Richter's international appeal as one of the hottest contemporary artists was once again confirmed this evening." - AFP

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my
 

The Star Online

Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved